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Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Ataman on April 10, 2012, 10:07:38 PM

Title: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Ataman on April 10, 2012, 10:07:38 PM
Here's a heads-up for anyone interested in the RJW or late 19th century Russians and Japanese as a whole.

Tsuba has just revealed their first greens for early-war Russian infantry, sculpted by the very talented Paul Hicks. Now their equally well-made Japanese figures will have some opponents to start aiming at!

It appears that next up after these chaps will be machine guns and crews for them, followed by command units. And without further ado, the pictures:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWKqOlokWdY/T4QhdqmuIqI/AAAAAAAAAKc/G-fC2S4dOkU/s1600/RJ-R02_a.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9AfPK9ojwU/T4QheqIaIOI/AAAAAAAAAKk/abjDXbTN9zo/s1600/RJ-R02_b.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lROJeBGn2w/T4Qh2d5j2QI/AAAAAAAAAKs/MrWc1Cbf4BM/s1600/RJ-R03_a.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UOayxRjdPBg/T4Qh3V8wLFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hr-MpGmLI1Q/s1600/RJ-R03_b.jpg)


Here's the link to Tsuba Miniatures' blog/store: http://tsuba-miniatures.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/first-russian-greens.html

UPDATE: I sent a PM to Markus at Tsuba and they so far do not have a release date for these figures, as it is in the hands of Griffin Moulds. However, he did say that they would likely be available after Salute.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Ataman on April 11, 2012, 12:11:39 AM
Hmm, I must say that I'm beginning to doubt that this thread belongs in Big Battalions. Would a moderator kindly move this over to Colonial Adventures?
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Hildred Castaigne on April 11, 2012, 12:28:25 AM
Thanks for spreading the news that these are on the way, Ataman!
When I saw the dollies on the Tsuba Miniatures blog I just knew they were going to be good.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Captain Blood on April 11, 2012, 10:32:26 AM
Hmm, I must say that I'm beginning to doubt that this thread belongs in Big Battalions. Would a moderator kindly move this over to Colonial Adventures?

Now that is an interesting question... Particularly as there's another thread with the same content in Back of Beyond. I certainly wouldn't characterise the Russo-Japanese War as a colonial conflict. It's a bit of an oddity in military historical terms, and neat categorisation is tricky. It's really pre-WW1. Other Adventures would seem best...  :)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Kingscarbine on April 11, 2012, 10:51:38 AM
Looks like Paul Hicks works faster than the Perry twins.  :D Lovely figures.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Ataman on April 11, 2012, 01:04:51 PM
Now that is an interesting question... Particularly as there's another thread with the same content in Back of Beyond. I certainly wouldn't characterise the Russo-Japanese War as a colonial conflict. It's a bit of an oddity in military historical terms, and neat categorisation is tricky. It's really pre-WW1. Other Adventures would seem best...  :)

I did a bit of research before posting this and found threads on the Russo-Japanese War in no less than 4 different sub-forums. I decided to post it in Big Battalions largely because it roughly fit the timeline, but yes I agree that even Colonial Adventures wouldn't really fit it very well. I suppose I'll leave it up to the Mods whether or not to move it, and to where.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Hildred Castaigne on April 11, 2012, 03:27:18 PM
Looks like Paul Hicks works faster than the Perry twins.  :D Lovely figures.
The man is a machine! The sheer volume of figures he's sculpted over the past while.  lol
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: tomek917 on April 11, 2012, 03:52:42 PM
I've had my eye on this range for a while and now I might just pick up a few miniatures!

Mr Hicks sculpting is the best around in my opinion!
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Hunlion on April 11, 2012, 04:43:04 PM
Hi All,

If I put a peak on the hat could I use these figures for the Russian Civil War?

Hunlion
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: traveller on April 11, 2012, 04:47:06 PM
This goes directly up on the shopping list. Thanks for posting!
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Lt. Hazel on April 11, 2012, 05:08:49 PM
It fits here perfectly. There where a pretty big number of troops involved! And I don´t think it´s a colonial war, it´s a conflict fought between two great (OK not so great) powers.
The miniatures are a BLAST, I love Russians because their uniforms are so great. Top notch, I´ll buy all of them!!
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Svennn on April 11, 2012, 05:24:45 PM
More fantastic figures :-* :-* :-*

Now do I do both Japanese and Russians? Probably o_o
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Malamute on April 11, 2012, 06:20:58 PM
Simply gorgeous figures. The faces are beautifully done, especially the wonderful facial hair :)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Captain Blood on April 11, 2012, 06:48:53 PM
Nobody does a 'tache better than Mr Hicks  :)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Arthur on April 11, 2012, 07:01:04 PM
Hi All,

If I put a peak on the hat could I use these figures for the Russian Civil War?

