Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Great War => Topic started by: alligator9 on November 02, 2019, 05:40:50 PM
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QRF are planning to do a 15mm range of WW1 East African figures , and they want you to send in your suggestions.
Email - info@quickreactionforce.co.uk
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Excellent, hope they do British in shirts, shorts and sun helmet.
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Minifigs already do British tropical weather wear in 15mm.
I've had them for a few years. Lovely figures.
http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?ScaleID=2&CategoryID=38&SubCategoryID=209
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Wow, they look eerily reminiscent of the 20mm work of Tom Lobley, the sculptor behind Early War Miniatures.
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I'd like to see artillery and crews. All the little mountain guns and pack howitzers and the big K�sberg guns.
Also European officers on donkeys, Askari machine guns. German colonial and sailor gun crews.
South African and British gun crews in sun hats and shorts. British Higher command.
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I know it's not QRF (sadly) but am trying to keep it on topic with East Africa.
Butler models have released the Konigsberg gin.
Available in (amongst others) 15mm.
https://www.butlersprintedmodels.co.uk/15mm/ww1/konigsberg-gun-15mm.html
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I ordered the QRF Italian cannon as a substitute for the Konigsberg 105 - and then saw the above gun yesterday when surfing the net. May end up ordering it.
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facepalm..
You know, for many years I've looked at the Italian gun and yet never thought to proxy it.
Thank you for the inspiration.
It would be nice if QRF started their GEA range with, ooh, I don't know...German Askaris ..
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Already started the range with Indian troops. I think next up are the appropriate British troops. I'm just thankful they are all in. Hope they get it done this year!
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Anyone heard any development news on this line from QRF?
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Been watching carefully and no news yet - though haven't checked today! Time from concept to sculpture to mold to casting to available for sale does take some time and they are well within that window so don't get too anxious. Yet. I, for one, will be sorely disappointed if they don't continue - and I believe they will continue.
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The QRF WW1 Indian troops have been available for awhile now.
Minifigs already covers these in a complete line with Sihks, Baluchis, and Ghurkas.
We need 15mm German and British Askaris and Ruga Ruga.
Already started the range with Indian troops. I think next up are the appropriate British troops. I'm just thankful they are all in. Hope they get it done this year!
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While Minifigs may have some workable stuff. I, however, am looking forward - hopefully - to a sole source place to acquire my German East Africa figures and QRF has always provided great service in my several decades of buying from them.
Afraid Minifigs hasn't provided quite the same level of service. Had to pull their teeth when based in New York (before Tom Dye days, I believe) to fix issues and the current purveyors always need prodding to get an ordered filled and delivered within my experience so haven't bothered with them for some years now. Nothing wrong with their figures, though (as long as they aren't "strip" miniatures but centrifugally cast).
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Minifigs UK is first rate service! Never had a bad experience and get packages from UK to US east coast w/in 2-3 weeks from ordering. They'll even do custom orders for a fair price.
To each their own! I also buy from QRF, including a recent order of German naval artillerymen for my Butlers Koenigsberg cannons.
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Update from Chas and Geoff in latest QRF newsletter:
"We have also received the dollies for the British in East Africa, done the designs we want and will be sending these off to be finished over the next couple of months."
and
"Our main focus for the coming year will be WW1 Africa so, if you have any particular figures you want let us know - especially pictures!"
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jeffreyt, sounds like you've had better luck with Minifigs (via Caliver Books) than I've had.
Good news from QRF re: German East Africa. I have sent them quite a bit of information, resources, references, and photos to use. Continue to keep a sharp eye out for relevant releases from QRF.
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....or, we'll just keep an eye out here, for a timely update from you, eh?
(and TY 15saway)
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https://quickreactionforce.co.uk/product-category/qrf/tss-15mm-world-war-1/tss-world-war-1-15mm-ww1-british-empire/tss-world-war-1-15mm-ww1-british-empire-india/ (https://quickreactionforce.co.uk/product-category/qrf/tss-15mm-world-war-1/tss-world-war-1-15mm-ww1-british-empire/tss-world-war-1-15mm-ww1-british-empire-india/)
Link to QRF WWI India troops. Will be ordering more to enlarge my units.
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Hope they will do Belgian force publique and Portuguese askaris.
