Next up - Line Lancers

I recently received a few DK French Line Lancers from RG and now have enough figures for a 6 figure squadron. The unit will consist of 4 original Hinton Hunt figures (FN 118) and 2 Der Kreigspieler figures (DK 38).

The figure on the left is an original Hinton Hunt figure and as you can see the DK copy on the right has a shorter lance and is shorter in statue. 

As can be seen the DK figure is not only shorter but thinner than the original Hinton Hunt figure. There is not a lot you can do make the figure fatter but there is something you can do about the height.

My experience of DK figures is that they have thin bases particularly when compared to Hinton Hunt.  My solution is to add some Milliput under the base to add that extra little height.

The DK figure is now a closer match, height wise, with the better fed Hinton Hunt figure. I am hoping that once painted and based the figures will blend together.

Napoleonique and Der Kreigspielers

I have a copy of the 1992 version of these classic Napoleonique rules since the mid 90s.  I pulled my copy of the shelves this afternoon for a browse.

The original rules were published in 1971 and were available from Der Kreigspielers. They cost $3.  The rules were written by Jim Getz and are seen by many as a turning point in game design. I meet Jim at Historicon in 2002 and spent a couple hours listening to him giving a talk on game design. 

There are a few pictures in the rules which look to be mostly Der Kreigspieler figures.  Der Kreigspieler were owned by Duke Seifried and were, let's face it, copies of Marcus Hinton figures. They did however add a few figures to the range. The 'Duke' and Jim were lifelong friends.

Massed French Infantry advancing. The artillery at the back look to be Mini Figs

French Engineers consult a map to make sure that they are at the right farm before they knock down the door.

I have 4 units of Der Kreigspeliers  Prussians in my painting pile. Amongst them is a unit of Von Lutzowers.

Der Kreigspieler figures came in blister unit packs of 24 figures. I am not sure when blister packs first started becoming popular in the UK but it must have been well into the 90s. 

DK figures are smaller than HH as they are copies of figures rather than originals. They do however mix well on the tabletop. 

The Hinton Hunt moulds are understood to be owned by someone in Canada and are going to be well worn. I wonder what happened to the DK ones ?

Der Kreigspielers Catalogue

I came across this 1973 Der Kreigspielers Napoleonic Catalogue.  There are some interesting photographs which may help with identifying figures.

This catalogue and other useful information can be found here.

http://www.vintagewargamingfigures.info

The Prussians are in the woods!

Over years the I have had various Napoleonic wargame armies in different scales. I have collected most of the major, and many minor, nationalities. However I have never had a Prussian army. When I started my classic Napoleonic last year I decided that I was going to do some Prussians. 

I have so far managed to get 2 units of Hinton Hunt original cavalry units and  a recast Blucher. Today the postman delivered a small parcel and to my delight I now have some Prussian Infantry. 

These figures are part of trade with Tony S who is getting my Garrison French in exchange. Part of the fun of collecting classic Napoleonics is the searching and buying figures and exchanging figures with other gamers. 

I now have 3 Infantry units in my painting pile,  First up is s unit of DK Line Infantry including a standard bearer.

I had originally got in contact with Tony via a post on Matt's blog regarding sone DK Lutzowers. Tony had included this unit in the trade and he has added a couple of Prussian command figures. I am very pleased with this unit and it will go with my Lutzow Lancers.

And last but not least a unit of DK Jagers with Officer and Hornist figures.

I now have quiet a queue of classic figures to paint. I have decided I need to sit down and have a painting plan.  My first objective is to finish the French 5th Line by the end of January.