Rather overdue, here is the entire Tyrolese Militia collection laid out for review.
All told, there are 6 Landsturm units of 12 each, and 9 Schutzen units of 8 each.
The "Black" Brigade, lead by Haspinger, with the wooden gun in support.
The "Green" Brigade, lead by Hofer himself.
The "Brown" Brigade, lead by Speckbacher.
In total, there are 131 figures in the entire force. I need to flesh out and play test my "Wagon Train" style scenario this month. The other scenario, 2nd Berg Isel, is already written up and just needs a run through and fine tuning
Free Tyrol!
View from the mountaintops... Also in development are several scratch built Tyrolese style buildings.
A bit of "culture"; an excerpt for the poem "Hofer", by William Wordsworth.
Hofer
Of mortal parents is the Hero born
By whom the undaunted Tyrolese are led?
Or is it Tell’s great Spirit, from the dead
Returned to animate an age forlorn?
He comes like Phoebus through the gates of morn
When dreary darkness is discomfited,
Yet mark his modest state! upon his head,
That simple crest, a heron’s plume, is worn.
O Liberty! they stagger at the shock
From van to rear – and with one mind would flee,
But half their host is buried: – rock on rock
Descends: – beneath this godlike Warrior, see!
Hills, torrents, woods, embodied to bemock
The Tyrant, and confound his cruelty.
There are more of Wordsworth's Napoleonic sonnets at Napoleon.org
By whom the undaunted Tyrolese are led?
Or is it Tell’s great Spirit, from the dead
Returned to animate an age forlorn?
He comes like Phoebus through the gates of morn
When dreary darkness is discomfited,
Yet mark his modest state! upon his head,
That simple crest, a heron’s plume, is worn.
O Liberty! they stagger at the shock
From van to rear – and with one mind would flee,
But half their host is buried: – rock on rock
Descends: – beneath this godlike Warrior, see!
Hills, torrents, woods, embodied to bemock
The Tyrant, and confound his cruelty.
There are more of Wordsworth's Napoleonic sonnets at Napoleon.org
Ancient Tyrol is now divided between the provinces of Nordtirol and Ost-tirol, in Austria, and the provinces of Sudtirol/Alto Adige and Trentino in Northern Italy. Many in Sudtirol feel they should be part of Austria instead of Italy.
Beautiful review Peter. The logs on the bases and those marvellous mountains are a brilliant touch. It must be most pleasing to have this part of your recent painting 'work' all brought together. Lovely stuff!
ReplyDeleteThanks, James. I am looking forward to getting them on the table for a playtest game(s)this month!
DeleteFine looking Tyrolese, I guess you would use these guys attacking/ambushing french supply trains scenarios? just like Spanish Guerrilla warfare (skirmish games) from memory and without doing a google search :o) Andreas Hofer was betrayed by a neighbor, while hiding in the mountains from the french?
ReplyDeleteYes, Phil, right on all three counts. I will also be doing the 2nd battle of Berg Isel, where something like 18,000 Tirolese and a few Austrian regulars fought the Bavarians.
DeleteWhat a fantastic army, excellent job, I really like the atmosphere you put on these bases, inspired work...and the paint job is superb!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Phil. I am hoping the project will come together for a visually impressive and different type of game!
DeleteA fine collection Peter, and well worth the effort to assemble them all together for a group photo.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the "mustering", Lawrence. (It's a bit much to call a display of irreguilars a parade!)
DeleteA very nice display of figures. Concur with other comments on the excellent and interesting basing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pater. These guys are usually going to be fighting from cover one way or another!
DeleteReally neat army, beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteJohn
Thanks, Jon. The first figures for this project were purchased 7 years ago, so it has been quite a while from "Hey, these might be cool..." to completing the project. Now, on to the games!
DeleteFine Freedom Fighter Force, Peter! This effort is one not often seen on the wargaming table. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAmazingly alliterative approbations are all amicably appreciated, Jon!
DeleteGreat looking collection. Very atmospheric! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks; I am now the proud owner of a cow bell to further increase the atmosphere...
DeleteWe need more cowbell!
Delete"Cows optional; must be supplied by purchaser".
DeleteGreat looking force and Terrain! They all look splendid together!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you so much, Iain!
DeleteReady to read about your "rock and log" roll festive actions with the Bavarian invaders. The logs are excellent to give the Tyrol look. Making any "descending rocks and logs" markers for the tabletop? Sort of Tyrol "artillery attack"..... Michael WR
ReplyDeleteWell, I still have plenty of twigs, so some "log roll", and/or "rock roll" markers may be worth doing!
DeleteThis is an awesome project, full of unique character. Well done Peter!
ReplyDeleteGal;d you like them, Jake. Now, to put them to use!
Delete