Napoleonic's: The 2nd & The 13th

To round out the Shakos & Bayonets forces I've painted up fourteen cavalry for each side.

As before the models are painted up based on units from the Battle of Albuera. 

The 2nd Hussars take the field for the French with their dashing brown uniforms. I've modelled them as members of the elite company so they have the fancy hats with plumes! This is in keeping with my general rule of making the most of the spectacle that Napoleonic's can offer.

In gaming terms the light cavalry can zip around the battle field with a base move of 10" (compared to 4" of most infantry). They are equipped with carbine, pistol, & sabre so are very versatile in the actions they can undertake. I could not find any penalty for shooting from horseback so apart from the slightly lower range of carbines they are as effective at shooting as their foot counter-parts. S&B does include rules for dismounting cavalry during the game so if you could find (or make) dismounted hussars then you could use them.

With 14 models painted up I have enough for two units and a cavalry officer.

For the British the 13th Light Dragoons take the field against the French. As only one British light cavalry unit was at the battle this made the choice easy.

In game terms they are exactly the same as the French Hussars apart from the Impetuous special rule. This is to reflect the fact that the British cavalry had control issues. The rule itself basically means that if the units activates and it could charge a unit numerically weaker (or running away) than itself then it must. So you will want to be careful in your positioning or your opponent could lure you into a rash charge.

The blue tunics and Tarleton helmets with buff facings mean these chaps present the quintessential picture of a British cavalryman of this era. no doubt they will be quite the sight as they disappear off into the distance!

It will be interesting to see how they perform on the table once I get some more games in.