The Russian Bear Crimean War Starter Army - Black Powder

At the outbreak of the Crimean War, the Russian military was the largest army in Europe, numbering close to one million men. Of these, some 930,000 served in the land forces — a vast host drawn largely from poor peasants and serfs, bound to service by duty to Tsar and Mother Russia. 

The bulk of the Imperial Russian Army that faced Britain, France, Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire consisted of stoic infantrymen in green and white uniforms, often shrouded in drab greatcoats. Individually, these soldiers were frequently poorly trained, inadequately equipped, and badly led. Yet their bravery was unquestionable. Hardened by years of hardship and long wars against the Ottoman Empire, Russian soldiers were accustomed to privation and sacrifice. 

Singing hymns as they advanced, these simple peasant conscripts placed absolute faith in their Tsar and their bayonets. With outdated weapons and weak musketry, Russian doctrine emphasised closing with the enemy — an approach that made them formidable opponents despite their limitations.

This Russian starter army provides everything needed to field a powerful Imperial force in Black Powder Crimean War games. Combining large blocks of hard plastic infantry with detailed metal cavalry, artillery, and command figures, it is an excellent foundation for recreating the epic battles of the campaign.

Box contains:

• 72 Hard Plastic Crimean War Russian Line Infantry
• 9 Metal Russian Line Infantry Command Figures
• 12 Metal Crimean War Russian Lancers
• 1 Metal Crimean War Cossack Artillery 6-Pounder Cannon with Crew
• 1 Metal Russian Colonel (Mounted)
• Full-colour flag leaflet
• Plastic bases

Studio miniatures painted by Jamie Getliffe. Models are supplied unassembled and unpainted.

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