Borodino Project (Napoleonics 20mm)

[b20f08]

Thanks Krefey.

[b20f08]

Touched up some Austrian howitzers which will now be included in the refight. This included adding the metal banding on the gun carriage, painting the wheels and cannon. Will add the crews in tonight's painting session.

Started work on both French and Russian guns from this painting batch in my regular night owl session.

  

Comparison between Italeri and Zvezda sprues underline their status as popular manufacturers in this scale (at least in this country). Zvezda edge out Italeri in sculpts simply because they offer a interesting and contemporary detailing while their posing is both various and realistic (see below).

But I am puzzled over why Zvezda have chosen to break down their figures and cannon into components (below) as they now become a time-consuming assembly exercise; if you're ten thumbs then it will often turn into a frustrating experience. Here, therefore, Italeri wins out for simplicity of assembly and painting (below).

Halfway completed on this group - six Russian and six French artillery sprues. Will finish these tonight (to basing and flocking stage). French sprues will yield a total of 12 cannon and howitzers while the Russian sprues will yield 4 cannons.

Once done, just the French commanders to go to complete this present painting batch. Then it's on to the Peterbilt 359 rig for a change before returning to complete the next batch of figures (purchase from Sydney). Cheers.

 

Edited August 30, 2021 by b20f08

[b20f08]

Red against dark coloured coats, as shown above, can be a frustrating delivery especially with acrylics. For me, I have two basic option: option 1 is lay down a light colour (like white or flesh tone) over the dark colour like I've done with the Russian artillery where I've blocked the green coat first, the flesh tones runover was deliberate because it then allowed application of the red facings and cuffs.

Option 2 is where I painted the red first before blocking in the coat, as I've done with the French Imperial Guard foot artillery. The latter approach works well with these Italeri poses because the figures offer simple poses that are easy to access with paint unlike the Zvezda poses shown above.

=========================

POST EDIT: 1 SEPT 2021

New month. Same-old, same-old. Started the French commanders group during my night owl painting session after I finished touching up the French Imperial Guard artillery figures. Haven't sorted out who is who yet. Individualising some individuals though just for a laugh. Example in image below involves converting one of the Guard Chasseur escorts into one of those fancified general, in this case, Junot. Not a complete makeover but enough to make recognition as a higher-level commander simple enough to a casual observer.

This next sprue has Napoleon (upside down). The other painted figures are mostly field commanders with many dismounted. With the exception of one figure, those with shakos are staff officers/aides. Going to use the escorts by turning them into Elite company Chasseurs or Elite company Hussars. Give some variety in uniform colours. The excess Mameluks (there are a few) I will paint up as an elite cavalry unit for future FoGN 2 use. Those mounts unpainted are for the escorts.

====================

POST EDIT: 2 SEP 2021

Experimenting with alternate ways of displaying high command other than the usual manner. Given the variety of figures in these boxed set, and wanting to make full use of them, I've decided to utilise them in the following way.

Approach (2) allows me to use the dismounted general figures in perhaps an interesting and novel manner. The horse grazing suits this posing although I can easily add mounted escorts (see below). Approach (3) allows me to convert the former Imperial Guard Chasseurs into Hussar Elite Company Officers. In the above photo, the two Hussar officers are from the 5th (left) and 9th (right). This informs me that these pairs are from Montbrun's 2nd Reserve Cavalry Corps (Pajol's Light Cavalry division to be precise). Everything has a purpose in my interpretation of life, even modelling. Every divisional/corps general will receive accompanying figure, either mounted or dismounted.

I've also done some customising of individual commanders as with General Junot, commander of the VIII Corps (image below). Painting is based on something found on the internet - white dolman with heavy gold braiding, black pelisse with white fur. Black pants (also heavily embroidered) and red hussar boots. I've swapped the ornate shako in the internet image for the busby.

The mounted escorts are still on the sprue and will be finished off today. With the two sprue set (below), these are a mix of staff officers (with their light blue facings and shakos) and Hussars Elite company officers (drawn from the 8th, 9th and 11th Hussars which means the generals will belong to both Nansouty's 1st Reserve Cavalry Corps and Neys III Corps).

