Flats (flat out?) progress

Update and photo dump on progress with the French Renaissance army composed of Zinnfiguren flats.

Some more Gascon "Adventureur" crossbow:

  

In one of a large lot were several "Knights" in active poses but with a 3/4 view; I struggled to see how these could be mixed with side view figures on the same stand. I then realised some rule sets (DBA RRR, Impetus) used separate generals on round stands; these would also be needed for historic refights with multiple commands. So I decided to use the 3/4 view figures as commanders:

A generic infantry commander identity yet to be decided.

It was difficult to get the shading right so I was pleased when some members of the VWC said they looked fully round.

Next "De Foix" who can be Nemours or Gaston de Foix:

Lastly "Tremouille":

I hope to add flags with appropriate coats of arms in due course.

Next, I was never very happy with some of the figures used for the Picard pike; I found some figures to replace some crude conversions (may recycle as early Swiss):

I have shown some later "Archers" basically less armoured Gensdarmes, part of the "Lance"however, there is some evidence that in the early days they were indeed mounted archers. As the DBA 3 list includes such mounted archers (3-4 foot and 1 mounted on a base) I decided to include some. Pictures showing such troops appear in contemporary pictures of Charles VII invasion of Italy, especially some who could be the following ("archers" are listed at Fornovo in some accounts):

Garde Archers Ecosse (Scots guard archers).

As I had spare figures, I added some "normal" Archers:

Lastly the French artillery with crew from spare medieval figures. The chap with one leg in the air will have his foot resting on the cannon. He is not (despite Alan https://tradgardland.blogspot.com/) armed with a FAB lolly! I was trying to hint at a lighted match......😐

As has been pointed out (thanks Brian) he will be in for a shock when the recoil takes effect!

I have a WIP photo showing the basic Contrast paint finish before AP washes and acrylic highlighting.

To finish the army needs Swiss and Landesknechts; I'm waiting for some figures from Germany before I progress to the Swiss. There are also some more Gensdarmes that would allow for Maximillian / Impetus armies (which use 24 elements or double sized bases).

I intend to try out the various rules I have to see which best "fits" the Italian Wars. Other armies are the Spanish, Imperial and various bits for Italian states - I will probably have some dedicated troops for Venice and the Papacy and possibly Milan (cavalry) while the rest are likely to be more "generic" as Italian mercenaries proliferated in both Italian States armies as well as the foreign ones. I also have some Turks for a Machiavelli Campaign.

This has led me to think about naval aspects; despite lots of 1/1200th scale galleys I have been toying with the idea of 1/600th (some of which I may have) or 1/300th......that way lies madness however!