Dabbling with the 1840s

Poor quality photo courtesy of HTC mobile.

After a long hiatus and a good deal of personal problems, I suddenly got the urge to do something mid C19!

I bought some of Ebor Miniatures' Crimean Russians as they looked different and were very cheap.   The figures arrived (along with some of their lovely early C18 offerings) and unfortunately I got quite a few breakages.  The proprietor was a real gentleman and sent out replacements telling me to keep the "deaders".

Last weekend, during a rare moment of mental composure, I decided to cobble together a model to represent His Majesty König Ferdinand II in all his martial glory.

I had a dig about in the boxes of lead and decided on an Essex body (Russian Nap. Officer) with an Ebor head.  This figure will be mounted upon an heavily butchered Foundry (British) horse and given a Perry pelisse as "icing".  In true mid-C19 form I added an outlandish caterpillar crest (in three stages) and bulked up his face-fungus.

I think he looks suitably "OTT" and he will be improved when the pelisse is fitted, collar properly finished  and furry horse furniture is sculpted.  I intend to finish him soon and perhaps even paint him too!  Ferdy and nag will be mounted upon a 40mm steel washer with sculpted groundwork and his hound running alongside.

I would be interested to hear what people make of him and indeed if there are any other mid-1800s ImagiNation projects out there.

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.3

"Donors" pre-op.

Last night it occurred to me that the process of swapping a awkwardly positioned head may not be something with which all my readers are familiar.  Just in case, here is a step by step guide as to how I effected the transplant.

The first thing to do is select figures to provide the components.  "Obvious!" I hear you cry but this is not as easy as it appears.  There are a lot of different sculpting styles in the 28mm bracket and many are blatantly incompatible.

I wanted a head wearing a "Mirliton" so my choices were limited.  The venerable Dixons Chasseur (FNC5) is easy to decapitate and leaves a perfectly usable body once this is done - ideal for cheapskates like myself.  In terms of size he is a fairly good match for the Crusader Fusilier (RFH009) Additionally, he is of a similar sculpting style showing a roughly equal level of detail.

The Chasseur's head was removed with a simple horizontal cut.  Once cleaned up, it was hand-drilled (pin-vise) to take a neck-pin (wire or cocktail stick)  As discussed yesterday, the plume was removed to ensure that the hat sits properly against the musket.  A replacement will be built from epoxy putty.

He looks apprehensive and who can blame him.

The Fusilier is a different story, his hat is cast butting against the musket and thus the head cannot be saved intact.

I made the vertical razor-saw cut first, carefully avoiding the musket.   Then the horizontal slice was performed to enable the head to be removed.  A good deal of mess is left to clean up but this is sadly unavoidable.  Annoyingly, I dented the barrel slightly when my toddler bashed the workbench at the critical moment - this is now repaired.

The collar was removed entirely and the neck drilled out (motor tool) to provide a "female" in which to insert the neck pin.  Remember to ensure that the figure has a realistically scaled neck - it is a very easy thing to overlook.

At this stage my method departs from the norm as I like to create an oversize socket that gives me some "play" when positioning the transplanted head.  This socket is filled with epoxy putty (Kneadatite & Milliput blend) and the head is inserted.

Epoxy putty is used to hold the head to the barrel.

This results in the putty being squeezed upwards and suction tends to hold the pin in place.  After a bit of judicious wiggling (Michael Douglas style) I had  the attitude I wanted.

The last part of the preliminary is to carefully remove the soft excess putty whilst leaving enough to support the new head.  I do this with cocktail sticks and/or Dental probes and smooth with a wet paintbrush.  At this stage you do not have to be too fussy as the details added in the finishing stages will obscure the finish.

Leave the little fella overnight (somewhere warm) or put him under a lamp to accelerate curing.  That's one down, five more to do before I can get them to the next stage:

The real sculpting work...

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...

Graf von Zsadány - A work in progress

The Colonel rides a Crusader nag.

It has been a slow few days here at "Schloss Krautheim".  Generously, the children have shared their various illnesses and the adults are not feeling too well.

In lieu of the article I wished to post, I thought this may be of interest.   Tentatively labelled "von Zsadány" of IR.3, this figure is intended to depict a Colonel of an "Hungarian" Regt.  He wears a plain jacket and drapes a pelisse over his shoulders for a touch of flamboyance.  I could have used an Hussar with dolman but I rather like the contrast between plain and ornate coats.




The origin of the components is partly unclear.  The figure is a Foundry Russian (I think) liberated from Dave T's "bits box".  He had a nasty face with protruding mouth - very Simian.  I transplanted a Front Rank Austrian head and affixed a spare metal pelisse to the torso - yes it is attached very far forward and this is intentional!  The latter was heavily ground-down to make enough space for the former to be seated.


As always, detail work is required but I think the figure "works".


Another "WIP" taster is the Iroquois man-servant that I have been planning for a fairly long time.  In the spirit of frugality *cough cheapskate* I have used the body from which I took von Heßlingshof's head.  His new head is taken from a Front Rank "Woodland Indian" and looks suitably grizzled.


Thus far he has lost his right arm and been drilled to receive the various pins.  In addition I have removed the scabbard moulded attached to the left leg.  There will a suitable substitution added to this area. A fair bit of clean-up and carving still to do on this one but I can see what is needed in my "mind's eye".


Hopefully work on these will progress over the next few days.

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.

Cartography - a tricky matter.

Whilst waiting for the delivery of my figures from Northstar, I decided to take the plunge and map Beimbach-Schönau.  Surprisingly, I found this to be one of the trickiest things to date.

The Reichsfürstum is known to be on the very fringes of the Holy Roman Empire and to enjoy a good deal of autonomy.  Additionally, the very real menace from the savage Turk needed to be immediate and relevant to the C18. 

After much perusal of Google Maps and pouring over old documents, I decided upon a plausible location.   In short the ImagiNation is located in the area now occupied by Southern Hungary, Northern Croatia and Eastern Slovenia.   The map I have created is very much a first draft and I can see many ways to improve it.  However, it shows the main highways, fortresses, conurbations and topographical features (the latter two are grounded in reality)

Additionally the cantons, for want of a better term, are shown outlined by a broken line.  These are in the process of being numbered and named.  The system used will approximate to that of the C20 "Wehrkreis" - anachronistic but logical.

I think over the next few weeks I will have to hand-draw a full map complete with all desired information.   However, the above will suffice for the present.

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.