Infanterie Regiment Nr.10 " von Klingenbach "

IR.10 is the first of the "new" Regiments raised after the recent Turkish war.  Formed by the expansion of "Freikorps von Klingenbach", the unit's personnel were already seasoned, if not highly disciplined, soldiers.

Balthasar, Graf von Klingenbach recruited his Friekorps in the late 1720s from desperadoes and refugees.  Thus the unit had a very cosmopolitan flavour.  Almost immediately, the regiment gained notoriety for it's savagery in combat against the Turk.  

Retained by the State in the early 1730s the unit was a semi-permanent addition to the forces of Beimbach-Schönau.  It was therefore logical to create one of the new Regiments around the solid core of the Freikorps.

Von Klingenbach hails originally from Elsaß but has found his true calling on the Turkish front.  He is easily recognized by his large moustache, ornate uniform and mischievous dog - the ever present "Fritzi".

The Regiment wears a "French" pattern uniform with Blood-Red facings.  Unusually, the Grenadiers wear the Flügelmütze most readily associated with Hussars and light infantry.  The artillery component is somewhat heavier than "regulation" comprising a great many ex-Russian pieces of medium calibre.

Inhaber:  Balthasar, Graf von Klingenbach

Infanterie Regiment Nr.9 " von Heßlingshof "

The "Beimbachers" are the last of the "Old" Infantry Regiments.  Proud of their traditional responsibilities as peace-time guardians of this great city, they present a particularly imposing sight both on and off the battlefield.

Currently led by the somewhat eccentric August, Freiherr von Heßlingshof, they are equipped in textbook fashion. Wearing Grass-Green faced "German" uniforms they boast a complement of modern artillery pieces albeit of light calibre.  The Grenadiers wear the standard fur cap and moustaches.

Von Heßlingshof is a local magnate but in his youth served with the Imperial Russian Army in it's campaigns against the Swedes.  He has a residual affection for Russia and is often accompanied by Cossack retainers.  It is rumoured that he may harbour sympathies for the Eastern Orthodox Faith but no proof has yet come to light.

Inhaber: August, Freiherr von Heßlingshof

Infanterie Regiment Nr.8 "von Tschernowitz" 1740

IR. "von Tschernowitz" is unique in the ranks of the Army.  Firstly, it is the only Regiment to have been directly inherited by the son of the previous Inhaber.  Second it stands out on the field of battle as the men wear a rather dated uniform.

The current Colonel Ruprecht, Freiherr von Tschernowitz, is a very different man to his father, Heinrich.  Eschewing the luxury and religious liberalism of the older Freiherr, the present head of the Tschernowitz family is a miserly and conservative man.  He has insisted that his troops retain the cheaper uniforms of a previous era and that the Regiment attends Mass at least once a week.  This has led to friction within the ranks as the regiment has a sizeable Bohemian component.  That said, natural wastage has lessened the religious difficulties as the present Inhaber no longer recruits from anything other than Catholic peoples.

The uniforms of this Regiment have a great similarity to that of the 1720 cut, the basic differences being the introduction of a fur Grenadier cap and buttoned gaiters.  The artillery component is negligible comprising a few small Schmetterling pieces.

Inhaber: Ruprecht, Freiherr von Tschernowitz

The Army in miniature: IR.10 " von Klingenbach " pt.2

IR.10 The components.

After looking at the crudely made composite in my last posting, I decided he had to be redone!  The shako needed to sit flush with the musket and this necessitated the removal of the entire plume.  Not too much of a worry as building half a plume and ensuring it matches a pre-existing feature is more work than doing the whole thing from scratch!


Anyway, I have collected the metal components for a group photo.  They comprise 20 Crusader French Fusiliers (selected at random from miscasts - part of the compensation I obtained from Northstar) The Command Group will feature a standard bearer (converted from a Crusader French NCO) a Drummer from Foundry (via Dave T's bargain box) and "von Klingenbach" himself.  He is a part-finished conversion of a Dixons Chasseur and will sport an animal skin cape in the style of von Zieten.  His head is from a Foundry cavalry bugler and his horse will be from Front Rank (I think I photographed him on a Crusader nag by mistake)

Von Klingenbach in all his half-built glory.

