1st and 4th French Dragoons

[Bill Slavin]

As I mentioned in my previous post, my purpose in converting figures to elite French Dragoons was in order to make up for a shortfall of figures in creating two new regiments, the 1st and 4th. Together with the 2nd, 9th, 14th and 26th these would allow me to have the six regiments needed for the Talavera scenario!
Here are the results with the new elite stands included. The 1st and 4th incorporated some Zvezda figures, as I wasn't able to get my hands on the Italeri Dragoons. The Zvezda figures are in a later uniform, wearing the Bardin coat, so they needed a bit of work on the coat tails and lapels. I also converted a couple of the Zvezda to trumpeters.
More pics and information here, https://tinywarsplayedindoors.blogspot.com/2022/02/1st-and-4th-french-dragoons.html if you are interested, but I think I'm finally done with French Dragoons now for a while!

[k.b.]

Terrific movement in your units Bill. Love your choice of figures and combinations. Plus the fact you’ve addressed the defect that for me has always let cavalry figures down in 1/72, 28mm and 18mm scales, that being the reins never fit into the rider’s hands. I’ve never had the courage/patience to tackle this aspect of cavalry figures. Congratulations. You’ve done it. Tremendous inspiration for me to get back to basing up my own dragoons. One of my favourite figures in the Italeri box is most definitely the dragoon with the carbine in his right hand. I don’t think he fits in particularly well with these charging figures but that’s the terrible nitpicking side of me speaking. Instead I see him on a walking/standing steed but the problem with that is the windswept horsehair in his helmet. Nevertheless, your work is absolutely awe inspiring on so many fronts. Your units remind me of those of one of the most inspirational figure designers/painters from my youth … the late great Peter Gilder!

[Minuteman]

Very impressive indeed!! These Italeri/Zvezda dragoons are fine sculpts, and you have modified figures where required (eg: the elites) to create a great spectacle of these French Napoleonic cavalrymen in 'full charge'. Great work!

[Bill Slavin]

Plus the fact you’ve addressed the defect that for me has always let cavalry figures down in 1/72, 28mm and 18mm scales, that being the reins never fit into the rider’s hands. I’ve never had the courage/patience to tackle this aspect of cavalry figures. Congratulations. You’ve done it.

Thanks, K.B., for the kind words. I think the credit for the reins goes to the sculptor, however, in this case probably whoever did the Zvezda figures (commander and banner). The horse and rider fit seamlessly!

[Patrick71]

An impressive lot of dragoons.
Very nice converting and sculpting. It shows ones dedication to the hobby.
I can imagine you have had it now with painting all those dragoons and are longing for something different now. I'm curious to see what is next.
BTW: I like you diorama too.

Thanks for hearing
Patrick

[Peter]

Excellent painted cavalry Bill! Very impressive to see a great bunch of riders!

[Bessiere]

Gorgeous and a big commitment to paint so much and do so many conversions all of which look superb. The true workhorses of the French army get their due!

[Gen. Freire Andrade]

The figures are looking superb!!
The amount and quality of the figures is impressive.
I really like the green jackets can I trouble you for the used paints?
Cordially Miguel

[Bill Slavin]

The figures are looking superb!!
The amount and quality of the figures is impressive.
I really like the green jackets can I trouble you for the used paints?
Cordially Miguel

Hi Miguel,
Thanks! The base colour is Vallejo Luftwaffe Cam Green 70.823 and the highlights the same mixed with some Golden Olive 70.857. Hope that helps.

Bill

[MABO]

All your dragoons together are an impressive force. Thanks for this parade. II am following the next steps with great interest.

[Marvin]

First class figures getting some first rate painting! Italeri's old French Dragoons were and still are terrific figures and - of course I've got to mention them - wonderful horse work here, Bill!

[Rich W]

Great stuff as always Bill. Those Italeri Dragoons were some of my favourites growing up.