Picking up those brushes again.

Hi and welcome to the occasional mutterings of Dave Doc, a military modeller and some time gamer. Gaming and model making has given me a real education, History & Geography(obvious really), Artistry, Politics, Economics, Logistics, Project Management -you try building miniature armies without the last 3.

I will use the blog to record my creations & the odd occasion I actually do some gaming.

I have always been inspired by the aesthetic side of gaming. Playing on well constructed terrain using excellently painted units is always a joy.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Sudan - 9th Bengal Lancers

One of those classic British Imperial units- Bengal Lancers. The 9th were a light cavalry regiment which when moved to the Sudan were armed with a lance - with those pesky Fuzzy Wuzzies not playing the game and lying the on the ground what you really need as a cavalry man is a 9 foot pointy stick to get them  with.





 So here I have two squadrons (two more along later) of old school Connoisseur Miniatures with some heavy conversion -  only the officer is a straight figure. This range never got around to making buglers so the bugler is made from a trooper figure, arm removed remade with solder and soldered into position holding the bugle to his lips. The bugle is made from garden twisty wire formed into shape and the bell of the bugle created from solder. 10 of the troopers have their lance arm removed, repositioned  or remade and soldered back into a variety of thrusting type position. The lances are made from 0.8mm piano wire so won't bend and are then soldered into the hands of the trooper along with lance strap. The idea is to give the impression for the these two squadrons at full charge ready to hit their quarry. 


 
 I did enjoy partaking of a decent India Pale Ale - Bengal Lancer while doing the conversion work - it was very enjoyable!
I have more cavalry planned over the winter period with a couple of Hussar Regiments in the wings too.

34 comments:

  1. Love those. One of those iconic units that just about everyone recognises. Superb.

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    1. thanks Paul.. absolutley agree - i can also feel some North West Frontier coming on too!

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  2. Charge! As you say iconic and certainly one of my favourite units - brilliant job Dave.

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    1. cheers Michael.. the very word in my head while converting them - Charge!

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  3. Superb!! Beer and little metal men what's not to like, and I really must source some in 15mm for my Sudan project...

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    1. cheers Steve.. indeed you must get some..

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  4. A famous unit and a beautifl paint job...excellent work!

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  5. This Sudan project's coming along a treat!

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    1. Oh yes... I will have enough toys for game soon enough..

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  6. Very nice work Dave and love the conversion work on those lovely Connoisseur figures. Look forward to seeing your games.

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    1. Thanks Carlo, I will imperial forces ready by March and then the summer to do terrain stuff, so it's still a little way off . But looking forward to it myself.

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  7. Your Connoisseur lancers look terrific. I really like your turban work.

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    1. Thanks it was nice to give them a bit of colour.

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  8. Lovely. The detail on them is fantastic!

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    1. Thanks Gordon, they may be an older casting, but they still scrub up well with a bit of TLC

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  9. Great figures. I love Bengal Lancers!

    Cheers
    PD

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    1. Thanks Peter,lancers of any kind are amongst my favourite cavalry to do.

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  10. Wonderful Dave, simply wonderful. They've got real character and you've inspired me to buy some of my own although unfortunately I doubt I'd be able to get my hands on the same ones. When can we see them in action?

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    1. Excellent stuff. Will be mid next year. I will ha e enough toys for a game by the end of the challenge, I will need to get some terrain bits.. But I may commission some I think..

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  11. Dang, but those look good! A proper-sized unit as well (none of this "5 models make a cavalry regiment" nonsense).

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    1. Cheers Hugh.. You will be pleased to know that's only half of them then! Rest along very shortly.. And yes I agree , numbers count!

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  12. Brilliant stuff Dave - a wonderfully iconic unit superbly executed

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  13. Dave,
    Very, very nice. Carlo' s publication drove me to start this. I couldn't justify time or expense to do 28mm so it's 15 for me ( they are so quick to paint) see who gets there first. Be good to chat at the club one day when you have time :)

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    1. Hi Graham. Carlo is not helping is he!! Looking like the start of next year will be a lot better for gaming time, so hope to catch up.

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  14. Those are terrific. Full of life and beautifully painted.

    Best wishes

    Giles

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  15. They are really nice, a fantastic unit. Now, they need to win some laurels!

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