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Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on September 23, 2020, 09:10:02 AM

Title: Empress [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on September 23, 2020, 09:10:02 AM
The first pack in a range of figures for the Orange River Campaign in Africa.

https://www.irondukeminiatures.co.uk/orange-river

 British Infantry, skirmish line in action, coatees, peaked Kilmarnocks, regulation crossbelt equipment, blanket packs, P1842 percussion muskets. (8 different figs, split 4/4 between kneeling and standing poses).

[Particularly suited for the 43rd (The Monmouthshire) Regiment (Light Infantry). Note that the 43rd removed the light infantry wings from its coatees at this time].

https://www.empressminiatures.com/iron-duke-miniatures-120-c.asp



Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Juan on September 23, 2020, 09:42:50 AM
Great news! These figures are wonderful! And the period, very, very interesting.
Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Mike1879 on September 23, 2020, 11:25:45 AM
Count me in  ;)
Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on September 23, 2020, 11:33:09 AM
I can see myself getting some Basotho when they are released, for a bit of Allan Quatermain fun if for no other reason. Even when dealing with fictional tribes in the stories, the illustrations often depict them as Ngoni/Zulus vs. Basotho.





Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: juergen c. olk on September 23, 2020, 11:40:24 AM
Oh no ..I;m in trouble now...
Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Atheling on September 23, 2020, 12:01:15 PM
Beautiful sculpts (obviously!)  :-* :-* :-*

the illustrations often depict them as Ngoni/Zulus vs. Basotho.

Interesting and very tempting!!   o_o :D
Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on September 23, 2020, 01:10:44 PM
This is the kind of thing I mean. That fellow about to get skewered in the back of the head is clearly based on a Basotho, though in the story he isn't meant to be one.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/29/163_19_09_17_10_29_10_0.jpg)

My dream of Quatermainesque battles gets a little nearer with this new range, perhaps. Just need to get my arse into gear and look into getting Duke Donald's Maiwa green (based on the lady in the top centre of the picture) turned into a metal figure now. Since my medical troubles that project has very much been dormant. Still have her, and she's been very patient.







Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Diablo Jon on September 23, 2020, 03:51:01 PM
This is the kind of thing I mean. That fellow about to get skewered in the back of the head is clearly based on a Basotho, though in the story he isn't meant to be one.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/29/163_19_09_17_10_29_10_0.jpg)

My dream of Quatermainesque battles gets a little nearer with this new range, perhaps. Just need to get my arse into gear and look into getting Duke Donald's Maiwa green (based on the lady in the top centre of the picture) turned into a metal figure now. Since my medical troubles that project has very much been dormant. Still have her, and she's been very patient.

Very cool idea for a project.

I'd like some Basotho to convert into Sebetwane's Makololo just because I kind think Sebetwane was a bad ass.


Title: Re: Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Atheling on September 23, 2020, 05:19:07 PM
Very cool idea for a project.

I'd like some Basotho to convert into Sebetwane's Makololo just because I kind think Sebetwane was a bad ass.

It's all very highly attractive stuff and oh so tempting but I'm going to have to remain unflinching as I've got three projects on the go and if I get side tracked I risk returning to fill on wargames butterfly mode  lol

They are so beautifully sculpted. Damn it! why do so many attractive miniatures have to get released by so many different companies seemingly in one go? (I'm sure it's my imagination :) )
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Happy Wanderer on September 26, 2020, 02:43:06 PM
Looks great. Top notch sculpts.

FYI
The 3rd link on the page “Dress, Weapons and Equipment” doesn’t work...just some weird error page pops up.

 
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on October 07, 2020, 03:20:13 PM
Two new packs of native cavalry for the Orange River Range.

https://www.empressminiatures.com/orange-river-range-126-c.asp

Our Basotho figures are suitable for the period 1840-1880, including 'Major Warden's War', (1851) the Battle of Berea (1852), the conflicts with the Orange Free State in the 1850s and 60s and the 'Gun War' (1880). Note, however, that by the time of the Gun War at the tail-end of the bracket, a much higher proportion of warriors would have been wearing hats and European clothing, and that some would have been armed with  rifles, including a few breech-loaders, such as the Snider-Enfield. 