Other items used are a couple of Mega Miniatures dogs (yes another headswap!) and a flagpole finial from Front Rank.  You will note the bags at the top of the photo.  These contain more unfortunate Dixons donors - please don't inform them of the fate that awaits.

Bases will be purchased from Warbases  who provide laser-cut MDF in a wide range of sizes at ridiculously low prices - £2.00 gets you 16 40x40mm bases!  The standard will be custom printed on silk by Maverick Models and will apparently cost no more than £2.00.



All things considered once the work is done this should be a very cost-effective, unique and attractive Regiment.

Now that I have my miniatures the floodgates are truly open and my enthusiasm has returned!  I hope my very rusty painting skills can do justice to my idea...

The Army in miniature: IR.10 " von Klingenbach " pt.1

The basic concept.

I apologise as I have not yet posted the relevant uniform card and potted history of this Regiment but that will be remedied later this week.

So at the risk of getting ahead of myself I thought readers would be interested to see my concept for one of the "new" Regiments formed when the armed forces expanded.

The Grenadiers are going to have an unusual appearance as shown by the very crude composite figure in the picture.  Wearing a decidedly French coat with turnbacks and a most decorative "Flügelmütze" style hat.

The body is from a Crusader French fusilier and the head taken from a Dixon French Revolutionary Chasseur à Cheval.  The latter are very nice figures and often overlooked these days.  They have a few flaws but are going to serve me well in many ways!

The transplant was rather difficult and resulted in some damage to the musket - as can be seen.  I hope to eliminate this during the other surgeries that will be required to create a full compliment.  As this was something of an experiment I am quite happy with the basic result.  Rebuilding of the collar and some fine details should result in an attractive and unique figure.

The uniform will be the standard "Mustard" coat with blood red facings and silver lace/buttons.  All in all pretty striking.

Along with this chap I was today building the Colonel but he is unavailable for a snap due to being baked in my "Coke Can Putty Oven".

More on this in the very near future...

Freiherr von Heßlingshof - Pinning and Putty

Looking a bit like Donald Sutherland.

Shortly after taking the photos last night, I drilled the components and inserted various pins and pegs.  These are essential when converting metal castings as otherwise you are liable to suffer from a multitude of disastrous accidents.

I retained the nice bow on the neck of the Front Rank figure and I have counter-sunk this into the shoulders of the Crusader casting.  I was mulling over the whole right hand quandary and decided that the sword will have to do.  A cane looks a bit too "FdG" and a telescope is not really very good for a chap leading his Regiment to within sight of the Turk.  Myopic officers are something of a liability.

Moustache will need a bit of refinement but the plume is nearly done.   They are currently baking under a cheap IKEA desk light.

The Mastiff will go without appendages as I felt creeped out try to sculpt 28mm testicles.  We will just remember that it is a male!

For the putty I have used both pure Kneadatite and a Milliput/Kneadatite blend.  They have different properties and mixing allows the sculptor to take advantage of both.

I should be able to get the figure finished in the next day or so.  Now that reminds me, I need some laser-cut bases...

Freiherr von Heßlingshof & Gustav - The beginning

Having made my decision to bin Campaign Cartographer 3, I was freed to potter about with something else this afternoon.

Crusader Austrian General and Front Rank Baggot's Hussar.

I have mentioned before that I hate using stock figures for my Colonels and Generals.  With this in mind I decided to cobble something together from a few spare parts lying in my C18 boxes.

Wanting a fellow in "Austrian" uniform but with a twist, I decided to used one of the figures from Crusader's High Command pack.   The original is OK (ignoring that weird right arm) but rather boring - so I didn't mind sawing off his head.  As I have a whole host of miscast Baggot's Hussars from Front Rank, I decided one of these could donate both head and right hand to the project.

Gustav the Mastiff and the trusty steed.

I wanted to use a rather nice Dixon's horse for his mount but the rider's legs are spread (ooer Missus) rather wide for this to be practical.  I will give it a go but reckon it is safer to go for a Crusader nag (shown)

Gustav the hideous Mastiff is taken from the Vendel "Border Reiver" range and looks fearsome enough to be happy amidst the carnage of battle.

The Colonel's right arm is still "negotiable". I favoured a tobacco pipe or even a telescope as these are far more interesting than the drawn sabre - but I have the sword from the Hussar donor.  As the pinning and puttying happens I may well change the plan.

