Originally Published on the Spanner and the Yank Web Site. Used by permission.

AB's 15mm Württemburg Chevau-Legere 1811-1813

I've finally had time to write the review on these long awaited figures. And to be blunt AB have surpassed themselves in the detail, animation and choice of headgear with these figures.

Now anyone who's tried to find information on the Württemburg army knows just how hard that can be. The information available is contradictory, incomplete and at times impossible to find. However there's a few sources available and it seems that Anthony Barton has made maximum use of these. There is one source that can easily be accessed on the net, though, that fills in a lot of the gaps left by George Nafziger, the re-print of Faber du Faur's work by Tradition of France and the other sources. Histofig are a great resource and their new series of plates deal with the regiments under review. You can access this plate at http://www.histofig.com/history/empire/uniformes/wurtemberg04.jpg .

Both the regiments of light horse are produced and I'll deal with them seperately. Hopefully the Jäger zu Pferde will soon make their appearance as well.

Prinz Adam Chevau-Legere Regiment Nr 1.

This regiment adopted the helmet in 1811. The figures are accurately depicted with the cummerbund/girdle, knee-boots and only the officer wearing the plume. As such they agree with all the sources mentioned for camapign dress. For some reason the figures have some heavy flash moulded into the angle formed by the sabre scabbard, shabraque and leg. The thickness of the flash makes me think it's a deliberate attempt to protect the scabbard from damage.

There were three different trooper poses, one officer and the trumpeter in the figures I received from Nic at Eureka. They are posed "at rest" although what the officer is doing with his right hand begs some questions- gesticulating while reciting poetry, hoisting a (missing) glass of wine or waving to the enemy perhaps? There's no standard bearer but the officer's pose lends itself to conversion to such if you want one.

The figures for the 1st Regiment, including the gesticulating officer.

Size is becoming a constant issue when seeing the new AB offerings (see Mike's comments in the new editorial). Although these look big, they're actually a good match, height-wise, for the French Chasseurs a Cheval I have. They seem a bit bulkier, though this may just be the uniform.

These figures can also be used for the 2nd regiment if you prefer the theory that both regiments were dressed alike from 1811. Rating "9".

Leib-Chevau-Legere Regiment Nr 2.

This regiment apparently retained the older style of helmet for the troopers and musicians when the new "kasket" was introduced in 1811, according to some sources. By giving the buyer the choice then AB have covered both options. However, the officer is produced with the new helmet (and can serve in the 1st Regiment if you like) so if you want to use the figures for pre-1811 then you'll have to do some head-swapping. The figures are also moulded with the plume on the helmet crest. Some sources say this is correct and others that the plume was replaced with a knot. By giving us the plume then AB give us the option of removing it or keeping it depending on the sources you believe.

I actually like these figures a bit more than the 1st Regiment for unknown reasons. The size, detailing and animation is the same. They both have the web of flash I commented on before. But these blokes have a real character about them that appeals. Rating "9.2".

Conclusion.

These are a great addition to the range for AB. But they probably won't sell many of them simply because few people have this army. It's a pity as the Württemberg troops both looked good and had a good reputation. I can't compare these to Minifig's offering but they are really five classes above Old Glory's offerings.

Take care.

Dal.