Elessar2590's Grande Armee Project

Ok let’s see now if I click that then drag this over here and… there we go.

Thanks for checking out my first project, for those of you in future land this is/was my first project after the new website was launched, so forgive me if it’s a little rough.

With the new edition of Napoleon at War newly released I decided it’s finally time to do that big Napoleonic Army I’ve always wanted to do.

I picked up two “French Waterloo Starter Sets” from Warlord Games and combined them with a few minis I had left over from my Sharp practice French Force to give me the Core of the army. A bit of wheeling and dealing later and I also managed to get two boxes of Cuirassiers and some more cannons.

Okay before we get started let’s cover the basics.

Company – About 100 Men. Commanded by a Captain.

Battalion – 6 Companies. 4 Centre, 1 Grenadier and 1 Voltigeur. Commanded by a Lt. Colonel

Brigade – 2-6 Battalions. Commanded by a Brigadier General. Normally separated into Infantry or Cavalry.

Division – 2-6 Brigades. Commanded by a Major General. Combined Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery. The Division is what’s represented in Napoleon at War.

Fusilier – Fancy (French) word for “Regular Guy”. These for the Centre Companies and the bulk of the army.

Voltigeur – Light Infantry who are positioned to the Left of the main line. These form the Skirmishers and Assault troops behind the Grenadiers. They have a Yellow and Green Plume on their Shako and Green epaulets.

Grenadiers – The tallest, toughest and strongest men in the Battalion. They are situated in the position of honor to the Right of the main line. Often used to spearhead assaults. They have a Red Plume on their Shako and Red epaulets.

Shako – The headgear worn by the French Infantry. The Flank Companies have Plumes while the Centre Companies have a pom-pom coloured depending on the wearers Company. 1st Company – Dark Green. 2nd Company – Sky Blue. 3rd Company – Orange. 4th Company – Violet (Yeah sure we all know it’s really pink).

Cuirassier – Frenchmen who ride big horses and wear shiny steel armour. French Heavy Cavalry.

Carbineers – Frenchmen who ride big horses and wear shiny brass plated steel armour. The Two Senior Regiments of French heavy Cavalry (outside the Guard) who despite the name did not carry Carbines after 1809.

Lancers – The bridge between the Light and Heavy Cavalry. I’ve got my own, complex, view on exactly what these guys are but basically they’re well dressed Frenchmen on horses that carry big pointy sticks.

Last but not least (okay you got me this is least get off my case already)…

Briquette – That useless little Saber carried by the French Flank Companies.

Napoleon at War has units based on 6 main bases with two skirmisher bases. This represents one Battalion.

So to start my little project I have:

280 French Infantry (10 Battalions)

16 Ciurassiers

8 Carbineers

6 Cannons (Two with Crew)

24 Lancers

Plus a handful of Officers and other bits and pieces.

Later this week I’ll undercoat the Infantry and start work on them, until then let me know what you guys would like to see. Should I get the Fun stuff done first, treat myself to them at the end or mix it up a little?