Canister vs Bavarian VII Corps at Biburg 1809

[Bessiere]

I made a small diorama of Bavarian infantry advancing while the Austrians release a final blast of canister before fleeing Biburg during the 1809 campaign in Germany. The bravery required to march in to the mouths of waiting cannon is incredible. This was my tribute to that as well as to the last soldier to resist the oncoming hordes by touching off a final round.
The pictures are not what I wanted nor the internal lighting inside the cannon smoke, The lights only show if the rest of the scene is too dark. It was a real job running the wires through the cannon barrel! Figures are Strelets and HaT with a few conversions of Spiera civil war figures. This may be the last flag I ever paint by hand but probably what I'm proudest of.
Austrians under Bianchi flee the advancing Bavarians under LeFebvre and Wrede. Wounded soldier is converted from Spiera ACW.


Bavarians of VII Corps take a punishing canister round. Want punishment? Paint a Bavarian flag.

The Austrian Jaegers leaving the scene. You can barely see the colors of the lights inside the smoke. I was inspired to visualize the impact of canister on line infantry and only recently saw it represented in movie form in the Russian movie Union of Salvation where the rebelling guard infantry were mowed down during the Decembrist uprising in 1825. All Russian dialogue but great acting and authentic uniforms. There is also a failed charge by Palace Dragoons that is superb. I would like to thank our own Mr Dodson for the inspiration to even attempt this.

[stephane42]

Wonderfull diorama !! Great realisation !

[Michael Robert]

Hi Bessière
Hand painted flags are always a challenge. Me too, I adore this challenge, but rarely reach a good level. You did!
A very good dio and the light effect is visible and contributes as well. With all the high standard set on the forum it is not always easy to be satisfied, but I certainly like yours
Michael

[C M Dodson]

Hello Mr B.

A very nice composition with well painted troops and an excellent flag.

The canister idea I remember you discussing some time ago.

The last picture illustrates the flash well in my opinion.

The smoke might have been a case of less is more but it’s always a tricky one to get right.

I have been playing with explosions and the balance is hard to find.

Well done.

Best wishes,
Chris

[Bessiere]

Thank you very much; everyone. Chris, I need to look at how you detail explosions for guidance. This is all lateral movement though; I was thinking thin clear graphite rods I could tint and glue bits of cotton coming through a figure or 2 and bouncing off the ground. It's a very graphic subject yet I found myself reluctant to show more than a guy losing a hand, a dead horse and some largish holes in a few figures. Missing heads might be too much despite it happening in reality.

As for the lights there's either 4 or 6 inside a plastic bottle I glued cotton on bit by bit. The inside of the bottle has glazes for color. It was tricky hiding the wires and getting them through the bottom to a switch. I did this over a year ago but didn't feel it finished. So I snapped a few fast pics and called it a day (for now). I have some lovely Bavarian landscape I wanted to use for background too. If it weren't for those annoying Strelets bayonettes I would probably build a base, a plexi cover and fix the lighting to suit. Funny how a single detail can take the wind out of your sails. If I scrap it I get a battalion of Bavarians for gaming so whatever it's fate I'm good with it.

[Bessiere]

Usually I agree with less is more but I did a lot of study trying to find what size and shape the cloud would be at with the shot at around 50 yards out. No wonder they couldn't see the enemy after a couple of rounds.

[Patrick71]

A very beautiful diorama!
The lights inside the smoke are very visible in the picture taken from behind the gun.
That flag is very well done and I especially like the way you did the bavarians being hit by the canister (thorn clothes and so). I' ve seen that scene in Union of Salvation too, where the infantry is litterally blown away by the canister. I cannot recollect to have seen any other movie scene in which this horror of being it by canister was portrayed so realistically.
thank you for sharing
Patrick

[Bill Slavin]

Bessiere,
That’s a really nice dio and the flag is mind-blowingly well done. I think the smoke works really well and the lights you rigged are clearly visible. Congratulations to going to such lengths to make it all work!
Yes, I can see Mr. Dodson’s inspiration, as he inspires us all.

