Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: Shtim on June 26, 2020, 09:45:18 PM
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Hello all!
I've been lurking from the sidelines for a while now, but this is finally my first post on the Lead Adventure Forum!
If there are any formatting issues/problems with my post, feel free to tell me!
Having entered quarantine several months ago, I have had a substantial amount of time to paint up some of my Foundry & Copplestone Castings miniatures!
Thus far, I have been posting some pictures on Instagram, but I thought it more appropriate to start building up a presence here! As I paint more miniatures & create more terrain, I hope to share more progress with you all on this thread!
While the general 'theme' of my collection is yet to be cemented, I am aiming for a 1900's colonial village located in South East Asia. I’m heavily leaning towards the Dutch East Indies - But who knows! For now my miniatures are all from African ranges, rather than Asian, although that’s more due to a scarcity of Asian colonial miniatures rather than a lack of historical interest!
Anyway, here is what I have painted so far:
(https://i.imgur.com/HSLShnC.jpg)
The miniatures were sourced from the female archaeologist set & German colonial troops set by Copplestone, and adventurers by Foundry.
I was pleasantly surprised by the scale compatibility, having read elsewhere that these two ranges sometimes diverge in size!
As you can see in the picture above, I have also created some terrain using cheap plastic trees and bamboo-esque plants from Amazon, on a foam and plastic card base. I am yet to fully clean up the base edges, but so far I'm pretty happy with it!
Here it is in all its glory:
(https://i.imgur.com/9yFMDPr.jpg)
Finally, I have been working on some terrain. I visited Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, a few years back and while geographically divergent from my South East Asia theme, the local colonial architecture was particularly inspiring. Based on what I saw there, I came up with this:
(https://i.imgur.com/aixaosi.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/onH3tKr.jpg?1)
It still needs some work, but its the first step in setting up my colonial metropolis ;D
That's it so far! I will keep you all updated as the collection progresses.
One final question: any idea where I can buy some South East Asian themed miniatures? Most colonial ranges seem to focus on African colonies rather than Asian.
Thanks in advance!
- Shtim
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Welcome to Colonial Adventures, my friend.
It's always nice to see new people and new projects, and some of those figures are actually old friends. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Not too sure about S.E. Asian miniatures, it's a little bit outside of my area of interest. No doubt someone more informed than me will be able to help you out, should there be much out there. Not aware of a whole lot personally.
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Welcome aboard! Nice start and looking forward to your continuing adventures.
LB
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That's some nice stuff the building, in particular, is brilliant.
As for SE Asian tiger miniatures has a Dutch colonial range. They are a much cruder sculpts than Copplestone but they might be useful ?
https://www.tigerminiatures.co.uk/dutch-colonial?page=2
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Same maker;
https://www.tigerminiatures.co.uk/burmese
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some more thoughts on possible miniatures for SE Asia
Empress has a range for the Spanish-American war including various miniatures for the Phillpines
https://www.empressminiatures.com/1898-miniaturas-59-c.asp (https://www.empressminiatures.com/1898-miniaturas-59-c.asp)
Pulp miniatures have Savage seas (south pacific), China Station, and imperial German ranges that might produce some useful miniatures
https://pulpfigures.com/products/
(https://pulpfigures.com/products/)
Gringo 40s Tonkin range might provide some useful SE Asian pirates in there Black Flag miniatures and they do a pirate Junk
www.gringo40s.com/black-flag-boats.html
(http://www.gringo40s.com/black-flag-boats.html)
And I guess the various Boxer rebellion ranges could provide useful for Chinese pirates and various European Naval personnel
https://victoriousminiatures.com/product-category/28mm-boxer-rebelion/
(https://victoriousminiatures.com/product-category/28mm-boxer-rebelion/)
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Lovely looking minis and terrain, looking forward to seeing more.
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Lovely looking work, your figures look great and the terrain very nice indeed.
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And another option for miniatures Eureka make Dayaks from Borneo
https://www.eurekaminuk.com/collections/colonial/products/dayak-warrior-28mm
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Welcome and thanks for sharing these lovely miniatures and scenery.
