Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

A silly post this one, but every so often I come across a miniature and think, “I’ve seen this before somewhere?” More often than not, it is because I have forgotten that I had bought it in the first place and have the joy of discovering it all over again, but sometimes there is that realisation that I have actually seen the very same sculpt on the printed page. I can’t explain it, but I love discovering the original inspiration for the sculptor’s art. I have had quite a spate of these recently and all from the same book, so thought I would share them here for fun. The title in question is Osprey Publishing’s ELITE 21 – The Zulus, written by Ian Knight and illustrated by the prolific Angus McBride. Mine is a well thumbed edition and an important reference for my Anglo-Zulu War collection. The first colour plate is titled, The Youth of Shaka and shows the young warrior about to head of to war, being bid farewell by his mother Nandi. It just so happens that you can get your very own Nandi in the 'Dixon Miniatures' pack Zulu Girls and Udibi Boys.

Miniatures from the same pack can be seen a little further on in the book, Plate H - Warriors Muster 1870s.

Finally miniatures from the ‘Copplestone Castings’ Ngoni Chiefs and Witchdoctors pack seen alongside an ‘Empress Miniatures’ Sangoma bear an uncanny likeness to those seen in plate J - An Impi is Doctored for War 1870s.

I have often wondered if I were ever in a position to commission a set of miniatures what they might be or where the inspiration might come from?  From this Osprey title alone, one might be tempted by a group of Zulu warriors in full regalia dancing at The Court of Mpande (Plate I).  I wonder though, if money were no object, whether I might find myself seduced by the work of Lady Butler.  'Studio Miniatures' already produce a miniature that is clearly inspired by her painting, the Remnants of an Army and which I have documented here, but what about a small vignette of her earlier works, Balaclava?  Mr. Hicks if you are reading this, then count me in for a set!  Any other suggestions?

Brevet Colonel Anthony Durnford

A very quick post today to showcase my completed Brevet Colonel Anthony Durnford.  This particularly fine sculpt is one of the ‘Giants in Miniature’ range from Wargames Illustrated and is unashamedly influenced by Burt Lancaster’s portrayal of the man in the 1979 film, Zulu Dawn.

This much maligned and impetuous officer has graced this humble weblog before when I tackled the ‘Empress Miniatures’ version here.  Still very much an enigma to this day, Colonel Durnford’s actions at Isandlwana on that fateful day in 1879 are still fiercely debated, but whatever the truth he died alongside the men in his command and thereby securing his place in history.

“Yes well... difficulty never deterred a Zulu commander."

"Usuthu! Usuthu!"

Regular readers of this most humble weblogs may recall that as part of the ‘VI Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge’, I foolishly threw down a gauntlet to Martin Cooke, of ‘28mm Heroes’ fame to paint as many Zulus as possible over the winter months.  I detailed the preparation in an earlier post, 'Cetshwayo Challenge’, along with the first of my brave warriors, but sadly I just couldn’t catch Martin.  

Thanks to the very charitable handicap system we had employed I managed to make it interesting, but ultimately I fell short by five miniatures.  Martin has now received his painted Induna and I have gone away and licked my virtual wounds, but the project didn’t end there.  

Having based the miniatures individually* I needed to paint up some movement trays for ease in getting them around the battlefield.  With another quality product from ‘Warbases’ in hand, I set to work with my trusty Dremel and just smoothed the leading edge of each tray to make it appear less like a step.  The application of some Vallejo Red Oxide texture paste and a couple of stone and the effect was complete.

*Mostly due to not having a clue as to what rules I am going to use with them.

 Having painted the movement trays to match the miniatures, I am now in a position to show off the fruits of my labours.  I had hoped to add some battlefield clutter to the bases and had identified all manner of extras including shields, assegai even a discarded British infantryman’s helmet, but when it came to applying them, there just wasn’t as much space as I had thought so I will need to rethink that idea for another time.

 So although a runner up on this occasion just being part of the 'Cetshwayo Challenge’ gave me the much needed impetus to complete the original box of thirty two miniatures painted to represent the Indluyengwe (Leopard’s Den) Regiment that fought at Rorke’s Drift.**  So once again, thank you to Martin for being such a good sport throughout the challenge and hearty congratulations on being such a well deserved winner.

