Wednesday, 27 February 2013

British Heliograph Section




More from the fabulous Perry brothers' Sudan range, this time the Heliograph Section. As you would expect from the Perrys they were great sculpts to work on, but the Heliograph Section caused me a bit of a dilemma in so much as some of the miniatures just seemed too versatile to commit to one base and so a little terrain build ensued. The idea was to give them their own piece of high ground from wish to signal away, while allowing me the freedom to use one of the officers and the guard for other duties as and when the need arose.  




The build itself was relatively straightforward with an old CD forming the base, a pre-cut 'Warbases' MDF circle, some discarded blue foam and a couple of pieces of wood chipping looted from a child's play area!  The use of wood chips as a wonderful material for rocky outcrops has been tried before on the 'Tough Terrain' build and is originally inspired by the tremendous work on show at the outstanding 'Maiwand Day' blog - well worth a look.  


In need of inspiration for the painting of the miniatures themselves I immediately headed over to Mark Hargreaves' tremendous 'Over Open Sights' blog.  He has a fabulously painted version on display that I shamelessly cribbed from, although I bottled painting the insignia on the sleeves of the men - seriously impressive Mark!




This was a very rewarding build and I have to confess that I was pleased with the results, but it will mark the end of my travels in the Sudan for a while, I feel something frivolous coming on!
The Camel Corps receive their orders!



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67 comments:

  1. Jim Jackaman27 February 2013 at 10:43

    Splendid...good tip on the bark terrain as well!

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  2. lrqan27 February 2013 at 10:55

    . _ _._. .

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  3. Rodger27 February 2013 at 11:02

    Awesome modelling Michael!

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  4. Schedler Vincent 27 February 2013 at 11:10

    Perfect work Michael Congratulation .
    Greetings

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  5. Clint27 February 2013 at 12:04

    When I saw these on Curt's Analogue Challenge I thought "WOW! Cor they are nice!" I still think that. But mostly I admire those who are able to stick to one thing and are not (as I am) shot around like a crazy human pin ball between different scales, periods and projects.

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 19:54

      Whilst very kind of you Clint, I have to confess that I am a fellow 'human pin ball!'

      Delete
  6. Stefan (aka. Monty)27 February 2013 at 13:32

    Hi Michael,

    once again a really nice vignette from you. Bravo!

    Cheers
    Monty

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  7. Jay27 February 2013 at 14:11

    Very nice planning and modeling. Plus, I like frivolous.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 19:55

      Thank you Jay and fear not, frivolous is on the way!

      Delete
  8. Derek27 February 2013 at 14:33

    Great job, and thanks for the heads up on the other blog, it's a good one!

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 19:56

      You are more than welcome, glad to spread the word.

      Delete
  9. Smillie27 February 2013 at 15:07

    Truly fantastic work as ever Michael, I really wish I had your drive to finish so many figures to such a high standard! The terrain is also excellent an area where I am woefully lacking.

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 19:58

      Very kind of you Sir, but you produce beautifully crafted miniatures and let us not forget the fabulous Leicester Hospital build!

      Delete
  10. Whisperin Al27 February 2013 at 16:10

    Another lovely group Michael and a clever approach to the terrain.

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 19:58

      Thank you Al, it would appear all my good ideas are borrowed from elsewhere!

      Delete
  11. Phil27 February 2013 at 16:10

    Fantastic work on the figures and on the decor, a great vignette!
    Phil.

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  12. Paul´s Bods27 February 2013 at 16:51

    COOOOOOOeeeee is that lovely!!! Not only the figs but the base and the idea to use it as a multi-purpose base at that. A tribute to your skills to produce something so lovely looking out of old bits of foam etc.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:00

      What an incredibly kind comment Paul, thank you Sir.

      Delete
  13. Sam Wise27 February 2013 at 17:02

    +1 with Paul!
    the base is perfect!

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  14. Solo wargaming-on a budget!27 February 2013 at 17:15

    This is just amazing...some excellent tips , thanks for sharing this!

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:01

      Thank you Sir and you are more than welcome just glad to pass on what I've found elsewhere.

      Delete
  15. Over Open Sights27 February 2013 at 17:29

    Fantastic stuff, Michael. Basing ten times better than my efforts on this piece. Kudos!

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:02

      You are too kind Mark, just wish I had the nerve to tackle the crossed flags as you did.

      Delete
  16. The Angry Lurker27 February 2013 at 17:48

    Bloody excellent Michael, excellent work.

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  17. Anonymous27 February 2013 at 17:51

    Absolutely fantastic.