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Double-nickle zebra, you will be pleased to know that I advocated for both Belgians and Portuguese in what I supplied to QRF. Of course, mine was only one voice. I recommend all interested parties communicate their own GEA interests to QRF. (As long as you match what I want, of course! lol)
For all, found these images:
http://www.my-wargames-page.net/Gal.gam.TheSwordandtheFlame.colGeaGer.php?PHPSESSID=2kmtr0hqn07jb91lk16ljogou0&u=Gal.gam.TheSwordandtheFlame.colGeaDOA1#Gal.gam.TheSwordandtheFlame.colGeaDOA1 (http://www.my-wargames-page.net/Gal.gam.TheSwordandtheFlame.colGeaGer.php?PHPSESSID=2kmtr0hqn07jb91lk16ljogou0&u=Gal.gam.TheSwordandtheFlame.colGeaDOA1#Gal.gam.TheSwordandtheFlame.colGeaDOA1)
The German askari in white, thoughts? Perhaps earlier than WWI, summer uniforms? Sailors? Nice images, regardless - if a bit oversized. ;)
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Latest update from QRF, 3/27/20, under What's New:
"EAST AFRICA.
The British in Imperial Service Dress should be appearing toward the end of April/beginning of May and we will have the dollies through fror the Kings African Rifles too. Germans after that...."
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And thank you the update!
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Eureka miniatures do awesome sculpts of WWI 15mm British and Indians in the Sinai.
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But are they suitable for German East Africa (the Eureka)? Trying to see them on site and getting a 503 error.
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Definitely mate. Choice of Brits in sun helmets or caps wearing shorts.
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They are true 15mm figures and very nice! Won't mix with Lancashire or Old Glory, but go well with QRF and maybe Minifigs.
Definitely mate. Choice of Brits in sun helmets or caps wearing shorts.
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A recent communication with QRF revealed the designer of the East Africa figures is in temporary self-isolation so there may be some delays with releases. So many disruptions from the Virus.
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Ouch - wish him well!
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QRF have released the figures in imperial service dress, i think they are in shirts ( apart from officers) rather than tunics.
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The November newsletter mentions Kings African Rifle figures soon to be released.
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KAR figures now available , with Germans and askaris in a few months.
No idea if Belgian or Portuguese planned.
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Germans have been released and are available in both the Sudwester hat and Toppee (pith helmet, just released) and the Askaris are out now as well - also just released. Next up will be the Portuguese followed by Ruga-ruga/tribesmen/porters and then the Belgians. Plentiful options for machine guns and artillery - including naval crews and infantry (Konigsberg!). Personality packs? Don't know yet but I suspect.
And there is positive news though still a bit hush-hush until released on the African "scenery" front.
With all the other items in their WWI range, it is possible to put together quite a nice collection of figures - heck, I even ordered some Stokes mortars. I did supplement with some items from Minifigs but not needed to do GEA - QRF is your one stop shop for this period in 15 mm. No one else comes close (not even the nice range in 10 mm by Pendraken). Don't know the larger scale ranges but I wouldn't be surprised if this is the most complete range in all scales for German East Africa in World War I (or will be when complete). I have bought in big time and will be placing an order soon for the recently released Askari and Toppee wearing Germans.
And for my Africa games I painted 478 figures in June alone! But not specifically for GEA, more for the earlier period of exploration and colonizing - a mix of history, fiction, and cinema. But much of it will be useful to add 'color' to my GEA games. And for "pulpy" type games even.
QRF are really knocking this out of the ballpark (American baseball reference for the rest of the world not familiar with the phrase - and no, I am not a baseball fan, American football for me).
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This is a period I have wanted to game for many years, watching this with interest. On a slight tangent, does anyone make buildings suitable for East Africa? The only ones I have found are the Rorkes Drift set from Sarissa.
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Re: buildings: Not much specific to East Africa but keep in mind that the vast majority of actions occurred away from built up areas. The biggest exception, of course, is Tanga which is probably the best known battle to most people.
I think buildings meant for north Africa and even adobe buildings meant for the American southwest can be used in a pinch. Many of the buildings, especially in the ports, can be modeled after German architecture of the era - maybe not open timber framing, though. Alas, the one company that did have buildings stopped producing all resin products early last year and I don't expect will start again (was a fantasy range for Conan style period but I bought a bunch of their buildings and will use as my main port). As far native buildings, should be plenty of huts out there you can use.
I would go to these sources: Hovels, Peter Pig, Stone Mountain Miniatures to start. Also, check out QRF to see if they still have their building options (I think so, but they were planning to stop some of their terrain ranges (they did have great roads and railroad track, might still). Another option I am less sure will have suitable buildings is TimeCast but maybe they will have some southeast Asia buildings that can be adapted - but might be a bit too modern.