These mounted match the remaining unpainted mounts - six in all. They feature the pointed shabraques which allows me to paint them in their regimental facing colour. And this will add more colour to the command stand.

The tally from this one boxed set means nine (9) generals which is a correction of the earlier ten (10) declared. With two more boxed sets to go, that makes another 27 generals to add to the mix. From a total of 42 required, that means I have to find another 16 generals.

====================

POST EDIT: 3 SEP 2021

Slight hickup. Was planning to cut the bases using the hole cutter purchased some time ago. But the battery for the drill was not working and I couldn't find the spare. Not wanting to purchase a replacement I instead spent a lazy Friday afternoon hand cutting the thirty-nine bases from the original MDF sheet I drew up a while ago. Once cut, sanded down ready for basing and flocking. Never realised that MDF over time resembles very stiff card when working. Scored the sheet a few times when cutting pieces and was thus able to bend before finishing the cut.

Just identifying the various commanders on both sides before basing them all. This is an arbitrary decision with no basis on historical accuracy. I like the variety of poses.

Even found a use for the dragoon officer as a commander in Grouchy's 3rd Cavalry Corps.

 

Edited September 3, 2021 by b20f08

[Gus]

Super wow. You have been busy and appear to never sleep  😀

Huge progress and such number of cannons and generals etc. Definitely agree the Zvezda guns are over architected for sure. I remember having some of those Esci French guard artillery as a younger chap. In fact I found the whole Esci range to be pretty good and so much availabel these day.

I do sympathise abotu the going out of business shenanigans. When I was in my early teens (in a galaxy far, far away - well Wagga actually) my local hobby store had airfix napoleonics range (incl the La Haye Sainte farmhouse - droolies). Cause I had to rely on pocket money to buy the stuff purchases were few and far between and then Airfix went out of business not much later. I think that led to my hording (no its really collecting) of fine miniatures and antiquities. I see Airfix became available a few years ago but a bit late for me. I had moved on to the metals but still have a soft spot for them being my first real influence into paitning an dgaming sid eof life.

Congrats on the research, progress, purchases and motivation to keep going. You are doing a fantastic job and rather inspiration too. Thanks for sharing

cheers

 

[b20f08]

Yeah, my sleep patterns have been disrupted. But you get used to it having done shift work long long long time ago plus learning to kip when you get the chance through the Army. As long as I get my five hours minimum, I'll be right. It helps too my children have long morphed into adults with their own lives, cares, and problems. And being retired is probably the clincher.

Glad I'm not the only one critical of Zvezda's method although it's not just Zvezda who do this, and it is just a small insignificant complaint anyway that does not detract from their products being top tier (for me anyway). They are lovely builds once assembled. If my memory serves me well Esci was taken over by Italeri when it went out of business and Italeri have simply recycled their products under their name. You can tell the difference, as with the Imperial Guard foot artillery. Plastic Soldier Review is my go-to site for any and all information on EVERY 20mm PLASTIC minis currently on the market.

Airifx were also my first introduction into the hobby, like you, that and my homemade sandtable in our converted sleepout. Didn't even consider purchasing the Waterloo building sets: allowance was not a thing in my household although I scrimped and saved whenever I had excess money leftover supposedly for school clothing and stationery. Sadly that first (and subsequent second) collection is long ago lost through multiple moves over the centuries. Never really switched over to metals; with the quality of sculpting improving over the decades (loads of talented and smart sculptors out there) I never felt the need. Plus the cost made plastic the only purchasing option despite metals being first on the wargaming market.

I've never really explored collecting miniatures although there is a local store here in Brisbane (The Military Workshop - moved three doors down but signposted) that specialises in fine and collectable miniatures of all scales; he also stocks brands otherwise unknown to the general wargaming community. Remember using him as a sponsor for one of the local tournaments I ran many years ago. There is a certain charm and appeal to them that I'd like to keep distanced from because that is too tempting a rabbit hole.

