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Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: Diablo Jon on December 03, 2019, 06:52:20 AM

Title: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 03, 2019, 06:52:20 AM
Ok I don't post very often around here I just lurk and enjoy all the amazing stuff other people do. Having started a new project for Darkest Africa, in the last few months, I thought I'd start a thread and share my efforts.

Recently I’ve been attempting to get a Darkest Africa project off the ground (this is my third attempt at Darkest Africa having had two attempts before that eventually just fizzled out). I love the Foundry, Copplestone  and more recently North Star ranges for 19th century Africa and so determined to get some these lovely minis and build some interesting armies out of them.

Armed with my old copies of Chris Peers “In the Heart of Africa” rules and a number of books and old Wargames illustrated articles (mostly written by Chris Peers as well) I decided to plump for some armies based on the area that became the British Central Africa Protectorate and then later became Nyasaland.

At the moment I plan to do armies for the Ngoni, The North End Arabs (mostly Africans converted to Islam rather than true Arabs) who raided the local tribes for slaves and ivory and The British African Lakes Company who fought a war with the North End Arabs using a collection of local auxiliaries and European adventurers.

First up though I figured I needed some scenery to try and portray the dark continent including trying my hand at a teddy bear fur gaming mat. So my next few posts will be showing of my scenery making efforts and then hopefully onto some new miniature armies.

For my new project I decided I wanted to try out the teddy bear fur gaming mat. I’ve seen some amazing table set ups using this method and wanted to try it out for myself.

As a child growing up on Tarzan movies I probably have a very Hollywood idea of Africa. In my head its all jungles, deserts and areas of long grass all covered in more zebras, wildebeest and Chimpanzees than you can count. A quick google search however brought up a lot of pictures of areas that wouldn’t have looked out of place in rural Hampshire and brought home just how diverse the terrain is. In the end I decided to plump with my Hollywood imagination version of Africa. So first up I wanted a long grassed savannah in the dry season.

Now there are quite a few good tutorials on the net about making fur mats a quick google search will bring up plenty of useful info on how to get started.

I bought my fur off eBay a piece big enough to cover my wargames table cost me around £40. The stuff I bought was called lions mane fur in hindsight, though the golden brown colour was perfect for my purposes, the hair was very long and a shorter hair might have been better and saved me a lot of wrist ache with a pair of scissors. Anyway armed with scissors, combs and a cheap hair trimmer from Argos I set about cutting the fur at different lengths and cleared some areas back to the material backing to create a dried stream bed, track and two clearings for villages, jungle and such like. After several evenings where I started to feel more like a hairdresser than a gamer I was ready for stage two.

Stage two was to cover the cleared areas in cheap brown flexible (very important on a cloth mat) caulk purchased from Poundland and then added some grit and stones to the caulk before it dried. After painting the caulked areas I was left with this

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191117_152942218.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191117_153019339.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191117_152954593.jpg?w=640)

Next up was paint the fur I used a whole load of craft and house paints in a variety of browns, greens, yellows and creams. It was a fair amount of work, over several evenings, working the paint into the fur, with a large brush, and then combing through the fur with cheap plastic combs trying to blend all the colours into each other. Once the main colours where dry it was a case of going back over and dry brushing secondary colours.

After the painting I tried to blend in the fur and caulked areas with extra static grass, grass tufts, and sponge shrubbery. After that I was left with this

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191130_135941477.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191130_135933129.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191130_135926743.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191130_135742784.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191130_135719889.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191121_201717245.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191121_201634188.jpg?w=640)

I have to say for a first attempt I was pretty chuffed with how it turned out and I think it looks pretty good. in hindsight I probably should have cut the fur a bit lower to facilitate placing items on top of the mat. I deliberately made the mat a bit bigger than my gaming table so I could make raised ground and hills out of that old school method of placing some books under the mat which looks like this.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191130_135627279.jpg?w=640)

and one shot with some miniatures on the mat (and a bit of my finger..)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191121_201923414.jpg?w=640)

So having got my base mat the next job is to build some scenery to go on the mat.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Andym on December 03, 2019, 07:04:07 AM
Good start! That looks amazing! :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Atheling on December 03, 2019, 09:03:33 AM
Good start! That looks amazing! :-*

Agreed. It looks fab  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Mike1879 on December 03, 2019, 09:39:01 AM
That’s excellent well done, looking forward to seeing how this progresses.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: SteveBurt on December 03, 2019, 10:39:26 AM
Very nice indeed; the dried up stream bed is a great idea
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on December 03, 2019, 04:04:37 PM
Another topic that needs to be classified as "this is a must to follow". Looking forward to seeing it progress. Looks great so far.

Doug
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Calumma on December 03, 2019, 05:02:25 PM
Looks excellent!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: joekano on December 03, 2019, 06:23:33 PM
Well, I'm envious!  That looks fantastic and full of character for your adventures
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Digits on December 03, 2019, 06:37:30 PM
My word, that is gorgeous! I’ve never seen this done but that looks the bees knees!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: gamer Mac on December 03, 2019, 06:48:21 PM
Great start :-* :-* :-*
Looking forward to your  progress
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: fred on December 03, 2019, 07:21:59 PM
Great work on the mat, looking forward to seeing what is next
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 03, 2019, 11:43:21 PM
Thanks for the nice comments guys I thought that mat had turned out quite well so its nice to now others think so.

Having got my gaming mat sorted my thoughts turned to that most African of scenery Jungle. A bit of googling showed that African jungle superficially, at least, looks a lot like deciduous forest everywhere else with the occasional clump of palm trees or tree ferns poking out of the foliage.

Another Google search for wargaming jungle terrain made it pretty clear the go to method for jungle scenery was plastic aquarium plants. Now I should probably mention my day job is being a horticulturalist (ok I’m a gardener) and while I actually spend my working life cutting lawns, trimming box hedges and weeding flower beds in darkest Hampshire I like to pretend I know a thing or two about tropical plants. In particular the scale of aquarium plants bothered me many of them have leaves that dwarf our little miniature men which isn’t right to my eyes.

Weirdly though despite the oversized leaves some of the examples online looked really good. In the end I decided the overall look is more important. If things aren’t quite right I can live with it if it looks cool. If Hollywood can live with sticking Fatsia Japonica and Monstera Deliciosa in Tarzan’s jungle then I can live with a few oversized leaves.

My next task was to hit eBay for cheap plastic palm trees, aquarium plants, cheap nasty deciduous trees and some MDF laser cut scatter terrain bases. Despite indicating to eBay that I wanted uk sellers only literally all my plastic trees and foliage ended up coming from China.

Most of the trees where nasty looking things  but after a clean up and hitting them up with some green spray paint they scrubbed up ok. For the bigger trees I drilled holes in my MDF bases and then attached them with my trusty hot glue gun. Then I covered the bases with sand and PVA and painted them brown. Once the bases were dried I filled in the gaps between the trees with as many aquarium plants I could cram on to each base and when I was finished this is what I was left with.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191201_114934449.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_194742720.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_194802443.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_194817426.jpg?w=640)

I’m pretty pleased with how they turned out and I now have nine pieces of jungle scatter terrain. I’ve also got plenty of extras left over if I want to build some more jungle terrain at a latter date.

I’ll leave this post with some mood shots of my jungle pieces on my new gaming mat.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_195002946.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_195705503.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_195725262.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191201_114959604-1.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191201_114905752.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191201_114822454.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: FifteensAway on December 04, 2019, 01:38:13 AM
You, sir, have a proper understanding of riparian growth patterns - and being a gardener that makes sense.  Like the jungles but I'd go light on the palms - though they certainly are there.  I guess depends on where you want your jungle to be.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: syrinx0 on December 04, 2019, 04:10:01 AM
Great looking table.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: Andym on December 04, 2019, 06:04:11 AM
Perfect looking jungle! When its placed directly on the teddy bear fur it looks realistic! :o
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: fred on December 04, 2019, 07:50:42 AM
Great looking jungle - the low level shots are particularly good.

It can take a lot of looking to find aquarium plants with small leaves - but they are out there
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: Sunjester on December 04, 2019, 08:47:25 AM
Absolutely brilliant, well done!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: Mike1879 on December 04, 2019, 08:48:53 AM
That’s looking really good. This is going to be a really interesting project to follow. Well done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: Hammers on December 04, 2019, 09:05:56 AM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: Smokeyrone on December 06, 2019, 06:39:04 PM
Beautiful!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added jungle
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 09, 2019, 05:15:44 PM
Thanks for the feedback guys appreciate it.

Kopjes are another of those bits of scenery that seem quintessentially African. So naturally I wanted one. First off a quick google images search for Kopjes showed me a range of rocky features ranging from a few rocks sticking out of the ground to things that looked like small mountains but all of them had lots of rocks and quite a bit of vegetation.

Now my original idea had been to create hills by placing books under my games mat and I think that still works for gentle rolling hills but for a Kopje I felt I need to build a special piece of scenery. So I had a look in my scenery building boxes (a couple of big plastic boxes where I store stuff ..ok junk that I think might be used for scenery building) and sourced a piece of pink foam, some pieces of bark and an off cut from my teddy bear fur mat.

I carved the pink foam into a rough steep hill and hot glue gunned it to a hardboard base. Then I attached the bark pieces to the pink foam with a glue gun and cut and stuck the teddy bear fur over the areas of pink foam not covered in bark pieces. Next up was filling the gaps in the bark pieces  and then liberally adding stones, gravel, sand and PVA. Once that was dry I trimmed the teddy fur and created a path to the top of the kopje which was then filled with brown window filler caulk with stones and gravel pressed into it. The whole lot was painted to match my gaming mat and I finished it off by adding extra foliage and grass tufts.

I had a few bits of pink foam left over so I built a few free standing rocks as scatter terrain to go with my kopje.

What I end with was this

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_183916910.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_183932874.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184013911.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184034043.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184019440.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184047880.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184125563.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184148555.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191208_184154971.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added rocks
Post by: FlyXwire on December 09, 2019, 06:23:13 PM
The rock outcrops set most seamlessly into your mat - everything looks so good!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added rocks
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 09, 2019, 06:35:36 PM
The rock outcrops set most seamlessly into your mat - everything looks so good!

Thanks.

 It was something I didn't appreciate when I set out to do a teddy fur mat that the long grass effect would help to hide the bases on my scatter scenery quite well, so they look a bit more natural, because the kopje has fur on it at well I could use a standard hair comb to blend the two together to hide the base. I have a couple of ideas for some bigger scenery pieces like the Kopje and will certainly edge there base boards in fur off cuts in the future.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with added rocks
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 22, 2019, 08:37:11 AM
Elephant, Napier or Uganda grass is a feature in many places in Africa. Chris Peers mentions it numerous times in his African books so naturally I needed some for my African wargames scenery. So after a bit of research I discovered there are several plants, around the world, who use the common name elephant grass (not that unusual in horticulture) but the African version is Pennisetum purpureum.

So a quick google images search found lots of images of Pennisetum purpureum

https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=AwrJS9I2Kv9dzGkAhDcM34lQ;_ylu=X3oDMTE2dDFjdTIxBGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDVUlVS0MwMV8xBHNlYwNwaXZz?p=elephant+grass+africa&fr2=piv-web&fr=mcafee (https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=AwrJS9I2Kv9dzGkAhDcM34lQ;_ylu=X3oDMTE2dDFjdTIxBGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDVUlVS0MwMV8xBHNlYwNwaXZz?p=elephant+grass+africa&fr2=piv-web&fr=mcafee)

Then as I always do I googled to see what other gamers have done I found a few examples using aquarium grass, broom bristles, artificial lawn grass and various fake model grasses none of them quite captured the look of the elephant grass images I was seeing.

So I decided to try a test piece using my own ideas. I won’t go into the build details yet I’ll just show a couple of pictures of what I came up with

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191221_164521623.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191221_164506841.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191221_164434534.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191221_164439244.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191221_164502679.jpg?w=640)

I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. I need to build several more clumps now which could take a while as it isn’t a quick process. Though I have learnt a few lessons, with this test piece, that should help speed things up like the glue gun is your friend and PVA is a pain in the rear.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Mike1879 on December 22, 2019, 09:22:55 AM
They look superb fair play !! Looking forward to seeing how you built them. Excellent !!!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Smokeyrone on December 22, 2019, 12:31:00 PM
uh, did you test to make sure figures stand up on the fur?

 :`
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Digits on December 22, 2019, 12:35:08 PM
They look very cool.  I’m intrigued as to how you made it.

Also, I’m hoping you will be scratch making yourself termite mounds?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 22, 2019, 12:56:22 PM
uh, did you test to make sure figures stand up on the fur?

 :`

they seem to if you look through the photos you will see minis stood in the fur  ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 22, 2019, 01:00:17 PM
They look very cool.  I’m intrigued as to how you made it.

Also, I’m hoping you will be scratch making yourself termite mounds?

Hadn't really looked at termite mounds before, they look interesting, my first thought was they look like the sort of shapes you get with that expanding foam you get in a can ..might be worth a play. the more obvious solution is carving pink foam maybe with a heat source rather than knife. Something to add to my list.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: FifteensAway on December 22, 2019, 02:35:53 PM
Love what you are doing and I was a bit surprised at your elephant grass - at first glance I thought it looked like very nicely modeled bamboo.  A real challenge to recreate that 'flimsy' lower grass and get the greener ends at the top.  I guess it is the thickness of your lower grass parts - awfully sturdy looking.  Some of the photos at the links reminded me very much of sugar cane.  I do like how you've kept a very nice color theme throughout your terrain building.  Maybe your elephant grass can do double duty as bamboo? 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: OSHIROmodels on December 22, 2019, 02:41:42 PM
Great work  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: has.been on December 22, 2019, 03:43:35 PM
+1 to see how you made your elephant grass,
& termite mounds when you make them.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Hu Rhu on December 29, 2019, 09:48:23 PM
That elephant grass looks the business.  I too would like to know how you did it.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant grass test piece
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 31, 2019, 02:24:16 PM
So I have my first army the Ngoni a people Lugard described as having “Character for Invincible Courage”

The Ngoni were refugees from southern Africa displaced by the wars of Shaka, king of the Zulus, who then moved north conquering a number of different peoples and founding a number of kingdoms through out central and eastern Africa. A number of Ngoni Kingdoms where founded around Lake Nyasa until they where eventually subdued by the British in the 1890s.

When the Ngoni moved north they brought Zulu fighting techniques with them which gave them a big advantage over local tribes and those early encounters seemed to give the Ngoni a psychological advantage over many of there enemies that was perhaps not warranted in the closing decades of the 19th century. Certainly the lake Nyasa Ngoni put up a very poor performance against the British in the 1890s compared to the Zulus and Matabele.

Visually Ngoni warriors were, unsurprisingly, similar to the Zulu the large classic Zulu shield, stabbing spear (called an Iklwa) and tufts of a cow’s tail (amashoba) below the knee . There are differences to  having moved far from southern Africa and encountered (read beaten up) other peoples on the way the Ngoni had some styles of their own. Red cloth was popular as wraps, belts or decoration and headdresses made of Zebra skin or black cock feathers were common. The head ring (know as an isicoco and actually part of a married man's hair style) worn by  Zulu warriors seems to have fallen out of favour as the 19th century wore on.

Ngoni military organization continued to be based on Zulu practices their armies where still called Impi and officers where still called InDuna . It seems the Ngoni regiments where now based on local villages and the military Kraals of the Zulus didn’t exist among the Ngoni. The Age set system was still used to recruit boys into the Ngoni armies but its not clear whether the regiments consisted of married men or unmarried men, like the Zulus, or just all warriors from a locale. In at least one battle against the Arabs the young men (amajaha) and the veterans (amadoda) fought as two distinct groups.

In battle the Ngoni seem to have continued with the time honoured Zulu horns of the bull formation however surprise night attacks on villages seem to have been a common tactic along lake Nyasa. Throwing spears seem to have become more common among the Ngoni than the Zulus of Shaka’s time but guns never seem to have featured heavily in Ngoni warfare. At the end of Mpezeni’s revolt, in 1898, the British found around 3000 guns in the kings village unused by the Ngoni against their British enemies.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191223_160933521.jpg?w=640)

I’ve been working on these guys for a while and now they are finished I thought it was time to share them. I think anyone who games 19th century Africa knows Copplestone miniatures do the best (and only) range of Ngoni miniatures out there. Sadly my gaming budget at the time didn’t stretch to a whole army of metal Ngoni. So looking around for alternatives I found a couple of boxes of Perry miniatures Plastic Zulus going cheap on eBay and decided to convert them to look more like Ngoni.

The Perry boxes are great value and two boxes gave me everything I needed to build an army under my chosen rules including morale markers, scout and baggage. So with great enthusiasm I jumped in with my green stuff and tried to sculpt suitable Ngoni features on the Perry’s Zulus. what I ended up with was a bunch of guys who wouldn’t look out of place in a 1970s Blaxploitation movie…. My cock feather head dress often ended up looking like giant Afros and my Zebra ring head dress looked more like ancient seas peoples reed headdress…ho hum. One thing trying to sculpt minor conversions with green stuff does bring home is just how bloody talented the miniature designers in our hobby are.

Anyway it was to late to stop now so I jumped on in with the painting  which quickly became an exercise in how many different shades of brown I could come up with from my paint collection to paint. Everything was then jazzed up with some black and white and the occasional splash of red. Not the most colourful army I’ve ever painted but I think they look pretty good now they are finished.

So onto the pictures

First up command the King’s sons and a couple of old veteran InDuna to keep them out of trouble. One of the old boys has found himself a rather modern breach loader from some where..(Youngsters from Copplestone old boys fromPerry metal Zulu command)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142545254.jpg?w=640)

Next the Scout (Perry plastic) and witch doctor (Casting Room miniatures from their Zulu villagers pack)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142436793.jpg?w=640)

Morale markers/ causalities (Perry plastics)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142632297.jpg?w=640)

The two units of young warriors (amajaha) (Perry Plastics)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_141625322.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_141615170.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_140709746.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_140740135.jpg?w=640)

Three units of veterans (amadoda)  (Perry plastics with green stuff conversions)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142231961.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142206984.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_141958855.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_141933167.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_141253107.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_141236427.jpg?w=640)

Last up the baggage train. Ngoni armies would be accompanied by young girls and boys guard by a few warriors to carry supplies. (Nguni Cattle by Empress miniatures, warrior plastic Perry, other Casting room and Dixon miniatures)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142812589.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142841961.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142753082.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142739923.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191229_142726737.jpg?w=640)

Last up a couple of action shots

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191224_113817699.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191224_114318500.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191224_114254411.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added Ngoni
Post by: Digits on December 31, 2019, 02:35:01 PM
They look awesome!  Really work well on your superb terrain too.   

Still waiting for an elephant grass tutorial however..... ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added Ngoni
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 31, 2019, 02:39:08 PM
I have pictures just need to put them into some sort of usable guide  :?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added Ngoni
Post by: has.been on December 31, 2019, 03:43:26 PM
Nice stuff.  Keep it up.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added Ngoni
Post by: Mike1879 on January 01, 2020, 09:36:18 AM
Excellent well done 👍
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added Ngoni
Post by: von Lucky on January 01, 2020, 09:41:21 AM
Looking good - great terrain and miniatures.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added Ngoni
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 02, 2020, 08:52:13 AM
So as people have been asking this is a quick “how to” guide for my Elephant grass scenery. First time I've ever done something like this so I hope its hopeful.

I used the following materials

 Pink foam
. Dried ornamental grass  (yes actual grass from my garden no not the stuff from my lawn)
. Plastic aquarium grass
. Hot glue gun
. Green and brown spray paint
. Craft paints
. Some model flock and course turf
. MDF laser cut scatter scenery bases off eBay

Stage 1

Cut and shape the pink foam, hot glue gun it to the MDF base and paint it with green craft paint.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_121558951.jpg?w=640)

Stage 2

Take the ornamental dried grass stems (in this case if you’re really interested I used Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ from my garden) I cut them down in the autumn and left them to dry out. Cut the stems to fit and hot glue gun them all the way around your pink foam.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_134949254.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_135459381.jpg?w=640)

Stage 3
Once you have glued grass all the way around cut the grass with a pair of scissors so it is around the same height as the pink foam. Then clean up any hot glue that’s gone where you don’t want it and seal it all with watered down PVA.

Stage 4

Take some of the plastic aquarium grass and hot glue gun it on to the top of the pink foam. Cut up a couple of the plastic grasses with a sharp knife to make smaller pieces that are hot glued on to the sides and bottom of the clump.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_135554091.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_135615473.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_140606230.jpg?w=640)

Stage 5

once everything is dry break out the brown and green spray cans. Spray the bottom of the clump brown including some of the lower leaves. then spray the upper grass area green.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_140713093.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191222_142537035.jpg?w=640)

Stage 6

Now break out your green and brown craft paints and add heavy dry brushes to both the green and brown areas of the clump trying to blend the brown and green areas into each other.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191223_141300856.jpg?w=640)

Stage 7

Add some modelling course turf and flock around the base of the clump and touch up the base to match your gaming surface and seal the whole thing with a mat varnish spray and voila a clump of elephant grass.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191223_161420544.jpg?w=640)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: Barry S on January 02, 2020, 09:24:06 AM
Great looking table  :-*

Thanks for the tutorial!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: Flodden1513 on January 02, 2020, 09:42:36 AM
Hi all,

Just joined the forum after a long time as a lurker.

Can I say , Diablo Jon, this is fantastically evocative work all round. I can almost see and feel the African sun over the grassland!

Your brush skills are likewise first rate. As someone who has always found African skin tough to portray could I ask you to explain the palette and technique you used for Ngoni skin ? I have some Zulus that need doing. Happy with my lighter skinned Zulus but also want some darker types in there and your finish looks right to me.

Keep up the fantastic work!

Scott
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 02, 2020, 09:58:35 AM
Hi all,

Just joined the forum after a long time as a lurker.

Can I say , Diablo Jon, this is fantastically evocative work all round. I can almost see and feel the African sun over the grassland!

Your brush skills are likewise first rate. As someone who has always found African skin tough to portray could I ask you to explain the palette and technique you used for Ngoni skin ? I have some Zulus that need doing. Happy with my lighter skinned Zulus but also want some darker types in there and your finish looks right to me.

Keep up the fantastic work!


Scott

thank you

For my flesh

Bass colour - Revell Aqua colour leather brown

1st highlight - 50-50 citadel Bugman's glow and base coat

2nd highlight - 75 -25 Bugmans's glow and base coat

finish off with an ink wash of Vallejo Washes – Sepia Shade
 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: AKULA on January 02, 2020, 10:16:32 AM
A great “how to” for the Elephant grass - thanks for posting

 :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: Flodden1513 on January 02, 2020, 11:19:16 AM
Many thanks for the palette tip. I used bugmans in my lighter recipe. It is an excellent paint.

Best,

Scott
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: Digits on January 02, 2020, 02:34:33 PM
Yes, thanks for the tutorial fella.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: grotuz on January 03, 2020, 08:51:40 AM
I have a larger planter full of that same ornamental grass. Who knew I was sitting on a field full of miniature elephant grass construction material. Nice tutorial and I'm going to have to give that a go after I cut and dry those stems out next spring.

These will nicely augment my existing elephant grass. That was made using 2" fender washers, Durhams Water Putty, spray and craft paints, and sissal rope from the hardware store that was cut to desired length and soaked in hot water to straighten it out.

First step is prime and spray the washers whatever color you want the base to look like. Put the washer on wax paper, cover the top of it with the Durhams - which you can color to taste by adding cheap craft paints to - and wait until the putty begins to stiffen. Then grab a handful of the sissal and stick it into the putty. The stiffness of the putty and the density of the almost 2" wad of sissal (all lined up straight and down of course) keeps it all from falling over. It all dries rock hard in 2 hours and then you can add flocking, gravel, downed logs, drybrushing, etc to taste as well as paint the edges of the washers.. I even made some trampled down spots for a little more flavor. I think I made about 300-400 of these in one day and they cover a significant area of the table (about 1200+ square inches).
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with elephant grass tutorial
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 05, 2020, 09:13:48 PM
While building my Ngoni army I thought it might be fun if each army I built, for this project, had a bit of themed scenery to go with it. After a little pondering I thought a royal kraal might be cool.

Now I’ll admit I have no idea if the Ngoni still built huts and kraals that resembled those from their original homelands once they settled around lake Nyasa. As they moved North the Ngoni incorporated a number of different ethnic groups in their ranks and, I assume, picked up new techniques and styles of buildings so that their dwellings could have resembled lots of different style . Unfortunately A Google search brought no useful info at all .

I do know that  Ngoni society had names for different groups among them split up between those that came from the original homeland and those that joined latter. It seems that those descended from the original Ndwandwe and Swazi had higher social status than those who joined latter and kings and chiefs could probably draw a lineage back to the original refugees. Given that I took a punt that a Royal kraal would be built using techniques from the orginal homeland to emphizise a kings links to his Ndwandwe roots…..that could of course be absolute rubbish but it was a good enough excuse for me.

So I purchased three resin Zulu huts from Empress Miniatures and started collecting twigs to build a palisade. I had a few left over Zulu civilians and a chief from some packs I had purchased, for making my army baggage train, so I painted them up to populate the kraal. For the palisade I just cut the twigs and hot glued them to lolly sticks and painted them. In the end what I ended up with was this

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_150315717.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_150448135.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_150504180.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151304666.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151316764.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151320652.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151328684.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151336018.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151351739.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151408237.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151445334.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200105_151505329.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Ngoni Kraal
Post by: Mike1879 on January 05, 2020, 10:41:33 PM
Excellent that particularly the Kraal fencing!! The warrior crouched saluting the chief, is he a conversion ?? He looks like a Perry miniatures plastic Zulu but how did you get him to pose like that ???
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Ngoni Kraal
Post by: gamer Mac on January 05, 2020, 11:17:31 PM
very nice :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Ngoni Kraal
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 06, 2020, 06:31:06 AM
Excellent that particularly the Kraal fencing!! The warrior crouched saluting the chief, is he a conversion ?? He looks like a Perry miniatures plastic Zulu but how did you get him to pose like that ???

Spot on sir he is a Perry plastic Zulu from the command sprue. No conversion, as I recall, I just used bits provided from the sprue. As I didn't want any gun armed Ngoni I struggled to come up with uses for the kneeling guys one became a scout the other one seen here became set dressing.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Ngoni Kraal
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 12, 2020, 08:44:54 PM
Another piece of scenery for my African project a watering hole. This one was inspired by watching those wildlife documentaries in my youth. You know the sort of thing a rapidly shrinking water source, resembling a mud bath, filled full of crocodiles and hippos and surrounded by other wildlife looking for a drink (normally followed up by some poor antelope becoming a crocs dinner).

I’ve not built many  water features before I’ve either painted commercial pieces or gone for a basic blue painted effect. So wanting to try something a bit more realistic I had a look around the net and ended up watching a few model railway youtube vids. I discounted resin and some ready made water products as a bit pricey and decided to use a PVA glue technique I came across.

Sadly my first attempt was well… frankly a bit crap

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150511113.jpg?w=640)

So not being happy I decided to have another go. I brought a large 30cm ply laser cut circle to use as a base  built up the sides with pink foam off cuts and cork board.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191213_194237009.jpg?w=640)

Then I took some of my spare teddy fur and glued it around the outside

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191215_190123247.jpg?w=640)

Then I created the water using tissue paper and PVA glue. When it was dry I painted it with green/brown colours

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191215_200357396.jpg?w=640)

Then I used some of the cheap brown window filler I pick up from Poundland, added in some stones and sand. when the filler had dried a bit I went back and created an area to look like mud churned up by lots of animals coming to drink

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20191216_195100054.jpg?w=640)

When everything was dry I went back and painted the teddy fur and filler. The final touch was some more layers of clear PVA on the water and mud areas and a final coat of gloss varnish. What I ended up with was this..

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150048763.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150122121.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_145928439.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150255620.jpg?w=640)

I'm much happier with the second attempt and I could see it making a great objective in a game for a lost, and thirsty, exploring expedition.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa -Down at the Watering Hole
Post by: FifteensAway on January 12, 2020, 11:45:23 PM
A: Give yourself a little more credit for the first attempt - it isn't That bad, just needs work around the edges and it, too, can be a useable terrain piece.

B: Damn, why didn't I think of that!  Which means, yes, you guessed it, the sincerest form of flattery ahead (eventually).

C: Very cool! 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa -Down at the Watering Hole
Post by: gamer Mac on January 12, 2020, 11:54:17 PM
Very nice job that looks like a screen shot off of the program you were watching the one with the hippos
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa -Down at the Watering Hole
Post by: Eric the Shed on January 13, 2020, 09:08:26 AM
fantastic stuff - and your photography is spot on as well
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa -Down at the Watering Hole
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 13, 2020, 09:47:29 PM
Thanks for the nice comments guys.

So to go with the watering hole I needed some wildlife looking at other peoples Darkest Africa games, on the net, one thing that struck me is that a few strategically placed African animals can really help to set the scene of your wargames table. There are plenty of 28mm African animals out there so I picked up a few from Northstar and Foundry miniatures.

Of course I dived straight in without any research and bought some Oryx (Gembok) and some Zebra, from NorthStar, after further research I discovered neither species really hangs around Malawi where I was planning to set my games….ho hum

On the plus side my NorthStar Leopard was fine. Though rare now Leopards where common enough in Malawi in the 19th century before, no doubt, the Europeans arrived with their guns.

I seemed on safe ground with my Foundry Crocodile and Hippopotamus as lake Nyasa has its fair share of Nile crocs and Hippos so that was good.

One thing I did find is wild animals seemed a lot harder to paint than soldiers. I struggled to get colours right and get paint jobs that looked natural, the worst culprits where the Zebra who after a couple of attempts are still sat on the painting table as I can’t get them to a standard I find expectable who'd of thought black and white stripes would be so hard to paint well?

Anyway here are a few pictures of the ones I have painted.

Oryx (painted as the East African species) (Northstar)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195846468.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195837891.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195910962.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_200108430.jpg?w=640)

Leopard (NorthStar)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195744688.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195751418.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150351471.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150436633.jpg?w=640)

Hippos (Foundry)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195713359.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195654566.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195641024.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_145944850.jpg?w=640)

Croc (Foundry)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200113_195617407.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200112_150039064.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Wildlife
Post by: FifteensAway on January 14, 2020, 04:19:24 AM
Love the critters - and, while maybe not perfect, use them anyway.  Won't be many who know they aren't right for where you put them.

As to painting zebras, I studied a lot of photos and realized one thing that helped mine blend (though hardly great paint jobs, just paint jobs) was to use a very light wash of a dull yellow.  Seemed to work.  I'd post a picture but I somehow managed to delete from my blog (think I deleted the image on the computer without realizing.  Bases aren't textured so wouldn't be a great photo).  And they are actually horses and mules with a whole bunch of onagers waiting to get painted as zebras since I have yet to find any made in 15 mm - sometimes we just have to go with a "make work" solution.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Wildlife
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 14, 2020, 06:43:21 AM
Love the critters - and, while maybe not perfect, use them anyway.  Won't be many who know they aren't right for where you put them.

As to painting zebras, I studied a lot of photos and realized one thing that helped mine blend (though hardly great paint jobs, just paint jobs) was to use a very light wash of a dull yellow.  Seemed to work.  I'd post a picture but I somehow managed to delete from my blog (think I deleted the image on the computer without realizing.  Bases aren't textured so wouldn't be a great photo).  And they are actually horses and mules with a whole bunch of onagers waiting to get painted as zebras since I have yet to find any made in 15 mm - sometimes we just have to go with a "make work" solution.

I can imagine finding 15mm African animals could be a challenge. As for the Zebra it's funny how little attention you pay to things until you try to paint a miniature version. Obviously I've known Zebra have black and white stripes since forever but what surprised me was how intricate the striping was it isn't just a bunch of vertical lines that I had in my head. Same for the hippos in my head they where just a grey colour but once you really look at them they have quite a bit of pink/flesh colouring on their bodies. I guess you are right about the Zebra though they are going to be a bit of set dressing so maybe I shouldn't get to hung up on trying to get them perfect.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Wildlife
Post by: has.been on January 14, 2020, 07:12:51 AM
I think you have done a good job on the animals.
You are right, painting animals is harder than we think.
Where is the Osprey book on 'Wargaming Animals'?
I bought several tubs of children's' cheap animals, the ones that
have several different scaled beasts in. I too found the zebras
difficult, & as for the girraffes !!!!!!  I couldn't decide whether  to
paint them the 'brick' colour then carefully do the 'mortar' colour, or
paint them the 'mortar' colour, then carefully paint each 'brick'.
Several attempts before I got them to a reasonable standard.
I did get my revenge on the tub of animals. The over-scale bobcat/lynx
looking ones had their tails cut off & were painted bright blue. They now
take part in my Sci-Fi games.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Wildlife
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 14, 2020, 05:34:25 PM
I think you have done a good job on the animals.
You are right, painting animals is harder than we think.
Where is the Osprey book on 'Wargaming Animals'?
I bought several tubs of children's' cheap animals, the ones that
have several different scaled beasts in. I too found the zebras
difficult, & as for the girraffes !!!!!!  I couldn't decide whether  to
paint them the 'brick' colour then carefully do the 'mortar' colour, or
paint them the 'mortar' colour, then carefully paint each 'brick'.
Several attempts before I got them to a reasonable standard.
I did get my revenge on the tub of animals. The over-scale bobcat/lynx
looking ones had their tails cut off & were painted bright blue. They now
take part in my Sci-Fi games.

ah giraffes there on my list to... :?

I suppose I could follow your lead though and paint my Zebra bright blue, stick them in my 40K armies and call them Spacebera they might save me a headache  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Wildlife
Post by: Malamute on January 14, 2020, 05:47:25 PM
Lovely work on the wildlife so far. The Way you have done the Hippos is especially good.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Wildlife
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 29, 2020, 06:30:29 AM
More scenery for my Africa project this time some trees for grassland areas. I’ve already built some jungle, of course, but looking at images of African landscapes it became clear I need some trees and scrub for more open grass areas. Unlike the jungle scenery where I used a lot of plastic plants and trees this time I built the trees from scratch.

I started with some cuttings from a dead box plant and hot glue gunned them onto a base board

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200120_153313767.jpg?w=640)

2) I applied PVA and sand to the base boards and painted them

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200122_191723399_hdr.jpg?w=640)

3) I glued coco fibre (sold as a hanging basket liner product) to the using a tacky glue to the box twigs. I then coated the coco in PVA and covered it in flock. when it was dry I gave it a spray of a PVA and water mix to fix the flock

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200123_190854233_hdr.jpg?w=640)

4) I glued small box twigs on to the base board

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200123_192930138_hdr.jpg?w=640)

5) I covered the twigs with more coco fibre then I followed up with more PVA glue and various model railway flock, course and fine turf and sealed it with more watered down PVA.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200123_193118333_hdr.jpg?w=640)

The final results can be seen below I think they work quite well as patches of scrub perfect for hiding a hungry predator …

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200127_192009956_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200127_192211617_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200127_192343375_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200127_192441219_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/img_20200127_192301541_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Smokeyrone on January 29, 2020, 10:38:18 AM
great results with thecoco fiber!  Im doin it
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Atheling on January 29, 2020, 11:01:48 AM
Brilliant result!  :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: gamer Mac on January 29, 2020, 12:37:03 PM
Very nice :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 30, 2020, 06:43:54 AM
Thanks for the nice comments guys. You never really know if your hobby endeavours are hitting the right spot so its always nice if other people, in the hobby, think you did a decent job on a project.

Right back to painting more soldiers for my African Lakes Company force in central Africa.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Smokeyrone on January 30, 2020, 11:13:14 AM
yep, your coco fiber trick works great!  (I used free range fiber, as its all over the ground here in Florida).

It looks same as my flock over poly fiber, only cheaper.  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 31, 2020, 06:34:54 AM
yep, your coco fiber trick works great!  (I used free range fiber, as its all over the ground here in Florida).

It looks same as my flock over poly fiber, only cheaper.  :)

Free is the best price smokey I got mine for nowt from work  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: MaleGriffin on January 31, 2020, 11:08:08 PM
I'm a bit late to the party, but your work is exceptional!!!!

Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Smokeyrone on February 10, 2020, 07:36:48 PM
best grass table I ever saw
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Chairface on February 17, 2020, 03:45:33 PM
I'm absolutely loving this thread. Thanks!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with new trees and scrub
Post by: Diablo Jon on February 22, 2020, 09:16:13 AM
I'm a bit late to the party, but your work is exceptional!!!!

Thanks for sharing!
best grass table I ever saw
I'm absolutely loving this thread. Thanks!

Thanks guys appreciate it.

This project has been going a while and I now have a decent amount of scenery and one army painted so it’s time to get another army started. The next army I wanted to do was the ad-hoc forces of The African Lakes Company specifically those that fought in the Karonga War  against the Arab slavers under Mlozi.

The “Army” of this trading company seems to have been made up of a number of white men of different backgrounds company employees, South African mercenaries and local settlers and hunters who acted as officers. The most Famous of these was Captain Lugard who went on to have a career carving up bits of Africa for the British Empire. The bulk of the army where native soldiers mostly local Lake Tonga who where formed into five companies apparently armed with one third Snider breech loading rifles, one third muzzle loaded rifles and one third unarmed (which Chris Peers reckons meant they where armed with traditional weapons like spears). A company of Yao tribesmen with muskets from the shire river area. A company of Mambwe warriors from the Lake Tanganyika region who fought in their native style. Large numbers of Nkonde tribal allies fighting with spears where also a present at times.

For the bulk of the native Tonga soldiers and white men I’ve used Foundry Darkest Africa range.  Some of the other native units I’m needing to be a little more creative on. For now though I’ve painted up some of the command elements for the army.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195958050_hdr.jpg?w=640)

This miniature represents Captain Lugard on sick leave from the Indian army

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200008994_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200025791_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200019350_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Next up my take on Frederick Moir African lakes company general manager

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200037516_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200102679_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200052401_hdr.jpg?w=640)

A selection of Tonga auxillaries

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200203994_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200211081_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200217877_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200338186_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200352203_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200410843_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200128982_hdr.jpg?w=640)

A scout for use in the Heart of Africa rules. I like to think of him as Djenzi a leader among the Tonga that Lugard describes as a “gigantic savage” and “among the bravest natives I ever met”

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200431630_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200435896_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_200442546_hdr.jpg?w=640)





Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The African Lakes Company Arrive
Post by: mortimer on February 22, 2020, 11:31:31 AM
Marvelous!!!!! Love the paint face work
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The African Lakes Company Arrive
Post by: Metternich on February 23, 2020, 10:39:29 PM
This is a wonderful project.  Among the best African projects I have ever seen. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The African Lakes Company Arrive
Post by: Diablo Jon on February 26, 2020, 07:02:26 AM
Marvelous!!!!! Love the paint face work
This is a wonderful project.  Among the best African projects I have ever seen. 

thanks guys  :)

Here is another group of miniatures for my African Lakes Company “army”. Whilst the majority of the soldiers where natives there was a number of Europeans involved in the fighting. when Captain Lugard took over command he had 17 white men at his disposal . Some where company employees, others settlers or local missionaries and a seven where mercenaries from south Africa. One Alfred Sharpe was a big game hunter and later become vice consul of the British protectorate. Generally these white men acted as officers for the native auxiliaries despite many of them seemingly having little or no military experience.

They where well equipped with modern military and hunting rifles. Alfred Shape even provided some large calibre elephant rifles. One of these managed to take out six slavers with a single explosive round, during the first attack on Karonga, after it hit the door of the storage hut they where hiding in, filling in the interior of the shed with wooden splinters. As a side note Captain Lugard banned the use of explosive rounds when he took command on humanitarian grounds (though latter he was happy to employ maxim guns in Uganda).

This little group counts as a white man unit with two gunbearers under “In The Heart of Africa” rules. I’m also considering trying out “The Men Who Would be Kings” rules in which case these guys will act as unit leaders.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195627684_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195659420_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195733362_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195800958_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195828656_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/img_20200221_195848054_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Sons of Albion
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 02, 2020, 10:00:21 PM
Another unit for my British Lakes company this time native soldiers mostly recruited from the Tonga living along lake Nyasa. Lugard says that his native troops where armed with one third breach loaders (most likely to be Sniders), one third muzzle loading rifles and one third un-armed ( probably armed with traditional spears).

Appearance wise a cloth skirt and turban like head gear seems to have been the order of the day mostly in dirty white but the lake Tonga apparently favoured brightly coloured cloth when they could get it (especially checked cloth from India). Western clothes also seemed to have slowly made there way into the inventory of lakes company employees.

This group represent the breach loader armed soldiers. These weapons where a step up on their Slaver opponents but Lugard doesn’t seem to impressed with his soldiers. “Each day a rough drill was carried out, mainly with a view to teaching these raw savages how to hold and point a gun – aiming was of course beyond them” Inspiring stuff.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_200953563_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201040639_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201137094_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201120709_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201101762_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Lakes Company Askari
Post by: Mike1879 on March 03, 2020, 08:50:47 AM
Very nice indeed. Lovely project this well done!!!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Lakes Company Askari
Post by: Atheling on March 03, 2020, 10:08:34 AM
Really nice work 8) 8) 8)

 I love those 'old' Copplestone sculpts  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Lakes Company Askari
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 04, 2020, 06:31:38 AM
Thanks guys. Yes the old Foundry Darkest Africa range is still an absolute joy to paint even after all these years.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Lakes Company Askari
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 08, 2020, 08:58:59 AM
I was playing around with my newly painted miniatures on my table and ended up taking a few photos.  I thought they looked kind of cool and I’d share them. So here are a few pictures of my British Lakes company soldiers marching to attack Kopa Kopa’s stockade 15th June 1888.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201353005_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201344165_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201336896_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201331158_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200221_201326195_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: Mike1879 on March 08, 2020, 01:34:50 PM
Superb!!!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: flatpack on March 08, 2020, 04:38:55 PM
Flippin’ Heck, it must hurt carrying a flag that size around.
A beautiful set up mate, well done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 08, 2020, 04:58:33 PM
Flippin’ Heck, it must hurt carrying a flag that size around.
A beautiful set up mate, well done.

It gets worse not only is it a hefty flag... someone on TMP pointed out I'd stuck the flag on upside down  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: FlyXwire on March 08, 2020, 08:25:18 PM
Well maybe it's a portent to a new world about to be turned upside down....(and so "stay tuned".....I know I will be).  :-*

Super stuff DJ!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: FifteensAway on March 10, 2020, 03:46:40 AM
Inspiring.  Hope I can accomplish something nearly as grand one day for my East Africa adventures.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: syrinx0 on March 14, 2020, 02:35:46 AM
It gets worse not only is it a hefty flag... someone on TMP pointed out I'd stuck the flag on upside down  :D

There was a sudden breeze....
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A couple of new pictures
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 17, 2020, 06:34:41 AM
Thanks for the comments guys.

