I've been working on the Borodino Project for quite a while. It required units of French Allies including Saxons, Bavarians, Poles, Italians, Wurtemburgers, and Westphalians, as well as the main French army and Russian army.
Well, after more than a year of planning, buying buildings and terrain (Total Battle Miniatures); figures (Perry, Foundry, Front Rank, Paul Hicks, Calpe, Elite, and Westfalia); and contracting with some of the best figure painters currently working (Scott MacPhee, Artmaster Studio, Roger Murrow, and Darren Smith [Paxx88]), the game is finally ready to see the table.
Here are some pictures of the setup (though I am still waiting for a few units to arrive).
The town of Borodino is at the bottom of the picture, and the view is south. The Grand Redoubt is just south of Borodino, and the Fleches are at the top of the picture facing the massive French deployment.
The French forces south of the river (Ney, Junot, and Davout's Corps) prepare to launch the initial attack on the Russian Fleches.
The Fleches.
Poniatowski's Polish Corps prepares to move through Utitza on the way to attack the Russian left flank.
The Russians wait for them on the mound.
French Chasseur skirmish line in the woods north of Utitza.
Russian Opolchenie Militia wait behind the woods.
Another look at the French massed for attack.
And their Wurttemberg allies.
The center looking at the Fleches and beyond.
Vive le' Emperor!
Davout wishing he could re-direct the attack to his right.
French Cuirassier ready to go.
The French left looking at the Grand Redoubt and Borodino.
The cannon's muzzle in the Grand Redoubt.
Eugene's Italian troops on the French left.
Bavarian Infantry wasn't at Borodino in any numbers, but I've added them to Eugene's Corps.
The Russians wait for Eugene past Borodino in Gorki. Note: Uvarov and Platov's cavalry north of the River.
Russian artillery prepared in front of Gorki.
Kutusov and his staff watch the battle unfold.
Skirmishing flares up as the French attack begins.
Russian Hussars.
...and Cossacks in echelon behind them.
Russian Dragoons.
Russian Cuirassier.
Pas d' Charge! The attack begins!
Wow! That will be a massive game. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteThe quickest way I can describe this is "world class beautiful!" Such a feast for the eyes!
ReplyDeleteGlenn that is absolutely stunning....really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWell done old chap - you have me champing at the bit to get my own setup sorted out.
ReplyDeleteSo THAT'S what you've had Scott (and others) painting up all those great looking figures in small units for! Looks spectacular, and I say that having just run Borodino last year in 28mm:
ReplyDeletehttp://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/2012/07/battle-of-borodino-historicon-2012-pt-1.html
Having done the battle ourselves, I have a zillion questions (which you are of course under no obligation to answer!), such as:
What size are the Hexes (I am guessing about 4")?
And what size is the table?
A Hex = roughly how much in terms of ground scale?
How many units/figures total?
On TMP you state a unit of 8 Infantry or 4 cavalry = roughly a Division. So, woulkd that make it a nominal figure ratio of roughly 1: 500?
For contrast our version was roughly 1:80.
How many players will you use, and what is the expected game completion time?
Thanks again for sharing this amazing project!
Peter
Thanks guys. It's been great fun to research and assemble. It's also been great working with the very talented painters. I wish that I had their gifts.
ReplyDeleteGonsalvo -
ReplyDeleteI am actually debating whether to stick with divisions (my original intention), or double up the unit count and go with brigades. If I go with brigades, it will allow more units on the table and more diversity in the French forces represented on the table. However, at this point I would need to include Prussian units as well, as I wouldn't have quite enough Russian infantry.
The beautiful thing about the Command and Colors system is that it is all about force ratios and is not slavish about stands equaling a specific number of men. This allows the gamer to play any battle as long as the ratios are about right. So I may decide to land somewhere in between but closer to one unit = one Division.
My table is 6.5' x 9' and the hexes are 5"
The brigade-ish level game would have a total of roughly 60 Infantry brigades, 35 Cavalry brigades, and 20 artillery units.
I created the map and order of battle from an aggregate of several books and a few wargames.
The simplicity of the system will allow for one on one play, but two teams of players works well at conventions. The game can probably be played in 3 - 4 hours.
ReplyDeleteThe megalomaniac in me says go for the Brigade game, but probably better to at least play it out as you have it planned first. Borodino was an exceptionally closely packed battlefield, and the Brigade game may give a better feel for that. As for needing more Russian infantry and a paltry few Prussians (just some cavalry, IIRC), well.... you'll be needing them for Leipzig anyway... won't you? :)
ReplyDeletePeter
I've actually got a complete Prussian army, and would need to pretend they were Russians.
ReplyDeleteProbably OK, but the purist in me is just slightly uncomfortable. ;-)
Amazing any chance of obtaining the order of battle and even a map I would be willing to pay say £10 a scenario maybe 15 for Leipzig
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Chris Finlay