Thank you for the generous praise regarding this project. Forced my second wind primarily because I really want to move on to other projects. Once I get the bulk of this lot done and assembled, I will taper off involvement while I wait for the supply problem to sort itself out (i.e., slow purchases of the items required). As stated the end-date of the 7th September (only three days away) is now deferred until I can get the bulk of the artillery (a fair few were in reserve anyway throughout the historical battle) and all the commanders done. And the terrain. Then I will commence Part Five - figuring out how to bring all of this together into a viable refight which I'd like to host and then present as a batrep in the near future.

As always good to exchange comments. Take care.

Edited September 3, 2021 by b20f08

[b20f08]

Howdy. Figured to say something given today was the scheduled deadline for this project to translate into a tabletop refight. But if you've following the progress of this project it hasn't panned out that way. Thus it's been deferred. Tentative end date is now September 2022, the hundredth and tenth anniversary. If I manage to finish everything before this new deadline - collecting the necessary minis, build the required terrain, and figure out how to do this solo - then it will happen. 

Will post some today progress work thus far for the artillery and commanders just because it's today. Cheers.

===========================

Quick display of the painting batch of field commanders I'm working on at the moment - 9 Russian (left side) and 18 French/Allied. All the French/Allied command are divisional commanders (2 figures per stand). Russians are a mix of corps and divisional commanders. Included in this painting batch, as previously mentioned, are the artillery. Will also include a few special figures in their national costume (like Poniatowski) or troop type (like Valence and St. Germaine, leaders of the cuirassiers) for variety. With over eighty-plus required, variety adds spice to an otherwise tedious activity. Cheers.

==========================

EDIT POST: 9 SEP 2021

Just announcing tentative new end-date for this project and ultimate refight - 7 Sep 2022. Giving such an extensive leeway so as to allow for inevitable delays and constant revisions. If I finish before then, then all good which is what I'm hoping. Still, apologies for dragging this out more than is necessary. It was never about the destination but the journey itself. Trite I know but it's the plain simple fact. Cheers.

=========================

EDIT POST: 14 SEP 2021

Hi. Been quiet busy the past week or so. Painted more artillery. Removed most of my modelling junk back to the studio (mancave). Had aircon installed in studio last week so I can sit now in cool airflow as heat dials up towards Christmas. Reorganising painting schedule once again (multiple times; gets annoying after a while) to reflect the new course I'm taking to get this refight on to the table. And American football has started up once again. College team I'm following had a big win over the weekend against one of the powerhouses. Organising some catch up games with my gaming buddy shortly, probably Canvas Eagles and a variant of Star Wars that we play (involves alcohol and pretzels). Variety. Cheers.

Edited September 13, 2021 by b20f08

[Gus]

Howdy. Alcohol and pretzels is a winning combo for sure. Shame you could not make this year with all that hard work and progress you have made so far but now you can be a bit more relaxed with plenty of time for next year. Mind you it will happen fast but hopefully you get all the needed toys and all painted up way before then. That is a lot of command stand you have finished painting already and yes, having a bit of variety sure helps getting through them.

Sounds like a good time to get some games in and watch some sport to chill a bit (plus new Aircon always good esp up there).

 

take care,enjoy the games 

 

Edited September 16, 2021 by Gus

[b20f08]

Lol. Sometimes it's easy to forget about the game and simply drink and be merry and chat the night away.

Not too concerned over this deferment though; it was my fault in the first place for not making sure the models would be available in time. I will eventually get round to it but I'm not exactly sure when however. Found some more French HQ figures in the latest spring cleaning so that's aways a good thing. However, I also unearthed loads of other minis - many half-started and forgotten.

Among those rediscovered is this project from a while ago. Showcased them in the old WAU forum; they were to form part of my involvement in the refight of the Battle of Arnhem. Or A Bridge Too Far. 3D printed these jeeps using the lone mounted jeep (top left corner) as reference. Crafted my version in SketchUp then 3D printed out in parts - the body, the wheels, the interior elements, and the trailer. Handpainted before losing interest.