[Bessiere]

Thanks Bill, you're very kind. You are also a major part of my inspiration; your dedication to the hobby and unique painting style that seems to come so easily for you. Your figures really pop with rich natural color. You can learn a lot doing a flag especially with crazy patterns and lots of heraldic elements. Add in curves flowing from a billowing flag and I had to resort to drawing it first.

[Bessiere]

Thank you Patrick. After watching Union of Salvation you understand the effects of shot on formed troops. It's as if it were too horrendous to portray in graphic form, even in paintings. I wonder too how many casualties were caused by canister vs round shot? Canister was fired from 500 yards to up close which seems to me the primary killing ground.

[MABO]

Impressive scenario of the cruel reality of war. Painting is perfect and I am impressed as well looking at the flag. The Strelets Bavarians are a great addition to the 1/72 scale.

[Bessiere]

Thanks Mabo. If it weren't for the bayonets I'd be 100% happy with the new Strelets Bavarians. Agreed they are a great addition to our favorite scale but I do find the HaT sets easier to paint being better defined and with less flash. How could anyone not love a Raupenhelm?

[Iceman1964]

The hand-made flag is simply perfect, maximum respect Bessiere !!!!
for the cloud I like the effect from the rear picture.
I admire your work because I tried in two dioramas the cloud effect (for a gatling fire and for the ground explosion of a shot) and the results were very poor compared to what I had in mind.

[Bessiere]

Thank you Iceman. Explosions and action is perhaps the hardest thing to create in static form. We have several masters among our membership who I constantly refer to for tips. Bennos has been the most gracious, polite, encouraging and educating forum I've experienced. This is also my major source for inspiration so it an essential for this hobby. The fact it is based on 1/72 scale work is a fortunate coincidence I chose to work exclusively in. Thanks for the compliments on the flag. I could refine it further and even considered doing custom hand painted flags. I don't know if there's a demand for that but special units deserve the fullest treatment you can give them. Cheers, Bessiere

[Peter]

I would love to see much more pictures of this beautifull work! Please David!

[Rich W]

I can only agree with everyone else here, a really nice little scene with lots to take in and enjoy.

[Santi Pérez]

I made a small diorama of Bavarian infantry advancing while the Austrians release a final blast of canister before fleeing...

Do you consider this one a "small diorama", Bessiere? Then, what is a big diorama for you?

Wonderful painted figures and nice terrain. Great job!

Santi.

[Bessiere]

Thank you Santi. Capt. Sibournes Waterloo in 20mm is my idea of large. I'm painting 400 French Cuirassiers so this seems kinda small in comparison though it's the only one I've ever done so I have nothing of my own to judge by. I think I will rework it; I could do better casualty figures and the lighting inside the smoke needs to be brighter. I have noticed dust is an issue as it collects very fast. If I build a base would you know what most folks do the make a clear top?

I do have a small diorama planned of a 16lb coastal defense cannon and crew. I just need to make the wall section as the figures are already painted (those lovely Spiera Paris guard). Not sure about the embrasure shape though.

[k.b.]

Astonished with the amount of research that you have put into the impact canister and round shot must have had on opposing ranks during a battle! Indeed a highly fascinating subject and I’d imagine that speculation and creativity will be forced to play a large part in you depicting what really must have been a terrifying and horrific sight to witness in real life. I, like yourself, would definitely have to limit how gruesomely I depicted such a scene. I have no doubt in saying that on many a battlefield the smoke/fog of war must have been so dense that scores or even hundreds of troops would surely have been killed by friendly fire, be that artillery or musket fire.
However, back to your amazing storytelling Bessiere. I envy your ability to get through the painting up of hundreds if not thousands of figures as indeed others here on Bennos such as Chris and Bill do. Of course, that’s the magic of our hobby - we all have our own takes on this most magical of pastime.
I can’t wait to see the 400 Cuirassier project that you mention. That will undoubtedly be a fantastic sight to behold.

[tullo]