Where on earth to begin?

[Basementboy]

Hello all! Recently I purchased some prussians from wargames atlantic, and have found myself sucked into the Napoleonic Wars- can I have some advice on where to begin? Obviously there's a lot more to learn about uniforms, flags, etc than for ancients and medievals, and any tips on good sources of knowledge would be extremely useful.

[Harry Faversham]

You could do a lot worse than having a peruse at Helge's.
" Waterloo in 28mm - My journey log."He's in the middle of painting his Prussians, right now.

[anevilgiraffe]

although they're not the most dynamic of poses, if you've a load of fantasy/horror minis already, The Silver Bayonet will see you right...

[Basementboy]

Thank you both very much for the response! I did peruse Helge and his posts and videos are very useful, not to mention inspiring! Thanks to Anevilgirrafe as well, but just to be clear, I was asking after information on uniforms, flags and organisation, not on miniatures or game systems. I have heard a lot of good things about SB though, so I'll be sure to take a gander.

[Moriarty]

Yes. Abandon hope, and swap those … things for some beautiful 18th century Prussians of Frederick the Great ;-)

[frank xerox]

You cant go wrong with WJ Rawkins for cost effectiveness.
Online theres www.napolun.com and baccus do a downloadable uniform guide. For 6mm but itll give you an idea

[Khusru2]

I used Osprey books for my 6mm Prussians. But I used napoleonistyka.atspace.com for the French and Austrians (it's free!).

[Inkpaduta]

Osprey books are a good first step. Also you can look online for books with titles
like Armies of the Napoleonic Wars.

[SJWi]

Basementboy, before diving in to the painting I might suggest you decide which set of rules to use. This will dictate unit sizes and the basing requirement.  Also, although we talk "Napoleonic " you need to decide which "period" and theatre of war. I guess buying Wargames Atlantic Prussians might mean 1813 onwards? The Osprey Men-at-Arms are a good place to start but some are better than others.

Regards

[jon_1066]

I used Osprey books for my 6mm Prussians. But I used napoleonistyka.atspace.com for the French and Austrians (it's free!).

I'd second this site.  It is great for an over view of lots of things Napoleonic.  If you find a rabbit hole you want to dive down you can look for more info in things like the Osprey books.

[AdamPHayes]

The Almark book is really comprehensive but probably out of print. Worth looking out for second hand….



Waterloo information is a bit more easy to find but that version of the Prussian army has some unique Reserve regiments and some types missing, such as Guards and cuirassiers.

[Basementboy]

Yes. Abandon hope, and swap those … things for some beautiful 18th century Prussians of Frederick the Great ;-)

I've been reading up on the man and it's only a matter of time before some 18th century Prussians make it to my painting table! My wallet is staying safe for now though

[Basementboy]

SJWi- yes that's correct, I'm most interested in 1813-1815. And thanks to everyone for the resources! Have purchased some Osprey books, and the online resources seem incredibly useful so far

[vtsaogames]

Try this and go to the Prussians. http://napoleonistyka.atspace.com/

The guy has no shortage of opinion, but all sorts  of information.

[waterproof]

With the Prussians for 1813 to 1815, you have chosen the simplest army from the Napoleonic Wars for the tabletop.
The uniforms are plain and simple. The distribution of the flags is not complicated, for example the reserve does not carry any flags into the field.
The Wargames Atlantic box is quite boring, but you get a lot of miniatures for a small amount of money.
Osprey Publishing is a helpful source, as you have already experienced.
In my opinion, the Landwehr was the most fun to paint.