Molapo ‘Jeremiah’ Moshoeshoe, (1814–1880), aged 37 at the Battle of Berea (20 December 1852), was the second son of Chief Moshoeshoe’s First House. At the Battle of Viervoet, during 'Major Warden's War' of July 1851, Molapo had commanded one of three Basotho cavalry divisions. At Berea he again commanded a major mounted formation, embracing both Basotho warriors and an allied Bataung contingent led by the sons of Chief Molitsane. Conventionally said to be 700 strong, my own research leads me to believe that Molapo's division was almost certainly twice that size. Evidently a commander possessed of real 'cavalry dash', Molapo surprised Lt-Col George Napier's cavalry 'brigade', (it was only 2 squadrons strong), as it was retiring from Berea Mountain with 4,000 captured cattle. The rearguard half-troop, under the supervision of Maj. William Tottenham, the acting CO of the 12th Lancers, was very badly mauled in a chaotic withdrawal from the mountain.  Tottenham himself played a genuinely heroic role in the retreat and was fortunate enough to survive. Subsequently Molapo had some of his warriors dress up in the jackets and white forage caps of the dead lancers. Carrying captured lances and  formed up like cavalrymen, the impostors rode towards Colonel William Eyre's infantry column, on another part of the plateau. Eyre mistook them for  General Cathcart's escort and rode towards them, accompanied by his headquarters staff officers and the handful of lancers that had been assigned to his column. Eyre was obliged to defend himself with his revolver but was able to gallop to safety.  His DAQMG, (effectively his chief of staff), Captain Walter Faunce, 73rd Regt., was less fortunate. Reportedly a poor horseman, Faunce was hemmed in, taken prisoner and clubbed to death some short while later. After fighting Eyre's infantry for a couple of hours, Molapo led his people down from Berea to participate in the climax of the battle around Pelea's Kraal in the Phutiatsana (or Little Caledon) river valley, opposite Moshoeshoe's mountain-top stronghold at Thaba Bosiu.

Job or "Jobo", properly known as Lelosa, was a younger half-brother to the Basotho paramount, Chief Moshoshoe. Back in the 1830s Eugene Casalis of the Paris Evangelical Missionary  Society (PEMS) befriended Moshoeshoe and was granted permission to establish a mission at the foot of the Thaba Bosiu. mountain-top stronghold. Lelosa converted to Christianity in 1841 and was still a senior member of Casalis's congregation in December 1852, when General Cathcart and his army drew nigh.  There were French missions scattered all across Moshoeshoe's realm but none of them had more than a few score converts. The missionaries were typically accompanied by wives and children - Mrs Casalis was known to the Basotho as 'Ma Eugene' - so that consequently the converts were prevailed upon to wear European style clothes around the missions.  Jobo took the Ten Commandments to heart and on the basis of 'Thou shalt not kill' faced a bona fide struggle with his conscience in advance of the Battle of Berea. In the end he took up arms and participated in the fighting. Not only did he participate, but he played a leadership role, displayed great courage and provided an inspirational example to those around him.  The morning after the battle Moshoeshoe’s sons sang their uncle’s praises in the presence of the paramount. “Job was not afraid because he is a Christian,” Moshoeshoe remarked in response. Although Casalis rose high in Moshoeshoe's counsels, becoming both a friend and confidante, and effectively acting as his foreign secretary in his dealings with the British and the boere, it was expedient that the paramount adhered to the majority view amongst his people. As a result Casalis was never able to pull off his great ambition of converting the paramount himself. Moshoeshoe's aged father,  Mokhachane, inevitably a great traditionalist, detested the idea of Christianity and was hostile to the French presence. Importantly PEMS policy was to side with the British in the Cape, for fear of the the threat that boer republican rule posed to Africans, so that the temporary breakdown in Anglo-Basotho  relations over the period 1851-2 was in no way attributable to the French influence in 'Lesutu' [today Lesotho].

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Atheling on October 07, 2020, 03:26:21 PM
 :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: waterproof on October 08, 2020, 06:35:04 AM
Fantastic miniatures, very interesting range. Also many thanks for the historical insight. I am not very knowledgeable about the colonial history of South Africa. I bought minis for the Cape Frontier War from the Perry brothers because I liked them so much. Now I see these here and I think they are just as great.  Can the miniatures be combined ? With the British I see that it should work. Uniform on average of the 1840s with slight changes.

Or do I have to consider something ?