 

[Gus]

Yeah I used to enjoy the catch up with gaming buddies, excellent conversations , nibblies and fine wine, Got to admit here in Canberra playing in summer or winter , in an shed that was not insulated (plus add some glasses of wine) really took its toll on you as a commander (sweated your guts our or froze your pinkies off) . My most amazing feat was, using shako 2 rules, as el supremeo commander, on advice from my subordinate, changing direction of an Austrian corp's attack. Sadly the crappy ADC failed to get the order through and I watched as the corp marched across a french grand battery sideways (ouchy). Needless to say I had to court martial the ADC and execute the subordinate as a result. Funny thing was he said afterwards "why did you listen to me". What a disaster but then again how many rulesets would allow you to really screws things up like that. So Shako 2  has a warm place in my little old heart as a result. Just wished it had happened to someone else! I think I should stick to at best a divisional command from now on or, better still, peeling oranges on the bench where I can do the less harm (a.k.a an excellent Austrian commander for 1805 era).

Nice side project. 3D printing is something I want to get into when I retire . Not enough time, cash or kudos with boss lady just yet. They look a little flatter than the original or is that just the photo? I like the idea though of duplicating like you did (thinking warmaster 10mm little 'golden' figs). I too have many half finished hobby projects (let alone house projects - my shed is full of Bunnings purchases lol).

 

Happy weekending! Enjoy the good time I say old chap.

Edited September 17, 2021 by Gus

[b20f08]

That's a funny story indeed. Why did you listen to your mate? Marching a full corps across a stacked gun line would have been extremely painful, not to mention suicidal. It can be lonely at the top for El Supremo but fatal for those who have to suffer the consequences of such orders. Common story really. Lol. 😊

My gaming buddy and I like Port in our games. Haven't touched the headier stuff like brandy or whiskey. I very much doubt any gaming would get done. There used to be a third who'd join us and we would be in stitches with our joking about that we barely made it through the game which tended to be secondary to the banter and good humour expressed. Sadly his health has seriously declined of late so he's had to stop playing.

Can empathise with the shed environment though. Our old family home had a rompus/party room area with bar, fireplace and Japanese style outdoor garden with fish pond, cherry blossom tree, and foot bridge behind the carport that my brother and I converted into our teenage sleepout/flat. Dad filled in the garden but kept the cherry tree for a few years longer before cutting it down to cementing the area.

Hot and cold weather you certainly felt but still have fond memories of it. It was also where our friends from the same street used to meet to escape parental authority and connive to do what teenagers always do. And host the occasional all-weekend parties. Great times.

Nowadays though I prefer to game in relative comfort. Been lucky enough to realise that ambition thanks to my ever supportive wife (she's into her crafts so understands hubby's passion for mandollies) and some creative renovation work by the builders we hired to convert the old carport into the studio that can easily convert again into a sleepout (just need to add the shower and kitchette (backroom). Plus it's just my wife and I nowadays. Kids have long gone from the nest. Only ones to disturb our little Utopia are uninterested grandchildren and the occasional plastic crack gamer looking to get their fix. 😄

Been spring cleaning one room a day. Photo above is of the main gaming area done yesterday. Parts 3 and 4 of the Borodino Project are shown on the small gaming table. Still some completion work needed for the terrain elements. Models (artillery and commanders) painted are stacked in little storage boxes. Fortunate enough to find more artillery during the spring cleaning process (blue seafood box). And there are loads more relevant minis unearthed that will get thrown into the painting mix as well.

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you, the Willy's jeep bodies are wider than the reference model. My enthusiasm often gets the better of me at times when a more sensible well-thought out approach can save later grief. Only noticed it after painting the bodies and finding that Willy had expanded in girth. But I plan to get finish these off; shouldn't take no more than a day or two.

========================

EDIT POST: 22 SEP 2021

Not much Borodino Project work done apart from checking off what's been done so far with the French/Allies infantry. As mentioned several times, only one Corps (Junot's VIII Westphalian) is fully ready to go, i.e., infantry, cavalry, artillery, and commanders.

Managed to find the Wurttemburg infantry of Marchand's 25th Division, Eugene's Corps (courtesy of the spring clean) and they are being recycled along with the several command stands whose list they originally belonged to (see image below).

