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28mm Rhodesian Light Infantry Machinegunner

The first of the Eureka Miniatures Rhodesian Light Infantry painted. Beautifully detailed figure and a pleasure to paint. Getting the Rhodesian cam pattern was a challenge, but I think I have captured it nicely.

New Eureka 28mm Selous Scout Mini

Eureka Miniatures is about to release 28mm Rhodesian Light Infantry. These are superb figures. Amongst the selection is one figure of a Selous Scout. I received a batch of these new figures on Tuesday and set to work painting the Selous Scout. This is a beautiful figure and a magnificent representation of a Scout in miniature. The figure is sculpted in very typical Scout attire - T shirt and shorts with sandals. His weapon is an SLR and he has one water canteen and a chest ammo pouch rig. The authenticity of this figure is first class and reminds me very much of the most renowned Scout Chris Schulenberg who was bearded and wore sandals in the bush. I painted the figure partially 'blacked up' which was a technique the Rhodesian Special Forces used to conceal their identities from afar. Rhodesian weapons were frequently cam painted. This is a magnificent miniature and a delight to paint. I can't wait to paint up my collection of "The Saints" RLI and will post pictures as soon as I do.

Roberdeau Wheat Leads his Tigers forward into battle!

Here is a photo of the figure I converted to represent Maj. Chatham Roberdeau Wheat the commander of the 1st Special Battalion Louisiana Vols. I was stumped how to adequately depict Wheat in miniature as he had a distinctive appearance being 6'4" tall and weighing 18 stone (252lb-114kg). I was looking everywhere for a figure that was a tad bigger than the normal 28mm types. Eventually I found the old Tradition 30mm range and purchased an officer from their ACW line. Not knowing what to expect I was pleasantly surprised when the figure arrived and it was just right - not too tall but certainly tall enough to tower over any figure put next to it. I replaced the head with a more expressive Dixon head and using green stuff made brass shoulder scales and added a sash. Wheat wore the uniform of a field grade officer of the Louisiana army at 1st Manassas-Bull Run. This was a red kepi suitably embellished with lace, dark blue frock coat and trousers, brass shoulder scales, and a buff/gold colored General officers sash which was not regulation but which Wheat wore in recognition of his service as a General in the Mexican and Nicaraguan armies. I am very pleased with the figure and although perhaps a little lean for Wheat it will do the job nicely. Lets hope this miniature Wheat can lead his miniature Tigers to glory on many a tabletop battlefield.

THE GRIM REALITY OF WAR

Part of the harsh reality of conflict, this battlefield surgeon goes about his grim work. The figure is by Redoubt. I will paint up a hospital scene to accompany this fellow. I recently purchased a field ambulance and a selection of wounded men from both Redoubt and Dixon. This figure is one of them. Fire and Fury~Regimental wargame rules suggest such a scene be placed on the table to signify when heavy casualties begin to have an impact on the morale of an army. My modellers instinct could not resist creating such a scene.

New York's Finest - the 5th

The 5th New York Volunteer Infantry had a distinguished two year service in the civil war.  They were present at the first land action of the war and proved their worth with a charge at Big Bethel.  No other Union regiment sustained as many casualties in a single day's battle as the 5th (120 men killed or mortally wounded in 7 minutes at the Second Bull Run). The 5th had a reputation of 'elite' status, being comprised of well educated men, of whom around 80% were born in America.  They were mostly from Manhattan.  Commanded by Abram Duryee a skilled and relentless drillmaster, demonstrated courage under fire and epitomised the ideals of the regiment. After the regiment's term of service expired after Chancellorsville, the 5th NY returned to a parade down Broadway. The New York Times reported " The men were brown and rugged; their colours were weather stained and bullet torn; their uniforms were tattered and stained with Virginia mud and the smoke of hard fought conflicts. They looked magnificent."

The 'Magnificent Duryee's 5th New York Zouaves

Above is a quick snap of the 5th NY I have just painted.  The figures are from Mark Fenlon Miniatures and were an absolute pleasure to paint.  The picture doesn't do them justice!

DON'T TREAD ON ME!

A very nice 40mm Front Rank American militia man from 1775.