"Unlike Regular Army Regiments..."

"...The Opolcheniye was composed of civilian volunteers."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be bought as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The miniature is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and is based upon the peasant masses who historically would rise up "in response to foreign invasions or internal turmoil."

Initially eager to follow this figure's official paint-job as per the Newark-based manufacturer's website, I primed him with a double dose of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and subsequently applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to his trousers. I then applied plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Green to the fellow's winter jacket, and gave the lower half a splosh or two of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Another member of the Moscow Militia on the painting table

However, I wasn't terribly impressed with how the Shade looked, so after a moment's hesitation, I decided to give the coat a good dose of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade instead. This seemed to work much better, and I finished the garment off with a well-placed dry-brushed of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to help bring out its folds. I also took the opportunity at this time to carefully trace out the Russian's waist sash with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and darkened it down using some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

For the Militiaman's bedroll I used some "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue, and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his musket (and bayonet) were treated to either a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or Gunmetal depending if the part was supposed to be wood or metal. These areas were later drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil as appropriate.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - Early days on a pair of Retained Knights

The biggest issue I had with this figure was working out where the chap's moustache actually was on his face, as at first I thought the model's detail actually showed him to have a beard (despite what "Wargames Foundry) painted photograph showed. In the end though, after a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade over "Vallejo" Heavy Skintome, I finally saw where it was, and thus applied a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the soldier's "lampshade".

Alongside my 'big' Napoleonic project push this month, I'm also keen to add some reinforcements to my collection of pigmented "Alternative Armies" 15mm miniatures. Taken from their "The Ion Age" range, I've decided to add a character base to my (not) Blood Angels force, using a figure taken from blister IAFL01 Hackett and Tasker, and one from IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie. To be honest, this will probably be the first of quite few models to come over the following few weeks, as a quick trip into my garage recently revealed a shoe-sized cardboard box packed full of more vehicles, robots and buildings by the Scotland-based company...