** Black shields and a white spot in the lower half.

Empress Miniatures Colonel Evelyn Wood

As I frantically scramble around, trying to finish off some Zulu warriors as part of the  'VI Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge’ it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't posted my Colonel Evelyn Wood, a Natal Native Contingent Scout and a Swazi Warrior all from the wonderful 'Empress Miniatures'.

Wood is one of those peculiarly Victorian heroes, a remarkable man and destined for a career in the armed forces; he initially started out aboard ship as a midshipman on HMS Queen, a 110-gun first rate ship of the line.  Eventually joining the army he served in the 13th Light Dragoons during the Crimean War and the 17th Lancers during the Indian Mutiny, where he was awarded the Victoria Cross.  In 1862, Wood moved to the infantry, first joining the 73rd, then the 17th and finally the 90th Light Infantry.

Undeniably brave, Wood was plagued by illness and accidents. At Inkerman, when he was just sixteen, his arm was shattered by enemy case shot. Refusing to have the arm amputated, he is said to have been removing bone splinters from his arm for weeks afterwards. Perhaps his most bizarre accident saw him trampled by a giraffe, a beast he was previously riding as a bet before he fell off!

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!

Anglo-Zulu War Heliograph team

Just the briefest of posts to document the rebasing of this Zulu War, British Heliograph team.  The painted miniatures were an incredibly kind gift from my Secret Santa as part of the 'Santa Clause'; an event conceived by Ian of 'The Blog with no name' fame and splendidly organised by his dear lady wife, Cath.  

My Santa had very considerately left the basing to me so I was able to tie them in to the rest of my collection; a simple MDF disc from 'Warbases' and the addition of a box to store their equipment in seemed to do the trick.  I did indulge in a little frippery by adding the reflective lens to the Heliograph and gave the unit green cuffs to represent the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot.

I believe they are originally from 'Black Tree Design' and will certainly have a welcome place in my collection, so once again a big thank you to my Secret Santa, they were very much appreciated.

The chaps as they arrived and safely affixed on their new bases.

9pdr Hales Rocket

My goodness me what a busy week or so!  Just when you think you are on top of everything along comes a healthy dose of 'real life' to scupper even the best laid plans.  That said, today marks the first day of a long summer holiday, that I've been dreaming about since September!

I can't say how relieved I am to see this piece vanquished from the painting table; probably one of my first purchases from the wonderful 'Empress Miniatures' this group has been left abandoned for a good couple of years now.  I had hoped to have entered it for the 'Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge', but sadly not - see previous mention of best laid plans!

This 9pdr Hales rocket with trough, bombardier and infantry 'hired help' was such a delight to work and a wonderful representation of the notorious ordnance used at the battle of Isandlwana.  I use the word 'notorious' as the rocket was potentially as dangerous to the men operating it as it was to its intended target.  As a psychological weapon, it was certainly affective causing fear and confusion to all that heard it whiz and zoom around them, with sparks trailing; a shame then that only one rocket was discharged before the battery at Isandlwana was overwhelmed by Zulus from the iNgobamakhosi regiment.

As you can see from this photograph, my corner of the dining room table is in desperate need of attention, so after another cup of Earl Grey and a peruse around all those other wonderful web logs out there it might be time to hit the brushes! 

Completed Boer Commando

With these seated charters from the 'Empress Miniatures' Anglo-Zulu war collection the Boer Commando is finally complete.  An interesting pose this one where you can just imagine them hidden amongst the rocky outcrops ready to pour a lethal fire onto a unsuspecting foe.

At the outset of the project the aim was to use a unifying colour palette that allowed individuality of the miniatures' character to come through, but when seen as a unit tied them together.  With the exception of the artillery and the police, no official uniforms were worn, the Boer fighters preferring drab everyday clothes.  To this end I used a muted palette consisting of blue, brown and khaki with tones thereof.  A similar idea was employed with the beard and hair colour, taking into account their Dutch extract.

The versatility of the separate heads means that the whole unit could be repeated again and again without the need of exact duplication of poses, but I think that will be enough for the moment.  Their versatility also extends to their deployment on the table with the Anglo-Zulu war and Boer Wars been the obvious use they could also lend themselves as settlers a little further West perhaps.

Defenders of the Kop

Are we Boer'd yet?

Not me; far too busy!