Mock-up to get a General (hoho) idea.

Other additions will be a plume, face fungus and an enlarged "bag" for the cap.  I may well rework the saddle - a furry shabraque would look somewhat different.  Gustav demands a little work, a pair of large "cojones" should add authenticity.

You may notice the little bit of putty in the last photo.  This is a push-moulded depiction of the "Order of Radegast" that Freiherr von Heßlingshof will sport upon his coat (if it can be made to fit)

Anyway - we will see how things progress.

Operation! - The preamble

After a visit to Warfare! this weekend, I found myself with some new donors for my latest surgical projects.  As I never like to use stock figures as Colonels or General staff, I thought it essential to get some colourful components from which I can create a few unique models.

I intend to post some step by step conversion articles in the near future.  These will show the components, work performed and (hopefully) the finished article.  First on the cutting mat is a fellow made from three different manufacturers' components  and a good deal of epoxy putty.

I will take some shots later (once my camera has recharged) and hope the photos will prove to be of interest.  Now, just how does one sculpt fluffy looking Ostrich feathers using "greenstuff" and toothpicks...

Infanterie Regiment Nr.7 "von Etzlinsweiler" 1740

In a case of history repeating itself, IR.7 is once again led by a refugee.   This has earned the Regiment the troopers' sobriquet "Das Waisenhaus".  The talented military man, Otto, Ritter von Etzlinsweiler was recommended to the Kreigskammer by none other than Joachim von Standorf.  Having been born and bred within a few score miles of each other, they had often met and were well acquainted.  Thus the introduction was quite logical. 

Another gentleman dispossessed of his ancestral lands by the aggression of the Bourbons, he proved most eager gain a colonelcy in our army.  Von Etzlinsweiler yearns for the day that he can return to Lorraine and reclaim his Estates.  Until then he devotes himself to matters military eschewing the finery of Court choosing instead the soldier's life of hard-campaigning.

Again, the Regiment has a small compliment of artillery and these are served by cannoneers in old-style Tobacco-Brown uniforms.

Inhaber: Otto, Ritter von Etzlinsweiler

Infanterie Regiment Nr.6 "von Falkenau" 1740

One of the first appointees of our current Sovereign's reign was Theophilus, Ritter von Falkenau. A well travelled and highly educated young man, he studied at both Wien and Paris. He returned to his ancestral lands upon learning of the premature death of his father.

He favours a detached and intellectual view of warfare and regards troop placement as something akin to a game of chess.  This studious approach has yet to be tested in a major conflict (IR.6 being left in the garrison during the recent war of 1737-39)

Fond of all things Gallic, he sports the latest Parisian fashions and insisted that his newly acquired Regiment was uniformed in coats cut  in the latest French style (Unusually, the Grenadiers are not distinguished by fur caps, instead they sport tall plumes atop their tricorns)

The Francophile nature of the Inhaber should not be taken as disloyalty to the Empire, von Falkenau is merely a cosmopolitan young man with tastes "à la mode".

Inhaber: Theophilus, Frieherr von Falkenau

Infanterie Regiment Nr.5 "Conte di Poretto" 1740

The last of Hubertus' Infantry appointees to remain in command is Pietro di Poretto.  As such, he is now fairly elderly but this has not caused a mellowing of his outlook or a deterioration of his famously dapper appearance. 

His merciless approach to warfare will undoubtedly prove useful in the coming campaigns against the savage armies of Pasha Zahi.

Another "German" coated Regiment, IR.5 sports the regulation uniforms and details.  As with IR.4, this Regiment has organic Artillery of the "Schmetterling" type.

Inhaber: Pietro, Conte di Poretto

Infanterie Regiment Nr.4 "von Standorf" 1740

When Graf von Wertheim recieved his posting to IR.2 "Markgräfin", command of IR.4 "Die Rosen" passed to Joachim, Ritter von Standorf - a cousin of Reichsfürstin Philippine.

Through his energetic command of IR.7, he has gained a great deal of military expertise.  He espouses a "fluid" and modern approach to warfare, sometimes to the displeasure of his tired men.  At Court, von Standorf is regarded as one of Beimbach-Schönau's most dashing Infantry commanders - a reputation he enjoys thoroughly.

