QRF Carlist Cavalry

I now have some of these and, as I had anticpated, they are mounted on a re-worked ancient, in both senses of the word, Frei Korp horse. I have Macedonians mounted on this horse from the 1980s.

Now these are not bad sculpts as wargames cuddies go, in fact anatomically they are rather pleasing.  They are a bit small though for a range of 15mm biggies.  The visual effect, for me, is of big men on small horses. 

Obviously if you think that’s what Carlist War cavalry should look like then no problem.  I’m not sure of that though.  

Anyhow I’ll paint a couple of bases up and see if I begin to feel the love.  Here's a work in progress of an Alaban Hussar below and a Navarre Lancer above on one of my newly made ploughed fields.

Here’s a pic of them with QRF Cristino infantry and I'd say they look proportionate over all. I'd certainly not consider this post a review, more a first impression.  Of course you'll make your own mind up.

When they're done and based I'll do a side by side pic with their Fantassin/Capitan equivalents.

Carlist War 15mm Progress-Like buses

Well, three didn’t come at once. All the same I now have some Carlist War cavalry and artillery.  Long awaited, and the burning question was, will all this stuff fit size-wise?

Beauty famously is in the eye of the beholder and toy soldier compatibility is like-wise.  So, let a picture or two be worth a thousand words and make your own mind up. The cavalry are all Fantassin/Capitan and the infantry QRF.

Me?  I’m happy enough and when other Carlist War offerings come my way I’ll be reporting back to you. 

From the top Marino's Carlist Lancers, Cristino Line Lancers and Cristino Light Cavalry all with Cristino Light Infantry. 

More Carlist War Compatibility

I’ve been waiting with some anticipation the release of Carlist War figures fromTotentanz.  My order arrived from Spain well within 2 weeks and I’m very pleased with what I got.

First up here are some Cristino commanders.  Three figures as you can see.  Very nice I think.

Here are three Carlist commanders who also look just right.

The big question is how do they fit with QRF’s Carlist War range.  Well, they are slightly bigger but not enough, in my view, to rule out having both on the same base.  You can judge for yourself looking at this photo, Totentanz figures in blue.

I very much look forward to the release of the cavalry and artillery from Totentanz.

A Rising Tide

We are being spoilt, and we need more of it, by manufacturers of 15mm figures for the Carlist War.  QRF have released their second batch of Cristinos in the form of command and flank company figures. You can see them here light battalion in green and line in blue.

Lots of variety as you can see.

The background wall is from QRF.

To add to the joy a Spanish Company https://totentanzminiatures.wordpress.com/ is releasing the first part (infantry) of a new Carlist War range this month.  I am hoping both ranges are going to be compatible sizewise.  That would be wonderful.

A Carlist Lacuna

Despite being very eager to press on with my Carlist War project I find myself stymied by the lack of new releases from QRF.  It’s not without its upside though. Desperate to assuage the Carlist urge I bought some of the Fantassin Carlist command figures to see if they would fit with QRF.  As you can see they do indeed and so will provide more variety in my anticipated Carlist War armies.

The main beneficiary though has been my 7YW project most of which was purchased over a year ago, partly painted and put away with a disinterested sigh.  The key to its revitalisation, apart from the Carlist lacuna, was my realisation that I needed the Barry Lyndon effect and that could be had by using six figures per base for the infantry.  

It costs more and takes longer to paint a battalion but I think it looks much better than four to a base.  The figures are Blue Moon and Old Glory and progress proceeds apace. 

More soon.


Stop Press! QRF have added some new figures to their Carlist War range!

More for the Carlist War

There is apparently a delay at the Designer’s end in the next tranche of QRF Carlist War figures although some of the new models have already arrived. While I wait with no little anticipation I am pressing on with what I have to hand. 

A base of QRF Centre Company Cristinos.  You can see why I’m so keen to see the new releases. 

More Carlists here. 

Here we have Brigadier Charlie FitzGerald with some BAL Rifles.  He seems to have added a non- regulation green plume to his hat all the better to get the Munster boys to charge entrenched positions.

Below these Old Glory Mexicans are standing in for the British equipped Chapelgorri in their distinctive red Shakos. Barring the non -Spanish cartridge box they are a good match.

More Carlist War stuff as soon as it arrives.

Better Late Than Never

About 7 years ago there was a flurry of excitement among C19th Wargamers as the Carlist War hove into view in the form of some excellent figures from the Perry Brothers and a first class supporting book from Conrad Cairns.

In my time, I’ve thrilled at the sight of the Rias of Galicia, poured Cider libations in Asturias and delighted in the Basque country but it was all 28mm and so it passed me by.  Until now that is.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed QRF had produced some 15mm figures for the First Carlist War.  I enquired about the new range and Chas told me

 “We intend to have the Cristino command – and flank Companies, in production within a fortnight.  These will be followed by Carlist infantry.  The intention is to have a range similar to the old 28mm rang that we used to make some years ago, so we will be doing French and British Legions, plus cavalry and artillery and possibly the Portuguese too.”

As a 15mm gamer you could not ask for more and I know from experience QRF always deliver so no fear of half completed armies. I ordered some figures and you can see some of them here.

I also bought the Cairns book from the Perry’s-great service and a fair price. The book is just what’s needed for anyone coming new to the period.

I also had a poke about the Bits Box and assembled enough figures (Black Hat) to make up three Cristino battalions.  You can see one of Cazadores here.

Finally, I ordered some British from ERM for the Irish Brigade of the British Auxiliary Legion. You can see one unit of them here.

The flags shown are all from Steve at http://balagan.info/wargaming-flags-for-the-first-carlist-war who kindly makes them freely available.

All in all, a good start I think.