28mm Werewolf Hunters from Old Glory

Figures and warehouse by Old Glory

The first finished Victorian-era miniatures of 2020* are from the Old Glory/Blue Moon "Things that go Bump in the Night" line: I had a Howling Good Time.

Figures and warehouse by Old Glory

Ye gods and little fishes!, as my grandmother would say; these were both a chore and a delight to paint. I purchased this box set because I like the style of the ladies, and wanted some models for my Trieste Company for In Her Majesty's Name. The ladies were indeed fun and rewarding to paint, but I found the male figures difficult and a bit frustrating, especially the gypsy-like character.

Figures and warehouse by Old Glory

All of the models have good detail, excellent proportions, and decent animation. The ladies especially have a nice style.  The male figures are rather "busy", with shirts, belts, vests, packs, jackets, hats, scarfs, etc. Due to some of the odd accouterments, combined with the civilian portrayal, I found it difficult to tell exactly *what* was being depicted by the sculptor. The box art was helpful, (though not as helpful as I would have liked) and I'm fair pleased with the result.

Figures and warehouse by Old Glory

As with the Sleepy Hollow set, I yielded to the impulse to paint these models' bases as though they were game pieces - packaged as they are as a stand alone game (Nota bene; the one-page rules were absent...again.)

I'm adding another category for rating miniature figures; relate-ability. If I have to guess at what the sculptor was intending, the relate-ability rating goes down.

Animation: 4.5

Detail: 5

Proportions: 5

Relate-ability: 4

Variety:5

Overall: 4.75 out of 5

Also included in the set are several werewolves, which I set aside, lost and found again. I plan on painting these up in the near future, as part of an IHMN/1889 Gothic game.

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*Point of clarification: I started painting these several years ago, at least as far back as 2016. As I mentioned, the male figures were a chore.

"Geste et Geste. Nil Separatum Est"

Starting off, I'd like to apologise for the lengthy gap is posts.  Sorry about that.  I've been very busy working on a 7TV game set in 1970 Philadelphia, and have been conducting research and making visits into the same. I should be able to work up a crossover scenario or two for the Victorian (or at least Edwardian) era as a result.

In fact, it was due to the dearth of posts that I decided to pick up some of Askari Miniatures "Beau Geste" personality miniatures.  At least give'em a review. I'm also working on finishing some of the Martian Trieste Company miniatures for IHMN/S:1889. Now on to Fort Zinderneuf:

Ali Ibn Maurer and Askari miniatures have done an excellent job in capturing the personalities of the protagonists of "The Last Remake of Beau Geste", which is, of itself, a film that is perhaps, more funny than not. Rumour has it that constant studio interference dulled the humour, and having seen the film years ago, I'm inclined to agree.  That said, the figures are excellent.

Figures by Askari Miniatures

Animation: 4.5

Detail: 5

Proportions: 5

Variety:5

Overall: 4.75 out of 5

The only missing item is the Ann-Margaret miniature.

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Preparing for Market Day

Supplies are arriving for my "Sédition dans le Souk!" IHMN game, scheduled for the Christmas break.  Today, I received the 28mm Town Square Fountain from Rob Rumfelt at Novus Design Studio.

Fountain by Novus Design, 25mm Bobby by Grenadier

This is my second fountain from Novus Design - I like that they arrive finished (just need a shot of dull-cote - make sure you cover and protect the "water") and ready for play. Looks like they're darkening the plastic/resin for the stonework, which suits me. The good folks at Novus might consider in future of offering their product in two or three shades of stone. This would reduce potential need for painting the stone.

Also received today is the "Sandy Cobblestones" mat from Mats By Mars.  This was a lucky break, as I wanted something to represent the cobbling of a Martian city (or Egyptian), and for less than $20 for a 2' x 2' square, the price was right. This is my second mat from Mats by Mars, and I'll certainly be buying again in the near future.