Don't know much about the given period but think these might fit.
Although the miniatures aren't in the same sculpting league as the legendary Copplestone range they might be useful.
https://www.stevebarbermodels.com/store/Aceh-Wars-c36555085
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Really lovely, excellent painting! A great start. :-*
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I can't give specifics because I do 15 mm but check out Vietnam ranges for civilians and same for Boxer Rebellion, the latter being dead on for your time frame, the former slightly closer to your area.
Search for figures from the long gone London War Room - their 15 mm stuff would have worked a treat for your goal. I believe they also had larger scale figures.
Excellent painting and love the Sri Lanka inspired building.
You have set yourself a challenge. Lead the way.
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Lovely work and welcome :)
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Eautiful work, both on figures and terrain.
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Just wonderful work..really like the ground foilage around the trees ..looks really nice.
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I commissioned a few figures for the Aceh Wars in the Dutch East Indies but due to lack of interest and limited financial resources I was forced to stop,at least for now. Here's the small range. https://www.stevebarbermodels.com/store/Aceh-Wars-c36555085
Mark
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Hi all,
Thank you very much for all the wonderful replies! I had no idea my little post would garner such a response.
Since my last post I have been doing some research into the region and time period of interest.
I think I have settled on the Dutch East Indies during the early 1900's - specifically, towards the end of the Aceh War (1873–1904), the occupation of Sulawesi (1905–06), and the subjugation of Bali in 1906 and 1908. In short: one of the final expansion periods of the Dutch colonial territories.
My grandfather grew up in the Indies during the 20's so the region has always been an interest of mine (plus, lots of reference images from my Great-Grandfather's personal collection :-* )
Thank you all so much for the miniature recommendations! I am yet to fully explore all the options you've sent through, but I can already see some winners.
Special thanks to Diablo Jon, I'm a big fan of the Dayak warriors as a potential substitute for Acehnese warriors - great find!
I've come across both Tiger miniatures and Steve Barber models as well, although I have heard only negative reviews of the former, and the latter seem slightly off scale wise when compared to Foundry and Copplestone. I'll try to find some actual scale comparison pictures online though.
Now, onto some miniature choices/uniform design decisions I have made:
My collection will most likely be divided into 3 groups: Villagers/Citizens, Dutch colonial troops, and Acehnese warriors.
Citizens
This is my largest group thus far. I have been using Foundry and Copplestone and am waiting on some deliveries from Sally 4th (which I hope will be in the same scale..)
In addition to the image in my first post, I just finished another two characters for this group:
(https://i.imgur.com/6umuSzi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VYOWt8z.jpg)
Acehnese Troops
Overall documentation of the period is rather.. limited. Few images exist, either in Dutch or English.
I have been able to find these reference images:
(https://i.imgur.com/dWORrGj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RaXfDWO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NAOuXZ9.jpg)
I'll probably be using these miniatures to represent the Acehnese:
https://www.eurekaminuk.com/collections/colonial/products/dayak-warrior-28mm (Thanks for the recommendation, Jon)
https://www.stevebarbermodels.com/store/Achese-Natives-Pack-1-x4-p147836008 (Thanks for the recommendation, Belgian & Marco55)
https://www.empressminiatures.com/fl4-tagalog-insurgents-with-firearms-469-p.asp (Thanks again, Jon!)
I will most likely also look into some boxer rebellion/vietnam ranger, as recommended!
Dutch Colonial Troops
This group has been a real hassle, but I think I've figured it out.
Until 1910 Dutch troops wore the same uniforms as their European counterparts - Dark blue, Wool uniforms (poor lads..)
While a quick google search will show several pictures with the green uniform shown below, this was used afer 1910, and thus does not apply.
(https://i.imgur.com/xxFz6lS.jpg)
Instead, the Dutch would have worn a dark blue uniform with pith helmet (as far as I can tell)
Sources disagree widely on the actual colour of the uniform.. ranging from an almost black...
(https://i.imgur.com/VUMQIap.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NqpoaHJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xsaHW3K.jpg)
...to a definite blue...
