Karl Kopinski's box art
Perry Miniatures announced today that their upcoming box of plastic Napoleonic Austrian Infantry will finally be released in late September. There will be more info soon on their
Plastics workbench, but for now we know the box will contain 48 figs and heads with helmets, shakos, and corse-huts for doing Landwehr as well. The box will include the usual flags, bases, and uniform guide just like their other boxed sets.
WIP Austrians (Germans) in helmets.
I'm a unashamed Perry Fanboy as I've been collecting and painting their lovely sculpts since 1991. Whether it is Empire, Imperial Guard, or Lord of the Rings from Games Workshop, their figures from Wargames Foundry, or their latest offerings from their own company. The bulk of my miniature collection has always been Perry brothers sculpts.
WIP Austrians (Germans) in shakos.
I'm not about to post all their latest releases on here, but the Austrians are something I've been waiting for in particular and gives me a chance to reflect on my current and possible future Napoleonic collecting plans. I'm currently working on a 1813 Prussian army using mostly Perry figs, but I've always wanted to do a pair of armies (French vs ?) from same period/campaign. I have almost no interest in doing French for 1813-1814 (or 1815), so although the Prussians are definitely one of my favorites, they are a bit of a sideshow.
WIP Austrian wearing corse-hut.
After my initial Prussians are done, I wanted to start working on either French and Russians from 1812 or French and Austrians from 1809. I've always leaned more heavily towards 1809 because I've always liked the Austrians (and the French of that period) better. I'd certainly rather do an "army" of Austrians and limit my Russian collection to a brigade+ to march along with my Prussians. (Note: A 28mm "army" in my mind is a Division+ but less than a Corps.)
WIP of the painting guide
Doing 1812ish French would certainly make them more compatible (historically anyway) versus the other three. I hope to include Poles and Bavarians (brigades at least) in my French army, so that's another consideration. I have toyed with idea of doing a fictional (Shock! Horror!) 1810-1812ish campaign set in Poland that includes all my favorite forces.
Another recent release: Prussian Line Infantry in greatcoats.
I honestly don't ever see re-fighting any given historical battle unless I'm invited to bring my minis to join in on one someday. That leaves 95% of the battles I plan on fighting as fictional scenarios, which also frees me from adhering strictly to any particular order of battle. I plan using certain OB's as a guide to help form my initial collection, but I will remain free to choose any unit from the same period I'd like to include in my force.
More Prussians in greatcoats.
Well, whether you were interested or not, those are some of my basic thoughts for the future, and a little insight into my philosophy on historical gaming. At least Napoleonics anyway, where the visuals and having an enjoyable evening gaming with friends trumps all other considerations. I wouldn't fret as much about my future French if I was collecting in a vacuum, but I've have at least one local friend express interest in building some French as well. He is currently content (i.e. lazy ;-) ) with following my lead, so making the decision for two seems a bit more complex.
I certainly welcome any of your thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns on my ravings. Either way, thanks for listening. :-)
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