Market Square with "Sandy Cobblestone" Mat by Mars

In the case of both these products, the item went from ordered to my doorstep in under a week. That's gold-star service. Well done, Novus Design Studio and Mats by Mars.

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"Sédition dans le Souk!" IHMN:1889 for the French on Mars

Sédition dans le Souk (WIP)

The noted French anarchist, Julius Sébastien Lazare, is rumoured to be on Mars. French Constabulary, acting on information from the Martian Office of the Súreté, are searching a native Martian market square in Idæus Fons for clues to the rapscallion's whereabouts. The inspectors are backed up with some muscle from the native Gendarmes.

The Native Market at Idæus Fons

This will be a clues/information gathering game with occasional outbursts of native resistance. The closer the player-inspecteurs get to collaring Lazare, the greater the likelyhood of a violent confrontation.

Updates soon.

WIP - French Cloudship on Mars

Ironclad Miniatures in the UK have a nifty small Martian Cloudship available that I'm modifying for use by the French on Mars.

To begin, the French colony doesn't have the ship building capacity which the British enjoy in Syrtis Major. With a limited ability to build modern aerial gunboats, the authorities in Idaeus Fons must improvise, and the French-Martian Colonial Airfleet is comprised mostly of native, wooden designs in French service.

Resin bits by Ironclad Miniatures

Since my cloudship was going to be retrofitted with steam, dans la méthode des Américains, I wanted extra space for the steam engine, so I replaced the deck supplied with a new deck, cut from light balsa and basswood. The lower hull will remain the same, save for the addition of an air-screw or two.

Miniatures by Askari

Depicted for the reader's gentle delectation are four French Naval artillerymen, from Askari Miniatures. I am debating placing a half-height deck house/covered hatch in the centre, but have yet to find a model I like....

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Steppe Martians

Here are some RAFM Steppe Martians, which I was able to finish over the (US) Thanksgiving weekend.

The colours were inspired by Native American Plains Indians, including the "paint" scheme of the gashants. Spears were (Old Glory?) tips added to piano wire.

RAFM minis are fun to paint - pity the line is still so limited.

These minis will probably do double duty, in both British service (as Graham's Irregulars) and French service (as Xanthe Desert Goumiers). I still need to paint European officers for the respective nationalities.

RAFM Steppe Martians
Animation: 4
Detail: 4
Proportions: 4
Variety: 1
Overall: 3.25 out of 5

Release the harka!

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Warbands of the Cimmerian League

Whilst my attention has been diverted, I haven't altogether been neglecting my Martian forces, and was able to finish off a warband between 7TV projects.


From the Hesperian Basin, on Mars, some irregulars. These might appear in the service of the Hesperian Basin Trade Company (HBTC) or deployed against them.

These are from RAFM. They're painted in jewel-tones to suggest a militia from a fairly prosperous town. No firearms, as the Cimmerian League is a bit far from most European trade...for now.

To begin, some archers:

Miniatures by RAFM



And some swordsmen.  I intend to fit them with shields, just as soon as I locate where I've put them. Yes, I need to paint the eyes...again.



Miniatures by RAFM

 

Finally, the leader. I used an elf from the old Grenadier line. They're also available from Mirlton, for ruinous shipping costs. The gashant is RAFM.

Rider by Grenadier, mount by RAFM

 

Rider by Grenadier, mount by RAFM

 

He's riding a bit high in the stirrups - probably shouting "Charge!" or "View hallooo!".

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Société Impériale Martien de Trieste

Here's a little writeup, designed to introduce the Hapsburgs into Space 1889/IHMN

The Imperial Martian Society of Trieste is an Austrian commercial enterprise, based in Trieste, and offers passenger and cargo service between Trieste and Mars.  This is often through leased tonnage on British, French, Russian or German ether flyers.