The old scratch build standby of using foam core board may be your best friend. Again, though, most of the battles were fought in the bush so scrub, grasslands, rivers, jungles, and swamps will be more useful than buildings. Unless you really want to do Tanga! Some of the other battles near towns were really fought away from the buildings. One larger action did involve what sounded a lot like a mud fort did involve a fair amount of trench action - and introduced stokes mortars and mills bombs (if memory serves).
If you don't have it already, track down Battle for the Bundu. Best book I have found on the conflict.
Good luck!
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Battle for the Bunda is a great book. Inspired me to game the period and visit the country.
I was lucky to visit Tanzania in '95.
... but sadly got malaria (nearly died) so didn't get to see as much as we hoped. Was planning to go for lunch at the Kaiserhof in Tanga but didn't get to. :(
But did get some picture of Bagamayo.
They are mostly from George st.
First the Customs house.
Second an Administrative Government building
Third the Hotel from which Emin Pasha fell to his death from the balcony.
Fourth another Bomba
The majority of buildings were very similar to those through the rest of the Horn and East Africa. Huts, shanties or rectangular single story mud and daub stores.
Last pic is of my wargame buildings which I modeled on many East Afrikan main streets. Modelled from wooden blocks offcuts and ceral cardboard packets, painted with acrylics.
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Dflatermouse,
First, glad you "made it out alive".
Thanks for the photos of those buildings. And question about your own buildings in the last photo - why did you go so colorful versus the more sedate buildings in the other photos? Something to do with more vibrant colors at the time (sort of like Greek statues were really pretty colorful, not marble white maybe?)?
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And question about your own buildings in the last photo - why did you go so colorful versus the more sedate buildings in the other photos?
Probably because he's not playing Ost Afrika, judging from the pickups on the table?
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Hi,
Sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you for your words.
The colourful tin roofs.
Yes I got a bit carried away with the red.
I was hoping to show different ages of the buildings by the colouring and the amount of rust each had built up. I realised I'd massively overdone it in my zest and hence, each new bomba has a grey tin roof to try to balance everything out.
I suppose I could have just repainted them. :?
For GEA, when I used to play with Over the Top by Greg Novak, I have used a mix of 10mm buildings of European, Middle Eastern Adobe and Vietnam grass huts. and shanties
The buildings in this picture (not shown are the native huts or shanties). The idea was to show the European (or Arab) parts of town with a strip of the shanty shops. then working out surrounded by more shanties and the grass huts.
That way I could model Arusha, or Bukoba, Tanga or Bagamayo.
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Deflatermouse, no worries on the delay. There is more to life than the miniatures hobby and more to the hobby than these discussion boards so no worries.
I have received my order from Bluemoon/OG25 QRF Miniatures for the latest releases and need to sort them into their units - probably this evening.
And I got a nice little bonus peak at something they've added to the range: 15 mm purpose sculpted Thompson's gazelles! That might not be exciting to some but it sure is to me. One less stand-in replaced by proper sculpts for my African plains animals. Looking forward to their release so I can order enough to paint up a decent sized herd - at least 60 and probably more. It's a thing with me. I've said it before - I will have well beyond 1,000 animals to put on the table for my games. You just can't say that part of Africa without such herds. Not to me, anyway. Actually have painted the four gazelles I got but haven't got a photo or, for now, an easy way to post a photo.
Also, sounds like the GEA next batch will be somewhat sooner than later - some sort of delay with the other range that was supposed to be next.
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Thompson's gazelles ??
That will be very welcome.
As you say, Africa = herds.
I'd also love some baboons (hint,hint) in case they are listening.
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I am hoping they add baboons - and gorillas and chimps, too. Not from QRF, but I already have painted a herd of African Cape Buffalo - 96 alive and 4 dead. I know QRF has more in the works for the African "scenics" but not sure what it will all be. Many hopes, though.
I do have some baboons - in three poses - that a friend 3D printed for me. Not spectacular figures but they will work until something better comes along. Sorry, don't know the file he used. Mine are not painted yet but primed and ready when I get to them.
I do have a dozen painted gorillas - the 9 from Bluemoon's Darkest Africa range, two from Highlander Studios, and one from Khurasan, but they are a little too 'aggressive' for what I'd like. Will work for certain scenarios based on a movie or two, but not for simple table decoration, i.e. real gorillas.
You can get the Cape Buffalo from Highlander Studios - or could, I think he is still selling. I don't think he sells with the dead animal, though, but does include a rider (as dangerously improbable as that is!). If you are in the states, we could work a deal out - I have some of the dead and plenty of spare alive animals. Just don't want to deal with the whole international shipping issues.
