Prince August have agreed to produce another mould to add variety to the Grenz, and we are trying to finalise what figures to include.
Advancing
Most importantly (from my point of view anyway) is an advancing figure, which will serve two main purposes:
- It can be mixed into the skirmishing line to both give variety and stop the advancing officer sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the stationary firing poses.
- It can also be used to make up units of Grenz in close order.
Sculpting is almost complete, below are come screen shots of the near complete figure, in the same stance as all the other advancing figures.
Second Figure???
If PA stick with just one more mould, then what other figure is best to occupy the second space? There was a lot of similarity between the uniforms of the Grenz and Hungarian infantry, so the range needs to make best use of the Hungarian moulds:
- Officer - the Grenz and Hungarian officers were very similar, so there is no point in making another.
- Standard Bearer - it is doubtful the Grenz carried standards in the field, however if one is wanted (I will add one), then again the Hungarian officer with standard will be fine.
- NCO - a possibility, but perhaps a luxury.
- March Attack - again a possibility, however I envisage most Grenz on the table in 'open order' a lot of the time, so march attack not really 'dual purpose'.
- Musician - I think a musician is a must for any respectable close order unit. Little seems to be known about their uniforms, however I suspect they would be similar to the rank and file,
So in conclusion, I think the musician is the best bet for the second space, allowing close order units with the new advancing and musician figures plus Hungarian officer and standard bearer.
Grenz Musicians?
I have scoured my books and the internet, and can find very little about Grenz musicians. I suspect they should be drummers uniformed similar to the rank and file, although Crusader Miniatures give them a hornist? Just after the war I have read that they had 'swallows nests' on their shoulders, and Minden figures have them so it should be OK to add them.
If any of you have any details could you please let me have them, otherwise we will go with a drummer uniformed as the line but with swallows nests.
As always comments and suggestions welcome.
I support your conclusion. Never change a winning team. In the past there was always as minimum: soldier, drummer, officer and standard bearer. I also agree to add the swallows nest at the drummer shoulder. In case it is not needed, it can easy rasped away. Adding one on the figure is more difficult. Beside that, it looks just good and when there are poor sources, nobody can proof that it is incorrect. So go ahead with the drummer. (also not found models of grenz drummer)
ReplyDeleteStefan, Murten (Switzerland)
I have decided to go with the swallows nests.
DeleteMatthias Manske makes a grenz drummer and he has molded the swallow nests on the shoulder. I have also seen a representation in a Hungarian book showing the drummer without the nests. I think the drummer would look best with them. So my vote is for the advancing pose and the drummer in the new mold and good job on this as usual!
ReplyDeleteThe two new grenz figures are almost done - the drummer does have swallows nests.
DeleteYou reminded me - I bought that book in Budapest a few years ago, just found it - stunning hussar illustrations!
I have a different book, with an illustration of the drummer without the nests. For my own models I headswapped the Hungarian infantry drummer with the nests (sorry I don't know how to share a picture) but I was really pleased with how he fitted in, definitely looks better with the swallow nests
ReplyDeleteI have an illustration in a Hungarian book with no swallows nests. However it seems unclear how the drummers dressed, and I suspect there was variation, so swallows nests have been added as they look best (and can easily be filed off).
ReplyDelete