8198 Napoleonic Austrian Grenadiers

Dated: July 17, 2010, updated Jan 5, 2011

Box art

Austrian grenadiers were selected from the tallest and most experienced men of the line infantry. Each regiment normally maintained two grenadier companies, but on campaign these were often detached and combined with grenadiers from other regiments to form separate battalions. These imposing formations were regarded as elite troops and were frequently committed at important moments in battle. Their most distinctive feature was the tall black bearskin cap, fitted with a brass front plate bearing the Imperial eagle.

Line drawings

This set contains 60 figures in ten poses, including grenadiers marching, standing and fighting, together with a drummer, NCO and officer. The figures represent German-establishment grenadiers in the uniform introduced after 1798, with gaiters, round cuffs, curved sabres and the characteristic match case worn on the crossbelt. The mixture of marching and action poses allows the set to form either an impressive grenadier column or troops deployed for battle. First released in 2011, it was one of the first complete plastic 1/72 sets devoted entirely to Austrian grenadiers of the Napoleonic Wars.

Test shot

Painted figures by Franceso Messori.

Bearskin