How many Napoleonics needed for Display (1 Viewer)

[Old Guard]

In another thread Wellington brought up the good point of how many Napoleonic soldiers does it take to do a regimental display. I personally have the same question since at this time my Napoleonic collection consists of 1 soldier each of NA1 through NA24. In the near future I will be filling these regiments out with some multiple soldier purchases. Before I make these purchases though it would be good to have an idea of how many soldiers I need and which ones. So to my mind there our 4 basic formations you can put your brave troops in:

1. Skirmish
2. Line
3. Column Attack
4. Square

For those of you with larger Napoleonic collections can you give us beginners an idea of how many troops are needed for each formation and which ones work best? The more details the better and of course if you have pictures to post that would be fantastic. I thank you all in advance for your generous help.

Viva la Emperor
Old Guard

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

A few of you were asking “how many is many when it comes to Napoleonics?”

Here’s my tuppence worth.

In toy soldier terms an ideal regiment should (or could) comprise a Grenadier Company (at least 14–20) plus at least 2 (or 3) line companies of about the same strength. I.E. 42 men minimum to a possible maximum of 80 (if your pocket allows for it). That’s basic infantrymen you should also have 2 x standard bearers (Regimental and Battalion) plus 3–4 Assault Pioneers, 3–4 officers (inc. 1 x mounted) and 3–4 drummers/buglers.

It goes without saying, of course, that, if possible, they should all be K&C!!!

On other Napoleonic points – I love the variation of nationalities and uniforms. However before I go off in too many other directions I need to do some more French & British – especially in 2006, British Cavalry and Artillery.

The possibilities of Napoleonic variations both in uniform and nationalities is literally endless.

Don’t worry though we’ll get there – it may take more than one lifetime but hope springs eternal!

Regards to one and all.







Andy C. Neilson

 

[wellington]

Thanks for the reply Andy..wow..I feel broke already. I guess that is the target to shoot for. I have limited space and money, currently I have approx. 12 per unit some doubles etc. I dont have multiple units of lets say the 71st just the 12 in a group against 12 of a French unit. There are sooo many other new K and C coming out that I'm trying to collect those. I have to admit I have put in an early order for two French artillery and crew so they can compliment each other.

Andy, just wondered if you may do any more artillery in the future, buildings or dead guys in the napoleonics...I also agree with Andy's statement just K and C!!!

Cheers
Wellington

 

[sceic2]

I just got started with the Napoleonic Series and I have drawn-up a plan for my first grouping. I usually copy the photographs from the K&C web site and make a photographic representation of the grouping. So on my MS Word I have a conceptual photo-line-up of the idea to get an impression of what it would look like.

The British 71st Highlanders will be opposed by a group of Charging Dragoons and the new French Artillery set. I either have or have ordered all the mounted French and the Artillery set; I do not have any British yet. I calculate (without the French) the British 71st will run about $2,100 to $2,400. This is just a dream now, but when I purchased my first K&C piece I had a dream then too. The number preceeding the K&C stock number is the total in that particular rank.

<REAR AREA>

10-NA32 Marching Infantry
10-NA32 Marching Infantry
10-NA30 Pioneers
<spacing between units>

10-NA31 Charging Infantry
10-NA31 Charging Infantry
NA10 Mounted Officer
<spacing between units>

5-NA08 Bag Pipers
10 NA05 Standing Loading
5-NA01 Standing Ready and 5-NA11 Standing Ready No Hat
10-NA03 Standing Firing
10-NA06 Kneeling Ready
5-NA02 Kneeling to Repel and 5-NA12 Wounded Kneeling to Repel
10-NA04 Kneeling Firing
Off to the side of this group – NA09 Officer with Flag and NA07 Fighting Sergeant

<THE FRONT>

 

[Old Guard]

Thanks Andy for your tuppence worth. The display you describe would be bloody marvelous and is a worthy goal to shoot for. I can see it all now in my minds eye, now I need to see how to get the money. I hear kidneys are going for a good price on the black market.

Certainly Andy you have my best wishes in getting all the Napoleonic Regiments and uniform variations done. As you say it may take more then one lifetime but I am sure that your grandchildren will still be producing them and my grandchildren will still be buying them. I tried to get my wife to agree to having our daughter’s middle name be Davout, but she seemed to think that naming her after my mother would be a better idea. Isabella Carol Pulley it is. A smart man chooses his battles wisely.

Part of my problem is I need to nail down exactly what sort of diorama I want to do. Do I want my Voltigeurs out skirmishing or in line helping to hold off the British attack? It will be a touch decision. I can see that Sceic2 idea of having a drawn up plan beforehand will be a necessity. Thanks for the details Sceic2 on your display. Your methodology gives me a good starting point.

On a side note for those interested in books on Napoleonic Uniforms I just purchased Napoleon’s Last Grand Armee from Military History Press. I thoroughly love this book. It has 148 color plates of uniforms done during the 1813 armistice by two German artists. Take a look if your interested at www.militaryhistorypress.com .

Viva la Emperor,
Old Guard

 

[sceic2]

How many men are usually in the each of the ranks in a British unit opposing a French unit? I am only guessing at 10 but I really do not know. Some advice from other Napoleonic collectors would sure help? Thanks in advance. Oh, I know we all use our user id's to identify each other on this forum, but, my name is Michael.