Looking at my painted collection I decided I had enough stuff painted to get a solo game of The “Men who would be Kings” (TMWWBK), if I used the skirmish kings optional rule which basically halves the number of models per unit, going. So I went through my collection and organised two 24AP armies and then set about coming up with a bit of background for a game.

“In 1881 the British African Lakes Company was trying to establish itself around lake Nyasa among the main issues they faced was the hostility of the Portuguese who felt the Shire river and Lake Nyasa where part of their sphere of influence. This hostility manifested itself mainly in the seizing of goods and heavy taxation of company property coming from the coast of Portuguese East Africa.  The African Lakes company board came up with a scheme to by-pass the Portuguese by creating a caravan route to the northern end of lake Nyasa from more friendly ports on the Swahili coast.

For this endeavour the company hired one Captain Phillip Lander. Although Captain Phil Lander had had a distinguished career in HMs armed forces, as well as being a crack rifle shot and personally very brave, he had two character flaws that made him a bad choice for such an endeavour. Captain Lander had a love of strong liquor and an absolute contempt of anyone who wasn’t a European. These two flaws combined to finish his military career after he almost beat a sepoy to death in a drunken rage while stationed in India.

To accompany Captain Lander the company insisted on a company accountant, one Mr Biff Wellington, would accompany the expedition to help negotiate treaties with friendly tribes along the way to create the caravan route.  A local Swahili headman Safiri of Kilwa was hired to employee Porters and act as a guide. Finally Captain Lander insisted on the hiring of RSM (retired) Stan Dupp to train and lead his native Askari.

The expedition hired around 200 local Swahili 50 of the best where given Snider rifles and trained by RSM Dupp as Askari. The remaining 150 where used as porters, given muzzle loading rifles, and some basic training.

The expedition set off in high spirits but tensions between Captain Lander and Mr Wellington quickly become strained. Captain Lander sense of European superiority didn’t allow him to negotiate with tribes the expedition encountered. He quickly gave up offering hongos and started negotiating at the point of a gun. After several bloody encounters tribes along the expeditions route either fled or attacked the caravan as it entered their territory.

After three months the expedition, who where now close to the North end of Lake Nyasa, was down to a handful of men and no supplies. Lack of water was causing the expedition serious issues when scouts reported a nearby watering hole. Desperate for water the expedition unwittingly entered Ngoni territory….”


So for the game I had a small expedition of four units of irregular foot vs seven units of tribal infantry. As this was my first game of TMWWBK I left the Ngoni as basic tribal infantry, with no leaders, so all units had leadership of 8 for the game. The explorers I set up as follows

Captain Phil Lander (leadership 6 with Brutal -2 unit discipline) and 5 askaris (irregular infantry upgraded to well armed, veteran, Sharpshooters)


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_191917845_hdr.jpg?w=640)

RSM (retired) Stan Dupp (Leadership 5 Jolly Good Chap) and 5 Askari (irregular infantry upgraded to well armed, veteran, Sharpshooters)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_191931201_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Mr Biff Wellington (Leadership 7, Inexperienced) and 5 armed porters (irregular infantry)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_191935125_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Safiri of Kilwa (Leadership 6, A Damn Fine Fellow) and 5 armed porters (irregular infantry)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_191940548_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Being my first game I didn’t want a scenario that was to complicated so the expedition wins if they can reach and defend the waterhole they lose if no units reach the waterhole by the game ends (die of thirst) or if they all get wiped out by Angry Ngoni. the table was set up like this. the expedition starting in the bottom left corner the water hole is near the top right.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_191854951_hdr.jpg?w=640)

In part 2 and 3 I’ll run through how the game panned out.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 1
Post by: leadfool on March 17, 2020, 07:53:24 AM
amazing table and great figures.  WOW
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 1
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 18, 2020, 06:27:31 AM
amazing table and great figures.  WOW

Thanks I appreciate the feedback
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 1
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 18, 2020, 06:35:50 AM
OK Part 2 of my AAR

“Alright lads at the double follow me!” RSM Stan Dupp gave his orders in a calm manner that couldn’t help but inspire confidence. Arms trailed Dupp and his Askari skirted a stand of Acacia trees and thorn bushes and ran into a patch of long grass. The attack came without warning. A thrown spear was the first sign followed by a group of angry spear wielding natives. Dupp watched as one of his Askari, Jafari, was speared in the chest and then he was forced to dodge a spear thrust himself. “Fall back form a firing line!” shouted Dupp.

Turn 1 – The expedition units all attempted to Double Move. Captain Lander and Mr Wellington where successful. Safiri of Kilwa and his porters refused to move however. RSM Stan Dupp’s command successfully double moved but this movement triggered the appearance of a native unit within charge range who promptly charged Dupp and his command and speared a couple of them to death for no reply. Dupp’s command fell back.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_193901801_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 2 – The majority of the expedition continued to try and double move towards the watering hole. Captain Lander, Mr Wellington and Safiri all got their units moving and provoked a rash of native appearances most in charge range. RSM Dupp and his command opened fire on their Ngoni attackers causing a casualty and pinning them down. In the native turn two Ngoni units decided discretion was the better part of valour and slinked off and the other units unpinned and advanced.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_200007918_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200308_200016999_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 3 – RSM Dupp and his command continued to pour fire in to the Ngoni in front of them gunning down two more though they failed to pin them this time. Captain Lander joined in by ordering his command to open fire on a second unit of Ngoni that was threatening their front causing three casualties and pinning them. Mr Wellington double moved, while Safiri double move triggered two new units of natives to appear at long rifle range. The natives turn was mixed the unit in front of RSM Dupp went to ground the others un-pinned, slinked off and attempted to charge Safiri.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_192839124_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_194802968_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Safiri of Kilwa fumbled to reload his double barrelled gun. Angry Ngoni seemed to be everywhere, his throat was dry and sore, and he was desperate to feel cool water on his lips. A shout from one of his men made him look up a group of Ngoni where charging, through the long grass, right at them.  “Shoot them!” screamed Safiri. Everything seemed to slow down Safiri watched his men point their guns at the Ngoni some firing from the hip others turning their heads as they took aim. Then there were the bangs, flashes and smoke that always accompanied a volley of muzzle loaded guns going off. As the smoke started to clear Safiri could see the Ngoni had disappeared leaving several dead behind. Safiri tried to swallow but his throat was to dry.

Turn 4 – With plenty of Angry Ngoni to aim at the expedition stopped moving and blazed away with their rifles. Captain Lander and Safiri opened fire on the same unit causing three casualties but failing to pin their target. Mr Wellington directed his porters in a hot fire that caused two casualties and pinned their opponents, While RSM Dupp and his men blazed away but failed to score any hits. the natives weren’t to impressed by all the hot lead flying around and went to ground, slinked off or failed to un pin themselves.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_195209894_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_195829745_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 5 – With the way temporally cleared of natives the expedition units, mostly, started heading for the watering hole. Captain Lander and his Askari poured fire into the last native unit causing two more casualties. Mr Wellington’s potters so impressed with last turns firing took a turn off to stand around and celebrate rather than moving. Safiri and CSM Dupp both got their lads to double move which triggered the appearance of two more native units. the natives in front of captain Landers boys had had enough of being shot up by Sniders and routed. One unit of Natives slinked off while a third group advanced towards the enemy the final group was able to mount a devastating charge of Safiri’s men spearing three of them to death and pining the survivors.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_195835685_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_195845482_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 6 – Mr Wellington and Captain Lander opened up a devastating volley of fire at the Natives attack Safiri’s men causing no less than seven casualties when the smoke cleared the natives had been completely wiped out. CSM Dupp pushed his men hard and managed a double move of 12″ bringing them much closer to the rest of the expeditions other units.  Mean while Safiri pulled himself together and rallied his command just in time to be charged by another group of Ngoni who butchered the rest of his porters and pinned him again. The last group of Ngoni charged CSM Dupp’s command and speared the rest of his lads to death Stan Dupp was made of sterner stuff than Safiri however and wasn’t pinned.

Part three coming soon!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 2
Post by: FlyXwire on March 18, 2020, 02:22:01 PM
I'm sitting here with a parched throat, waiting in expectation...... 

.....almost like a cinema series from the 30's - but let me get my popcorn - and don't start the film till I'm back!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 2
Post by: Marine0846 on March 18, 2020, 05:41:30 PM
Great story.
Love your figures and terrain.
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 2
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 19, 2020, 06:52:03 AM
I'm sitting here with a parched throat, waiting in expectation...... 

.....almost like a cinema series from the 30's - but let me get my popcorn - and don't start the film till I'm back!

Pop corn at the ready?

Captain Phil Lander took a steadying breath and stroked the trigger on his 4-bore elephant gun he allowed himself a brief smile as his target, a native in a large feather headdress, flew several feet back  into the bush. Handing the gun to his servant to re-load he took a moment to study the course of the battle. Looking to his right he saw RSM Dupp, alone, running towards him through the long grass hotly pursued by a swarm of angry natives. ” Give that man some covering fire!” Shouted Captain Lander. It was to late a thrown spear lodged itself in Dupp’s thigh. He stumbled forward and received a spear thrust in the back. Even wounded Dupp wasn’t the sort of man to go down without a fight. Despite being on his knees Dupp wrestled a spear of one of his attackers and plunged it into the mans chest before dying under a flurry of blows. “Rifle!” screamed Lander at his servant. He took aim at Dupp’s attackers as a particularly large warrior brandished Dupp’s severed head towards Captain Lander’s men. The crack of the lander’s rifle going off was the last thing the large warrior ever heard.

Turn 7 – RSM Dupp fired causing 1 casualty , Safiri rallied his command to un-pin them, Mr Wellington got his men double moving an impressive 12″ while Captain Lander decided to stop for afternoon tiffin (in other words failed his activation roll). Of the natives one group slinked off, another went to ground the last group charged Safiri and his surviving porters and butchered them to a man.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_200952297_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 8 – The survivors of the expedition decided to fill the air with hot lead  Mr Wellington and armed porters where the stars of the show yet again managing a credible four hits, Captain Landers boys also did sterling work but RSM Dupp and boys missed everyone. The natives all advanced or charged. One group charging Captain Landers command and inflicted a casualty but rather surprisingly the natives where wiped out. I guess Captain Landers horse whip is a deadly weapon.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_200949147_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 9 – Mr Wellington’s command fired again inflicting another 4 casualties I’m starting to think these armed porters are in fact Grenadier Guards in disguise. Captain Lander’s command double moved triggering a native unit to appear in charge range. RSM Dupp double moved a smart 12″. For the natives one unit decided to slink away. The other unit charged RSM Dupp and speared him to death though Dupp still managed to take down a native as he died.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_202542047_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Biff Wellington and his men emerged from a tangle of brush. “Form up! stick together!” commanded Biff. One of his men shouted something in his native tongue and the porters all started running forward. “Wait! where are you going damn it” screamed Biff. Then he saw the watering hole and broke into a run. Biff fell into the water, it was muddy and smelly, and Biff had never seen anything so wonderful. He cupped his hand and drunk his fill.

Turn 10 – Mr Wellington’s command double moved to the watering hole. Captain Landers men opened fire pinning a unit of Ngoni.. The pinned natives failed a rally test and fled

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_203201792_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 11 – Mr Wellington and his men took up defensive positions and stood to. Captain Lander decided to stop for a bite of Dundee cake (failed his activation roll). There where no natives on the table

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_202547216_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 12 – Mr Wellington continued to stand to. Captain Lander double moved to the watering hole. With no natives on the table I declared the expedition as victors.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200311_203606345.jpg?w=640)

Conclusion – It was a really fun game fought over a couple of evenings. TMWWBK solo rules work really well while the programmed activation can through up the odd result it was very unpredictable which made the game pretty tense at times with natives popping up all over the place. Man of the match performance to Mr Biff Wellington and his men who despite being the most inexperienced leader with the worst troops cut a bloody swath through the Ngoni with the sort of firing that would of made british regulars proud.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: has.been on March 19, 2020, 07:04:12 AM
Nice game, wonderful scenery & figures. Well done that man.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 2
Post by: FlyXwire on March 19, 2020, 12:54:58 PM
Pop corn at the ready?
I think I hear it popping, but that might be some desultory fire coming from off the screen here.   ;)

(in the meantime I've slipped back to find out what's happened in the rest of the show)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: FlyXwire on March 19, 2020, 01:12:42 PM
Rugged fight for some stinkin' water hole of which no one would have likely known, save the recounting here of the few survivors!

How did they survive to tell their tale.......the story continues?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: JBaumal on March 19, 2020, 11:42:16 PM
Amazing table and figs!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: flatpack on March 20, 2020, 06:10:51 AM
Looking fantastic
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 20, 2020, 07:31:50 AM
Thanks for the nice comments guys.

Rugged fight for some stinkin' water hole of which no one would have likely known, save the recounting here of the few survivors!

How did they survive to tell their tale.......the story continues?

Well maybe it really started out as an attempt to use the miniatures I had painted and try out the new rules. Seems like Captain Phil Lander and Mr Biff Wellington could make another appearance though. If they do they are going to need some new allies as half the expedition died on that outing..I do have a few Arab slavers painted up though ...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Calumma on March 20, 2020, 08:49:04 AM
Really excellent stuff!

Do you mind posting a link for the teddy bear fur you used. I have some but not so happy with it so looking for other options.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Isasi on March 20, 2020, 02:17:15 PM
Absolutely wonderfull!!!, congratulations.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Hammers on March 20, 2020, 02:43:15 PM
Reaally, really nice. This is harking back to the glory days of Plynkes African battle reports.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 20, 2020, 09:11:05 PM
Really excellent stuff!

Do you mind posting a link for the teddy bear fur you used. I have some but not so happy with it so looking for other options.

Cheers!

No problem. I got mine off eBay (link below) its called somewhat appropriately Lions Mane Faux fur. I should warn you it's pretty long It took a lot of cutting to get it to a better length (like two bin bags full of cut faux fur) the colour was IMO pretty perfect though.

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/292911063957?chn=ps&var=591688501273&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=591688501273_292911063957&targetid=876392498860&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045796&campaignid=9441268977&mkgroupid=97372076338&rlsatarget=aud-629407026665:pla-876392498860&abcId=1139366&merchantid=115062144&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9tbzBRDVARIsAMBplx9ZD2puArsilpkF_vy_UT8HTHHrb1pCJ7kiT09vtIvHk-IIinB4Ve4aAmJEEALw_wcB  (https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/292911063957?chn=ps&var=591688501273&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=591688501273_292911063957&targetid=876392498860&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045796&campaignid=9441268977&mkgroupid=97372076338&rlsatarget=aud-629407026665:pla-876392498860&abcId=1139366&merchantid=115062144&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9tbzBRDVARIsAMBplx9ZD2puArsilpkF_vy_UT8HTHHrb1pCJ7kiT09vtIvHk-IIinB4Ve4aAmJEEALw_wcB)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 20, 2020, 09:13:21 PM
Absolutely wonderfull!!!, congratulations.

Thank you

Reaally, really nice. This is harking back to the glory days of Plynkes African battle reports.

blimey that's high praise indeed Plynkes stuff is like the gold standard of DA stuff. thanks.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Bravo Six on March 21, 2020, 03:11:05 AM
Quote
This is harking back to the glory days of Plynkes African battle reports

I fully agree. Great work Diablo John. That IS high praise indeed.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Calumma on March 22, 2020, 07:56:58 AM
Great thanks for the link. I've been playing using mats that resemble a much drier semi-arid region, but been itching to do something with longer grass.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Dying for a Drink – an AAR – Part 3
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 27, 2020, 06:33:02 AM
These guys are the Lake Tonga auxiliaries armed with muzzle loading guns that made up about third of the British Lakes Company soldiers. Nothing very exciting a mixture of Foundry Askari and tribal musketeers in European dress. Next up I have spear armed Tonga and Mambwe auxiliaries to paint up but I have become side tracked painting some extra Arab slavers with a mind to running a follow up game in the continuing adventures of Captain Phil Lander.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200325_170416073_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200325_170508273_hdr.jpg?w=640) 

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200325_170532460_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200326_133652596_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Lake Tonga Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 30, 2020, 05:34:09 AM
So I got a little side tracked from my British Lakes Company army and painted up some more Arabs to go with some that I painted up, a long time back, and then did nothing with. I always planned to do some Arab slavers as they where the BLC’s main enemy during the Karonga War.

The term Arab seems to have been a very loose meaning. Along the east coast and in Zanzibar there where a fair number of Arabs of Omani origin but the further inland you went the more mixed their heritage became. Arab armies could be made up of peoples of very mixed origin Swahilis were common but around Lake Nyasa many Arab soldiers seem to have been of Yao or Bemba origin.

I’ve decided to make a very generic Arab army that could be used For Zanzibar, Swahili coast, Tabora, Congo and British Central Africa.  In the future I plan to paint up a unit of wealthy Arabs with modern rifles, a unit of  earlier Arabs armed with Sword and shield as well as muskets and some Baluchis.

These miniatures are mostly your musket armed Africans and Arabs that made up the vast majority of soldiers in an Arab army. As I said the original miniatures I painted up a long while back when I was very much into using a black undercoat. I now use a white undercoat and have gone back to using a lot more ink washes.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161147303_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161248911_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161349405_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161448434_hdr.jpg?w=640)

I’ve painted up a few miniatures to be leaders in a TMWWBK game I’m planning soon. So these are the new additions on there own.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200326_133531561_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200326_133554467_hdr-1.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161616799_hdr.jpg?w=640)

And  finally a couple of baggage elements for use with “In the Heart of Africa” rules.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161528492_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161521502_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161539815_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161546597_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/img_20200329_161557450_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: Hu Rhu on March 30, 2020, 08:41:01 AM
Very nice indeed.  :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: Calumma on March 30, 2020, 10:37:00 AM
Excellent stuff. I just happen to be starting on my own slaver force for a TMWWBKs campaign. Still working at the mo, so painting will take a while though.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: FlyXwire on March 30, 2020, 02:34:33 PM
Jon, bravo on transitioning to white priming (a technique I picked up for doing 28s with the Army Painter tone washes - and marketed years before "Contrast" paints appeared).

Your figs look nice and bright, and can "pop" amongst your junglescape, or under low-light conditions (like at convention halls).
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 30, 2020, 04:22:04 PM
Excellent stuff. I just happen to be starting on my own slaver force for a TMWWBKs campaign. Still working at the mo, so painting will take a while though.

Arab/Swahilis are a very versatile army in colonial African gaming both as allies and enemies. Also given the nature of their errr activates its easy not to feel guilty about gunning them down in droves..
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 30, 2020, 04:32:05 PM
Jon, bravo on transitioning to white priming (a technique I picked up for doing 28s with the Army Painter tone washes - and marketed years before "Contrast" paints appeared).

Your figs look nice and bright, and can "pop" amongst your junglescape, or under low-light conditions (like at convention halls).

I've gone through so many changes in painting technique over the years from painting Minifigs with grey primer and enamels in the early 80s, then black lining, then learning all about washes and glazes thanks to 1980s 'Evy Metal articles, then getting into black under coat thanks to Kevin Dallimore in Wargames Illustrated, flirting with army painter dips and now full circle back to 1980s Games Workshop with white undercoat, base coat, ink wash, highlights and sometimes a glaze. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: FlyXwire on March 30, 2020, 05:30:35 PM
I've gone through so many changes in painting technique over the years from painting Minifigs with grey primer and enamels in the early 80s, then black lining, then learning all about washes and glazes thanks to 1980s '.....
Me too, but never did the 'Elvis on Velvet' black primer route.  ;)

Here's the formula I use with glaze and for on white clothing, and to help pick out painting details too, and for seeing them with my old eyes (not for you Jon, but maybe a tip for less experienced painters here) -

(https://i.postimg.cc/R0zGdGXv/Primer-Popping-SMALL.jpg)

(and can dry-brush white for those clothing highlights)



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: Atheling on March 31, 2020, 08:56:06 AM
Lovely Jon   :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: JBaumal on April 03, 2020, 11:21:52 AM
Awesome brush work!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - with added Arab slavers
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 20, 2020, 09:07:20 PM
Something I’ve been working on for ages is this trading post for my Darkest Africa project. For some reason I kept losing inspiration for this little build but with the extra time, from lockdown, and the arrival of a selection of resin crates and barrels from eBay I final forced myself to finish this build off. Nothing overly spectacular foam core was the main building material plus some balsa wood, cardboard and teddy bear fur.

This gives my British Lakes company “army” something to defend against marauding natives or villainous Arab slavers.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191953000_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191946578_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191809809_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191814251_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191834593_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191716586_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191744426_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200420_191729399_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: gamer Mac on April 20, 2020, 11:18:06 PM
Very nice :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: marianas_gamer on April 20, 2020, 11:31:43 PM
Nice work on your compound.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: syrinx0 on April 21, 2020, 03:25:37 AM
Your making great progress on your DA project.  No doubt the compound will come in handy for many scenarios.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Hu Rhu on April 21, 2020, 07:24:21 AM
Great set of buildings.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Marine0846 on April 21, 2020, 01:33:21 PM
Well done.
Great set of buildings.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: richardpate on April 26, 2020, 02:08:45 AM
the whole 9 pages were great.  Your table and all of the scenery are fantastic and the figures very good.  Great Job!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Smokeyrone on April 26, 2020, 07:16:55 PM
I figured I already woulda commented, but if not, that is fantastic work, man!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Umpapa on April 26, 2020, 08:44:06 PM
Whole thread is awesome. Very informative.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: JBaumal on April 27, 2020, 02:44:44 AM
Great usage of everyday materials combined with some commercially available items transformed into a great outpost!
Cheers, very well done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 27, 2020, 05:40:53 AM
Thanks everyone its always nice to receive some feed back.

A very small update today. After finishing off my Trading post buildings I had some left over resin crates and barrels so I decided to build some barricades that could be used in the defence of the trading post (or an explorer's camp). So here they are.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200425_190721122_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200425_190751232_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200425_190616393_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200425_190652800_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200425_190621477_hdr.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: JBaumal on April 27, 2020, 10:55:59 AM
Great addition to the scenery, very useful indeed. I love multipurpose items.
What mfgr or did you scratch build them? I know there are quite a few mfgrs making such items.

Keep Calm and Keep Posting, .... ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: FifteensAway on April 27, 2020, 01:06:11 PM
Nice trading post and nice 'clutter'.  Really like the piles of ivory - an idea I will have to steal but no doubt have to create myself in 15 mm.  I am reminded I have commercial buildings to create my own trading posts and other stations - science based perhaps or 'spreading the word' stations.

Which raises a thought: what were the way-stations like in the slave trade when moving from the interior to the coastal collection points?  I am doing later 19th century East Africa which will include some of that activity - though mostly to allow the noble cause of suppressing the trade as a game scenario option.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 27, 2020, 07:34:45 PM
Great addition to the scenery, very useful indeed. I love multipurpose items.
What mfgr or did you scratch build them? I know there are quite a few mfgrs making such items.

Keep Calm and Keep Posting, .... ;)

I have scratch built crates before but this time I got them of eBay from these guys lots of interesting little bits and bobs

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28mm-wargames-scenery-Crates-ammo-boxes-1-56-scale-16pc-ANYSCALE-MODELS-065/322915713929?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
  (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28mm-wargames-scenery-Crates-ammo-boxes-1-56-scale-16pc-ANYSCALE-MODELS-065/322915713929?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 27, 2020, 07:55:06 PM
Nice trading post and nice 'clutter'.  Really like the piles of ivory - an idea I will have to steal but no doubt have to create myself in 15 mm.  I am reminded I have commercial buildings to create my own trading posts and other stations - science based perhaps or 'spreading the word' stations.

Which raises a thought: what were the way-stations like in the slave trade when moving from the interior to the coastal collection points?  I am doing later 19th century East Africa which will include some of that activity - though mostly to allow the noble cause of suppressing the trade as a game scenario option.

I imagine Arab slaver outposts would be a stockade. Chris Peers in his Foundry books on East and Central Africa has some good descriptions of Arab stockades being made of several earth and wood ramparts with loop holes and then what he calls "bomb" proof huts which are  half buried in the ground and have the excavated soil placed over the top. Of course native Slavers, like the Yao, probably just lived in their normal villages.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: dberna67 on April 28, 2020, 08:48:25 AM
I have scratch built crates before but this time I got them of eBay from these guys lots of interesting little bits and bobs

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28mm-wargames-scenery-Crates-ammo-boxes-1-56-scale-16pc-ANYSCALE-MODELS-065/322915713929?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
  (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28mm-wargames-scenery-Crates-ammo-boxes-1-56-scale-16pc-ANYSCALE-MODELS-065/322915713929?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)

It's cheaper if you buy directly from their site:
https://anyscalemodels.com/shop/scale-1-56-for-28mm.html?start=180
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 28, 2020, 09:08:51 AM
It's cheaper if you buy directly from their site:
https://anyscalemodels.com/shop/scale-1-56-for-28mm.html?start=180


Cheers for that I just typed 28mm crates into the eBay search engine and found them never occurred to me they'd have their own site  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Smokeyrone on May 02, 2020, 11:00:31 AM
Really nice addition.  Love the whole look
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with British Trading Post
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 04, 2020, 05:24:41 AM
The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR – Part 1

Fayyaad el-Khalifa watched the little army march past and congratulated himself on his cunning. For the first time since he was forced to leave Zanzibar, fleeing some rather angry money lenders, things finally seemed to be going his way. When he first arrived in this little corner of Africa, seeking slaves and ivory to pay off his debtors, it seemed like the ideal spot. The local tribes where weak and lacked guns, perfect victims but Fayyad hadn’t known about the Ngoni.

Like Fayyaad the Ngoni where relative new comers and like Fayyaad they liked to prey on the local tribes. So much so that the King of the Ngoni, Mpasa, claimed the tribes as his property and so had followed eighteen months of brinkmanship, skirmishes and threats between the Ngoni and Fayyaad’s followers.

Two weeks ago things finally spilled over into open conflict. As Fayyaad was leading a caravan back to his stockade, after a very  successful slave raid, he was ambushed by Mpasa’s Ngoni warriors. It was as Fayyaad, with a few survivors, fled to the safety of his stockade that they stumbled across the aftermath of a battle near a local watering hole. slightly further on he came across the camp of the white men. Despite their small numbers they had beaten the Ngoni thanks to their modern guns.

 Fayyaad noted that the leader of  the white men, one Captain Phil Lander, burned with the desire to avenge his fallen comrades. Ever the opportunist Fayyaad offered Captain Lander just that. Now their combined forces marched on Mpasa’s Royal Kraal, to burn it to the ground, and kill King Mpasa.

Of course Fayyaad planned to let the white men bear the brunt of the fighting.  Revenge was a fine thing but profit was even better. While the white men killed his enemy Fayyaad planned to make slaves of his enemies people. “Yes” Fayyaad thought to himself ” I really am quite cunning”


So this is a second, solo, game of “The Men Who Would be Kings” as I continue the adventures of Captain Phil Lander and Mr Biff Wellington. Carrying on after the first battle against the Ngoni our heroes have joined forces with a dastardly local Arab slaver Fayyaad el- Khalifa. They plan to exact revenge on the Ngoni, for the deaths of their comrades, by marching on King Mpasa’s Kraal,  killing the king and burning his Kraal to the ground. Little do they know that their new ally, while happy to see the king dead, is really after Slaves and the king’s cattle.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_190203032_hdr.jpg?w=640)

So here is the table laid out in the bottom left corner we have the Ngoni Kraal full of civilians and bravely defended by king Mpasa and his bodyguards. Normally the natives don’t start the game on the table in a solo battle but if felt wrong to have the King arrive randomly. Instead I decided this unit would remain inactive until the enemy came with 12″ of the Kraal then they would follow normal native rules. The remaining seven Ngoni native infantry units would start off table and appear randomly as reinforcements arrived from the surrounding area to help their king.

King Mpasa

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_190225927_hdr.jpg?w=640)

The Arab/British army enter from the top right (by the maize field) and would have to attack the kraal. The British contingent would get 2 victory points for each hut they burned ( I decided a hut could be burned by spending one action phase “standing to in base contact with the hut) and five victory points for killing Mpasa. The Arabs would get 1 pts for each civilian or cattle miniature they captured (again by spending one turn in base contact “standing to”). So the allied army where competing against each other as well as the Ngoni. Both could collect a potential 11 Victory points and who ever got the highest  would be the winner… assuming the Ngoni didn’t wipe them out.

The Arab slavers consisted of four units of irregular infantry with obsolete muskets. Fayyaad aside they turned out to be a rather motely crew of poor leadership and bad traits which somehow seemed fitting for nasty slaver types.

Fayyaad el- Khalifa. Leadership 5 and Nephew of the sultan (unit upgraded to sharpshooters)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_185658700_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Kamel “The knife” Leadership and “up and at em” (must always attempt charge)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_185806316_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Hakim the Lame Leadership 7 and Weakling (never rolls any dice in melee)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_185845685_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Faisal of Fashoda Leadership 8  and yellow bellied (must always choose firing over charging)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_185928514_hdr.jpg?w=640)

For the British, after the first battle, they had been reduced to two units of irregular infantry. Captain Landers Askari unit where upgraded to veteran, sharpshooters with modern breach loading rifles. while Mr wellingtons armed porters where bog standard irregular infantry with no upgrades or downgrades.

Captain Phil Lander – Leadership 6 and Brutal (-2 discipline)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_190055217_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Mr Biff Wellington leadership 7 inexperienced (no free action except “stand to”)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_190020409_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Part 2 the opening rounds coming soon....

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 1
Post by: Hu Rhu on May 04, 2020, 07:49:52 AM
Very nice set up.  Looking forward to seeing how these perform.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 1
Post by: bazookajoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:25 PM
That's such a fantastic table!  I am tempted to get some of that teddy bear fur but I think my figures, with their plastic bases, would not stand up on it.  If I had my time back I would have based everything on metal washers but that was years ago and its too late (and difficult) to change now.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 1
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 05, 2020, 05:29:51 AM
That's such a fantastic table!  I am tempted to get some of that teddy bear fur but I think my figures, with their plastic bases, would not stand up on it.  If I had my time back I would have based everything on metal washers but that was years ago and its too late (and difficult) to change now.

Plastic bases shouldn't be a problem all mine are based on plastic bases from Renedra. In fact my Ngoni are all plastic, being converted Perry miniatures plastic Zulus, and stand up no problem.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 1
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 05, 2020, 05:49:11 AM
The Burning Desire for Revenge – Part 2

Captain Phil Lander checked his rifle and smiled. For the first time since the battle with the Ngoni he felt a sense of purpose and direction. The death of RSM Stan Dupp had effected him more than he’d care to admit. The two men had soldiered across the British empire together for many years. He had never considered Dupp a friend, after all Dupp had grown up in a London poor house and he on his father’s country estate, one didn’t consider those from the lower classes as friends. Yet since Dupp’s death at the hands of the Ngoni Captain Lander had realised Dupp was in fact one of his closet friends. Only one thing mattered to Phil Lander now finding this native king Mpasa, ending his life and avenging his friend’s death.

Captain Lander looked around at his little command and let out a heavy sigh. Masood, his standard bearer, had attached the union jack upside down, on the pole, again. He made a mental note to have a word, with Masood, after the battle.

Shouting from his new allies alerted Captain Lander to movement, in the brush, on the right flank. “So it begins” Lander said calmly.” Alright men! follow me !”


Turn 1

The Allied army moved off towards the Royal Kraal Captain Lander, Biff Wellington, Fayyaad el- Khalifa and Hakim the Lame  all successfully double moved triggering the appearance of no less than four units of Ngoni one of which appeared a mere 6″ away. Faisal of Fashoda and Kamel “The knife” obviously decided to hang back and let others do the fighting (in other words they failed their activation test.

The natives started things off with a bang one unit charged out of some scrub straight into Hakim the Lame’s men and butchered three of them forcing Hakim and his boys to fall back and become pinned. A second Ngoni unit decided bullets couldn’t hurt them and charged 18″ across the table and impaled one of Biff Wellington’s armed poters. Biff’s boys fell back but weren’t pinned. The other Ngoni units advanced on the allies.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_193238556_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_193250266_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_193605490_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 2

The allies suddenly found themselves surrounded by angry Ngoni. With so many targets Captain lander and his Askaris opened fire causing four casualties to the natives in front of them. Biff Wellington and his armed porters joined in causing two more casualties and pinning the natives to their front. Fayyaad el- Khalifa decided to show his men how to do it but when the smoke cleared he and his men hadn’t managed a single hit. Faisal of Fashoda put his imported Winchester rifle to good use causing two casualties on the Ngoni that had beat up Hakim the Lame. Speaking of Hakim his men were so shaken by the Ngoni attack they failed to rally and kept running. Kamel “The knife”  thanks to his “up and at ’em” leadership trait was now forced to try and charge the Ngoni, rather than sensibly shoot them, clearly his men didn't agree and he failed his activation test.

For the Ngoni one group charged Hakim the Lame and his cowering men and promptly butchered the lot of them. One group of Ngoni failed to rally and started falling back. Another unit of Ngoni decided they to where immune to bullets and crashed into Captain Landers askari spearing two in return for one casualty in return. Captain Lander and his men fell back and became pinned.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_194512441_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_194515741_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_195739932_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 3

Captain Lander quickly rallied his men (no doubt through judicious use of his horse whip). Mr Wellington  and his boys fired pinning the Ngoni in front of them. Fayyaad el- Khalifa and his servants put up a much better showing this time accounting for no less than three of the enemy and pinning them. Faisal of Fashoda and his boys continued to pour fire into the Ngoni who had killed his college Hakim causing a casualty but not pinning them . Kamel “The knife” continued to try and get his followers to charge the same Ngoni and failing miserably

He needn’t have worried though because the Ngoni decided to charge his little command instead giving him the chance to put his sword to good use. In a spectacular display of pushing and shoving neither side managed to inflict a single casualty the Ngoni pulling back for a breather and to check the sharpness of their Iklwa. The Ngoni unit that had been decimated and pinned, by heavy fire, natural fell back. While the last group advanced towards the allies.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_200927633_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_200930549_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/img_20200418_200939899_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Fayyaad el- Khalifa wasn’t a happy man things had not gone to plan. Clearly their stealthy dawn attack hadn’t been quite as stealthy as he thought. It was like they had stepped into a hornet’s nest. Angry Ngoni warriors where popping up all over the place. Poor Hakim had already paid with his life and now the attack on the royal kraal had stalled. Instead of attacking as a group the attackers where strung out all over the place blazing away with their guns in all directions. Fayyaad spotted a group of Ngoni in front of him they seemed to be running away from the fight. Fayyaad had never been one to shy away from shooting a man in the back so he raised his musket, his men followed suit, “Fire!” screamed Fayyaad.

Turn 4

The allies poured hot lead in all directions. Captain Lander and his Askari caused one casualty. Mr wellington and his armed porters also managed a casualty and pinned their target. Fayyaad and his men scored a whopping four casualties but amazingly not pinning their target. Faisal of Fashoda again proved that as long as he and his men stood still and just kept shooting they could be useful causing two more hits and a pinning the Ngoni in front of them. Kamel “The knife” managed to convince his lads to charge the Ngoni Faisal had just shot out and again there ensued a brief bout of pushing, shoving and name calling which result in yet again no casualties to either side!?

For the Ngoni two punishing turns of musket and rifle fire left everyone pinned an attempting to rally two units decided they’d had enough and started falling back while one unit bravely (stupidly?) rallied ready for more.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_131627126_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_132339910_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 5

The pressure on the allies had slacked off most on the Ngoni where in retreat only the unit trapped between Faisal of Fashoda guns and Kamel “The knife” and his big sword where grimly holding on. Faisal fired again causing two more hits but not pinning the last survivor. Leaving Kamel to charge in and finish the Ngoni off sadly the lone Ngoni managed to kill one of Kamel’s lads forcing them to retreat. Closer to the kraal Captain Lander and Fayyaad el- Khalifa entertained themselves by shooting at the retreating Ngoni causing a single casualty. With no threats left Mr Wellington ordered his porters, to move at the double, towards the Kraal no sooner had they done this than fresh Ngoni warriors where spotted.

The last surviving Ngoni warrior embolden by driving off six times his number of enemies followed up by charging Kamel and his lads again this time though his luck ran out and Kamel finally got blood on his “knife”. one Ngoni unit rallied one continued to fall back while the newly arrived warriors advanced towards the enemy.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_132345725_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_133400738_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn six

Biff wellington order his men to fire on the freshly arrived Ngoni warriors advancing towards them a devastating volley felled three and pinned the rest down. Fayyaad el- Khalifa order his men into skirmish order (half move fire at half effect in the rules) and their fire finished off the freshly rallied Ngoni to their front (A test showed the Ngoni unit could be recycled latter in the game). the first phase of battle was clearly coming to end and most of allied army took a moment to take a drink, smoke or a bite to eat…in others words all three units fluffed their activation tests.

Only two Ngoni units where still active and both failed their rally tests and routed. One unit was gone for ever but the other was recycled possibly to return later.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_134029593_hdr.jpg?w=640)

 Biff Wellington looked around the smoke was clearing and the sound of gunfire had stopped. The only sound now was the groaning of the injured and dying. The Ngoni attack  had come so hard and fast that it had caught them by surprise thrown their own attack in to total disarray . In the end though their guns had proved more than a match for native spears. The royal kraal was closer now a small group of warriors stood in front of the kraal surrounding a large man wearing an outrageous red head dress. That had to be the Ngoni king. “Alright lads! It looks like this battle is almost ever” Biff confidently told his men…how little he knew.

Turn 7

With no enemy nearby the allied army started to double move towards the kraal. Well all except Captain Lander who decided to stop for a cup of Earl Grey and a crumpet. These movements triggered the arrival of single unit of Ngoni warriors to appear with 6″ of Faisal of Fashoda.

Faisal needn’t of worried though the newly arrived Ngoni took one look at the piles of Ngoni dead and dying at the distinct lack of fellow warriors and decided to leave King Mpasa to it and slinked off (it should be noted I mucked up the rules here due to being in charge range the Ngoni should have had a +1 modifier that would have prevented a slink off result.)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_135018363_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 8

With no native presence the big push on the kraal was on. all pumped up on tea and crumpets Captain Lander and his men sprinted across the table. Kamel “the knife ” and Fayyaad el- Khalifa also continued to advance with purpose triggering the arrival of  two more Ngoni units  12″ away. Biff Wellington and Faisal of Fashoda both decided a drinks break was in order and failed to move.

With the enemy closing in King Mpasa and his bodyguards entered the fray advancing towards the invaders. One of the newly arrived Ngoni units charged Fayyaad el- Khalifa and his bodyguards killing two in reply for one lost warrior and forcing Fayyaad to fall back. The other new arrivals decided that king Mpasa wasn’t watching and slinked off.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_135623143_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_135639908_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 9

Fayyaad el- Khalifa rallied his men. Biff and the boys opened fire on the enemy inflicting 3 casualties but not pinning the enemy. Captain Lander ordered his men into skirmish line and inflicted another casualty on the enemy. Faisal of Fashoda decided he and his men would be safer closer to the rest of the army and double moved a full 12″. Meanwhile Kamel “the knife” and the boys decided to take break in shade of an acacia tree.

One unit of natives decided to go to ground in the long grass beside the kraal. Mean while the other unit of Ngoni and King Mpasa both charged Fayyaad el- Khalifa causing three causalities for one in reply Fayyaad fell back and became pinned.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_140845364_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_140848043_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Part 3 coming soon..
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 2
Post by: Hu Rhu on May 05, 2020, 08:49:38 AM
Great game and excellent battle report.  A very confusing and finely balanced game - just like the real thing.  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 2
Post by: Plynkes on May 05, 2020, 08:59:53 AM
Beautiful pictures! Just bloody superb. I shall catch up with the text later when I have gone into work and am pretending that I'm doing something productive.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 2
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 06, 2020, 05:15:37 AM
Great game and excellent battle report.  A very confusing and finely balanced game - just like the real thing.  :D

Thanks Yes the solo version of TMWWBK is good fun and very unpredictable.

Beautiful pictures! Just bloody superb. I shall catch up with the text later when I have gone into work and am pretending that I'm doing something productive.  :)


Thanks who hasn't had a sneaky look at LAF on a slow day at work  ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 2
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 06, 2020, 05:24:27 AM
The Burning Desire for Revenge – Part 3

Captain Phil Lander took a freshly loaded rifle from his gun bearer, and brought it up to his shoulder, there in front of him was his revenge. The dastardly King Mpasa and his bodyguards had, it seemed, just butchered Fayyaad el- Khalifa and his men with their spears. Captain Lander could see a lone survivor fleeing back towards the safety of the rest of the army. ” Take aim! Fire!” screamed Captain Lander. A number of Mpasa’s bodyguards fell. “Fire!” again and again Captain Lander’s askaris loaded and fired their Snider rifles. The king and his bodyguards started to flee back towards his kraal. Under such devastating shooting soon only the king was left he turned and locked stares with Captain Lander, raising his spear and shield above his head, the king resembled every inch the noble savage. “This is for Stan you bastard” whispered Captain Lander as he raised his rifle. A shot rang out, King Mpasa fell, Captain Lander stared blankly his rifle trigger still un-pulled.

Crouching in a patch of long grass Fayyaad el- Khalifa lowered his smoking rifle and grinned at last his nemesis was dead.

Turn 10

Captain Lander and his askaris opened fire on king Mpasa and his bodyguards causing three casualties and pinning them. Biff wellington and his armed porters wiped out the Ngoni to their front with a fine display of shooting.  Faisal of Fashoda and his lads fired on some natives that had gone to ground nearby managing an impressive three casualties. Kamel “the knife” and boys stopped for an unscheduled water break. Meanwhile Fayyaad el- Khalifa managed to rally after his close call with the Ngoni iklwa.

On the natives side the Ngoni all fell back or went to ground.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_140845364_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_142248504_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_142253806_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 11

Biff Wellington continued to whittle down King Mpasa’s bodyguard. Captain Lander double moved towards the kraal. As did Fayyaad. Faisal of Fashoda and the lads took on some long range sniping an managed to take down a Ngoni warrior. Meanwhile Kamel “the knife” and his boys extended the water break in to a full blown picnic (in other words they failed yet another activation test)

King Mpasa rallied in front of his kraal while the another unit fell back.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_143647157_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 12

Captain Lander opened fire on King Mpasa wiping out the last of his bodyguards. Fayyaad el- Khalifa then delivered the Coup De Grâce on the poor king. Biff Wellington had to send a man to the rear for fresh ammo (Biffs character trait means he has to pass an activation test to fire and he failed). Mean while Kamel and the boys where taking an after picnic nap and Faisal and the boys also decided a rest was in order.