Also discovered a few stands are still missing figures or were somehow forgotten in the race to assemble as quickly as possible so will be adding those pieces along with the slow ongoing work that remains Part 3. Cheers.

Edited September 22, 2021 by b20f08

[b20f08]

The ongoing saga that is getting enough artillery together for this refight (date still unknown). Spent a frustrating morning assembling six Zvezda clip on artillery.

Part 1 - Muzzle lip - fits on end of cannon muzzle; Part 2 - trail plate - metallic part at end of trail that includes the lunette (hook to attach to horse team); Part 3 - wedge or elevating block (self explanatory, fits under the end of the cannon).

My overriding question throughout was why go to all this effort when Italeri do the cannon trail and axle in one piece? All the same, I struggled throughout and finally completed the task and calling it quits then head back into house and prompty fall asleep in front of the tv watching American college football.

Image above is of a complete cannon but without the muzzle lip attached.

Note: holes need to be drilled open. Axles block needs to be filed down to fit properly. And drink lots of coffee to keep you engaged.

Edited September 26, 2021 by b20f08

[Gus]

Hey Mate drop the coffee and go straight for the red/port !  Seriously, over architected or what for that Zvezda cannon build. Sure it look nice enough but so do the Italeri ones. Also if you are a bit pressed for time Italeri will speed the assembly bit up heaps. 

Those Wurttemburg chaps of Marchand's Corp look fantastic. That is the core of Napoleonics to me. Lots of troops with flags waving in line/column formation advancing on the foe. 

Looking very good. Shame you are missing a few pieces too. I had a similar experience so next order from Eureka minis I will get the bits I need. Lucky for me I don't have a particular deadline in mind given COVID has splintered us all a bit here in ACT. Maybe next birthday. Mind you, I do now keep a spreadsheet of what I have painted . I find it inspires me to keep track and keep going. Surprised how much I have forgotten I have done during the many months since i starte d(and back up to google to often).

 

Take care and happy hobbying

cheers

[b20f08]

😁 Would need something a tad stronger than red or port I think.

Agree on the flags. It's the spectacle as much as the game. Nothing shows it more than the sea of flags and banners.

Not overly concerned with the missing pieces given that proxies serve just as well. Figured to use the proxies as the artillery reserves, especially on the Russian side, as they won't figure as much as having the right infantry and cavalry for the assaults. Self-imposing a new deadline helps motivate me to finish this project. Tried spreadsheets and regular updates in the past to help with motivation but with mixed success so am trying this approach which on reflection I should have chosen to start with. It's more a visual memory-jogger style. Main references: Mikaberidze for the OOB and Pendlebury for the flags. Had to do a bit of research to determine which version of flags were used. My errors and typos.

Russian unit with flags as at 12 September 2021.pdf

Eureka minis are excellent. Local and with a global reputation for quality and variety. It's a shame I never knew of them long ago otherwise my historical largely exclusive 20mm collection might well be 15/18mm now. Maybe next lifetime around, eh.

Take care yourself and thanks for the message regarding officers. Cheers.

Edited September 27, 2021 by b20f08

[b20f08]

Forgot to include Tuchkov's III Corps. Apology.

...and the other listing of units and commanders that goes with the above list.

Russian List as at 12 September 2021.pdf

==========================

EDIT POST: 1 OCT 2021

Yesterday's studio work in progress update: 20 artillery guns and teams assembled; waiting for flocking. Russians commanders needing final detailing and then flocking. Once workbench cleared, can concentrate on the more numerous French commanders.

With the Russians, I've been slowly greening (Vallejo Scurvy Green is close enough to the original bottle green colouring but Dark Green and a lighter grass green is also used for variety) and red facings and the right amount of escorts to distinguish between the different command levels for the infantry and army commanders. Cavalry will be different using cavalry escorts to further distinguish. Cheers.

 

Edited September 30, 2021 by b20f08

[b20f08]

Finished flocking that artillery assembled and complete. Thirty French/Allied and ten Russian models. Together, they represent about 240 and 120 artillery in real life (thereabouts).