Hunlion

You could, but what's particularly useful about these figures is precisely the fact that their caps don't have peaks, meaning they can be used to depict the coloured regiments of Wrangel's army of the Crimea. 
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Shipka on April 11, 2012, 08:03:57 PM
The Russo Japanese war def constitutes a big battalion setting
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Ataman on April 12, 2012, 12:16:05 AM
Hi All,

If I put a peak on the hat could I use these figures for the Russian Civil War?

Hunlion

I would say that the biggest advantage of these figures is that they don't have a peak on their furazhki. In fact, I believe Tsuba is currently the only miniatures company that does Russians this way.

As was already mentioned, they'd make great figures for the 'Coloured' Officers regiments and Cadet units in the White Army.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Marine0846 on April 12, 2012, 03:31:28 AM
Lovely figures.
How is one to buy all the cool figures you see on LAF?
Oh my!
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Lt. Hazel on April 13, 2012, 07:03:53 AM
Lovely figures.
How is one to buy all the cool figures you see on LAF?
Oh my!

You have to be very rich, remember that you have to pay some professionell painters, too!
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Maichus on April 13, 2012, 11:12:21 AM
Thanks for all the nice comments, guys!  :-*

It really is a little bit tricky regarding the right sub-forum it should go into.  :? As it is somehow related to a couple of the established sub-fora.

In regard to the Russian miniatures, the plan is to add more variants at a later date that basically wear the same uniforms but in a 'campaign look' (worn out uniforms/equipment, field modifications and replacements, added bags, entrencing tools, etc.), while these first sets represend pretty well equipted and smartly turned-out soldiers, fresh 'off the boat' resp. 'train' so to speak. So people can either mix and match or field units of newly arrived troops or grizzled veterans.

I'm also thinking on head sets with different kinds of head gear and also bare heads. What do you think?

Next on the list for the Russo-Japanese War is a Russian command set to go with the afore shown troopers and a HMG set each for Russians and the Japanese.  ;)  
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: tomek917 on April 13, 2012, 11:19:33 AM
I'm also thinking on head sets with different kinds of head gear and also bare heads. What do you think?
Sounds good to me! Like for officers and perhaps cossacks? (Don't know if they wore the same uniform though?)

How about some "character" heads too, one with a bandage, one with an eye patch and so on?
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Helen on April 14, 2012, 02:06:51 AM

I'm also thinking on head sets with different kinds of head gear and also bare heads. What do you think?


A lovely idea especially with bandaged heads.

Cheers,

Helen
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: huevans on April 14, 2012, 03:03:06 AM
Thanks for all the nice comments, guys!  :-*

It really is a little bit tricky regarding the right sub-forum it should go into.  :? As it is somehow related to a couple of the established sub-fora.

In regard to the Russian miniatures, the plan is to add more variants at a later date that basically wear the same uniforms but in a 'campaign look' (worn out uniforms/equipment, field modifications and replacements, added bags, entrencing tools, etc.), while these first sets represend pretty well equipted and smartly turned-out soldiers, fresh 'off the boat' resp. 'train' so to speak. So people can either mix and match or field units of newly arrived troops or grizzled veterans.

I'm also thinking on head sets with different kinds of head gear and also bare heads. What do you think?

Next on the list for the Russo-Japanese War is a Russian command set to go with the afore shown troopers and a HMG set each for Russians and the Japanese.  ;)  

Interesting idea. I think I would prefer some cossacks before extra infantry though.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Ataman on April 14, 2012, 05:42:45 AM
Thanks for all the nice comments, guys!  :-*

It really is a little bit tricky regarding the right sub-forum it should go into.  :? As it is somehow related to a couple of the established sub-fora.

In regard to the Russian miniatures, the plan is to add more variants at a later date that basically wear the same uniforms but in a 'campaign look' (worn out uniforms/equipment, field modifications and replacements, added bags, entrencing tools, etc.), while these first sets represend pretty well equipted and smartly turned-out soldiers, fresh 'off the boat' resp. 'train' so to speak. So people can either mix and match or field units of newly arrived troops or grizzled veterans.

I'm also thinking on head sets with different kinds of head gear and also bare heads. What do you think?