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Mike1879 on October 08, 2020, 07:33:19 AM
Excellent figures. Will be purchasing these very soon. Waiting on the British command set first.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 08, 2020, 09:01:24 AM
Waterproof, those Basotho fought both the Boers (Orange Free State) and the Brits in the 1850s. The Boers from the Perry range make perfect opponents for them, and while I'd have to check which British units were involved and what they wore, you'd have to be a pretty grumpy killjoy to object to seeing Perry Brits fielded against them and screaming "But the 43rd foot didn't wear that kind jacket! I'm going home!"  I do think the Perry guys in coatees and peaked caps have pretty much the right look, though, if you are going to let such things bother you.

I believe the Rifles might have been involved in that show. Some 1850s Riflemen would be nice. My memory is a bit leaky, but I don't think there are any in the Perry range. I'm looking forward to Basotho on foot, too, just cause I've always wanted to paint some.


Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: waterproof on October 08, 2020, 09:29:29 AM
Thanks a lot Plynkes, then I will extend my project to the Basothos. And place an order with Empress in the near future. Maybe it's worth waiting for the Basotho warriors on foot and the British infantry command.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 08, 2020, 10:47:22 AM
Seems like you will need a lot of those cavalry fellows. I was just having a gander at the bit in the Perry/Mike Snook book on the subject, and according to that the Basotho cavalry was something to behold. They had more horsemen than Ney threw at Wellington's squares when they faced the Brits. Not something you really associate with sub-Saharan Africa, that.


Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on October 08, 2020, 11:10:23 AM
Waterproof, those Basotho fought both the Boers (Orange Free State) and the Brits in the 1850s. The Boers from the Perry range make perfect opponents for them, and while I'd have to check which British units were involved and what they wore, you'd have to be a pretty grumpy killjoy to object to seeing Perry Brits fielded against them and screaming "But the 43rd foot didn't wear that kind jacket! I'm going home!"  I do think the Perry guys in coatees and peaked caps have pretty much the right look, though, if you are going to let such things bother you.

I believe the Rifles might have been involved in that show. Some 1850s Riflemen would be nice. My memory is a bit leaky, but I don't think there are any in the Perry range. I'm looking forward to Basotho on foot, too, just cause I've always wanted to paint some.

Thanks Plynkes  ;)
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 08, 2020, 11:21:03 AM
Seems like you will need a lot of those cavalry fellows. I was just having a gander at the bit in the Perry/Mike Snook book on the subject, and according to that the Basotho cavalry was something to behold. They had more horsemen than Ney threw at Wellington's squares when they faced the Brits. Not something you really associate with sub-Saharan Africa, that.

I have to say it's not a subject I have much knowledge in. I'd guessed hat the Basotho fought as mounted riflemen ( like the Boers who I assumed they got the idea off) rather than true cavalry ( like Ney's currassiers) did they attempt to charge home on British infantry? Seems like a ballsy move if they did. Or did they just ride into rifle range take a pot shot and ride off to safety?
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 08, 2020, 11:33:20 AM
I think you are right, Jon. I believe they fought more like mounted infantry or skirmishing ranged cavalry (horse archers with guns, if you will), not as shock cavalry.  I was being a bit wild and loose with my terminology, trying to convey the idea that they made quite an impression on the Brits with their sheer numbers of horsemen. Cathcart himself was an aide to Wellington at Waterloo, and had seen those French cavalry charges with his own eyes. I can't remember if he made the comparison explicitly himself, of if that was just Mike Snook, but nonetheless it is made in the book.




Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: juergen c. olk on October 08, 2020, 12:13:43 PM
Yes the Mtd Basuthos would ride up and discharge their variety of weapons and reload..but very inaccurate..as opposed to the Boers,The Cape Mtd.Rifles , used a Double barrelled gun ,one barrel was rifled and the other acted like a shotgun.,not a long range weapon. the Basuthos also had men mtd on"FAST" Oxen ..if there is such a thing. I can;t wait till their release..they would have up to 6,000 mtd Basuthos at a battle,,lots of painting...
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: waterproof on October 08, 2020, 12:43:01 PM
All right, gentlemen. This makes me look at the mounted Basothos with completely different eyes.
Is there any supporting printed material about the Basotho wars ?
So far I have only found one Osprey, Boer War Part 1.
My interest in this series of figures is now very high.  ;)
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on October 08, 2020, 01:03:57 PM
Probably the best place to start would be Lt Colonel Mike Snook's web site.

