Perrys Retreat from Moscow characters

 I painted these chaps up for a bit of fun, there now on eBay

 All proceeds go towards my growing Peninsular collection ;o)

Napoleonic Austrian artillery commander

   Josef, Freiherr Von Smola, Austria's greatest artillery commander during the Napoleonic wars. Smola was in the forefront of aggressive use of cavalry batteries. Widely recognised for his ability to inspire men to extraordinary eforts.
   in 1787 he graduated from bombardier school as the star pupil. He was then awarded the rank of Oberleutnant and became an instructor. After having fought in the Turkish war he went to the Netherlands as a battery commander in the First Coalition war. 1793, when serving in the advance guard. Smola's battery plus two 3pdrs blocked Miranda's French division for several hours. Eventually forced to fall back, Smola added ten 12pdrs, two 3pdrs and two howitzers to his command, this fire power managed to put the French to flight. His horse battery then joined the counter attack. His decisive actions earned him the Maria Theresia Order.
   In 1809 Smola was artillery director in III korps, distinguishing himself around Regensberg, for which he was promoted to Oberst. As interim HQ Artillery Director, he directed the guns which broke the French assaults at Aspern, before establishing a 192 gun battery which pounded the enemy positions in the closing phase of the battle. Smola also led the artillery at Wagram. 
   In 1813 he was promoted to GeneralMajor and appointed to artillery director in Italy.
   In 1815 he fought in Franc and was promoted to Feldmarschalleutnant and ennobled to Freiharr Von Smola.  


Not a bad career for a gunner. The Austrian command always seems to get a bad rep in our wargames. This chap goes to show that there was some good ones out there in the mud. So I hope I have done him justice.

It's to hot to paint!!

Well we haven't had a 'proper' summer here in the UK for what seems like YEARS.
This is obviously a good thing, the only downside is its WAY TO HOT TO PAINT!
The paint dries to quick, the sunshine beckons you outside and my youngest has fallen asleep at my desk.
So my solution is, get up early and paint before it gets to hot. Then have a siesta on the patio for a good few hours and enjoy the weather while it lasts. Then as the sun begins to fall its back to the desk!

Napoleonic Austrian caisson Ebay plug

just a quick bit of self promotion this afternoon.

This fine little vignette has found his way on to ebay, as i am now concentrating on the Peninsular for my Nap gaming
ebay link

happy bidding, knowing all the proceeds will be recycled back in to the lead mountain for my British light division. 

Llywelyn the Last

 

 Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf ("Llywelyn, Our Last Leader")
(c. 1223 – 11 December 1282) was the last prince of an independent Wales before its conquest by Edward I

I painted this noble chap for Dan Mersey to use whilst playtesting the medieval rules he is working on. These look like they will be great fun and i am eagerly awaiting there release.