Chasseurs a Cheval of the Guard

[Captain Sibourne]

I've been working on the various cavalry regiments that formed the French Reserve Cavalry at Waterloo the largest of which was the Guard Chasseurs. Given its size this has been a major labour of love as I wanted to produce the regiment in full dress. There is no plastic set which shows them in this order of dress so I've had to bring together a combination of plastic conversions and available metal figures. The result is that the regiment has figures from all the plastic hussar options (Esci, Italeri, Zvezda, Hat and Strelets) along with metal Newline, Kennington, Marc Claus, Art Miniaturen, Hinton Hunt and Alberken. There are 800 figures shown here, 600 painted by me and 200 by an anonymous supporter. You can see more here on my blog: http://generalpicton.blogspot.com






















Sorry about the lighting for this post, this was the only table big enough to take this lot.

[blacksmith]

OMG!!!

[Minuteman]

This is a most amazing sight by any standards !! A real labour of love as you yourself observe, Captain Sibourne. The time and effort involved in creating such a spectacular unit in 1/72 scale will leave any of us who have tried painting 'a few hundred' figures in complete awe.

This regiment will be a standout feature in the Waterloo in 20mm diorama, without a doubt. Well done to you and the anonymous 'other' painter of Napoleon's cherished Chasseurs.

[Konrad]

It is almost a "life's work" to create
such a large diorama.
My respects to everyone involved.
Fantastic!

[Captain Sibourne]

Many thanks to all, this was the biggest cavalry regiment at Waterloo but some of the other Guard cavalry units were also large. More to follow!

[C M Dodson]

Excellent work on display with the sheer volume of figures being again extraordinary.

Best wishes,

Chris

[Kekso]

Just 800. Do you really think that you have them enough?

[k.b.]

A truly formidable regiment indeed! Phenomenal dedication to duty Captain. Thanks for showing

[Bessiere]

Most of the headgear was hand made with greenstuff. Even unpainted the amount of conversion work was insane To see them all brought to life in color is magnificent beyond words. What's even more incomprehensible is this unit only makes a minor portion of the total work but will surely stand out for both color and numbers. What I find odd is little mention of the guard chasseurs in histories of the battle of Waterloo. Seems its always the cuirassiers and carabiniers that get the credit for suicidal bravery against the Allied squares. This will go far in redressing that misconception.
Cheers,
Bessiere

[MABO]

Really unbelievable what you are able to finish.

[Ochoin]

When you use scaled down wargames' units eg 12 figures per cavalry regiment, you forget what an awesome sight the reality must have been.

Thank you for providing an awesome reminder.

donald

[Michael Robert]

Wow !!!!
This is the big game. Expected no less Mr Sibourne.
I reckognize many conversions. Seems that every cool Napoleonic 1/72 rider has a Chasseur de la Garde somewhere inside him.
It is a real pleasure. At this scale it becomes difficult to appreciate all the creations. You want to see it in life, wander and glance around. Maybe one day. Good reason to cross the channel.

Greetings
Michael

[k.b.]

Will we be able to visit this diorama Captain and if so where and when?

[Ben90]

Most impressive!

[Captain Sibourne]

Many thanks for all your kind comments. The diorama is too large to be on permanent display so until we find a long term home for it, it comes out for particular events. We are currently in discussion with the UK's Royal Armouries with a view to a display next year.

[tullo]

[Bill Slavin]

Yeah, couldn't let this go unremarked. That is a lot of cavalry. Jaw-dropping. I agree with Donald, we scale our games at 1/25 or whatever and forget what these battles must actually have looked like. You and Chris constantly remind us...

[PatrickJ71]

I'm speechless again. So many beautifully painted chasseurs à cheval of the Garde... Nice conversions too.
A feast for the eyes and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful units on the battlefield and in your project.

... The diorama is too large to be on permanent display so until we find a long term home for it, it comes out for particular events. We are currently in discussion with the UK's Royal Armouries with a view to a display next year.

They should build a hall in Waterloo itself to accommodate this gigantic work of art (because that is what it is).

Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!
Patrick