Category Archives: Men Who Would Be Kings (MWWBK)

Airfix Fort Sahara Set 06701 (1993) Scale:1:76

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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!

28mm Welsh Coracles.

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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.

20mm Beja Army for men Who Would Be Kings

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The Beja are a warrior nation with a history that potentially traces back to the original medjwa tribes of ancient Egypt. These tribes were pivotal players in the wider narrative of ancient civilization and are often associated with the Medjay, a soldier class originating from the region of Ta-Seti. During the 12th Dynastic Period, the Beja warriors were renowned for their skill, particularly as archers. Their martial abilities made them valuable assets in various military campaigns and conflicts, establishing them as formidable opponents on the battlefield.

The etymology of their name provides fascinating insights into their cultural and historical roots. It is said that the term “Beja” derives from the name of the municipality established by Pharaoh Amenemhat I, known as Amenemhat-It-jawy or Itjawy. This name has evolved over time into various forms, including Bedjawi and Bejawi, which are modern iterations reflecting the enduring legacy of this ancient people.

Pharaoh Amenemhat I played a crucial role in the formation of a strong, organized military, constructing an army sourced primarily from his mother’s hometown in Ta-Seti. This strategic decision not only fortified his military strength but also solidified the Beja’s status as elite warriors-for-hire.

Their association with the municipality he founded further underscores their significance in the socio-political landscape of ancient Egypt, illustrating how names and titles are deeply intertwined with identity, heritage, and valor.

Veteran Fierce Tribal Infantry 1

Veteran Fierce Tribal Infantry 2

Veteran Tribal Cavalry (Camels)

Veteran Fierce Tribal Infantry 3

Veteran Fierce Tribal Infantry 4

The Beja fought both with and against the British in the Sudan, highlighting their complicated relationship with colonial powers during this time of conflict. Their alliance with the British was often a strategic choice to maintain their independence and resist foreign control.

However, they also stood against British forces when their interests did not align, especially during the Mahdist uprising. Additionally, they engaged in conflicts against Portugal to defend their lands and assert their sovereignty against colonial expansion.

A nice little army for MWWBK’s that packs a punch but has little to offer on the way firepower.

20 mm Arab Slavers for MWWBK’s

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The Slavers have some very average troops and then some that don’t even reach those lofty heights, What it lacks in quality it sure makes up for in numbers.

At least they can all shoot and eventually you will roll enough dice to start hitting something, even if it is nothing!

Leader which I painted up even though not required.

Machine gun with poorly trained crew.

Not in the list but will add some rare spice.

Irregular Infantry with Antiquated Muskets 1

Irregular Infantry with Antiquated Muskets 2

Irregular Infantry with Antiquated Muskets 3

Irregular Infantry with Antiquated Muskets 4

Irregular Infantry 1

Irregular Infantry 2

Irregular Infantry 3

I will finish off a few more armies leading up to Christmas.

More 20mm British for MWWBK’s

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Some additional options for the British Colonial Army, including a Gardener Gun, Scottish Infantry, and British Dragoons. These provide a diverse range of capabilities for game play and all have different advantages.

Gardener Gun

The Gardener Gun, known for its innovative design and efficiency in artillery deployment, allows for rapid responses to enemy advancements. The Gardener gun counts as a machine gun that is very powerful, but prone to jamming.

Highland Infantry 1

Meanwhile, the Scottish Infantry, with their storied history and exemplary skills in various forms of combat, brings a profound sense of tradition and discipline that is crucial on the battlefield. They can be classed as elite, sharpshooters, or fierce, adding that bit of variety to the list. Having a Scottish unit that is elite, sharpshooters, and fierce at ten points (the maximum allowable) sounds interesting. Two of them with some Natal Native Horse…..hmmmmm!

Highland Infantry 2

British Dragoons

The British Dragoons, effectively serving as both cavalry and infantry, add mobility and versatility to the army, enabling them to engage in swift maneuvers and surprise attacks. In games terms these are counted as cavalry. Mounted Infantry will be added down the track as I have a couple of boxes of them as well.

A few more units to complete and then I can move on to the Zulu Wars British with there nice blood red coats.

20mm British Colonials for MWWBK’s

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Two weeks ago I went to the League of Ancients “bring and buy” where I did quite well selling stuff but in the end Geoff and I also did some swapping of stuff. Geoff was wanting to get rid of some 20mm Colonial figures and I needed to finish off some gaps in the ranks.

In particular British for the North west Frontier, so I was happy to take them off his hands.

