Hey guys!
I'm new to Lasalle and new to Napoleonics in general, however I've been wargaming for quite a few years. I started with science fiction and fantasy type stuff, but I'm more interested in historicals now - WWII has been my period of choice for the past several years. I got a copy of Lasalle and I'm thinking about branching out into Napoleonics.
I'm interested in putting together an Austrian force, and I like grenadiers, so I was considering starting with an army based on the Austrian Reserve Division, with Grenadiers and Cuirassiers in support. Would this be a good place to start for someone who is totally new to Napoleonics? I like the idea of a small, elite force, although the lack of skirmishers seems somewhat concerning. Did Austrian grenadiers see much fighting historically? Would it be easy for me to get in on scenario games with a Reserve Division force?
I also like the regular Austrian infantry, and would consider doing an Infantry Division-based force, but it just seems like a lot of miniatures to buy and paint up to start out with, while the Grenadier force would be a lot smaller. Being a somewhat more average formation (as opposed to the more elite Grenadiers), I'm sure it'd be easy to fit into scenario games and such.
So what do you guys think? What are the pros and cons of a Reserve Division force vs. a regular Infantry Division force? Which would be better for a newcomer to the Napoleonic period? Any advice on either army from both a gameplay and historical perspective, or advice about starting Napoleonics in general?
Thanks a lot guys, any and all input is greatly appreciated!
-Hordini
P.S. - As far as miniatures go, right now I'm looking at AB's 18mm line, as they appear to be quite nice, but if anyone has any better suggestions, I'm all ears.