Painting 3mm Figs

Having done some reading on line to seek guidance for painting 3mm figs I would like to share the link that provided the best inspiration for me and to share some pictures of how I got on.

Link on the TMP Napoleonic discussion forum here.

As you will know from earlier posts, I have already painted the full battalion in line but I thought I would include my painting guide in picture form on the light company skirmishers that I have recently completed.  The principle was the same for the close order infantry.

1/
Base coat in brown

2/
Red jackets picked out

3/
Grey trousers picked out

4/

Brown ink wash. I'm still not fully convinced about this as it seem to wash the trousers out. However, it does seem to give some definition

5/
Face and hands picked out

6/
Caps picked out in black and cartridge box followed by a few dabs in white to pick out belts and musket slings

7/
Final finish included;
-green plumes
-blue canteens
-gold for the cap plate
-silver for the musket barrels, then a little highlight in red and grey to pick out the detail:

Hopefully I will get this based soon.  Then that will be my 'Red Battalion' completed in full !

Finished battalion:-

 Company:-

 Sergeants with spontoon's and officers:-

A little drill manual

Some years ago my father purchased in auction a pocket drill manual for the British Army, published in 1805; 

An exposition of the nineteen manœuvres As ordered by his Majesty, to be performed at every inspection or review By every Regiment of Foot. Likewise of the exercise and manœuvres directed by His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, for the practice of the light infantry and rifle corps. 

The wallet forming part of the binding contains: “twenty figures, representing the companies and half platoons of a battalion; by which the manœuvres of a battalion, or operations of a live way be easily practised in theory” (p. vi) Contents With errata. - With 3 p. of music, titled: Signals of the bugle. - Includes one folded leaf of plates. Binding information In a nineteenth century red goatskin wallet-style binding. 

After a bit of research on line I found the following link from the author, who frustratingly remains anonymous as 'A humble servant'.  Never the less it is an interesting article on the application of the Rules & Regulations.  Follow link here , (specifically page 261 and 262 refers to the publication of this little wallet manual).

Well done dad ! Having only just being reaquainted with this little book I will enjoy a good read of this !

Of course, it wouldn't do not to share some pictures !

The tactical regulator

If ever there was a book written that described in the minutiae of detail the movement and timings of a Georgian infantry battalion then this work is at the top.  Lieutenant John Russell was a man of obsession when it came to distances, timings and cadence of pace, recorded in this book and "Approved by the highest authority" this alone formulates a complete picture of the battalion and indeed brigades and more in motion.

The veil of smoke that has prevented , for me at least, having a clear picture and full understanding of the battalion deployed is now lifted.  This for me answer many questions.  In respect to the game of war clearly, this is invaluable.

Link here

As an addition to the above, it is also well worth a look at Russells experiments, 1806, link here.

Once you start looking at such things, you get drawn to others :) instructions on the eigtheen manouveres, 3rd ed. 1814 here.