He is Iron Duke and Empress Miniatures do the selling on his behalf. He has a LOT of research on the subject.

 https://www.irondukeminiatures.co.uk/
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 08, 2020, 01:50:18 PM
The books Mike Snook did on the Cape Wars that were published by the Perry brothers are well worth having if you are into this period. Some lovely colour plates by whichever Perry twin is the one that does colour plates, too (including some Basotho types). I think only one chapter on the Basotho conflicts, though.


Afraid I haven't read any books that were solely about the Basotho, so I can't really recommend anything else. They get a mention and some pics in a couple of Osprey books as you mentioned, and I think the trusty old Donald Featherstone book on colonial warfare in Africa had a bit on them. Can't remember, long time since I read it.  :)





Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Mike1879 on October 08, 2020, 05:18:52 PM
Been speaking to Mike Snook on the Iron Duke Facebook page today. There’s loads more to come in this range including dismounted skirmishing Basotho, artillery, mule born rocket batteries, lancers, highlanders, cape mounted rifles and more. His sculptor Paul Hicks is flat out working with other companies as well as the I.D, so it’s all a question of time as to how long these additions are going to take to come into production. Very exciting range though !!
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: waterproof on October 09, 2020, 08:08:30 AM
Great, thanks for all the tips and hints. This makes my painting project more and more probable.
I have one more question for the knowing community,
on the ironduke homepage the equipment and uniform of the 43rd Light Infantry Regiment is described very nicely.
It is explained that the Kilmarnock cap was "green" during the light infantry. In the picture it appears to me in a deep blue.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Atheling on October 09, 2020, 08:39:54 AM
Great, thanks for all the tips and hints. This makes my painting project more and more probable.
I have one more question for the knowing community,
on the ironduke homepage the equipment and uniform of the 43rd Light Infantry Regiment is described very nicely.
It is explained that the Kilmarnock cap was "green" during the light infantry. In the picture it appears to me in a deep blue.

Why not ask Mike about it on the Iron Duke Facebook page?
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 09, 2020, 09:01:10 AM
That's the same pic as in the book. I was looking at it and I can't actually tell if it is very, very dark green or very, very dark blue. Looks black to my eyes. If Mike Snook says they were green I'd be inclined to believe him, but if I was painting it I'd paint it black with a highlight including a tiny amount of green, so it is almost imperceptable, as in the picture.


Just had a peek in the relevent Osprey, and it does say light infantry caps were green in this period. They weren't Rifles, but if the caps were Rifle green, Rifle green was often very dark.

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: waterproof on October 09, 2020, 10:36:00 AM
Many thanks to Plynkes for the interpretation.

Atheling, I don't have a Facebook account and I thought since this is a forum I might ask something.

Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Atheling on October 09, 2020, 10:56:58 AM
Atheling, I don't have a Facebook account and I thought since this is a forum I might ask something.

Probably a wise decision all things considered :)
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: italwars on October 11, 2020, 12:48:19 AM
As it seem you re guys expert even in that very sideshow ..how was composed this basutho army that fought the boers? Mainly horsemen? Half horsemen half foot? Most spears I suppose  ? I ask that cause I already have painted some few foot  Xhosas From 1st Corps..maybe I can mix them with a few of those beautiful designed mounted basuthos to fight my boers?
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 11, 2020, 09:18:34 AM
According to Mike Snook, by the 1840s, 75% of the Basotho fought as gun-armed mounted infantry. They preferred skirmishing and ambush, and did not go in for massed charges like the Zulu did. Unusually for this part of Africa they had lots of guns and lots of ponies. Their two wars against the Boers were in the 1850s and 1860s. There do not seem to have been any pitched battles, though.

The first war was characterized by ambushes and raids, both by Boers into Basutoland and Basotho raiding the farms of the Orange Free State. The Boers occassionally found themselves outgunned, something they would not often have experienced. Seems  the Basotho were pretty terrible with their guns to begin with, but became more formidable in time. This seems like a conflict built for skirmish gaming.

The second war was more bloody and mainly consisted of the Boers trying to assault Basotho mountain-top fortresses. Not so much scope for the horsemen in this one, as the Basotho were mostly defending fortified positions with guns. The Boers are said to have deployed artillery in these assaults, and interestingly the Basotho had some cannons acquired from traders, but these were largely ineffective.