One unit of Ngoni took the death of their king badly and charged Captain Lander and his askari felling them all in a revenge fuelled stabbing fest.. The other Ngoni took a more pragmatic view of their king’s death and fell back.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_143655834_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Biff Wellington didn’t have time to mourn the death of his comrades. Having overrun Captain Lander and his men the angry Ngoni warriors where now bearing down on him and his men. “Where’s that ammunition?” Biff shouted at one of his men” Not here yet boss” “Bugger” said Biff through gritted teeth dropping his rifle and pulling out his revolver “looks like this is going to get close and personal.” 

Turn 13

In a stunning dose of bad luck Biff failed his second activation test in a row and failed to fire. Fayyaad el- Khalifa now cut a lone figure with all his bodyguards dead and decided to double move back towards the rest of his men skiving in the rear. Speaking of which the rest of Fayyaad el- Khalifa’s men where now taking the micky failing yet another pair of activation tests.

Fresh from wiping out Captain Lander the victorious Ngoni plunged into Biff Wellington and his men and killed three for no reply forcing Biff to fall back. The other unit seeing the tide of battle turning rallied.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_144806297_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Turn 14

Biff decided not to stop running until he had got away from all those sharp pointy spears (In other words he fluffed his rally test). Kamel “the knife” continued to extract the urine. Mean while Faisal of Fashoda finally kicked his men into action and they fired on the Ngoni though due to their appalling marksmanship they all missed. Mean while Fayyaad el- Khalifa moved to make sure plenty of his men where between him and the remaining Ngoni.

The last of the Ngoni charged the retreating Biff beating him down but not before Biff took one with him.

Turn 15

The battle was clearly reaching the end. Both Faisal of Fashoda and Kamel “the knife” and their men now realising everyone else was dead opened fire on one of the two remaining units of Ngoni causing three casualties and pinning them. Fayyaad el- Khalifa choose to  just stand around looking calm.

One Ngoni unit failed to rally and fell back. the other carried on their near suicidal attempt to win the battle single handily. Having accounted for both Captain Lander and Biff they know charged head long into Faisal of Fashoda and his boys causing and casualty and forcing them to fall back.

Turn  16

Faisal rallied his lads. Fayyaad el- Khalifa managed to gun down a single enemy pinning the Ngoni. One unit of Ngoni was close enough that Kamel “the knife”  wanted to up close and personal but his men clearly didn’t agree.

Both units of Ngoni flailed to rally and fell back

Turn 17

The remaining Arabs all opened fire on the falling back Ngoni but not to any effect.

The last two Ngoni units both failed their rally tests and routed with no Ngoni left in reserve I called the battle finished the Arab slavers where now free to round up slaves and cattle and burn the kraal.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_150315626_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_150351578_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_150358262_hdr.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200419_150410359_hdr.jpg?w=640)

Epilogue

King Bangizwe stood looking at the burned and looted remains of his, now dead, father’s Kraal. He had been forced to flee the battlefield earlier that day and had now returned with what few warriors he had managed to muster. It was hard to imagine that a few weeks ago his people’s kingdom seemed strong and feared by its neighbours. In the last two weeks his kingdom’s warriors had fought three battles against invaders armed with guns and had been decimated. The kingdom was in tatters and it was his luck to inherit it from his farther.

He was disturbed from his thoughts by one of his warriors. “We found survivours” the warrior informed him. King Bangizwe turned and stared at the survivors a young boy and two white men one white man was bleeding heavily from his scalp the other was holding an obviously injured arm. Bangizwe fought down his anger an the urge to have his men disembowel these men. No he was king know he need to look to the future of his kingdom not look to avenge the past.  He looked at the boy “Where are you from boy?” the child just stared blankly at him. Bangizwe sighed and tried the again this time in the language they called Swahilli. He could see the boy understood. “You have a new job boy you are now my interpreter” the boy nodded “tell the white men this boy” said Bangizwe “You know about guns ? Yes?  I need guns and you” he starred at the two white men ” are going to help me get them”
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Burning Desire for Revenge – An AAR Part 3
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 18, 2020, 05:28:48 AM
A new piece of terrain for my on going Darkest Africa project this time a Tembe. Tembe where a type of fortified building in which people could shelter in event of attack. Normally consisting of two rectangle buildings, running parallel to each other and linked by palisaded gates to create a courtyard.  The walls of both buildings where loop holed  both facing outside and in to the courtyard. The Roof could be thatch like this

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/tembe.jpg?w=640)

or possibly earth like this

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/mlozis-stockade-illust.png)

I decided to go with an earth roof on my model. So I grabbed the last of my foamcore card supplies, bits of balsa wood and bamboo skewers and set about constructing

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200510_142551065.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200510_142556926.jpg?w=640)

The roof was constructed from more foamcore card with twigs and brush bristles glued on and then covered in cheap brown window filler to look like earth in attempt to look like the roof in the second picture of this post. Meanwhile the walls got a coat of white filler leaving out some exposed mud bricks Id etched in to the foamcore.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200510_142615566.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200511_190759442.jpg?w=640)

Then I slapped on a rough and ready mostly dry brushed paint job the end result was this.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162231734.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162238096.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162245102.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162249764.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162300086.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162324715.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162401450.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162407621.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162413400.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162422663.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162439029.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200517_162452661.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: bazookajoe on May 18, 2020, 06:14:35 AM
That Tembe is inspirational.  I always wanted to make one but doubted my abilities.  The mud on the roof must have been to protect the thatch from fire.  Dry thatch goes up in a instant!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 18, 2020, 06:35:11 AM
That Tembe is inspirational.  I always wanted to make one but doubted my abilities.  The mud on the roof must have been to protect the thatch from fire.  Dry thatch goes up in a instant!

Yeah I think so fire would be my first weapon if choice to use on a Tembe if I were a native warrior attacking one.

 Interestingly Mlozi's stockade ( the second picture) was built like a giant Tembe but apparently had rifle pits scraped out of the floor to allow men to shoot from a very low set of loop holes. A second set of loop holes were for men standing so doubling up how many guns could fire on attackers. I guess  they had a lot of spare earth from digging out the rifle pits so stuck it in the roof.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: Plynkes on May 18, 2020, 07:29:59 AM
You've done a lovely job there, Diablo Jon. Well done! I do love a nice Tembe. Like Bazookajoe I always wanted one, but I am lazy, don't enjoy building things and don't really have the skills. So I paid somebody else to make me one.  :)


I don't think mine is as visually impressive as yours, but I like it. This is the only photo I have that features it...

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/33/369-120518220005-330352011.jpeg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 18, 2020, 09:28:53 AM
You've done a lovely job there, Diablo Jon. Well done! I do love a nice Tembe. Like Bazookajoe I always wanted one, but I am lazy, don't enjoy building things and don't really have the skills. So I paid somebody else to make me one.  :)


I don't think mine is as visually impressive as yours, but I like it. This is the only photo I have that features it...

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/33/369-120518220005-330352011.jpeg)

Thank you. Those are some fine Ruga-Ruga posing in front of a what looks like a nice Tembe. How on earth did you manage to get naked Ruga-Ruga gunmen. I'm assuming conversions but they are really well done.

Must resist the Ruga-Ruga. I have a few Ruga-Ruga in my pile and want to get some more but I really need to finish up my extra Ngoni and British Lakes Company armies first before I start painting something else..
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: OSHIROmodels on May 18, 2020, 09:31:43 AM
Great stuff  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: Plynkes on May 18, 2020, 10:43:54 AM
I'm assuming conversions but they are really well done.


Thanks for the compliment. You assume correctly. Foundry DA tribal musketeers with their loin cloths removed and a little putty surgery done on them to give them some man-bits. some wire ankle bracelets added and then heads donated from some Copplestone Watuta figures. A fun conversion mini-project that I embarked upon to add a little variety to my Ruga Ruga. As far as I know nobody makes nudie Ruga Ruga, and I wanted some.  :)

I did the same to some of my Watuta, as they were known for running around in their birthday suits on occasion, too. Perhaps I need to take a step back and stop nudifying everybody. What would the vicar think?  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: verd on May 18, 2020, 03:25:29 PM
Now, why haven't I seen this before??   :o

VERY cool project - and well executed on top!  :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 18, 2020, 08:26:22 PM
Thanks for the compliment. You assume correctly. Foundry DA tribal musketeers with their loin cloths removed and a little putty surgery done on them to give them some man-bits. some wire ankle bracelets added and then heads donated from some Copplestone Watuta figures. A fun conversion mini-project that I embarked upon to add a little variety to my Ruga Ruga. As far as I know nobody makes nudie Ruga Ruga, and I wanted some.  :)

I did the same to some of my Watuta, as they were known for running around in their birthday suits on occasion, too. Perhaps I need to take a step back and stop nudifying everybody. What would the vicar think?  lol

OK I didn't see that coming  :o

I was working on a multipart figure conversion I figured Foundry naked spearmen waist and legs, with tribal musket bodies and Ngoni heads all carefully separated with a razor saw and pinned back together. Instead you just green stuffed some knobs on. My Mrs thinks my hobby is a bit odd, as it is, I can imagine her reaction if she found me sculpting 1/56 scale gentiles on my little men  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: FifteensAway on May 19, 2020, 03:13:03 AM
Oh, how unpopular this comment will be but: you really must stop posting to this thread.  Really! 

It is far too guilt inducing. 

On a less 'somber' note.  "Phil Lander" may not - yet - be my favorite wargaming name through a play on words but it is very much in the top ranks. 

You, sirrah, are on the verge of cinematic splendor with all you keeping show us.  Now, PLEAE STOP!  Right folks?

No, no, I'm not over there on the left, or the right, or the center - you don't know which way to throw your stones, you lot, do you?   :o
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Slaver Tembe
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 25, 2020, 08:46:35 PM
So after getting distracted by various other projects I’ve decided to get back to my British African Lakes Company “army”. To get this project finished I have ordered a 7pdr gun from NorthStar’s Africa range, I have my baggage elements well under way on my painting desk, my Mambwe auxiliaries have been converted and I’ve started to slap on some paint on them to, I have the miniatures for my Yao tribal auxiliaries and I want some Nkonde tribal allies at some stage. In the mean time I finished the last group of lake Tonga auxiliaries so that gives my all the Tonga I’ll need.

As I’ve mentioned before Lugard says that a third of his Tonga had breach loading rifles, a third muzzle loading rifles and one third were unarmed. Chris Peers in his book on Central Africa suggests that unarmed men actually had tribal weapons (so spears) and later on Lugard in his Uganda campaign would disregard the large numbers of Buganda spearmen supporting his army only counting men with guns. So I wanted to model spear armed Tonga.

I hadn’t had any problems up until now representing the Tonga in the company’s service, Foundry Askari where perfect, but now I needed models that looked like Foundry Askari but with spears instead of guns I was stumped. In the end I plumped for Perry plastic Ansar, mixed with Perry and Warlord plastic Zulus, and a few Foundry metal Askari head swaps to give me the minis I wanted. There is one Metal Foundry Askari with his musket removed and a spear added. He was a test piece, that didn’t go very well and helped me decide I didn’t want to try and convert fifteen metal models like that.

I couldn’t find much on Tonga weapons or shields before the British arrived so in the end I modelled them with a selection of Ngoni and Nkonde shields (or shield less) and a mixed bunch of spears and knobkerrie to make them look as irregular as possible.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200525_145354421.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200525_145501138.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200525_145526482.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200525_145607519.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200525_145825671.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Lake Tonga Auxiliaries
Post by: Smokeyrone on May 25, 2020, 11:26:18 PM
beautiful
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Lake Tonga Auxiliaries
Post by: Hu Rhu on May 26, 2020, 11:07:37 AM
A nice bunch of ragged tribesmen.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Lake Tonga Auxiliaries
Post by: Plynkes on May 26, 2020, 11:19:33 AM
Great looking bunch of filibustering irregulars there, Jon!

Nice one!

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Lake Tonga Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 26, 2020, 07:44:26 PM
Thanks for the nice comments guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Lake Tonga Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 31, 2020, 08:19:45 PM
I like to create baggage elements for my armies and so for my British African Lakes Company native porters seemed appropriate besides what colonial African game feels right with out a line of native porters meandering across the table? Most of these men are probably lake Tonga employees of the company though Harry Johnston first consul of British Central Africa reckoned that the Yao tribe made the best porters due to their strength.

Miniatures are a mix of Foundry and Dixon. The Dixon porters are from their Dahomey wars range and a bit smaller than the foundry miniatures but I reckoned a bit of size variation among the porters wasn’t a bad thing.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200531_183143657.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200531_183151863.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200531_183124226.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200531_183211113.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200531_183341159.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/img_20200531_183438698.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Native Porters
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 31, 2020, 08:20:39 PM
whoops double post..
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Native Porters
Post by: bazookajoe on June 01, 2020, 01:19:47 AM
The porters are fantastic.  Love the way they are based.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Native Porters
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 01, 2020, 05:23:40 PM
The porters are fantastic.  Love the way they are based.

Thanks mate. I do like to multi base my baggage elements.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Native Porters
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 05, 2020, 04:09:03 PM
Another group for my British African Lakes Company this time Mambwe tribesmen. When Lugard took over command over the company forces at Karonga he had five companies of about 40 Tonga each (armed 50-50 with breech loaders and muzzle loaders), 50 Yao in one company armed with muskets and 50 Mambwe spearmen in a single company. Each company was officered by three Europeans (a mixture of company employees, local settlers and mercenaries from South Africa).

So I wanted some Mambwe miniatures. The big snag was I had no idea what the Mambwe looked like. The internet provided very little useful info to go on.  Chris Peers in his book on central Africa mentions they where spearmen he also gives a description by Lugard

“The wildest savages, almost or completely naked, with the most fantastic headdresses”

Not exactly a lot to go on. Again according to Chris Peers the headdresses where the zebra main type popular with the Ngoni, Sango, Bena and Hehe.

The Mambwe seem to have originated in and around the Rukwa Valley between lake Nyasa and lake Tanganyika and where related to the Fipa and Lungu. This location would have brought them into contact with the Ngoni led by Zwangendaba when he settled on the Ufipa plateau in the 1840s. It also made them neighbours with the Sangu /Bena who copied Ngoni battle tactics and pushed west towards lake Nyasa after defeat by the Hehe. So I took a punt that the Mambwe had done what many other tribes did and modelled themselves on their Ngoni and Sango neighbours.

I wanted the Mambwe to look different to the Ngoni army I had already created so I took a couple of features from the Sangu warrior illustrated in Chris Peers East Africa book and gave them small Zulu style shields and white face paint. If I’m honest in the end I’ve taken a minimal amount of info and plumped for something I think seems plausible but it is very possible the Mambwe looked nothing like this.

As to why the Mambwe where fighting for the company? They where also neighbours of the Bemba (that is a really bad trio of neighbours to have) who by all accounts raided them regularly to the point that the Mambwe where eager to accept the (dubious) protection of Christian missionaries. At the same time the Lakes Company was also trying to expand up to lake Tanginyka so I guess the two saw each other as useful allies.

For miniature I used warlord Games plastic Zulus with various head conversions to try and recreate zebra mane and black cock feather headressess.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_191831726.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_191715221.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_191641396.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_191614811.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_191544527.jpg?w=640)

And a couple of Action shots of the Mambwe attacking my new Tembe

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_192137690.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200604_192215668.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Plynkes on June 05, 2020, 07:13:24 PM
Good idea, Jon. A pity you couldn't find anything more concrete about their appearance (I've run into that kind of thing from time to time, frustrating, isn't it?), but at least you have some figures you can use as Sango or Hehe now, should you ever need some.


Those shots of them in the scenery look fantastic, just as they always do.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 05, 2020, 07:42:21 PM
Thanks.

Yeah the sheer number of tribal groups in 19th century Africa means I seem to find brief references to groups and then literally no useful info on them. You'd think all these European explorers, tramping all over Africa, could have drawn every native (or better yet photographed them) they came across for us gamers and modelers to use a 150 years latter 

I guess on the plus size no one can say I'm wrong. :D

The only thing more frustrating is seeing some of the cool pictures of tribes in Chris Peers African books and realising no one makes anything even close, in miniature, and my conversion skills are no way up to making them from something else  :(
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Plynkes on June 05, 2020, 07:47:27 PM
One of these days I'm going to have a go at doing some Sango conversions. I've been wanting some for quite some time. Those Chris Peers books are full of interesting characters that I'd like to bring to life.




Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 05, 2020, 08:31:05 PM
Well if they are anything like your previous projects I'm sure they will be impressive.

I'd love to do armies for Buganda and Bunyoro  but no one makes the right miniatures apart from a solitary Foundry King Mutesa I .
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: bazookajoe on June 07, 2020, 02:57:23 AM
Great interpretation of the Mambwe.  For Baganda, I was thinking of taking those Foundry diamond-shaped African shields and adding a kind of pointy knob to the middle of them.   Add those to some Foundry tribesmen with feathered headdress and it might be close enough.  There are a few pictures of early twentieth century Baganda warriors on the internet.  The shield seems the most distinct characteristic in terms of creating a miniature version. IIRC, the Baganda didn't like bows and arrows (coward's weapon) so leave those out.  They did have some musketeers during Mutesa's time. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Clawed_Greengrass on June 07, 2020, 12:17:21 PM
Absolutely loving this. Stunning work all round ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 07, 2020, 08:14:10 PM
Absolutely loving this. Stunning work all round ;)

cheers

Great interpretation of the Mambwe.  For Baganda, I was thinking of taking those Foundry diamond-shaped African shields and adding a kind of pointy knob to the middle of them.   Add those to some Foundry tribesmen with feathered headdress and it might be close enough.  There are a few pictures of early twentieth century Baganda warriors on the internet.  The shield seems the most distinct characteristic in terms of creating a miniature version. IIRC, the Baganda didn't like bows and arrows (coward's weapon) so leave those out.  They did have some musketeers during Mutesa's time. 

The shield are certainly pretty unique closest thing I've seen in miniature are on Old Glory's Mahdists

(https://www.oldgloryminiatures.com/prodimages/CSD/CSD-4.gif)

I think the bigger issue is a lack of figures in Mbugu which was Baganda national dress. Though its possible they exchanged the Mbugu for a short wrap around skirt in battle I think I'd like them in Mbugu to make them distinct from other armies. Apparently Baganda musketeers liked to carry both spear and gun which is another thing you don't see often on miniatures.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Plynkes on June 07, 2020, 08:45:48 PM
I'm thinking it wouldn't be too hard to make those famous barkcloth robes with a bit of the old green stuff. Reasonably basic, but probably quite tedious.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 07, 2020, 10:42:59 PM
I'm thinking it wouldn't be too hard to make those famous barkcloth robes with a bit of the old green stuff. Reasonably basic, but probably quite tedious.

Yeah using TMWWBK rules I'd probably be looking at 4 units of tribal warriors (64 minis) and three units of irregular infantry (36 minis) that's a few more green stuff conversions than I'd probably enjoy doing  :).
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Mambwe Auxiliaries
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 08, 2020, 05:28:00 AM
The last baggage element for my British African Lakes Company is a bit more unusual than the native porters I did earlier. In June 1888 Lugard set off with his hastily formed little army to attack the stockade of Mlozi’s ally Kopa-Kopa. Before the attack the small army’s two doctors where directed to set up a dressing station next to a prominent “hospital tree”. I thought that sounded like it would make a rather cool and slightly different baggage element. So I got hold of a Perry miniatures defender of Rorke’s Drift set and plundered the surgeon bandaging a wounded chap, I added a couple of Foundry dead and wounded Askari and a Eureka African civilian. The cots are from the Renedra camp set and the operating table is scratch built.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161112373.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161120809.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161129592.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161142829.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161218892.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161237176.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161313185.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161430396.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200607_161617179.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Poiter50 on June 08, 2020, 06:00:47 AM
That's brilliant, great idea and use if vignette pieces.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: has.been on June 08, 2020, 06:15:45 AM
Nice additional touch.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: OSHIROmodels on June 08, 2020, 06:47:04 AM
Lovely little vignette  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Plynkes on June 08, 2020, 08:30:12 AM
Oh now that is just a little gem. I love things like that, but can rarely be bothered actually making such stuff myself. Takes me long enough to get the fighting troops ready.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Mike1879 on June 08, 2020, 08:50:53 AM
Excellent piece of work!!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: gamer Mac on June 08, 2020, 09:16:06 AM
That is a great little piece :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 08, 2020, 07:58:00 PM
cheers guys. I was pretty chuffed with how it turned out so its nice that other people like it to.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: syrinx0 on June 08, 2020, 10:14:59 PM
Just caught up with your last few additions.   Excellent work on the baggage train and medics. I bought similar figures to those for my Zulu campaign.  Someday...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: FifteensAway on June 09, 2020, 01:47:18 AM
For the first half dozen photos I kept thinking, where is the tree?  Then you got there.  Cool.  I have something similar planned for my old west using an ACW set of figures - good 'ol Sawbones.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 09, 2020, 11:24:33 AM
For the first half dozen photos I kept thinking, where is the tree?  Then you got there.  Cool.  I have something similar planned for my old west using an ACW set of figures - good 'ol Sawbones.

I did briefly toy with the idea of modeling a tree on the base but figured that would be a bit cumbersome  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: has.been on June 09, 2020, 12:11:24 PM
I know what you mean. I was accused my wargaming opponent of moving a
wood, only to find he had several trees on his diorama of a command base.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 09, 2020, 12:30:38 PM
 lol as long as he wasn't trying to claim a + 1 bonus for always  being in light cover..
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with "hospital tree"
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 12, 2020, 05:15:07 AM
The last contingent of my African Lakes Company Army are the Yao. The Yao had moved into the area around lake Nyasa in the mid 19th century by which time they where under heavy Arab influence and enthusiastic slavers themselves. The Yao where split into several, not necessarily mutually friendly, clans that in the early years of the British Central African Protectorate gave the British a torrid time.

In around lake Nyasa the Yao where major players who seem to have ended up being recruited into several armies. The Shire Kololo chiefs included Yao among their subjects. The Chikunda of the Zambezi valley where originally recruited from, among others,  Yao tribesmen. The Yao where heavily recruited into the various “Arab” slaver warlords armies and paradoxically recruited by the African Lakes Company to fight the slavers.

By the end of the 19th century the Yao where extensively armed with trade muskets. Chris Peers mentions these trade muskets where frequently painted red with black metal work. Painting trade muskets was a way of hiding the poor quality of these weapons which where often built from spares and repairs with unseasoned wood stocks. sadly from what little I could track down on line the red paint was actually a brown/orange/red varnish rather than a bright red (which would have been fun to paint).

It would appear the Yao liked to fight as skirmishes and weren’t very keen on attacking defended positions or close combat. They don’t appear to have carried any melee weapons other than a knife. According to Harry Johnstone the Yao fought by ” having dropped to one knee and fired their guns, they hastily retreat and reload their guns, while another rank takes their place”.

Chris Peers in his Central African book suggests that the Yao basically resembled other African people who had been influenced by the Arabs so Foundry Askaris would do the trick for miniatures. I did find one photo online which suggests that perhaps white cloth wasn’t the order of the day and cloth crop tops where possible.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/wa-yao-jager-die-geschichte-von-afrika-und-seinen-entdeckern-london-1896-98-quelle-10094f-3-vol-iv-seite-32-autor-brown-robert-r58gce.jpg?w=640)

The Yao chiefs could look at lot more Arab like it would seem and I think Northstar’s Ruga-Ruga in Arab dress would be a good fit.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/7260cc0f-92a3-44ca-aafb-fb7431931be9_1.84a75ea237be7d30f81b9982913bdace.jpeg?w=640)

So for my first unit of Yao I used a mix of foundry Askari and tribal musketeers, some Northstar Ruga-Ruga and a couple of Perry Ansar/Zulu plastic conversions. I decided to paint them in various brown clothing and paint their muskets as red trade muskets.

Using them in TMWBKs rules they will be irregular infantry with either a European leader when fighting for the British or and arabised chief when fighting for themselves or for Arab slavers. At some stage I hope to expand them to a whole Yao army to fight the British Protectorate forces under Harry Johnson.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200610_191449123.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200610_191519839.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 12, 2020, 05:16:28 AM
whoops double post..
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: FifteensAway on June 13, 2020, 12:31:33 AM
 Add one painted figure, get two painted units.  Nice. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: bazookajoe on June 13, 2020, 02:18:24 AM
Fantastic stuff, as usual!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 13, 2020, 07:50:48 AM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: FlyXwire on June 13, 2020, 12:48:02 PM
Jon, thanks for posting your unit research here - terrific background material, and good reading.

The painted Yao look good!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 14, 2020, 07:51:41 AM
Jon, thanks for posting your unit research here - terrific background material, and good reading.

The painted Yao look good!

No problem I figured with the more obscure stuff like this it would be interesting to add a bit of background rather than just some photos of painted miniatures. Also I think it helps to give some context to why I painted my miniatures the way I have.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Yao warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 14, 2020, 08:18:55 PM
I’ve done a couple of solo games using TMWWBKs now and have become quite attached to the hapless heroes of those games the British explorers Captain Phil Lander and Mr Biff Wellington in their quest to find a northern route to Lake Nyasa. In the last instalment the pair where wounded and captured by their Ngoni enemies. Now “guests” of the Ngoni King, Bangizwe, their lives have been spared in return for training a corps of Ngoni riflemen to help in the fight against the Arab slaver warlord Fayyaad el- Khalifa.

In this phase of what has now become a little, ahistorical, narrative campaign our heroes have reacted rather differently to their new circumstances. Captain Phil Lander has taking to imbibing a lot of strong Ngoni Plantain beer and brooding on the bad turn his life has taken. He has rather let himself go having stopped shaving and refusing to give up his European clothes even though they are falling apart.

Mr Biff Wellington has embraced his new life and has gone full native apart from continuing to wear his battered sun helmet. He has joined the Ngoni warriors in their raids and fallen for a pretty young Ngoni lady.

I thought it would be fun to convert up my heroes in their new guises for use in my next TWWBKs game (when I finally get all the elements I need together) so here they are

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_191750705.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_191810283.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_191825541.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_191839540.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_191904690.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_192159487.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200614_192508570.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Plynkes on June 14, 2020, 08:40:24 PM
The guy gone native is such a great idea. Well done, Jon!

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 15, 2020, 05:09:40 AM
The guy gone native is such a great idea. Well done, Jon!

Thanks. It was very easy to do just a Foundry head on a warlord Zulu body and an appropriate paint job. I was pleased with how it turned out.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: FifteensAway on June 15, 2020, 05:55:59 AM
Phil is fun - and useful in many games and a some varied periods I expect.  Biff looks good, too, but you really need to do some work on his sun helmet for it to look battered.  Looks too clean by three-quarters at the moment!   :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Mindenbrush on June 15, 2020, 12:30:32 PM
Neat idea!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Plynkes on June 15, 2020, 12:34:35 PM
I have long toyed with the idea of having some colonial/explorer types (and a Zulu!) wearing mail shirts along with their usual gear, to represent Mr. Q-Main and chums in the novel "Allan Quatermain." Always seemed like too much of a fiddly bother to get around to it, but this conversion has inspired me to perhaps return to the idea and give it some more thought. Maybe some fantasy or earlier historical plastic figures could be combined with some colonials...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: gamer Mac on June 15, 2020, 01:01:01 PM
really characterful figures  :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
looking forward to the stories they encourage
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Bugsda on June 15, 2020, 03:42:07 PM
Excellent  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 15, 2020, 05:25:45 PM
Thanks guys glad you liked them

I have long toyed with the idea of having some colonial/explorer types (and a Zulu!) wearing mail shirts along with their usual gear, to represent Mr. Q-Main and chums in the novel "Allan Quatermain." Always seemed like too much of a fiddly bother to get around to it, but this conversion has inspired me to perhaps return to the idea and give it some more thought. Maybe some fantasy or earlier historical plastic figures could be combined with some colonials...

I'm sure I speak for lots of people when I say...do it man it sounds epic and I want to see a Zulu in chainmail  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: has.been on June 15, 2020, 05:59:49 PM
+1 to the 'do it' advice.
When I was still at school & just getting in to Western Gunfight it was in 54mm.
My wargaming buddy at the time (one Stephen O'Leary) having seen the John Wayne
movie 'Comancheros' just had to have Chief Iron Shirt. One Airfix Indian & the breast
& back-plates from Historex, from a Napoleonic Cuirassier (who knew they sold parts for conversions? I didn't) & he proudly produced him for one of our Western shoot outs.
Down graded chest wound, of course! But he also took half an inch off his movement.
Fun was had.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with explorers gone native
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 21, 2020, 06:58:07 PM
I took a break from miniatures to create some more scenery for my Darkest Africa games. I bought some plastic tents from Renedra, an age ago, with the intention of making a camp for an exploring expedition and finally got round to it this week. The tents themselves where of mixed types in hard plastic and really nice little models they also come with a camp fire and some camp beds (that I took for my hospital tree project). I based the tents and added in some random camp clutter from various bits I had picked up from Redoubt Enterprises and Crooked Dice. slap on a coat of paint and hey presto one camp useful for both European military and explorers.

One common way of protecting such camps was by building a Boma (sometimes called a Zariba in North Africa) out of, ideally, cut down thorn bushes. So I figured I needed one to surround the camp. So I cut out eight, six inch, hardboard bases. I covered them in sand and painted them my usual yellow brown.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200620_143906109.jpg?w=640)

I then cut up some dead box plant and hot glue gunned the pieces down the centre of the bases in an irregular way. when the glue had dried I touched up the bases paint work.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200620_150834729.jpg?w=640)

Next I took some coca fibre hanging basket liner pulled off some irregular pieces and glued it over the box wood frame work using a tacky UHU glue. when it was dry I teased out and shaped up the coca fibre with some scissors.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200620_162856878.jpg?w=640)

Lastly I used white glue to add some yellow foam course turf, for dying foliage, when that was dry I sealed the whole thing with a watered down PVA spray (which was still drying when I took the photo below)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200620_173128988.jpg?w=640)

When all this was put together on the table top I ended up with this.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164633675.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164625963.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164609172.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164556561.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164545080.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164534085.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_164528803.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_094726860.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_094704269.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_094659785.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_094654222.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_094647434.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_20200621_094554523.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: FifteensAway on June 21, 2020, 09:34:55 PM
Brilliant!  Love all the baggage scattered about.  But I really like the way you did the scrub surround in a modular way which means it can be used in a variety of situations.  Well done, sir, well done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Plynkes on June 21, 2020, 10:06:22 PM
Nice one, Jon. I really need to make myself some boma or zariba or what-have-you. Bit lazy when it comes to terrain, though. Always put off doing things like that.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 22, 2020, 06:23:19 AM
Brilliant!  Love all the baggage scattered about.  But I really like the way you did the scrub surround in a modular way which means it can be used in a variety of situations.  Well done, sir, well done.

thank you


Nice one, Jon. I really need to make myself some boma or zariba or what-have-you. Bit lazy when it comes to terrain, though. Always put off doing things like that.

Cheers I actually find making scenery is a nice break from painting miniatures.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Isasi on June 22, 2020, 06:01:38 PM
Really nice.
Congratulations!!!.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Shtim on June 26, 2020, 09:41:22 PM
Just read through the entire thread from start to end - I am blown away! The sheer detail, the quality of miniatures, and the terrain is all phenomenal. Super well done.

- Shtim
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 26, 2020, 11:04:20 PM
Thanks glad you liked it.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Barry S on June 29, 2020, 07:06:38 AM
Really nice work!

The boma looks excellent.

I have long toyed with the idea of having some colonial/explorer types (and a Zulu!) wearing mail shirts along with their usual gear, to represent Mr. Q-Main and chums in the novel "Allan Quatermain." Always seemed like too much of a fiddly bother to get around to it, but this conversion has inspired me to perhaps return to the idea and give it some more thought. Maybe some fantasy or earlier historical plastic figures could be combined with some colonials...

This would be brilliant to see.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with European Camp
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2020, 07:36:11 PM
So the final push to finish my British Lakes Company force has stalled as the miniatures I ordered from North Star, almost a month ago, haven’t arrived yet (in fairness North Star did warn me that they where struggling due to the pandemic). So I dug in to the lead pile and decided to paint up a unit of Baluchi I found there. I’ll say right now these haven’t turned out as well as I’d hoped. I’m not sure if starting them just as the UK had a mini heat wave had an effect. My wargames space isn’t exactly climate controlled and gets pretty warm when the weather gets hot. I’m not a hot weather person it tends to make me cranky coupled with the effect hot weather has on my paint its not a great combo for producing good  paint jobs.

Anyway on to the Baluchi. The Baluchi seem to have been men recruited from around the Indian ocean and gulf region into the service of the Sultan of Zanzibar. It would appear they started to be recruited around the turn of the 19th century, possibly as a counter to the retinues of the powerful Omani and Swahili families of the African east coast that the sultan frequently relied upon to provide soldiers.

Mostly they formed garrisons for the various coastal settlements and outposts inland nominally under the Sultan of Zanzibar’s control. The Sultan would also use them to provide escorts for important dignitaries and European explorers nominally  under his protection.

Appearance wise they seem to have been quite the dandies. They spent a lot of time on their hair and beards even colouring and shinning it with indigo. Saffron dyed cloth was popular but  any colour was possible for turbans, sashes and robes. Their officers, called Jedamars, where even more ostentatious by all accounts. Having said that the explorer Cameron described the Baluchi he saw as ” all redolent of dirt and grease”.

Weapons wise they still used Matchlocks supplemented with swords, shields, daggers and pistols. Apparently white shields where popular.

I tried to paint some of the robes saffron. A quick google images check shows saffron cloth being anything from a yellow cream to a bright orange I went pale yellow as it is closer to the picture of a Baluchi (being speared by a Maasai warrior) in the Osprey on East African warriors.

All the miniatures, bar two, are metal Foundry. The other two are plastic Wargames Atlantic Afghans, that I brought because I was being cheap, I didn’t want to buy a £12 pack of Foundry figures when I didn’t need most of the miniatures. I thought a £3 sprue of eBay was a good idea but frankly they are a bit crap so I will bite the bullet and buy some extra Foundry ones at some point. (The spares can find service in my Explorer Army that is basically being cobbled together from all my left over miniatures from my other army builds.)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_140806802.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_140849967.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_140938362.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_141009711.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_141247484.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_141405883.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Shtim on July 03, 2020, 08:18:28 PM
Fantastic work! Great colours and clean paint job - excellent!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: bazookajoe on July 04, 2020, 02:54:33 AM
I agree.  These are great!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: JBaumal on July 04, 2020, 02:02:06 PM
Outstanding brush work Diablo Jon! I want to game with you sir.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2020, 06:03:07 AM
Thanks guys
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Plynkes on July 05, 2020, 09:18:43 AM
Great work, Jon. I do love the Baluchi figures from this range. I love the whole range, but these are some of my particular favourites.

We already know that the Baluchis were rarely actually from Baluchistan, but it turns out some of them weren't even Asian. Sidi Bombay, the famous guide who accompanied Burton, Speke and Stanley, was a Yao from what is now Tanzania, and yet he had served in the Sultan's Baluchi guard, the unit Jon mentioned as kicking off the whole Baluchi craze in East Africa. Maybe he qualified because he had been taken as a slave to India, and, returning as a free man, became a mercenary. So he sort of had the geographical credentials.

I have often daydreamed of doing a conversion to represent him at this stage of his career, i.e. headswap some African features on to a Baluchi figure. Might do it one day.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2020, 05:46:04 PM
Great work, Jon. I do love the Baluchi figures from this range. I love the whole range, but these are some of my particular favourites.

We already know that the Baluchis were rarely actually from Baluchistan, but it turns out some of them weren't even Asian. Sidi Bombay, the famous guide who accompanied Burton, Speke and Stanley, was a Yao from what is now Tanzania, and yet he had served in the Sultan's Baluchi guard, the unit Jon mentioned as kicking off the whole Baluchi craze in East Africa. Maybe he qualified because he had been taken as a slave to India, and, returning as a free man, became a mercenary. So he sort of had the geographical credentials.

I have often daydreamed of doing a conversion to represent him at this stage of his career, i.e. headswap some African features on to a Baluchi figure. Might do it one day.  :)

Thanks Plynkes. I was aware of Sidi being a Yao, and serving in the Sultan's Baluchi guard, I wasn't aware he had been a slave in India though that's interesting.

It does throw up an interesting point about skin tones in Zanzibari armies though. The Swahilis are easy enough but plenty of "Arabs" I've seen photos of are clearly of African or mixed heritage seems like the Baluchi could be to. My biggest problem is while I have an African and European skin tone, paint recipes, that work for me I've yet to find a more middle eastern/tanned skin tone paint recipe that I'm happy with.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Plynkes on July 05, 2020, 06:11:25 PM
Many of the "Arabs" from the photos of the time clearly have very little Arab in them, and seem to mostly have local blood running through their veins. Mr. Copplestone did at least sculpt quite a few of them with distinctively African features, though. For some I tend to use the same paints as for my African figures so they reflect what the photos of the time seem to show.

I have had similar problems to you in the past in coming up with colours for mixed race and Middle-Eastern/South Asian figures. But a couple of years ago I picked up a nice Foundry triad that I was happy with. I believe it has the rather embarrassing name "Dusky Flesh."  Looking at the state of my pots I have been using it a lot. I think I've probably been incorporating it in to the highlights of my African tribesmen too, as I don't paint all that many Middle-Eastern sorts.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Plynkes on July 05, 2020, 06:56:10 PM
I think I used the "Dusky Flesh" triad on this guy (it was two years ago and the old memory is not what it was). Knowing me there was probably something else thrown in as well. I do tend to add things to taste rather than go straight from the bottle.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/47/163-050720185224.jpeg)

But I think it's a good starting point, if nothing else.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Atheling on July 05, 2020, 09:20:35 PM
I think I used the "Dusky Flesh" triad on this guy (it was two years ago and the old memory is not what it was). Knowing me there was probably something else thrown in as well. I do tend to add things to taste rather than go straight from the bottle.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/47/163-050720185224.jpeg)

But I think it's a good starting point, if nothing else.

Although not Baluchi related I've used the the Dark African Flesh, North African Flesh, African Flesh and Musket Brown Foundry Flesh Triads in various combinations and achieved decent results:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csVTnK4gQtk/VO4cqd962UI/AAAAAAAASE4/jLd0CbOrI74/s1600/BEJA%2B1A-001.jpg)

I hope that this is of some use(?) :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 06, 2020, 09:14:56 AM
Thanks guys. I might have to take a look at Foundry paints then. I've never used them before. I mainly use Army painter and Revell Aqua Colour with a few citadel and vallejo thrown in.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Plynkes on July 06, 2020, 10:33:32 AM
Those Beja look great, Atheling. Since I got more deeply into painting I have only ever painted one Beja (I painted bucketloads back in the days when I just slapped any old paint on any old how  :)). Having looked at a lot of modern (and old) photos of them I came to the conclusion that the average Beja isn't particularly more light-skinned than the majority of Africans, so I simply used my regular African formula. I mean, they are not all as dark as that, but it was close enough for me for one figure in the LPL. I don't think I'd use my middle-eastern formula for them, though. They are a bit too dark for that, and kind of their own thing.

But anyway, as I said, I think yours look really good, I like the colour you went with.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Atheling on July 06, 2020, 02:17:06 PM
Those Beja look great, Atheling. Since I got more deeply into painting I have only ever painted one Beja (I painted bucketloads back in the days when I just slapped any old paint on any old how  :)). Having looked at a lot of modern (and old) photos of them I came to the conclusion that the average Beja isn't particularly more light-skinned than the majority of Africans, so I simply used my regular African formula.

Yeah, I agree. It was a bit unfortunate as I'd started on a Foundry's North African triad (applying a B and C from the Musket Brown triad first) then realised that the majority of the Beja were quite dark-skinned! I'm 'speed' painting some up at present with a darker tone though, which I'll post up when complete. Somehow removing the mould lines from the plastics is proving to take as long as cleaning the Perry's metals  o_o
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Plynkes on July 06, 2020, 02:24:25 PM
Honestly, I think those are great. I wasn't intending it as criticism, just musing on the idea that Beja perhaps aren't the best example for discussing typical "Middle Eastern" skin tones, as they are a bit darker than the average native of that region.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Atheling on July 06, 2020, 03:02:08 PM
Honestly, I think those are great. I wasn't intending it as criticism

No offence taken :)

Just musing on the idea that Beja perhaps aren't the best example for discussing typical "Middle Eastern" skin tones, as they are a bit darker than the average native of that region.  :)

I think the Foundry triads I mentioned above could be used in a few different ways, ignoring the normal sequence and mixing them up to get a skin tone to suit. There used to be an absolutely fabulous step by step for many global skin tones on The Steve Dean Forum but even though I've raked through old laptops etc I can't for the life of me find them. I'm 100% certain I saved them too :(
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Baluchi
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 13, 2020, 06:11:39 AM
As my Darkest Africa project has progressed I’ve accumulated a fair number of miniatures that didn’t fit any of my planned armies. I kept shoving them in a spares box until I realised there where probably enough to build a small force of something. So as a little side project I decided to create a generic exploring expedition for TMWWBK using the skirmish kings rule (basically half sized units).

So first up for this little side project is some natives with muskets who will represent armed porters but could do double duty as musket armed Ngoni or other natives. Many porters on expeditions where armed with personal weaponry (preferably a gun) sometimes European employers would equip their porters with guns for self defence. Not that you could expect to much from your porters in a fight. When the explorer Grant was attacked, in 1861, by 200 native spearmen all but three of his 100 musket armed porters dropped their loads and fled.

These  miniatures are a mix of Foundry, North Star and Perry plastic Zulus. There ten of them which is enough to make two six man irregular infantry units under the TMWWBK rules the leader models to bring the units up to strength can then be chosen to allow the unit to fit other armies. Below I have them pictured with the heroes of my narrative campaign as Ngoni musket men and with some Zanzibari headmen for an exploring expedition. Basically as they have a gun and minimal kit they are a useful as generic stand in gun armed natives for a number of armies I think.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200712_195309949.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200712_195344906.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200712_195429651.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200712_200051802.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200712_200124780.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: Atheling on July 13, 2020, 08:44:19 AM
Brill  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: JBaumal on July 13, 2020, 12:08:33 PM
Great looking troops, very versatile, awesome brush work.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: FifteensAway on July 13, 2020, 01:08:21 PM
Simple but effective skin tones on those armed porters.  I predict that these 'after thought' figures get more use than many of the specific people figures.  Only time will tell.

I am torn.  Do I spend half a day, at least, fully reviewing this entire thread.  Or do I spend that half a day working on my own figures taking inspiration from this thread?

