Cozadores/Cocadores and similar - backpacks into battle?

[MythMagicMuskets]

Hi all. We’re working on our first ever historical miniatures for 3d printing and we’re focusing on the peninsula war.
Our first designs are these Cacadores. We need to add sword bayonets and ammo, and we’re also looking again at the gaiters and shoulder pads. I’m new thing that’s been raised is the lack of backpacks. Now, obviously they would have backpacks on the march, but I see lots of illustrations and other mini lines without and have come across references to skirmishers leaving them with the baggage.
What do you all think? Should these have backpacks?

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

Backpacks most likely, but that baker rifle stock is glaringly wrong.

[carlos marighela]

Caçadores yes, backpacks. Cozinheiros not so much. 

[carlos marighela]

By the by, what are the odd shaped things on their shoulders, '80s shoulder pads? You might want to redesign those if the intent is epaulettes.

[MythMagicMuskets]

By the by, what are the odd shaped things on their shoulders, '80s shoulder pads? You might want to redesign those if the intent is epaulettes.

Yes, the epaulettes are already in for a redesign! I think the originals were overly inspired by some metal miniatures where the detail was…exaggerated.

[rumacara]

Hope it helps.

[MythMagicMuskets]

Hope it helps.

That’s great! Thanks very much.

[Baron von Wreckedoften]

Worth noting that the Portuguese were being trained by the British, who had adopted the practice of "dropping packs" before going into action since the replacement of the satchel/tournister style of pack with the more conventional backpack shortly after the SYW/F&IW.  On that basis, I would go for no backpacks (contrary to what you have been told so far), but full "fighting order" of breadbag, water bottle, bayonet scabbard (and short sword, where appropriate).

[olicana]

I agree with the Baron.

Most soldiers piled their packs at their start point before battle. These 'piles' were generally guarded by a couple of NCOs and the regimental sick who acted as a kind of camp guard for all the stuff - it was also the location of the regimental surgeon / field hospital, etc. In battle, most troops would not be expected to go forward more than a mile or so, so their kit was never actually that far away. In victory, where an advance took place, parties could go back and get it. In defeat it would be picked up in the retreat. In rout the soldiers threw their kit away anyway, sacrificing it for speed of departure.

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

I suppose the packs off are useful for set piece large battle games…but if you are playing some sort of skirmish game which might include unexpected encounters with the enemy as part of the scenario (patrols, ambushes…retreats and pursuits) having the kit gives you some flexibility.  I know doctrine might be dropping them off but individual soldiers absolutely hated being separated from their kit and would avoid doing so when ever possible no matter what the brass might say.

[olicana]

There is the painting argument: What they don't have you don't need to paint.

I know that when doing my SYW collection that I loved doing Foundry Prussians and Russians because they do a lot of figures in 'reduced' kit. Prussians in coat with cartridge case only. Russians in summer dress (long sleeved waistcoat) and cartridge case only, and the ones in raincape were even easier!







And when you have a few to paint, no kit makes a big difference.

[MythMagicMuskets]

Thanks all for your contributions! I had read about it acts being left behind which is why the sculpts are as they are, but really struggled to find any reliable sources either way!

I guess I’ll have to choose, ultimately! Watch this space…