I have no idea why one of my favorite armies of the Napoleonic era is that of the Duchy of Brunswick. Because the Duke with his absolute hatred of Napoleon who dies while in battle? The all black uniform in amongst the gaudy plumage? The complete mini-army of infantry-cavalry-artillery in perfect portions for the collector? Their death-head badge? Because I primer in black and so really fast and easy to paint? All these reasons perhaps.
Nevertheless, I have done the army several times (don't ask why they were sold each time....) and this time I used plastics. But there are no plastic Brunswickers in 28mm you say? Well, true, but if there is a will, there is a way.
My way was to use Perry British, shaving off the cuff lace and cross belt badge. I cut off the pack roll and replaced with the distinctive canteen made from cut sprue tabs! - These were part of trade which I obtained Victrix bicorne heads and the gentleman included the sprues to which they were attached and these proved to be of perfect length and diameter. Never throw any plastic bits away!
The Perry Austrian officer headdress were the best part as the Brunswick Line infantry shako was not of French shape. Some sources suggest a kiwer concave design but likely more bell shaped. (thanks for those, Seth!) The shako was formed by shaving off the cockade and raised rear flap, and scrunching up the oakleaf and pompom with pliers into a plume shape!
 |
| Brunswick Line Infantry on the tabletop |
The Brunswick Advance Guard Lights were similar in working but with a modified Austrian corsehut headgear
 |
| Showing the canteen on the pack. This rear angle also shows the 7mm die in situ and the space left on the back of the base for the commanders label to be attached. |
I must like the Brunswickers as they will be the first Allied contingents to be completed!