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Latest "update". Communication from QRF indicates the range is still to be finished - with hopefully the Belgians and Portuguese making their appearance in the near future along with the Ruga-Ruga and porters. And more to come on the animal front. Not really "new" but the communication from QRF was today so I figured I'd just post this up so people interested are aware. More recent releases have occurred with the latest for WWII British 8th army which is of interest to the owner personally - and I expect to others. I am just interested in the German East Africa releases.
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Per communication today, ruga-ruga, porters, and "natives" (new?) are due soon, the Belgians and the Portuguese later this month - and the 'scenics'. Hopefully. I'm ready when they arrive.
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Good news. Thank you for the updates, they are very greatly appreciated. I do keep checking to see if any have been made.
Also looking forward to new minis.
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"Aarghh!" in a minor key. The ruga-ruga, East African natives, and porters are posted up to be ordered - but no photos yet! I'm more than ready to order, just want to see them before I jump. I know the photos are due soon but I'm just impatient. ;D
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I'm keen to see what the EA Natives and porters will look like.
Most likely I'll get them anyway as I'm trying to get more variety for my Train.
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Regarding variety in your train, here are the porters I know of: Irregular Miniatures in the Colonial Range (some variants, I think) and there is a female figure with a pot on her head that can be added in even, Old Glory 25s/Bluemoon pack of porters in their Darkest Africa range - largest single grouping with much variety, Rebel Miniatures Pulp Range has a nice porter pack though some of the backpack figures might not be suitable but includes figures carrying ivory tusks, and a less well known but a great pack from Khurasan's historical range of West Sudanese that includes a figure carrying a hand of bananas.
If anyone knows of other figures in 15 mm for porters, please note them here in this thread for the benefit of us all. What I listed can be used for the earlier period of exploration, not just WWI.
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Pleased to report the photos are up for the Ruga Ruga, natives, and porters. The Ruga are all with firearms, 4 poses - one kneeling (not my favorite but adds variety). Natives are half firearms, half spears which works for me. Looks like 4 different porter poses. A nice mix. An order from me soon!
Nice to get natives with firearms to add variety - can use for more than GEA, should be useful for the whole colonial era.
Here is the link: https://quickreactionforce.co.uk/product-category/qrf/tss-15mm-world-war-1/africa/ (https://quickreactionforce.co.uk/product-category/qrf/tss-15mm-world-war-1/africa/)
edit: And order placed! (With a few extras here and there)
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Hard to make out the details from these pics, as they're almost like thumbnails at less than 500 pixels each.
Maybe we'll see some of your finished version 15s>, at higher res sometime.
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Order in but no photos yet - will be 'naked' miniatures if you want a photo any time soon!
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Here is a link to a blog with some photos of the latest QRF release: https://steeplechasingzebras.blogspot.com (https://steeplechasingzebras.blogspot.com)
Sorry I am not posting a picture here but I am going to have to relearn how to do that - soon, I hope. You should be able to click on the photos to make them bigger. If you are using a phone to view, not much I can do to help there.
Enjoy.
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(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguRsgNicVY1muPh_sUvxurrfPe9mx-1g0ndSIj2pZggNhEDUuQLYbWJq25EXgeh3_G_QV3euzOY_hKGYe8S8ughhUQX7-bFCiq7En4eZFb7GDH9y1VeUdkORvqK94RdjO6HEeBZL7FWubtPoCyiYHjMDefKlp6OsP__8dF_BFy9RHaS_dEzOVJleo=s320)
Nothing new on the figure front, just testing posting a photo here after not doing it for so long.
edit: Hmm, seems to have worked. Those are QRF Thompson's gazelles not yet officially released. Plan to buy 'oodles' once released to build up my African herds. Just slapped paint on these quickly. (Please ignore the green stars, was experimenting with editing photos a bit.)
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Been awhile what with QRF Miniatures changing hands and moving to new premises but there is some hope:
QRF RE-OPENING
QRF will be reopening for your orders very soon! Keep coming back to check out our products and relaunch discounts.
The above is now posted on their website so keeping my eyes peeled and my credit card primed! And hope the relaunch discount will benefit me! ::) ;D
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For those still following this thread, QRF are back up and running and reintroducing ranges a bit at a time - understandably. Apparently the new owner, Harry, is the nephew of the former owner, Chas.
Did take advantage of the reopening sale a couple months back.
Alas, still waiting on the Belgians and Portuguese and the African scenics to be released but assured they are still in line to be released. Understandable delay in ownership change and physical relocation.
