Tuesday 18 March 2014

The Last Stand!





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.





74 comments:

  1. Brilliant work Michael - historical and yet OTT too ! Love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are too kind Scott, and it was hugely fun to boot!

      Delete
  2. Another great diorama Michael , great work .
    Cheers .

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent! 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..."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course! The perfect solution, to an awkward moment for her majesty!

      Delete
  4. A excellent work Michael, bloody, inspired and with great details! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Simply stunning Michael!! A real masterpiece!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm thrilled you like it Rodger, thank you.

      Delete
  6. In 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a gentleman and a scholar, Brian, thank you.

      Delete
  7. Great combination. I really like this one and gave it a vote.
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's incredibly generous of you, thank you.

      Delete
  8. Lovely work Michael !!!

    One of the best viginet I have seen, so full of suprise, greate work !!!

    Best regards Michael

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael, that is rally kind of you, thank you.

      Delete
  9. Pure brilliance!!

    I absolutely love it!

    Darrell.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much, that is a huge compliment.

      Delete
  10. With a few more like that history could well change. Nice work Michael.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Great White Queen!! love it..

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very well done piece and an excellent twist!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Gary, it just seemed like a good idea at the time.

      Delete
  13. That's an awesome piece of work Michael! I especially like the little twist you implemented by adding her royal highness.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lol ... the queen with a BFG ... love it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Fine work sir. Vicky's minigun is top notch, what!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bob, it certainly is an impressive piece of hardware.

      Delete
  16. a great diorama: historical and funny at the same time!
    well done!
    bye

    ReplyDelete
  17. Simply Fantastic Michael, you've a remarkable sense of the twisted which adds even more to the enjoyment of your models.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Fantastic stuff Michael. Your mind is as warped as mine :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great vignette and nice painted figures!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Having 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!

    Pip pip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beer and Zombicide, now that sounds like a plan!

      Delete
  21. My word! Vicky is a dab hand with that gun!

    Crazy and brilliant, Mr Awdry, my hat's off to you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. That is truly superb Michael! Just came back from work and spotted your post very funny at the end of a knackering day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is great news, pleased it brought a smile to your face Sir.

      Delete
  23. A 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank 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!

      Delete
    2. Dinosaurs yes, but the TARDIS is getting silly ;D

      Delete
    3. Now you say that, but I was thinking that a certain fez wearing Time Lord might help the scene!

      Delete
  24. Love it! Perfectly feasible in my book, too ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clearly a chap of sound mind, thank you Monty!

      Delete
  25. They 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Millsy, just wanted to end with a giggle.

      Delete
  26. Wow, the Queen with her Meat-Grinder! Wonderful modeling and picture editing, sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jay, she certainly knows how to handle the armament!

      Delete
  27. This 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, that is really kind of you to say so.

      Delete
  28. Fantastic Diorama. My favourite release from requiem

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Simon, she certainly was a cracker - a must have miniature.

      Delete
  29. Another great piece Michael and for sure a different take on it!

    Christopher

    ReplyDelete
  30. Now that we can call a gun. Excellent work Michael!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Michael, definitely need to watch out when she cranks this fellow up!

      Delete
  31. Excellent! 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank 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.

      Delete
  32. I've seen your work on the Analogue Challenge and it's a marvellous vignette!
    I like also the touch of humour ....
    A dinosaur or a TARDIS, or a Doctor or ....a Dalek ! could be a good idea too ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sam, I'm afraid time was against me in the end, but maybe one day.

      Delete
  33. Bravo Michael. All the more absurd for them being unarmed - love it!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love that this exists. Brilliant!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...