Through the heat of battle, a lone figure emerges, a grim defiance in her eyes. As the frenzied masses fling themselves towards the General we hear the now immortal words, "Say hello to one's little friend!"
The final bonus round is here and I'm delighted to say that I've completed my side challenge of entering something for each one! As soon as I read the title "The Last Stand", I knew that I would finally have the impetus to paint up my 'Perry Miniatures' vignette representing the final moments of one of Britain's best loved heroes.
Based on the painting by George William Joy in 1893, this depiction of Gordon's final moments has been challenged by historians and eye witness accounts, yet it remains an iconic image. I had intended to simply realise it as the painting would indicate, but a chance comment by 'Edwin King' got me thinking, what if this wasn't the end - who could come to his aid at such a time?
This of course was a job for her majesty; her majesty with a very big gun! So we have four 28mm 'Perry miniatures' (one of them prone) and one 28mm 'West Wind Productions' Queen Victoria from the Empire of the Dead range making up a ridiculous alternative 'Last Stand'.
All very straightforward in essence, the addition of Vallejo red oxide paste to the staircase gave a little texture to the piece whilst affording a key for the paint. The figures themselves painted as you would expect and will allow me to redistribute them at a later date if I chose to complete the vignette as it was intended.
Rather than paint the miniatures that came with the original pack, I decided to add a little more drama by using these mortally wounded Mahdists, again from 'Perry Miniatures'. This all seemed to work rather well, but I've just realised that I didn't include any weapons! It would appear that Her Royal Highness has opened up un an unarmed contingent - all very embarrassing!
So for the last time in this challenge, I urge to visit Curt's wonderful blog and marvel at all the wonderful interpretations for 'The Last Stand', perhaps leave a comment, but certainly cast your vote before Thursday; just click here.
Brilliant work Michael - historical and yet OTT too ! Love it.
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind Scott, and it was hugely fun to boot!
DeleteAnother great diorama Michael , great work .
ReplyDeleteCheers .
Thank you Vincent.
DeleteExcellent! The Mahdists are not unarmed but have thrown their heathen spears and in their panic have missed the mark, of course. The Queen Empress retorts "And now, gentlemen, it is my shot..."
ReplyDeleteOf course! The perfect solution, to an awkward moment for her majesty!
DeleteA excellent work Michael, bloody, inspired and with great details! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Phil.
DeleteSimply stunning Michael!! A real masterpiece!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled you like it Rodger, thank you.
DeleteIn this version Gordon seems less stoically determined to meet his fate and more taken aback at the bloody carnage at the bottom of the steps! Amazing work as usual, you're vignettes have always been inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou are a gentleman and a scholar, Brian, thank you.
DeleteGreat combination. I really like this one and gave it a vote.
ReplyDeleteCheers
That's incredibly generous of you, thank you.
DeleteLovely work Michael !!!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best viginet I have seen, so full of suprise, greate work !!!
Best regards Michael
Michael, that is rally kind of you, thank you.
DeletePure brilliance!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love it!
Darrell.
Thank you so very much, that is a huge compliment.
DeleteWith a few more like that history could well change. Nice work Michael.
ReplyDeleteAh, but would it be for the better?
DeleteThe Great White Queen!! love it..
ReplyDeleteA force to be reckoned with!
DeleteVery well done piece and an excellent twist!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gary, it just seemed like a good idea at the time.
DeleteThat's an awesome piece of work Michael! I especially like the little twist you implemented by adding her royal highness.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteACE!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteLol ... the queen with a BFG ... love it. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't mess with this lady.
DeleteFine work sir. Vicky's minigun is top notch, what!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob, it certainly is an impressive piece of hardware.
Deletea great diorama: historical and funny at the same time!
ReplyDeletewell done!
bye
Thank you so much Luca.
DeleteExcellent work Michael
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Captain.
DeleteSimply Fantastic Michael, you've a remarkable sense of the twisted which adds even more to the enjoyment of your models.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terry, I think! :)
DeleteFantastic stuff Michael. Your mind is as warped as mine :)
ReplyDeleteNow there's a thought! :D
DeleteGreat vignette and nice painted figures!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bruno.
DeleteHaving known about Michael's plan for a few weeks, it was nice to read the various comments on Paint Table Saturday after the staircase put in a couple of appearances. I think most folks guessed he was doing Gordon, but the twist was delicious! Well done (as usual). Once the Challenge is over, it's beer and zombicide for you as you won't have to worry about blurred vision on Saturdays!
ReplyDeletePip pip
Beer and Zombicide, now that sounds like a plan!
DeleteMy word! Vicky is a dab hand with that gun!
ReplyDeleteCrazy and brilliant, Mr Awdry, my hat's off to you!
Too kind Sir, too kind!
DeleteThank you Andrew.
ReplyDeleteThat is truly superb Michael! Just came back from work and spotted your post very funny at the end of a knackering day.
ReplyDeleteThat is great news, pleased it brought a smile to your face Sir.
DeleteA great twist, as always (or perhaps a step sideways into another universe?). It put a big smile on my face. I'm mightily pleased to be cited as inspiration for such a fine piece of work!
ReplyDeleteThank you Edwin and you have no idea how bizarre this piece could have been! At one stage, I was trying to shoe horn in dinosaurs and the Tardis!
DeleteDinosaurs yes, but the TARDIS is getting silly ;D
DeleteNow you say that, but I was thinking that a certain fez wearing Time Lord might help the scene!
DeleteLove it! Perfectly feasible in my book, too ;)
ReplyDeleteClearly a chap of sound mind, thank you Monty!
DeleteThey were going to throttle him anyway so no matter. Her Maj can't be having her best men choked to death now can she? Cracking work as always mate and with a little humour thrown in to top it off. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThank you Millsy, just wanted to end with a giggle.
DeleteWow, the Queen with her Meat-Grinder! Wonderful modeling and picture editing, sir.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jay, she certainly knows how to handle the armament!
DeleteThis was just brilliant certainly one of my favorites from the whole challenge! Queen Victoria was a lovely addition! Certainly make it stand out from the other General Gordon entries :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, that is really kind of you to say so.
DeleteFantastic Diorama. My favourite release from requiem
ReplyDeleteThank you Simon, she certainly was a cracker - a must have miniature.
DeleteAnother great piece Michael and for sure a different take on it!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thank you Christopher.
DeleteNow that we can call a gun. Excellent work Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael, definitely need to watch out when she cranks this fellow up!
DeleteExcellent! I knew you had the machinegun Queen as I was the one who tempted you into getting her, but some how I expected here to battle dinosaurs. Again well done Sir!
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert and you are entirely to blame for me purchasing her Majesty - she was too good to resist. As for dinosaurs,, she still may have to in the future.
DeleteI've seen your work on the Analogue Challenge and it's a marvellous vignette!
ReplyDeleteI like also the touch of humour ....
A dinosaur or a TARDIS, or a Doctor or ....a Dalek ! could be a good idea too ...
Thank you Sam, I'm afraid time was against me in the end, but maybe one day.
DeleteBravo Michael. All the more absurd for them being unarmed - love it!
ReplyDeleteI love that this exists. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. :)
Delete