I plan to supplement my Belgians with a few packs from the ACW range - and maybe other ranges - to get some rough and irregular looking Force Publique (more for earlier colonial era than WWI).
I have pretty well ordered all I need for all the other participants - using the British (and some Aussies for variety including from Minifigs) for the South Africans and Rhodesians, not that different but different enough to suit me.
For those asking about buildings, the former Crom's Anvils range of buildings appears to be back available through CP Models (and their figures, too - but not WWI suitable): https://cpmodels.co.uk/product-category/15mm-ranges/croms-anvil-scenery-accessories/page/4/ (https://cpmodels.co.uk/product-category/15mm-ranges/croms-anvil-scenery-accessories/page/4/)
Try not to be put off by the range's focus - the buildings are, in my opinion, quite workable for urban Africa in WWI setting. I haven't ordered from this range but I have ordered from CP Models and the service was prompt and the figures delightful (Old West in 15 mm).
May order some more buildings - and perhaps a few other interesting tidbits like the pile of Persian carpets. Lots of cool bits for 'scatter terrain', some not period-centric so broadly useful.
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Don't forget that many of the forces you use for East Africa can also be used for the war in South West Africa.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_West_Africa_campaign
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Hi,
Please take note that any future updates for GEA from QRF from me will be posted here: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=138353.msg1761085#msg1761085 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=138353.msg1761085#msg1761085)
Just wanted a little control over the title to make it easier to know what is new.
And has anyone ordered any of the Crom's Anvil buildings for GEA yet? Also, anyone have any 15 mm Tanga battle game reports with photos?
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Tanga.
I have been skirting around gaming that for near 3 decades now, since I got Over the Top by Greg Novak.
I was thinking to game it, but wanted to go there for research.
Many years ago, went to Africa but sadly never got to Tanga, Drove past the turn off to it. (I'd been too sick and we'd run out of funds.)
As I still have the forces, I could just, you know, do it. Crazy idea.
But it would mean I'd have achieved a wargaming goal and have to give up gaming?
Any update on the gazelles?
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I think it is painting last figure, not achieving a gaming goal that means giving up gaming (and more) so feel free to achieve the Tanga goal. And take pictures and regale us all with your achievement!
Alas, the only thing new on the gazelles is the post about the lions. So there is hope. Not sure what is taking so long but my secret longing is that they are going to release the whole African scenics range of animals all at once - and cost me a significant pile of pretty pennies. Or, maybe that is a bit of fantasy. Matters neither way, only that more is in the pipeline for my massive animal collection for east Africa.
Currently painted: elephants (66), giraffes (64), African Cape Buffalo (100+2 with riders), okapi (6), vervet monkeys (24+2). I believe everything else is primed and ready for paint including 194 wildebeest (sourced from Irregular miniatures African cattle, Stone Mountain Miniatures cattle from the Zulu range of figures, and Pendraken's 10 mm actual wildebeest for the younger animals), 128 zebras (horses and mules from various sources and, again, Pendraken 10 mm actual zebras for younger animals). And a whole lot more. Oh, wait, there are some lions from a different source that are not yet primed (from a fantasy range if I recall right, a bit large and a bit static of pose but includes both male and female and very nice sculpts). Uh-oh, I think there are some additional rhinos, hippos, and croc-a-gators still to prime, too. Okay, 'a lot' is primed.
As soon as I know more on the gazelle front, I will post in the newer thread - and adjust the thread title as to what is new.
As to the painted figures, I am waiting photos on getting some terrain done and for the latest to get bases textured and tufted (the elephants and giraffes). Part of the terrain to be done is a gaming photo backdrop I've built, 8' long and double sided which I intend to paint so it can be used for many settings - but just might sneak in Mt. Kilimanjaro as a background mountain. Don't get your hopes up too high on that front, I am an acolyte of Bob Ross Painting but a novice to be certain.
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So, having waited a long time - and a sale on for the month - I decided to cop to acquiring faux Belgains, faux Portuguese, and faux Force Publique (earlier than WWI) from QRF. Mostly using German Askari and colonial uniformed troops but some stuff from Spanish for Spanish American War and a minor bit from British colonials. Once this arrives, I will call my German East Africa collection 'complete'. Will have a brigade each of Belgians, Portuguese, and Force Publique - with a little bit of machine gun support and some gunners who will use my excess German guns (over bought). Might not be perfect but sometimes we just have to make it work.
Alas, if they ever do release Belgians and Portuguese I won't be able to justify buying them - unless there is something truly and super special about them and even then probably not.
And once the figures arrive and are sorted into units it will just be down to painting - eventually. :o