![]() |
The Prussian Red Hussars (H7) come marching into Frobeldorf. Is the captain's name Ned and is he the pride of the regiment? Minden Prussian hussars and some Blue Moon and Minden civilians |
![]() |
Another view of the March of the Red Hussars. Buildings by HG Walls. |
Click on all pictures to enlarge
I have been working on my terrain for the SYW era group of German villages located somewhere in Silesia. The pictures in this post depict the little hamlet of Frobeldorf, which has suffered from the depredations of marauding Russian light cavalry and Cossacks. They have made an appeal to King Frederick II of Prussia to protect them and save them from the bad guys: the Russians. Boo, hiss!
When I set up the four villages on my game table, I realized that I needed to have more civilians on the table, so I painted 20 Minden civilians and converted the pioneers into civilians by painting the latter in civilian clothing colors. I am also working on some of the Ratnik civilians, but I find these to be more difficult to paint due to all of the extra nic-nacs and accouterments that they have. I also found a box of Venture/Suren Miniatures civilians that I forgot that I had and I will be placing an order for some more Old Glory 18th Century civilians to add into the mix. The more the merrier I say.
![]() |
Minden agricultural workers cutting down the grain. |
The grain fields were made for my Pickett's Charge project, but I had 28mm vignettes in mind when I made them. I used a coir material door mat for the grain and sprinkled it with coir cuttings that I clipped off of the door mat.
I find that if I stoop over and crank my aged knees into the down position, then I can view the various villages and vignettes from "the ground level". This point of view almost makes the little men come alive and if you squint your eyes just a little bit then a sense of realism is seen. Good stuff. Good idea.
Here are some ground level pictures that I recently snapped:
![]() |
Minden Bosniaks and Black Hussars on the march. |
![]() |
Looking down the main street of Gross Kammin. Buildings by HG Walls. Roads by Der Alte Fritz and some Foundry, Perry and Minden civilians. |
![]() |
The Heroic Zeiten personality from the Minden Miniatures figure range. This is one of the best figure sculpts every made by Richard Ansell. |
![]() |
Prussian camp scene. John Ray made the officer and servant vignette and the two camp followers are Foundry figures. |
![]() |
Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick vignette from the Minden Miniatures figure range. |
My next terrain project will be to make some green agricultural fields for my 18th Century villages. I also want to make some "backyard" terrain pieces, such as the ones that Troop of Shew (Alan Steward) made for his Normandy WW2 terrain. He includes things like flower and vegetable gardens, an out house and general yard clutter. Each small terrain vignette tells its own story.
This picture shows some of Alan's work. This is THE ULTIMATE in war game terrain modeling.
Normandy terrain vignettes by Alan Sheward. |
Very inspirational to say the least.
Next up on my painting table are another 8 Prussian Yellow Hussars that I need to finish in order to complete a squadron of 12 such figures. These figures are the newer hussars with shouldered swords pose that can be used for hussars at rest or trotting into position or prior to a charge. While I like the Minden charging hussar poses, I prefer the shouldered sword pose for its durability.
I am starting to get adjusted to painting smaller 28mm figures as compared to the large 54mm figures that I had been painting over the past twelve months. Once you get the hang of it, Minden Miniatures are a joy to paint.
I hope you agree.
And finally, Bella the Golden Retriever asks that you leave some comments in the comment section of this blog post. Bella says, "My favorite human is much happier when people leave comments, so please do so. He will give me some liver treats if you do."
Great pictures, so many lovely figures on display. Looking forward to seeing the Yellow Hussars and like you I prefer the shouldered sword pose, the charging poses are very dynamic but the shouldered one does it for me.
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteExcellent table setting with some lovely miniatures.
Pleased to see you are back to the SYW.
John
Thank you John. It's good to be back. Your vignette is the pride of my collection. I get lots of comments about it.
DeleteJim
I wouldn't want to disappoint Bella. ;)
ReplyDeleteAarrff! (tail is wagging)
DeleteJim
The various street scenes populated with civilians are fantastic Jim...I too like to have civilians of both genders dotted around my battlefields....now, give the dog some treats!
ReplyDeleteVery nice terrain and people additions. I see that you craftily provided a support for the von Zieten horse.
ReplyDeleteYes, I stuck a pin under the horse and concealed it with some static grass.
DeleteJim
Beautiful modelling Jim.
ReplyDeleteWillz.
Great setup, well done.
ReplyDeleteGreat work! I think I want to move there. Bella's such a good girl! Give her a treat for me.😊
ReplyDeleteYep, a good girl. Give her another treat! Terrific scenery and figures too.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards,
Stokes
Always good-looking troops and beautiful terrain! I keep my "big battles" civilian-free, but I'm trying to build up a set for skirmish situations. And it's good to see Bella taking an interest. I don't think George the Cat really cares about my hobbies.
ReplyDeleteAll beautiful as usual, Jim. More 7YW please, I need inspiration for Charge!
ReplyDeleteAlso, maybe I should invest in a large dog. The last time I set up a table, cats disassembled it before I could play.
Bella has been known to chew up a metal figure from time to time, including a one off painted Austrian hussar that was one of the best figures that I’ve ever painted.
Delete