I’ve been pondering the Luftberg state’s army, and for some period of time now I’ve been pondering a bit of a ‘military reform.’ Nothing like altering any of the illustrious regiments already round the colours, you understand – more like a basing change. Basically, I feel my units are a bit ‘light’ on metal. I initially started out on a basic infantry unit of 16 figures, which was pretty respectable-looking. However, even this didn’t last for long as I had to revise and expand to use the Might & Reason rules. Each unit now stands at eight lonely figures – resembling more of a skirmish line than the bristling juggernaut of death-dealing mayhem I know each regiment to be (I’m sure every wargamer pictures their own units the same way.)
It’s overdue in a way – despite this being one of my favourite and most long-standing hobbies, I’ve still somehow avoided spending a lot of money on it for a long time. As a result, it’s time to buy some more figures and replan the establishment of the units. I decided to place an order with Essex Miniatures, which arrived the other week.
So, what sort of change? I’ve done much pondering over other blogs, looking at photos everywhere, and have an idea. The M&R rulebook has photos of some wonderfully based units in 15mm, which I’ll be imitating. Each infantry base is two ranks of six, close-packed for a satisfying density, making each regiment weigh in at 24 figures. Or more accurately, 23 figures, thanks to the regimental commander being mounted and taking up somebody’s space with his horses’ backside.
Each regiment consists of: 1 mounted officer (taking up one file), three command units (an officer, a drummer and a colour-bearer) and 19 other ranks. For spacing etc, this goes on a 60x30mm base of MDF.
I’ve painted one regiment, just to try out spacings etc. and see how it looks. Here’s a snap of the first one. Meet IR Steinkopf (No. 11), outfitted in a natty white coat, breeches & waistcoat, red facings, black gaiters and white lining on the tricorne.
It’s overdue in a way – despite this being one of my favourite and most long-standing hobbies, I’ve still somehow avoided spending a lot of money on it for a long time. As a result, it’s time to buy some more figures and replan the establishment of the units. I decided to place an order with Essex Miniatures, which arrived the other week.
So, what sort of change? I’ve done much pondering over other blogs, looking at photos everywhere, and have an idea. The M&R rulebook has photos of some wonderfully based units in 15mm, which I’ll be imitating. Each infantry base is two ranks of six, close-packed for a satisfying density, making each regiment weigh in at 24 figures. Or more accurately, 23 figures, thanks to the regimental commander being mounted and taking up somebody’s space with his horses’ backside.
Each regiment consists of: 1 mounted officer (taking up one file), three command units (an officer, a drummer and a colour-bearer) and 19 other ranks. For spacing etc, this goes on a 60x30mm base of MDF.
I’ve painted one regiment, just to try out spacings etc. and see how it looks. Here’s a snap of the first one. Meet IR Steinkopf (No. 11), outfitted in a natty white coat, breeches & waistcoat, red facings, black gaiters and white lining on the tricorne.
9 comments:
I like the look, it has a solid feeling. Keep up the good work!
It does look the business. Figure basing and the numbers per unit are always knotty problems.
Suitably 'heavy' and impressive: looks indeed like a 'battleline unit', not a patrol!
And a very pleasant uniform.
There is a certain size where you feel that the look of the regiment 'is right'. 24+ works for me.
-- Allan
I use something similar with 4 bases with 6 figures in 2 ranks on each giving 24 figures overall. The advantage of the smaller bases is that it allows the unit to form a reasonable looking column of march.
Will
in 15 mm, I LOVE the Koenig Krieg rules when adapted to an average of a 24 figure battalion in tow lines ... nice movement, adapted to small armies, elegant and simple system ...
and the 3rd Edition is due out in a month!!
:)
Arthur
in 15 mm, I LOVE the Koenig Krieg rules when adapted to an average of a 24 figure battalion in tow lines ... nice movement, adapted to small armies, elegant and simple system ...
and the 3rd Edition is due out in a month!!
:)
Arthur
PS: BAR adapts well to 15mm too, and it is designed for battalions of 30-60 figures!
Looks very good!
I'm choosing to go with small units (around 16 total figures for each infantry unit) becuase that's about all I want to deal with in terms of painting minis, moving figures on the tabletop, and storing figures. Seems there are lots of approaches to the issue of basing and number of minis per unit. It's all good. Whatever works.
This unit looks good . . . but 8-figure battalions? Ugh!
-- Jeff
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