All those nice figures, a variety of flora and fauna.  Could use some more animalia chordata however.  Or, so say I.  :D :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: Hupp n at em on July 13, 2020, 03:16:53 PM
Wow, great stuff.  :-*  Especially like the Tembe and the Zariba pieces.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 14, 2020, 05:44:06 AM
Thanks for the nice comments guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: Atheling on July 14, 2020, 07:48:35 AM
Thanks for the nice comments guys.

You're welcome, keep 'em coining :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Armed Porters
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 21, 2020, 05:24:49 AM
One of the last pieces for my British Lakes Company “army” is this 7pdr gun. After the failed attempt to take Kopa-Kopa’s stockade Lugard and Moir agreed that artillery was required to breach the Arab stockades. The gun arrived at Karonga station, via a steam boat, in January 1889. Lugard then had a road cleared from Karonga station so the gun could be brought into range of two Arab stockades. Unfortunately for the British the two attempts to bombard the stockades resulted in little actual effect. This was put down to the poor state of the ammunition though I suspected the lack of military experience among the Lakes Company personnel didn’t help either.

The interesting (or frustrating) part of the guns story is trying to work out exactly what the gun was. It is variously described as a 7pdr breech loading gun, a 7pdr muzzle loading gun, a screw gun, an Armstrong gun and there is even a small brass naval cannon in a Blantyre library that also claims to be Lugard’s gun.

Even where the gun came from is a bit of a mystery. One account has a man called Raw (possibly one of the seven mercenaries from south Africa on the company pay roll?) offering to go to South Africa where he knew of an available gun. Another account has Moir (one of the company managers) procure the gun from Scotland. I’ve even read it was paid for from charitable donations from anti slavery societies.

In the end I found this photo that is entitled defenders of Karonga and a fascinating article, in a Society of Malawi Journal, talking about historical artillery pieces found in Malawi. The article told my this photo was taken after Harry Johnston had made peace with the North end Arabs in 1890 and shows the gun used by Lugard to attack the Arab stockades.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/h_defenders.jpg)

Now I’m no artillery expert but that looks like a 2.5inch screw gun to my eyes so that’s what I went with.  I bought a screw gun from Northstar and crewed it with a mixture of Foundry natives and Northstar Europeans and ended up with this.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200719_191347542.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200719_191352483.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200719_191425940.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200719_191431592.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200719_191442723.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200719_191537969.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Artillery
Post by: FifteensAway on July 21, 2020, 05:39:02 AM
Nice work, gun and crew looks good.  I like the kneeling guy with the mustache, made me think of Tom Selleck!  :)  And then there is the other white man, Rotundus Helmetus as I think of him.  Will the man with the sponge jump out of his skin when the lanyard gets pulled?  Methinks.  (well, I try to sometimes  lol)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Artillery
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 21, 2020, 06:00:52 AM
Thanks

I thought Rotundus Helmetus bore a, chubby, resemblance to the fine gentleman in this drawing of an attack on an Arab stockade which is why I included him.

(https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/6s46iamcsg3z3rgo/images/1-40fc5b6e94.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - now with Artillery
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 28, 2020, 05:22:27 AM
Having finished (Well almost finished I want to convert and paint some Nkonde Allies at some point) my African Lakes Company “Army” I thought I’d take some action shots of the whole force. So here we have some photos of an attack on an Arab stockade, somewhere near Karonga, by the company forces.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194407020.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194415404.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194043487.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194136451.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194111992.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194234005.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194118415.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194145101.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194159783.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194256756.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194433352.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194324330.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200727_194205364.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: Atheling on July 28, 2020, 07:18:03 AM
Superb game and set up Diablo Jon  :-* :-* :-*.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: Mike1879 on July 28, 2020, 07:51:05 AM
Excellent work well done  ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: has.been on July 28, 2020, 08:17:12 AM
Lovely looking set up.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: gamer Mac on July 28, 2020, 09:05:41 AM
Very realistic setup  :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 28, 2020, 03:55:40 PM
Thanks guys always nice to get feedback  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: Plynkes on July 28, 2020, 04:53:46 PM
That's a real Bobby-dazzler of a spread, Jon!  Smashing stuff, as always.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - African Lakes company Army in Action Photos
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 28, 2020, 07:29:55 PM
That's a real Bobby-dazzler of a spread, Jon!  Smashing stuff, as always.



Thanks Plynkes
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 16, 2020, 07:31:42 PM
I’ve created some set dressing/baggage pieces to go with the European explorer camp I built in June. While I was creating them I had some fun coming up with little back stories for them this is the first one entitled “Night Attack”

Safid the expedition’s, long suffering, headman hurried through the camp towards the tent of Lord Ponsonby Smyth. As he approached the tent he could hear noises being made, by a male and female, best described as passionate. Normally Safid would turn around and walk away, at this point, but not tonight. Safid stood outside the tent and coughed politely several times. When that didn’t work he was forced to speak loudly ” Lord Smyth sir!”.  The noises in the tent stopped, the tent flap flew open, and an agitated looking Lord Smyth emerged in his night shirt “What ?”

Safid stared past Lord Smyth to where an attractive young lady, had emerged from Lord Smyth’s tent, giving Safid a look that told him she was none to happy with his interruption. Lord Smyth suddenly looked flustered he mumbled for a few seconds and then blurted out “bible reading”. “Sorry?” replied Safid. ” I was teaching the young lady here to read the bible” explained Lord Smyth. “Of course sir I hadn’t thought anything else”  Safid said before returning his attention back to the young Lady. Lord Smyth looked annoyed “And?”. Safid turned his gaze back to Lord Smyth ” and? oh and the camp is surrounded by enemies”

“What? Who are they?” demand Lord Smyth. The “WaUmbongo” replied Safid. “Why on Earth would the WaUmbongo attack us? We only left Chief Bongo-Bongo’s village yesterday, and we left on good terms, I even did that horrible blood brothers ritual with him”. Safid stared at the the young lady again she really was very pretty “Well Sir it appears after we left yesterday Chief Bongo-Bongo noticed his youngest, prettiest and most favourite wife was missing. He is claiming we kidnapped her.” “Preposterous!” retorted Lord Smyth “No one on this expedition would be stupid enough to kidnap a chief’s wife” Safid nodded his head ” I agree sir. I questioned a number of the porters it appears the wife in question might have been the chief’s favourite wife but the feeling wasn’t mutual. It looks like she may have joined the expedition’s camp followers and run away from her husband” 

Lord Smyth swore ” Do we have description of the young lady?” he asked Safid. “If she is in camp we need to find her and return her to her husband before blood is spilled.”. “Yes sir I have a very good description and I believe I have discovered her whereabouts in camp” replied Safid, trying to keep a straight face. ” Excellent Safid where is she?” ” I believe she is the young lady you where just errr… reading the bible with sir” Lord Smyth swore again, turned and grabbed his elephant gun from the tent. “Safid kindly inform the men it looks like we have a battle on our hands”


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142601866.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142615383.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142644009.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142656023.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: gamer Mac on August 16, 2020, 10:51:28 PM
Nice story and diorama :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Plynkes on August 16, 2020, 10:55:13 PM
Nice one! That reminds me, I have that Fred Selous figure on my painting table, I really must get around to finishing him. He's been there a couple of years and I really need to make some space. It's a right mess.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: syrinx0 on August 17, 2020, 12:25:28 AM
Fantastic scene. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: has.been on August 17, 2020, 06:57:15 AM
It reminds me of, 'This morning got up & shot an elephant in me pyjamas...
                           No idea how it got into me pyjamas.'
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 17, 2020, 11:03:23 AM
It reminds me of, 'This morning got up & shot an elephant in me pyjamas...
                           No idea how it got into me pyjamas.'

 lol nice one
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 17, 2020, 11:04:38 AM
Fantastic scene. 
Nice story and diorama :-* :-* :-*

Thanks guys always appreciate a nice comment.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 17, 2020, 11:07:37 AM
Nice one! That reminds me, I have that Fred Selous figure on my painting table, I really must get around to finishing him. He's been there a couple of years and I really need to make some space. It's a right mess.  :)

Yeah I had considered painting him up and using him as Mr Selous, and even though its historical accurate, a guy hunting/ exploring in his night shirt was just to ridiculous for me  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: OSHIROmodels on August 17, 2020, 11:17:09 AM
Great stuff  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: AKULA on August 17, 2020, 12:06:46 PM
A great diorama  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 17, 2020, 07:11:19 PM
Great stuff  8)
Great stuff  8)

Thanks guys
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: FreakyFenton on August 17, 2020, 07:21:13 PM
A great diorama  :)

+1  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Night Attack
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 17, 2020, 07:36:27 PM
The second of my European explorer baggage/set dressing pieces are these two explorers trading stories of daring around the evening camp fire.

The scene – Somewhere in deepest darkest Africa members of the Chumley-Warner Congo expedition sit around their evening camp fire discussing their adventures.

Zamro (cook, gun bearer, man servant and general camp dogs body) ” Your gin and tonics sirs.”

Captain Chumley-Warner (all around good fellow and hero of the empire). “Excellent Zamro. Actually while you are here I was just telling Emmett here about that lion I fought off with my bare hands. The one that gave me this scar. Huge beast he was and quick to. I had him in my gun sights, a sure shot as any, but he managed to dodge the bullet and maul me. You where acting as gun bearer for the party that day weren’t you Zamro? Tell Emmett here about that lion”

Zamro ” Oh yes sir he was a ferocious beast one of the largest lion cubs I ever saw. The beast must have been quick to dodge your excellent shot sir. Tis a shame Mustafi, my fellow gun bearer, was not as quick I hear being shot in the buttocks is most painful.”

Captain Chumley-Warner “Ermmm…yes well like I said Emmett a lion with my bare hands.”

Dr Emmett Greyson (expedition surgeon and good egg). “Well of course a lion is still a dumb beast old chap. If you want real danger you have to face your fellow man in battle. This scar on, my leg, came when we fought the AwFupi during that march through that, god awful, jungle. I was naturally with the rear guard. We had almost cleared the jungle when the AwFupi launched one last ferocious attack. They came out of the jungle led by a tribal champion. A huge man he was, a rippling wall of muscle, covered in red and white war paint, a razor sharp spear in hand, he came straight for me. I’d lost my rifle but luckily I still had Betsy my trusty revolver here. My first shot didn’t slow him, nor my second but my third shot, just as he plunged his spear into my thigh went straight between his eyes. That fight is still talked about by the porters now, so I’m told, isn’t that right Zamro?

Zamro “Oh yes sir the men say your attacker was one of the biggest pygmies they have ever seen some say he was almost four feet tall. After that battle the men named you Afemba wacki wozzi”

Dr Emmett Greyson ” What does the name mean Zamro something impressive I’m sure?”

Zamro ” Of course sir it means man who fires his gun with his eyes closed. The men where very impressed that you managed to shoot your target while not looking and screaming loudly.

Dr Emmett Greyson ” err yes well mmmm…. oh just  serve the damn gin and tonic will you?”

Zamro “Very good sir”

Captain Chumley-Warner ” Did I ever tell you about the time I survived a crocodile attack Emmett old  bean?”

Zamro (now walking away and whispering) ” That crocodile was a log ….”


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142751440.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142800360.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142450323.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142454765.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Stories Around the Camp Fire
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 19, 2020, 05:53:01 AM
The last of my European camp baggage/set dressing pieces is intrepid Victorian lady explorer Miss Agatha Hardlace. Miss Hardlace is an avid collector of native artefacts, and has a keen interest in tribal customs, so much so she is prepared to pay in trade goods for genuine items much to the bemusement of the local natives…

Native 1 – “So you know those strangers camped in the valley?” I hear they are up for trading. They have a woman chief who likes to trade good stuff for junk. You know Mubatsa traded his old goat stick for a whole reel of copper wire.”

Native 2 – “What that old stick he found, which he tied on that monkey tale and bell,  to help herd his goats?”

Native 1 –  “Yeah that stick. He told her it was a magic rain maker stick and she traded it for wire.  Mbosa traded that old Ngoni warclub with her for a whole bag of blue beads”

Native 2 – “The one he captured in battle and gave to his wife to pound the millet?”

Native 1 – “yeah that one he persuaded her it was a ceremonial chiefs staff. Apparently what she really wants to see is a witch doctor ceremony. She’ll pay in red cloth to see one to.”

Native 2 – “Red cloth!? just a minute what’s a witch doctor?

Native 1 – ” No idea but the guys in her camp reckon she just wants to see some locals dancing and chanting in a religious ceremony.”

Native 2 – “Who dances for religion? If I’m dancing it’s for war.”

Native 1 ” Well I had this idea if I throw on some old war paint, a few old skins and dance like a crazy man for her maybe she will give me the red cloth. I need a drummer though. I don’t suppose…

Native 2-  “Red cloth my wife would love some of that…I’ll get my drum”


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142513148.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142526938.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142540243.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200816_142551678.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Last European explorer baggage element
Post by: syrinx0 on August 20, 2020, 03:27:30 AM
Good man. way to help out a friend.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Last European explorer baggage element
Post by: gamer Mac on August 20, 2020, 10:19:05 AM
Love it lol lol lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Last European explorer baggage element
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 26, 2020, 08:47:42 PM
Just a small update today I picked up this pack of Northwest Frontier characters from Artizan Designs just because I thought they looked cool. Of course these ones aren’t likely to ever see the Northwest frontier but I reckon they’ll feel right at home in Darkest Africa. I’m not really sure what I’m doing with them yet I just fancied painting them. The female might make a good settler, missionary or wife in the mould of Florence Baker. The pistol armed gentleman looks like he’d make a good trader or river boat captain. While the last gentleman (who I suspect is meant to be Kipling) would make a good trading station manager or reporter.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200826_191319434.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200826_191332190.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200826_191352404.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200826_191423299.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: Golgotha on August 26, 2020, 11:36:28 PM
All of it simply stunning - want to see more of your inspiring work.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: anch_io on August 27, 2020, 04:15:19 PM
This is topic is neverending source of inspiration. Thank you, sir! :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 27, 2020, 07:38:42 PM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: Shtim on August 27, 2020, 07:49:54 PM
Absolutely fantastic work. As per usual, super characterful painting and great basing work - really nicely done  :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: marianas_gamer on August 27, 2020, 08:04:29 PM
Like these a lot!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 31, 2020, 08:21:36 PM
I thought my first teddy bear fur gaming mat had worked quite well but recently I’ve been thinking about steamboats, native canoes, slaver Dhows and Zambezi gun boats all of which saw use during the wars around lake Nyasa in British Central Africa . My current African gaming mat doesn’t really work well in that respect. So I decided to make a new one with one edge representing a large body of water like a lake (or a major river or even the sea) that I could sail a gun boat up and down.

This time around I bought a much shorter haired mat that took a lot less cutting, though at the expense of a much more varied grass height, than my first mat has. Then I shaved one side right down to the mat and caulked it. To make the water I used tissue paper and PVA glue painted it in a blue-green colour and then added several layers of gloss varnish. The beach is just caulk with sand added and painted. My aim was to try and create something that looks like the shore of Lake Nyasa

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/2012-12-262b15.31.02.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/image11.jpg?w=640)

So here are a few shots of my new mat with a couple of different scenery set ups all I need now is to buy some boats…

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_170905615.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_170915584.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_170936070.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_171028524.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_185046021.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_185423505.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_190521089.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_190551645.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_190617243.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_190823791.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_190902427.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/img_20200831_190804232.jpg?w=640)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: anch_io on August 31, 2020, 09:01:03 PM
Wow!

Beyond words...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Plynkes on August 31, 2020, 09:08:25 PM
That is just perfect, Jon. I am green with envy.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Atheling on August 31, 2020, 09:20:58 PM
That is just perfect, Jon. I am green with envy.

Yes to perfect and yes to green with envy!  :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 01, 2020, 05:13:22 AM
Thanks guys  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Mike1879 on September 01, 2020, 07:45:30 AM
Superb work !! Love the waves effect lapping up to the beach. What Teddy Bear fur did you use ??
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: gamer Mac on September 01, 2020, 11:09:01 AM
Stunning  :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
So green with envy
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 01, 2020, 07:51:04 PM
thanks for the nice comments guys


Superb work !! Love the waves effect lapping up to the beach. What Teddy Bear fur did you use ??

Mike this time around I used a fur bought of eBay described as "Standard Short Pile Faux Fur Fabric" which you could buy in a variety of lengths but always a 150cm wide hopefully that helps?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Golgotha on September 01, 2020, 08:06:31 PM
Did not think it would get better and it just did - simply stunning - certainly a great endorsement to try teddy bear fur. Do not think I will be able to look at a teddy in the same way again... Keep 'em coming...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Mike1879 on September 01, 2020, 08:36:30 PM
Cheers Jon much appreciated !!!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 02, 2020, 05:21:13 AM
Did not think it would get better and it just did - simply stunning - certainly a great endorsement to try teddy bear fur. Do not think I will be able to look at a teddy in the same way again... Keep 'em coming...

thanks Golgotha
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Mad Guru on September 02, 2020, 08:31:47 PM
Wow.  Positively fantastic.  Simple materials turned into a masterpiece of terrain, versatile and useful for near endless theaters of waterfront war and/or adventure.  But of course if you only use it for African lakefront, coastal, and riverine settings, it's still fantastic!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 13, 2020, 09:56:19 AM
The Nkonde(or Ngonde)  where a branch of the Nyakyusa people living south of  the Songwe river in what would become the northern border of British central Africa. The Karonga war was essentially fought in their territory and they where active participants as allies of the African Lakes Company against the Arabs.

In To the Central African Lakes and Back (1881) the explorer Joseph Thomson describes the Nyakyusa lands “It seemed a perfect Arcadia Imagine a perfectly level plain, from which all weeds, garbage, and things unsightly are carefully cleared away. Dotted here and there are a number of immense shady sycamores with branches almost as large as a separate tree. Every few spaces are charmingly neat circular huts, with conical roofs, and walls hanging out all round with the clay worked prettily into rounded bricks, and daubed symmetrically with spots. The grass thatching is also very neat. The ‘tout ensemble’ renders these huts a place in any nobleman’s garden.”

Militarily the Nkonde/ Nyakyusa don’t seem to have been particularly formidable. Apparently when they first encountered the Ngoni (sometime in the 1840S?) they were still using fire hardened wooden spears not surprisingly they where duffed up quite badly. This event saw the Nyakyusa form a relationship with the Kinga people, who had a reputation as iron workers, to make spears for them. During the Karonga war the Nkonde suffered several defeats early on, in the conflict, to the Arab slavers and their Henga allies. Later on, fighting alongside Europeans, they put up a better show against the Arab slavers even being instrumental to victory in the final attack on Mlozi’s stockade. Fredrick Moir, of the African Lakes Company, described them as “Brave and warlike” but reckoned those further north where better fighters than those living around the company’s Karonga station. The Nkonde’s northern cousins, along with their Kinga allies rebelled against German rule in 1897.  The Climax of the revolt saw a column of 45 German Askari ambushed “HeHe style” by 2000 warriors. Inexplicable the Nyakyusa decided they wanted to capture not kill their enemies and attacked the column unarmed…it didn’t end well for the Nyakyusa.

Appearance wise the Nkonde wore very little their main item of clothing were belts, made from wire, the more important the man the more belts he wore. Chiefs also wore anklets with bells attached. Those Nkonde who came under missionary influence took to wearing small lion cloths to cover the bits Victorian missionaries found uncomfortable to look at. Chris Peers in his book on Central Africa says that explorer Helen Chadwick, in 1898, reported Nyakyusa dancers wearing feathered headdresses of black or brown feathers and covered in red, yellow and white body paint which he tentatively suggests may have been a war costume.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/british-central-africa-an-attempt-to-give-some-account-of-a-portion-of-the-territories-under-british-influence-north-of-the-zambezi-natural-history-history-73-results-of-a-fight-with-the.jpg)

In war the Nkonde used spears, for throwing and stabbing, as well as wooden clubs. Their shields were an unusual design made from cow hide and canes they weere long, thin and slightly convex the British Museum has several in their collection and they generally seem to be around 4 feet in length but no two shields seem to be the same in design or size.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/nkonde-shield-5.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/nkonde-shield-4.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/nkonde-shield-3.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/nkonde-shield-1.jpg)

I certainly wanted some Nkonde allies for my African Lakes Company army but no one made any miniatures that really seemed to fit the part so it was conversion time. Copplestone Dinka formed the basis of my miniatures with some head swaps using spare Perry plastic Zulu heads. I gave one miniature a feathered head dress to act as a leader in games of TMWWBKs. The shields where built from thin cardboard and wire stiffened with thin superglue and sealed with PVA glue. I added some extra wire belts from thin wire and added a few lion clothes made from tissue paper and super glue. Painting was pretty easy as they where mostly skin I was tempted to add war paint as suggested by Chris Peers but I couldn’t find any evidence for Nkonde war paint and the only photo I could find of Nkonde (see above) doesn’t show any. The shields where painted in a mixture of hide and patterns like the examples in the British museum. So here they are. 

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200913_085957381.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200912_171257115.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200913_090159409.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200912_170823016.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200912_170840295.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200912_171005325.jpg)

And here are a couple of in action shots on my new gaming mat.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200912_165832870.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200912_170051092.jpg)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: gamer Mac on September 13, 2020, 10:09:11 AM
Cracking job :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Plynkes on September 13, 2020, 11:59:47 AM
Oh yes! Keep it coming, Jon. It's always a good day when we get an update on this project.


One of my favourite things to do in the Darkest Africa realm is trying to figure out how to bring some of the less well-known peoples to the table using what is commercially available out there. Seems like you may have that bug too.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 13, 2020, 01:59:48 PM
Oh yes! Keep it coming, Jon. It's always a good day when we get an update on this project.


One of my favourite things to do in the Darkest Africa realm is trying to figure out how to bring some of the less well-known peoples to the table using what is commercially available out there. Seems like you may have that bug too.

Thanks. Yeah I have got rather obsessed with British central Africa and the Karonga War of late. The easy thing to do would be to just use Foundry natives for everyone but I just felt like I wanted to try and capture the differences of the various native warriors of the area. I find researching the natives peoples interesting and frustrating all at once. Every time I uncover a little bit of info its like a little win (like finding the Nkonde shield examples online at the British museum) other times though I can spend an age on the net and find practically nothing new or useful. All the different names for the same peoples can be flippin confusing as well. Of course once you found out enough info on the natives you want you are, as you pointed out, left trying to figure out how to create them from what's out there (funnily enough when ever I do go looking for darkest Africa conversions of natives your miniatures are normally the ones the pop up). I've got some Nguru Lomwe on the workbench to be allies of my Yao utilising Northstar Ila the fact that they are wearing skirts rather than lion clothes makes them really useful.
 
Cracking job :-* :-* :-*

Thank you
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Atheling on September 13, 2020, 02:23:25 PM
I echo Plynkes sentiments.

This is superb stuff  :-* :-* :-*

Very imaginative and creative- it's always great to see someone "go deep" on a project. I can always find something I can take away which inspires from such an enterprise.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Golgotha on September 13, 2020, 05:00:18 PM
Those are certainly a lovely addition, do like the unusual shields.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 13, 2020, 07:51:34 PM
Those are certainly a lovely addition, do like the unusual shields.

thanks Golgotha


I echo Plynkes sentiments.

This is superb stuff  :-* :-* :-*

Very imaginative and creative- it's always great to see someone "go deep" on a project. I can always find something I can take away which inspires from such an enterprise.

Thanks Atheling I think the hole might go a lot deeper yet I still have my Arab/Zanzibar/Swahili army to paint up and my Yao to finish off  and I still want to have armies of AwBemba, Central African Rifles, Mokolo/Bartose, Ila, Matbele and some Northern Rhodesian police under Bobo Young, more scenery oh and steam boats and Dhows....probably never get it all done but it will be fun trying  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Atheling on September 13, 2020, 08:11:50 PM
Thanks Atheling I think the hole might go a lot deeper yet I still have my Arab/Zanzibar/Swahili army to paint up and my Yao to finish off  and I still want to have armies of AwBemba, Central African Rifles, Mokolo/Bartose, Ila, Matbele and some Northern Rhodesian police under Bobo Young, more scenery oh and steam boats and Dhows....probably never get it all done but it will be fun trying  :D

So, you've got a couple of projects on the go then  :D

Keep posting up the results of your research and conversion/brushwork; it's a real pleasure to see it and as I said in my earlier post- it really is inspiring :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Mike1879 on September 13, 2020, 09:18:29 PM
They look the biz on that gaming mat!! Excellent conversion work
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: anch_io on September 13, 2020, 09:48:04 PM
It always surprises me, not only the quality of your brushwork, but actually how quick you paint them...

Keep them coming, you certainly have more than a few eyes looking your way...  ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 14, 2020, 05:38:00 AM
It always surprises me, not only the quality of your brushwork, but actually how quick you paint them...

Keep them coming, you certainly have more than a few eyes looking your way...  ;)

funny it always feels like it takes me age to get things finished when I'm painting  lol

They look the biz on that gaming mat!! Excellent conversion work

Thanks Mike
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Captain Blood on September 14, 2020, 07:02:58 PM
Great conversions. Fascinating too - I didn't know anything about the Nkonde. The shields are really well done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Nkonde/Ngonde warriors
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 21, 2020, 05:29:01 AM
So this is a little Darkest Africa side project I’ve been working on. As I’ve been assembling the various factions for my British Central Africa project I found I was slowly filing up a zip lock bag full of surplus miniatures that I didn’t have any use for. A few spare askari here, some tribal musket men there and odd Europeans among other spares. Wondering what to do with them I was struck with the idea of an exploring expedition.

I decided to make the expedition as generic as possible and build it to work with the ” The Men Who Would be Kings” rules. Using the optional “Skirmish King’s” rule (which means using half sized units) would mean I wouldn’t have to buy many extra miniatures. I did purchase a few extra explorers from Copplestone Castings because I wanted to have a number of different European leaders to allow the expedition to represent different nationalities by just changing out the European leader models. Anyway here is what I ended up with.

First the European leaders and there flag bearers we have most of the main players Germany, Great Britain, The international African Association (i.e. Belgians), the French and the independents (i.e. Italian counts, Austrians and Americans). You’ll notice the French are a bit light on numbers I’m planning on painting up the Artizan miniatures Senegalese Command Group, at some stage, to fill that gap. Hopefully I will also add some Portuguese when time allows and I can find out what miniatures would be suitable.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194020730.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194122194.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_193925223.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194300682.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194234764.jpg)

Next up we have the Askari these are the usual Foundry suspects from various packs. I decided to give them a uniform of red and white. Many Askari just wore their own clothes but uniforms certainly weren’t unknown it really depended on the employer. Most of these miniatures have breech loading and repeater rifles so that dates them to the latter years of African exploration if I wanted to represent the earlier 19th century I could draft in some of my Zanzibar Arab miniatures.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194510724.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194420354.jpg)

Next up we have the armed porters. Every expedition needed a lot of porters to explore country with next to no roads or suitable draft animals. Though they weren’t usual hired as fighting men many porters where equipped with personal weapons in the early years this might be a spear or bow but in latter years a musket was normal. It wasn’t unusual for porters to end up having to fight if the situation got desperate. These are a mixture of Northstar and Foundry.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200712_195309949.jpg)

Speaking of porters no exploring expedition would be complete without a bunch of porters with loads these can act as table dressing or objectives in a game.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_194608236.jpg)

So that’s the expedition if it needs reinforcements I can always draft in some allies from my Arab or native armies. I’ll finish off with a few action shots of a German expedition in action.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195642609-1.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195738681.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195818044.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195803438.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195654785-1.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195727805.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200920_195719043.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: anch_io on September 21, 2020, 07:26:18 AM
Is it wrong for a grown man to say “I wanna play with your toys”?  :D

Superb.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Plynkes on September 21, 2020, 08:03:58 AM
Cool! Loving the Askari in red shirts. I've been toying with the idea of doing a Samuel White Baker force (maybe for Congo or Skirmish Kings or both) . I have had the Foundry Sam and Florence Baker figures sitting around for many years. Was musing about what figures to use for his red-shirted "Forty Thieves" (the elite of his Egyptian infantry). Looking at your guys I'm thinking those Foundry lads will do fine with nice red shirts (seems that in the field uniform regs went out the window apart from the red shirts, so Egyptian Army figures probably aren't all that suitable - though there are illustrations of Baker's men fighting in uniform too, so  it isn't really set in stone).

Anyway, sorry for the rambling diversion and thanks for the inspiration.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 21, 2020, 08:16:57 AM
Is it wrong for a grown man to say “I wanna play with your toys”?  :D

 
Superb.

 lol thanks
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 21, 2020, 08:24:45 AM
Cool! Loving the Askari in red shirts. I've been toying with the idea of doing a Samuel White Baker force (maybe for Congo or Skirmish Kings or both) . I have had the Foundry Sam and Florence Baker figures sitting around for many years. Was musing about what figures to use for his red-shirted "Forty Thieves" (the elite of his Egyptian infantry). Looking at your guys I'm thinking those Foundry lads will do fine with nice red shirts (seems that in the field uniform regs went out the window apart from the red shirts, so Egyptian Army figures probably aren't all that suitable - though there are illustrations of Baker's men fighting in uniform too, so  it isn't really set in stone).

Anyway, sorry for the rambling diversion and thanks for the inspiration.

Yes Baker in Equatoria would be great. I had consider this as a project as well . All the illustrations, I've seen show smartly turned out Egyptians in full dress so I'd considered Sudan era Egyptians but the Remington's are all wrong. As you say I doubt that actually looked anything like regulars after a gruelling journey to the back end of no where and at the end of a very long supply line. You could even just about justify converting a small cavalry unit for use against the Bari not something you get to model often in DA games.

I think the Bari might be harder to represent as you really need loads of butt naked archers from what I can tell something oddly missing from any of the current ranges.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Plynkes on September 21, 2020, 08:44:11 AM
To begin with I was planning to pit him against Sudanese slavers rather than Bari, as they'd require a bit of converting, more than I can be bothered with right now, and to be honest I don't find them all that interesting. I think I will give Sam some Madi allies, though, as they look like fairly easy conversions and they have interesting war paint that it might be fun to have a go at.

I've seen those drawings of Baker's infantry in immaculate uniforms, but our friend Mr. Peers doesn't seem to set much store in them, saying in action they barely wore their uniforms and had a much more ragged filibustering appearance. I'm thinking of using Perry bazingers for the rank and file, mostly because I already have some, but they do kind of fit the description. I might use some Copplestone Zanzibari regulars too, as they look like Egyptians, but they don't have the parade ground appearance of thePerry ones.

Not going to worry too much about getting the rifles exactly right on this, as long as they are roughly the right generation I'll be happy enough. :)


Edit: Just had a peek in my book, and according to Peers they did have Remingtons, but also Sniders and even smoothbore muskets loaded with buckshot issued to sentries at night(!).



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Captain Blood on September 21, 2020, 09:00:28 AM
That’s a great assembly of figures and a splendid looking expedition  :-*
The beach scenery is extremely nice too.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Some Random Europeans
Post by: Hammers on September 21, 2020, 09:12:25 AM
I thought my first teddy bear fur gaming mat had worked quite well but recently I’ve been thinking about steamboats, native canoes, slaver Dhows and Zambezi gun boats all of which saw use during the wars around lake Nyasa in British Central Africa . My current African gaming mat doesn’t really work well in that respect. So I decided to make a new one with one edge representing a large body of water like a lake (or a major river or even the sea) that I could sail a gun boat up and down.

This time around I bought a much shorter haired mat that took a lot less cutting, though at the expense of a much more varied grass height, than my first mat has. Then I shaved one side right down to the mat and caulked it. To make the water I used tissue paper and PVA glue painted it in a blue-green colour and then added several layers of gloss varnish. The beach is just caulk with sand added and painted. My aim was to try and create something that looks like the shore of Lake Nyasa

So here are a few shots of my new mat with a couple of different scenery set ups all I need now is to buy some boats…



What a beautiful and unique piece of gaming board!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - A New Teddy Bear Fur Gaming Mat
Post by: Hammers on September 21, 2020, 09:13:57 AM
That is just perfect, Jon. I am green with envy.

I am a sort of deep blue turning to turquoise with envy.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Mike1879 on September 21, 2020, 09:25:32 AM
Excellent work very impressive indeed  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Atheling on September 21, 2020, 09:31:29 AM
Diabolically good stuff Diablo Jon  :-* :-* :-*

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: FlyXwire on September 21, 2020, 12:52:30 PM
Jon, I like the idea of battlin' the European Scramble with your explorer/colonial-company parties directly against themselves.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 21, 2020, 07:31:11 PM
What a beautiful and unique piece of gaming board!

Jon, I like the idea of battlin' the European Scramble with your explorer/colonial-company parties directly against themselves.

Excellent work very impressive indeed  :)

Diabolically good stuff Diablo Jon  :-* :-* :-*


That’s a great assembly of figures and a splendid looking expedition  :-*
The beach scenery is extremely nice too.


Thanks for all the nice comments guys appreciate it.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 21, 2020, 08:09:21 PM
To begin with I was planning to pit him against Sudanese slavers rather than Bari, as they'd require a bit of converting, more than I can be bothered with right now, and to be honest I don't find them all that interesting. I think I will give Sam some Madi allies, though, as they look like fairly easy conversions and they have interesting war paint that it might be fun to have a go at.

I've seen those drawings of Baker's infantry in immaculate uniforms, but our friend Mr. Peers doesn't seem to set much store in them, saying in action they barely wore their uniforms and had a much more ragged filibustering appearance. I'm thinking of using Perry bazingers for the rank and file, mostly because I already have some, but they do kind of fit the description. I might use some Copplestone Zanzibari regulars too, as they look like Egyptians, but they don't have the parade ground appearance of thePerry ones.

Not going to worry too much about getting the rifles exactly right on this, as long as they are roughly the right generation I'll be happy enough. :)


Edit: Just had a peek in my book, and according to Peers they did have Remingtons, but also Sniders and even smoothbore muskets loaded with buckshot issued to sentries at night(!).

I understand about the Bari as natives go they are pretty bland. No shields, no war paint, no clothes just a bow and maybe a throwing spear is not the most exciting army to model. I love those Perry Bazingers miniatures thinking about it the Perry Sudan range probably has some useful miniatures for the slavers to. I reckon a mixture of foundry scruffy uniformed Askaris, Copplestone Zanzibar regulars and Perry Bazingers would look damn fine.

I'm not convinced the Egyptians had Remington's under Baker. The Egyptians ordered their first batch in 1868 but defaulted on the payment to allow the French to buy them during the Franco- Prussian war and it wasn't until 1876 they got their full second order of rifles. Interestingly Remington held back an order of 10,000 revolvers from Egypt because they still hadn't paid for the rolling block rifles in 1875. So I think Bakers expedition circa 1871 is to early for Remington rifles to be issued.

 You are right though worrying about the rifles on a 28mm miniature is nit picking  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Plynkes on September 21, 2020, 09:16:53 PM
I think you must be right about those Remingtons, Jon. It's just a bit too early, isn't it.

Had a quick dip into 'Ismailia' and Sir Sam makes no mention of them. His precious 'Forty Thieves' had Sniders (man he was enamoured of both them and their Sniders, never stops going on about either :)), while it seems the balance of his men had rifled muzzle-loaders of some kind.

Another little thing I picked up was that he says the Bari decorated themselves in battle, with ashes and also red ochre. If that detail was in the Peers book I had forgotten it. He also says that certain Bari were plentifully equipped with guns that they had taken from the slave-hunters and describes an incident when his own men had to fend off an ambush of such gun-wielding Bari. Suddenly I'm finding the Bari a much more interesting prospect. :)

Anyway, sorry, I've sidetracked your thread for long enough with my Sam Baker nonsense. I look forward keenly to your next update.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: gamer Mac on September 21, 2020, 09:24:31 PM
Lovely work :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 22, 2020, 05:23:46 AM
Lovely work :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

Thanks Mac
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 22, 2020, 05:32:16 AM
I think you must be right about those Remingtons, Jon. It's just a bit too early, isn't it.

Had a quick dip into 'Ismailia' and Sir Sam makes no mention of them. His precious 'Forty Thieves' had Sniders (man he was enamoured of both them and their Sniders, never stops going on about either :)), while it seems the balance of his men had rifled muzzle-loaders of some kind.

Another little thing I picked up was that he says the Bari decorated themselves in battle, with ashes and also red ochre. If that detail was in the Peers book I had forgotten it. He also says that certain Bari were plentifully equipped with guns that they had taken from the slave-hunters and describes an incident when his own men had to fend off an ambush of such gun-wielding Bari. Suddenly I'm finding the Bari a much more interesting prospect. :)

Anyway, sorry, I've sidetracked your thread for long enough with my Sam Baker nonsense. I look forward keenly to your next update.


That's interesting about the Bari pretty I'm sure Peers doesn't mention any of that in his book. I don't consider it side tracking at all. This is one of the few places I can discuss stuff about obscure 19th century African history so its fine by me  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Generic European Exploring Expedition
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 01, 2020, 08:00:15 PM
This is the first of some Field Force lists I hope to create for use with “The Men Who Would be Kings” rules. I’m a fan of the rules but I did feel the Darkest Africa field forces, at the back of the book, were a bit pants and lacking in flavour. Mostly I’ll be tailoring my own Field Force lists for use with my interest in British Central Africa but this first one is a variant on one already available in the rule book. The lay out of my lists will be slightly different to one in the books as well. Instead of a set list of units my list will give a selection of possible units, with special rules and points costs, and leave the player to work out what to pick to create the 24AP field force. I’ve also tried to give some brief(ish) notes on each unit to help put my ratings and options into context

European Explorer Expeditions

 The second half of the 19th century was the heyday of European exploration of the African continent. While many early expeditions were purely for discovery  as the century wore on the these expeditions frequently became instruments of colonialism as the scramble for Africa reached it’s zenith. Armed conflicts with native peoples were not unusual during these expeditions. During the early years of exploration, expeditions frequently tried to avoid fights, their flintlock muskets where not technological advanced enough to give them a decisive advantage, in battle, especially given their supply of powder and shot was often limited. In later years backed up by breech loading and repeating rifles, and even the occasional machine gun, explorers had far less to fear from native peoples. The outlook of the expeditions leaders could also play a big part in how much conflict an expedition encounter. Some men like Carl Peters or Henry Stanley could seemingly start a battle in an empty room yet others like Joseph Thomson managed to explorer Africa without ever getting into a serious fight. The list below is intended to give you a generic European exploring expedition field force from circa 1850 to 1900.

Units

1) 1+ units of Askari


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200921_201543930.jpg)

Every expedition took armed guards called Askari. The Askari where required to protect the expedition from both human foes, and dangerous wildlife, as well as acting as a police force for the expeditions porters. These men where normally hired, on behalf of the expedition, by a native headman. This process became somewhat regulated after 1873 when the British consulate in Zanzibar started keeping a list of reliable headmen.

The quality of the Askari could vary from poor to experienced veterans. The explorer Thomson described his men as not knowing how to use their guns and not having sufficient courage to stand when threatened. On the other hand Stanley’s askari fought numerous, almost daily, battles along the Congo river generally getting the better of various warlike natives.

Armament could also vary. On Stanley’s 1871 Livingstone expedition he had 24 Askari armed with muzzle loading muskets, in his 1876 Congo expedition his men had 29 Snider rifles and 32 percussion rifles finally on his Emin Pasha expedition in 1887 (probably the most lavish expedition in Africa) his askari had 510 Remington breech loaders, 50 Winchester repeater rifles and a maxim machine gun!

Uniforms were a matter of employers choice some Askari wore their own clothes but others were provided with uniforms for example Cameron in 1873 gave his Askari red patrol jackets, red fezzes, whites shirts and cummerbunds.

Irregular infantry – poor shots, antiquated musket, Mzungu’s Fire

 cost 2pts

Options

Training upgrade shooting to 5+ – cost 1pt

Sharp Shooters shooting 4+ – cost 3pts

Veteran Discipline becomes +1 – cost 1pt

Obsolete Rifles – cost 1pt

Well Armed – cost 2pts

2) Unlimited units of Porters


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200921_201634383.jpg)

Porters were vital to any exploring expedition a lack of suitable roads or draft animals meant all supplies had to be carried by humans most places south of the Sudan and north of the  Zambezi river. Porters weren’t generally hired to fight but they did often carry weapons for self defence. In the early days spears and bows where common but as time went on muskets become the standard weapon for porters. In 1860 Speke and Grant issued 50 muzzle loading carbines to their most reliable porters. In 1874 Stanley’s 270 porters are described as “mostly armed with muzzle loaders”.  in 1887 Count Teleki issued his porters with 200 muzzle loading muskets.

Like the askari the military effectiveness of the porters could vary. Grant, in 1861 was attacked by 200 native spearmen and watched as all but three of his 100 porters fled despite being armed with muskets. In Stanley’s fight, against the Nyaturu, 1875 the second day of fighting saw a number of the musket armed porters volunteer to reinforce the askari who had suffered heavy casualties in the first days fighting. During the retreat from Elbejet Carl Peters armed porters where forced to deploy into line and support his heavily pressed rear guard. Peters also improvised red head gear for his porters, during the retreat to fool the Masai into thinking they were repeater rifle armed Askari.

Irregular infantry – poor shots, antiquated musket, Mzungu’s Fire

 cost 2pts

Options

Unenthusiastic discipline becomes -1 – cost -1 pts

3) Up to 1 unit of Baluchis


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200921_201801632.jpg)

A number of explorers were provided, for political reasons, with escorts by the Sultan of Zanzibar. The usual soldiers for this kind of task were Baluchis, who were mercenaries, from around the Indian ocean and Persian gulf regions. Their main armament were obsolete matchlock muskets and swords. The explorer Cameron described his escort in 1873 as “covered with bucklers, pistols, swords, spears and matchlocks”. The explorer Burton (who was himself an acknowledged expert on swordsmanship) describes them as good swordsmen but he also witnessed some Baluchis firing for an hour, at a target a dozen paces away, and not hit anything. Josesph Thomson in 1878 said of his escort “There seemed to be literally no discipline among them”. Technically the Sultans Baluchis were disbanded 1881 but many of them continued to find employment as soldiers after that date.

Irregular infantry – poor shots, antiquated musket, Swordsmen  cost 3pts

Options

Unenthusiastic discipline becomes -1 – cost -1 pts

4) Up to 1 machine gun


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/africa6.jpg)

Towards the end of the 19th century, as exploring expeditions became more heavily armed, machine guns started to occasionally appear in the explorer’s inventory. Stanley’s 1887 Emin Pasha relief column was given a proto-type of the maxim gun by its inventor which saw some limited use. The same gun was taken by Lugard on his expedition to Buganda in 1891, under the IBEA flag, though by then the gun had a reputation for unreliability. In 1891 the explorer J.W. Gregory took a private scientific expedition to explore Lake Rudolph with a surprisingly heavily armed expedition that number 250 Sniders and a maxim gun manned by ten Turks.

