I've been reading a great deal on the Anglo-Zulu war, making my way through Laband and Thompson's excellent Illustrated Guide to the AZW. Also I've been tearing through Ian Knight's Zulu Rising and now his Brave Men's Blood. Whilst I've just began the latter, the former 'Zulu Rising' was immense and utterly comprehensive if you're interested in iSandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
I've picked up a copy of Daniel Mersey's 'Wargamers Guide to the Anglo Zulu War' too, which is a really helpful resource. I've really enjoyed doing the research for uniforms, going through lots of reference images online. All the books and reading have immersed me in the period and kept my enthusiasm up for the painting!
Here are a few pics of my WIP Anglo-Zulu war figures. The Empress Natal Carabineers are very nearly there but they have the nasty sheen of gloss which is going to be matted down today:
Here are some Royal Artillery personnel I've painted up, apparently there were a great many of them at the actual camp at iSandlwana who weren't actually manning the N Battery, 5th Brigade (two 7-pounder guns). These consisted of supporting roles such as carpenters, farriers etc. Really I just wanted to have a crack at painting their uniforms, I don't have an artillery pieces as of yet. They have red facings over dark blue tunics, trousers of the same colour (with red stripe), and yellow chevron and yellow Austrian knot.
Last but not least are a finished (minus basing) unit of Zulus, I'll probably be using them for the Men Who Would Be Kings rules. I have been using the half-sized (Skirmish Kings) variant which cuts down tribal units to 8 figs rather than 16 and regular infantry from unit of 12 to 6 figs. Its a great little skirmish game on a small table but I'm sorting out a larger table set up at the moment.
Next up on the painting bench will be Artizan Afghan War figures, I have Afghan regulars, irregulars on the way in the post, some British regulars (and some converted Empress Brits of my own), and Highlanders!!
Keep painting,
All the best,
Rhys
All looking great rhys! Can't wait to get my welsh borderers painted up and have a crack at the skirmish game
ReplyDeleteThanks James! That'll be great, I should have plenty of stuff for it by then. Always more Zulus though!
DeleteFigures look great. I'm wanting to start a 2nd Afghan War collection. The only stumbling block for me is the Indian Army Regiment colours for e.g. Turbans, Tunic Facings etc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, throwing myself into the next batch! Really looking forward to the Afghans because it'll be a challenge but a nice variety of colours. I see what you mean about the Indian Army. A unit of Sikhs should be fairly straightforward, Khaki I suppose, would have to research facings yeah.
Delete