3rd Russian Infantryman - Grenadier

The unusual grenadier cap was introduced in 1752 and changed for a more conventional mitre cap in 1763. The civic arms were carried on the front of the grenadier cap and also on the cartridge pouch carried at the waist.

2nd Russian Infantryman - Musketeer of the Observation Corps

The Observation Corps was a sort of "private army" (Duffy) set up by Shuvalov in 1756 in Poland, with a super-large grenadier regiment and a great deal of artillery. In the event it performed rather badly at Kunersdorf and was eventually absorbed into the main Russian army. The uniform differed from that of the regular army only in the wearing of cavalry boots by all ranks.

1st Russian Infantryman - Musketeer

And here is the first Russian infantryman - a musketeer. The Russians had an unusually simple standardised uniform in almost every branch of the army, with each regiment distinguished only by its regional badge. The uniform was also rather old fashioned by the standards of the Seven Years War, with a rather more generous cut as seen, for example, in the more ample skirts of the waistcoat.

After the Russians...

The improved hussar template drew so few votes in the previous poll that I was rather wondering what people might actually like done after the Russian infantry. I make no promises that I will actually do what people request (that way madness really does lie! ;-)) but I will take serious note of popular options. So - start suggesting! :-) (And no, I don't really feel like branching out into civilians at the moment, before anyone mentions it...)

3rd Highlander - Grenadier of the 42nd Foot (Black Watch)

As the title says! This type of fur cap was a development of the mitre cap - early examples were in fact mitre caps with fur added until eventually the fur covered the entire cap except (as here) for the front flap.

Russian infantry coming next!

2nd Highlander - Private of the 42nd Foot (Black Watch)

Unlike the short-lived Fraser's Highlanders, the Black Watch lasted as a regiment from 1740 until March 2006, when it became a battalion in a larger Scottish regiment under army reorganisation. It is one of the most famous units in the British army. As with most British units of the period the uniform had a complex lace, with small threads of different colour, which are almost impossible to represent in a drawing made into a low-resolution bitmap like this. Next will be a grenadier of the Black Watch with the fur cap which was adopted by grenadiers throughout the army in 1768.

1st Highlander - Private of the 78th Foot (Fraser's Highlanders) 1757-1763

And here it is at last - the first highlander template. It's a rather simple but quite elegant uniform, with little decoration. This regiment was short-lived and served exclusively in North America, where kilts were generally quickly changed for breeches and canvas gaiters. This is the feileadh beag or little kilt worn in the field and as worn today, not the full or belted plaid, the breacan-an-feileadh. As requested, I have left off the tartan pattern but will probably try drawing it at some point.

Highlanders later this week

Thanks to everyone who voted in the Poll about the highlanders and posted comments. I shall do all 3 but also get started on the Russians ASAP. I've been away for some days hence the absence of any posting since the middle of last week. I'm very busy until late Wednesday but then I should have some time to do the highlanders. As a number of people seemed happy to have them without the tartan I shall be able to speed up the drawing by omitting it. I may try doing it later though, as I quite like a challenge when I'm in the mood! ;-)