Also did work on the Russian list commanders. Done all the infantry commanders and their respective leaders (1st Western and 2nd Western armies); just needing to pick detail on some of the escorts. Shortage of commanders for the cavalry however means another spending spree (ugh!). Will see how much shortfall with the French/Allied commanders before placing order. Cheers.

[b20f08]

Russian table getting full. All the infantry corps have their commanders and artillery. Just the cavalry commanders and the artillery reserve which will be proxies anyway left to do. Holding off though until I know the shortfall with the French/Allies before ordering/buying in one bulk buy. Cheers.

[Krefey]

That looks so cool!  I reckon that's one of the reasons I'd consider getting into historical gaming, to see massed troops in rank and file like that

[b20f08]

Thanks. There is much to be said for any massed formations on a gaming table for sure. It's why I've stayed loyal to historical because of what can be achieved. The same applies whether historical or fantasy though. The spectacle can truly be worth it and often detract from playing the game...well, almost.

The smaller scales (primarily 6mm and 10mm) are ideal for this sort of thing because you can truly go to 1:1 ratio but there may be something lost in the translation regarding size and detailing. 15mm works better however but, for me, 20mm and 25mm are the best for this sort of situation because you get both size, detailing and scale. 28mm is ideal for the amount of detailing that can magnify the effect to the observer but space becomes the issue. I'd speculate that's why few 28mm games these days are beyond corps level arrangements. But I may be wrong.

Starting work on the French/Allied table today. Table is the same length but the French/Allied list promises to be even larger than the Russian table once completed due to the larger amount of cavalry the French/Allied had.

===============

POST EDIT: LATER THAT SAME DAY...

It is a spectacle. These pics are from a 2 vs 2 FoGN game back in 2018 using a scenario I created (a winter river crossing). We held out just as the French were crossing the river in force when game was called.

Three of us fielded 20mm armies while our host had fielded a 25mm extremely well painted French list.

Looking south along the French front line. The river with its crossing are being assaulted while another force is charging across the frozen over river.

Looking east towards the Swedes and Finnish troops managing to defend the ford crossing, the third of the three river crossing.

The French are stacked up on the approach roads.

The southern flank were held by my Bavarians. Bavarian light cavalry guard the causeway bridge - the main axis of advance.

Edited October 6, 2021 by b20f08

[b20f08]

French & Allied table is looking like it'll be two tables as there doesn't seem much room for all the cavalry that's already present, and discounting the loads more to acquire. Once the available space is taken up with artillery and command stands, it will become like the Rusian table.

French high command (Italeri) offer more poses and variety of figures. Which allows me to play with combos aside from the two mounted officers. The other possibilities are one mounted, one dismounted or both dismounted. Ensured the officers have their mounts at their side.

========================

POST EDIT: 12 OCT 2021

This has dragged on for too long now. Time to close it and move on to new old projects (primarily my wargaming/hobby bucket list).

Planning on playing the refight with what I've got for now by end of this year. If I get some more of the French cavalry I'm missing still, well and good. But enough is enough. Will post a detailed batrep in the new year (Jan or Feb - to be determined). This will be a SOLO refight modified using both historical and what-if options. Rules will be Field of Glory Napoleonic 2.

Cheers.

Edited October 12, 2021 by b20f08

[Gus]

You have done extremely well mate. Been fun to watch you progress but like all projects an end is needed (not that I would know what it is like to really end a wargaming project but it is on the bucket list)! All those figures is truly Napoleonic on a grand scale and looks fantastic. You inspired me to check my stocks of painted 15mm Naps and found I had 20 battalions of Russian Infantry (12 fig to a battalion mostly AB, some old glory), about 20 cannons, some officer sand about 6 regiments of cavalry (need lost more for sure - 8 figs to a regiment). Under Shako 2 about a Corps worth. I rediscovered I have even more Austrians and about 27 battalions of french ligne/legere + guard (at least 12 battalions). I must admit I used to paint a lot better when my eyes were younger but it was pretty cool to have a gander. Really need ot get my storage sorted also so I can find everything. 

