French Infanterie (Fusiliers), 1812–1815

Airfix 1:76 Scale Figure Review

The eight fusiliers in this unit are Airfix figures, the voltigeurs and grenadiers are ESCI French guard grenadiers. Notice that the Airfix fusiliers are much shorter and thicker than the ESCI figures. These soldiers are not very compatible with each other, and it shows. Rather than recruit grenadiers and voltigeurs from other figure sets, discerning modellers will want to model their own elite infantrymen by sculpting epaulettes on these Airfix fusiliers. Putty or modelling wax may be used for this purpose, and the result will be much more convincing than the figure mix shown here.

44 Figures in 15 Poses – 21.5 mm equal 163 cm Height
Mounted Officer
Standard-Bearer
Drummer
Bugler
6 marching Fusiliers
4 charging Fusiliers
4 advancing Fusiliers
3 kneeling Fusiliers
11 firing Fusiliers, standing and kneeling
8 loading Fusiliers in 2 Poses
2 fallen Fusiliers
1 wounded Fusilier

Evaluation

Good choice of subject, the fusiliers in the habit-veste of 1812 are unique in this scale.
Many excellent poses of marching, advancing and firing infantry, including casualty figures.
The set includes a nice range of command figures, with the exeption of dismounted officers.

Grenadiers and Voltigeurs are not included, they will have to be converted.
The figures are relatively short and stocky, with unusually large heads and shakos. They do not easily mix with miniatures from other manufacturers.
The standard-bearer is a nice figure, but he should really be an eagle-bearer.
In the later part of the Napoleonic wars, trouser were worn over short gaiters.
The coat tails on these figures are too long, and not of the correct cut. In 1810, the coat tails were shortened, and the false turnbacks now extended to the edge of the tails. This fashion carried on when the habit-veste was introduced in 1812.
The typical cuff-flaps are missing.

Historical Employment

French Fusiliers 1812–1815
Swiss, Italian, and other French Allied Fusiliers 1812–1815

Possible Conversion

Grenadiers and Voltigeurs of the line. Add epaulettes.
Württemberg Jägers and Light Infantry 1811-1815

These figures are still the only available French fusiliers wearing the habit-veste which was introduced in 1812. The poses are great for wargamers who want to build advancing and firing units.

Bibliography

Funcken, L. & F.: L’Uniforme et les Armes des Soldats du Premier Empire, p. 37
Haythornthwaite, Philip: Uniforms of 1812, Plates 12-13
Haythornthwaite, Philip: Uniforms of Waterloo in Colour, plates 61, 62, 64
Allevi, Piersergio: Miniatures, p. 152

Airfix Miniatures

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French Napoleonic Miniatures