French Napoleonic Wars Infantry Battalion 1807–1814

The real subject

French line infantry formed the backbone of the imperial armies, and between 1807 and 1814 it went through a whole series of campaigns from Spain through Russia to the fighting on French soil. The soldiers wore dark blue coats and a shako on the head, while the elite companies were set apart by their epaulettes and plumes. After the reorganization of 1808 a battalion had six companies, one of them of grenadiers, one of voltigeurs and the remaining four of fusiliers; it is that structure the word battalion in the name refers to.

What the set contains

This is a set of figures of French infantry of the period stated, put together so that a whole unit can be built from it rather than just a few individuals. The number of figures, the range of poses and the method of assembly are stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

First take the excess material off the figures with a sharp blade and clean the joints up, so that no edge is left on the uniform. Before painting, unify the whole unit with a base coat, or the shades will drift apart on a surface that reflects unevenly. With a large number of figures it pays to paint the whole batch in layers at once: first the blue uniform, then the white straps, and the faces and small metal parts last. A darker tone in the shadows gives a small figure back the depth it would otherwise lose at a distance.

Who it is for

The set is aimed at players of historical battles and at the collector who wants French infantry as a whole. Paints, glue, bases and tools are not included, unless stated otherwise.