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  18. Silver Whistle27 February 2013 at 17:58

    Great idea Michael having them up on higher ground. A wonderful yet versatile vignette.
    Cheers,
    Pat.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:06

      Thank you Pat, just seemed to make sense to me.

      Delete
  19. Simon Quinton 27 February 2013 at 18:21

    That is a superb looking diorama, I'd have to agree with how you based it you'll get a lot more use out of your miniatures that way.

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:08

      Thank you Simon, I just wanted to keep the whole thing as versatile as possible.

      Delete
  20. Unknown27 February 2013 at 18:34

    Ditto what everyone else has said, absolutely superb work sir!

    ...and an innovative use of a digestive biscuit (could be my eyesight), very clever! ;)

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:10

      Thank you Andy and as for the digestive - you foolish boy! Although I see exactly what you mean! :D

      Delete
  21. Phyllion27 February 2013 at 18:40

    These are immense - pity you're moving away from the Sudan as I'm greatly inspired by your offerings.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:14

      Thank you my good man, I'm sure I'll be back there before too long.

      Delete
  22. Unknown27 February 2013 at 18:46

    This is inspiring Michael. The base you built is ingenious. The way you built that up so that you could place 6 figures in poses that told their story-WOW. So glad that you gave us some WIP pics. You certainly are not skimping on your figures for the Challenge. You've maintained your personal high standards throughout.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:20

      Thank you Anne, I was really pleased with the build especially as it was made from bits and pieces just lying around. With regards to the challenge I'm still a little off my par score, but it was always about challenging myself to produce the best I can as opposed to quantity.

      Delete
  23. Sean McLachlan27 February 2013 at 18:54

    Nice! I've been to the Egyptian-Sudanese border in August. The Sun is so strong I bet you could someone's eye out with a heliograph.

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    1. Michael Awdry27 February 2013 at 20:23

      Thank you Sean, always useful to have a shiny mirror when facing down the rampaging Beja!

      Delete
  24. PanzerKaput27 February 2013 at 20:49

    Great work there Michael, that base really sets them off and looks so good. I love the paintjob you have done on them

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  25. Stuart S27 February 2013 at 21:52

    Very nice, great basing, I never though of going up, I might have to give that a try.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry3 March 2013 at 20:09

      Thank you stuart, it can help to break up the table too.

      Delete
  26. Scottswargaming28 February 2013 at 03:33

    A wonderful little diorama!

    Must admit I have been watching the SKY History series - Downfall of British Empire... very interesting and sad to watch the demise unfold bit by bit... I wonder if all this interest in the period now, both historic and VSF/Steampunk, is almost a longing to be part of those glory days of Empire, rather than the current shadow of its former self Britain now finds itself...

    Charming work as always Michael.

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    1. Michael Awdry3 March 2013 at 20:12

      I think that you might well be on to something Scott, but of course it is only a perception of glory days, some of the actions of the Empire would hardly be considered glorious today. Right enough of the politics, back to painting!

      Delete
  27. legatus hedlius28 February 2013 at 09:03

    Splendid! And clever. A nice diorama with tabletop flexibility!

    Well done, indeed!

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  28. Ray Rousell28 February 2013 at 21:14

    Fantastic, just fantastic!!!

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  29. Cory28 February 2013 at 23:56

    What a wonderful piece!

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  30. Unknown1 March 2013 at 00:59

    Really sensational!

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  31. Vip1 March 2013 at 03:06

    Absolutely incredible! May I ask what you used for the uniforms?

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry3 March 2013 at 20:05

      Hello Vip,

      with regards to the uniform I'm using Vallejo Model colours starting with French Mirage Blue, the Dark Blue Grey and finally Light Sea Grey. Each added to the previous colour, hope this helps.

      Delete
  32. Mad Guru2 March 2013 at 07:45

    Beautiful piece of terrain and very creative yet practical basing for your signal team, Michael!

    Thanks very much for mentioning my blog. I've been insanely busy with work since the start of this year, and consequently not had much time to devote to the hobby in general or my blog in particular, but seeing a high quality painter and modeller such as yourself find something of use there, puts a smile on my face!

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    Replies
    1. Michael Awdry3 March 2013 at 20:14

      Thank you so much and I'm delighted to have put a smile on your face.

      Delete
  33. Captain Richard's miniature Civil War3 March 2013 at 05:04

    Excellent work Michael...I am impressed

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  34. Schrumpfkopf6 March 2013 at 16:42

    Good lord man.

    That is where the hobby borders to religion.

    ReplyDelete

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