new napoleonic figures

[pikeman]

Can some light be shed on the differences between these these and the other figures of the same period? The basic uniforms didn't change did they? Weren't the French pretty standard all over Europe by 1809?
Is there a new/better sculptor?
Thanks.
Pete

[Nav]

what do you mean,can you please clarify ?  french uniforms changed just about every few years like around 1805, 1809 1812, and 1815 ,their uniforms changed even when Napoleon came back from Elba,  up intil around 1805 the french infantry mans head wear was a bicorne hat and then came the shako which was the main headwhere until after the war. only there coat changed wheather it be a shortcoat,a coat with tailbacks or some other form of coat.

[Aart Brouwer]

what do you mean,can you please clarify ?  french uniforms changed just about every few years like around 1805, 1809 1812, and 1815 ,their uniforms changed even when Napoleon came back from Elba,  up intil around 1805 the french infantry mans head wear was a bicorne hat and then came the shako which was the main headwhere until after the war. only there coat changed wheather it be a shortcoat,a coat with tailbacks or some other form of coat.

And in 1807. Oh, and let's not forget the white uniform that was half introduced and then withdrawn.. 

Cheers,
Aart

[pikeman]

Well, it looks like I've stepped in it for sure!
Small uniform detail changes were something that made me crazy when I was doing 25mm. I was hoping that 10mm would allow me to escape from that level of detail. What I want to do is paint some clean, well-sculpted figures that will do for Napoleon at War. French will do. Spanish and European campaigns 1805 through 1812 I guess.
I think the realities of logistics and supply worked against having any but fresh conscript units very uniform. I always have preferred campaigners - faded, torn, mismatched even. Nothing lasts in the muck.
So with that in mind, and in the absence of comparative photographs, which ones to buy?
Pete

[Aart Brouwer]

What I want to do is paint some clean, well-sculpted figures that will do for Napoleon at War. French will do. Spanish and European campaigns 1805 through 1812 I guess.

The problem there is that French line infantry exchanged the bicorne for the shako in the second half of 1806, by the end of the Prussian campaign. By that time light French troops already wore the shako for several years. You can make your line infantry models look as worn, torn and varied as you want (I'd be all for it, I also prefer the "campaign look") but the bicorne would stand out like a sore thumb after 1806, as would the shako before 1806.

Trying to paint correct Nappies is a notorious minefield. If I were you, I think I would say: f*ck it, I'll give them all shakos!  

Cheers,
Aart

[Leon]

Away from uniform differences, the new 1809 range was started as our previous ranges were either too old (Peninsular French) or incomplete (1812 range).  Once we have covered 1809 French and Austrians, we will expand outwards to cover the entire period, but obviously that will take a bit of time!

If you're wanting to get into Naps now, I'd start with the new French and Austrians, and then you'll be able to switch it up as we bring out more figures.

[rangerdad]

Small uniform detail changes were something that made me crazy when I was doing 25mm. I was hoping that 10mm would allow me to escape from that level of detail

At 25mm you really have to get the detail right and individual figures can be stunning, but in 10mm (although the smallest details can be painted if you wish) the emphasis is surely more on the overall look of massed figures...... thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it 

[Hertsblue]

There are two issues here: a) actual historical changes to French uniforms, and b) how compatible the old and new Pendraken ranges are.

In the first case I would mix the styles together. The bicorn did not magically vanish at midnight on 31st December 1808 and a few here and there in a unit of shakos would give an authentic "campaign" feel; likewise long-tailed and short-tailed coatees (not to mention the odd greatcoat).

In the second case I would follow Leon's advice and choose exclusively from the new range. It's axiomatic that new figures are bigger/better sculpted than the ones they replace - otherwise why replace the old ones? Judging by the photos we've been shown the new range is particularly fine.

Finally, go large. 10 mils are all about mass. Twenty-eight mils are about displaying uniforms; tens are about displaying formations.

[nikharwood]

There are two issues here: a) actual historical changes to French uniforms, and b) how compatible the old and new Pendraken ranges are.

In the first case I would mix the styles together. The bicorn did not magically vanish at midnight on 31st December 1808 and a few here and there in a unit of shakos would give an authentic "campaign" feel; likewise long-tailed and short-tailed coatees (not to mention the odd greatcoat).

In the second case I would follow Leon's advice and choose exclusively from the new range. It's axiomatic that new figures are bigger/better sculpted than the ones they replace - otherwise why replace the old ones? Judging by the photos we've been shown the new range is particularly fine.

Finally, go large. 10 mils are all about mass. Twenty-eight mils are about displaying uniforms; tens are about displaying formations.

Hear, hear...wot Ray sed 

[mollinary]

Guys,  not sure I entirely agree. Appreciate it is all a matter of taste, but for me, 10mm gives the word "compromise" it's most attractive aspect.  They do mass brilliantly - they sit In the terrain, not on it - but In the hands  of class sculptors they also provide great detail and animation, crying out for a good paint job.   Something for everyone!

Mollinary

[pikeman]

Thanks for a bunch of great replies guys!
I appreciate all this good advice and will proceed.
Pete