(https://i.imgur.com/FFmTRMD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FAyHW91.jpg)
... to whatever this is...
(https://i.imgur.com/5sZYjzB.jpg)
Either way, I think I will stick with the dark blue/almost black, as this is also worn in modern ceremonial versions of the original uniforms (as seen above).
A variety of pictures also show officers with white trousers, different helmets, and much more variation, but I think the bike poster is the general aim.
As such, I have decided to paint one of my Copplestone German East Africa soldiers in the Dutch colours.
I haven't found a more suitable replacement for now, and the uniforms seem relatively similar. I can always convert some later if needed.
Apologies for the weird background colours, but my camera refuses to focus on a blue/back uniform when the background is either white or black..
(https://i.imgur.com/WXTFDQe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vjhS3UK.jpg)
I think I'm rather happy with the result, which wasn't easy to achieve..
One of my earlier test models can be seen below - looked more like a police officer than anything else!
(https://i.imgur.com/qeLDlE7.jpg)
Apologies for the long post, but I thought I would give a thorough update on progress!
In short: Dutch East Indies, 1900's.
Any feedback or comments are always welcome!
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I believe the KNIL had their own uniform beginning in the 1890's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KENqdtUqKNI
Mark
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I'd be keen to know what you are using from Sally 4th? Yes, Dayaks from Eureka is a good idea. You might want to look at Trent Miniatures for some of their Caribbean figures, some of them might suit albeit a bit too tall.
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Enjoyed seeing your posts with your figures, building, and the pictures of uniforms. Thank you and will enjoy seeing your progress!
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Shtim, welcome to the group! Your figs and terrain pieces are awesome. The painting conversion of your German Marine works as far as I’m concerned.
Marco here on this group / thread has similar interests as you and has done lots of research on. I’m looking forward to your additional posts in this subject. Thank you for sharing your ideas and project.
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I really like the alternative paint scheme on that German miniature... it actually looks better than the historical German uniform colour to my eye. You get so used to seeing miniatures painted in their historical colours its quite cool when someone decides to do something different with them.
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love your painting. The germ... sorry the dutch marine in blue is superb.
I only have the lady in riding breeches is much modern for the stated era. However is a very nice figure nad most important is very nicely painted!
Dutch colonies in Asia include for a brief time Sigapore which later ceded alongwith the Malaya to Dritish and Borneo / Indonesia to the dutch. So, thinking of the multinational population of Sigapore, civilians would be drawn from all ranges of asian figures, indian and chinese. Even the pack of polynesian civilians by eureka can be useful to some extend ...
A minor inspiration could come from minis suitable for Sandokan adventures, as in here:
http://amemieidragoni.blogspot.com/2017/05/le-avventure-di-sandokan-soldatini-in.html
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Argsilverson, that is a cool link. Thank you!
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Excellent 8)
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Hi all,
Thank you for the kind words, its very encouraging!
As per usual, I will make note of any miniature recommendations - do keep them coming!!
I'd be keen to know what you are using from Sally 4th? Yes, Dayaks from Eureka is a good idea. You might want to look at Trent Miniatures for some of their Caribbean figures, some of them might suit albeit a bit too tall.
For now I just wanted to try our some of their civilian characters. I don't know if I will actually 'use them' per se, but I just loved their 'Inspector' model in the Cafe Americain 2 set
I believe the KNIL had their own uniform beginning in the 1890's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KENqdtUqKNI
Mark
Thank you kindly for the link! I've been using this channel, in conjunction with other sources for my 'research'.
love your painting. The germ... sorry the dutch marine in blue is superb.
I only have the lady in riding breeches is much modern for the stated era. However is a very nice figure nad most important is very nicely painted!
Dutch colonies in Asia include for a brief time Sigapore which later ceded alongwith the Malaya to Dritish and Borneo / Indonesia to the dutch. So, thinking of the multinational population of Sigapore, civilians would be drawn from all ranges of asian figures, indian and chinese. Even the pack of polynesian civilians by eureka can be useful to some extend ...