Poorly Drilled crewed weapon (machine gun) cost 4pts

Up to half your points on allies

1)Arab allies


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/img_20200921_201922728.jpg)

Many explorers found that getting around in Africa was made easier by dealing with the local Arabs. Stanley not only allied himself with Arabs of Tabora against the warlord Mirambo but had several friendly dealings with the notorious Arab slaver Tippu Tib. I plan to write and “Arab” field force list at some point in the mean time you could just pick units from the slaver list in the rule book.

Native Allies

On occasion explorers found allies among the native peoples they encountered on their travels. In 1875 Stanley joined the Buganda army in an attack on the Buvuma island in lake Victoria. The German explorer Wissmann found allies among the Bashilange, a Luba people, who accompanied him in large numbers on three different expeditions in 1881, 1884 and 1886 in central Africa. If you want Natives allies I suggest using basic tribal infantry or for gun armed natives (like the above mentioned Bashilange) maybe use the porters entry above.

Special Rules

Mzungu’s Fire
The number of Europeans (often called Mzunga by the native peoples) in an exploring expedition were always low yet despite this their presence in battle frequently seemed decisive. This can probably be put down to (other than the fact they mostly wrote their own accounts of their adventures) them having the most advanced firearms of the day and, unlike most firearm equipped Africans, a modicum of skill and training to accompany these weapons. Whether it was Paul Du Chaillu dual wielding a pair of Deane and Adams revolvers, Serpa Pinto’s gun bearer discharging his elephant gun at point blank range into a band of charging Bartose warriors or Stanley bringing his trusty Winchester rifle out to play explorers with modern weapons could deal out some serious causalities. To represent this any Askari or porter unit can have a European leader.  There can be a maxim of four of these leaders in any field force. European leaders must lead Askari units, as a first preference, and can only accompany a unit of porters if all Askari units in the field force already have a European leader. Any unit with a European leader can roll one extra dice when shooting or attacking as long as the leader is still alive. This costs no points.

Swordsmen
Swords where a popular weapon among Arabs, Swahilis and Baluchis during the 19th century their popularity waning as better quality firearms become available later in the century. There were three main types of Arab sword the largest being the 4ft long “Frankish sword” wielded two hand the other types where smaller and could be paired with a small round shield. Burton describes Swahili’s often being armed with antiquated German cavalry sabres. To represent this earlier reliance on swords, to supplement their ancient matchlocks or trade muskets, any irregular infantry  with the swordsmen special rule becomes firing 6+ and fighting 5+ and their free action becomes attack. In addition swordsmen always count as armed with antiquated muskets. This costs no points.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: Plynkes on October 02, 2020, 03:22:31 PM
Nice one, Jon. Looking forward to seeing what other lists you come up with.  :)




(I do think that most of the times you wrote "where" you perhaps really meant to write "were", though. Sorry if that comes across a bit school-mistressy.)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 02, 2020, 04:09:22 PM
Thanks plynkes.

Yes where and were are one of the main bugbears of my Dyslexia I work hard on it  but mistakes crop up often.  Honestly if it wasn't for spell and grammar checkers most of written stuff would probably be unreadable. I have  a horrible habit of adding letters that just don't exist, swapping vowels around and phonics is an absolute mystery to my brain. At least you where nice about it I have had some pretty angry emails and messages on other gaming sites about my grammar and spelling over the years.
Still I was told dyslexics use the arty side of their brain better so it's not all bad  :D

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: Plynkes on October 02, 2020, 04:21:48 PM
Oh , I'm sorry, Jon, I didn't know you suffered from dyslexia. On the bright side though, it really doesn't show. I would never have guessed that if you hadn't said.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: SpaceGoblin on October 02, 2020, 06:49:36 PM
I'm a bit late to the party, but that mat is great! I may have to try that :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 02, 2020, 07:19:33 PM
Oh , I'm sorry, Jon, I didn't know you suffered from dyslexia. On the bright side though, it really doesn't show. I would never have guessed that if you hadn't said.

No apology needed honestly.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 02, 2020, 07:20:30 PM
I'm a bit late to the party, but that mat is great! I may have to try that :)

I say go for it it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Writing an alternative TMWWBKs field force list
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 04, 2020, 07:35:33 PM
I’ve decided October is Arab month in a bid to finally finish my Arab/Swahili army to face my African Lakes Company army.  I already have around two dozen Arabs, some baggage elements and a dozen Baluchis painted some of whom were painted before I even embarked on this project. However I need a lot more so I have another three dozen musket armed men, a dozen swordsmen, a dozen Arabs with modern firearms, a dozen more Baluchis and selection of extra baggage elements to paint up.

So this weekend I’ve managed to knock out 12 more musket armed Arabs to start the ball rolling.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201004_191923127.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201004_192003034.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201004_192053030.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201004_192121407.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201004_192414370.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on October 05, 2020, 03:23:11 AM
Wow! This thread has a wealth of information and some brilliant artistry. Thanks for taking the time to share all this!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 05, 2020, 08:03:39 AM
Wow! This thread has a wealth of information and some brilliant artistry. Thanks for taking the time to share all this!

Thanks Rick glad you like it.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Plynkes on October 05, 2020, 11:28:58 AM
Bravo, Jon! Your productivity puts some of us to shame.  :)



Looking forward to the Baluchis, I think those guys are my favourite figures from Copplestone's Foundry Darkest Africa days (I think my favourite overall are the Tuta he did later).


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 05, 2020, 03:10:19 PM
Bravo, Jon! Your productivity puts some of us to shame.  :)



Looking forward to the Baluchis, I think those guys are my favourite figures from Copplestone's Foundry Darkest Africa days (I think my favourite overall are the Tuta he did later).


Thanks Plynkes the first batch of Baluchis I painted were fun to do. I have to say I really like his Dinka miniatures even if I did behead most of them but that might be because painting butt naked spearmen is really easy.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Plynkes on October 05, 2020, 03:26:52 PM
Hehe, maybe it's that, like my good friend Hammers, you just like painting tiny naked men? ;)

I have actually come to a place where the more clothes they are wearing the more I enjoy painting my tribesmen. I think it's just a matter of after having painted so many naked or near-naked spear guys I tend to find it something of a chore. But you are right about those Dinka and others like them, once you have painted the flesh, there isn't a whole lot else left to be done.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 05, 2020, 04:08:06 PM
Hehe, maybe it's that, like my good friend Hammers, you just like painting tiny naked men? ;)

I have actually come to a place where the more clothes they are wearing the more I enjoy painting my tribesmen. I think it's just a matter of after having painted so many naked or near-naked spear guys I tend to find it something of a chore. But you are right about those Dinka and others like them, once you have painted the flesh, there isn't a whole lot else left to be done.


hey if I could find a historical army of butt naked females I'd be painting them  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: warrenpeace on October 06, 2020, 11:24:38 PM
This is the most inspirational thread I've seen on LAF since Hammers' "Chicken Race on the Arumbaya" thread in the Triumph & Tragedy section. And this is just 10 months of work? Magnificent!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 07, 2020, 07:35:11 PM
This is the most inspirational thread I've seen on LAF since Hammers' "Chicken Race on the Arumbaya" thread in the Triumph & Tragedy section. And this is just 10 months of work? Magnificent!

Thank you for the kind words and putting me onto Hammers thread which I hadn't been aware of (lots of cool stuff on that thread).  Yes I guess is has been 10 months oddly enough I have so many ideas and plans, for this project, floating around in my head it feels like I've not actually made much progress towards everything I'd like to do.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More Arabs
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 12, 2020, 05:20:06 AM
Another short update. Zanzibari October is in full flow and after last weeks musket armed Arabs this week I’ve painted up some sword armed Arabs for a change of pace. I have the next batch of musket armed Arabs started on the painting table but there are still plenty more to paint.

I just need to avoid getting distracted. Having finally got my hands on the  OOP Foundry book on the Colonial Armies in Africa (to add to my two Chris Peers Foundry books) I’m finding my focus increasingly drawn to the Portuguese in Mozambique to the point I’ve even purchased a few miniatures to attempt some conversions of African Cacadores…..

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201011_184321700.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201011_184354344.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201011_184440285.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Arab Swordsmen
Post by: Plynkes on October 12, 2020, 08:34:24 AM
Lovely stuff as always, Jon.

Is the bare-headed swordsman a conversion, Jon? I'm sure I have that pose but with a different head. If there are head variants in this range I never noticed it before. :)







Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Arab Swordsmen
Post by: Atheling on October 12, 2020, 10:28:42 AM
Lovely work Mr Diablo  :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Arab Swordsmen
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 12, 2020, 10:43:19 AM
Thanks guys.

 
Lovely stuff as always, Jon.

Is the bare-headed swordsman a conversion, Jon? I'm sure I have that pose but with a different head. If there are head variants in this range I never noticed it before.


Yes well spotted. Both the bare headed guy and the guy in the white Fez are Foundry Baluchi in Arab dress with the heads swapped out for Perry plastic Ansar heads and then painted as Swahili
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with Arab Swordsmen
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 15, 2020, 08:02:36 PM
As I mentioned in my last post I recently got hold of the OOP Wargames Foundry book on Colonial Armies in Africa. This has finally given me some info on the Portuguese in Mozambique during the 19th century.

I've been interested in the Portuguese after I read a few snippets about Major Serpa Pinto's Shire River expedition which nearly lead to war between Portugal and Britain during the scramble for Africa. The major issue stopping me doing anything with the Portuguese was that information about Portuguese forces in Africa  appears to be rarer than hen's teeth unless you are interested in the 20th century colonial war

As soon as I saw the picture, in the book, of an African soldier in a  loincloth and a kepi I knew I needed a Portuguese army for Africa. Of course no one makes African Portuguese soldiers for the 1860s-1880s in 28mm so I was going to have to get creative.  I ordered a selection of miniatures that I thought I could use, with some conversion, and put them on a shelf and got back to painting Arabs ....for about 20 minutes before I broke down grabbed a few of my new miniatures and attempted to make some Cacadores de Africa based on the pictures in my new book....doh

So these are really just test pieces to see what I could achieve. Some of the details are probably a bit off but I think they are heading in the right direction I really want to put together a few units of these guys for TMWWBKs now but first I have Arabs to finish...

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201015_195006837.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201015_194925146.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201015_194910172.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201015_194757196.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201015_194733737.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201015_195334138.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: JBaumal on October 15, 2020, 11:55:42 PM
Very cool! Keep on researching.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on October 16, 2020, 04:15:14 AM
Fascinating! And great idea. Follow your passion mate, it makes for great art.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 16, 2020, 08:12:36 AM
thanks guys
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Plynkes on October 16, 2020, 08:53:05 AM
Oh yes! As you know, this kind of thing is my favourite aspect of the Darkest Africa genre. Great job.  And with your Central Africa project you have a ready-made potential foe already lined up, as I think the Nyasaland and Mozambique Ngoni were pretty similar in terms of adornments, regalia and such.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 16, 2020, 10:13:59 AM
Oh yes! As you know, this kind of thing is my favourite aspect of the Darkest Africa genre. Great job.  And with your Central Africa project you have a ready-made potential foe already lined up, as I think the Nyasaland and Mozambique Ngoni were pretty similar in terms of adornments, regalia and such.

Thanks Plynkes

I think you're right I reckon my Ngoni could pass for Gaza Nguni. Also I think the Yao/Lomwe alliance (more conversions) I'm building could be used as enemies, or allies, for the Portuguese. Given that Portugal's African based troops (as opposed to the metropolitan expeditions) seem to have had been poorly supplied, coupled with the soldiers general habit of supplementing their equipment with native and civilian gear, I think could probably stretch these guys from the late 1860s to the start of the 1890s (before the reforms of the mid 1890s where Eureka's Portuguese would be usable). Which means I could have them clash with Rhodes BSACo police in Manicland, or possibly Prazero Chikunda on the Zambezi or even what ifs with the African Lakes Company and British settlers in the Shire highlands. Its certainly got my brain working over time but I need to get these Arabs finished first  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: cardophillipo on October 16, 2020, 06:07:42 PM
Seem to remember a series of articles in Miniature Wargames a long time ago entitled "Chasing the Lion of Gaza". That I believe was about the Portuguese in Mozambique.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 16, 2020, 06:40:41 PM
Seem to remember a series of articles in Miniature Wargames a long time ago entitled "Chasing the Lion of Gaza". That I believe was about the Portuguese in Mozambique.

I did to. I spent a good hour going through all my back copies from the 80s, 90s and early 00s trying to find said articles sadly I came up blank  :?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: JBaumal on October 17, 2020, 01:16:29 PM
Job, it should be issue #146.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 17, 2020, 01:53:18 PM
Job, it should be issue #146.

Cheers for that.

Now if only I'd organised my back issues by number rather than in a big random heap in a draw  lol
at least I know what I'm looking for now  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Getting Distracted by the Portuguese
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 26, 2020, 06:12:06 AM
The good news is I’ve managed an incredible amount of painting this last week or so the bad news is it’s mostly been on the hall, landing and stairs of Casa del Diablo. In between all the DIY I’ve managed to knock out yet another twelve musket armed Arabs and take a couple of quick photos. The DIY is mostly done so hopefully the hobby time can pick up again but it looks like finishing my Arab army is going to move into November as I still have a number of Arabs with modern rifles, more musket armed Arabs, Baluchi and baggage to finish.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201025_192028571.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201025_192011737.jpg?w=640)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_20201025_192003387.jpg?w=640)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Yet more Arabs for Africa
Post by: Plynkes on October 27, 2020, 12:22:39 PM
Smashing! A couple of those guys (including the leader holding his hand up) are on my painting table right now. But that doesn't mean much, they've been there a couple of years.


I like the drummer. I painted mine in exactly the same colours, if I remember right.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Yet more Arabs for Africa
Post by: Mike1879 on October 27, 2020, 02:10:36 PM
Nice work yet again. Like the drum skin colours !!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Yet more Arabs for Africa
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 28, 2020, 06:19:07 AM
Thanks guys.

I'm pretty sure the leader with his hand up is supposed to be a representation of Tippu Tip he is my favourite mini from the foundry Zanzibari characters pack.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Yet more Arabs for Africa
Post by: Plynkes on October 28, 2020, 09:32:58 AM
You might be right there, Jon. Looks like him, doesn't it?





Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Yet more Arabs for Africa
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 23, 2020, 06:20:20 AM
whoops double post
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Yet more Arabs for Africa
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 23, 2020, 06:23:30 AM
Wow has it really been almost a month since my last update? I have continued to chip away at my Arab army, and have painted plenty more Arabs with muskets, but I figured people would probably be pretty bored of seeing Arab armed musket man 32, 33 and 34 etc etc so I figured I’d just show them all when the army is finished.

I have just painted up the lovely little Foundry Arab gun and crew though, to take a break from Arabs with muskets, and thought it came out nicely so I’d share a few pictures. With the gun done I’m down to just seven more Arabs and two baggage bases left, to finish the core of the army, to which I can then add extras like regular Zanzibari soldiers or tribal allies at a later date.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/img_20201122_184819765.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/img_20201122_185316786.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/img_20201122_185117171.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/img_20201122_185034246.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/img_20201122_185025157.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab Gun and Crew
Post by: Plynkes on November 23, 2020, 11:19:08 AM
Nice one! It's a lovely piece of kit, that. Mine has seen a bit of action, but it has never been the battle-winner that its operators hoped it would be. I think they have got diced up or chased away in every battle they've been in.  :)



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab Gun and Crew
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on November 23, 2020, 12:39:56 PM
Great work!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab Gun and Crew
Post by: JBaumal on November 24, 2020, 12:49:16 AM
Great paint job and basing! This is really a great looking army and awesome project.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab Gun and Crew
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 24, 2020, 06:21:55 AM
Thanks guys

Nice one! It's a lovely piece of kit, that. Mine has seen a bit of action, but it has never been the battle-winner that its operators hoped it would be. I think they have got diced up or chased away in every battle they've been in.  :)

 Sounds quite accurate the few references I've read regarding Arab artillery seem to suggest it wasn't up to much...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab Gun and Crew
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 15, 2020, 08:35:39 PM
It’s been a bit of a slog but I have finally finished my Arab/Swahili army. This is the core army that should allow me to represent numerous Arab armies from Tabora, to the Congo, to lake Nyasa and anywhere else Arabs could be found. Regional flavour can be added to the army with the addition of some units of local allies such as the Tetela in the Congo or the Bemba on lake Nyasa. For this post I’d thought I’d give a brief background on the Arabs in Africa along side some pictures of my new army and in part 2 I’ll give an alternative field force list to the Slavers list in the TMWWBKs rule book.

First a bit of background on the terms Swahili and Arab. The east coast of Africa had been one end the Indian ocean trading network, since at least early medieval times (and probably before), which brought traders from as far as India, Persia and China to east Africa. The most numerous traders though where those from the Arabian peninsula who, as well as trade goods, also brought their culture and religion which had a profound impact on the east African costal peoples, the word Swahili is derived from the Arabic word for coast, the mixture of African culture, Islam, and influences from around the Indian ocean created the unique Swahili culture. The Swahilis were spread right along the east African coast from Mozambique to Kenya in a number of costal trading towns like Mombasa, Pate and Zanzibar. It should be noted that the Swahili despite outside influences, and occasional foreign rulers, where Africans.

The term Arab initially signified settlers from Oman. At the end of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century the sultans of Oman, backed by a powerful navy, had created a maritime empire that stretched from Persia all the way to south-eastern Africa.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/pxnwlbrekujy.jpg)

This state of affairs existed until 1856 when a succession dispute saw Zanzibar and the African portion of the empire split from the Oman and Muscat part of the empire (with a little help from the British). After this the term Arab becomes increasingly more loose in its meaning. Many Arabs, in Africa, had Arab fathers and African mothers. For example Majid bin Said, the 1st Sultan of Zanzibar, had an Ethiopian mother. As the 19th century wore on the term Arab increasingly seems to have become a cultural tag (wearing Arab clothing, following Islam, happy to engage in slavery) rather than and indication of being from Oman. Thus during the Karonga war Mlozi and his followers where dubbed the North End Arabs by the British and yet there were few, if any, actual Omani Arabs among their ranks the majority being Swahili or Nyamwezi in origin.

The Arabs and Swahilis thrived on trade and this saw them exploring the interior of Africa during the 19th century in search of ivory and slaves. Many of the more famous European explorers of east and central Africa found that their newly discovered lands had already been discovered by the Arabs first. As they moved inland the Arabs created a number of new strongholds such as Ujiji  on the shores of Lake Tanganyika or Tabora in what is now Tanzania. though nominally loyal to the sultan of Zanzibar many of the settlements become independent entities.

One of the main advantages that allowed the Arabs to explore and settle in Africa was access to guns something the peoples of the interior had no access to (at least until the Arabs started supplying them in return for slaves and Ivory). Typically, as Arab traders moved into the interior, they would find a local chief, and ally with him, offering to use their guns on his enemies. They would attack the chief’s enemy villages, ideally in a surprise attack, massacre the men, round up the women and children as slaves, loot the village of all its valuables and life stock. On returning to their allied chief they would ideally exchange the livestock and valuables for Ivory and then use the slaves to carry the ivory back to civilization before selling the ivory and slaves. It cant really be understated how brutal this practice was European explorers commented on areas they found that where devastated by years of Arab slave raids.

The Arabs didn’t have it all their own way though many tribes in the interior where formidable warriors, even without guns, and the Arabs seem to have avoided tangling with the likes of the Masai, Ngoni or Ha when ever possible. With other tribes like the Bemba, Yao or Seguhha the Arabs allied themselves and then supplied their allies with guns in return for slaves and ivory.

Organisation of Arab/Swahili armies seemed to have been based around individual leaders and their followers. The followers could be family members, locally recruited allied tribesmen, armed slaves (ironically often called Wagwana meaning freeman) or employed freemen. Our best description of an Arab army is probably Stanley’s break down of the Arab army operating out of Tabora against Mirambo. Stanley lists 16 different Arab leaders, each with their own contingent of musket armed slaves, normally these slaves number between 25 and 75 men though two leaders each have around 250 men under their command. The rest of the army is made up of around 1100 native allies armed with spear and bow and around 150 freemen (assumingly local Tabora residents called out in an emergency).

As such I based my army around a similar theme each unit being an Arab leader and his various hangers on. I have given each unit a flag as an indicator of different leaders. Flags seemed to have been popular the best known is the plain red banner of Zanzibar which was carried by those either representing the sultan of Zanzibar or wanting to give themselves an air of legitimacy. Other banners existed though and Chris Peers in his Foundry African books lists a number for both coastal Arabs and the Congo Arabs so I’ve used these as inspiration for my own.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_162128621.jpg)

Weaponry among Arab/Swahili armies changed as the century wore on. The battle of Shela fought circa 1816, between the Swahili cities of Pate and Lamu, both sides where armed mostly with spears and swords supplemented with bows and matchlock muskets. By the middle of the century swords and shields where still commonly carried alongside flintlock muskets. There were three main types of Arab sword the largest being the 4ft long “Frankish sword” wielded two hand the other types where smaller and could be paired with a small round shield. Burton describes Swahili’s often being armed with antiquated German cavalry sabres. An account of the Arab Mtagamoyo’s 1870 expedition talks of the Arab leader cutting his way through his pygmy enemies with a sword and shield during one charge. later in the battle, when the Arabs ran out of powder for their guns, , they charged the enemy with their swords and won the battle. At the battle of the Bua river circa 1888 it’s interesting that the Arabs fired a volley at the attacking Ngoni and followed up with and immediate charge. A tactic that makes some sense if you combine a sword and slow loading muzzle loader into a shock and awe tactic that would probably work well against the sort of tribes the Arabs liked to victimize. unfortunately, for the Arabs, in this case it the Ngoni had actual set an ambush and massacred the Arabs to a man.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_161701237.jpg)

The Arabs frequently relied on fortifications in their battles which isn’t surprising given they where often operating deep in hostile territory. A typical Arab stockade could have several rings of ditch and palisade with loop holes, rifle pits and platforms. Obviously when defending one of these boma their muskets became a lot more important than their swords as the arabs tended to lay down a heavy, but not very accurate fire, from the safety of the palisade. Towards the end of the century the Arabs started to get their hands on more modern breech loading and repeating rifles. The arrival of these weapons saw swords and shield fall out of favour charging with cold steal being replaced with skirmishing from cover. These changes in tactics also seem to have coincided with the Arabs increasingly coming up against European trained troops ,armed with modern weapons and bayonets, which probably made charging with a sword a bad idea. Despite the increase in modern firearms towards the end of the 19th century muzzle loading guns seem to have continued to have armed the bulk of Arab troops. After a battle with the Arabs at Chige the Force Publique collected around 600 guns but only 30 where modern breech loaders.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_162017060.jpg)

Very occasionally Arab armies would be noted as using Artillery. The Sultan of of Zanzibar had a number of cannon to defend Zanzibar itself though the guns where said to be mostly in poor condition apart from some fine brass pieces of Portuguese origin. When Harry Johnston, as consul of British Central Africa, launched the final attack on Mlozi’s stockade 1895 the Arabs had a single muzzle loading cannon as part of their defences. During the Abushiri war 1888-1890 , between Arab led forces and the Germans, the Germans at least twice faced Arab forces entrenched and supported by a number of muzzle loading cannon. The Bemba also have tradition that sometime in the 1860s Arab traders joined the Bemba in a battle against the Ngoni the Arabs brought a single cannon resulting in a victory for the allies .

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_161109410.jpg)

Ok that’s the brief history lesson over time for some pictures of the army. These shots are of the basic units of Musket armed infantry. I have also painted up enough miniatures with swords or modern rifles to insert into the units to represent early and later Arab armies but more of that in part two when I show my thoughts on a workable Arab field force list for TMWWBKs.

 (https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_160956024.jpg)

 (https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_161028961.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_161117810.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_161055043.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/img_20201206_161058638.jpg)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 1)
Post by: bc99 on December 15, 2020, 09:46:03 PM
I love this sir, great stuff. Is that tissue paper water? Amazing.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 1)
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 16, 2020, 06:19:27 AM
I love this sir, great stuff. Is that tissue paper water? Amazing.

Thank you. Yes the water is tissue paper and PVA glue there are some more pictures and better info on my lake shore gaming mat on page 18 of this thread if you are interested.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 1)
Post by: bc99 on December 16, 2020, 07:28:58 AM
I'm definitely interested and will be checking that out. Thank you. It's a project hopefully my boys and I can try out!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 1)
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 16, 2020, 08:38:34 AM
I'm definitely interested and will be checking that out. Thank you. It's a project hopefully my boys and I can try out!

If you are interested in having ago yourself I recommend this YouTube video by a model railway guy  it's where I picked up the idea and he gives a good step by step account of how to do it

    https://youtu.be/2TwpB7sVMn8      (https://youtu.be/2TwpB7sVMn8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 1)
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 11, 2021, 08:08:03 AM
Happy new year everyone well after a nice long Christmas break here is (finally) part 2 of my Arab’s in Africa post. This time I’m going to give an alternative Field Force list for “The Men would be Kings” rules for the Arab’s in Africa as a replacement for the (rather bland) Slavers list given in the book.

The building blocks of any Arab force are going to be musket armed infantry which are represented by irregular infantry. Throughout the 19th century the majority of Arab soldiers where armed with obsolete firearms so they should be downgraded to antiquated musket as the default setting. Arab shooting was, in general, also very bad. In those reports of battles involving Arabs, that we have (mostly against European led forces), the lack of casualties caused by their shooting stands out. Even when they are occupying a strong defensive positions or executing a well planned ambush, that should have resulted in heavy enemy casualties, their enemies frequently suffer very few loses. Given that I feel that basic Arab units should be downgraded to poor shoots. So by this point we have some really bad irregular infantry to represent the bulk of an Arab army in Africa.

That’s not the whole story though as mentioned in Part 1 Arab infantry frequently carried swords and shields for much of the period and where much happier mixing it up close and personal than most troops represented by irregular infantry in the rules. So I’ve created the Swordsmen upgrade to represent this. Later in the period swords drop out of favour and modern rifles start to appear in Arab armies. These rifles never equipped all Arabs though so there was an interesting mix of everything from muzzle loading flintlocks up to a Winchester repeater rifles all mixed in together. TMWBKs doesn’t have rules for mixed weapon units you could do it but I think it would require more book keeping instead I’ve come up with ” The gun that shoots many times” rule which not only represents the Arab armies move to skirmishing from cover that coincided with the arrival of modern firearms but also fact that a few men with modern rifles would add a lot of extra flying lead to a unit of musket armed men by increasing their firing stat to 5+.

I’ve added an option for a field gun to represent the occasional use of antiquated cannon by Arab armies throughout the period. I’ve also added an option for allies many Arab armies operated with local allies during their wars so I’ve given a few ideas for allies in various theatres.

Arab and Swahili Field Force

Arab or Swahili followers @ Irregular infantry – poor shots, antiquated musket

cost 2pts

Options

Swordsmen +1pts

The gun that shoots many times +1pts


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_20210110_140105337.jpg)

Up to 1 Cannon @ poorly trained field gun

Cost 4pts


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/img_20201122_184819765.jpg)

Special Rules

Swordsmen

 This rule is to represent the Arabs earlier reliance on swords, to supplement their ancient matchlocks or trade muskets, any irregular infantry  with the swordsmen special rule becomes firing 6+ and fighting 5+ and their free action becomes attack instead of shoot. In addition swordsmen always count as armed with antiquated muskets. Note this option cannot be combined with The gun that shoots many times option.


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_20210110_140224427.jpg)

The Gun That Shoots Many Times

This rule is to represent the Arabs later move towards arming themselves with, modern, rifles towards the end of the 19th century. Any irregular infantry  with this special rule becomes firing 5+ and fighting 6+ and their free action becomes Skirmish instead of shoot. The unit still counts as armed with antiquated muskets as only a few men have access to modern guns and most will still have old muzzle loaders. Note this option cannot be combined with the swordsmen option.


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/img_20210110_140340826.jpg)

Allies up to half the army points can be spent on allies below are a few suggestions for allies in different parts of Africa.

Tabora – In the wars against Mirambo the Arabs of Tabora had Nyamwezi allies these are best represented as tribal infantry upgraded with the well armed sharpshooters option to give them bows. They could also have explorer allies ( https://jonsotherwargamesblog.wordpress.com/2020/10/01/field-force-list-for-european-explorer-expeditions/  (https://jonsotherwargamesblog.wordpress.com/2020/10/01/field-force-list-for-european-explorer-expeditions/)) to represent Stanley’s expedition who briefly joined the Arabs in their war against Mirambo.

Lake Nyasa – the Swahili traders around lake Nyasa could have Henga allies. The Henga where a Chewa people who had been subjected by the Ngoni and learnt to fight the Ngoni way they are best represented by fierce tribal infantry. They also allied with the Bemba and Yao who I plan to write lists for in the future but can be represented by irregular infantry with the poor shots and poorly armed options.

Congo Arabs – Stanley allied with Tippu Tip on his Congo expedition so explorer allies are an option. The Arabs also allied themselves with the cannibal Manyema and Tetela. By the time of the war with the Free State these tribes where fighting much like the Arabs (the Tetela actually swapped sides and supported the Belgians) and can just be represented by units of Arab irregular infantry with no upgrades. Earlier when they first allied with the Arabs they can be represented by tribal infantry. If you want to represent the terror their cannibal ways inspired in their enemies I suggest any unit they beat in an attack has an additional -1 penalty to its pinning test.

Witu – Sultan Fumo of Witu fought the British in a short campaign in 1890 after he murdered a number of Europeans. His forces where considered bandits and where a mix of Swahilis, escaped slaves and local tribesmen. Although they had some guns many of his men had spears (in one attack on the British he had 2000 spearmen and 500 riflemen) I suggest 2/3rds of the Field force AP be spent on tribal infantry to represent Witu’s relience on more traditional weapons.

Zanzibar – The Sultan of Zanzibar had several ways of raising troops he could call upon powerful Arab and Swahili leaders to provide him with troops from their followers and he could raise levies from the population of Zanzibar island, although the latter was only done in an emergency, these can easily be represented by the current options above.

Up until circa 1881 the Sultan also had a standing force of Baluchis, these men were mostly mercenaries, from around the Indian ocean and Persian gulf regions who acted as garrison soldiers and a police force in Zanzibar. Their main armament were obsolete matchlock muskets and swords. The explorer Cameron described his escort in 1873 as “covered with bucklers, pistols, swords, spears and matchlocks”. The explorer Burton (who was himself an acknowledged expert on swordsmanship) describes them as good swordsmen but he also witnessed some Baluchis firing, for an hour, at a target a dozen paces away, and not hit anything. Josesph Thomson in 1878 said of his escort “There seemed to be literally no discipline among them”. Technically the Sultans Baluchis were disbanded 1881 but many of them continued to find employment as soldiers after that date. If you want to add Baluchis to a Zanzibar army using the following

Baluchis– Irregular infantry poor shots, antiquated musket, Swordsmen  cost 3pts

Options

Unenthusiastic discipline becomes -1 – cost -1 pts


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/img_20200703_141405883.jpg)

So that’s it for now hopefully this list gives some pointers for fielding a slightly more historical Arab field force in TMWBKs rules. At some stage I hope to paint up and add a small supplement of Zanzibar regular army to complement this list but I have a long list of Darkest Africa things I’d like to do in 2021 so I’m not sure when that will happen.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on January 11, 2021, 09:11:33 AM
It is always a joy to see our artwork combined with thoughtful gaming ideas.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Plynkes on January 11, 2021, 12:12:38 PM
Nice one, Jon. Lots of useful info and some interesting gaming ideas there, along with the eye-candy we have become used to.  Hope to one day return to gaming with my own Arabs in what was to become German East, and I may well use TMWBK again, so I'll have to keep your thoughts in mind if that sunny day ever comes.

If memory serves, the Kazeh (Tabora) Arabs also made use of mercenaries. I think Speke writes of both Watuta and Masai being hired to do fighting for them in the 1860s. They tended to be more trouble than they were worth, though, and this solution to a problem (lawlessness and attacks on caravans by the deposed king of Uyanyembe, Mnywasela, and his band of ne'er-do-wells) often became a bigger problem than the one it was designed to fix, as they tended to go on rampages of theivery, not caring who they took from. Not sure if they ever took to the field  alongside the Arabs, or if they were just used as proxies, but it is worth considering using them as options in your force, if you are looking for a use for some nice colourful figures you already have.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 12, 2021, 09:35:50 AM
Thanks guys.

Plynkes that is interesting I had read about Mirambo having links with the Watuta I wasn't aware of the Arabs using them or the Masai.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Plynkes on January 12, 2021, 12:24:57 PM
Speke is a little vague about the nature of the relationship between the 'Kaze' (Tabora) Arabs and the Tuta. At one point he says the Arabs 'bribed' them to join in their war, but also later refers to it as an alliance. So I'm not sure if they are properly referred to as mercenaries or allies (I suppose it's not all that important, just semantics really).

Looks like the whole idea may have been a mistake, though.  Speke certainly damns the Arabs as fools for doing it. One gets the impression the Tuta spent most of their time just randomly attacking and extorting local villages, rather than actually conducting a campaign against Mnywasela (or Manua Sera, as Speke calls him). Speke's account is littered with mentions of how much disruption and destruction the marauding Tuta caused the locals, and he was constantly being held up because of it. It appears it was the natives (and Speke) who suffered from this the most, and so I don't suppose the Arabs cared all that much. Rereading it I get the impression that the Tuta were a force of nature unleashed by the Arabs on the country, rather than hired hands who fought in their armies. Maybe I was a little hasty in suggesting adding them to Arab wargaming armies.



Can't remember where I read about Masai mercenaries (I seem to recall something about them making off with a bunch of livestock belonging to the people who hired them, though - oh those naughty Masai!). I may be misremembering. I'll have to look in some of my books later.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Plynkes on January 13, 2021, 10:28:33 AM
I've noticed something about the composition of Arab forces in the Unyanyembe region and surrounding areas, in rereading Speke's chapters on his time there.

They seem to have been made up almost entirely of native wangwana, with a mere handful of Arabs in charge of them. It really seems like the Arabs of the area didn't like getting their hands dirty. Trying to get the Tuta to fight their war for them seems to be one example of this, and this would appear to be another. Also, they were very slow to action and not very proactive at all. Speke is constantly exasperated with them over this kind of behaviour. They even begged him to be an intermediary with Manua Sera to try and broker a truce, which despite multiple attempts by Speke came to nothing.

So anyway, I'm thinking that a force of Tabora Arabs really wants to be mostly wangwana musketmen, with hardly any actual 'Arab' figures. Oh, and they were terrible fighters. You read of them getting dished up native forces all the time. Their more modern hardware does not seem to have given them much advantage over foes armed with traditional weapons, not in open battle, anyway. But interestingly, a few firearm-wielding wangwana in a strongpoint such as a tembe or even a boma seem to have been enough to make the Tuta think twice about having a go. The idea of Ngoni being shy of enemies with guns seems to be borne out by Speke's accounts.

Anyway, sorry for going on. Don't mean to hijack your thread, Jon, I just find this stuff endlessly fascinating.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 14, 2021, 08:07:03 AM
No apology needed Plynkes I find this stuff interesting a more info is always good.

I've noticed something about the composition of Arab forces in the Unyanyembe region and surrounding areas, in rereading Speke's chapters on his time there.

They seem to have been made up almost entirely of native wangwana, with a mere handful of Arabs in charge of them. It really seems like the Arabs of the area didn't like getting their hands dirty. Trying to get the Tuta to fight their war for them seems to be one example of this, and this would appear to be another. Also, they were very slow to action and not very proactive at all. Speke is constantly exasperated with them over this kind of behaviour. They even begged him to be an intermediary with Manua Sera to try and broker a truce, which despite multiple attempts by Speke came to nothing.

So anyway, I'm thinking that a force of Tabora Arabs really wants to be mostly wangwana musketmen, with hardly any actual 'Arab' figures. Oh, and they were terrible fighters. You read of them getting dished up native forces all the time. Their more modern hardware does not seem to have given them much advantage over foes armed with traditional weapons, not in open battle, anyway. But interestingly, a few firearm-wielding wangwana in a strongpoint such as a tembe or even a boma seem to have been enough to make the Tuta think twice about having a go. The idea of Ngoni being shy of enemies with guns seems to be borne out by Speke's accounts.

Anyway, sorry for going on. Don't mean to hijack your thread, Jon, I just find this stuff endlessly fascinating.

I think that seems to apply to Arab armies all over Africa from what I've read. They seem to have had most success when hiding behind fortifications or launching surprise attacks on the less warlike peoples of Africa. Its noticeable that the Arabs often tried to ally with the more warlike tribes of a region rather than fight them. I think most armies would probably contain few real Arabs and a lot of locally recruited Africans but the Foundry Arabs are so nice its a shame not to paint them and play with them (plus I think I've painted every Foundry Askari at least three times  ;D)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Isasi on January 21, 2021, 09:23:04 PM
Wonderful job.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Metternich on February 05, 2021, 01:58:40 PM
A wonderful force, laden with character.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Diablo Jon on February 06, 2021, 05:17:58 PM
Thank you guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Arab and Swahili Army (part 2)
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 05, 2021, 07:36:18 AM
At Christmas I received a huge box of Sally 4th Terra-Formers terrain boards its taken me awhile but I’ve started to make some progress on them. I decided I wanted to try a sub Saharan African dry season look for my Darkest Africa gaming but I think it would work well enough for 40K or Post Apocalyptic gaming.

Originally I was going to combine teddy bear fur mat with the the boards to get a more flexible version of my teddy bear mats but the test pieces didn’t come out well. I found cutting and sticking the fur to the boards wasn’t giving me the results I wanted.

So I went back to the drawing board and watched lots of youtube video tutorials by model railway guys and Geek Gaming on using flocks and creating ground cover. I’m much happier with how my second attempt has turned out. As I mentioned when I made my fur mats, Africa is a big place, so I have just tried to make something that looks African to my mind which is probably rooted more in Hollywood than any reality. Here are a few images that I used for inspiration.

(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/dry-season-south-african-savannah-52436458.jpg)

(https://cdn6.dissolve.com/p/D1267_9_280/D1267_9_280_1200.jpg)

(https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/lateritic-cap-rock-dry-season-sahel-burkina-faso-west-africa-picture-id475186222)

So here are my first nine 1×1 foot boards these are all either small track boards or plain boards though I did make one plain board into a small Kopje. I’ve gone for a red/orange soil colour because again it seems “African” to me. I have plenty more boards to do yet including a river, high ground and hills and a large 2×2 board for placing villages and urban areas on.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140515752.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140505999_mp.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140500887.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140438329.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140402746.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140357426.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on April 05, 2021, 07:47:15 AM
Looks great!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: OSHIROmodels on April 05, 2021, 08:41:16 AM
Lovely  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Mick_in_Switzerland on April 05, 2021, 08:47:20 AM
The boards look great - well done :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Poiter50 on April 05, 2021, 09:26:59 AM
To me it looks like Savannah of the less arid areas. Nicely done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: gamer Mac on April 05, 2021, 10:17:36 AM
You are good at this :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 05, 2021, 10:31:29 AM
Thanks for the nice comments guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: JBaumal on April 05, 2021, 10:52:51 AM
Those boards look great, excellent execution! They certainly look the business for Africa. I’m looking forward to what you do with the rest of the boards. Do you have any WIP pics?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: MaleGriffin on April 05, 2021, 03:43:33 PM
Absolutely brilliant! I'm green with envy!  :o :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Captain Blood on April 05, 2021, 06:49:40 PM
Looks the part :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 06, 2021, 06:11:47 AM
Thanks again guys.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: FreakyFenton on April 06, 2021, 11:29:21 AM
Looks great!  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Hammers on April 16, 2021, 07:06:26 AM
What a gorgeous board!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 17, 2021, 08:04:24 PM
Looks great!  :)

What a gorgeous board!

Thank you sirs.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 17, 2021, 08:07:08 PM
I’m soldiering on with more tiles, roads tiles mainly, for my new gaming board. As some one asked if I could do a “how to” post on the tiles, I’m taking photos, and trying to catalogue my processes as I’m going along and hopefully soon I’ll having something to post. In the mean time I wanted to experiment with 2 part epoxy resin to form water features. I have a number of river tiles to complete but before tackling those I wanted to practice so I made an African watering hole tile for my board as a place to practise using the resin.

It didn’t quite come out as I’d hoped I ended up using a lot more resin, than I’d planned, as the first couple of layers I poured I struggled with air bubbles. I tried tinting the resin, with ink, which I overdid so that my carefully modelled mud, at the bottom of the hole, that was supposed to be visible through the resin didn’t really show up. Lastly I used to much resin on the mud edges to the watering hole so instead of puddles in the mud I ended up covering most of the mud up. In the end I’m not to upset this was always meant to be a learning project, and I up gaining some useful experience of working with resin, and while it didn’t turn out as I’d hoped its a serviceable enough piece of scenery. Any way here are a few pictures.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210417_193732748.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210417_194002345.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210417_193914356.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210417_194021393.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: has.been on April 17, 2021, 08:20:41 PM
I now have a strong desire to sing a Flanders & Swan song.

"Mud, mud, glorious mud, nothing quite like it for cooling the blood."
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: marianas_gamer on April 17, 2021, 11:19:37 PM
No matter the pain of the learning process I think that this came out grand! :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: Jack Jones on April 18, 2021, 10:09:49 AM
I think the result looks great. Well done!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: Dr. The Viking on April 19, 2021, 05:35:42 AM
Amazing work that you share with us in this thread. Thank you.  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: Mad Guru on April 19, 2021, 07:55:23 AM
Diablo Jon,

I have tremendous sympathy for you, having mixed, ink-tinted, and poured two-part clear epoxy resin to make a 2'x4' swamp board and 10' of river boards.  Being a bit of an OCD perfectionist type, I found it a very challenging, even grueling, process.  As you say, the only way to really learn how it works is by doing.  I think you had a great idea starting out with your watering-hole board.  I know the feeling when you realize you mixed too much green and/or blue ink into the pour and lost sight of your carefully modeled underwater floor!  Re: those pesky little air bubbles -- you probably are already aware but in my experience they can be dispatched with a small butane lighter typically used to light BBQs, fireplaces, etc., as seen here:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41oQu747nDL._AC_.jpg)

You hold the lighter close to the bubbles and the heat reduces surface tension and also speeds up evaporation, causing them to pop.  This method worked well for me.  You just have to be extra careful if you planted any REEDS or SWAMP GRASS on the floor of your water feature and which you have poured your resin all around, as these can easily catch fire.  Another difficult challenge I had, in addition to figuring out a formula for how much ink to add while maintaining some transparency, was exactly how long into the curing process to stop dragging a popsicle stick through the resin, in order to get some visible wave action in the surface when it had completely dry.  Again, you probably know this already, and from the looks of your watering-hole you already know how to do an excellent job of it, but if you want a slightly more "active" looking surface when you make your river boards, I suggest dragging a bit deeper into the poured resin, and also a bit later in the curing process, which will allow the "waves" to stay a bit more pronounced when they finish curing.  I did my tests on small cut-off pieces built expressly for that purpose.  They were somewhat useful but will never appear in a single game, unlike your "test piece," which as everyone else has already noted, turned out awesome!  I have no doubt your rivers will too, and am excited to see them when the time comes.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 19, 2021, 08:15:41 AM
Thanks for the kind comments guys

Mad Guru@ Thanks for the tips. I had read about the heat idea I used a small flexible table lamp with an old school bulb close to the surface to provide heat after my first pour turned into a bubbly nightmare. With regards to texturing the surface (I used a cheap plastic fork to try and texture mine) it seems you have to get the drying time just right. Go to soon and resin smooths out again go to late and instead of nice smooth water ripples you end up with a bit of a mess. In the end I textured mine with a thin layer of clear PVA glue which was much easier to work with but I have seen a youtube tutorial where  a guy used a clear glue/grip in a cartridge gun to make rough water over resin it looked pretty good so I'm thinking of trying that on my rivers.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: bc99 on April 19, 2021, 02:29:53 PM
If either of you have any suggestions for time regarding when to try and texture I would be all ears.. I’m planning to make a small water feature for a fantasy board. Great stuff on this some of my favorite terrain projects you’ve documented.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 21, 2021, 04:54:03 AM
If either of you have any suggestions for time regarding when to try and texture I would be all ears.. I’m planning to make a small water feature for a fantasy board. Great stuff on this some of my favorite terrain projects you’ve documented.

