paints for 1870 Prussian uniforms

[Sunray]

As a 20th Century gamer, my experience in uniforms has been a little on the 'drab' side.  What water based colours do you experts recommend for 10mm ;-

1. Prussian infantry

2. Dragoons

3. Hussars


Sunray out

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Okay:
Infantry& Artillery:
Jackets: Coat d'Arms Deadly Nightshade (same colour for French), black wash, Deadly Nightshade highlights - works wonders. White the red piping, shoulder straps depend on Corp (see the Osprey books, lots of units changed Corps in 1870, but retained their original straps).
Trousers: Dark grey (I use Revell acrylics), black wash, dark grey highlights. Red piping (Reeves) down the outside
Packs: Untreated 'Natural' leather, I use Vallejo flat brown with sepia wash or white with a black wash.
Straps: You can't see due to clever sculpts - Black (Reeves) for grenadier and line regts, white (Reeves) for fusiliers.
Helmets- Black with Humbrol Acrylic brass spikes and facing, black and white rosette on the right-hand side of the helmet (so tiny, but it's sculpted on)
Rifle - Flat brown, brown wash, Humbrol steel, black wash.
Watch for the beards!

Dragoons (Prussian):
Dark grey trousers and coats (bundled up behind the rider)
Jackets and Sabretaches (saddle blankets): Reeves cerulean blue (should be sky blue, but a shade lighter stands out more) black wash, highlight. http://www.roomno9.co.uk/reeves-acrylic-paint-400-ml-cerulean-blue-hue.ir?cName=art-materials-reeves-reeves-acrylic-paint-400ml -Thats my local coffee house, women's nice stuff and art supplies shop!
Straps white, cartridge box black, sword steel with brass hilt!

Hussars - which unit? They all wore different colours...

[Sunray]

Many thanks for this detailed reply. My Osprey book is in post from Amazon, but I fancy the red tunic Hussar. To be totally transparent, its for a Prisioner of Zendademo game, and in this scenario, the 'baddies' are backed up by a Prussian force.

Sunray out

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

My red is Reeves, and too transparent!
I'd like to see that scenario, sounds cool!

[Bernie]

Yep I would agree with earlier comment about going slightly lighter than historical colours as it helps tham stand out a bit more once varnished and viewed from any sort of distance

[mollinary]

I agree with Mad Lemmey on just about everything, apart from the infantry straps. First, I can see them on some sculpts (the model 1860 helmet on guard figure, for example).  Second, my sources give grenadier and line regiments first and second battalions white straps, and their third battalions, together with all three battalions of fusilier regiments, black. A largely pointless distinction by this period, but there you go!

All the best,

Mollinary

[Hertsblue]

........ my sources give grenadier and line regiments first and second battalions white straps, and their third battalions, together with all three battalions of fusilier regiments, black. A largely pointless distinction by this period, but there you go!

All the best,

Mollinary

Yes, the third battalion was supposed to be the "fusilier" battalion - hence the back webbing. Historically, the first two battalions were "musketeers".

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

I agree, good point chaps! Sorry.
The point about the straps is that is that the way the figures are sculpted on the 1870 standard infantry, the rifles and arms cover the straps, so you don't need to worry about it!  
Bonus marks to whom-so-ever sculpted that one!  
Not got to my guards yet, that's for after I finish French VI Corps, then I get onto 1860 sculpts for the Hessians , that's for after I finish French VI Corps, then I get onto the Hessians (which finishes the Prussian forces for Mars-La-Tours, and starts the western flank of Saint Privat). 

[Sunray]

Ok experts, I am impressed.  Now two more questions; First, Solka's German Armies 1870-71(0sprey, 2004) arrived today. P.9 describes the General Officers' uniforms as dark blue, yet the colours on plate A depicting Von Moltke and Wilhelm would appear to be a dark grey-green.   Is it a case of printer's ink, or were these uniforms this shade of green ?

Second, which figure do you use for dismounted dragoons ?  With addition of a cross belt and rifle cut to M1857 carbine, I was thinking of  PPW30 as a potential conversion that would pass muster in 10mm.

Sunray out  

[Hertsblue]

Not having seen the illustrations it's difficult to comment, except that both Moltke and Wilhelm were probably honorary colonels of several regiments and might be wearing the undress uniform of one or the other. Having said that, grey-green "feldgrau" wasn't adopted by the German army until 1910, I believe.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

I'd use PPW30 until the dismounted dragoons mooted a while back arrive...
As to the officers: Yes!
On campaign, Prussian infantry generals wore dark grey (very very very dark grey), cavalry officers wore dark blue or their home unit's colours, see paragraph 3 of 'General Officers', page 9 of that you described, hence Bismark in reserve Cuirassiers uniform and the Crown Prince as a Red Hussar (see descriptions page 45).

[Sunray]

Many thanks - I can  put off the trip to Speck-savers. Dark shades of gray are a nightmare for a printer.  I have say the book  is a good reference tool. 
Yes, Leon....a few dismounted dragoons would go well.    A lot cheaper to craft than my usual 20th Century demand for tanks !

I have just about finished the Faller Wasserburg Castle which will be the Castle of Zenda. A few tweaks to bring it up from N gauge to 10mm, (like higher walls and wider bridge) , but must say it - with its moat and turret - it fits the bill.  Now I have to scratch a ruin as such fine Gothic architecture tends to attract the artillery.  Quite fancy a few siege guns - they look really crisp castings- and I saw a photo of a Strasburg enplacement I would like to build.

The shift to 19th century - in an age of transition - is very interesting.  I think I will get a better game if I keep the era black powder - although the film/book could be set later - like 1890s.

Thanks again for forum help and advice

Sunray out.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

BTW - glad it was the Prussians you were asking about; the French Imperial book from the Osprey range is full of errors!