A minor inspiration could come from minis suitable for Sandokan adventures, as in here:
http://amemieidragoni.blogspot.com/2017/05/le-avventure-di-sandokan-soldatini-in.html
Thanks a lot! You're probably very right concerning the riding breeches, but I had it lying around so thought I'd give it a try ;)
As per usual, thanks for the miniature recommendations, I will look into it!
Since my last post I have been working on some more Dutch East Indies Marechaussee troops, as used towards the end of the 1873-1904 Aceh war.
The bases obviously aren't done and some highlights are yet to be completed, but this was my last chance of the day for good lighting.
(https://i.imgur.com/QLlb77E.jpg)
The 'commanding officer' is another German Copplestone figure, although I added the epaulettes myself using some plasticard. I think it works quite well?
I really do like the yellow, and am considering painting the others' epaulettes yellow/gold as well.... thoughts?
As per usual, the uniform is loosely based on historical photographs ;D
(https://i.imgur.com/nemymw1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/95BZeI4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/keld6P5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NRRgDiN.jpg)
That's it for now!
Thanks for reading!
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https://www.stevebarbermodels.com/store/Aceh-Wars-c36555085
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Shtim,
If you do Facebook do a search for Dutch Docu Channel. They post historical photos of the Dutch East Indies and the KNIL on a regular basis, lots of inspiration.
LB
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Very nice job on the Dutch,I built my army in the 1980;s using RAFM Riel rebellion British/Canadians for Dutch.,with a mix of old Frontier and converted Minifigs..the Eureka Dayaks are awesome..I have three units. Ditto that on the Dutch docu channel.,great scource.
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Veery nice job on the Dutch,i built my army in the 1980;s using RAFM Riel rebellion British/canadians for Dutch.,with a mix of old Frontier and converted minifigs..the eureka Dayaks are awesome..I have three units. Ditto that on the Dutch docu channel.,great scource.
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Hi all,
Thank you very much for the continued miniature recommendations and pictures.
The Dutch Docu channel and FB page has been a great source, and special thanks to juergen c. olk for those pictures!
Progress has been relatively slow here. Work is slowly ramping up, and I'm a very slow painter..
Below you can see my first unit of Dutch soldiers from the end of the Aceh war.
I finally finished them off and based them! I am particularly happy with the look of the white trousers on the left.
(https://i.imgur.com/70aB1Kj.jpg?1)
The character on the right is based on J. B. van Heutsz, Military Governor of Aceh
I took the bearded gent from the German officers Copplestone set, filed off his beard, and added some shoulder epaulettes to complete the look.
Here's a side by side:
(https://i.imgur.com/DxGie7W.png)
Also, my models from Gringo40's finally arrived!
I've painted up one test model, from their Taiping Rebels range, but am not quite satisfied..
The skin colour seems off (I tried to go for Northern Indonesian, which is generally lighter... but not this light..) and the clothing colours lend themselves more to Chinese rather than Indonesian origin I think.
Either way, its a test model - and as my girlfriend always likes to say while cooking, the first pancake is always the worst! ;D
(https://i.imgur.com/UWAshSy.jpg?1)
As per usual, any feedback is always appreciated!
Shtim
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Great use of those Copplestone figures in their new role. Those dark uniforms are pretty cool, aren't they?
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Your figures look great.I still want to continue getting some more sculpted,some Acehnese warriors in fighting poses maybe with multiple heads.Some Dutch too,mostly 1890's but maybe some 1870's also..Definitely Van Heutsz. But all that will have to wait awhile I'm afraid.
Mark
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Great use of those Copplestone figures in their new role. Those dark uniforms are pretty cool, aren't they?
I actually prefer them like that to the way they should be painted if they where Germans.
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The new stuff looks great.
