Pete's Barmy D'Armee - forces for General D'Armee 24/10/24 update

[PeteW]

I purchased a set of the General D'Armee2 rules at their launch recently and am sufficiently impressed with them that given my imminent retirement, the building of two Armies for the rules will be a major retirement project.

As several wise men said - start with the French. While I love painting figures I think 28mm is just too big for the rules, and my available space, and so 15/18mm it is.

The first French Line Battalion was purchased as a set of 24 figures direct from Campaign Game Miniatures and only took a week so to arrive in the UK from Spain, and very nice they are.

The battalion pack consists of 4 command figures (Officer, Eagle-bearer (porte-aigle) Eagle escort and drummer) and a selection of fusiliers, 8 of which have epaulettes and shako plumes for the flank companies, the remainder for the centre companies with just pompoms on their shakos.



Figures measure 17-18mm and so are compatible with AB figures, although these are just a little slimmer in the body than the CGM.

The command figures come with both a separate Eagle and plain staff (for the 2nd and subsequent battalions) which adds flexibility, although I chopped the Eagle off the provided staff and replaced that with a pin and brass micro tube for strength and straightness.



Given the small size I'm happy to save a few pennies and paint my own flags - at 80cm square real life these measure only about 10mm square at scale.



P

[PeteW]

and the first unit complete.







The mounted officer is from AB, and also an absolute beauty to paint.

I wanted a movement tray with a little more space around the edges than generally provided, and so made my own ordering the required bases from Warbases.

Very happy with the result, but still facing into a dozen or so more units being required along with some cavalry and artillery.

P

[AdamPHayes]

Nice job. I specially like how you do your flags. What is it about General D'Armee2 that you like?

[vtsaogames]

Very nice!

[schoey]

Excellent job, love the work with the flag.

Paul

[PeteW]

Nice job. I specially like how you do your flags. What is it about General D'Armee2 that you like?

I've not played the rules yet, but on reading them through they are an easy read, and seem sophisticated without being overly complex.
I like the variable number of ADC each turn which restricts the number of orders that can be given, and that each orders task is specific. (reminiscent of Kreigsspiel)

I can see them creating an enjoyable battle where control of all of one's force is the key, but accepting there will often be occasions where you cannot give all the orders you would wish. I love these kind of dilemmas within a game.

P

[DeRuyter]

I've not played the rules yet, but on reading them through they are an easy read, and seem sophisticated without being overly complex.
I like the variable number of ADC each turn which restricts the number of orders that can be given, and that each orders task is specific. (reminiscent of Kreigsspiel)

I can see them creating an enjoyable battle where control of all of one's force is the key, but accepting there will often be occasions where you cannot give all the orders you would wish. I love these kind of dilemmas within a game.

P

Well, done on the unit Pete!

Don't forget about the skirmish bases. You'll need 4-5 per brigade but only 2-3 figs per base. You can also paint ADC figures instead of using markers, I believe both CGM and AB have them. Although for starting out the TFL wood markers do look nice.

[PeteW]

Well, done on the unit Pete!

Don't forget about the skirmish bases. You'll need 4-5 per brigade but only 2-3 figs per base. You can also paint ADC figures instead of using markers, I believe both CGM and AB have them. Although for starting out the TFL wood markers do look nice.

yep, skirmishers, ADC's, artillery and command figures are all on the list. It's going to take a while though

P

[PeteW]

Taking a break from painting French infantry, and having a go at making low walls (of a drystone style).



Thin cuts of xps foam, cut to size and textured.



I've painted one section with thinned PVA to see if this is needed. Paint up next.

Next batch I'll make just a smigden taller, but these will do for starters - cheap as chips

P

[PeteW]

Progress with the walls. The lower section is painted, with a thin oil wash, the second has been drybrushed with a few rocks picked out in colour, and the last two are complete with flock and foliage.



and with a section of road



Now to make lots more. I also think I can make hedgerows using a similar process and the xps foam.

P

[PeteW]

When the OCD kicks in - When the Eagle comes in either the wiggly or DIY kit version





P

[Mindenbrush]

GDA2 is a good update of GDA1 and the group I game with ordered 8 copies.

I find the ADC allocation very interesting as they provide re-rolls for brigade action or specific tasking but there is never enough to do everything you want to do so careful planning is in order.

The closest other set that I have played is Age of Eagles (F&F variant) but even with those you can manipulate your ‘orders’ by careful placing of commanders.

GDA2 makes you think.

Neat idea on the flagpoles though I just drill the original out and replace with one of the 50mm long thinner steel ‘spears cut to length.

We are using mainly AB Figures 18mm as the gamer that introduced us to GDA1 has big forces using these figures and a bulk order to Eureka.AU gets a discount and airmail shipping for AU$25 worldwide.

[PeteW]

GDA2 is a good update of GDA1 and the group I game with ordered 8 copies.

I find the ADC allocation very interesting as they provide re-rolls for brigade action or specific tasking but there is never enough to do everything you want to do so careful planning is in order.

The closest other set that I have played is Age of Eagles (F&F variant) but even with those you can manipulate your ‘orders’ by careful placing of commanders.

GDA2 makes you think.

Neat idea on the flagpoles though I just drill the original out and replace with one of the 50mm long thinner steel ‘spears cut to length.

We are using mainly AB Figures 18mm as the gamer that introduced us to GDA1 has big forces using these figures and a bulk order to Eureka.AU gets a discount and airmail shipping for AU$25 worldwide.

Good to hear that the rules are solid - I love the concept of not being in total control - seems very real to life !

As for the flag staff, I would use wire if I had any of the right width. The benefit of the pin and micro tube is I get a slightly stronger joint.

P

[LouieN]

good units and the stone walls look good. 

[PeteW]

Second battalion almost complete, so have been working on the Mounted Officer for the unit - a slightly unusual outfit, but an amazing sculpt.



 
Gaps should be filled this weekend

P