Waterloo in 20mm world's largest diorama (on view at NAM Chelsea Oct 20 & 21) new pics added 10 -16

Adding a quick update to say I have finished the 4th Cuirassier regiment which will be shipped off soon. Will add some pics when I get those. Kind of sad to end my part of the project, wish I was in England so I could help put it all together. Maybe I can get over there next year when the cavalry charge against the squares goes on display.

originally posted by: Asktheanimals
Adding a quick update to say I have finished the 4th Cuirassier regiment which will be shipped off soon. Will add some pics when I get those

I'm looking forward to your updated pics and although your saddened by your portion of the project coming to a close.. What a wonderful project you were able to contribute to

CONGRATS !

Bumping to let people know if they are interested there is a 196 page PDF file detailing the history and construction of the diorama with lots of pics. I thought I was finished but it seems there's a need for dead and wounded horses running about in various states of health so I will be sculpting and painting as many of those as needed to realistically depict the battle. If you'd like the PDF send me a PM with your email address. Its a big file so your spam filters might catch it.

Pic of some wounded cuirassiers:

Today I got to enjoy a brief visit with Maj Gen James Cowan who heads the project but lives in England. For a day job he manages the HALO trust removing landmines from former warzones and oversees a staff of around 10,000. He was in Washington DC for a few days and carved out half an hour between meetings for us to get together. Pretty cool to meet in person people you have collaborated with for years on a project. He is a man I have deep respect for and it saved me postage shipping an insured package of models to the UK. I actually saved money by delivering in person. A day well spent.

Shameless bump for 4 year old thread -the project continues. Early estimates for finishing have proved overly optimistic and the project continues to expand to what appears to be a goal of 150,000 figures so I will continue making casualties until somebody tells me stop. This is not an exaggeration, battle would do this to man and horse.

originally posted by: Asktheanimals
This was based on his inspiration from the original diorama built in the 1830's and enlarging it to include the whole battle which covered several miles. Talk about a logistical nightmare but here is proof it is coming to life.

I was at the Royal Armories in Leeds just last month which has a William Silborne diorama of Waterloo in it's collection. He made two I believe, a large one and a smaller one. Not sure which one Leeds has. They vary what sections they have out on display and there's not much of it out at the moment - making room for an Agincourt diorama that has been more recently constructed I think. I'd like to say, when I first went about 14 or so years ago, they had the whole thing on display but I can't be certain, they move some thing around alot. The elephant though is always in the same spot.

How big did you say the one that you are working on is going to be - I think I saw something about tennis courts but I may be mixing things up and skimming back I'm not seeing it?

So pleased to see this thread being resurrected with an update.
Thank you
Rainbows
Jane

Your memory is correct it will be about the size of a tennis court when done. Thanks for checking it out.

originally posted by: angelchemuel
So pleased to see this thread being resurrected with an update.
Thank you
Rainbows
Jane

Thank you Jane! A small, select group of friends makes it worthwhile.
Cheers,
ATA

originally posted by: Asktheanimals
Your memory is correct it will be about the size of a tennis court when done. Thanks for checking it out.

I checked, it's the smaller of the two William Siborne dioramas of the battle that they have at the Royal Armories.

Thank you for highlighting the work of Waterloo Uncovered (Phil Harding is a genuine national treasure), I had a happy few hours going through the various links and can understand the importance of bringing all that new knowledge to wider attention through the creation of this new, and inclusive, diorama that you are contributing to.

While victors may write the histories, archaeology is ensuring that they don't have the last word.

a reply to: BrucellaOrchitis
History is revealed in the archaeology, verifying or negating numerous personal accounts. Dioramas are an educational tool par excellence and the project a worthy tribute to the men who made history and changed the world. Trafalgar marks the beginning and Waterloo the final coda with Britain dealing the death blows to Napoleon on and sea and land land them the premier spot in defining the era historically. I couldn't help stacking homonyms there.

a reply to: Asktheanimals

The Napoleonic Wars certainly did change the world though in retrospect, having not known the alternative, whether that was for the better or the worse is hard to estimate. For Britain, given their long standing alliance with the Ottomans and their obsession with preserving their monopoly of India, crushing Napoleon was essential the moment he set sights on Syria.

The addresses that Napoleon made to his men emphasise his desire to be a conqueror of hearts and minds, that he felt that the people should not be held to account for their master's. His men were not inclined to listen however, and raped and pillaged to their hearts content despite the surrender of the people once their leaders had flad. Wellington, I understand, had similar issues but wasn't wholly opposed at all times.

Either way, for better or worse, a pivotal moment in our history, and well worth a more expansive and historically accurate look.

I do hope that someone has thought to include, in the diorama, Baron Rothchild's man delivering the gold that was so vital to maintaining the war by paying for the mercenaries who fought so decisively on behalf of the British Imperialists.