Thanks bc, I wish I could suggest a good time, I found texturing the resin its self quite hard, I think finding a different medium to texture over the top of the resin is the way to go.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board waterhole tile
Post by: JBaumal on April 21, 2021, 12:18:11 PM
Diablo Jon, that’s a great idea. You could use a clear and smooth acrylic  type medium to apply over its for ripples or texture. Check out the river the Mad Guru made a few years ago. This stuff may work.

http://maiwandday.blogspot.com/2017/08/a-canal-too-far-for-operation-market.html?m=0

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2zsaTPBdCY/WaZ1moZetVI/AAAAAAAARV4/dSoSemBaxbEE7842Oc8YyvQC5flc6ilmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0933.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Another new gaming board
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 24, 2021, 08:34:46 PM
Those boards look great, excellent execution! They certainly look the business for Africa. I’m looking forward to what you do with the rest of the boards. Do you have any WIP pics?

You asked so here we go  :)

I’ve managed another five tiles for my new board I did get a request for some WIP photos so this post is it. By necessity this going to be quite a long post, but working on a picture paints a thousand words principle, I’ll try and keep the word count low and use pictures to illustrate how I did things.

A few thoughts before I get started. I can’t take credit for anything here the techniques I used where all found online and YouTube has a wealth of useful videos in particular I recommend watching the Geek Gaming channel but don’t discount they model railway guys as they have some great ideas and techniques. Also, and I can’t stress this enough, leave plenty of drying time between stages or you could well end up with a big wet mess.

So my whole new gaming board is built using the Sally 4th Terra-former range. I won’t spend a lot of time talking about it, needless to say I’m a big fan, if you want to know more I suggest popping along to Sally 4ths website here https://wargamesbuildings.co.uk/epages/950003459.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950003459/Categories/TerraFormers  (https://wargamesbuildings.co.uk/epages/950003459.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950003459/Categories/TerraFormers)

1. So having built my Terra-formers and stuck in the earth magnets the first job is to fill them with polystyrene I got mine from the local DIY store. Sally 4th gave me a handy template to cut the polystyrene to the right size and then I secured it place using No More Nails.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_162501499.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_185230119.jpg?w=1024)

2. These tiles are road and track tiles so I needed to mark them out, a task made much easier as the Terraformers have laser cut slots, that pop out, evenly spaced out around the sides. I used a chefs blow torch to melt the road and tracks into the polystyrene. Be really careful when you this as you only need a low heat, very briefly, linger to long and instead of a track you’ll have a huge crater.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_185546442_hdr.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_191752885.jpg?w=1024)

3. The next step is apply texture and fill any gaps (that come from your dodgy cutting). You could probably use a whole range of different products but I chose a home made mixture of brown, flexible, tile grout, sand, PVA glue and some orange brown paint mixed with water into a…. errrr gloop. I applied this gloop with a spatula and some cheap pound land paint brushes (because the paint brushes get ruined very quickly). I tried to sculpt the roads and tracks while the mixture is wet.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_191857580.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_192128671.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210412_192707405.jpg?w=1024)

4. Once the texturing is full dry (I found this took a couple of days) I then took a brown spray can and gave the edges a couple of coats you could of course paint them with a brush.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210418_183039780.jpg?w=1024)

5. Next I painted the tiles an orange/brown to fit in with my African dry season theme but obviously you could go with whatever colour you feel fits your chosen theatre of operations. My basic colour was supplied by the local DIY Shop and for the base coat I added a touch of dark brown craft paint. Once the base coat was dry I dry brushed the tiles with the original colour and then the original colour mixed with a sand yellow. The final part of the paint job was to use a red-brown wash to give some shade and depth especially on the roads and tracks

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210418_202541112.jpg?w=1024)

6. Once the paint is dry its time to add the foam flock. I used four different coloured foam flocks, applied using a cooking sieve, and fixed in place using watered down scenery cement from Woodland Scenics. To start I applied neat PVA to areas I wanted the flock to sit on an added my darkest foam flock. Then I sprayed it with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol as a wetting agent. spray with the watered down scenic cement and then sprinkle on the next darkest foam flock and repeat until your happy. After my final and lightest coloured foam flock layer I added a, yellow, fine turf sawdust flock and some of my darker foam flock as a blending layer. At this point you will look at the whole thing and think ” What the hell have I done? This is a horrible wet mess!” but once it dries out (and this can take several days) it actually looks pretty good. I used browns and yellows but the whole technique would work just as well with various shades of green.


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210419_144126301_mp.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210419_144141349.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210419_144333129.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210419_144707348.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210419_150034740.jpg?w=766)

7. Once the foam flock is thoroughly dry (which takes a while as the foam flock acts like a sponge) we can move on to adding patches of static grass. I Used three sizes (2mm.3mm and 4.mm) in yellow and brown colour. I use a static grass applicator which I picked up cheap on eBay I’d love some of the better ones but they can be rather expensive. I started with more PVA glue where I wanted patches of grass and then applied my 2mm dark brown grass with the applicator I then sprayed it with a matt spray varnish. While the spray varnish was still wet I added patches of light brown 3mm grass sprayed that with matt varnish and added more patches of yellow 4mm grass a final spray of varnish was followed up by a light dusting of 2mm brown flock as a blending layer.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210421_180505653.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210422_192646731.jpg?w=1024)

8. The final stage was break out my collection self adhesive of grass tufts and bushes and add a few to the the tracks, roads and open spaces to finish the look

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210422_200533313.jpg?w=1024)

And that’s it. All pretty simple really with the right equipment and materials. Next up I’m starting on the high ground tiles so I can have ridge lines, large hills and so on.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board some WIP pictures
Post by: JBaumal on April 25, 2021, 01:22:49 PM
Wow, those really look great!!!! Thanks for the WIP steps, it’s really interesting how it was done.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board some WIP pictures
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 26, 2021, 08:02:28 AM
Wow, those really look great!!!! Thanks for the WIP steps, it’s really interesting how it was done.

Your welcome if even one gamer can pick up a useful tip or two for their own projects, from my  efforts, I'm happy to share.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 28, 2021, 05:15:20 AM
So I’ve managed to build fifteen tiles for my new modular gaming board, so far, but I still have 4 double height tiles, 6 slope tiles, 5 river tiles and a double sized 2x2foot tile (for use as a base board for urban areas) to complete. As my gaming table is a rather bijou 5×4 foot I need 20 1×1 foot tiles to fill a table so I should have enough to give me plenty of variety when they are all completed.

Unfortunately I have run out of Polystyrene sheet so new tiles are on hold for a few days at least. I’ve started building some, hopefully, African looking trees. In the mean time I thought I’d lay out the 15 tiles I’ve completed just to see what they look like and keep me motivated. I took a few photos so I thought I would share.

First up a picture of what I’m trying to achieve with my new table the African Savanna. Nice isn’t it?

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/big-tree-savannah-another-plants-big-tree-savannah-another-plants-blue-sky-138981647.jpg?w=768)

A few pictures of my first 15 tiles laid out I don’t think its to bad a representation though I do think I need a bit more scrub and a few more trees.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210426_163352821-2.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210426_163708421-2.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210426_163819840-2.jpg?w=768)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210426_163620965-2.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210426_163607277.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: Roo on April 28, 2021, 06:17:42 AM
Simply superb!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: Plynkes on April 28, 2021, 07:39:33 AM
Champion stuff there, Jon. Looks real nice.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on April 28, 2021, 09:01:46 AM
Aye, looks brilliant!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: Mick_in_Switzerland on April 28, 2021, 09:37:14 AM
Well Done - that looks superb  :-*
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 28, 2021, 07:28:04 PM
Thank you kindly gentlemen  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: marianas_gamer on April 28, 2021, 07:38:52 PM
Very nice tiles! They look realistic and very gameable. I am not sure you need more scrub.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - New gaming board the first 15 tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on April 30, 2021, 05:39:13 AM
A little change from terrain tiles in this post. For Christmas my kids gave me some laser cut MDF kits from SARISSA PRECISION including this little Colonial Steam Launch its clearly based on the boat from the movie The African Queen. I had wanted to add a model of the steam boat S.S. ILALA that had supported the African Lakes Company, on lake Nyasa, during the Karonga war. I struggled to find any decent pictures of the ILALA online though so I decided to use this model. As fate would have it, after finishing this model, I found a great picture of the ILALA in a Chris Peers article, on British central Africa, in a old Wargames Illustrated. The actual ILALA was a larger boat and had sails as well as a steam engine.

I’ve worked with a few MDF kits before but was never really happy with them because, try as I might, they still looked like an MDF kit when I was finished in particular the the connecting tabs and burnt edges tended to to give away the origin of the model even after a paint job. So for this kit I thought I would go all out and pimp it up to see if I could hide its origins as an MDF kit.

I used a wood filler, and a lot of sanding, to cover and smooth the joints and hard edges on the hull, I replaced the steam boiler with a resin one I found on eBay and changed out the shade tarpaulin with one made of balsa wood and PVA soaked tissue. I painted the model up and then added in some resin crates and barrels to give the impression of a boat carrying trade goods or supplies.

Gaming wise I’m not sure what ill do with the boat. My chosen rules for Darkest Africa “The Men Who Would be Kings” doesn’t actual have rules for boats but I guess it wouldn’t be to hard to crate a house rule for its use. Alternatively it could just be a pretty little piece of scatter terrain. Anyway here are few photos.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210428_194341342.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210428_194323567.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210428_194219791.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210428_194359574.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210428_194158055.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210428_194455495.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: Mad Guru on April 30, 2021, 06:50:03 AM
Beautiful work, Jon!!!  I share your same skepticism re: MDF kits, and think you did a great job "pimping out" that vessel so one who hasn't visited this thread will know its true origin!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on April 30, 2021, 07:56:54 AM
Loving it! That water is particularly brilliant.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: has.been on April 30, 2021, 07:58:46 AM
Rick, you beat me to it.
I was going to say that the boat is fine, but the river...Swell.  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: Plynkes on April 30, 2021, 08:57:56 AM
"Well I ain't sorry for you no more, you crazy, psalm-singing, skinny old maid!"


Just need a Königin Luise now!  :)



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: has.been on April 30, 2021, 11:46:13 AM
Quote
Just need a Königin Luise now!  :)

Model it AFTER it hits the torpedo. A few matchsticks should do it. :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: OSHIROmodels on April 30, 2021, 11:53:04 AM
Great stuff  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: bc99 on April 30, 2021, 03:47:58 PM
One of my favorite threads. I still can’t get over how wonderful the water looks, especially the look of the wave it seems you’re really out there on the river looking at those launches! Great all around.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 01, 2021, 07:33:53 AM
Thanks guys.

I've started experimenting with epoxy resin for water features to model better looking water.  Oddly enough the water, in the photo, was made with probably one of the cheapest and easiest methods a modeller could do. PVA glue, a roll of bog paper, some blue and green paint and some gloss varnish.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Now with added African Queen
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 28, 2021, 06:17:34 AM
It’s taken a while, not least because I had a fun week tracking down the source of an electrical trip in my wargames room/ garage that turned out to be the ancient strip lighting and then replacing to old lights with some funky new LED ones, but I’ve final completed the hill tiles for my modular gaming board. Theses are a combination of flat double height tiles and slopes from Sally 4th I gave the slopes some rocky outcrops for fun and because a lot of photos I’ve seen seen of African Kopje seem to have a lot of rocks. one double height tile and one slope also had a road modelled on. other than that they where finished in the same way as my previous tiles.

This picture of a south Africa hill was my inspiration for the rocky outcrops on my hill tiles

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/ad/46/a2/red-stone-hills.jpg)

and some photos of my tiles

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_20210524_200102450.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_20210524_190325572.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_20210525_193330508.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_20210525_193353597.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_20210525_193400833.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/img_20210525_193406667.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: OSHIROmodels on May 28, 2021, 06:58:38 AM
Lovely  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Hu Rhu on May 28, 2021, 08:13:41 AM
Very nice.  Do you plan to add a Kopje or two?
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 29, 2021, 06:48:54 AM
Thanks guys.

 I have built a small stand alone Kopje

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/img_20210404_140402746.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: gamer Mac on May 29, 2021, 08:36:51 AM
Lovely job
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Plynkes on May 29, 2021, 08:52:54 AM
Does it count as a kopje if it's in Malawi, though?  ;)

Nicely done, Jon. Is that a home-made baobab we can see in the background there, or a commercial product? Brings a bit of African flavour, either way.




Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 29, 2021, 10:27:10 AM
Does it count as a kopje if it's in Malawi, though?  ;)

Nicely done, Jon. Is that a home-made baobab we can see in the background there, or a commercial product? Brings a bit of African flavour, either way.

Its a interesting point seems if I search for the term Kopje on line I get pictures of hills from all over Africa as if the term is basically now used for African hills, especially rocky ones, but I always thought it was an Afrikaner term and really something you'd find in southern Africa where a Boer had been.

Nice spot on the Baobab tree is was my first attempt at modelling one (I have another half finished on my painting desk) I wasn't really sure if I'd got the look or size right but I guess if you knew what it was suppossed to be I can't of done to bad a job  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Plynkes on May 29, 2021, 10:40:05 AM
Those things are effing massive, Jon. If you do them to scale with the figures, they will probably look way to big. I guess you have to find a nice compromise.

I have some nice toy ones I bought from the internet. But they are the other kind. The wide fat ones, rather than the tall slimmer ones.

Can't remember the make, but I quite like them...

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/30/163_21_11_17_6_57_31_0.jpg)

I think yours looks great, though. And you don't see too many on people's gaming tables, I don't think.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 29, 2021, 10:56:26 AM
Those things are effing massive, Jon. If you do them to scale with the figures, they will probably look way to big. I guess you have to find a nice compromise.

I have some nice toy ones I bought from the internet. But they are the other kind. The wide fat ones, rather than the tall slimmer ones.

Can't remember the make, but I quite like them...

I think yours looks great, though. And you don't see too many on people's gaming tables, I don't think.

I remember seeing yours a while back while searching the internet and thought it looked brilliant. I did go looking for toy ones, after that, I found one by Collecta but they where £30+ which seemed rather expensive. I think yours is an OOP Schleich one at the moment one of those is going on eBay for £300   :o  being a cheapskate mine was made from some PVC pipe, a Kinder egg and some wire  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Plynkes on May 29, 2021, 01:13:03 PM
Yes, Schleich, that was it.  Didn't know they were OOP. Good job I snatched mine when I did, then.


Kinder Eggs, eh? Is there anything they can't do? Way back in the day I made a 40k heavy bolter pillbox/emplacement out of a Humbrol paint pot with half a Kinder Egg on top of it.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 29, 2021, 02:21:38 PM
Yes, Schleich, that was it.  Didn't know they were OOP. Good job I snatched mine when I did, then.


Kinder Eggs, eh? Is there anything they can't do? Way back in the day I made a 40k heavy bolter pillbox/emplacement out of a Humbrol paint pot with half a Kinder Egg on top of it.  :)




Ahh early 40K the scratch builders golden era chuck a few bits of plastic junk together stick on a GW plastic gun boom instant sci-fi death ... the best part of using kinder eggs is the excuse to scoff chocolate
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - more gaming board tiles
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 06, 2021, 08:34:56 AM
Moving on to the river tiles for my modular African gaming board I thought it would be a good idea to do one tile as a test piece rather than jumping head first into doing all five at one. I did this because I wanted to modify the Sally 4th river tiles to make the river deeper and I wanted to make the river with epoxy resin. This gave me plenty of opportunity to balls things up so I figured wrecking one tile was better (and cheaper ) than wrecking five tiles.

I took a drill with a hole cutter to create a half circle, in the middle of the original river tile depression, for a deeper river (which you can see on the third picture down) that then meant, the original depression to represent the river on the tiles, could become steeper river banks which you often see, during African dry seasons, as the river level drops.

I had some fun with the epoxy resin as my attempts to block the ends of the river weren’t quite water tight which got a bit messy. I added a small amount of Tamiya mud green weather powder to the my first resin pour for some colour and then added a second clear top up layer of resin. The resin dries smooth so I used a gloss acrylic medium over the top to add some water flowing texture.

I added some plastic plants and used more green flocks closer to water of the river working out to the browns and yellows, of my other tile boards, at the tile edges. In theory when all laid out the river should look like a small streak of green life next to the water in a mass of dried out brown. In the end I think it came out pretty well so I just need to build the other four tiles now.


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_20210605_195632935.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_20210605_195648550.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_20210605_195655296.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/img_20210605_195700554.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Gaming board river tile test piece
Post by: Hu Rhu on June 06, 2021, 05:56:26 PM
That is an excellent piece of terrain and certainly looks the part. If you were looking for some variation you could try and stretch out the sandbanks on either side of the water which is a very African scene.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/51/6932-060621175558.jpeg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Gaming board river tile test piece
Post by: Diablo Jon on June 06, 2021, 07:56:03 PM
That is an excellent piece of terrain and certainly looks the part. If you were looking for some variation you could try and stretch out the sandbanks on either side of the water which is a very African scene.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/51/6932-060621175558.jpeg)

Yes when I was searching for pictures of African rivers there where quite a few pictures like that especially during the dry season when the water levels drop. Originally something like, the picture you posted, was going to be my plan the main issue was the Sally 4th laser cut tiles are only 12" square, and already have the holes cut for the river bed, so there wasn't really the room to do the wide river with sandbanks justice. Like most wargames rivers mine is really more of a stream. I haven't discarded the idea yet though as Sally 4th do beach and sea tiles which I could use to make a larger river (or lake) that I could get boats on....
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Gaming board river tile test piece
Post by: Clach Umha on June 30, 2021, 04:08:04 PM
.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Gaming board river tile test piece
Post by: Umra Khan on July 01, 2021, 12:00:35 PM
there are no words to describe your beautifuil scenery and paint work...just  S T U N N I N G !!!!!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Gaming board river tile test piece
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2021, 05:27:00 AM
there are no words to describe your beautifuil scenery and paint work...just  S T U N N I N G !!!!!

Lovely thread Diablo  8)

Great work on the table, textures, foliage, pigmenting, nice 8)

A lot of time, passion & lot of coin poured into that.

Really enjoyed the wee river boaty scene too, very cool indeed :D :D


Thanks guys
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Gaming board river tile test piece
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2021, 05:30:20 AM
A short and not particularly exciting update today I continue to spend my hobby time between packing up the wargames room and trying to finish up stuff on my painting shelf of shame. See my LAF thread on my wargames room renovations here.

https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=131769.0  (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=131769.0)

 These Ngoni were converted up from Warlord Games Zulus to bulk out the units in my Ngoni army so that I could use them with “The Men Who Would be Kings” rules. When I started my Darkest Africa project I was going to use “In the Heart of Africa” rules and made my Ngoni warrior units 12 figures each in TMWWBKs tribal infantry are 16 figures strong so I needed a few extra.

After I converted these miniatures I managed to get the skin blocked in and then never got any further so these took a bit longer than some of my other painting shelf of shame miniatures to finish up. I’ll admit these are not my best work but I’m not sure that will matter to much when they are mixed in with rest of my Ngoni horde.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_20210703_165748831.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_20210703_165744310.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Plynkes on July 05, 2021, 07:36:43 AM
I think they look fine, Jon. There's something about those Warlord plastics. Not the biggest fan of them (or plastics in general, if I'm honest). Some sat on my own 'shelf of shame' from the time they came out til last year. Not sure how long that was, but it was a long time.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2021, 08:19:44 AM
I think they look fine, Jon. There's something about those Warlord plastics. Not the biggest fan of them (or plastics in general, if I'm honest). Some sat on my own 'shelf of shame' from the time they came out til last year. Not sure how long that was, but it was a long time.

Yeah the warlord plastic Zulus are a bit odd I got a few sprues on eBay at a bargain price. I don't think the arms attaching at the elbow joints was a great design choice, the Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie ripped bodies don't help either and some of the heads are just plain weird. I swapped out a number of heads with ones from the Perry Zulus. The Perry  Zulus are nicer they have a more realistic
gaunt look to them. Almost all the African native miniatures I own look a bit to well fed compared to photos of real 19th century Africans imo

If I'm honest if I was starting a Ngoni army now I'd just bite the bullet and buy Copplestone's Ngoni. At the time I started this project though funds wouldn't stretch but a couple of boxes of Perry Zulus was affordable.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Peter on July 05, 2021, 08:37:41 AM
Very nice figures - good inspiration - keep it up

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2021, 10:25:05 AM
Very nice figures - good inspiration - keep it up

Thanks
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Plynkes on July 05, 2021, 01:18:37 PM
You are right about those Warlord lads all being ripped musclemen who clearly spend all their time at the gym. Most figures look way too bulked up compared to period photos, but I think these are the worst for it that I've seen.


It's a shame you never got into the Copplestone Ngoni, Jon. Mostly because they are some of the nicest African figures going. Really rate them, especially the Watuta, which I think are my favourite set of figures made by anyone ever.


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2021, 05:20:33 PM
You are right about those Warlord lads all being ripped musclemen who clearly spend all their time at the gym. Most figures look way too bulked up compared to period photos, but I think these are the worst for it that I've seen.


It's a shame you never got into the Copplestone Ngoni, Jon. Mostly because they are some of the nicest African figures going. Really rate them, especially the Watuta, which I think are my favourite set of figures made by anyone ever.

Very true never met a Copplestone miniature I didn't like.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 06, 2021, 05:34:26 AM
A while back I posted four test models I had painted to represent Portuguese Cacadores in Africa circa late 1860s to the mid 1890s. I’ve now added eight more to make a twelve figure unit. Surprisingly despite Portugal’s long history in Africa, and being a major player in the scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, information, in English at least, is really hard to come by on the Portuguese military forces in Africa. In the end I’ve had to rely heavily on Peter Abbots OOP Foundry book on Colonial African Armies. The internet doesn’t have much info either. If you type in “Cacadores” you get lots of information on the Peninsular War if you type in “Cacadores in Africa” you get lots of pictures of moustachioed, early 1970s Portuguese’s soldiers, with machine guns neither is much help to me.

A few things come up in Abbots’s book that I’ve tried to incorporate into this unit. First the Cacadores battalions in Africa recruited both local Africans, men of mixed race, Portuguese Goans and European Portuguese, and unlike most Europeans in Africa, mixed them all up in the same units. The Cacadores were issued with traditional Brown uniforms, but where also issued with a second white uniform, black leather equipment and kepis or white havelocks. Uniformity in the colonies was very variable though due to supply issues and so men could be wearing both colours of uniform as well as civilian and native clothing. It seems the further away you moved from the coast you went the more irregular the Cacadores looked.

Of course no one makes Portuguese soldiers for Africa (apart from Eureka’s massive three miniature range of 1890s soldiers) So I’ve had to improvise by finding suitable looking miniatures in other ranges like Foundry’s old west Mexicans and Darkest Africa, Copplestone Zanzibari Regulars, Perry Egyptians and Perry War of the Triple Alliance range. For conversions Perry ACW plastic heads and their black soldiers in Kepi head sprues are really helpful.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_20210705_184934737.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_20210705_184824697.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_20210705_185049955.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/img_20210705_185439074.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Portuguese Cacadores for Moçambique
Post by: Calumma on July 06, 2021, 06:01:42 AM
These look great and the background information is very useful. I’ve thought about setting a scenario in my latest campaign around a ruined Portuguese fort. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Portuguese Cacadores for Moçambique
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 06, 2021, 08:30:17 AM
These look great and the background information is very useful. I’ve thought about setting a scenario in my latest campaign around a ruined Portuguese fort.

Thanks I'm certainly going to expand these guys in to a field force for TMWWBKs and as usual I'll probably create a Portuguese in East Africa field force list using the information in Abbots Foundry book.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Portuguese Cacadores for Moçambique
Post by: Kingscarbine on July 12, 2021, 04:49:00 PM
Interesting subject and I'm glad you're interested in Portuguese of the period. Here are some sketches I made of the "Caçadores da Zambezia" volunteers in 1869. They were an European battalion sent from Lisbon.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Reinforcements
Post by: Kingscarbine on July 12, 2021, 04:53:04 PM
A while back I posted four test models I had painted to represent Portuguese Cacadores in Africa circa late 1860s to the mid 1890s.

Pass for 1860's but not later.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Portuguese Cacadores for Moçambique
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 12, 2021, 07:39:00 PM
Pass for 1860's but not later.

Thanks for the interest I'm sure you have more knowledge on the subject than I do. Sources are certainly scarce in English and as I've said I'm mostly reliant on the Wargames Foundry book on Colonial African armies. Having said that it does have pictures of an 1870 cacadore, and 1880s indigena infantry that I modelled my miniatures on. So I figured mine are good from the 1869 uniform reforms up until 1894-5ish when Albuquerque reformed the forces in east Africa.
   I know there were a number of uniform changes during that time in the metropolitan army but it seems they were slow to make to the colonies or the changes didn't apply to the colonies  for example according to Abbot in 1892 the metropolitan army replaced brown uniforms with blue tunics and Austrian cuffs but this change didn't extend to Africa.
   I Also think you can get away with outdated arms and uniforms to an extant Abbot again gives an example of a detachment of Portuguese troops in Guine that were relived after 14 years who hadn't received any new uniform for 12 years I can only imagine they didn't confirm to the latest uniform regulations.

It's certainly an interesting subject I wish there was more written in English of the Portuguese in Africa in the 19th century.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Portuguese Cacadores for Moçambique
Post by: Kingscarbine on July 12, 2021, 09:26:27 PM
Ofcourse. That's why I'm giving some help. If you have any questions...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Portuguese Cacadores for Moçambique
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 29, 2021, 07:54:37 AM
It's been a while since I posted anything mostly because I've renovating the wargames room. If your interested you can see how that turned out here https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=131769.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=131769.0)

Now I’ve got my wargames room back I decided to have a bit of a simple scenery bash, today, and make some new Elephant grass for my African gaming boards. I’ve tried to make Elephant grass before and although I quite liked the results it was a rather involved process which took a long time.

In reality battlefields in Africa, with Elephant grass, are covered in the stuff and you need rather a lot of model grass so I needed to find a simpler way of making elephant grass. As the name suggests Elephant grass is big, growing 12-14 feet high, and battles that took place among such grass saw the protagonists literally fighting blind.

So to represent this giant grass I went for the easy option of gluing, with my hot glue gun, plastic Aquarium grass, supplied by my local pet shop in a a foot square matt for £7.99, to bases and spraying it various shades of green and brown. Then I added some flock to the bases to match my terrain boards and done. You really can’t get a much easier terrain project. I made three decent sized clumps but I think I need to build several more to produce a really big area of grass perfect for ambushes.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_20210828_201648035.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_20210828_201559961.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/img_20210828_201446815.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Dr. The Viking on August 29, 2021, 11:37:36 AM
That has to be the best elephant grass I've seen!  :o

I went for many small bases for mine, but I guess I could add in some patches like this. My only concern is that you can't really fit figures in it.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Diablo Jon on August 30, 2021, 06:29:44 AM
That has to be the best elephant grass I've seen!  :o

I went for many small bases for mine, but I guess I could add in some patches like this. My only concern is that you can't really fit figures in it.
Thanks.

With regards to fitting miniatures inside that is, in my experience, one of the constant struggles of wargames terrain is often to get something to look better, and more realistic, means making it harder to place miniatures on if you make it more miniature friendly you often have to cut corners aesthetically. I did something similar with my jungle pieces

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/img_20191203_194802443.jpg?w=640)

what I tend to do, with scenery like this, is clump 3 or more bases together with gaps between and say the whole area counts as jungle, or elephant grass, the miniatures can move around in the gaps and still benefit from being in cover.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: OSHIROmodels on August 30, 2021, 06:49:50 AM
Lovely stuff, the elephant grass is a definite success  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: RedRowan on August 30, 2021, 07:27:28 AM
That elephant grass is brilliant, may need to borrow that idea!

Steve
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Plynkes on August 30, 2021, 09:40:21 AM
More wonderful stuff from Jon!



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: has.been on August 30, 2021, 11:13:22 AM
Quote
what I tend to do, with scenery like this, is clump 3 or more bases together with gaps between and say the whole area counts as jungle, or elephant grass, the miniatures can move around in the gaps and still benefit from being in cover.

This is the way to do it. many years ago the club I was then with,
Scimitar in Coventry, went in for 7YW. Among things that we all hated
were figures balanced precariously on rooftops, walls or on top of
(incredibly strong) stalks of corn. Someone, not I, came up with
the following:-
Buildings were grouped onto hardboard, say 3 or 4,
depends on building size, this represented a Hamlet.
Two such bases together = a village, & so on.
The smart thing, & again it weren't me, was that there was space
on each tile (gardens, village green etc) for ONE regiment. Therefore
Hamlets could hold one regiment, Villages two & so on.
The regiment(s) counted as occupying the buildings, but looked
good in the pictures (see early issues of the late lamented Duncan
MacFarlane's magazines).
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: FifteensAway on September 01, 2021, 02:37:09 AM
I well remember those WI articles - still have them stacked up somewhere - they will inspire how I do many of my buildings.  Just need the least available resource: time.  Come on retirement, get here soon.

Lovely work as always.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Calumma on September 01, 2021, 05:55:51 AM
Elephant grass looks great. I agree the best way to represent blocks of larger terrain is to use multiple small terrain pieces.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: MaleGriffin on September 02, 2021, 12:28:35 AM
Brilliant!!! Gorgeous brushwork! I really love the elephant grass!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 02, 2021, 08:31:47 AM
Thanks for the nice comments guys  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Isasi on September 02, 2021, 07:37:47 PM
Awesome work!.

Congratulations.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Hammers on September 03, 2021, 08:48:23 PM
Brill!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Elephant Grass Scenery Again
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 26, 2022, 06:18:10 AM
Wow it's been a while since I posted on this thread. You know how it goes you're super into a project but at some point, you need to take a break from it. After some time dabbling with orcs and sci-fi and other stuff, I recently got the urge to come back to my Africa project I've been painting up a new army which hopefully I'll be able to share soon. One of the things I've done is finally put together a more detailed Field Force list for the Ngoni to use in the Men Who Would be Kings rules which has been on my to do list for years. I figured it might be of interest to someone, so I'd thought I'd share.

The Ngoni were one of several groups of people from southern Africa displaced during the Mfecane of the early 19th century. Following defeat at the hands of the Zulus Zwangendaba Gumbi led his Nawandwe followers on a migration that eventually took them west of lake Nyasa and would see them reach the shores of Lake Tanganyika and settle on the Ufipa Plateau. Following Zwangendaba’s death in 1848 the Ngoni split into several groups. Some stayed in and around Ufipa and became known as Mafiti. A second group moved further north reaching Lake Victoria becoming the Tuta. A third group moved, under a chief named Zulu Gama, east and then south down the east side of Lake Nyasa and became known as the Gwangwara. Two other groups both led by sons of Zwangendaba (Mpezeni and Mhlahlo) would head back south around Lake Nyasa settling in the Heng valley and what is now eastern Zambia.

A second group of Ngoni possibly of Swati (Swazi) origin also headed north in or around the same time as Zwangendaba’s Ngoni led by a Iduna called Ngwane. This group became known as the Maseko Ngoni, and they travelled northwest of Lake Nyasa settling at Songea in present day Tanzania. Sometime in the early 1860s the Maseko met the Gwangwara Ngoni moving back south and were defeated by them. This resulted in most of the Maseko Ngoni moving south into Mozambique and then west to settle near lake Nyasa in the 1870s.


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/ngoni-map.jpg)

When the Ngoni migrated north, they brought Zulu fighting techniques with them and this gave the Ngoni an advantage over the local peoples they encountered in battle. The early years of the Ngoni migration saw almost constant fighting in which the Ngoni were almost always victorious. The Ngoni would move into an area defeat the locals, enslave the men into their regiments, marry the woman and then raid their neighbours every dry season. Once an area was stripped of resources the Ngoni would move on and start the process somewhere else. This had two effects one was to give the Ngoni a psychological advantage over many of their enemies that lasted right up to the end of the period with many tribes living in abject terror of Ngoni attack. In reality this awe of Ngoni military power was probably not warranted in the closing decades of the 19th century. Certainly, Mpezeni’s Ngoni put up a very poor performance against the central African rifles compared to the resistance the Zulus and Matabele had shown in their wars against British.  The second effect was to spread the Zulu style of warfare to other groups like the Bena, HeHe, Mambwe and Henga to the point where the Zulu style shield and stabbing iklwa could be found all over east and central Africa.

Visually Ngoni warriors looked a lot like Zulus. The classic Zulu shield, stabbing spear called an Iklwa and tufts of a cow’s tail (amashoba) worn below the knee were all in use. There were also differences, as they migrated across Africa the Ngoni incorporated defeated local peoples into their groups. Local women were married off to Ngoni men, the young men were forced to serve in Ngoni regiments and others were turned into agricultural slaves. This resulted in the Ngoni language and traditions being supplemented with local customs and languages. Which gave Ngoni dress a style of their own. Red cloth was popular as wraps, belts or decoration. headdresses made of Zebra skin or black cock feathers were popular and not seen among the Zulus. The head ring (known as an isicoco and part of a man’s hair style) worn by married Zulu warriors seems to have fallen out of favour as the 19th century wore on. The Tuta around Lake Victoria took to fighting naked due to the climate. One interesting snippet in W.A.L. Elmslie book Among the Wild Ngoni is he reports Mhlahlo’s Ngoni daubing their faces with white clay as a sign they had killed a man battle. Throwing spears seem to have been more common among the Ngoni than the Zulus of Shaka’s time.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/ngoni-warrior-1.jpg)

Ngoni military organization continued to be based on Zulu practices their armies were still called Impi and officers were still called InDuna even when other parts of the Zulu language dropped out of favour. It seems the Ngoni regiments came to be based on local villages rather than the military Kraals that the Zulus used. The Age set system was still used to recruit boys into the Ngoni armies but it’s not clear whether the regiments consisted of married men or unmarried men like the Zulus or just all warriors from the same locale. In at least one battle, against the Arabs, the young men (Amajaha) and the veterans (Amadoda) fought as two distinct groups. Regiments were organised into companies called Libuto by Lake Nyasa Ngoni. The number Libuto in a regiment nor the size of a Libuto seem to have been fixed.

Tactics wise the Ngoni seem to have continued with the time-honoured Zulu horns of the bull formation in open battle seeking to surround the enemy. Against stockaded villages Y.M. Cibambo mentions the Ngoni taking time to prepare an attack including the smoking of hemp and praise dances and not caring if their enemy knew they were there or not before rushing the stockade in the horns of the bull. Later in the century though the Ngoni had become far more cautious W.A.L. Elmslie describes two Ngoni attacks around lake Nyasa towards the end of the 19th century in both cases the Ngoni opted for surprise attacks at night on villages. Elmslie describes an attack on a Nkonde village where Ngoni warriors placed themselves at the entrance to each hut in the dark and called out to the inhabitants. As the men came out, they were speared by the waiting Ngoni while the women were grabbed to be kept as slaves. In the second attack described by Elmslie the Ngoni attacked several villages near his mission station at dusk catching the defenders by surprise and forcing many of them to flee to his mission house for safety.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/ngoni-4.jpg)

Guns never became part a major part of the Ngoni way of war. At the end of Mpezeni’s war, in 1898, the British found around 3000 guns in the king’s Kraal unused by the Ngoni against their British enemies despite facing a British army armed with breech loading rifles, machine guns and artillery the Ngoni had continued to fight with spears. Given the success of the Ngoni way of war and the fact many of the tribes they victimized had little access to guns themselves it is understandable they Ngoni didn’t see any need to change their methods. Giacomo Macola in his book the The Gun in Central Africa also argues the gun went against the Ngoni cultural ideal of a warrior.

Whatever the reasons the Ngoni disdain for guns it contributed to their decline as enemies, like the Yao and Bemba, became increasingly gun armed.  The Ngoni could still fight and prevail against gun armed opponents Mpenzeni’s Ngoni, for example, destroyed an Arab caravan of 400 guns in a battle along the Bua River in the late 1880s. However increasingly it seems the Ngoni disliked facing gun armed opponents. In both the attacks described by Elmslie above the victims (or in the case of the Nkonde traders from Karonga) armed with guns gave chase and caught up with Ngoni raiders and in both cases the Ngoni fled as soon as the victims started shooting (sadly Elmslie says not before the Ngoni speared many of their captives) despite heavily outnumbering their gun armed opponents. In 1892 the British at Fort Johnstone mounted an attack on the Yao warlord Zarafi along with a large group of Maseko Ngoni. The Ngoni however fled as soon as the Yao opened fire leaving the British in a very sticky situation. The nomadic Tuta around Lake Victoria were apparently so afraid of guns that they would pack up and leave an area if they saw a caravan flying the red flag of Zanzibar. During Mpenezi’s war with the British his impi failed to stand their ground over several days of confrontation the warriors breaking every time they came under fire certainly this performance doesn’t measure up well to the resistance mounted by the Zulus and Matabele against Colonial forces.


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/ngoni-3.jpg)

To create a Ngoni Field force in TMWWBKs we are naturally going to be using a lot of tribal infantry units. I’ve decided to split them into Amajaha (young men) and Amadoda (older veterans). On top of that I’ve split them into three time periods to represent the change in quality of the Ngoni as the century wore on and added two special rules to give some flavour.

Ngoni Field Force

1+ units of Amajaha – Tribal infantry 3pts

1+ units of Amadoda – Tribal infantry veteran (+1 Discipline) 4pts

The following options are available (but not compulsory) depending on time period

Migration period 1820 to 1848. (Early Migration from Natal until up until Zwangendaba’s death at Ufipa)

Upgrade any unit to fierce + 1pt

Upgrade Amajaha to veteran +1pt

Upgrade Amadoda to Elite + 1pt

Succession Period 1849 – 1885 (The period after Zwangendaba’s death that resulted in the Ngoni splitting in several groups and the rise of Ngoni kingdoms across central east Africa)

Upgrade Amadoda to Fierce + 1pt

Upgrade Amadoda to Elite +1pt

Downgrade Amajaha to represent conscripted non-Ngoni tribesmen (like Chewa or lake Tonga) to Unenthusiastic -1pt

Colonial Period 1885 to 1905 (The end of the Ngoni hegemony and subjection to the European powers)

Downgrade Amajaha to represent conscripted non-Ngoni tribesmen (like Chewa or lake Tonga) to Unenthusiastic -1pt

Theatre specific rules

Regardless of which time period you are using all Ngoni units are subject to the following rules

Character for Invincible Courage – All opposition Tribal Infantry not upgraded to fierce suffer -1 Discipline if any Ngoni units are on the table.

Fiendish Firesticks – All Ngoni units suffer an extra -1 Discipline whenever the take pinning tests caused by shooting from Irregular infantry or Regular infantry


(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/img_20191223_160933521.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: FifteensAway on November 26, 2022, 04:14:49 PM
Glad to see this thread getting active again.  One of my favorite threads in the Colonials realm.  Maybe it will get me refocused on my own stuff - much work done but stalled a bit the last couple of months for the humans, plenty of progress on the beasts (vast throngs of those!). 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: Plynkes on November 26, 2022, 06:54:42 PM
Very interesting stuff, Jon, and very comprehensive. The hard work you've done on that field force list hopefully won't be in vain, because I have a mind to steal it all when I get back into African gaming.  :)


Loving that photo of the warrior in warpaint. It's one I've never seen before, and I thought I'd seen all the photos of Ngoni that were out there.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 27, 2022, 08:47:50 AM
Glad to see this thread getting active again.  One of my favorite threads in the Colonials realm.  Maybe it will get me refocused on my own stuff - much work done but stalled a bit the last couple of months for the humans, plenty of progress on the beasts (vast throngs of those!).

Thank you, sir, appreciate it. 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 27, 2022, 09:08:01 AM
Very interesting stuff, Jon, and very comprehensive. The hard work you've done on that field force list hopefully won't be in vain, because I have a mind to steal it all when I get back into African gaming.  :)


Loving that photo of the warrior in warpaint. It's one I've never seen before, and I thought I'd seen all the photos of Ngoni that were out there.

Thanks mate. The warpaint one is interesting because I'd not seen any evidence of the Ngoni wearing warpaint but the HeHe and the Bena both painted their faces and there was certainly some cultural crossover between them and the Ngoni. I found the photo while trawling online but it was only when I read W.A.L. Elmslie mentioning the lake Nyasa Ngoni painting the faces with clay that the picture kind of made sense.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: miltiades on November 27, 2022, 04:01:37 PM
What a wonderful project! Amazing pictures and so many interesting historical data. Congratulations!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 28, 2022, 08:46:43 PM
What a wonderful project! Amazing pictures and so many interesting historical data. Congratulations!

Thank you 👍
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: FifteensAway on November 29, 2022, 03:45:46 PM
I've just scrolled through the whole of this thread (not read everything, just select bits) and I'm aghast!   :o

You have yet to show us your painted zebras and giraffes - and all those other African animals stuff you just need to do for when your games are set in other parts of Africa.

You know you want to do it.  You probably already have a stash of figures waiting for paint.  Come on, now, let's get to it.

