Crimean War Russian Line Infantry

Presenting my first two Russian battalions for my 28mm Crimean War project. While the Russian Army of the time was renowned for having largest cavalry contingent on the continent, Infantry still made up the bulk of the Army. These are typical Line Infantry battalions of a Regiment, each of which fielded 4.

Two Battalions with Regimental officers advancing in Attack columns 

I used different shades across the greatcoats to show varying wear and quality in pre dye-fast colours, and gave the units some identity with one unit sporting a mix of helmets and forage caps (mutzes) which became more common as the war progressed, and another with more strict NCOs ensuring all the troops wear their issued helmets! 

1st Battalion (white shoulder tabs) - all in helmets

I enjoyed a good dose of the inevitable "basing dilemma", badly overthinking it before deciding to go with groups of poorly drilled troops with intermingled casualties, representing both bad training and a stoic intent to get to grips with the invaders regardless of cost! Groups of 8 figs make a line unit in Sharp Practice and I figured that four units per Battalion would give some good 'visual heft' as the attack columns advance.

2nd Battalion (red shoulder tabs) with mixed helmets and forage caps

Figures are mostly plastic Warlord figs with some metal models by Great War Miniatures mixed in. The former are relatively monopose, but the seperate heads let you impart some great character with modest turns. The latter are wonderful sculpts and mixing them in gives a more dynamic look. Colours by Battle-Flag.com

Normally I hate doing faces but these were very satisfying to do

This project was to be a full Regiment of 4 Battalions plus an artillery and a troop of Cossack cavalry but when real life got in the way I opted to not sacrifice quality just to 'get it done'. I really enjoyed building them and the rest will follow post Challenge.

The army grows: this submission plus the skirmishers from Bonus round 3

These units and their Regimental Officers tally 67 foot and 1 mounted figure - my biggest submission of this Challenge to take me across my 500 point target line. Just in time!

Submitted to the Challenge here:

https://thepaintingchallenge.blogspot.com/2026/03/from-paulog-russians-of-crimean-war-345.html

Painting Notes

Zandri dust spray undercoat

Greatcoats - Lavado Sepia Shade (Game Wash), Zandri dust drybrush

Trousers - Dead White (Game Color), Apothecary White contrast (GW)

Boots - thinned Corvus Black (GW)

Straps - Ulthuan Grey (GW), then white highlights

Muskets - Oak Brown (Warpaints Fanatic)

Skin - Pale Flesh (Game Color 72003), Reikland Flesh Shade (GW)

Collars - Mephiston red (GW)

Swords - black base coat, Warpaints Leather Brown, Gold hilt

Shoulder Boards

     Light Blue = GW Ice Blue

     Red = Mephiston Red

Backpacks - oak brown (army painter)

Bedrolls - Celestra grey GW

Staff Officer in green frockcoat

Basecoat - 50/50 Yellow Olive (mode

Colour 892) / Guarsian Green (Warpaints)

Wash - game colour green ink (72.089)

Highlight - waaagh flesh GW