Every Ottoman army has to have Janissaries, and mine is no exception. The first unit ("Orta") off the production line is now ready for photographing, having had its standard added.
The figures are a mix of Red Box and Orion. My earlier comments about detail and sculpting I've made in posts about the cavalry apply here. They're decent enough figures, but they aren't setting the world ablaze.
This is the command stand, together with flag stuck in the base, as is usual with my armies in this period. The detail on the figures is adequate. There's nothing missing or there that shouldn't be, as far as I can tell. However, the figures aren't moulded with frogging on the kaftans, so I added that to break up the colours, rather than go with just the buttons as made. I think that's a valid choice either way.
The boxes are for 16th-17th century, so contain a fair number of figures with melee weapons, more than I need in the 18th century. To eek out the musketeer bases I put a command figure on each one. The Orion figures - the non-crouching musketeer is one - are slightly taller, but the two types mix together well enough.
Bit fuzzy this one. I am having issues with my photo booth and camera. The Orion figures also have slightly more elaborate head gear.
They look okay as a unit. I need to put them on the tabletop with the cavalry to get a better feel for the finished product.
My only annoyance is that the reading I have done post purchase would indicate that Janissaries didn't go into action in full fig. In reality they would probably have dressed down, worn simple turban type head gear, and simpler, scruffier clothing. Given that, I might have used different boxes, and dispensed with the actual Janissary boxes completely.
On the other hand, it is what people want to see, isn't it?
There's always that issue of what we expect to see or imagine units wore in action, compared to the reality. I'm quite happy to have them in their full regalia so that they look splendid and different on the table top.
ReplyDeleteIt's the Imperial Guard having their dress uniforms in their knapsacks at Waterloo which always springs to mind when this subject comes up. The rest of the army were in full uniform. The Guards were saving theirs for the triumphant march into Brussels. You are right, of course, we want as much colour and finery on the table as we can get.
DeleteIt may be historically incorrect but I like seeing the Janissaries in full uniform, look lovely on the table.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone there.
DeleteOnce you've seen the Janissary band on parade in Istanbul, you're going to want them in full fig. (Mine are 15mm from the late, great Giuseppe of Legio Heroica.)
ReplyDeleteI understand the desire for them to be colourful. There are good practical reasons to use the other boxes, as may become clear when I get round to painting them. Still, I'm on that path now, and at least it will enable me to tell the difference between janissaries and local troops.
DeleteSteady on, Graham! If you go down the "as they looked when fighting" route, you will end up with my sprayed khaki then inked approach for all the WW2 little brown jobs :-)
ReplyDeleteYour Janissaries look lovely in their parade uniforms..
Why, thank you.
DeleteI'd never spray troops khaki. A good sized brush works just as well.
I agree with the fellas above. Dress them in their finest and push them out into battle.
ReplyDeleteThis comment not a surprise!
DeleteFull dress every time please. The Old Guard would literally not be seen dead unless they were properly attired. ALL my Janissaries are kitted out for parade, it gladdens my heart every-time I put them on the table.
ReplyDeleteExcept the OId Guard were, literally, seen dead in their undress uniforms at Waterloo. I will be doing full dress for the janissaries, because I don't dare to be different. There is a thought at the back of my mind that in 300 years' time some wargamer be fielding the Coldstream Guards in a WW2 game wearing red tunics and bearskins, "because they look great".
DeleteWell, I know what is correct, it's just not what I think I'm ending up doing. Had a look at the video. too much like hard work for me!
ReplyDelete