First brigade done

Well, I've caved in. I have had so many people asking why I did the first two units with grey trousers that I decided to nip it in the bud, pull two battalions off of their bases and repaint thirty or so pairs of trousers white, mix in the third battalion of KGL and then re-base: Crikey but, I do feel better for it.

I now have my first full brigade done. I say full but, for some purists, it will still be a battalion short (the 7th). My reason is pretty simple: For brigade strength in standard sized battalions I've decided to divide brigade strength by 600 and round up or down to give the number of six stand battalions. This method makes Lowe's KGL a three battalion brigade rather than a four. Occasionally a bigger unit (8 stands) will be required, but not often.

So here it is. My first Peninsular command group. Lowes Brigade of 1st Division.

Three battalions (1st, 2nd, 5th) of the KGL. Each is 24 strong, four figures on six 40 x 40 stands, with four extra skirmishers on two pence pieces. 

I've typically done a one figure stand representing the brigadier (in this case Lowe) on a circular stand.

Divisional commanders will be, in the future, represented by two mounted figures on a stand. 

I've chosen to give each unit an ID tag at the back of one of the central stands. 

I like this because it might make players actually use the name of the battalion rather than saying "that unit".

I'm not sure about the white background. I might change it to something less stark, possibly beige.

Having decided to repaint some trousers and re-base I also decided to consult my sources again as regards figure placement. 

This is actually pretty accurate, especially as regards the central command stands with (left to right) ensign, sergeant, ensign, officer, but I'm less sure about how the drummer's position will be received - back rank and to the side looks odd but is accurate (though his position should be mirrored by another on the other side). Anyway, this will be the format from now on.

Another thing I've decided to do, mostly to keep skirmishers with their parent units in storage, is to make 'brigade trays'. If nothing else, it will make taking figures out of the cabinets easier.

Trays are 4 mm plywood bottoms with 2mm MDF sides - all cut out to size with a Stanley knife and put together with Gorilla wood glue.

Next up, a battery of British foot artillery which I hope to get done this weekend.

Thanks for looking.