The first of the Regiments to present a truly "textbook" appearance, IR.4 wears "Mustard Yellow" coats of the "German" style and the Grenadiers sport new-regulation fur caps complete with bag (striped with Pink and Gold)  IR.4 has a small quantity of "Schmetterling" guns distributed amongst the Battalions.  These are manned by Artillerists in old-style Tobacco Brown coats.

Inhaber: Joachim, Ritter von Standorf

Infanterie Regiment Nr.3 "von Zsadány" 1740

In the last decade or so, the incorporation of Eastern influences into the Army has become highly fashionable.  The first of our Regiments to display this vogue is IR.3.  

Led by the Magyar magnate Nikolaus, Graf von Zsadány, this formation is the oldest of the "Line" Regiments.  The personnel are drawn from the Eastern areas of the Reichsfürstum but are not entirely Magyar.  The overtly "Hungarian" nature of IR.3 owes much to the aesthetic preference and ethnicity of the present Inhaber.

Graf von Zsadány assumed control of IR.3 following the demise of the greatly admired Ludwig von Frauenberg.  The latter led the Regiment for more than three decades and built himself a formidable reputation.  The Officers of IR.3 observe many of the formalities beloved by von Frauenberg and the present Inhaber has wisely ensured that these traditions are respected.

It should be noted that whilst this Regiment is the first of the "Line" Infantry formations, it nevertheless considers itself to have a degree of seniority and this is reflected in the somewhat haughty manner of the Officers.

 Inhaber: Nikolaus, Graf von Zsadány

Infanterie Regiment Nr.2 "Markgräfin" 1740

Second in seniority remains "Markgräfin Katharina".  As described in the entry dealing with the 1720 pattern uniform, IR.2 is known as the "Mourning Regiment".  Retaining the funerary waistcoat and now sporting a tall cylindrical Grenadier headress, the Regiment presents a unique appearance.  Additionally, it will be noted that IR.2 carries the only Regimentsfahne bordered in black.  This acts both to distinguish it from the "Line" Regiments and also as a further mark of "mourning".

As with IR.1, "Markgräfin" boasts a double compliment of Grenadiers and also a collection of Regimental artillery pieces.  Many of these are of the rather outdated "Sacre" style but are thought still to confer an advantage on the battlefield.

Currently led by the elderly, yet effective, Helmuth, Graf von Wertheim (formerly of IR.4)  As a recognition of his many years service to the von Löwensee family, he was recently (1734) granted a new title and extensive estates.

Inhaber: Helmuth, Graf von Wertheim

Infanterie Regiment Nr.1 "Kronprinz" 1740

As in the Army of Hubertus II, IR.1 retains the honorary "Kronprinz" along with the unique uniform distinctions - Scarlet waistcoat and Charcoal-Grey coat.

Along with IR.2 "Markgräfin", this Regiment boasts a double compliment of Grenadiers.  These wear the "normal" uniform complete with fur cap.  As would be expected in an élite formation, the Officers sport a wide variety of flamboyant uniforms.  The most popular being an adaptation of Hussar style attire.

The Regiment retains a number of light artillery pieces for direct support.   These are crewed by dedicated specialists.  Their uniform follows the standard system but with the addition of the Scarlet "Kronprinz" waiscoat.

Led, cermonially, by the Sovereign's eldest son, actual administration is performed by his close friend Moritz von Grafenwald.

Inhaber: Moritz, Reichsfreiherr von Grafenwald

Unveiling the 1740 pattern "Regimentsfahne"

Along with the reorganisation of the Army, it was decided that the Regiments should carry splendid new colours.

The new "Regimentsfahne" is of standardised design.  Bearing a black cross upon a field of the Regimental coat colour.  The quadrants sport "flames" of the Regimental facing and the flag is bordered in the applicable lace colour.  In the centre of the cross is the State Crest.

During Mass at Sankt Ulrich Cathedral, the flags were blessed and the Reichsfürst presented them to the Colonels.  In subsequent ceremonies the banners were paraded in front of the massed Regiments.

To illustrate the system, the colours of IR.1 "Kronprinz" (Top) and IR.2 "Markgräfin Katharina" (Right) are shown.  Please note, IR.2 is unique in sporting a black border. 

The Army of Maximilian - Field Artillery 1740

As has been mentioned previously, the artillery has been thoroughly reorganised.

