I wanted a second gun option as an alternayive the the Gardener Gun I already have completed. Geoff had given me the gun model and I robbed the crew from some sapre Gardener guns.
Tomorrow some more 20 mm British.
The serpopard is a mythical animal that appears in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art, captivating the imagination of those who encounter it. The word “serpopard” is a modern term that combines the words “serpent” and “leopard”, reflecting the creature’s unique and fascinating anatomy.
The larger miniature is a Historia “Royal” Serpopard and two other smaller ones are from North Star’s “The Silver Bayonet” range.
These dangerous creatures have the body of either a lion or leopard but with a long, snake-like head, which writhes and twists with strangely hypnotic movements that can entrance even the most stalwart observer.
While rare, these elusive beings are sometimes encountered in dark and foreboding chambers deep beneath the earth, where they guard not only ancient knowledge but also the secrets of lost civilizations that once thrived above ground.
They are rarely found near physical treasure because they dislike precious metals like gold and silver, making them indifferent to wealth. Like many cat-like creatures, serpopards are playful but can be cruel; they often toy with their prey by poisoning them and letting them run in fear before finally killing them, showing their predatory nature.
These behaviors contribute to the legends surrounding them, echoing throughout folklore as a cautionary tale to those who dare to venture too close to their lairs.
Next in this project is some “Werejackals” from North Star’s “The Silver Bayonet” range.
With the 20mm Colonial Plastic figures I have been putting together in the last week or so, Geoff also threw in the “Fort Sahara” . As the figures were not complete I decided to build the fort rather than keep the 30+year old kit. This was quite generous from Goeff as the set is now selling for US$145.00!
Boxart Fort Sahara & Figurines Set 06701 Airfix
“Also first produced in 1966, this contained complete sets of first type Foreign Legion and Arabs (Bedouins). Again the included fort is pretty small, with virtually no accommodation for the garrison, horses etc., but otherwise reasonably authentic and with lots of charm. The choice of Bedouin Arabs as opponents probably has more to do with images of Beau Geste than anything else, but the set has proved popular over the years, especially as Esci also made suitable figures.” Plastic Soldier Review
The instructions and parts awaiting to be assembled.
With only 14 pieces to put together the kit only took about 15 minutes to put together.
With the model assembled it was glued to a cork place mat.
The fort was covered in PVA, sand sprinkled on the PVA to provide a stucco look and then it was dry brushed with sans, burnt ochre and white poster paints.
The fort was then “flocked” with sandy base.
I am envisaging a scenario where one Airfix fort’s Legionnaires needs to rescue the other Airfix fort from an Arab siege game coming soon!
No eastern caravan can move anywhere without “appropriate” guards.
The completed “caravan”.
Next up in the Afghanistan project will be these four “Eureka Miniatures” bikes. The ISAF forces will be unaware which type have arrived until they are “positively identified”.
Themeans of transport ancient but the cargo not quite.
A more traditional “caravan”.
A wise man on the way to a stable?
Thanks for sharing my journey throughout the year and I am looking forward to many new projects in the New Year and of course disposing of lots of long unused stuff!
I have always liked the Ancient British from my early days collecting Airfix figures. In fact I only parted with them at a bring and buy early this month.
The Britannic tribe, although the chariots are missing and not all of these could be used at any one time.
With 27 infantry, two cavalry and eventually three Victrix chariots it is certainly an army on a budget and easy to assemble and paint in a reasonably short time.
I hope to assemble mine early in the New Year.
I have already posted on Boudicca and the two druids, but I thought that I also needed a warrior Hero with spear, sword and shield. all of these are from Victrix.
A standard bearer that provides a +1 to morale for friendly units within 12″. At an additional 20 pts on top of the figure and equipment costs makes me doubt that it is worth the points. A Warlord plastic figure.
A horn bearer is perhaps worth thinking about. Again the 20 pts on top of a figure (8), sword (2), spear (3), and shield (5) is expensive at a total of 38 points. His real advantage is when your opponent needs to take an end of turn morale check the minus two it provides on top of the Wild Charge faction order of a further -1 can make it difficult for standard warriors to pass. A warlord plastic figure.
Naked Fanatics have an extra attack and with Spear, sword, and shield are reasonable value at 26 pts. I have put together 4 miniatures as I think the cost will prohibit recruiting any more. The Miniatures are from the Old Glory range.
The armoured cavalry are just your standard Noble Warrior on a horse. The horse doubles movement and you get one extra attack and one extra health, which is worth the extra fifteen points. Still with the horse, shield, spear, and sword you are looking at 43 points, which is a large chunk of the 250 points standard army.
A great set of figures from Warlord games. I particularly like the handler whistling the dogs! I think these are must as their extra movement and three attacks make them quite dangerous. If you decide to use them you should take the maximum three dogs.
Noble warriors from Warlord games. The extra attack, one point of health, and two extra morale do make them more of a warrior than the basic villager. I would always strive to take at least two. The figures are from the Warlords Celtic Warrior set.
Villagers with sword, spear and shield. The are your mobile shields that can support and help your leader and warriors come to grips with the enemy without looking like a pin cushion. Try and take enough to make up a shield wall between them and the nobles.
Slingers have a larger range than bowmen, but normally suffer a -1 penalty to hit. The Faction Bonus allows Britannic Tribes to field slingers without the -1 penalty. Extra range than bows and you shoot with the same factors; why would you not prefer them?
I try to field half of my men with bows, but the British opt out and use slings instead.
It will be interesting to see how they go agsainst their likely Roman opponents.
All I have to do is paint the little blighters!!
Of necessity my posts over the next few days will be quite small. I intend to have the caravan finished not long after Christmas.
A combination of the old and the new.
Adds a whole new meaning to “billy cart”!
Pronounced ko·ruh·kl, coracles have been associated particularly with Wales, where their unique design and lightweight construction made them ideal for navigating the many rivers and coastal waters of the region. Although they were used elsewhere in the British Isles until at least the late 18th century, with some records indicating their presence in Ireland and Scotland, they continued to be crafted and utilized in Wales until the 20th century.
These small, rounded boats, typically made from a wooden frame covered with animal skin or canvas, were not only practical for fishing and transportation but also iconic in the cultural landscape of Wales, representing a traditional skill that has been passed down through generations.
A coracle, or ‘cwrwgl‘ in Welsh, is a small, one-person boat made of woven wood and waterproof material. These easy-to-use round boats have been in the UK for over 2000 years, used by ancient communities for fishing and transport.
As I indicated above the Coracle traditionally used in Wales,but also in parts of the western parts of Ireland, particularly the River Boyn and in Scotland, particularly along the River Spey.
It is a known fact that the Romans saw coracles when they invaded Britain in 55 BC. Julius Caesar wrote in detail about small skin-covered boats he had seen while travelling the coastline:
“The keels and ribs were made of light timber, then, the rest of the hull of the ships was wrought with wicker work and covered over with hides.”
During the Roman Civil War (49-45BC),Caesar’s army made use of the hide wicker boats he had seen during his invasion of Britain, recognizing that these lightweight vessels allowed for swift movements and the ability to transport troops across challenging waterways, thereby enhancing their strategic operations and facilitating rapid supply lines throughout the conflict.
They’re a breeze to make; all you need is a gigantic dinosaur egg good luck finding one, maybe at the Giant’s Causeway!
What great hex terrain!
More recently, during the Vietnamese Conflict, refugees used coracles to escape war zones and cross the South China Sea to Hong Kong. The refugees were placed in bamboo baskets and sent down the river to avoid landmines.
Available from Eureka Miniatures, I intend to pick up some more with the Celt rowing.