Talking about the skin tone of your Indonesian. I was having a similar issue with painting middle eastern skin tones for my Arabs in Africa. Plynkes pointed me in the direction of Foundry Paints who do a range of different skin tone paints perhaps their Oriental Flesh tones might be worth a look?
https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/paint/products/122-oriental-flesh (https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/paint/products/122-oriental-flesh)
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Interesting project and nice painting and terrain 8)
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I use Nutmeg color for Indonesians...every Dutch Regt. (KNIL) usually had two Native companies,,(Ambonese or Javanese or there were even some Zulu companies for awhile) Also there is the Penal Battalion (Vorlorn hope)the Penal Battalion was raised from convicts .who if they survived (unarmed)one year,their jail terms would be terminated.They had to put the scaling ladders on the Fort walls and fill the ditches and chop thru bamboo walls//not many would survive. They wore white plain clothing and a red sash or armband.
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These are 28mm from Steve Barber .odels
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Yes some are in 1870's uniforms and tall kepis and some are in 1880's-90's sun helmet.I believe they switched to slouch hats starting in the 1890's until the early 1900's.
Mark
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I got this book last year.It's hard to come by,Amazon has one and it's $245 :o.I didn't pay nearly that much for mine but it has a lot of photos in it.
Mark
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I use Nutmeg color for Indonesians...every Dutch Regt. (KNIL) usually had two Native companies,,(Ambonese or Javanese or there were even some Zulu companies for awhile) Also there is the Penal Battalion (Vorlorn hope)the Penal Battalion was raised from convicts .who if they survived (unarmed)one year,their jail terms would be terminated.They had to put the scaling ladders on the Fort walls and fill the ditches and chop thru bamboo walls//not many would survive. They wore white plain clothing and a red sash or armband.
Thanks for all the information! Could you provide a source for the Penal battalion - I would love to know more?
I've looked into the African regiments (I assume thats what you mean by Zulu), although the last African troops were brought over in the 1870's if I recall correctly, so a bit too early for my 1900-ish timeline! (edit: see here, at 07:25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KENqdtUqKNI)
Great use of those Copplestone figures in their new role. Those dark uniforms are pretty cool, aren't they?
Thanks a lot! I'm pretty happy with them, if I do say so myself!
Your figures look great.I still want to continue getting some more sculpted,some Acehnese warriors in fighting poses maybe with multiple heads.Some Dutch too,mostly 1890's but maybe some 1870's also..Definitely Van Heutsz. But all that will have to wait awhile I'm afraid.
Mark
Thanks for your comment! I really should look into those models you got sculpted... so much to buy! so much to do!
Also thanks a lot for the book recommendation in your other comment!
The new stuff looks great.
Talking about the skin tone of your Indonesian. I was having a similar issue with painting middle eastern skin tones for my Arabs in Africa. Plynkes pointed me in the direction of Foundry Paints who do a range of different skin tone paints perhaps their Oriental Flesh tones might be worth a look?
Fantastic suggestion! Thank you kindly :D
These are 28mm from Steve Barber .odels
Thanks a lot for the suggestion Shipka! They're on my list :)
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I can;t remember the scource for the Penal battalion.it;s been 35 years ...and the Zulus were imported from South Africa..but after like 6 months proved to be unsuited for service and it was discontinued.I;ll see if I can find the article on the Penal battalion..i know it something to do with Aceh campaigns.
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Hi All,
Very short update for you today - I'm leaving town for a week, so have been spending less time painting miniatures and more time finishing off work!
First off, another character for my little settlement: a Dutch missionary spreading the word of god!
(https://i.imgur.com/unmGkWZ.jpg)
Second, I'm happy to say that my Eureka Dayak Warriors finally arrived. Absolutely fantastic models, perfect scale, and very easy to paint - I love them!
After my previous troubles with the Indonesian skin tone, I thought I'd try again on a new Eureka test model - the results of which can be seen below:
(https://i.imgur.com/S0pQ2SL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WsuDJeL.jpg)
I am much happier with the outcome, and will be using this method from now on. While the skin is still not as light as I'd like it, I think it works well - and its easy to paint!
Naturally, any feedback is welcome.
Scale wise they're smaller than the Gringo40s models I received last week, although I think the Gringo's were a tad big...
Seeing as the Dutch are supposed to be taller anyway, I think the slender Indonesian figure works well.
