I had planned on stopping my pre-painting preparation with the Natal Native contingent I posted on yesterday.
I had enough figures for two more British regular contingents of “Strelets” Highlanders so with all of the bases, glue, cutters, pin drills, and rattle cans already laid on the preparation table it made sense to finish these with everything ready to go.
I have to hand it to Strelets; they really outdid themselves this time, proving that chunky and naive sculpting is a true art form – if you consider abstract interpretation of reality to be art! These figures are so “below average” that I half-expect them to drop out of school. The style is chunkier than a pregnant wombat, with features that are more elusive than a cat on a hot tin roof, and some details that seem to have taken a trip to the fun-house mirror. As for the faces? Let’s just say they’re less “masterpiece” and more “guru piece,” and those crowded areas, like the chest, are so cluttered with oversized details that it looks like a garage sale on steroids!
⭐⭐
Rating: 1.5 out of 5.
Nevertheless I have them so they are getting used! I am not stubborn, just loudly determined!
The Strelets Highlanders (1)
The Strelets Highlanders (2)
The Officer cobbled together from HaT colonial bits and pieces.
Gardiner Gun
Assorted HaT cavalry bits and pieces put together to create a dragoon unit.
The Strelets Highlanders (3)
The Strelets Highlanders (4)
Another of these tomorrow, although some Colonial Indian units may be finished to provide a brief interlude.
I have been trying to find some cases that are “Goldilocks” size. Not too small but just enough to take a Silver Bayonet contingent plus a few spares.
Now I don’t normally shop on “Temu” because of their poor security record, but when I do I use a separate account only used for internet sales and with a bank I do not otherwise use. I also only pay with that account via Paypal to provide an additional layer of Reason’s “swiss cheese”!
To date I haven’t had an issue. 🤞
I found these on Temu at very reasonable prices.
I also picked up some smaller ones for the price of a cup of coffee to use ffor dice and measuring tape -probably minus the bulk of the foam.
Here with the foam plucked for my Silver Bayonet Egyptian contingent.
My Russian Silver Bayonet contingent.
These are great value good quality and arrived promptly with free shipping.
Following on from yesterday the rest of the Natal Native figures were used to create a 24 point MWWBK separate contingent
Unit of fierce Natal Native tribal Infantry (1)
Natal Native Irregular foot from the HaT cavalry set.
Unit of fierce Natal Native tribal Infantry (2)
Natal Native Cavalry 1
Natal Native Cavalry 2
An artillery piece with untrained crew. The Gun is from the Airfix WW1 set, and the crew are natives from the HaT Ruga Ruga set. I think they look suitably untrained!
Again all six units are four points each. Unfortunately they are not on the painting agenda for some time.
I was sitting down trying to work out how to use the left-over figures from the last few days work. It wasn’t until Guru sat down in his pyramid that the WTF moment arrived!
Instead of just having a few units to add to the British as allies, why not make up a 24pt MWWBK’s army on its own!
Dismounted cavalry from the Frontier Light Horse box used as Irregular Infantry (1)
Irregular Infantry (2)
An extra Light Horse Unit (3)
Light Horse Unit (2)
Light Horse Unit (1)
An artillery piece and some from the Airfix WW1 British set, the other two crew from the HaT German WW1 Shutztruppe set.
All six units are four points each making up the 24 point army. The Natal Native contingent tomorrow.
So for the short posts over the last few weeks as I have been busy as Amazon are about to produce a few sets of rules for me and I have been a bit frenetic meeting publishers deadlines! Something a bit different for a change.
This gives you a size comparison with a 28mm “big game hunter” – I am not sure if he is game or just plain stupid!
I have already painted a couple of these Druids and have to more to finish that will make a huge “grove” of six.
Druids symbolize deep knowledge and ancient traditions from Ireland and Celtic culture. They were respected leaders who guided their communities and had a strong connection to nature, acting as early environmental protectors. Their legacy underscores the importance of preserving the mystical aspects of life and recognizing their contributions to culture and spirituality.
Druids were key figures in Celtic society, serving as legal advisors, judges, and health practitioners, while preserving cultural heritage through storytelling and valuing oral tradition over written forms.
They relied on storytelling, known as “extreme gossip,” instead of written documentation, while cultures like the Romans recognized these narratives as essential entertainment and worked to preserve them, providing insight into the Druids’ unique rituals and deep connection to nature.
The Druids held significant roles as priests, scholars, and advisors from the Neolithic era to the Iron Age in Ireland and the Celtic domain, with archaeological evidence highlighting their influence as cultural leaders. A theory suggests a link between Lascaux cave art and Druidic rituals, emphasizing their role in merging spirituality with art and shaping early human society through their diverse practices.
Famous tombs like New Grange served as ceremonial sites for the Druids, guiding individuals to connect with the natural world and honoring the eternal cycles of nature.
The druidic tradition views rebirth as part of life’s cycle, where individuals respectfully connect with the universe. A Druid transforms into an elemental being, enhancing their bond with nature and emphasizing planetary respect. Death is seen as a transition to new experiences, deepening appreciation for nature’s significance.
