Sunday 24 January 2016

The Cetshwayo Challenge

Perhaps  not unsurprising to some my ‘Challenge’ has been somewhat derailed by the wonderfully, ambiguously titled bonus rounds.  With two already completed, I have been totally absorbed in preparing miniatures and ideas for the remaining four, but I mustn’t forget that I have a couple of side duels that I need to attend to.  
The first, the 'Cetshwayo Challenge’, is my ongoing battle with Martin Cooke, of ‘28mm Heroes’ fame to paint as many Zulus as possible during the course of the challenge.  I say ongoing, but Martin has actually finished his already!  151 Zulu Warriors to good, you would think that this is an unassailable lead, but thanks to Martin’s incredible generosity and sportsmanship we have agreed a handicap system that sees every one of my efforts equal to four of his.  This means that my total is a more manageable 38, surely I can do this?  Well so far the omens are not good!
Preparation started well with the construction of these Warlord Games/Empress Miniatures Unmarried Zulu Warriors box, consisting of 32 self assembly hard plastic miniatures. The purists will undoubtedly bemoan the historical inaccuracy of these chaps wearing their full ceremonial regalia in the heat of battle, but I have to confess that I rather like them.  I have managed to submit eight of these noble warriors to the Challenge proper, painting them with black shields and a white spot in the lower half to represent the Indluyengwe (Leopard’s Den) Regiment that fought at Rorke’s Drift.  That unfortunately is as far as I have got!  I still have time* in which to chip away at Martin’s tally, but I think that I had better add an Induna to my painting queue, the agreed forfeit to be presented to the winner on completion of the challenge.
*not to mention a half term break
If you get a chance have a look at what Martin achieved in only eleven days of painting – inspiration stuff!

72 comments:

  1. Imagine it's "King Solomon's Mines" and you are Henry Curtis leading the Greys into battle. Out numbered 4:1 but bruising for a fight.

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    1. What a splendid idea and another movie that I need to revisit.

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  2. Absolutely - anniversary of Rourke's Drift just the other day. Being outnumbered is nothing to be concerned about for an Englishman.

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  3. Constantly amazed at your collection. Wonderful.

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  4. Very nice Michael and as far as I am concerned all Zulus should be in full regalia

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  5. Those look great, Michael. Hard to believe they're plastics and actually been out for awhile. Your work makes them look so fresh!

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    1. Thank you Dean, I have to say that I was very impressed with the pieces and they went together very well.

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  6. Excellent stuff Sir. Stout heart, think of Rorkes Drift and plough on.

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  7. Great additions to your collection Sir M.

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  8. Great additions to your collection Sir M.

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  9. Great job, these warriors look perfect. They are a tad vain, but so what..? ;) Cheers!

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    1. They certainly liked to dress up for a party!

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  10. They look great, Michael. Eight down... thirty to go.

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    1. Doesn't sound so bad when you say it like that.

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  11. Great looking figs sorry you didnt have time to finish you challange!

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  12. Nice work! And a good start on your pursuit of Martin! So 30 more to go still :)

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    1. Thank you, surely should be able to manage a few more.

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  13. I have a soft spot for Zulus. These look great Michael! I would do them in full gear too.

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    1. Thank you Rodger, certainly looking forward to having a few more done as I bet they will look more impressive in a larger group.

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  14. Very impressive job on these beautiful Zulus Michael!

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  15. These look great Michael! Looking forward to the rest – only 30 to go now ... ;)

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  16. Inspirational!
    Now i have sudden urge to paint mine collection of Zulus laying in my drawers for far too long. :)

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    1. You must, they don't seem so frightening once you start.

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  17. Mr Cooke is a painting machine!

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  18. You really do like making it difficult for yourself, don't you ?

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  19. Whilst historicals are not my thing, I cannot fault your brushwork, Michael. Very nice work. I assume Michael Caine will be along once there's a few more? ;-)

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    1. I have no doubt that I will have to dust off some redcoats at some point. ;)

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  20. Hola
    MADRE MIA
    que colección de minis tienes encima de la mesa
    que buenas
    un saludo

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    1. They should certainly keep me busy for a while J.D.

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  21. The warrior assembly and colors are fantastic, sir!

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    1. Thank you Jay, just need to get a few more painted now.

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  22. Stinning paintwork !!!

    Good lucke with your chalande, nice with a handicap system;)

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    1. Thank you Michael, it was the only way that I would stand a chance.

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  23. Don't know all too much about Zulus, but yours definitely do look the part.

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  24. Superb skin tones and basing Michael.

    Now do your tunic up and get back up on the ramparts with your mates.

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  25. Keep at it Michael! Nice paint jobs on the finished ones. I think the hardest part is waiting for stuff to dry from Gluing & Greenstuff..always makes you feel like you haven't accomplished anything.

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    1. Thank you Terry, it's funny when I'm doing it I don't mind the prepping, but just thinking about it always worries me.

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  26. Looked the other fellas entry and I have to be honest I think you pip him on quality.

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    1. I don't think it's that close, that why I had to paint 4 times as many

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    2. Thank you very much, but hopefully the result of the challenge will mean both of us have achieved our goals of shifting miniatures that have been far too long neglected.

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  27. They look great! I have those very figures. Okay, it was a pain assembling them and having to pry arms, heads and weapons from my glue-stuck fingers, but they take cheap acrylic craft paint just fine and look good en masse.

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    1. Thank you and you are certainly right - a bit fiddly in place, but the overall effect seems to be ok.

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  28. A side challenge worth watching. As I am sure it is not over just yet.

    I shall look forward to seeing "fousand of em!"

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    1. Perhaps not thousands, but I hope to muster up a few more yet.

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  29. "wonderfully, ambiguously titled bonus rounds"
    No, really? :-)

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  30. Real nice figs Michael.When I was living in the north I played skirmish-games both with married and unmarried zulus and the figs are nicely detailed but you have made them shine even more.Great work!

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  31. 38 Zulus? You can do this Michael! You must gird your loins and hammer your chest to meet the challenge! (Or something that won't cause you to hurt yourself...) :)

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  32. Awesome skin tone there Michael ... the minis mind you as I haven't the faintest idea how you look like. ^_^

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