The Battle for Hougoumont, Waterloo, June 18th, 1815 (1 Viewer)

[Warrior]

Well, this one has been in the works for over 40 years; basically, ever since I saw the Hougoumont images in the iconic "Waterloo" book as a youth.

Been planning it and laying it out for months, I've gotten it to where I want it to be, so here goes.

Around 11:30AM, Reille's 6th division, led by Jerome Bonaparte, began the assault on Hougoumont. Hanovarian and Nassau troops held the woods and retreated back to the chateau as the French drove their attack forward.

Emerging from the woods, the flung themselves towards the south gate..............

 

[Warrior]

Unable to breach the south gate, the French worked their way around to the north gate and a handful of their light infantry managed to work their way inside of the chateau, only to be cut down by the British defenders.

 

[Warrior]

The French sent more and more troops into the struggle for the chateau, but were unable to take the complex as the British forces and their allies held throughout the battle.

I really, really enjoyed this one; as I said, this has been a dream of mine for a long time and as the saying goes, it's nice to turn a dream into reality................

 

[mikemiller1955]

that's epic George...

love those monstrous dioramas...

I know it took you a bit to set it up...

but it's pure eye candy for collectors...

 

[Warrior]

that's epic George...

love those monstrous dioramas...

I know it took you a bit to set it up...

but it's pure eye candy for collectors...

Thanks Mike, glad you like it. Yes, it was a raftload of work, I am very pleased with the way it came out, a few inaccuracies in it, but I can live with it..................

 

[ivanmoe]

Given the terrain and situation, I don't see this attack working out for the French. What do they have to roll in order to prevail?:wink2: Awesome display, BTW.

-Moe

 

[Warrior]

Given the terrain and situation, I don't see this attack working out for the French. What do they have to roll in order to prevail?:wink2: Awesome display, BTW.

-Moe

True, just like in real life, it was a failure...............glad you like it Moe, thanks for the feedback.................

 

[sapper]

Spectacular diorama, it's hard to beat a large napoleonic scene for grandeur. The setting up would have been a large undertaking and you have placed the figures to perfection. The Hougoumont complex looks great as well.Well done Sir and thanks for showing. Regards Greg.

 

[Warrior]

Spectacular diorama, it's hard to beat a large napoleonic scene for grandeur. The setting up would have been a large undertaking and you have placed the figures to perfection. The Hougoumont complex looks great as well.Well done Sir and thanks for showing. Regards Greg.

Thanks very much Greg, I appreciate your comments and your feedback.

Agreed, Napoleonics lend themselves to grandeur, that is for sure.

I did a lot of research on this one, there are a few things I took liberties with; for example, the French cavalry, which was not present and the battery facing the chateau, which was also not present, but it is what it is.

Also, I had questions as to where the Hanoverians and Nassau troops ended up once they retreated into the complex from the woods; different accounts had them at or near the formal garden, others had them at the east gate area, so there you go..........................

 

[amhuff1]

George
Amazing display. The buildings are fantastic.

Regards
Andy

 

[Warrior]

George
Amazing display. The buildings are fantastic.

Regards
Andy

Thanks Andy, I appreciate the feedback, glad you like it...........

 

[villagehorse]

Same dream to complete the Hougoumont complex, half way there to date. Your work is inspirational and motivates me to continue the quest. Excellent dio, a labour of love.:salute::, Robin.

 

[Warrior]

Same dream to complete the Hougoumont complex, half way there to date. Your work is inspirational and motivates me to continue the quest. Excellent dio, a labour of love.:salute::, Robin.

Robin, thanks for the feedback, I knew you'd appreciate this diorama and I hope John makes the remaining components for you so you can complete your model as well.

Such an iconic chateau, Hougoumont, La Haye Sainte and Papelotte are the the jewels of the Waterloo battlefield, I've got two of them................

 

[Napoleontimo]

Hi Warrior,

this is a fantastic work! I love your hougoumont diorama! WELL DONE!!!

Best regards

Timo

 

[TomNT]

Epic is the appropriate word as Mike said in describing your awesome diorama George. Thanks for posting the pic's.

Tom

 

[Horus]

Brilliant dio so much detail to take in. Now back to your photos to absorb some more !:salute::

 

[villagehorse]

George I have been studying the surrounds of the complex, the layout of walls, gardens, foilage, tracks etc is amazing. Coupled with the extensive amount of troops, you have cornered the market in the entire world for this iconic battle scene. Just terrific. Have copied the photo's for reference in the future. Robin.

 

[wayne556517]

Absolutely brilliant mate well done on fulfilling a forty year dream,it looks like it was worth the wait mate well done.

 

[farmertony]

George,talk about a terrific diorama on a grand scale!The buildings alone are breathtaking,let alone the figures.Outstanding effort! Well done that man;

 

[Ragnar]

George..thats about as good as it gets for a Hougoumont Diorama, complete with the gardens and woods WOW!
The Hougoumont model Hovals?....or another make?..........Anyway it was a real treat viewing these pics.
I salute you :salute::