The Napoleonic Wars were some of the first instances of the idea of “Total War”, where an entire nation’s industrial, financial and social willpower is bent toward supporting actions on the battlefield. It saw battles on a massive scale and Et Sans Resultat! Reflects that in their force packs. These 10mm miniatures, crafted from soft plastic, not only capture the essence of the Napoleonic era but also offer a delightful gaming experience that is sure to captivate wargamers of all levels.
Before diving in to the review, thanks to David at The Wargaming Company for providing materials for this review.
This review is part four of our reviews of ESR Series three, the Russian Corps pack review.
Part One: Core Rules
Part Two: 1812 Campaign Book
Part Three: French Corps review
The Models
Like the entirety of the Et Sans Resultat! Line, the miniatures are 10mm. This is my first foray into the scale, but I think they provide a fantastic balance between detail and playability, allowing you to field impressive armies while still retaining the detail of each individual figure. This scale is perfect for recreating grand battles, and it makes for a visually striking spectacle on the gaming table.
I know that traditionally Napoleonics at smaller scales are done in metals, whereas this is the first line of 10mm plastics. I was a little worried when first cracking open the kit that the models wouldn’t have a lot of detail (not that it particularly matters at 10mm), but I think the decision to use soft plastic doesn’t come at the expense of detail. In fact, the level of detail on these miniatures is nothing short of exceptional. The intricate uniforms, weaponry, and facial features are all meticulously sculpted, ensuring that each figure exudes historical authenticity. Quite frankly, I was a little amazed at how much character and historical accuracy these 10mm figures manage to convey.
When it comes to painting your tiny Russians, the campaign book that accompanies the miniatures is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to paint their army with historical accuracy. It showcases plates featuring Russian Napoleonic uniforms, making it easier for hobbyists to match the distinct look of the Russian troops. The inclusion of this reference material not only simplifies the painting process but also adds an educational element to the hobby. I always view tabletop gaming as a form of public history, so having resources like this available to both yourself and your opponent, but also any observers that happen to see your games is invaluable.
Painting
The new ESR miniatures line is billed as not needing any primer to paint. I’ve had a fair share of those claims before from some other companies, but I’ve found not priming other plastics makes the models go tacky or sometimes the paint continually rubs off. For these models, I’m happy to say that I’ve had a pretty pleasant experience painting them with and without primer. First, the models don’t go tacky, which is an important bit. Secondly, perhaps even more importantly, the paint doesn’t rub right off.
I tested a couple of the line infantry by fully painting them without primer them trying to rub the paint off high contact areas and sharp corners. Nothing really came off until I took my fingernail and started scratching at it. So short of really attacking a model, I think you’re pretty safe to paint directly on the plastic, especially if you varnish them after. As a result, painting these miniatures is not only fast but also immensely enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a novice, you’ll find the process of bringing these figures to life an absolute pleasure. For reference, the models I did prime were done so with Citadel Chaos Black and I used a mix of Vallejo Game Color, Monument Hobbies and Citadel paints.
Value
What truly sets the Et Sans Resultat! miniatures apart is their versatility. While these miniatures are designed for the game, I think they can be adapted for a wide range of Napoleonic-themed wargames at the 10mm scale. If you’re looking to explore other rule sets or scenarios within the Napoleonic era, you won’t need to invest in an entirely new set of miniatures. This flexibility ensures that you get the most value out of your investment and allows you to explore various gaming experiences within the Napoleonic era without breaking the bank. Plus, talk about bang for your buck. I was pretty overwhelmed with the amount of items that came in the box.
Wrapping it up
In conclusion, The Wargaming Company’s “Et Sans Resultat!” miniatures are a standout offering in the world of Napoleonic wargaming. Their 10mm scale strikes the perfect balance between detail and playability, ensuring that you can recreate the grandeur of the era. The choice of soft plastic as the material of choice is a stroke of brilliance, as it combines flexibility with remarkable detail. The inclusion of reference material for painting the Russian Napoleonic uniforms is a thoughtful addition (even if it’s all in Russian and I don’t speak the language), making the hobby aspect both enjoyable and educational.
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