Next on the list for the Russo-Japanese War is a Russian command set to go with the afore shown troopers and a HMG set each for Russians and the Japanese.  ;)  

If you're looking for some inspiration I have a whole folder on my computer of Russian troops from the period which I would be more than happy to share with you. I also like to consider myself something of an expert on the Cossacks, so if you need any advice or pictures of them I would again be more than happy to assist you  :)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Kingscarbine on April 14, 2012, 11:47:05 AM
One thing I like about these figures is the different heights between the Japanese and Russians. I just read an article on the 1st Sino-Japanese War and the Mikado troops uniforms are very similar so I think these would also work for that period.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: the commissar on April 14, 2012, 12:57:57 PM
One thing I like about these figures is the different heights between the Japanese and Russians. I just read an article on the 1st Sino-Japanese War and the Mikado troops uniforms are very similar so I think these would also work for that period.

I was going to ask about just this - are there some pictures around with both the Japanese and Russians in them?
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Kingscarbine on April 15, 2012, 04:12:07 PM
Didn't find any comparison photos of both Tsuba ranges. Well, at least they seem to be, compared to Copplestone and Musketeer Russians.  :?

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=36459.msg427947#msg427947
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Maichus on April 15, 2012, 04:30:31 PM
Hi,

There's no such comparison photo available as the greens went directly from Paul to Griffin moulds.  :?

I will make and post one as soon as I receive the first castings. (Also including some Copplestone, Musketeer, Redoubt. etc. miniatures for comparison.)

@ Ataman: That would be great! The more information the better! I send you a PM to work out how to best get your material.  ;)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Maichus on May 31, 2012, 06:55:52 PM
Hey guys,

Just received the castings of the new miniatures and here's the comparison shot of the Russian and Japanese troopers:

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41A1xwaVbDY/T8er53SlSQI/AAAAAAAAAL4/aKWq_F36wTk/s1600/comparison.jpg)

(What one has to bear in mind is that the Russian miniatures, so far, depict soldiers from the western, i.e. European, part of the Russian Empire.)

http://tsuba-miniatures.blogspot.de/ (http://tsuba-miniatures.blogspot.de/)

PS: More comparison photos (with other manufactures) to follow tomorrow or on Saturday.  ;)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Arthur on May 31, 2012, 10:27:26 PM
More Paul Hicks goodness  :)

I shall be getting some of these Russians with the intention of using them as RCW white coloured regiments  ;D
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Maichus on June 03, 2012, 06:12:05 PM
Here's the announced comparison with some Copplestone Casings' BoB Russians (and also a Musketeer miniatures' WWI Scot):

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1TDS5KgteY/T8uZnvVXlgI/AAAAAAAAAME/Vq6TF2UUKgc/s1600/Vergleich+Kopie.jpg)
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Ataman on June 03, 2012, 07:35:24 PM
Looks like they'll fit right in! I'd buy a whole battalion of them if I had the money to spare right now.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: tomek917 on June 04, 2012, 09:21:01 AM
Wow, the kneeling Copplestone looks huge even against the russian miniature, but looks fine when standing up, is it really that much difference, or is it the photo?
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Maichus on June 04, 2012, 09:36:37 AM
It is that much, but that's due to the kneeling Copplestone mini being quite big guy in its own right.  :?

(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q240/Maichus/Unbenannt.jpg)

He's nearly up to the shoulder of his standing comrade.
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: tomek917 on June 04, 2012, 12:54:41 PM
Yeah, he must be a yeti of some sort.

Anyway, I love the Tsuba miniatures, must find time and money to get some...
Title: Re: Russo-Japanese War: First Russian greens from Tsuba Miniatures
Post by: Arthur on June 04, 2012, 06:45:09 PM
Yes, I wouldn't deem the kneeling partisan representative of the rest of his pack. Much as I love Mark Copplestone's sculpts, he is not very consistent in the scaling of his figures. Some of the worst offenders in that respect were the ones Mark did some seven or eight years ago when he experienced some eyesight problems which forced him to increase the size of his sculpts (the BoB British infantry in Wolseley helmets are notoriously huge). The scale creep factor is also evident within the Bolshevik range : the earlier Red Army infantrymen are shorter and slimmer than the sailors, for instance.

Back to Tsuba Miniatures, I'd say from the comparison pic they should be quite compatible with the Musketeer and Brigade Game Russians, who are the same size are the original Copplestone Bolsheviks.