Comparison below: Copplestone Commander, Foundry Missionary, Eureka Indonesian Warrior (although he comes across as smaller because he's crouching)
(https://i.imgur.com/DXm7NvJ.jpg)
And in the office book case display:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZgTP6Vw.jpg)
Once I come back, I'll be sure to start properly painting the force!
Shtim
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I have the Dayaks also but are not painted yet.
Mark
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Great stuff :)
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So what was your recipe for the Dayaks? I have 12 of them to paint as well as some Lombok Warriors that I would like to attempt. Good idea for the Dutch Missionary.
Hi All,
Second, I'm happy to say that my Eureka Dayak Warriors finally arrived. Absolutely fantastic models, perfect scale, and very easy to paint - I love them! After my previous troubles with the Indonesian skin tone, I thought I'd try again on a new Eureka test model - the results of which can be seen below:
(https://i.imgur.com/S0pQ2SL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WsuDJeL.jpg)
I am much happier with the outcome, and will be using this method from now on. While the skin is still not as light as I'd like it, I think it works well - and its easy to paint!
Naturally, any feedback is welcome.
Scale wise they're smaller than the Gringo40s models I received last week, although I think the Gringo's were a tad big...
Seeing as the Dutch are supposed to be taller anyway, I think the slender Indonesian figure works well.
Comparison below: Copplestone Commander, Foundry Missionary, Eureka Indonesian Warrior (although he comes across as smaller because he's crouching)
(https://i.imgur.com/DXm7NvJ.jpg)
And in the office book case display:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZgTP6Vw.jpg)
Once I come back, I'll be sure to start properly painting the force!
Shtim
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Fab 8) 8) 8)
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Eureka Dayaks are great...I just had a problem w/ the blowgun..getting it on,,but I finally figured it out..Nice job.
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Shtim,
I just wanted to encourage your work in Island Southeast Asia. Here are my Dayaks defending their longhouse. Keep up the good work.
(http://i.imgur.com/2jIE5dj.jpg) (https://imgur.com/2jIE5dj)
(http://i.imgur.com/K5sgqjn.jpg) (https://imgur.com/K5sgqjn)
I have 8 more sumpitan men arriving from the great painter bugsda, so my clan increases. I didn't include my prahu (or the other that is only half painted. I am thinking about palisade walls and river fortifications and a canoe house for future builds.
Lon
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Those are great Lon...I have about three 24 man units of Dayaks..I need to build a Sexy Longhouse like yours..gret stuff .
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Thank you all for the kind words! Apologies for my absence lately - I have just started a new job, and free time has been rather limited!
So what was your recipe for the Dayaks? I have 12 of them to paint as well as some Lombok Warriors that I would like to attempt. Good idea for the Dutch Missionary.
In the end, I went with a real brown palette.
1) Oak Brown (the army painter)
2) Dark flesh wash
3) Oak brown again
4) Highlight using Oak Brown & Monster brown (the army painter) mix
5) Highlight using pure monster brown
Not sure its worth all the hassle, but it works for me!
Shtim,
I just wanted to encourage your work in Island Southeast Asia. Here are my Dayaks defending their longhouse. Keep up the good work.
That looks fantastic, Lon! Excellent work - certainly a source of inspiration!
From my end, its only a small update. I'm a *very* slow painter and, as I said, free time has been scarce.
I'm not unhappy with the results thus far, and they look relatively good from a distance!
The models are relatively easy to paint, although the weapons are very fragile. Compared to other manufactures, the Eureka metal seems very soft?
(https://i.imgur.com/T9jSuyX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yKq4Wc2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JPUrYiN.jpg)
Shtim
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scheltrum miniatures in Scotland used to make a range of Dayaks, also Wako pirates, but their website is down so I don't know if they are still available.
Dixon had a range for the FFL in Dahomey. Some of the FFL chaps might be useful.
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Those Dayaks are great.
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Nice work on the Dayaks! Always happy to see these great minis painted up.
Lon
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Yes they are!. :-*
Mark