Ambush in Spain or Portugal.

[Calvin59]

I took out the rule "Legends of The Old West" (LOTOW), in order to make some meetings between English and French.
As I already have French from Perry Miniatures, I would like to continue in the same brand. But I do not know which reference to take, because there are many for the battle of Waterloo. I therefore ask the members of this forum to help me in the choice of figurines for the campaigns of Spain or Portugal.
I thank you in advance. 

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

You’ll find shakos for British are different “Stovepipes” in Spain, “Belgic” for Waterloo campaign. Cavalry head gear transitions as well.  French go through all sorts of variations in uniform and shako, but only the purists make comment if there is an anachronism on the table. Perry plastics let you do either. Victrix are good as well and have energetic poses not in Perry plastics.

For the Peninsular my fav general reference is “Military Dress of the Pensinsular War 1808-1814 by Martin Windrow and Gerry Embleton.  Quite thorough, with 100 coloured illustrations.  It might be the only reference you’ll ever need. ISBN 1-85915-044-6.  I believe it is still in print.

[Calvin59]

Thank you very much Aethelflaeda was framed for giving me the information and the book reference. Could I ask you again, because as I want to make ambushes and therefore with a limited number of figurines, if I can find in the Perry Miniatures references in metal figurines that can correspond to the Peninsular War. 

[vtsaogames]

I find 2 sets of metal infantry in "pre-1812" uniforms, all in march attack pose. If you want skirmish action poses, stick to the guys in greatcoats and tell anyone fussy enough to complain to buy and paint their own figures. 

[Calvin59]

Thank you vtsaogames, but I think the two references you are talking about are French references. I am looking for English people who could be on the stage in Spain or Portugal. 

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

For the British, it’s easy.  Look at the shako.  if it is straight up and tall looking “like a stovepipe” you will be fine for infantry. (Perry BH 76 is a perfect example).  For horse, tarleton helmets for lights, and bicornes for the heavies, although in 1814 you might see some of the new headgear such as Heavy Dragoon helmets and bell shakos for the lights.

For French, I wouldn’t sweat it.  The shako is ornamented a bit differently over the years but is doesn’t really change shape much.  Jackets and coats change a bit in shape but mostly aren’t noticeably different on the game table.  As Vtsaogames states…go with the great-coats, covered shakos and nobody will complain.  Just stay away from Revolutionary French figs and you will be fine.  even if an 1814 uniform ifinds its way into a unit with mostly 1809 uniforms.  Paint the jackets blue, (or for a very brief period in white) and everyone will know they are French.  You also can field a lot of Germans, Italians and Poles in what are basically French uniforms and shakos ( And even Spanish…).

[SJWi]

Calvin, looking at the Perry range from what I can see there aren't many metals for "British Peninsular. Most of the range seem aimed at the Waterloo campaign or the earlier Egyptian campaign .Codes 72-76 seem to be the right dates .Their box set of plastic British might have heads with both stovepipe and Belgic shako as it says it covers the period 1808-15, but no more detail.

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

The Perry plastics come with stovepipe or Belgic shako heads to use as you wish.  BH72-76 in the metals are perfect.  Don’t forget about Victrix plastics either.  lots of great skirmish poses, and very individual.

[Calvin59]

Thank you both (SJWi, Aethelflaeda was framed) for giving me the details I wanted to know about suitable figurines. 

[Aethelflaeda was framed]

You’re welcome, looking forward to some pics of your efforts.

[Calvin59]

Thank you Aethelflaeda was framed, but before sending some pictures of figurines. It is necessary that with my game comrade we can know much better the adaptation of LOTOW which is called "Moulins & Chemins Creux" for the period of the Vendée war. This version appeared in two issues of the magazine Vae Victis. Then when we master the latter we will finally be able to make English and French bands. For the moment we will be able to play with Republicans and Vendéens who are already painted. 

[vtsaogames]

Thank you vtsaogames, but I think the two references you are talking about are French references. I am looking for English people who could be on the stage in Spain or Portugal. 

Ah, les rosbifs.

[SJWi]

Calvin, I'm fascinated that you play the Vendee. Do you have any more detail of the rules or adaptations you use?  I have large-ish skirmish forces for the period, Which I plan to use with Sharp Practice.  I actually posted on LAF last week asking for information but most people pointed me to comparisons with Spain or the Irish Rebellion of the 1790s. From what I  read the Vendee was quite different.   

[Calvin59]

SJWi, I haven't played this period yet. But the adaptation of the LOTOW rule for the period of the Vendée War appeared a few years ago in the magazine Vae Victis (French magazine on games and wargames with figurines). Until now I had not yet put this project into action, but since the beginning of the year with my friend we have started to play the version for the ECW.
To return to the period there were very big battles apart from Cholet, or still Quiberon but there it is more with the chouans. Most of the time they are raids and then they disappear into the wild.
Do you read French because there are a multitude of publications on the subject. Tell me what you want to know. 

[NurgleHH]

I think you need "LotOW - Showdown" in this book, the fourth of the row, there are alternative periods. Napoleonic, ACW, etc. This will help you