Waterloo and Plancenoit Diorama (4 Viewers)

[Mike97]

Wow, it’s so much fun following this thread-and your ‘thatch’ pictures are inspirational

 

[jason foote]

This is going to be epic, please continue to keep us updated with pics of the developing concept

 

[Mastercom10]

Here is the next update to the Plancenoit diorama, just like in the TV show Project Runway, "one day you're in and the next day you're out" spent most of the past week editing the diorama content which resulted in a number of the figures removed for various reasons. The current content will feature WB Imperial Guard Grenadiers. I also continued with the location being on the outskirts of Plancenoit. The location included a farm building which is a conversion of the WB Hougoumont facade into a complete farm building with a thatched roof. I decided to use a thatched roof rather than tile as it was an older outbuilding on the outskirts of town (artistic license). I have attached images of the building of the thatched roof using balsa wood, deconstructed paint brushes and embroidery thread. I took the brushes apart and salvaged the glued together bristles as thatch bundles. I used ultra-thin double-sided tape to attach the bristles to the balsa wood. I layered the bristle bunches to the roof line than added a binder made of thread on the top row in a geometric pattern showing signs of becoming loose due to the damage to the other side of the roof. To anchor the bristles, used clear Elmers Glue on the rows to insure they would stay in place. The bristles were then covered in a dark wash, then black/brown weathering pastel powder for aging with a dusting of green turf as moss on the lower part of the roof. Once complete, the roof was then coated in a glossy clear sealant to give it a wet look. I am still working on the partially destroyed side of the barn.

I also have 2 questions based the research so far on the action around Plancenoit and Waterloo in general.

1. In the research that I have done, the battalion of Old Guard Grenadiers sent to Plancenoit came from the 2nd Regiment which is very consistent. Where I get different opinions is on which battalion. I have seen reference to the 1st as well as the 2nd battalion, based on the research so far, I have concluded that it was the 2nd battalion. Is this correct?
2. I have seen a number of references to the wearing of overcoats by French combatants from secondary sources. I have not found any primary sources to support the wearing of overcoats in combat for the French army. I am not surprised as it does not seem to be a practical primary uniform option based on both accessibility and practicality for the month of June in Belgium for an invading fast moving Napoleonic French army with veteran soldiers (especially the Imperial Old Guard). I am looking for contemporary to the battle original source documents such as actual battle reports, battle uniform usage (payroll), soldier burial references and so on. Does anyone know where the overcoat reference come from?

Appreciate all the help. Let me know what you thin or if you have any questions. Thx Chris

Chris,

First of all, congratulations on your homemade scenics, they promise to be very successful.
As for me, I don't think I have the dexterity to make such scenics, so I'm asking a professional to do it for me according to my plans and instructions.
Regarding your two questions:
-1) Indeed, in the documentation on this subject, there seems to be some confusion between the first and second battalion.
Based on the most "reliable" and recent books consulted, I also deduce that it is the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Grenadier Regiment of the Old Guard.
- 2) In almost every book I've consulted, it says that the grenadiers of the Old Guard at Waterloo wore: : bearskin bonnet without ornaments and greatcoat (see attached photos).
About the greatcoat, I am convinced I read in a book that it was an order given by Napoleon himself at Waterloo.
It would seem that many collectors prefer the attractive look of full dress to the more austere look of campaign dress.
That's probably why most brands hardly ever make figurines in greatcoats that hide the details of the uniform.
It's a choice between eye catching figurines and historical reality, and that's where each person's level of accuracy tolerance in this hobby comes into play.
IMHO, to date, the most successful Old Guard grenadier figures are those from King & Country, even though most of them are not wearing greacoats.
What bothers me about the William Britain figurines, aside from the bearskin bonnet with ornaments and the absence of bayonets, is the white trousers on the majority.
Indeed, I read in one of my books: "The grenadiers and chasseurs of the Old Guard did not have summer trousers (white canvas) and campaigned mainly in winter trousers made of blue cloth".
However, in my Plancenoit diorama, I still included 36187 "French Imperial Guard standing defending" that I find particularly successful.
Regarding the Prussians, which figurines will you be using ?.
To date, if I'm not mistaken, only First Legion (unfortunately many are now sold out and are therefore very difficult to find and and at a very high price), KronPrinz
and Thomas Gunn (very few) have released prussian soldiers. Hopefully King and Country and William Britain will release them in the future !.

 

[Dragoon]

- Napoleon had his Old Guard stow plumes and other parade fineries in their packs for an expected grand entree into Brussels.