The Austrian Government is primarily concerned with thwarting Russian ambitions in the Balkans, and as a result of this lack of interest, Austria has no territorial concessions on Mars. Austrian commercial factors trade through the Martian enclaves of friendly countries, especially Prussia, Russia, Britain and France. The Martian Trade consists of exported foodstuffs such as wheat, rice and flour and finished goods such as metal tools and cookware. The Trieste Company also trades (by special order) in heavy machinery: locomotives, boilers, pump and drive engines.  

The Trieste Company is currently looking toward expanding their interest in the Hesperian/Cimmerian Basin, an area relatively untouched by the other Great Powers.

Troops: The Trieste Company has few regular troops, instead relying upon hired irregular bands of Hesperian or Cimmerian Canal Martians, commanded by officers of the Royal and Imperial (KuK) Austrian Navy, along with some mounted contingents. These are occasionally stiffened by a company or platoon of sailors from the Imperial (KuK) Austrian Navy.
 
Uniform: Crewmen and Officers wear a version of the Imperial Austrian Postal uniform (itself based on the army pattern): dark blue tunic with light blue trousers and a low-crowned shako. Working/field order consists of a white, naval-style jumper with a white field cap or dark blue beret.

Weaponry: Single-shot breechloaders (M1867 Werndl/Holub) or Lorenz rifled muskets for the European troops. Pattern 1842 Augustin muskets or rifled muskets for company/martian troops. 

Miniatures available: Any good Martian figure for the local troops. Any good late 19th century Austrian sailors for the "on loan" company troops. Use Austrian naval officer miniatures for the Postmaster/Officers.

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Up the Chari Creek

Had another opportunity to play the French Conquest of Chad .Went to Ellicott City to play an evening game with Bob Giglio's crew, using Soldier's Companion (Mk. II).


The scenario was based on the Battle of Kouno, 28 October, 1899, on the Chari River which flows from Lake Chad in French West Africa.


The main French column entered on the board edge, while the commander was aboard the river steamer.  The natives were lying doggo on the coast line, while a  flotilla of canoes, filled with warriors, began to issue from the village, across the sand bar.

Steamer Leon Blot

As any old colonial player knows, there is an instant where the leading European units make contact with the natives, and one side "recoils". In this instance, it was the French, as the commander, caught off guard for two rounds, who had to contend with small arms fire and attacking bands of spear-weilding tribesman.

Hostile River Bank

The steamer happily continued up stream, lobbing the occasional shell in support of the main column.

Dervish launch the first charge

It is a testament to the quality of the Tirailleurs Seneglais that, after falling back, they rallied, at one point even launching a frenzied counter attack. This helped swing the balance against the Dervishes, and stemmed the attack. With the return of the steamer and the reserve ammunition barge, the French were in position to resume the advance, but with darkness falling and scads of dervish occupying the village stockade, the assault would needs wait until the following day.

Tirailleurs flanqued!

On the river, the steamer Leon Blot attempted to push on toward Rabeh's kraal, only to be  met with a flotilla of war canoes. The superior speed of the steamer allowed the Blot to steam past the boarding hazard, only to realise that the main column was in danger of running out of ammunition, and had to come about and run the gauntlet a second time.

RAMMING SPEED!

Post Game Thoughts

The "minute de fou" or mad minute ability give the Lebel breech-loader a hella-lot of firepower, which was extremely effective in sweeping away entire warbands of dervish - this despite having armed all of the natives with various firearms and even a battery of cannon. Despite the danger of jamming, neither French commander hesitated to use this, effectively doubling the French fire power. The French commander, Jeff H. at one point remarked "Nous n'apportons nos fusils de les regarder!*"

Hats off (chapeau!) to Bob G. for researching an oft-overlooked scenario in Colonial gaming (Bob credits Ian Croaxhall for supplying the original data). This campaign is actually an indirect result of the battle of Omdurman, as the remnants of Dervish army, shattered by Kitchener, moved east beyond Kordofan and towards Lake Chad - putting them and their leader Rabeh az-Zubeyr on a collision course with the French.

