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 24 January 2017

Sudan - Guards battalion in red

Since the start of the Sudan project I have always had it in my plan to do one or two British units wearing their red tunics. this was after all the last colonial war when these were worn, with some units being ordered to change into them for battle. The battle of Ginnis in 1885 was the last time they were worn in battle. So I thought it would be nice to have a few battalions in my army wearing them.

The Sands of the Sudan rules allow for very large units -  it is an old school Grand Manner style set so I thought it was time for a big battalion ,this one to be a guards unit, and who better to have their red coats on. With the recent Perry release of some suitable plastic infantry it offered the opportunity to do a large unit with lots of variety to it. Its 60 figures in close order , a mounted officer , and 8 figures on two open order skirmish bases.



Another feature or lack of  it in the Sudan campaigns was the fact that British units no longer carried any standards in battle. I have followed this for the army overall - but I thought well perhaps just this one might be  nice to have. So I have done a standard bearer as separate figure complete with dog. The army had also moved over to a smaller size flag at this time with changes in the early 1880's -  but hell if I am having one let's make it a big one,  courtesy of a slightly earlier pattern Queens colour from my stash of GMB flags.



Steady lads!

Open order company

The Perry Miniatures plastic infantry box set does give some real variation and life to the unit. Although I think the bayonets won't all survive the first contact with the enemy as they are very delicate. if they were metal and broke I could just solder a new one on, the plastic will be harder to replace - but that's a challenge for another time. However it gives such variety in poses its something worth living with. It took almost two boxes of figures to build the unit - and I still have one box worth left to build - hmm may need another!

I could not resist a black and white shot- for the newspapers!

and I have been playing with some video options too.. I am planning a play by blog game later this year where this technology might be useful.



27 comments:

  1. A cracking good job you've done on those.

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    1. Aye... well we will in Feb how they fight!

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  2. Wow! Brilliant. I now feel the urge to have Matt paint up some of my NWF figs with a red coat!

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  3. Dave,
    Well done. Although personally I would have all my British units carrying their colours. Its not good that the fuzzy wuzzies can carry their flags, but we cant.

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    1. Thanks Robbie, there could well be a few more I feel...maybe Mr Allan will make me some!

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  4. Sensational work Dave, this has just gone to the top of my 'best in show' list.

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    1. Cheers Michael, that's a real compliment..

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  5. A beautiful regiment. Well done

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  6. For me, this was one of the entries of the AHPC. Absolutely tip-top painting, Dave :-)

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    1. Cheers, I was pleased with the end result

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  7. I think this may well be my favourite of all your Sudan efforts. I know the red coats were rare but there's just something about them that speaks volumes...

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    1. I agree, there is also something iconic re the red coats... mind I also need to the Cameron highlanders - red coats and kilts!

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  8. These look absolute splendid Dave. I have also been contemplating a similar unit as well and draw from the old Wargames World volume which featured a large collection of, if I recall correctly, Dave Thomas' figures. Yours look just as sensational mate.

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    1. Cheers Carlo... my Cameron's will also be in red when I get them

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  9. Beautiful, emotive and iconic. Hearty congrats on an outstanding unit Dave

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    1. Cheers Paul , it's one I really wanted to do..

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