Neither side prevailed in either war, a peace was arbitrated by the British in both cases.






Edit: Ha! I said Chris Peers when I meant Mike Snook. :)
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Juan on October 11, 2020, 09:24:22 AM
Very interesting, I think this period can be played very well with "Musket & Tomahawk".
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: juergen c. olk on October 11, 2020, 12:58:26 PM
Spot on Plynkes as usual..I just finished about 6 books on the Cape frontier wars ,including Mike Snooks excellent (Must have  2),and currently reading Cathcarts dispatches in the field...lots of ambushing...and cattle raiding..so I figure I;ll need 10x12 man Mtd. units..one on "Fast Oxen"can;t wait to get started...
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Diablo Jon on October 11, 2020, 06:30:21 PM
I'm pretty sure I read that in the second and third war with the Basotho the Boers, of the Orange free state, allowed their tribal allies (Swazi) to bear the brunt of attacking the Basotho strongholds so you might need plenty of tribal allies in your Boer armies.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Juan on October 30, 2020, 06:48:10 PM
Hmm, this range of figures is a bit slow to evolve...
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Arthur on October 31, 2020, 03:50:58 AM
Iron Duke did a very good job of developing an extensive Indian Mutiny range and Mike Snook is nothing if not thorough and methodical in his approach. A quick look at the Iron Duke FB page will reveal what's in the pipeline for the GAPS and Orange River ranges : there are actually plenty of completed masters and more dollies in the process of being worked on.

My understanding is that the current slow rate of releases is due to the bottleneck at Griffin Moulds, who do the moulding and casting for Empress, iron Duke and a fair few other manufacturers. They are apparently very busy at the moment - possibly due to the CoVID crisis - and are trying to catch up with their backlog as quickly as they can.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Atheling on October 31, 2020, 10:16:43 AM
Iron Duke did a very good job of developing an extensive Indian Mutiny range and Mike Snook is nothing if not thorough and methodical in his approach. A quick look at the Iron Duke FB page will reveal what's in the pipeline for the GAPS and Orange River ranges : there are actually plenty of completed masters and more dollies in the process of being worked on.

Agreed Arthur. Mike Snook's attention to detail and research is second to none. And very honest too (for want of a better word).

My understanding is that the current slow rate of releases is due to the bottleneck at Griffin Moulds, who do the moulding and casting for Empress, iron Duke and a fair few other manufacturers. They are apparently very busy at the moment - possibly due to the CoVID crisis - and are trying to catch up with their backlog as quickly as they can.

!00%. I know a few miniature manufacturers personally and they are all having the same problems if they have to outsource their casting. Or indeed get quality master moulds etc made up.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Juan on October 31, 2020, 11:16:02 AM
Waiting for that reason is not a problem. I have a lot of other projects expecting my attention! But I am in the process of reading Mr Snook great books and I need to paint some British soldiers!!!  lol lol lol
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on October 31, 2020, 11:22:20 AM
That previously-mentioned thing of there only being one Paul Hicks may be a factor, too. He does seem rather busy currently.


Griffin are doing something for me right now as well, so it seems that it's partially my fault, too. Sorry, Juan. :)



Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on November 02, 2020, 08:46:58 AM
No worries Plynkes. I have had a word with Griffin and due to Juans concerns your project has been moved behind Iron Duke.  ;)

 lol lol lol lol lol
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Plynkes on November 02, 2020, 09:57:09 AM
Good man. It's for the greater good. Don't want my private project holding up those Basuto (and I want some dismounted ones to go with it anyway).  :)

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Juan on November 02, 2020, 10:55:19 AM
No worries Plynkes. I have had a word with Griffin and due to Juans concerns your project has been moved behind Iron Duke.  ;)

 lol lol lol lol lol

The power of words...  :o :o :o
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: JBaumal on November 03, 2020, 10:12:24 PM
Brilliant miniatures and very exciting campaign.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] New Releases. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on January 11, 2021, 02:12:00 PM
Lt-Gen. the Hon. George Cathcart Staff Set.

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] NEW RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on February 18, 2021, 10:31:49 AM
New packs released for this developing and unusual range.

https://www.empressminiatures.com/iron-duke-miniatures-120-c.asp

OR 1B British Line or Light Infantry, skirmish line, coatees, peaked Kilmarnocks, regulation crossbelt equipment, blanket packs, P1842 percussion muskets. Set II. (8 figs).

