With 35 years of modelling under your belt you should have no problem tackling the complex and colourful uniforms of the Napoleonic period. Also with your friend's articles, you'll really have a leg up on the research.
You'll find as well, you'll have a much easier time of it when you get your table, chair and worklight... must have been hard this last 35 years sitting crosslegged on the floor, painting by candlelight.
I truely look forward to seeing what you come up with. You better get at it though... MFCA is a mere 8 months away. Not alot of time to paint that one figure.
Good luck
Colin