This has entailed the concentration of all pieces heavier than 3lb (Including the Siege Artillery) into a central "Great Battery".  From this reserve the High Command can dispatch batteries of guns that act in unison against a given target.  This concentrated fire is thought to be capable of severely weakening a portion of an enemy's line making breakthrough a less daunting proposition.

The Infantry Regiments have been permitted to retain their small calibre pieces such as the "Galloper" and "Schmetterling" guns.   These being used in their traditional, infantry-support, rôle.

Coat colour remains Tobacco-Brown and in the case of Regimental Artillery the appropriate facing is still displayed.   When it comes to the Great Battery, the personnel display burned-orange facings on their brown coats - as was the case with the earlier "Siege Train" troopers.  It should be noted that all indigenous Regiments equip their artillery troopers with either of the "German" pattern coats, albeit with subtle differences to best reflect the parent formation.

The Army of Maximilian - Cavalry Regiments 1740

Less in need of reorganisation than the Infantry, nevertheless the Cavalry Arm was found to be in need of attention.

It was decided by Reichsfürst Maximilian that, in line with the other Regiments, the "Leibgarde" should be reduced to six squadrons.   The men freed by this reduction formed the cadre of the two squadron Prinzen-Jäger zu Pferde.  These troopers act as the personal escort of the Sovereign.

Another radical change was the re-distribution of Grenadiers throughout the Chevaux-léger (as the Dragoons have been renamed) Regiments.  This has neccesitated the renaming of KR.2.  No longer bearing the honorary "Grenadiere" they are now known as "Reichsfürstin Philippine" (After our Sovereign's Consort) and when combined with Regt.Nr1 and the Prinzen-Jäger squadrons comprise the "Household" Cavalry.

A further Regiment of  Chevaux-léger and a second Hussar Regiment have also been added to the Cavalry establishment.

Finally, an eight squadron regiment of Bosnian "Uhlans" has been raised and fulfills a similar rôle to that of the Hussars, although equipped primarily with a lance.

Thus the 1740 Cavalry Arm comprises:

• One Regiment of Cuirassiers
• Four Regiments of Chevaux-Légeres
• Two Regiment of Hussars
• One Regiment of Uhlans
• Two squadrons of Jäger zu Pferde

As with the Infantry, it has been requested that Colonels acquire more modern coats and equipment for their Regiments.  This, coupled with the new "Grenadier" element in each Regiment, has resulted in some unusual Regimental dress codes.

The Army of Maximilian - Infantry Regiments 1740

Following the end of the recent War against the Turk, it was recognised that our army required modernisation.  Essentially unchanged in forty years, the military remained the child of Hubertus II and was rooted deeply in the military traditions of a bygone age.

After much debate within the deeply conservative Kriegskammer, it was decided that four main changes would be desirable.  At the insistence of Reichsfürst Maximilian, these measures were enacted with great speed.  The steps taken are as follows:

• The creation of an independent massed artillery.  The Regiments were ordered to surrender all guns above 3lb to the central artillery park. Regiments that had "Galloper" or "Schmetterling" pieces have been allowed to retain them for close support purposes.
• An increase in the number of Regiments.  The nine pre-existing formations have been expanded by five. These comprise; one Line Regiment,  two "Pandour" Regiments (former irregulars now incorporated into the standing army) and finally two "Foreign" Regiments.  This expansion is expected to be more than adequate for the immediate future.
• The adoption of new uniforms.   Whilst retaining the traditional dark-yellow coats, the Colonels have been encouraged to adopt coats cut in contemporary styles*.  It is felt that these are more suited to modern warfare.  Additionally, the Regimental facing colours were "fixed" at this time to avoid future confusion.
• Finally the formation of six dedicated "Jäger" battalions.  Recruited largely from game-keepers and frontiersmen these troopers are used to skirmish with enemy light-infantry and act as piquets for the encamped army.

It will be appreciated that such large-scale reorganisation cannot be effected immediately and at present the Army is in a transitional stage.   That said, Beimbach-Schönau is in a far stronger position now than five short years ago.

*A wide variety of styles has arisen as the Colonels have taken this opportunity to re-equip their men according to their whim.   Most notable amongst the changes has been the adoption of some rather unusual Grenadier caps and the use of coats of a decidedly "Gallic" flavour in some of the Regiments.