1:32 French Napoleonic Old Guard (1805 - 1815)

The French Old Guard 1805 to 1815, 1:32 (Mars Model)

A set of plastic historical figures, the French Old Guard (1805 to 1815), in 1:32 scale from the output of the brand Mars Model. It is not one model but a set of soldiers in various poses to be assembled, painted and used in dioramas. The package holds fifteen figures in eight poses. The 1:32 scale corresponds to the classic figure size of roughly 54 mm.

Whom the figures represent

The Old Guard (Vieille Garde) was the elite core of the infantry of the Imperial Guard of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was manned by seasoned veterans whom the emperor as a rule committed at the decisive moments of battles. The characteristic mark of the guard grenadiers was the tall furry bearskin cap. The Guard took part in the campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars between 1805 and 1815 and became a symbol of loyalty and of the fighting elite of its time.

Assembly and painting tips

Carefully cut the individual parts of the figures off the sprue (trim the excess) and clean them up. Glue them with a modeling cement for plastic, and cyanoacrylate glue can be used on small gaps. Apply a base coat (a primer) before painting, which improves the adhesion of the paints. The figures are best painted with a brush detail by detail: the uniforms, the bearskins, the equipment and the faces; a final shading and a wash will bring out the folds and the small details.

Who the figures are for

• Builders of historical dioramas of the Napoleonic Wars period
• Collectors of figures in 1:32 scale
• Wargamers and players of historical tabletop games
• Modelers who like painting uniforms and details with a brush

The figures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.