Thursday 25 February 2016

AWI - British Legion Cavalry


My American War of Independence collection now has its first cavalry unit added to it.  Of course it had to be the famed British Legion led by the legendary Banastre Tarleton.  I need not add too much history here, other than to say that a wiki search on his name brings up a good summary.


I used a number of sources for the uniforms.  Of particular use was the famous portrait of Tarleton by Sir Joshua Reynolds seen below.

Eye witness descriptions of the uniforms from contemporary sources also took away much guesswork though there was, as so often, small details that I had to make a best guess at.


I don't need to mention to my esteemed blog followers that I did NOT use the later cinematic sources by the infamous Anglophobe Mad Mel!


The figures are from the Perry's range.  I do love this range though there was a little more flash than usual obscuring detail which needed some considerable blade work to make good in some particularly awkward places.


Paints used were mostly from the Foundry Triad range for the uniforms, though a lot of Vallejo was used throughout.  I was unhappy with my first choice of Chasseur Green so I found that mixing it 50/50 with Dragoon green really brought it to life and much closer to what felt and looked right.


I always like the look of cavalry units when they are finished.  I must admit that horses are not my favourite thing to paint. It's the uniforms which are my primary interest and I struggle to enjoy panting large expanses of black, duns and bays (not to mention whites!).  Persistence and technique eventually pulled through and I am really pleased with them.  Another 4 weeks of evenings and weekends well used I think!



I really look forward to using these chaps in action soon.  There were barely started when I played my last AWI game with Ian a few weeks ago unfortunately.  The game was still a superb battle and the sight of the lines of redcoats, militia and continentals was so impressive.  I will have to do more post-game write-ups but battle reports are so time consuming!



I have to say that I'm not sure what to paint next.  I have spent the last few days just doing basing work - a welcome relief after so much painting.  I have focussed on AWI for what must be 6 months at least.  I now have a playable British Army to go with my Americans at long last.  I'm looking forward to finding out myself as to what I choose to paint next!



Anyway, a few more pics follow below.









20 comments:

  1. Superb cavalry Jason - really top notch!

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    1. Hi Cyrus,
      Thank you for your kind compliment.
      Best wishes,
      Jason

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  2. They look splendid Jason, once again your amazing bases enhance this cavalry unit, and close-ups are outstanding...

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    1. Hi Phil, The bases are a labour of love (or is it an obsession now :-D) A week of evenings spent on the bases...I think it's obsession!
      Best wishes,
      Jason

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  3. Replies
    1. Hi Rodger,
      Thanks, I'm glad you like them.
      Best wishes,
      Jason

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  4. You may not enjoy painting horses, but they came out very well; superb unit. You don't need much cavalry (or artillery!) for the AWI, but you do need some. Seems like a Colonial cavalry unit would me due before too long!

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    1. Hi Peter,
      Thank you very much. I was pleased they horses turned out well too, I tend to pull up lots of horsey pictures on Google as I'm painting them to try to get the look right. Funny you should mention Colonial cavalry...I'm at a wargaming show next weekend and Lee's Legion are on my list!
      Best wishes,
      Jason

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  5. Another excellent AWI unit, and led by a charasmatic and superbly painted figure.

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    1. Hi Dean,
      Thanks for your kind compliment. Yes, I always feel that little bit of pressure when I'm painting well-known commanders. It's almost a responsibility to do a good job on them! :-)
      Best wishes,
      Jason

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  6. Those look very nice indeed Jason! This unit is a requirement for any serious AWI gamer and you have done a fine job. I did a unit of these myself and they are great once finished, however like you said they require some clean up, but be warned the new cavalry packs have even more clean up work! That said Perry AWI looks wonderful once completed like these.

    Christopher

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  7. Hi Christopher,
    Many thanks indeed. I'm glad you like them. I do wonder why there seems to be so much flash and casting issues on the new cavalry sets. I just mentioned to Peter (above) that I'm hoping to get Lee's Legion at a show (Abingdon) next weekend. I better get some new blades for my modelling knife too!
    Best wishes,
    Jason

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  8. Replies
    1. Hello, I am sorry - it has taken me over a year to spot your post. I must find a setting to flag up new messages. Anyway to answer your question the figures are from the excellent Perry Miniatures range. Best wishes, Jason

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  9. Wonderful! I just discovered your website. My ancestor, Lieutenant-Colonel Lord William Cathcart, helped form the Regiment. Did you ever discover a regimental badge that might have been displayed on caps, belt buckles, or horse livery?

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    Replies
    1. Hello John, I am so sorry but I have only just gone back to this post and saw your comment. I regret that I did not find any indication of a Regimental Badge during my research. My interest and research continues. I'll post it up if I find anything. Best wishes. Jason

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  10. Hi there, may I ask what blisters these amazing miniatures are from? It's perry, but I cannot figure out, what article it is? Thank you very much in advance!

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    Replies
    1. perhaps you may answer my question via mail? M.kreitsch@gmx.de

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    2. Hello, They are from packs AW131 and AW132 from the Perry's American War of Independence Range.
      Best wishes,
      Jason

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    3. Email also sent as requested. :-)

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