Not content in dreaming up my own 'secret project' to distract me from my usual fodder, I've gone and got myself involved in another little sideline!  I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been invited to take part in a painting challenge for charity; the whole thing has been dreamt up and organised by Mike 'The Dark Templar' Reynolds and also involves the hugely talented Andy Walker of 'Lair of the Breviks' fame.  I encourage you all to take the time to read all about 'A Tale of 3 Painters'.  It has to be said that I'm a little apprehensive about the whole project, but who doesn't like a challenge and particularly one that is all in aid of a good cause? 

In a bid to frantically clear the decks before the charity event commences I've managed to complete another three of the 'Empress Miniatures' Anglo-Zulu wars Boers.  Another pretty useful pose and I see very little reason why they couldn't be employed in other theatres.  

I have to confess that whilst doing these I kept catching myself looking longingly at all the lovely 'shiny' things in the paint queue, but as is often the case the longing soon passed as I was to give them my undivided attention - in-between wondering what exactly was Malifaux and which miniature was I going to get to paint - all very exciting!

More Boers

I seem to have fallen into a malaise with regards to progress on any of the ongoing projects.  Having had a wonderful week away with the good lady wife I now seem incapable of focussing on any one thing, including keeping up to date with the blog targets!  Two thirds of the way through the month and I'm struggling to finish these Boers let alone any of the other six (I told you focus was any issue!) potential posts sitting on the dining room table.

That said here is the next instalment of Boers from 'Empress Miniatures' 28mm Anglo-Zulu War range.  As previously mentioned this is one of the four body poses each with a different head sculpt giving a huge potential variety for the group and as always good, solid sculpts and crisp casting.

I haven't been entirely idle, the 'secret project' now has its own button to match that of '28mm Tales of Adventure' on the right hand sidebar.  The artwork, originally from the 1930s 'Dime Mystery Magazine' publication, conveying a sense of high drama, albeit it suitably 'tongue in cheek'.  

Part of the problem with regards to lack of focus might have something to do with this little lot that was ordered before we went on holiday.  What I should have done was to put the little parcels away until I was ready to start them, but oh no all were unwrapped and a myriad of possibilities started to flood my addled brain.  So many ideas - so little time!  

Other 'Boer' related posts: 

• Boer Cavalry
• Boer'd with Man-Flu!

Boer'd with Man-Flu!

Whilst work had contrived to slow progress on all fronts I was looking forward to the start of the holidays when disaster struck!  Man-Flu, that most dangerous of contagion, had infected 'Awdry Towers'.  I have to admit it was touch and go for a while but its systemic progress was eventually halted by a tried and tested method; a glass or two of the local hostelry's finest followed by a 'Burning Hot' curry!  Now fully restored to good health (I still have a tickle of a cough, but sympathy has somewhat evaporated!) it is time to get back to hobby related fluff.  

a brief intermission

These fine fellows represent the first in a series of posts documenting my progress with 'Empress Miniatures' Boers.  As part of their Anglo-Zulu War range Empress have released, to date, three packs of unmounted Boers, each with one of four different poses.  The clever bit is that there are twelve different head sculpts so a considerable amount of variation is possible.  

I've managed to get them all based and it is my intention to paint them by pose, trying to find a balance between individuality and cohesion.  A similar exercise, in many ways, as the previous posts on the rioters the only difference here being that I want a little more of a muted palette.  

All of this done by the end of the month!  Surely not a problem, I hear you say, but then again you can't see what else is on the painting queue!  July certainly promises to be another varied month. 

In other news...  I'm a winner!!!

Yes it's true!  I was fortunate enough to have won Ray's 250,000 page view draw!  This Herculaneum achievement just goes to show how popular and respected his 'Don't throw a 1' blog is.  Should I have been a little more sympathetic in my choice of miniatures that I sent to Ray to paint up as my prize?  I think we'll let Ray tell us when they arrive in the post!  A huge 'Thank You' nonetheless Ray. 

and finally!

Many of you will undoubtedly already be aware that young Master Rousell is also the subject of a painting challenge!  As part of the anniversary celebrations of 'Anne's Attic' blog, Anne herself has set in motion a fiendish plan to force Ray to paint something cute and fluffy!  The whole scenario is just bonkers, but hugely entertaining, for everyone except Ray that is, so go and read all about it here.