Unfortunately Geoff uses different bases sizes, so some new bases, a little touching up here and there, and a final wash and varnish.

Here is the first 24 point British MWWBK’s army.

with each 12 man British Unit 6 pts each, there are no points left available for other options.

Tomorrow I hope to add some additional options for the British.

Third Afghan War – Afghan Regulars (2)

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A second unit of regulars completed for the Third Afghan War – only one more to go.

The figures are Eureka miniatures from their Russo – Turkish war range, but they fit in quite well.

The Third Anglo-Afghan War, which lasted from 3 May to 8 August 1919, was a significant conflict initiated by Amir Amanullah Khan’s call for Jihad against the British to achieve Afghanistan’s full independence.

His aim was to unite the Afghan people in response to foreign interference, strengthen his rule, and foster national unity among various ethnic groups.

Although the war was brief, it had a profound impact on Afghan nationalism and marked a key moment in the country’s pursuit of independence, while also drawing international attention to Afghanistan’s geopolitical importance, and was ultimately successful.

The two units completed.

Men who Would Be Kings Battle Report

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A French Foreign Legion Watchtower has been besiged by an unholy alliance of native tribes. A force has been dispatched from Fort Agadez, a lonely French desert outpost in Algeria.

Leaving en-masse the Legionnaires quickly come under attack from a group Bedouin.

The route towards the tower is now blocked by some River Arabs.

The tower has proven impossible to take so far and an ancient artillery piece has been brought into play. Unbeknown to the Arab players they shoot with three dice and a triple of any number is required to breach the tower walls.

More Arabs moving to intercept the Legionnaires.

A strong force of legionairres is now on both sides of the river.

The Bedouin Hero decides to attack his own tribal leader for failing to move his troops forward. The unit leader was diced up as a coward and would not engage the enemy. Not only did the hero not succeed but he was killed in the process creating a vacuum in leadership.

Legionairres gradually moving forward. The troops on the right side of the river were bearing the brunt of the main forces allowing those on the left to advance more quickly. The road was now open for them with very little resistance in front of the French cavalry.

With only one man left on the right of the river the fort was in danger of being attacked directly.

Although significantly outnumbered they had fought on bravely and reduced the Bedoiun to a spent force.

The sole French atling gun and shooting from the fort proved decisive and had releived the Tower although with significant losses. with most of the men of the three Arab tribes causalities it would take almost a generation for them to be able to cause problems again.

Painting in a rush

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Tonight I have organised a game of Men Who Would Be Kings in 20mm, and the turn out ended up being more than I expected. This meant I was going to be one Arab army short.

I had based an undercoated a “River Arab” (List No5 in the rule book), a few years ago but had never went back to.

To complete this in time was going to be a rush, and would require my E.Q.A.D. (extremely quick and dirty) painting style.

This consists of only painting what is absolutely necessary, not fixing up painting slips, and allowing the wash, basing, and alcohol to cover up any sins. The task consisted of 56 infantry, 20 camels, and an obsolete cannon. Three Arab generals to represent each player were also required.

Could I do it in two days? Well Guru was not going to die wondering.

At least I had plenty of French Foreign Legion.

I also wanted to finish a watch tower made up from some Airfix Fort remainder bits, and would require building some scratch built walls. I will tackle this last if I have time.

Wednesday night and one camel unit painted, one started, and the Generals undercoated.

Thursday morning and the second camel unit finished along with the three generals and the artillery piece. I will try and get some more done Thursday night but am not sure I will have time.

2nd Unit of Camels

3 Arab Generals

I cringe at this photo which shows what I mean by EQAD (Extremely quick and dirty). Lots of touch ups needed, harness not painted etc. which I will have to do later (nah probably won’t), but it get them on the table.

Besides my experience is that my best painted units always get touched up by the one unit my opponent hasn’t painted! Most people tomorrow night will not notice if the unit rolls well! Shhhhh. Don’t tell them about this post.

Thursday afternoon and two of the infantry units completed. I had to spend a little bit more time on these as they had to match the Airfix Bedouin I have already painted.

They will do as the Fierce Tribal Infantry

Thursday evening and I have changed the figures I was going to paint. I already had these undercoated and as they were for the Egyptian Army (List 4) with a white uniform I painted them up as Egyptians as this would be quick. just some dark flesh red fez and the boots and rifle, These are quite effective for an EQAD paint job.

These will be a good substitute for the Irregular Infantry which I will finish when I have a bit more time.

I might get the watchtower completed but I doubt it as I will be busy tomorrow. All in all it has been a huge rush to get these done, Rough but completed none the less.