 |
| Von Seydlitz Cuirassier Regiment (KR8) by Knotel. |
The other evening, I broke out the unpainted Minden SYW Prussian cuirassiers from their storage box and resolved to finally paint them. I have probably had them for at least a couple of years, but my "Minden Project" kind of got derailed by Fife & Drum and the development of our BAR Napoleon rules for 1:10 ratio units.
I completed some Minden Austrian cuirassiers several weeks ago, so I figured that I should return the favor and paint a Prussian cavalry regiment next. If they are Prussian cuirassiers, then they can be none other than KR8 - the von Seydlitz regiment. The regiment was considered one of the finest cavalry units in the Prussian army, due in large part to the strict training of its inhaber, von Seydlitz.
The regiment was very active during the Seven Years War, participating in the battles of Lobositz, Prague, Kolin, Rossbach, Leuthen, Zorndorf, Hochkirch, Hoyerswerda, Liegnitz, Torgau, Langensalza, Kloster Wahlstadt, Leutmannsdorf (also known as Burkersdorf) and Reichenbach.
So I have started work on the first 16 figures and should get those completed by the end of this coming week and then I will pitch into the second 16 figures to complete the 32 figure unit. I like to break the figures down into smaller batches so as to trick myself into thinking that I am getting something done.
I always begin by painting one figure completely, from start to finish, so that I can get a better sense of the order in which all of the pieces should be painted. This also alerts me to any difficult parts of the figure, which might be easier to paint if done earlier or later in the painting process. The figure also serves as a painting template for the rest of the regiment as I start to paint the other figures.
The test figure was fairly easy to paint - no tricky bits to worry about. I have recently changed my painting process a little bit so that I paint the basic colors of the horse first, and then work on the riders to completion, then finish off the tack on the horse and add any finishing features such as socks, blazes, etc. I used to paint the horse last, which can be a bit complicated if you use the dry brushing technique, for you might get some of the paint on the rider's horse furniture. It seems to work well for me.
I will provide more updates on the von Seydlitz Cuirassiers throughout this coming week.
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have always found Prussian cuirassiers very fiddly, with lots of small details that can be quite a nuisance to paint. However, they look splendid when done, and are certainly far more interesting than most other heavy horse.
I look forward to seeing how von Seydlitz looks all finished!
That's a good tactic Fritz. I shall steal it if you don't mind. I used to work in big lots, but I've found your scheme of small amounts a better way to keep things on target.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed with your cuirassiers.
A nice tip on the painting strategy. But really, *more* cuirassiers!? I think every armored cavalryman in Europe is on our BAR tables.
ReplyDeleteThere was supposed to be smiley face in the previous post. Not sure where it went. Anyway, teasing.
ReplyDeleteMichael: these figures will not be a part of my BAR army for Prussia. These are part of my Minden Project (1:20 ratio or 30 figures per regiment). So let not your heart be troubled.
ReplyDeleteFritz
PS: I do have 120 Bayreuth Dragoons to paint for my BAR Prussian army. He he he he.
Michael: you do realize that in our various BAR games, that the Russians have won the majority of the battles. I think the Prussians have won one of the last four encounters.
ReplyDeleteFritz
Really? I would have guessed the honors are even. Bill owes me a lot of plaques for the monument then! ;-) And in fairness, it's John's Russians that have tipped the balance. I only have six gun models for my whole force of 10 battalions and 12 squadrons.
ReplyDeleteWhen's the next game?! I need motivation to start painting my guards battalion.