When I took over the running of the Wargames Holiday Centre I wanted to bring some new life to the whole thing, it’s fine having a large, spacious, airy environment with beautiful figures to game with, I also needed something new.
The work that was planned for the Battle of Waterloo really began way back in November of last year, new lay out, new rules, so what about new figures? Well the first thing that sprang to mind was our collection of Dutch and Belgian figures, especially the cavalry. So it was discussed with Dave Docherty, there was plenty of time, it was now February and the game wasn’t going to be until June.
No problem.
Well no plan survives contact with the enemy as they say and this was no different. The figures I wanted to use were the Connoisseur miniatures range http://www.bicorne.net/catalog/ , so I contacted Andrew Barrett of Bicorne Miniatures (they have Connoisseur under their banner) and placed an order for the necessary regiments. Andrew wanted to get the mould for the Carabinier re-tooled to improve on the finished model, so these were going to take a while, so it seemed wise to wait for the whole order to arrive. The unfortunate thing was this was going to take weeks, well it was worth the wait, all the figures are very well detailed, no flash and the horses are excellent.
Well on receipt of the figures, there was only three weeks to get these done, Dave offered that he would do his best, but time was against him, he has a real job and he is very much the perfectionist, but he would do what he could.
Do what he could???? I think you’ll agree, these are lovely, no complaints from me at all, every figure has had some measure of re-animation done on them and one of the trumpeters has even had his lips pursed as if about to sound the charge! (My apologies Dave I didn’t get a close up of the trumpeter, I was too busy gawpig at the whole splendour of the regiment)
These are very, very colourful, I was going to try and describe how Dave has achieved the rich colour here, especially on the Trumpeters, but I will not do them justice, it will be far better for me to let the images do the talking. Pop over to Dave’s Blog, http://onemanhisbrushes.blogspot.com/ as he has covered the development of these figures here.
First action, no small fete, French Cuirassier, looks like they went through a French infantry battalion to get there as well judging by the Shako on the sword .
I’ll leave you to peruse the regiment in all it’s finery.
The whole regiment moving out to engage the French Cuirassier.
A good close up example of the detail, the helmets all have gloss work to ensure they literally shine as if burnished.
Another close up, I like the matt finish and how it contrasts with the metalworks glossy finish.
Moving past the French Infantry in the heat of the battle.
I am loving the matt finish here, the work Dave has done with the metal work is exceptionally good.
An expanded view of the previous close up, complete with trampled French infantry man.
Rear view with detail of the horses and the saddle work, the flag is by G.M.B.
Single Squadron, demonstrating the work on the accoutrements and the saddle furniture.
Overall this is just one of the regiments that Dave has produced this year, he does commission work, however he is particular about what he takes on and is not cheap! Still, as with all fine art, how much for an original painting? Every time I look at them I get a sense of enjoyment and personally I think that is something that is hard to put a price on. These are worth every penny in my humble opinion.