(Says the man with 120+ 15 mm horses and mules waiting to get painted as zebras, mules work better just don't have enough of them.  Actually have some Pendraken 10 mm zebras in the mix for younger animals.  If I can face this task - maybe painting them in December (or maybe the Quagga from Museum Miniature onagers, 96+, maybe both), you can paint a few zebras.  Just remember if you have younger animals, their stripes are brown, not black.)

 o_o lol :D ;)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Ngoni Field Force for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 03, 2022, 07:18:04 AM
When I created my generic European Exploring expedition for TMWWBKs I painted up a number of Europeans and a flag bearer for each of the major nationalities who explored Africa to lead the expedition. All except for the French who only got a standard as I couldn’t find some miniatures that felt right for the Europeans. I finally found some French I liked in the Artizan miniatures French foreign legion range in their Senegalese Tirailleurs command pack. The miniatures have sat in my lead pile for some time but the other day I painted them up on a whim just for something a little different.

Unlike most of the other Europeans French explorers were rare in east and southern Africa and mostly stuck to west and central Africa places like the western Sudan, Chad, French Congo and Gabon. Some French explorers included Paul Du Chaillu an early explorer of Gabon in the 1860s. Pierre de Brazza (actually an Italian in the French navy) who explored the Ogouwe River and lower Congo River in two expeditions. Crampel and Dybowski both lead expeditions up the Ubangui River in the 1890s towards Lake Chad. One of the more famous French expeditions was the Fashoda Expedition because it caused an international incident with Britian. Captain Jean- Baptiste Marchand marched in 1897, with a force of less than two hundred men, from French Gabon to Fashoda in the Sudan (at the time under the rule of the Mahdists) with the aim of claiming the Sudan for France. The journey took two years across a vast swath of Africa that hadn’t yet been explored by Europeans.

Du Chaillu’s expedition was privately funded but he took 250 muskets, 12 better muzzle loaders and a breech loading double barrelled gun and revolvers for himself and recruited locals from the Commi river area as porters and bodyguards. De Brazza’s first expedition in 1876 consisted of 4 Europeans, 10 Senegalese laptots and 150 local boatmen in 10 canoes armament wise they only had 14 shotguns, several revolvers and some Winchester repeater rifles. For his second expedition into the Congo in 1879, he managed to con King Leopold of Belgium into funding it but planned to claim the territory for France. De Brazza took 87 Europeans and 291 Africans including European officers and NCOs, soldiers and sailors 27 Algerian volunteers with two French officers and the rest made up of newly recruited Senegalese laptots all armed with Remmington rolling block rifles. the Laptots wore an interesting uniform which Chris Peers in his Central African book shows as a version of French naval uniform complete with pompom beret. Marchand’s Fashoda expedition consisted of a 154 regular Senegalese tirailleurs with 12 French officers and were armed with 1892 French Berthier Artillery Musketoon which was a three round magazine carbine. Marchands porters were often just press ganged at the point of the gun rather than being paid workers like earlier explorers to the point that when left the French Congo he left the territory to deal with a number of rebellions caused by his actions.

The last two expeditions show how blurred the lines between exploring expeditions and military conquest became towards the end of the 19th century. On a wargaming note I would use my African explorer list for TMMWBKs (available on page 21 of this thread if you are interested) for Du Chaillu’s or De Brazza’s 1st expedition with no problem. The latter expeditions would probably need a new list given their military nature and large numbers of regular troops used. Any way time for the pictures.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_193650412.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_193607877.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_193552525.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_193531670.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_193514989.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - French African Explorers
Post by: Golgotha on December 03, 2022, 08:11:39 AM
Love this thread and the new additions.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - French African Explorers
Post by: JBaumal on December 04, 2022, 02:48:40 AM
Agreed, Love this thread and the new additions.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - French African Explorers
Post by: OSHIROmodels on December 04, 2022, 09:13:31 AM
Great stuff  :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - French African Explorers
Post by: CapnJim on December 04, 2022, 05:14:07 PM
Well, I must say, those guys sure look the part...
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - French African Explorers
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 05, 2022, 07:42:54 AM
Thanks for the nice comments chaps 👍
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - French African Explorers
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 19, 2022, 06:50:29 AM
A rather long post to introduce some a few miniatures I painted but I thought it helped illustrate the fun/frustration of trying to research the many native peoples of 19th century Africa so TLDR the pictures are at the bottom  :)

Another group of tribesmen for British Central Africa. These miniatures were inspired by a single line in Chris peers Central Africa book where he describes what he calls the battle of Fletcher’s Boma. During this engagement a small British colonial force are attacked by a much larger fore of Yao and allied Nguru tribesmen. My first stop was go to Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston’s book on Central Africa he also mentions the fight “Mr. Sharpe sent a small force of Sikhs and Atonga under Corporal William Fletcher, and an Atonga sergeant named Bandawe, to defend Malemia’s principal village where the Scotch missionaries were. This expedition, which only consisted of six Sikhs and a few Atonga, built a boma to protect themselves against any sudden attack from Kawinga. It was fortunate they did so, because a day or two afterwards he descended on them with 2, 000 men, many of them recruited from amongst the warlike Anguru of the countries east of Lake Chilwa” other than that sir Harry only mentions the Anguru twice more in his book. This kick started my journey down another rabbit hole trying to research an African tribe. My initial google searches weren’t proving very helpful I found a village in Nigeria and a tribe of Australian Aboriginals with similar names neither seemed very likely allies for the Yao. What it highlighted is how tribal names in Africa can be a real headache for researchers. Firstly, some tribes have more than one name the one they gave themselves; ones other Africans gave them and ones the Europeans gave them. Then there are the spellings which aren’t always the same in European sources and can vary depending on weather the source uses prefixes like Wa, A and Ba in front of the name. In the case of the Nguru research was particularly difficult due to some issues with the name in colonial Nyasaland. It took me a long time to finally pin down who the Nguru were so here is a little background on the naming.

The term Nguru (or Anguru) seems to have found use among the Colonial British authorities though I haven’t been able to pin down its exact provenance. In S.S. Murray’s A Handbook of Nyasaland (1922). Murray comments on the vagueness the term ‘Nguru’. The Nguru are, he explains, a number of different peoples loosely allied in the Makua-Lomwe language group but bearing separate designations like Atakwani, Akokola, that refer to different districts of origin in Mozambique. As they migrated into the Shire highlands the local people sometimes referred to them as Akapolo which in the local language meant “slaves”.
 In 1915 there was an incident called Chilembwe Rising this short but violent raising against British rule in the southern districts of Nyasaland mostly involved people of Nguru origin. After the rising was put down the term Nguru took on very negative connotations and persuade the British to move forward with plans for indirect rule using the Yao chiefs, who hadn’t supported the uprising. The term became so negative that Lewis Mataka Bandawe formed the Lomwe Tribal Society in 1943 which succeeded in stopping the colonial government using the word Nguru in its correspondences and adopt the word Lomwe (or Alomwe) which is the name used today. Interestingly in her 1906 book The Natives of British Central Africa Alice Werner describes the Lomwe, Anguru and Akapolo as being different tribes based on language and tatu patterns.

Once I had finally figured out the naming issue I could research a little more effectively for information and managed to dig up some photos and a bit more history. The Lomwe/Anguru moved, from what is modern day Mozambique, into the area east of and the edges of the Shire Highlands in four major migrations but I’m only really interested in the first two migrations that took place in the 19th century. The first happened in the later 19th century before the arrival of the British and seems to have been driven by drought the Lomwe, being an agricultural people, searching for better land to farm. The second migration took place in the 1890s, at the same time the British arrived in the area, this second migration seems to have been sparked by increasing Portuguese control of the original Lomwe homelands, including forced labour and heavy taxation, which the Lomwe were keen to avoid. These migrations weren’t on a tribal scale but rather in large family groups. The local Yao and Amang’anja (the southern branch of the Chewa people) welcomed the Lomwe groups into their lands often giving them land to farm this may seem odd but both the Yao and the Amang’anja chiefs were in a power struggle for control of the area before then having to deal with the arrival of the British so the extra man power was useful to them. Secondly the three groups shared some common cultural traits especially matrilineal descent and their languages, while different, were close enough to make communication possible. Despite this it obvious reading British sources the Anguru/Lomwe were still instantly recognisable from the other tribes of the area rather than being absorbed in the local cultures and that although they were subservient to local chiefs whose land they entered they formed their own settlements.

I found three period photos of Lomwe/Anguru one in Sir Harry Johnston's book of Anguru porters which I haven't found online. a second of a Anguru family which might be NSFW due to the presence of some 130 year old boobs so I won't post thatone up here and this one of a young Anguru man taken around 1906

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/nguru-2.jpg?w=768)

Alice Werner proves helpful with some descriptions on appearance of the Lomwe/Anguru in her 1906 book on British Central African tribes (both the above pictures come from her book). Referring to the picture above she says “we find that he wears his hair fairly long and divided into strands, with beads tied to the ends of them” she also goes on to mention tatus (really more scaring than conventional tattoos) among the natives saying “The Lomwe tribes have various patterns — one a crescent, turned downwards, just between the eyebrows, others a series of from three to six crescents in the same position. The Akapolo have a mark on each side of the chest, consisting of a crescent turned up, and two short, vertical cuts below it.” The wearing of the pelele, a type of upper lip piercing, by women was common to the all the tribes of the area according to Werner “The Akaplolo women, not content with the pelele, wear a brass nail, two or three inches long, in the lower lip as well.”

Of course as a wargamer my main interest was in the military side of the Lomwe/Anguru and how they fought as allies along side the Yao and here again my research was turning up very little info. Alice Werner has this small snippet in her book “The Lomwe country was for many years harassed by slavers, and its people were continually at war with one another — so much so that, in 1894, the villagers did not know the names of hills more than a day’s journey from their own homes, and travellers could not get guides except to the next village ahead of them. Perhaps this state of things accounts for the comparatively poor physique of the Akapolo”. The main question I couldn’t find an answer to was weather the Lomwe used guns obviously Werner’s picture above shows the young man with a spear and she also mentions hunting was carried out with spears, bows being the hunting weapon of the Amang’anja. Another strike against guns is that if the Lomwe were preyed on by slavers, most notably the Yao and the Makua both who took to using guns, they probably lacked many guns of their own, as it seems common practice for gun armed slavers (either Arab or tribal) to pick on victims without guns. If the Lomwe did lack guns then the assumption has to be spear and shield were used but what did they look like? Werner again has this little snippet when discussing the tribes of the Shire Highlands  “The bow was used as a weapon of war (with or without poisoned arrows) before the Angoni introduced the shield and stabbing spear”. The Ngoni in question are the the Maseko Ngoni. The Maseko were a separate group Zwangendaba Gumbi’s more famous Ngoni, and they migrated from Swaziland, travelling northeast of Lake Nyasa before settling at Songea in present day Tanzania. Sometime in the early 1860s the Maseko met the Gwangwara Ngoni who had migrated North up the western side of lake Nyasa before moving back south, down the eastern side, of lake Nyasa and were defeated by them. This resulted in most of the Maseko Ngoni moving south back into Mozambique through the lands of the Makua, Lomwe and Yao before settling on the southern end of lake Nyasa under king king Cikusi in the1870s. and then annually raiding the Shire highlands and surrounding areas. This would have put the Lomwe/Anguru (along with the other tribes in the area) in a position to have had plenty of interaction with the Ngoni these interactions, all across east Africa, frequently saw the adoption of Ngoni military equipment by the Ngoni's victims and this is one of the reasons the Nguni style shield is so iconic in areas far from the Nguni homelands.

So at this point I have to admit I was reaching and with a lack of anything concreate on the Lomwe at war I had to just make some best guesses based on what little I did know and so I came up with these miniatures to act as allies/subjects of the Yao army I’m building. In the end I decided to plump for spears and shields because if nothing else they would be a nice counterpoint to all my musket armed Yao during games.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_194220093.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_194002323.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_194032150.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_194054648.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20221127_194117088.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/img_20220908_192249377.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Plynkes on December 19, 2022, 09:15:30 AM
I love this kind of thing. Trying to figure out how to represent obscure peoples that there isn't all that much info about is one of my favourite things to do in Darkest Africa. It's very satisfying when your conversion ideas all come together.



Good job on the hair, am I right in thinking that those are North Star figures, some of them at least?


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 19, 2022, 09:29:58 AM
I love this kind of thing. Trying to figure out how to represent obscure peoples that there isn't all that much info about is one of my favourite things to do in Darkest Africa. It's very satisfying when your conversion ideas all come together.



Good job on the hair, am I right in thinking that those are North Star figures, some of them at least?


Yes Northstar Ila ( senior warriors) either with head swaps from Foundry natives with braided hair or green stuff hair sculpted on. I wanted natives in skirts rather than lion cloth. If I'm honest I would have liked to use smaller Nguni shields like this

(https://www.hoogeduinpostcards.com/winkel/scans/106534.jpg)

but the only separate ones I could find were the big ones.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Plynkes on December 19, 2022, 09:47:02 AM
Empress sell packs of the smaller ones, I've bought loads of them for my conversion efforts.





Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 19, 2022, 09:51:29 AM
Empress sell packs of the smaller ones, I've bought loads of them for my conversion efforts.

Ohhh thanks I'll look into that I brought some from foundry and Northstar both lovely shields but big.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Plynkes on December 19, 2022, 09:54:53 AM
Empress sell separate big and small packs, so you can pick which you get. They aren't as tiny as the one the guy on the right in your picture is holding, but they are a fair bit smaller than most out there.



Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Diablo Jon on December 19, 2022, 10:12:12 AM
Empress sell separate big and small packs, so you can pick which you get. They aren't as tiny as the one the guy on the right in your picture is holding, but they are a fair bit smaller than most out there.


Yeah I think the guy on the right either picked his up in a tourist shop or was at the back of the queue when they hand out the cow hide... :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Thew2 on December 20, 2022, 07:22:45 PM
Great to read your research, and wonderful job on the conversions. They look great!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 09, 2023, 06:10:00 AM
I've painted up myself a force of Central African Rifles which were in effect the armed forces of British Central African protectorate (later to become Nyasaland and today known as Malawi) for use with  The Men Who Would be Kings rules. I figured as its a slightly obscure topic a bit of wargamers history might be in order so today is two rather long history posts and tomorrow I'll post up the miniatures and a field force list for TMWWBKs 

In 1859 David Livingstone “discovered” one of the African great lakes which he named Lake Nyasa he also explored the southern and western regions around the lake and reported the area would be ideal for missionary work due to the climate and fertility of the area. The 1860s and 70s saw a steady but small influx of British missionaries and settlers moving into the area. In 1878 The African Lakes Company was formed in Glasgow with goal of setting up a trade and transport network in the area. The company had hoped to receive charted status from the British government however the company’s lacklustre performance in the Karonga (or Slaver) war between 1887 and 1889 persuade the British Government they weren’t up to the task of administering the area.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/british-central-africa-map.png)

The Berlin conference of 1884 and the subsequent “Scramble for Africa” saw tensions in the area raise between the British settlers and the Portuguese who were trying to claim ownership of the area to the south and east of the lake, In particular the Shire River and Shire Highlands. To try and prove control of the area the Portuguese sent several expeditions, in the 1880s, into the area to try and make treaties with local chiefs. The British government at the time wasn’t keen to commit to taking responsibility for the area though paradoxically they didn’t want to cede control of the area to the Portuguese either. Under pressure from the British missionaries and settlers in the area the foreign office appointed a consul to Mozambique and the Interior the position came with no real power but a remit to see what the situation with the Portuguese in the area was. Britain’s choice for consul, Henry Hamilton Johnston, travelled to the area and 1889 and met with Major Serpa Pinto. Major Pinto was operating on behalf of the Portuguese government with a force of 800 “Zulu” soldiers, but Johnston warned him not cross the Ruo River into the Shire Highlands. Shortly after Johnston headed back to the coast and left John Buchanan a local settler as his deputy. When Major Pinto’s successor crossed the Ruo River in September 1889 and clashed with some local tribesman Buchanan, against foreign office orders, declared a British protectorate over the Shire Highlands. Shortly after that Johnston declared a second protectorate, again without foreign office approval, called the Nyasaland Districts Protectorate over territories to the area west of the lake. Bowing to popular pressure, and with an offer from Cecil Rhodes British South African Company to fund the administration of the new protectorate, the British Central African protectorate was endorsed by the Foreign Office in May 1891.

Johnston arrived in Chiromo, in the south of the new protectorate, on July 16th, 1891, as the protectorates first Commissioner. The reality was he controlled very little of the vast area now claimed by the British, but he now had access to resources and money provided by the British South African Company. Johnston’s main obstacles to imposing British rule were the Yao chiefs in the Shire Highlands, The Ngoni of which there were two main groups one in the south and one in the northwest and The Swahili slavers under Mlozi and the north end of the lake. Johnston realized he didn’t have the resources to deal with Mlozi in the north until he had secured the south of the protectorate, so he signed a truce with the northern slavers to concentrate on the Yao chiefs in the south. To facilitate this Johnston, need a military force which had to be built from scratch using three main elements Africans, Indian soldiers and European officers in addition the Royal Navy would provide additional military aid with several gunboats.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/askari.jpg)

The first Africans recruited by Johnston were fifty Makua that he had picked up as guards and porters in Portuguese territory on his way back from the coast to take up his role of Commissioner once in post these Makua men were formed into a native police force. Further Africans were then recruited from among the Swahilis, a contingent of 150 being recruited in Zanzibar in 1891 and given Sikh NCOs. The Swahilis didn’t prove to be particularly good soldiers and 1893, when their enlistments expired, they were mostly sent home and local Africans, mainly lake Tonga, started to be recruited instead. The initial Lake Tonga soldiers had in fact been recruited by the African lakes company for their war with Mlozi at Karonga they weren’t uniformed and had little formal military training but were employed by the Protectorate authorities in 1893 for an expedition against Liwonde and were employed thereafter, as irregulars, until 1895 when they were formal recruited and trained. Enlistment was initially for a year at a time and for service only in the Protectorate.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/defenders-of-karonga.jpg)

By 1896 the now formally titled Central African Rifles there were 3 companies of Tonga (A, D and E coys) 2 companies of Yao (B and C coys) and one company of mixed Chewa and Ngoni men (F coy). In later year the British tended to favour the recruitment of men from the Ngoni and the Yao tribes these being considered the most warlike tribes and thus the best soldiers.                      Each company was stationed at its own fort or Boma. A company was made up of 108 African soldiers 6 African sergeants, six African corporals and a British officer a Sikh colour sergeant and several Sikh drill instructors.                                                                                                                                         

 By 1898 the number of companies had been increased to eight as the need arose for border forts in Northern Rhodesia to be garrisoned (it should be noted North-eastern Rhodesia had no army units and only a constabulary thus it fell on the Central African Protectorate to provide military forces as needed in North Rhodesia). 1898 was also the year it was decided to use the Central African rifles for overseas service. First attempts to gain volunteers from the existing companies to serve against the Ashanti resulted in mass desertion of the African troops (remember these men had signed up for local service). On the back of this episode a 2nd regiment of Central African rifles was raised with new enlistment requirements of three years’ service with up to two years served overseas. The 2nd regiment was then sent to Mauritius in 1899.                                                                                                                         

In 1900 the two regiments were recombined and re-named the Central African Regiment. The 2nd battalion was then split half going to Somaliland while the other half of the 2nd battalion and half the first battalion were sent to west Africa in various campaigns. Finally in 1901 the Central African battalions become part of the Kings African Rifles and started a new chapter in their history. Uniforms were provided to African troops in the form of a khaki shirts, three-quarter length trousers and a black fez. Belts and equipment were provided in brown leather.  An undress uniform of blue with a red fez was also provided to the recruits. The khaki uniform was replaced once a year for free, but the dress uniform was only provided once and the soldiers becoming financially responsible for its upkeep. To start with armament was the aging but still effective Snider Enfield rifle. When they were first recruited by the African Lakes Company half of the lake Tonga were armed with muzzle loading Enfield rifles and it is not clear if they continued to use these early in their British service but by 1896 at the latest the snider was in use by all. The snider was replaced in 1899 with the Martini-Henry Enfield rifle firing smokeless .303 rounds. Interestingly a Captain Manning reported that initially the upgrading to Martini rifles caused a drop of in musketry standards as the African troops were in awe of the new weapon and confused by the lack of smoke, kick and barely perceptible puff of dust the bullet kicked up.

   Initially NCOs were provided by the Sikh soldiers but by the end of the period, as the gained more experience, local Africans provided most of the NCO positions. One incident that may well have pushed this development came from Captain Percival the commanding officer at Fort Mangoche in 1898 he was attempting to stop raids, by men loyal to the chief Zarafi, and having trouble pinning these raiders down he petitioned his commanding officer to drop the standing order that African troops were to always be accompanied by a Sikh NCO. He then organised small aggressive patrols of only African troops who lived of the land and as such were able to hunt down the raiders far more effectively than if they were accompanied by Sikhs and Europeans who couldn’t live of the land or move as fast through the terrain.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/sikh-in-africa-2.jpg)

The Indian recruits were provided by an initial contingent of 40 Sikh infantry and 20 Muslim lancer cavalry under a captain Maguire in 1891. The cavalry proved to be of little use as their horses were quickly lost to tsetse fly and they had little training in fighting dismounted. So much of the early fighting fell on the shoulders of the Sikhs. The Sikhs proved so successful that when the original Indian soldier’s enlistments ended in 1893, they were replaced by a new contingent of 200 Sikh soldiers. The Sikhs were employed not only as frontline infantry but as NCOs and drill instructors, for the African soldiers, and technical specialists operating artillery and machineguns. As mentioned above Sikhs were attached to every African company as drill instructors, they also carried out other roles in the company including overseeing supplies and stores, guard duties, escort duties, running the fort in the absence of a British officer and being put in charge of any detachment of African soldiers without a British officer. As well as those Sikhs attached to each African company around 100 Sikhs in their own company were, in 1896, stationed at the military headquarters at Zomba were they seemed to have formed a strategic reserve. In 1898 with the increase in African companies and a reorganisation of the forts a detachment of 40 Sikhs were sent to garrison Fort Maguire.     

 Captain Percival who arrived in 1898 to command a fort made some interesting observations about the Sikhs including that they had much of their rations imported from India which had to be transported with them and that they tended to pick up a large following of non-combatants including tailors and cobblers all of which tended to be a supply burden when on campaign especially when compared to the African soldiers who were paid a few pence a day to buy food locally.

   Harry Johnstone is said to have designed a fetching undress uniform for the Sikh soldiers which included a black turban and Zouave jacket with yellow trim, a white shirt and cummerbund and yellow trousers. Sadly however, for miniature painters, in the field the Sikhs wore the usual khaki Indian field dress and brown leather equipment though it seems that they retained the black turban. Like the Africans the Sikhs were initially equipped with Snider rifles latter upgrading to Martini Enfield’s firing smokeless .303 rounds.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/sikh-in-africa.jpg)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - More African natives painted the Lomwe/Anguru
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 09, 2023, 06:10:23 AM
The British officers came from a variety of sources many, like Captain Maguire of the Hyderabad lancers, were seconded from the Indian army, but captains Gough and Percival were both officers in the Rifle Brigade. In 1898 when Percival arrived in the Protectorate the regiment was under command of a Major H.E Brake of the Royal Artillery. Several officers were based at the military headquarters first at Blantyre and then from 1895 at Zomba while every African company had a single British officer in charge. It is interesting comparing the experiences of the officers in Zomba, like Gough, and those sent to command companies at forts on the frontiers like Percival. Gough mentions the good shops in Blantyre, the good hunting to be had outside Zomba he also mentions the gymkhana club were officers played football and cricket and the pool table at the mess. Meanwhile Percival talks about the loneliness of being the only English speaker at his fort the inability to get even simple supplies like string (while head quarters officers can decorate their houses with also sorts of modern luxuries) and the lack of medical support with only four qualified doctors in the whole protectorate and none stationed outside the main towns.

    Percival gives a good description of the duties company officers were supposed to carry out in addition to their military duties. The British had introduced Collectors, who were responsible for the civil administration in the protectorate, and the company commanders were expected to support the local Collector as required. However often the Collector post was unfilled, and the commander of the local fort was required to take on the collectors’ duties to. Percival lists the civil duties he was required to carry out during his two years as company commander which included road building, bridge building, post office services, law and order, running a prison service, collecting hut tax and dealing with refugees at the border and administrating a smallpox vaccine program. On top of that he had his usual military duties that included monthly fort accounts in triplicate, pay for the men, ordering of supplies, the upkeep and maintenance of the fort, recruitment and training of men and the suppression of the slave trade and raiders. Uniform wise there seems to have been some leniency on uniform for the British officers but as a rule khaki uniform with a sun helmet seems to have been the order of the day.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/fort-maguire.jpg?w=768)

One of the advantages the British enjoyed over their various native opponents was in artillery. There was no dedicated artillery unit in the Central African Protectorate, but several guns and machineguns were available to the British forces and manned by men of the Central African Rifles. A few examples in some of the very early campaigns against the Yao in 1891 the British had access to 7pdr mountain gun. A second 7pdr gun was captured by the Yao chief Zarafi in 1892 after he defeated a mixed British/Ngoni force outside Fort Johnston. In 1895 the British moved against the Arab slaver Mlozi with a large force that included according to Harry Johnston “a strong artillery contingent of several guns” Johnston doesn’t say how many guns were included in this contingent, but we do know that it included a 9pdr gun and a Nordenfelt machine gun both crewed by the royal navy. In 1896 a British force including a 7pdr gun was sent to the lake Shirwa to deal with slave raiders.  In 1898 the Central African Rifles were deployed into North-eastern Rhodesia to deal with the Ngoni kingdom of king Mpezeni with them they took two 7pdr guns and two Maxim guns. Percival mentions that in 1898 the company based at Fort manning was larger than the other companies and included a gun detachment equipped with an “antiquated gun”. In the years 1899-1900 the British undertook a joint expedition with the Portuguese along their mutual border the British force included two 7pdr guns and a maxim machine gun.

Once the area around lake Nyasa became an official protectorate the way was paved for the deployment of the Royal navy to the lake. Even before the protectorate was declared the Royal navy ran two gunboats (HMS herald and Mosquito) on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River was connected to Lake Nyasa via the 250-mile-long Shire River in theory boats could travel up the Shire River to lake Nyasa but in practice the upper Shire was very shallow only navigable by boats with a shallow draft and the middle shire had a series of cataracts that were impassable to boats. This meant the Zambezi gunboats could offer only limited help along the lower shire river.

   On the lake itself the African Lakes company already ran the unarmed steam ships the Ilia and Domira, the university missionaries also had a steamboat, and the German anti-slavery society operated another steamboat on the north end of the lake. These could be pressed into service by the colonial authorities as transport and supply vessels. Sometime around 1892-93 the gunboat HMS Dove was sent to the Protectorate she was a shallow draft, side paddle ship. Armed with a 3pdr Quick fire gun and a maxim machine gun her main job was to patrol the upper shire river. In 1893 a royal naval contingent of 27 men lead by commander Chas Hope Robinson arrived with HMS Pioneer and Adventure. The two boats had been disassembled in the UK and had to be rebuilt at fort Johnston by their crews. Each boat had two 3pdr quick fire guns and a Maxim .303 machine gun. These two boats were then replaced by the HMS Guendolen and HMS Chauncy Maples around 1900. The royal navy and civilian steamboats gave the British the ability to move forces and supplies quickly around the lake as well combat the Dhows operated by Arab and Yao slavers. The Royal navy men were also occasionally found fighting on land as already mentioned they operated some of the artillery used to finally defeat Mlozi and in fact the whole artillery force in that campaign was commanded by a Commander Cullen of the Royal Navy. Another naval officer was at the British defeat by Yao chief Zarafi in 1892 outside Fort Johnston. Petty officer Inge bravely mounted a one-man rear guard using a 7pdr gun, in the face of 2000 Yao warriors to allow the rest of the British to retreat before he managed to make his escape unharmed.

Finally, I thought it would be useful to give a brief detail of some (certainly not all) the campaigns and battles involving the British forces of the protectorate. Between 1891 and 1901

One of the first tests for the protectorate’s new army came in 1891 against the Yao chief Mponda who was raiding for slaves and causing trouble with the local British settlers. Harry Johnston and captain Maguire led a force of 70 Sikhs, 9 Swahilis and a 7pdr gun to deal with him. Close to Mponda’s village they built a Boma that went on to become Fort Johnston and then proceeded on to Mponda’s village which they shelled with incendiary shells from the 7pdr. Amazingly Mponda had an artillery piece of his own, and antique muzzle loader, with which he attempted to return fire. However, the artillery duel favoured the British and Mponda sort terms the other Yao chiefs soon followed suit at least temporarily.

Zarafi one of the most powerful Yao chiefs rebelled in 1892 after the British had suffered some battlefield reverses in late 1891 against other Yao chiefs. Zarafi started a loose blockade of Fort Johnstone. The local civilian Collector at Fort Johnston a Mr King managed to forge an alliance with a group of Maseko Ngoni and together with the fort’s garrison marched out to confront Zarafi. Sadly, the Ngoni fled on contact with the Yao and Mr king was badly wounded by a musket ball early in the battle. The British were saved from a worst disaster by Petty officer Inge, of the Royal Navy, who maned the expeditions 7pdr gun as a rear guard until he ran out of ammunition.

1893 saw the arrival of the Royal Navy gunboats and Captain C.E. Johnson of the 36th Sikhs, to replace Captain Maguire who had been killed in action, as well as the arrival of more Sikhs bring their number up to 200. In 1894 these forces moved against the Yao chief Makanjira who had attacked the British ally the Arab Jumbe. Jumbe’s followers joined the British in an attack on the village of Chiwaura an ally of Makanjira which was stormed by the Sikhs after some hard fighting. This was the start of the end for Makanjira who by 1895 had been driven out of his land, by a Major Edwards leading a mixed column of Sikhs and Africans, and into Portuguese territory the British then built a fort on his lands.

1895 saw the final showdown between Mlozi and the British. Harry Johnston had been forced to sign a peace treaty with Mlozi in 1891, due to the weak nature of British military power at the time, by 1895 the British were in a much stronger position. In the intervening years Mlozi had continued to terrorise the Nkonde people, carried on with the slave trade, building new stockades and recruiting more men from the Bemba tribe of North-eastern Rhodesia. The British forces consisted of 10 British officers 100 Sikhs, 300 Africans and a strong force of artillery which included a 9pdr gun and a Nordenfelt Machine gun crewed by Royal Navy sailors. This force was given the title of the “Ever Victorious Army” by Harry Johnston. Unlike the earlier Karonga war, were the African Lakes Company tried and failed to take several slaver’s stockades the British, and their artillery, captured three stockades including Mlozi’s in one day. The first two Stockades were abandoned by the slavers after a short artillery bombardment and the slavers retreated to Mlozi’s main stockade. The British were now joined by a large force of several hundred Nkonde spearmen and in the afternoon attacked Mlozi with an artillery bombardment. The defending slavers probably numbering nearly 1000 men attempted a sortie but the Nkonde spearmen, without orders, counter charged and drove the slavers back into the stockade with heavy casualties. The Sikhs then went into the attack scaled the stockade walls and entered the stockade. Commander Cullen of the Royal Navy broke down one of the stockade gates with an axe and the Nkonde stormed into the stockade at which point slaver resistance crumbled. Mlozi was found hiding in a secret tunnel under his hut, where he was captured by a Tonga Askari sergeant called Bandawe, tried by drum court and hung on the spot.

In 1896 Captain Gough was part of expedition to the region around Lake Shirwa (Chilwa) on the border with Portuguese territory against slavers and raiders. The expedition consists of four companies of Africans 50 Sikhs and a 7pdr gun. Much to Goughs disappointment the raiders fled upon the approach of the British and there was quote “Not much of a show”

In 1898 war broke out in Northern eastern Rhodesia with the Ngoni Kingdom of Mpezeni (mostly thanks to the German Karl Peters) the locally raised Askari constabulary weren’t equipped to deal with several thousand Ngoni warriors so military support was requested from British central Africa. Captain H.E.J. Brake, Royal Artillery marched six rifle companies of Africans, 118 Sikhs, Maxim Guns and 2 7-pounder field guns into Mpezeni’s kingdom and in a short campaign defeated the Ngoni. It must be said that given the resistance shown by the Matabele and Zulu against the British the Ngoni of Rhodesia put up a very poor show often breaking contact after a couple of artillery shots.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/the-anglo-portuguese-expedition-to-british-central-africa.jpg)

1n late 1899 early 1900 the British and Portuguese launched a joint operation along their borders around lake Shirwa. The borders were a good place for rebels, slavers and raiders as they could dodge pursuit by slipping across the border where colonial forces couldn’t follow. In this joint operation the British deployed 10 British officers, 500 African Askari, 135 Sikhs 2 7pdr guns and a maxim guns. The Portuguese deployed 200 European regulars and several hundred African irregulars. The British officers were less than impressed with the Portuguese irregulars many of them being Angolan convicts. Percival comments that the irregulars were given old British military jackets by the Portuguese, to help distinguish them from the local Africans. He even saw one wearing a green rifles jacket and that Portuguese irregulars were often seen carrying slave sticks for their prisoners.

Part 2 coming soon
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - History of the Central African Rifles
Post by: Plynkes on January 09, 2023, 08:33:35 AM
I love this stuff. I've long wanted to do a Central African Rifles project, and pit them against my 'Angoni Zulus.'

This is about as far as I ever got though, a fun little conversion, done many years ago...


(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/6/163_09_05_10_6_42_32_1.jpg)


...though it seems that they retained the black turban.

I've read that too, but I've definitely seen a photo where it appears that the turban is khaki. Unfortunately I don't have that pic to hand right now. I've 'ummed and ahhed' about that for a good while, and as we speak my first three Sikhs are still sitting on the painting table, pretty much finished except for their turbans, as I can't quite make my mind up as to what colour to go with.  :)





Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - History of the Central African Rifles
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 09, 2023, 10:50:30 AM
I love this stuff. I've long wanted to do a Central African Rifles project, and pit them against my 'Angoni Zulus.'

This is about as far as I ever got though, a fun little conversion, done many years ago...


(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/6/163_09_05_10_6_42_32_1.jpg)


I've read that too, but I've definitely seen a photo where it appears that the turban is khaki. Unfortunately I don't have that pic to hand right now. I've 'ummed and ahhed' about that for a good while, and as we speak my first three Sikhs are still sitting on the painting table, pretty much finished except for their turbans, as I can't quite make my mind up as to what colour to go with.  :)

Mate that Sikh is great

Interesting little snippet I found during my research was the Regiment's fifes and drums were stationed at headquarters, along with the Sikh company and were nicknamed the the canaries by the other soldiers because of their yellow trousers. No idea of the make up of the regimental band  weather they were Sikh, African or a mix of both but you have to assume they wore something similar to the Sikh infantry dress uniform.

I think the info on turbans is from Chris Peers  but I think the photo graphic evidence points more towards Khaki turbans. I went with black turbans because they tied in nicely with the Africans black fez which is good from an army painting point of view and also it just breaks up all the Khaki on the miniatures. I think it's a tough ask for anyone to prove either way beyond doubt.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - History of the Central African Rifles
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 10, 2023, 06:14:40 AM
Here is the second part of my look at the British Central Africa Protectorate having given you the background history in Part one yesterday here is a Field force list for using them in games of TMWWBKs plus some pictures of my freshly painted Central African Rifles. These miniatures are perfect for 1894/5 onwards if I need African soldiers for the earlier period the irregulars from my African Lakes Company army will fill in very nicely.

British Central African Field Force 1891-1901

Sikh soldiers. The Sikh soldiers were the mainstay of the early British forces and continued to play an important part right until the end of the era.

 Regulars upgraded to elite 7pts per unit

African Askari.  It took some time for the local raised Africans to gain the training and experience to become good soldiers but the end of the era they were good enough to be sent to fight in Britain’s wars elsewhere in the world.

From 1891 irregular infantry, poor shots 3pts per unit

Upgrade any unit to well-armed +1pt

From 1895 Regulars 6pts per unit


0-1 Artillery. The British had a distinct advantage in artillery over their native opponents and few expeditions weren’t accompanied by a 7pdr mountain gun or two. Towards the end of the era maxim guns were also becoming common. There were no dedicated artillerymen African and Sikh riflemen were used to crew the weapons instead. Occasionally royal navy sailors were brought on land to crew artillery.

From 1891 poorly drilled field gun 4pts

From 1895 regular drilled field gun 6pts or poorly drilled machinegun (Nordenfelt) 4pts

From 1898 drilled machinegun (maxim gun) 6pts


Allies occasionally the British had local allies to assist them.

1892 Maseko Ngoni. Rather unreliable allies trust them at your own risk

Upto half your field force points on tribal infantry downgraded to Unenthusiastic 2pts per unit

1893-4 Jumbe. A local Arab potentate who could field several hundred-armed men.

Upto half your field force points on irregular infantry, poor shots, antiquated muskets 2pts per unit

1895 Nkonde warriors. After years of abuse at the hands of Mlozi and his slavers the Nkonde joined the British in attacking Mlozi’s stockade where they fought very well.

Upto a third of your field force points on Tribal infantry upgraded to fierce 4pts per unit

1899 Portuguese. I would suggest the joint operation by the British and Portuguese is best handled by having two separate field forces on the table in a multiplayer game rather than one combined field force.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20221204_193700914.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161247889.jpg?w=1024)
 
(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161441520.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161630916.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161107899.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161002154.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161719101.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/img_20230106_161807070.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Dr Mathias on January 12, 2023, 02:57:36 AM
Awesome project :)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on January 12, 2023, 07:46:27 AM
Awesome project :)

I quite agree. And I would say that I think going with the black turban was the way to go… artistically speaking at the very least.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Tom Dulski on January 12, 2023, 12:05:10 PM
What kind of machine gun is that? Looks like a 50 cal.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 12, 2023, 12:13:16 PM
Awesome project :)

Thanks

]
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 12, 2023, 12:13:49 PM
I quite agree. And I would say that I think going with the black turban was the way to go… artistically speaking at the very least.

Thanks 👍
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on January 12, 2023, 12:15:23 PM
What kind of machine gun is that? Looks like a 50 cal.

 Very early maxim gun made by Northstar

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Maxim_machine_gun_Megapixie.jpg/220px-Maxim_machine_gun_Megapixie.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Tom Dulski on January 12, 2023, 12:31:52 PM
oh interesting, thanks
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - History of the Central African Rifles
Post by: Hammers on January 17, 2023, 01:04:43 PM

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/6/163_09_05_10_6_42_32_1.jpg)


That's some ölovely painting there, Dylan.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Painted Central African Rifles for TMWWBKs
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 03, 2023, 05:23:44 AM
In 2023 I embarked on a  new Napoleonic project which I've enjoyed but having finished painting up a bunch of Bavarians I decided I needed a little break from painting Napoleonic uniforms and paint something a little simpler. As it happens Northstar ran a January sale where they discounted Mark Copplestone’s Darkest Africa range among others. It was to good an offer to miss so I grabbed a few more miniatures for my never ending sub Saharan African colonial project. Among those miniatures were some Zanzibar Regulars which with a simple uniform and practically no equipment seemed like a stress free paint job to take a break from lace, button holes and endless straps. At some point I plan to do a whole post on the Sultan of Zanzibar’s “new” army, but briefly in 1877 the British helped the Sultan create and train a small uniformed army to help him gain better control of his mainland subjects and suppress the slave trade. Unlike the Sultans previous irregular soldiers these men were uniformed and armed with breechloading rifles. Like all Copplestone miniatures these were a joy to paint (so much so I started on another unit) but now I need to be disciplined and get back to the pile of Napoleonic miniatures.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/zanzibar-soldiers-1872-granger.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_20230416_191533140.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_20230416_191604845.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_20230416_191625417.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_20230416_191643645.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_20230416_191713231.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/img_20230416_191735739.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Return to Zanzibar
Post by: Dr Mathias on May 03, 2023, 10:13:51 PM
Good to see an update :)

I did a Zanzibar regulars group myself, so neat to see them show up.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Return to Zanzibar
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 04, 2023, 07:20:42 AM
Good to see an update :)

I did a Zanzibar regulars group myself, so neat to see them show up.

Thanks they are great miniatures and nice counterpart to my Arab/Swahili army both as allies and enemies.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Return to Zanzibar
Post by: Tom Dulski on May 04, 2023, 10:42:06 AM
WOW you even have the teeth painted on that one guy. :o
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Return to Zanzibar
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 04, 2023, 05:43:27 PM
WOW you even have the teeth painted on that one guy. :o

What can I say they were there to be painted 😁 in fairness 9  out of 10 times I try something like this it goes pear shaped 😆
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Return to Zanzibar
Post by: CapnJim on May 04, 2023, 07:00:12 PM
Those are some nice-looking figures there.  Great job! 
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Return to Zanzibar
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 22, 2023, 04:18:28 AM
Yet another unit for my never finished Darkest Africa project. I’ll admit this unit is something of an enigma first off I have found no written evidence of this unit during my research into the Sultan of Zanzibar’s army in the 19th century. I only found out about this unit from Peter Abbot’s book on Colonial Armies in Africa where he states there is photographic evidence of such a unit but adds no more information. However internet searches did turn up several black and white photos and one colour picture of lancers in Zanzibar.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/zanzibar-guard-cvalry.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/zanzibar-sultans-guard.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/zanzibar-honour-guard.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/za05a3.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/zn17b1.jpg)

After finding these photos I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have some lancers in miniature. First off there is no evidence these soldiers ever fought a battle, if they ever did, the most likely candidate is the Anglo-Zanzibar war of 1896 (famous as the shortest war in history). This war was the result of a power struggle between the increasingly influential British and the Zanzibari elite over who would chose the next Sultan following the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini. Khalid bin Barghash declared himself sultan with the backing of the Zanzibaris, but against the wishes of the British who wanted to chose their own Sultan, he received the full backing of the previous Sultan’s palace guard which included infantry, artillery and most likely the lancer bodyguard. By contrast the British trained Zanzibar Regular army sided with the British. The war/battle itself pitted the palace guard and their artillery against a British naval squadron with predictably one sided results.

Despite the lack of evidence of actual combat I still figured they’d make and interesting unit for my TMWWBKs Zanzibar armies especially as cavalry are non existent in my Darkest Africa armies. They could support my British trained Zanzibar regulars, could form part of the palace guard in some 1896 what if scenarios. The could even possibly find a place in my early Zanzibar armies as Richard Burton mentions Sultan Sayyid Majid bin Said Al-Busaid had a bodyguard clothed in cast of British uniforms as early as the 1850s.

Looking at the photos a few things stood out. First the unit wasn’t overly large probably no bigger than two dozen at most. The unit seems to have divided into two smaller units one on Bays or possible black horses and the other on white or grey horses. The uniforms seemed to be white trousers and a dark blue, or possibly black jacket. Head wear seems to have been an Indian style turban or some sort of Kilmarnock or service cap. The only weapons seem to be a lance and a sword.