Am looking forward to your bat rep early next year - bring on 2022 (bit over 2021). Hope it is a great game with lots of tension as the battle ebbs and flows. A close game is a good game (even if you lose).

You  may need to support those tables a bit (imagine if they were metal figs)

Take some time to enjoy all your hard work.

Thanks heaps for all the updates and look after yourself up there.

 

[b20f08]

Thanks for your support and kind words throughout; it has meant a great deal. It's been a journey for sure though not the end I had envisaged but I have given it a good go. And yes the big Napoleonic battle is truly the grand spectacle as it should be; I am glad of that fact. 

Your own 15mm collection sounds like you could run a large battle or three yourself. They do accumulate quickly, don't they? Take care.

[b20f08]

In keeping with the plan, and in order to make this game manageable because I am playing this solo, I have condensed the main battleground down into four sections. Or Parts. Please excuse the crude battle maps but these are likely to be the tables I'll be using for the game. Just figuring out the location - indoor or outdoor.

Table size: 6 x 4. This is the Borodino village map with the wooden bridge in the lower right. The second crossing I've included because it's shown on most historical maps although I've not been able to discern their true use at the time. Held by the Russian Imperial Guard Jagers (red dots). Blue lines represent the French drawn up for battle with arty out in front.

Moving south, the Grand Redoubt dominates this landscape. Again, 6 x 4 table with deployments shown (cavalry are red/green). As you may notice, the tables can be aligned edge to edge to create a double table.

The fleches which Davout and Ney assaulted. The Semenovskaya village was deliberately ruined to aid in the defence. Not shown but in front of the ruined village is a battery - defensive fortification.

Finally, the Russian extreme left flank, held by Tuchkov. Poniatowski's corps is off-map to the west. Karpov is to the south, also off-map. The big red blocks are Tuchkov and the Russian grenadiers.

This is what I have to start with.

Edited October 18, 2021 by b20f08

[Gus]

Cool stuff!

So do you plan on all 4 table at once you mean (like 16 foot x 6 foot)?  If you can do that inside that is pretty impressive (and can be air conditioned for up there too and you can leave it over night just in case  a storm brews with wind and hail and other nasties if it was outside) and expect you have a few tables around your place as well?

 

Might need to load up on vodka supplies for the game so you'll be more authentic as Kutuzov😀

 

[b20f08]

Lol. Vodka is good.

Really want to play it outdoors on our decking area which we recently had prettyfied up. Large enough to accommodate 16' x 6' table and all those minis. Also get a nice view. Plenty of time to sit back enjoy a glass of vino at the same time. 

[Gus]

yeah you got that covered and then some lol. That looks to be a great view also whilst you contemplate your next move. Vino (is that for the french side) plus the vodka right? Sounds fun already.

 

When we used to have our big Shako game catch ups we'd spend a whole weekend (which meant it wasn't that often due to our bosses expecting fam credit in exchange). Set up friday night (compulsory wine , cheese etc) and unpacking of all our metal 15mm figs into their formations but no deployments yet. Constant banter - like a bunch of excited children really (I still haven't grown up TBH - ask my missus).

 

Saturday rocks up and we start approx. 9am ish. Secret meetings, hand signal, cone of silence type stuff with  lots of whispering as we break into sides and work out our battle plans. Then off to set up and roll for initiative and start the game.  Break for lunch with sometime a themed lunch (oh and wine, cheese, crackers dips, chip etc - usual wargamers fare) or a BBQ. Scoff down food,  blame rotten dice, gloat on any good luck etc. then back to the game. break about 6pm. 

 

Sunday, getting tired by now. Usually call it by about 4pm. Often a clear winner though. Next, the sad part of packing away all the metal figs but still lots of banter, oh and wine and cheese. 

Big effort by the lads and lots of fun and memorable moments. Usually pakc on a few kilos in a weekend (like going to a resort) but then lots of sweating moving those metal figs around in a unlined shed in summer (look out for those redbacks)!

Oh the good old days.

Enjoy your game. You done a lot of work on it. Looks like you could leave it out pretty safely for as long as you want (assuming the boss has  given the ok)

cheers