OR 4 Mounted Basotho Set III: 'Traditional Warriors'. (8 riders only). [For horses use 2 x THEM 1].

OR5 Mounted Basotho Set IV. 'Later Basotho.' (6 riders and horses).

OR 9 Mounted Griquas. (6 riders and 6 horses). [Suitable also as Newlanders, Bergenaars, Korana, Basotho, agterryers ('after riders') in a boer commando, Mfengu drovers; also suited to the Cape Frontier Wars in the role of 'Hottentot' levies and, in the 8th CFW particularly, Kat River rebels].

OR 10 British Line or Light Infantry, skirmish line, officers and headdress variants. (5 figs). [Use with OR 1 and OR 1B].

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] NEW RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Ranthony on February 18, 2021, 11:06:00 AM
Brilliant sculpts, I am so very tempted.

I'm trying desperately to stay focused on acquiring and painting the zulu war.

You don't want that, do you?
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] NEW RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on February 18, 2021, 11:20:47 AM
We have some new AZW packs coming out soon so best stay focused  lol
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] NEW RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Ranthony on February 18, 2021, 11:42:02 AM
We have some new AZW packs coming out soon so best stay focused  lol

You might as well just take my wallet now.

I can't wait.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on March 22, 2021, 10:26:31 AM
We have some new releases for the Iron Dukes 28mm ranges .

OR11 British Infantry firing line. Centre company in Kilmarnock caps. 1842 percussion muskets.

Now in the shop.

https://www.empressminiatures.com/orange-river-range-126-c.asp

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on August 23, 2021, 12:12:46 PM
NEW IRON DUKE RELEASES.
Mounted British Staff Officers in forage caps and frockcoats. (2 riders, 2 horses)
Suitable for 1849 onwards. South Africa, 2nd Sikh War, Crimea, Mutiny, 2nd China War

https://www.empressminiatures.com/or13-2768-p.asp

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: italwars on August 23, 2021, 01:03:12 PM
Another interesting period and very particular and also interesting natives types...before toying with the idea of aa new project..may i ask to the experts of the period if those British Infantry both in peaked cap or kilmarcock labelled " 1849" could also be used in the North West Frontier or during First Afghan War, obviously for the summer season..(I ask that cause i already have a NWF tribesmen army and i would be happy to paint only a period red coated British one)?
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Mad Guru on August 24, 2021, 10:59:31 PM
Hi Italwars,

Here's a painting showing the 13th Regt. (later the Somerset Light Inf.) during their April 1st, 1842, "Sortie from Jellalabad":

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTMxb5Vem6g/YSV4KaUp3rI/AAAAAAAAWXc/3WljhLqjj3Arpot1bKgfCxm2FX-fJ4ihgCLcBGAsYHQ/s808/jellalabadsortie.jpg)

To my eye the only issue would be the knapsacks, which while worn in Africa, were generally left with the baggage train in India and Afghanistan.
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: carlos marighela on August 25, 2021, 01:13:03 AM
That Cunliffe painting shows the troops in shell jackets and shirtsleeves. It depicts a foraging expedition so suitably light kit. If you wanted to depict troops in this order of dress your best bet would be Empress’ Maori War range which has suitable figures. Packs NZ 01 through to NZ04 would be ideal.

https://www.empressminiatures.com/maori-wars-7-c.asp
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: italwars on August 25, 2021, 01:56:49 PM
Many thanks to both Mad Guru and Carlos for the suggestion...my problem is that i was looking for a single British Army (few castings for large skirmish type games) that could do both for NWF of India and Africa ..as said the bacpack could be an issue in India but were those Maori war British infantry also suitable, in ADDITION TO NWF, to be fielded against those mounted african tribesmen and maybe Xhosas or Boers..i'm probably overstretching things but maybe i could be lucky in needing to paint just a pair of red coated British small units  for everything and then dedicate my energies (and money) to those beautiful mounted african warriors or colourful native auxiliaries  :)..thanks for your patience
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on August 25, 2021, 02:43:21 PM
If you are trying to game the NWF in the 1840's then the Iron Duke Afghan range is perfect. For Africa then the Iron Duke Orange River is perfect.