Looking around, for suitable miniatures, I thought Wargames Foundry Crimean war Turkish lancers weren’t a bad fit. I had to replace their heads with Fez luckily I found some decent head replacements in the Woodbine designs WW1 separate heads range selecting the Indian Turban and Kilmarnock cap heads. For an officer I took a Perry Miniatures mounted Egyptian officer from their Sudan range and mounted him on a Foundry horse. The paint job is a little speculative as I only only had black and white photos to work with but I think I’m on pretty solid ground with the jackets and trouser colours and I threw in some red because red was a popular colour in Zanzibar Arab flags (The Sultan’s personal flag being the famous plain red flag). Anyway this is what I ended up with and I’m pretty chuffed how the turned out.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230521_193918293.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230521_193626546.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230521_193451881.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230521_193535858.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230521_193313468.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230521_193410994.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on May 22, 2023, 06:29:53 AM
Great work, lots of character!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: fred on May 22, 2023, 06:50:45 AM
What an interesting bit of history, and a great unit from it!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 22, 2023, 01:18:36 PM
Great work, lots of character!

What an interesting bit of history, and a great unit from it!

Thanks chaps 👍
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: Digits on May 22, 2023, 01:35:16 PM
They are really cool.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: Marine0846 on May 22, 2023, 03:01:56 PM
Very well painted unit, love them.
Really interesting background story.
I went to your blog, had a look around, it is outstanding.
Love your whole setup.
It's been a number of years since I have played a game
with my Darkest Africa stuff.
After seeing your figures and terrain,
I will try to get my guys on the table.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: FifteensAway on May 24, 2023, 03:56:05 AM
The mounted guard is cool and fun.  But it is the Zanzibari foot I'm jazzed about.  I have my own Zanzibari force to paint and - while maybe not perfect - my spare Egyptian infantry will make a great stand in for Zanzibari.  Your figures have solved a challenge for me.  So, thank you.  And great painting all around.

My figures - or as I like to call them, my 'fezkari' - will be painted in varied colors and with varied colored fez for ease of telling units aport on the table.  Not an issue since my set-up is very much a non-historical zone - not fantasy or sci-fi, more 'made-up' history.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 24, 2023, 05:24:24 AM
The mounted guard is cool and fun.  But it is the Zanzibari foot I'm jazzed about.  I have my own Zanzibari force to paint and - while maybe not perfect - my spare Egyptian infantry will make a great stand in for Zanzibari.  Your figures have solved a challenge for me.  So, thank you.  And great painting all around.

My figures - or as I like to call them, my 'fezkari' - will be painted in varied colors and with varied colored fez for ease of telling units aport on the table.  Not an issue since my set-up is very much a non-historical zone - not fantasy or sci-fi, more 'made-up' history.

Thanks. I've been doing quite a bit of research on the Zanzibari "new army" and by extension the Palace guard and different uniforms aren't that fantastical. During its short history the Zanzabari regulars started out, in 1877, with a dark blue jacket with white trousers and red fez, then moved to an all white uniform with red fez, latter they received a red dress jacket and towards the end of there service 1890s they campaigned in an all Khaki uniform. Harry Johnston mentions them in 1884 has having red and yellow fez but I don't know if he meant both colours on one fez or separate red and yellow fez on different soldiers. The palace guard infantry seem to have worn red Jackets and red fez but changed the trousers out for a skirt. Through out the officers seem to have worn Dark blue uniforms based on Royal Navy uniforms of the late 19th century with a red fez or a pillbox cap. this colourised postcard below is quite interesting taken circa 1900 it shows a lot of variation on the soldiers khaki or maybe just dirty uniforms.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/zanzibar-honour-guard.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: CapnJim on May 25, 2023, 03:44:29 PM
Those Lancers look great - well done!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - The Sultan of Zanzibar's Lancer Bodyguard
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 30, 2023, 04:22:51 AM
The British trained Zanzibari Regular army had a limited number of modern artillery pieces supplied by the British. I decided that my Zanzibari field force needed an artillery piece to accompany the infantry. Not long after its foundation in 1877 the British gifted the Zanzibari’s 500 Snider rifles and 7 Whitworth guns. Joseph Whitworth had invented, in 1853, an unusual Polygonal rifling system which he combined with a breach loading system to create a 12pdr and 3pdr cannon. His guns were considered by the British board of ordnance but in the end they went with William Armstrong’s design. Whitworth’s guns, especially the 12pdrs, did see service in the American civil war and the War of Triple Alliance.

The problem I found with the Zanzibari guns was working out which type of gun they had received. Peter Abbot in his book on Colonial Armies in Africa just states “Whitworth guns” . Chris Peers in his book on East African armies goes further and describes “Light Whitworth guns”. I haven’t managed to track down any primary source detailing the nature of the guns. The 12pdr Whitworth guns seem like a heavy piece of ordnance for an army operating on mainland Africa in the 19th century when everything had to be transported by porters. The 3pdr would fit Chris Peers description of light better (see the video below of reenactors firing a 3pdr Whitworth gun). While I was researching the two latter guns I discovered a possible third option the Whitworth muzzle loading mountain gun. In 1867 a 2pdr Whitworth gun had been on display at the Paris Universal Exhibition, where it was described as “designed to meet the want of a light field piece adapted for easy and rapid transit across mountainous or broken country, or for accompanying the evolutions of detached bodies of troops”. It seems this gun saw some limited service in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877 and six of them ended up in Bulgarian service where they are described as 45mm muzzle loaders. This gun would seem ideal for an army operating in Africa especially as the 2pdr seems to have been able to be broken down into loads to be transported (see pictures below)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/whitworth-gun.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/whitworth-2.jpg)

https://youtu.be/WZslLq-wCho  (https://youtu.be/WZslLq-wCho)

Miniatures wise a couple of manufacturers make a 12pdr Whitworth but 3pdrs and mountain guns are sadly non existent in 28mm. In the end I had a spare Wargames Foundry Askari gun which seems to a be a generic small mountain gun so I decided to use that for lack of anything better. I didn’t have any crew so I converted a couple of metal Copplestone Regular Zanzibari miniatures (guys with the rammer and bucket) and a couple of Plastic Perry ACW artillery crew with Plastic Perry Mahdist fez heads to crew the gun. I painted the gun barrel brass in hindsight black would have been better as all Whitworth guns were steel construction. In the end the miniature works though its maybe not historically correct as I would like.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230430_195610095.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230430_195542790.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230430_195547586.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/img_20230430_195535410.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: FifteensAway on May 30, 2023, 11:27:33 PM
Very nice and animated gun scene.   :D. But, uh oh!  Will the gun fire with the broken lanyard!?  :o.  lol

(Maybe I'm showing my ignorance but I thought the lanyard would be attached.  I've only ever fired a 3# Russian cannon used at Sutter's Fort as acquired (replica I believe) from Ft. Ross, the Russian fort on California's coast sold to John Sutter.  It was a muzzle loader with a match firing the powder rather than a lanyard.)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 31, 2023, 06:43:18 AM
Very nice and animated gun scene.   :D. But, uh oh!  Will the gun fire with the broken lanyard!?  :o.  lol

(Maybe I'm showing my ignorance but I thought the lanyard would be attached.  I've only ever fired a 3# Russian cannon used at Sutter's Fort as acquired (replica I believe) from Ft. Ross, the Russian fort on California's coast sold to John Sutter.  It was a muzzle loader with a match firing the powder rather than a lanyard.)

lanyards aren't attached to the cannon but to the friction primer that was inserted in the cannons touch hole  every time you fired the gun you would need a new friction primer. Good little video here that explains the process

 https://youtu.be/jEN2axsxx28  (https://youtu.be/jEN2axsxx28)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: FifteensAway on June 02, 2023, 03:24:04 PM
Thanks for the video and information on the lanyard.  I can tuck at least some of my ignorance away now!   :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:38:52 AM
For a while now I’ve been painting up miniatures for and researching the Zanzibar Regular army of the late 19th century now I've finished I thought I'd share my research and my painted army so this is going to be a rather long post which I'm going to have to split into several mini posts.

Britain took an increasing interest in Zanzibar and its Sultan as the 19th century wore on. Largely, at first, this was due to the African slave trade, which Britain had committed to ending, on the east coast of Africa this trade was heavily influenced by the Sultan of Zanzibar and the slave markets of Stone town. By the late 19th century, the slave trade was being firmly quashed, but Zanzibar took on new importance as part of the Scramble for Africa between the competing European powers.

If you want a bit more history on Zanzibar the Arabs and the Swahili there is an old post I wrote on the subject on page 24 of this thread.

In 1870 Sayyid Sir Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid became the new sultan of Zanzibar under pressure from Britain he agreed to sign a treaty closing the slave markets and abolishing the slave trade. Unfortunately, despite technically being the ruler of a large part of the east African mainland (Known as The Zanja) in reality the Sultan’s power beyond the island of Zanzibar was tenuous. His army was mainly made up of a couple of thousand Baluchi matchlock men who acted as a police force in Zanzibar and as scattered garrisons on the mainland. Many of these mainland garrisons were small often numbering less than two dozen men. In the event of war, the Sultan could hire mercenaries, often men from the Ottoman empire, or call upon his more important subjects to provide soldiers from their households. Given that many of his most important and richest subjects were heavily invested in the slave trade themselves abolishing the slave trade on anything but paper was a problem for the Sultan. The British then stepped in and offered to train a new army for the Sultan to help project his power onto the mainland.

In August 1877, Lieutenant Lloyd Mathews of HMS London (picture below) was seconded from the royal Navy to the service of Sultan Barghash to form a European-style army which could be used to enforce Zanzibar’s control over its mainland possessions. Initially Lloyd Matthews was given 370 men to train some were conscripted from the local African population of Zanzibar, others were freed slaves or ex-prisoners of Zanzibar’s jail. It doesn’t seem like this method of recruitment was popular two years later the explorer Joseph Thomson remarked that it was easy to get porters at Zanzibar as the local idlers were eager to avoid being conscripted into the army. The initial draft was organised into four companies but at its height in 1880 it was 1300 strong in twelve companies divided in to two battalions. Company size seems to have been 100 men but varied in 1893 Sir Gerald porters 200 men were divided into four companies of 50 men. From its height in 1880 numbers seem to have slowly gone down so that by the 1890 the army numbered about 860 men.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/sultan-and-lloyd-matthews.jpg?w=375)

As well as the fighting men the regiment had a band, interestingly these bandsmen seem to have come from the sizeable Portuguese Goan community on the island rather than local Africans.

While NCOs and lower ranking officers were Zanzibaris the British provided the senior officers. Lloyd Matthews, who frequently commanded the army on expeditions to the mainland, resigned his post from the Royal Navy in 1881 and became Brigadier General of the Zanzibar army. In 1890 Britain declared a protectorate over Zanzibar and by 1891 Lloyd Matthews had become Zanzibar’s First minister which at this point arguably made him more powerful than the Sultan. As the century wore on the Zanzibar regular army came more and more an instrument of the British. This led to the later Sultans building up their own palace guard as a counter to the British led regulars. These is most readily seen in the Anglo-Zanzibari war of 1896 while the Palace guard sided with the new Sultan by contrast the British trained and officered Zanzibar Regular army stayed loyal to the British. The Zanzibar regular army continued to exist until 1906 when they mutinied over their pay and were disbanded from then on, a company of the Kings African Rifles were garrisoned on the island.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:40:09 AM
Uniform

The uniform of the new army was based on that of the Egyptian army with a white Jacket, white trousers and a red fez though troops tended to go bare foot. Equipment was light with a black belt and cartridge box being the norm. There were variations during their short history there is some evidence of a black or dark blue jacket with short white trousers being issued early in the army’s formation, but this seems to have been replaced with the all-white uniform by the late 1870s. In the 1880s there may have been a red dress jacket issued along with a red or white pillbox type hat. In the 1890s soldiers sent to the mainland seem to have given khaki versions of the white uniform and replaced their gear with brown leather Slade Wallace equipment. Sir Gerald Portal on his Uganda expedition in 1893 states that “everyman was equipped with two serviceable suits of “Khakee” tunics and knee-breaches, puttees and two pairs of sandals each”. Generally, the Swahilis preferred to go barefoot but had taken to wearing sandals due to the presence of the Jigger parasite, that had spread from west Africa, and liked to lay its eggs into the feet of its victims causing lameness. Interestingly although Sir Gerald doesn’t state it the Zanzibari soldiers must have taken their white uniforms, as parade dress, as a photo of them at the raising of the union jack on Kampala hill in 1893 alongside ex IBEA Sudanese soldiers shows them dressed in their white uniforms. The band (see picture below) had their own uniform consisting of sun helmets and red jackets and white trousers. Zanzibar officers wore a dark blue uniform based on that worn by the Royal Navy with a frock coat and a red fez of pillbox hat. Officers rank designations are said to have followed the Royal Navy to. British officers were normally seconded from the royal navy and wore their own uniforms Lloyd Matthews is depicted in a British tropical white uniform complete with spiked sun helmet.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/sultans-goan-band.png)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-army-1878-1900.jpg)

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:41:46 AM
Weapons

In 1878 the British sent 500 sniders and 7 Whitworth guns, and these seem to have continued to be the main armaments for most of the Regular army’s short history. The Whitworth guns are interesting Abbot in his book on Colonial Armies of Africa gives no further description while Chris Peers in his East Africa book adds the description “light guns”. 12ppdr breech loading Whitworths had seen limited use in the American Civil war alongside a few 3pdr Whitworths. The 12pdrs seem like a heavy piece of kit for an army operating on mainland Africa so the 3pdr breech loading Whitworth guns look like the more obvious choice and fits Chris Peers description. One other option is that Whitworth seem to have made a small muzzle loading mountain gun some of which saw action in the Russo- Turkish war of 1877 (see picture below) which would seem like a good option for a force planning to operate in Africa with only porters to carry equipment. Sadly, at this point I haven’t been able to pin down any more information on which type of Whitworth gun was used by the Zanzibari Regular army.  Zanzibar island itself had several artillery pieces but most were ancient muzzle loaders described by Burton in the 1850s as two dozen mostly rusty Iron carronades and a few fine brass guns of Portuguese origin. According to Abbot some photos from the 1890s suggest that the snider rifles were replaced by Martini-Henry rifles and that would fit with British practice. In British Central Africa CAR (forerunners of the Kings African Rifles) also upgraded their sniders in the late 1890s. though for his 1893 expedition Sir Gerald portal states that each of his 200 men was equipped with a Snider rifle, sword bayonet and 40 rounds of ammunition. There is some indication that during the 1896 war the Zanzibar regulars may have had access to some maxim guns but it’s not clear whether these were manned by sailors or Zanzibaris. My gut feeling is the Maxims were part of the Royal Navy contingent that landed on Zanzibar, during the build up to the war, which include 250 sailors and marines 5 Maxims and a 7pdr gun. Only three maxim guns and the 7pdr gun were deployed with the sailors at the custom house. Meanwhile the Zanzibar regulars were deployed to the Diplomatic quarter where they are noted as having two Maxim guns and 900 men. The logical inference from this is that the two Zanzibari maxim guns were Royal Navy crewed guns, but I can find no proof that they weren’t just handed to the Zanzibaris to crew themselves.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/whitworth-gun-1.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/whitworth-2.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zn17b1-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:45:02 AM
Training, Morale and Combat Performance

From a training point of view Lloyd Matthews seems to have drilled the regulars well. Mr. Richard Vause, of the Natal Mercury who paid a visit to Zanzibar in 1877, recorded his impressions of the recruits in the following terms:

” Attracted by the martial sound of fife and drum, we follow its direction, and soon come upon a string of black recruits, at the run to their rendezvous. Filing with them into the police barracks, we find Lieutenant Mathews, R.N., of H.M.S. London, in the drill shed, from whom we gather that he is engaged on behalf of the Sultan in converting the raw material present into food for powder, alias soldiers, by drilling them every afternoon.

 Lieutenant Mathews has a quiet happy knack with him, drills them in English, and they take to soldiering as naturally as ducks do to water. Today he has four sections of 80 men each, and though ‘ irregulars ‘ in every sense of the word, they really do not look half amiss in their short black jackets, white trousers and jaunty red caps. They go through their exercise with excellent precision, and Lieutenant Mathews is quite sanguine they will prove very efficient. In fact, by last mail, one of our letters says they are making great strides and becoming a well drilled body of men. It was impossible, though, to restrain a smile at the wooden weapons, shaped like muskets, with which they present arms,’ possession whereof the fellows all seem not a little proud, carrying them about even when off parade. The Arab officers, who give the word of command in good English, in their gold and silver lace and blue frockcoat and trousers, look great swells. In conversation with some of the raw material,’ we find them utterly unable to understand what the motive impelling the Sultan to make soldiers of them is, or what purpose they are to serve. They evidently look upon it as connected with some strategic operation on the opposite mainland, as there is, according to their view, no conceivable use to which they can be put on the island itself.”


Several visitors to Zanzibar commentated on their parade ground appearance. The explorer Thomson witnessing them in 1881 described them as “admirably drilled and organised, while Harry Johnston (famous for his exploits with native soldiers in British Central Africa) visiting Zanzibar in 1884 described them as a “Smart looking regiment in white uniforms”. In 1893 Sir Gerald Portal said, “On parade they appeared fairly smart, they drilled in a way that would put some English militia regiments to shame and they could go through a bayonet drill faultlessly”.

Portal however changed his mind after being accompanied by 200 Zanzibari regulars on his expedition to Uganda where afterwards he had some less favourable terms for describing them. Calling them “the laziest, most hopelessly and repulsively dirty, and the most untrustworthy collection of men with whom it had ever been our misfortune to contact” and as “almost useless as fighting troops”. This damning assessment is made even worse when Portal reveals that the 200 men where handpicked by Portal and his officers from over 800 soldiers stationed at Zanzibar.

In his Uganda dairy Captain Raymond Portal (brother of Sir Gerald Portal) has an entry in his diary on parading his Zanzibar regulars alongside the new Sudanese recruited from Emin Pasha’s surviving old garrisons.

 4th of April – Parade of Zanzibari and Soudanese soldiers at 9am. Zanzibaris looked clean and did well including the useless bayonet exercise. Soudanese have some fine men but know very little drill as yet; in every sort of uniform.

In contrast to Sir Gerald Portals view of the Zanzibari Regulars after the 1881 expedition to Pemba in pursuit of the Slaver Hindi bin Khatim a report sent from Pemba by H.B.M. Consul Mr. Holmwood stated

“I cannot close this report without remarking upon the steadiness, good behaviour, and patient endurance of the Sultan’s native force. They have had to keep guard day and night over a considerable village and its approaches, also to furnish patrols and outposts; yet they have always been ready at a moment’s notice to march on the expeditions, generally occupying the whole night, which their leader has ordered. General Mathews himself has worked indefatigably; indeed, I fear he has over-exerted himself. If the remainder of his troops are equal to the small body here present, he has reason to be proud of the force under his command, and no officer could better deserve the confidence which he has inspired among his men.”

Desertion and disobeying orders seem to have been not uncommon among the Zanzibari regulars.  In 1880 Lloyd Matthews led an expedition to the mainland that was supposed to project the Sultan’s power on the mainland the goal was the building and garrisoning a fort at Unyanyembe deep in Wanyamwezi territory. The regulars at first refused to march inland and when forced to do so deserted in large numbers. Eventually the expedition built a fort Mamboya, some distance short of their original target, and garrisoned it with 60 regulars and by the mid-1880s these 60 has been reduced to a dozen or so by desertion.

In 1888 Matthews was Ironically dispatched twice to the mainland with Zanzibari soldiers to try to help the Germans secure their eastern African territories from angry subjects of the Sultan. Again, the Zanzibari Regulars, outnumbered and having more in common with the locals than the Germans, refused to obey orders and Lloyd Matthews was forced to return to Zanzibar leaving the Germans to deal with the subsequent Abushiri revolt. Despite this during the Anglo-Zanzibar conflict of 1896 Matthews still seemed confident the Regulars wouldn’t side with their compatriots and Mathews correctly asserted that ‘his’ men would follow any orders he gave them.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/sultan-of-zanzibar.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-honour-guard.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-soldiers-1872-granger.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:47:14 AM
Campaigns and Actions

Over its short life the army took part in several actions and campaigns some of which I will give a brief overview below.

Matthews and Sultan’s new army’s first campaign was on the island of Pemba which is North of Zanzibar Island. According to the book Zanzibar a Contemporary History.

 The Arab chiefs of Pemba in those days did not regard the Sultan as their ruler, but only as a leader He sent Lieutenant Mathews at the head of a body of regular soldiers with authority to arrest the man who was accused of slave trading, and, without referring to Zanzibar for further instructions, to shoot down every Arab who offered resistance. Acting on this authority, Mathews speedily brought the island to submission, and the power of the Arab chiefs collapsed. The chief who had been accused of slave running quietly gave himself up, but the evidence of his guilt being insufficient he was, after a fair trial, discharged.

In August 1880 Matthews took the Sultan’s army to the mainland. The mission was meant to be a show of strength after the murder of Captain Carter and his companion Mr. Cadenhead of the Belgian expedition, protect the inhabitants from raiding, prepare routes for traffic and with his troops to occupy stations inland. The expedition was away three months and suffered from serious desertion by the Regular soldiers. Eventually the expedition occupied Mamboia, 120 miles from the coast, with a garrison of 60 regulars some distance short of its original target of Unyanyembe.

On Dec 3, 1881, Captain Charles J Brownrigg of the Royal Navy was killed along with several of his men trying to stop and search a slaver Dhow, near Pemba, flying a French flag. Matthews was dispatched with a force to apprehend the slavers responsible. An account of the expedition is given in the book Zanzibar a Contemporary History as follows.

 On the morning of December 5, 1881, General Mathews, with a force of 100 men and accompanied by H.B.M. Consul, Mr. Holmwood, and a representative of the French Consulate, which was interested in the matter, set out from Zanzibar on board the Sultan’s steamer Star for Pemba. Hindi had fled towards the eastern coast of the island. Mathews procured a guide who knew whither Hindi had gone, and tracked him to Chimba, to the house of an Arab, Saleh bin Rhabish, a slave dealer, but not one of Hindi’s crew. By that time, it was dark, and there was difficulty in effectively surrounding the house. Mathews, however, posted his men and went forward to summon those within to surrender. The slave dealers were armed with swords, and at once rushed to the attack, Saleh charging at Mathews, who was compelled to shoot him down. Two (not belonging to the dhow crew) were captured unwounded, and one managed to escape. Inside, there was still one man, and to get at him it was necessary to break down the wall. He proved to be no other than Hindi, and, when called on to surrender, he cut down the officer who summoned him. His resistance only ended when his sword-hand was shot away, and one leg was torn with two bullets. Two surgeons from the Philomel found it necessary to amputate the hand and then the leg, but he made no recovery. The shock was too great for him, and he died on the evening of December 12, glorying that he had slain so redoubtable a fighter as Captain Brownrigg who, he declared, had killed two of his men with one shot.

In 1882 Lloyd Matthews was sent to Mwele on the mainland with 1200 men to put down the rebellion of Sheikh Mbaruk of Gazi. Mbaruk was a notorious rebel and a constant thorn in the flesh of the Sultans of Zanzibari (and later the British). He was a son of the last Mazrui Governor of Mombasa who had been deposed and murdered on the orders of Seyyid Said, Sultan of Oman in 1837 and he dreamt of regaining control of Mombasa.  On arrival Lloyd Matthews found Mbaruks village was deserted. Mbaruk had taken refuge at his stronghold of El Hazem at Mwele on the summit of a hill deep in the Shimba Hills forest, 16 miles inland. Mwele was surrounded by a stockade and pits full of stakes covered with a thin layer of earth and grass. Mathews with a force of troops laid siege to Mwele for 18 days before capturing and destroying it. Mbaruk surrendered and was allowed to return to Gazi with an undertaking not to engage in hostilities against the Sultan again.

 In March 1885, General Mathews was sent by Sultan Barghash on a mission of inquiry to the country between Pangani and Kilwa, and he found abundant evidence that the slave dealers had profited from the famine inflicting the region. The Wazaramo people had particularly suffered slave raiding, even by their own tribesmen, and had been handed over to Arab agents from Southern Arabia and Oman. Mathews had the slavers arrested and sent to Zanzibar. At this point the sultan became aware of German activity in the Kilimanjaro country and sent Mathews there to investigate and deter them. Unfortunately, while Matthews was on the mainland with the army the Germans arrived in Zanzibar in August. With five German warships training their guns on Stonetown the Sultan of Zanzibar was forced to sign a treaty giving away a big area of his mainland territory to the Germans. It makes for an interesting historical “what if” to wonder how things may have turned out had Lloyd Matthews and the bulk of the regular army had been in Zanzibar when the Germans arrived.

The Sultanate of Witu was a kingdom based in Witu near Lamu that had a long history of conflict with Zanzibar. For a while they came under the influence of the Germans which helped protect them from Zanzibar but after the Helgoland-Zanzibar Treaty of 1890 Witu became part of the British east African territories. When nine German traders were killed during riots in Witu Germany demanded Britian brought the Sultan to Justice. The Sultan of Zanzibar and the British government dispatched an expedition on 20 October 1890 Nine warships and three transports carrying 800 sailors and marines, 150 Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEA) Indian police, 200 Zanzibari and 50 Sudanese troops were sent. The Zanzibar Regulars were seemingly little trusted, and the bulk of the fighting was done by the Royal marines and sailors. Vice Admiral Fremantle detached Lieutenant N.A.H. Budd of the Bombay Staff Corps with 50 IBEA Company Indian Police and 50 of the Sultan of Zanzibar’s men and tasked him to use HMS Boadicea’s boats to move up the Osi River to seize Kuu.  From there he was to reconnoitre towards Witu and arrest any fugitives fleeing from the main party. The remaining Zanzibari soldiers were used to guard the base or as porters. After a successful campaign the IBEA stationed a garrison of Indian police at Witu.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/sultan-of-witu.jpg)

 In July 1893 following threats of violence from the new Sultan of Witu, Oman, the IBEA police were withdrawn, and another expedition was dispatched to Witu. This consisted of three warships: HMS Blanche, HMS Sparrow and the Zanzibari ship HHS Barawa The latter carried Mathews with 125 Askaris and 50 Sudanese under Brigadier-General Hatch of the Zanzibar army. Mathews and an escort force went to Witu where, on 31 July, they removed the flag of the IBEA company and replaced it with the red flag of Zanzibar, before destroying several villages and causing Oman to retreat into the forests. The British troops then withdrew, having suffered heavily from malaria, but the Sudanese and Zanzibari troops remained. A further expedition was sent of 140 sailors and 85 other troops, but Oman died soon after and a more pliable sultan, Omar bin Hamid, was appointed to govern on behalf of Zanzibar, bringing the affair to a close.

In 1893 the IBEA company were preparing to pull out of Uganda due to financial reasons. Sir Gerald porter with a staff of British officers were dispatched to Uganda to report on the situation and advise the British government on whether to continue involvement in the Uganda region. As part of this expedition Portal took 200 Zanzibar regulars in four companies. The journey was tough more due to weather and conditions than military action. Rebellious Kikuyu in the region of the IBEA Fort Kikuyu, in Kenya, had been laying a loose siege to the fort picking off IBEA soldiers and employees who strayed to far from the fort however they quickly sued for peace on the arrival of Portal and his soldiers. The other main “battle” was an infamous battle against some angry bees when the caravan disturbed an area with several bee nests, but generally military activity on the march was non-existent.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/ea-y7gixgaa-sdt.jpg)

1895 Lloyd Matthews returned to Mwele where Mbaruk’s nephew, Mbaruk bin Rashid, refused to acknowledge the appointment of a newly appointed Zanzabari governor. This led to open rebellion at Konjoro in February of that year when the younger Mbaruk attacked Zanzibari troops under Arthur Raikes, one of Mathews’ officers. Mathews was part of an Anglo-Zanzibari expedition sent to quell the rebellion. The expedition consisted of 310 British sailors, 50 Royal Marines, 54 Sudanese and 164 Zanzibari troops. Konjoro was destroyed and the leaders fled to Gazi where the older Mbaruk failed to turn them over. Another force, under Admiral Rawson, with 400 British marines and sailors, was sent after them This further expedition failed to capture the ringleaders and a third expedition was organised by Rawson with 220 sailors, 80 marines, 60 Sudanese and 50 Zanzibaris, which destroyed Mwele During the later action Lloyd Mathews was wounded in the shoulder.

In 1896 the infamous “Shortest War in History” the Anglo-Zanzibari war took place.  On August 25, 1896, Sultan Seyyid Hamid bin Thuwain bin Said died. Khalid bin Barghash declared himself the new Sultan with the backing of the Zanzibari elite. The British however disagreed and according to the terms of the British protectorate the British had the right to select the new Sultan. The young, headstrong and vigorous Khalid bin Barghash was not at all to the British liking. Khalid bin Barghash and his followers which included the last sultan’s bodyguard, of 900 men plus artillery, seized both Zanzibar castle and the Royal palace. The British sent a Naval squadron to Zanzibar while the British officered Zanzibar army stayed loyal to their officers after a tense few days of standoff the war was settled in 40 minutes when the Royal navy demonstrated the power of naval firepower. There were several skirmishes between the Zanzibar regulars and fleeing survivors of Barghash’s army in the aftermath of the naval bombardment.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/anglo-zanzibar-war.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:50:43 AM
The Sultan’s Palace Guard

As well as the Regular army the Sultans of Zanzibar maintained a palace guard. In the 1850s the British explorer Burton on a visit to Zanzibar describes the Sultan Sayyid Said having a slave bodyguard clothed in a variety of old British uniforms. The Sultan apparently inquired of Burton how much it would cost to cloth the guards in new uniforms but on discovering the cost declined on the basis that the guards were slaves, and the uniforms would cost more than the men in them.

The institution seems to have continued under Sultan Said Bargash and it’s probable they gained a more uniform appearance with the creation of the regular army.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/sultan-and-guard.jpg)

There is also photographic evidence that later Sultan’s had a mounted bodyguard of lancers when exactly they were founded is uncertain. Judging from the photos their numbers were small maybe two dozen and they operated in two units one mounted on white horses and one mounted on bays. Photos of the sultan’s mounted bodyguard show men in black riding boots, white trousers a dark top possibly dark blue and then an Indian style Turban or a hat that resembles and British Glengarry cap

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-guard-cvalry.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-sultans-guard.jpg)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/za05a3.jpg)

The British control over the regular army and slow increase in British control over Zanzibar saw the fifth Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini of Zanzibar increase the size of his personal Bodyguard, during the 1890s, to try and counterbalance the British control. Sultan Hamid increased his bodyguard to around 1200 men mostly slaves, but he also recruited ex British trained Zanzibar regulars to train and officer his bodyguard. The bodyguard’s uniform may have resembled the regular’s uniform but there is a drawing in Chris Peers East Africa book showing, what Peter Abbot postulates, is a Sultan’s guardsmen wearing a loose-fitting red shirt with white skirt and red fez and holding a bayoneted snider rifle. As well as increasing the numbers of his bodyguard Sultan Hamad hired artillerymen from Egypt, Oman and Persia. By the time of the 1896 war the Sultans Bodyguard had acquired some formidable weapons including one (some sources say several) Maxim Machine gun, 2 modern Krupp guns (a gift from Wilhelm II) a Gatling gun and several older muzzle loading cannon including at least two American civil war era Napoleon guns (see picture below).

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-artillery.jpg?w=768)

This Bodyguard sided with Khalid bin Barghash in 1896 when he attempted to declare himself Sultan despite British objections and they fought in the Anglo Zanzibari war. The Sultans guard including the gunners fought bravely in the short one sided battle against a five Royal Navy ships mounting a total of 78 modern guns including some as large 9.2”. After 40 miniutes of this one sided Artillery duel the finally broke.

After the war the British confiscated the Palace guard’s weapons and destroyed all but a small number of rifles. These surviving rifles they allowed the next Sultan to use to equip a small honour guard the picture below shows the honour guard in 1910 still equipped with Sniders and wearing the old uniform of the Zanzibari regulars (the regulars having been disbanded by the British in 1906)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/sultans-guard-1910.jpg)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 04:55:13 AM
After boring everyone with the history lets have the eye candy my new regular army of Zanzibar

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230702_153546752_hdr.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230627_192953902.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230627_193123778.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230416_191533140.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230627_193657834.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230702_153705459.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/img_20230521_193629619.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on July 03, 2023, 04:56:21 AM
I admire your attention to detail and meticulous research… as alway as your brilliant looking forces.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Tom Dulski on July 03, 2023, 11:49:54 AM
Fantastic looking troops
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Zanzibar Regular Artillery Added
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 03:19:46 PM
Fantastic looking troops

I admire your attention to detail and meticulous research… as alway as your brilliant looking forces.

Thank you chaps
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: MaleGriffin on July 03, 2023, 03:52:21 PM
Fantastic looking troops! I love your brushwork!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 03, 2023, 07:54:03 PM
Fantastic looking troops! I love your brushwork!

Thanks 👍
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: FifteensAway on July 04, 2023, 06:40:04 AM
Bored us?  Heck, you've saved me needing to buy another Osprey book (if they have an appropriate one anyway).  All I have to do is read your posts (a bit late tonight).  lol

And, as others said, nice work on the figures - good to see them 'on parade'.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: OSHIROmodels on July 04, 2023, 07:11:46 AM
Lovely work  8)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: snitcythedog on July 04, 2023, 07:47:11 AM
I really like these. Very nice job.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Plynkes on July 04, 2023, 04:34:06 PM
The second lot of artillery uniforms are rather splendid, I must say. Nice change from all the white in this army.  :)


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 05, 2023, 05:20:10 AM
The second lot of artillery uniforms are rather splendid, I must say. Nice change from all the white in this army.  :)


Thanks the second set of Artillery are based on the Palace Guard in this photo below. It was a toss up between red or dark blue. It seems that the palace guard infantry wore red shirts/jackets and the lancer bodyguard wore dark blue jackets in the end I plumped for red for the Artillerymen.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/zanzibar-artillery.jpg?w=768)

I really like these. Very nice job.
 
Thanks

Bored us?  Heck, you've saved me needing to buy another Osprey book (if they have an appropriate one anyway).  All I have to do is read your posts (a bit late tonight).  lol

And, as others said, nice work on the figures - good to see them 'on parade'.

Thanks knowing how much I have to dig around to find out information on some of the Darkest Africa projects I want to do I always figure someone else might find the information I turn up useful so i should share it.

Lovely work  8)

Thank you.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Mad Guru on July 06, 2023, 12:14:35 AM
Wow, fantastic stuff, Diablo Jon!  It's like a one-two combination of super-useful written & illustrated historical reference info on one hand and inspiringly well-pained and based miniatures on the other!  Sincere thanks!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Marine0846 on July 06, 2023, 12:43:25 AM
Well done, love them.
Really great looking  lancers.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 06, 2023, 10:00:19 AM
Wow, fantastic stuff, Diablo Jon!  It's like a one-two combination of super-useful written & illustrated historical reference info on one hand and inspiringly well-pained and based miniatures on the other!  Sincere thanks!

Thanks Guru I know a lot of the stuff that interests me is pretty obscure so I feel like if I find some interesting information out I should share it just in case anyone else also suffers from the Must Collect Obscure Armies syndrome  :D
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Diablo Jon on July 06, 2023, 10:01:21 AM
Well done, love them.
Really great looking  lancers.

Thanks I would be lying if I didn't say I was pretty chuffed with how the lancers turned out.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Barry S on July 06, 2023, 02:07:52 PM
Wonderful work.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: FifteensAway on January 28, 2024, 05:58:02 AM
That devil of a Johnny that is responsible for this thread hasn't been around for a bit so I thought I'd post this back up top to see if he can update us on his latest doings. So much goodness in this thread.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Diablo Jon on February 21, 2024, 07:37:41 AM
That devil of a Johnny that is responsible for this thread hasn't been around for a bit so I thought I'd post this back up top to see if he can update us on his latest doings. So much goodness in this thread.

I've taken a bit of a break from Africa needed to paint something a bit different so I've dabbled in some Napoleonics, fantasy and sci-fi. But last weekend I did paint a little Darkest Africa which has fired up my interest again so we will see what else comes up in the meantime time I give you Mirambo.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Finished my Zanzibar regular army (Pg34)
Post by: Diablo Jon on February 21, 2024, 07:47:50 AM
I had a few spare Darkest Africa miniatures laying about including Northstar’s Mirambo miniature. I recently spoke to old wargaming friend who mentioned he was going to do some Death in the Dark Continent armies based on east Africa. Most of my collection is based on British Central Africa and single based for use with TMWWBKs, while Death in the Dark Continent uses a multi-basing system. So just to experiment with some multi-basing I knocked up three bases of spare miniatures to represent Mirambo and some of his Ruga-Ruga.

Born in 1840 Mtyela Kasanda, better known as Mirambo ( meaning Heaps of corpses), went on to create one of the largest indigenous African Kingdoms, in the 19th century, in what is today the country of Tanzania. Mirambo’s early life is a bit of a mystery he claimed descent from the legendry Nyamwezi ruler Mshimba but other Nyamwezi Ntemi (kings) didn’t consider his claims legitimate. It appears in his early life he ran a trade caravan this caravan allowed him to both recruit men and gain access to guns. In his early years Mirambo mysteriously developed a close relationship with the WaTatu Ngoni (the most northerly branch of the Ngoni migrations who fled the wars of Shaka Zulu) whose warriors frequently supported his early campaigns. With these resources Mirambo was able to overthrow the Ntemi of the kingdom of Urambo around 1860.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/mirambo.jpg)

By his death in 1884 Mirambo had expanded his kingdom by conquering many of the other Nyamwezi Kingdoms to the west of his original kingdom. Mirambo didn’t just go to war with the other Nyamwezi he also warred with the Arabs of Zanzibar and their trading colony of Tabora he defeated the Arabs on several occasions though he was never able to conqueror Tabora itself. In his later years he actually allied with the Arabs to fight his long time allies the WaTuta Ngoni who he had fallen out with. After Mirambo’s death his kingdom passed to his brother but lacking Mirambo’s military skills the kingdom disintegrated in a few short years

Henry Morton Stanley, who joined the Arabs in their war against Mirambo in 1871, and later went on to become friends with Mirambo, called him the African Bonaparte. In fact this wasn’t a bad comparison like a young Napoleon Mirambo’s success relied heavily on the speed he could move his army and the strategic surprise this gave him over his enemies. According to the missionary Southon who knew Mirambo he would frequently run 15 miles capture an enemy village and then without stopping run another 30 miles to surprise another village. He would often approach enemy villages by unfrequented routes, at night, and then attack an hour before dawn to gain surprise. Despite these long and difficult marches it is said his army rarely had stragglers because soldiers who fell behind would lose their share of the loot. For most of his life Mirambo lead his armies personally, accompanied by a large white umbrella, and was said to be proud of the fact he would never allow anyone to out run him on the march.

Mirambo’s armies were mostly made up of troops called Ruga-Ruga these professional warriors came from a variety of sources escaped slaves, orphaned young men, tribeless bandits and elephant hunters. Mirambo preferred his soldiers to be young men without wives. As he explained to Stanley the unmarried youths ” have sharper eyes and a few words will give them the hearts of lions. In all my wars with the Arabs, it was an army of youths that gave me victory, boys without beards. Fifteen of my young men died in one day because I said I must have a certain red cloth that was thrown down as a challenge. No, no, give me youths for war in the open field and men for the stockaded village”.

The Ruga-Ruga dressed flamboyantly, red cloth was popular, and increasingly they incorporated Arab dress into their outfits along side beads and jewellery. They often wore bells and were frequently accompanied by drummers the noise from these being used as a form of psychological warfare against enemy villages. Mirambo attempted to supply his men with muskets but it seems there were never enough to go around so traditional weapons like spears, axes, knobkerrie and bows continued in use along side the guns. Shields quickly fell out of use probably because they weren’t compatible with carrying muskets. Tactically the Ruga-Ruga seemed happy to close to contact and fight hand to hand most likely after a volley of musketry. In battle against the Arabs at Wilyankuru in 1871 Mirambo’s Ruga-Ruga ambushed the Arabs from the long grass either side of a track, despite having guns, it seems they relied instead on the spears at close quarters according to Stanley many of the Arabs were stabbed.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/ruga-ruga.png)

As well as his Ruga-Ruga Mirambo had a Bodyguard of freed slaves 100 strong called the Waniakuru who were clothed in Arab style robes in red cloth with white and blue turbans. From this unit Mirambo drew his district governors whose rank was denoted by a shell hung from a strip of lion skin. When Mirambo captured a new village he would have all the loot collected, half he would give back, the other half he would distribute to his soldiers as payment. He would then have the village leaders killed and install his own governor.

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/img_20240213_201121221.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/img_20240213_201148673.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/img_20240213_201209018.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/img_20240213_201221556.jpg?w=1024)

(https://jonsotherwargamesblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/img_20240213_201244877.jpg?w=1024)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: FifteensAway on February 21, 2024, 08:02:09 AM
Glad to see you back adding to this thread - and hope the break from it was worthwhile for those other projects.

Nice little report to go with those latest paint jobs.

Welcome back!

Now, kind sir, MORE!  lol
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: CapnJim on March 04, 2024, 04:49:41 PM
I like those.  Well done!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Tom Dulski on March 05, 2024, 12:04:32 PM

 Agreed, they look great.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Dr Mathias on March 06, 2024, 01:09:12 AM
I fell in love with Copplestone's Darkest Africa range (decades ago now if you can believe it). Ruga-Ruga are some of my favorites. Great job!
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Metternich on March 06, 2024, 04:26:05 PM
They do indeed look great.  Thank you for your highly informative posts.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: syrinx0 on March 07, 2024, 02:25:48 AM
Love the Darkest Africa range.  Great additions to your painting.
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Plynkes on March 07, 2024, 08:33:26 AM
Nice one, Jon. I like how you've mixed things up a bit by including some figures from outside the Ruga Ruga range.

Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Diablo Jon on March 10, 2024, 08:26:25 AM
Thanks guys 👍

Nice one, Jon. I like how you've mixed things up a bit by including some figures from outside the Ruga Ruga range.

Yeah I got my inspiration from a 14 year old thread in LAF 😁

https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=18461.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=18461.0)
Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Plynkes on March 10, 2024, 10:53:08 AM
 :)

Wow, that was 14 years ago? Where did the day go?


Title: Re: Diablo Jon does Darkest Africa - Mirambo (Heaps of Corpses) painted.
Post by: Ockius on March 10, 2024, 09:01:23 PM
I’ve just discovered this thread and begun reading from page 1 and just wanted to say how fantastic the scenery there is, and how easy you make it sound and look!

Looking forward to gradually reading on and seeing the rest of the project.