just for a larf - comparing French Napoleonic artillery figs

Just before I pass the 18mm figures on to their owner, I thought it would be a laugh to set them up beside some of my older figures.  (apologies if the picture isn't too great - that's me rather than the figures.)  And so, here we go ... 

On the left are my second generation minifigs from over 30 years ago. Lovely little figures, and still marching over tabletops. In the middle are Essex, which I though for a while were 'big' 15mm. And on the right are the new Napoleon at War 18mm figures. Just shows part of the changing face of 15mm and now 18mm Napoleonics.

Part of me wonders what rules the little guys will marching under in the future. For example, over the last 30 years and more, my Minifigs have marched to; Bruce Quarrie's rules, Newbury, WRG 1685-1845, To the Sound of the Guns, In the Grand Manner, Empire 3, Empire, Napoleon's Battles, Shako, Principles of War, General de Brigade, Age of Eagles, DBN and some other DBA variants, Napoleonic at War, and have been used as counter substitutes in the boardgames Napoleon's Last Battles and Napoleonic Command and Colors. (and there's probably some others I've forgotten). 
But, at the end of the day, I just hope they keep on marching for a long time to come. 

Finished French battery

That's it finished. Guns are just placed for the moment. I'll glue them on the base after a final review tomorrow.  

Nearly there, part 2

That's the figures done. Just the bases to do. All in all, I think the figures came out fine, though my photos may not do them full justice.     

And the limber. I'm not sure about the layered paint effect on horses though, so I did these with a mixture of wash and layer. Hopefully they'll look reasonably realistic.      
 

And the battery with the guns temporarily in the proper place.  

And the figures back on the painting tray. Last job is to finish off the bases and varnish the figures.  

nearly there

Almost done. Last bit of painting was all buttons and plumes. The figures are basically completed - unless I find something I've missed. 

Still to finish the limber horses and all the harnessing.  

And a bit closer on an artillery stand.  

another update on the French battery

Moving on. The highlights were added. It looks OK.

And a bit more. Belts and pack straps, and gun barrels. Next will be to complete the gunners and move on to the horses. It's now starting to look like what's wanted.   

And more on the French battery

Now some paint splashed on the guns. The first photo was taken under artificial light. 

The red has been added for turnbacks, cuffs and epaulettes. Dark red base coat and for 2 bases on left, a bright red on top. I think the difference is visible in the photo.  

And some paint splashed on the barrels and grey base for metalwork. Even with my normal technique of washes, I always undercoat metal with yellow or grey.  

A bit closer. I reverted to a wash effect on the guns. Couldn't help it. I just thought the effect of controlling the flow of the paint with brush and varying amounts of water was far easier than covering the guns with a heavy coat and then highlighting later. I'll see what it looks like later.

A bit more

Splashed on some paint.

Did a blue base coat on the uniforms, then a mid-blue highlight. At times, it's hard to see the mid-blue, so I'm not sure if it was light enought. I'm cautious about putting on a highlight that's too light. 

A closer view. The mid-blue highlight shows up better here.