Landing more ammunition

The French Regroup

Grappling attempt

The Village Boat Landing

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 *"We didn't bring our rifles to look at them..."

"With Fury Unabated..."

It's been some while between posts - unfortunately, there hasn't been much opportunity for VSF gaming this year. (Hat tip to Alpini Jeff for the nice piccies.)

Downtown Alexandria

So it was fortuitous to be invited to a playtest of Bob Giglio's most recent Colonial Epic - the Invasion of Alexandria - or as he entitled it "With Fury Unabated".  This was a cleverly concocted game with lots of buildings, which made for a lot of fun.

Mob Storming the Customs House

Running off a bad lot

An Honest Merchant - or a latent radical?

In a nutshell, the players take the parts of the British Marines and Bluejackets as they land in 1882 Alexandria in an attempt to rescue European civilians and protect European property from the riotous followers of Colonel Achmed U'rabi.

Royal Navy Landing Party

Civilians waiting to be evacuated

Storming the British Legation

"You are NICKED, my gyp darlings..."

The ruleset was Bob's Modified "Soldier's Companion II" which addresses some of the perceived shortfalls of the original Soldier's Companion by Frank Chadwick.

Yanks having the odd pot shot.

"Right, we'll go round the back..."

"The Flag was still there..."

The game was, in turn, inspired by the "55 Minutes at Peking" games we ran in the early '90's, which came from an article by the Staines Wargame Club in Miniature Wargames magazine. And there ends our pedigree.

The British and Bashi Bazouks defend the Armoury

"There they go, lads! After 'em!"

(Pictures to be uploaded as soon as we determine whatever blogger's problem is. Three computers, same result. Edit: It was Microsoft's Internet Explorer causing the problem. Typical.)

Post Game Thoughts:

If I were forced to give a criticism, it would only be in comparison to the pace of the inspirational "55 Minutes at Peking". The Staines wargamers created a hectic, breathless game where the players barter, shout and plead with each other for help, and the referees really ARE out to get you.  Bob's game was less frenetic, which might actually reflect the age and temperment of the players, and no harm done.

Bob also added some clever random events, and some events triggered by certain conditions being met.  The Khedive arrives if the British can capture the main gate to the palace. Random armed crews from merchant steamers may arrive; bolstering the British or patronising the local wine shop.  My own lads at the armoury were assisted by the fortuitous arrival of a band of bashi-bazouks, who assisted in the defense and actually ran off a mob of wrong sorts.

Rally to the Khedive!

In conclusion, this was an excellent game, played to conclusion in about 4 hours, covering an often-overlooked action of a little-gamed conflict. Full marks for originality and research. Well done!

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Martian 28mm from Ironclad Miniatures

In this post, we'll have a look at some of Ironclad Miniature's 28mm Martian troops. Ironclad usually make some very nice VSF vehicles, so this expansion into infantry should be interesting. John L. at Ironclad had these to me in excellent time (just over a week) from Old Blighty.

These figures are listed as "Martian Citizens", reflecting a local town or small city levy, and are sculpted in loose trousers and loose vest/tunic. I plan to use mine as hired company troops in the Hesperian Basin on Mars.

The figures are displayed on a 1" grid, with two RAFM Space:1889 Martian Colonial Infantry flanking for size comparison purposes. As the reader will see, they match up nicely, being of a similar size to Askari Miniatures.

28mm Martian Citizen Musketmen (MAR 05) from Ironclad Miniatures

Of the three sets, I like the musketeers best. They have some good animation and detail work. There are four poses, and the buyer receives one of each.

Martian Citizen Musketeers
Animation: 4
Detail: 4
Proportions: 4
Variety: 4
Overall: 4 out of 5

28mm Martian Citizen Spearmen (MAR 06) from Ironclad Miniatures

Also in four poses, with spears and shields included, the spearmen struck me as a little stiff - although how much animation does one need from a fellow holding a spear? I'm also not very fond of white metal spear shafts, and plan to remove the nicely cast spear head and mount on piano wire.  The addition of the shields is greatly appreciated.

