More additions to the Forest Tribes of the Congo, these Pygmy Archers are again from 'Wargames Foundry' Darkest Africa range. Delightful sculpts that I painted in the same way as the previous members of Chief Mbuti’s tribe, which can be found here.
As with the last batch these were again based on 20mm metal washers to help convey their diminutive scale. The Pygmy Archers are unique in the game insomuch as although classed as one unit, there are played as two distinct groups allowing you the opportunity of harrying an opponent from all sides. Add in the 'poison' and 'tiny' rules and these tenacious chaps can be a real thorn in the side of any expedition.
Although small, and painted to tie together as a unit, something I tend to find difficult due to my butterfly brain, I have to confess that I really enjoyed painting these and couldn't resist a group shot at the end. Although I just didn't have the patience to string those bows!
Remind me of the 'Negrito' (their word NOT mine) tribes that I saw when Hiking the mountains of the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
My word you've been about!
DeleteFantastic looking unit Michael, fully understand not stringing the bows, a recipe for a jacket that does up at the back and six rolls of padded wallpaper ! LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave and that was certainly my thinking.
DeleteExcellent work! Another one of your painting projects that is on my list! I've just finished painting my pygmy warriors and would also like some archers. I'll probably be buying the Forest Tribes box at Salute which comes with the archers sans hats. Since I'd like to run two units, using the models with hats will help to keep things manageable during games. Oh, and I won't be stringing bows either!!
ReplyDeleteOnce again I shall be looking forward to seeing what yo do with yours Lee. I might be tempted by some Masai at Salute, will just have to wait and see.
DeleteStringing bows may be difficult (not impossible for you!)...What a wonderful group, great looking additions Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Phil.
DeleteLovely figures and painting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Phil.
DeleteVery cool. Don't string bows, it's the road to dusty death
ReplyDeleteThank you Martin, that was my thought too. ;)
DeleteThese tiny chaps can be pretty deadly in Congo
ReplyDeleteThey proved to be a real pain during the game, hiding in the dense jungle and taking pot shots at anyone foolish enough to come into range.
DeleteExcellent job Michael I look forward to seen them in action :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Frank, they had a good run out last summer, but hoping for more action before too long.
DeleteSplendid work! I am really enjoying your darkest Africa stuff.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. Mouse, it has been a blast to put together.
DeleteFantastic looking sculpts and you've done a first rate job with the painting Michael! They're brimming with character, and some of the facial details are stunning :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for the thought of stringing the bows - I've recently made a complete hash of making and attaching a noose to the unfortunate victim in the Redoubt mini's gallows set!
Thank you Greg, I have really enjoyed assembling the crews and getting them on the table. I think I have that same Gallows set and have decided it can wait for the time being.
DeleteGood to see more of these done. Very much enjoying all this lovely new painted offerings you've been showing us!
ReplyDeleteThank you Dai, it has been great to finally get them showcased on the blog.
DeleteThey look great but I confess I have a thing against pygmies, so these are pretty much the only Foundry DA figures I don't own. Don't like Hobbits either. I do like dwarves, so it isn't about apert-height...
ReplyDeleteThank you, although sorry that they are not necessarily to your tastes. Now I do like Hobbits, but never been a fan of Dwarves, how strange.
DeletePlenty of character in those little chaps. I wouldn't string the bows either. That way madness lies...
ReplyDeleteThank you A.J.
DeleteExcellent work again on the skin tones and everything else on these little guys.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much indeed.
DeleteExcellent. And it is very difficult to see a bow string setting flight an arrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jay and that is a very good point. ;)
DeleteVery excellent painted bods.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteAnother excellent addition to your growing Congo collection Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Terry.
DeleteBeautiful work again Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michał, greatly appreciated.
DeleteThey look magnificent Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Nick, really pleased with these.
DeleteClassic figures superbly painted, Michael. What a fantastic range.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dean, I think having a clear idea of what I wanted the column to look like helped.
DeleteLovely miniatures! I really like how this project is going.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteFabulous work Michael. They are such excellent looking models.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Simon.
DeleteGood to see that you've increased your pygmy force with these excellent additions - and they match beautifully, something I can rarely do so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joe, the joy of using a ready mixed paint triad certainly helps to match the unit together.
DeleteGorgeous - just how small are they compared to normal troops?
ReplyDeleteThank you. In reality there is not that much in it Mike, which is why the smaller base size helps. These archers measure 25mm from bottom of the base to eye level where as the Askari come in at 32mm.
DeleteThey´re excellent. I hope, that when they are used in a game, they don´t come up short......
ReplyDelete...I´ll get my coat....
You are a very bad man Paul. :D
DeleteI'm always impressed by your african skin tones mate. Would you consider doing a post outlining the paints you use and your technique?
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you and at some point, I must give some thought to that idea, but in the interim I can tell you that I simply use a Reaper Paints triad imaginatively called Dark Skin. I have the Foundry triad too and just mix and match.
DeleteVery nice figures and a tremendous paintjob. You're really diligent, my friend.
ReplyDelete