Hittite Archers #2

 

A second unit of formed archer for a bit of fire support for the Hittites. 

These are Newline Designs figures once again. 

Blue was actually a difficult color to achieve with vegetable dyes, and thus I've used the very grey toned Delta Ceramcoat "Wedgewood Blue" here.  

The rest of the Army has nick-named these guys "The Skinheads"!

I.R. #3, Erzherzog Karl

The White Menace Returns, or the Kaiserlicks Strike Back!

 

This is Infanterie Regiment No. 3, recruited in Lower (Inner) Austria.

The Inhaber of this Regiment from 1780 - 1847 was none other than Karl-Ludwig-Johann-Josef-Lorenz, Erzherzog von Osterreich, aka Archduke Charles.

This regiment has "sky blue" facings and pewter buttons. It seems that "sky blue" was a considerably deeper blue than we would think today. I therefore used Delta CC  "Bluejay" for the facing color. 

In 1809, the regiment formed part of Ezherzog Ludwig's V Corps. The regiment fought at Landshut, Teugen, Abensberg, Eggmuhl, and Ratisbon.

 Later, it formed part of the I Corps, and fought at Essling, where it was heavily engaged on the 2nd day of the battle, and as part of the IV Corps, at Wagram. It was considered one of the best regiments in the Austrian army. 

Birthday Loot!

I had another Birthday Monday, and made out well with hobby related loot!

This one has been on the watch list since the first volume covering the Danish Infantry came out a couple of years ago. Suffice it to say that Mr. Wilson has maintained the exceedingly high standard set with the first volume.  It is packed with details about the organization, uniforms, equipment, and standards of the Danish Cavalry, Artillery and support services. The detail is comprehensive, and illustrated by more than 60 original color plates by the author. Truly an amazing work, and sure to be the definitive source on the subject in any language. A third volume is planned, but what's left to cover?!  Well, the author states it will cover the Norwegian Army and the Danish militias and volunteers!  

The staff at the office went a bit over the top for Birthday recognition; this was the door to my workroom on Monday morning (I used have a spacious office, but I really didn't use it much at all, and with the growth of the office to 5 providers, it now houses 3 support staff instead!)

This one was highly recommended by freind and fellow blogger/Piquet enthusiast, Eric Burgess. Looks great!

The inside of my workroom, usually shared with the Medical student working with me; there's yet another banner attached to the desktop obscured by the chair. No student for another 2 weeks, as yesterday kicks off the start of the 3rd year for the University of Vermont medical school, but we did have a 1 hour Zoom reception for them at 5 PM, which was fun but got me home after 9 PM!

Another fellow blogger recommendation, this time by James Roach. Considering the paucity of information on this fascinating era, this was a must have! Hopefully further books covering the later years of the Great Italian Wars might follow? 

Old Glory and Newline figures for a major expansion of my small Ancient Indian army; had to match the Macedonian expansion, after all!  Enough for another 200 + figures, spread between foot, cavalry, chariots, and, of course, Elephants! 

This one was on sale at Old Glory, plus the Army Card Discount. With all the Chariot era armies I now have, I figures it was worth a look at more era specific rules, especially for under $10!

Kristie's dog, Annie, about age 7, in the "winner's circle" after earing several titles in Agility. There are a couple of great videos of her trials, but so far I haven't been able to figure out how to get them from the iphone format into one that can be used and posted here. 

Peleset Archers #2

 

A second unit of Peleset archers takes aim at Ramses II and his army!

Once again,  these fine figures are by Foundry. 

Firepower isn't the strong point of a Peleset army, but it's nice to at least have some!

Painting these troops was very satisfying!

53e Ligne

The origins of the 53e Ligne date back to the  Regiment Alsace, first raised in  1656.

It spent 1805 - 1806 as part of the Army of Italy (fighting at Caldiero, Tagliamento,  and in the Tyrol).

1808 - 1809 the Regiment was once again with the Army of Italy ( Battle on the Piave, Tagliamento, San Michele, Raab, Wagram, and Znaim).

The regiment was part of the invasion of Russia in 1812, and fought at Borodino, Maloyaroslavets, and  Krasnoe.

In 1813 - 1814, it returned again to the  Army of Italy, where it was engaged at  Caldiero, San Michele, Boara, and the Mincio.

Casting Call for Castiglione

I finally got around to setting up the Castiglione scenario on the tabletop; overviews from the Northeast,

from the South

and from the East behind the Austrian lines. 

The Deployment map for orientation purposes!

Massena's large command is in the forefront.

French army from their left. 

View from behind the French lines.

Left to right, Kilmaine's command,  Augereau's small Division, and then Massena's large command.

The Austrian left is anchored by Monte Medolano, which has been fortified, with 2 heavy batteries stationed upon it. The cavalry and a cavalry battery guard against outflanking maneuvers. 

View of Sebetendorf's command from the Northwest.

The bulk of Davidovich's large command in the center. 

Some Jagers and Grenzer defend Solferiono and the Austrian right on the heights.

Despinois' troops waiting to enter via the Castiglione road. 

Fiortella's force, which will eventually appear from Guidizzolo.

I.R. #11, Erzherzog Rainer

Infanterie Regiment #11 was recruited in Bohemia.

It had rose pink facings with pewter buttons (changed to dark blue facings with brass buttons in 1810). 

The Inhaber was Michael-Johann, Graf Wallis von Karighmain from 1792-1799, "vacant" 1799 to 1801, and Rainer-Josef-Johann, Erzherzog von Osterreich, from 1801 -1853. 

Erzherzog Rainier was a younger brother of Kaiser Franz-Josef; the Hapsburgs were nothing if not prolific!

In 1809, the Regiment formed part of Bellegarde's I Corps.

It fought at Aspern, Wagram, and Znaim. 

Hittite Archers #1

 

Like the Peleset, with the additions from Bill McHugh's collection, I felt the Hittites could use a few more archers.

These are Newline Designs figures, courtesy of their January sale (which about makes up for the outrageous postage costs from the UK!).

I chose this "Green Tea" and red scheme to complement some of Bill's Spearmen and Axemen. 

Once again, I went with my own standard "Near East" basing for these new troops. 

"Hey, don't blow that darned thang in my ear!"