Martian Citizen Spearmen
Animation: 3
Detail: 4
Proportions: 4
Variety: 4
Overall: 3.5 out of 5

28mm Martian Citizen Command

Finally, the command figures - I like the drummer a lot, and am somewhat less fond of the officer. His pose seems a bit static to me - possibly he's new to the job and a little reticent about shouting orders? Having a bit more variety-of-pose for these would be welcome.

Martian Citizen Command
Animation: 3
Detail: 4
Proportions: 4
Variety: 3
Overall: 3 out of 5

All in all, a welcome addition to the Martian armies, and a nice change from the dominant RAFM offerings.

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Elves as Steppe Martians

Hat-tip: The Miniatures Page

Picture from Combat Zone Chronicles:

 Here's a link to a nice article by Canadian wargame enthusiast Gisby, proving that when the main miniature manufacturer let's them down, the Fans Will Find a Way:

http://combatzonechronicles.net/cozoxc/1889.htm

Well done, Gisbs!

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IHMN: La Société du Docteur Marot

Herein, I present La Société du Docteur Marot, a Parisian company for In Her Majesty's Name.  Headed by Dr. Marot, a mesmerist, assisted by the insane dwarf Pierre Trilloubette and One-eyed Jacque the Sailor, the company pursues Marot's nefarious goals, often by deploying Blackie, a giant Sumatran ape.

Controlled by Marot's mesmerism abilities, Blackie strikes fear in the hearts of those opposing Marot's will.  Blackie occasionally escapes his cage, and is known to have a thing for attractive ladies.

Miniatures by West Wind and Parroom Station.

Pierre Trilloubette, aka"le mannequin", is a brilliantly insane artist of limited talent but great cunning. He often directs the day to day activity of the company, while Dr. Marot is otherwise engaged.

Acting as Marot's foot soldiers, while trying to keep out of Blackie's way, are the rough sailors from the more déclassé areas of the Paris docks.

Miniatures by West Wind, Brigade Miniatures and Parroom Station.

 
La Société Marot often clashes with the Sureté, Gendarmerie, and Cabinet Noir, as well as the Comité de Vigilance de la rue Voltaire.

La Société du Docteur Marot

Type	Pluck	FV	SV	Speed	Talents and Powers	Special Equipment	Cost
Dr. Marot	3+	+1	+2	+0	Fanatic, Mesmerism,  Meticulous Planning	Pistol	39
Pierre Triboullet	3+	+2		+0	Duellist, Erudite Wit, Stealthy, Meticulous Planning	Sword cane	28
One-eyed Jacque	4+	+3	+2	+1	Tough,Part o/t Crowd	Pistol, Whip	26
Rough Sailors	5+	+2		+1	Tough	Fighting Knife, Lined Coat	14
Rough Sailors	5+	+2	+2	+1	Tough	Pistol, Lined Coat	16
Sultan the Gorilla	6+	+5	n/a	+4	Terrifying,	Armour 8, Talons+1	32
Blackie the Giant Ape	3+	+5	n/a	+0	Terrifying, Berserker	Armour 9, Talons +1	45

 
Note: this company is inspired by an amalgam of several "Rue Morgue" films, especially the 1957 "Phantom of the Rue Morgue" and the 1971 "Murder in the Rue Morgue".

I tend to strip out the majority of "steampunk" from IHMN, reserving it as a special plot device or special effect, as I find it less strains the bounds of believability. A single clockwork cybernetic weaponised arm on Otto Bismark is clever and amusing - a squad so armed is somewhat tiresome. 

I hope to have Sureté and Gendarmerie finished soon, followed by the Voltaire Street Vigilance Commitee and some disgruntled Communards later this fall.

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