If you are trying to do it in a generic way I would suggest that mixing them would be fine.   
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] MORE RELEASES. Iron Duke Orange River Range at Empress Miniatures.
Post by: RedRowan on August 29, 2021, 04:44:23 PM
The pack of Mounted Griquas I ordered turned up yesterday and they are such lovely figures, so full of character.

Steve
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 01/10/21
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on October 01, 2021, 02:04:58 PM
A couple of more releases from Iron Duke.

Exclusively available from Empress Miniatures.

ORANGE RIVER

OR 12 British Line Infantry, skirmish line, flank company coatees, Kilmarnocks (no peak), regulation crossbelt equipment, blanket packs, P1842 percussion muskets. (8 figs).

THEM RANGE

THEM 17 Set of 4 British Regular Cavalry Horses, standing at halt.



Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 01/10/21
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on May 05, 2022, 01:11:44 PM
New 28mm release from Iron Duke for their Orange River Campaign range.

British Line/Light Infantry, Skirmish Line Command. Mtd field officer & horse, 1 officer on foot, 2 sergeants, a sergeant-major and a characterful private.


Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 01/10/21
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on July 20, 2022, 12:31:03 PM
New release today are for the 28mm Iron Duke ranges.

 WKF 2 Xhosa horseholders. 2 boy horseholders and 6 horses.
THEM 19 Set of 4 EIC Irregular Cavalry Horses, Galloping, legs gathered.
THEM 20 Set of 4 EIC Irregular Cavalry Horses, Galloping, legs extended.
THEM 23 Set of 4 Irregular Horses, sheepskin saddles (suitable for Basotho/Xhosa/others besides).
THEM 24 Set of 4 Irregular Horses, sheepskin saddles, walking. (suitable for Basotho/Xhosa/others besides).

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 01/10/21
Post by: MaleGriffin on July 20, 2022, 02:01:37 PM
Beautiful figures!
Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 02/08/22
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on August 02, 2022, 09:43:31 AM
OR 7  Mounted Basotho Set VI. (8 riders only). [For Horses use a combination of THEM 1, THEM 23 and THEM 24].

WKF 3  Mounted Xhosa & Kat River Rebels. 6 riders & 6 horses.


Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 12/08/22
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on August 12, 2022, 12:19:20 PM
and even more releases.

We have some more Iron Duke releases for the 28mm Orange River and Waterkloof ranges.
These are Basotho and Xhosa warriors.

https://youraccount.44.ekm.net/ekmps/shops/shop.asp...

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 12/08/22
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on November 04, 2022, 02:10:45 PM
Another set of releases of 28mm Iron Duke miniatures for the  Orange River and Waterkloof Ranges.

WKF 7 Xhosa Hut. [Resin product]

OR 18 Dismounted Basotho skirmishers (II). (8 figs).

OR 20 British Line or Light Infantry, doubling at the slope, coatees, peaked Kilmarnocks, regulation crossbelt equipment, blanket packs, P1842 percussion muskets. (4 figs). Particularly suited for the 43rd (The Monmouthshire) Regiment (Light Infantry) in Southern Africa in 1852, (including the 8th CFW, Orange River Expedition and Battle of Berea).

OR 21 12th Royal Lancers. (6 riders, 6 horses).

OR 24 Cavalry Officers and Personalities. (5 riders, 5 horses & 1 figure on foot). Includes Maj. Wm. Tottenham, 12th Lancers, Lt Col George Naiper, CMR, Major General Henry Somerset, late CMR, Lt Col. Wm. Eyre, 73rd Regt, Lt Col. Josias Cloete and a captain on foot.

THEM 28 African Cattle (8 animals)

OR 25 Cape Mounted Rifles, galloping horses,

https://www.empressminiatures.com/orange-river-and...

Title: Re: [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range. 04/11/22
Post by: Diablo Jon on November 04, 2022, 05:23:03 PM
Nice! I'm still hoping for Basotho on foot with just spears/axes and shields with no guns then with only slight conversion work I can have Tswana, early Bapedi,  Makololo as well as Sotho warriors.
Title: Re: Empress [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on April 05, 2023, 09:51:18 AM
The latest release from Iron Duke is OR 33 Generic Northern Nguni musket-armed warriors (13 figs)
These work for any tribe in the area such as Zulus.

https://www.empressminiatures.com/orange-river-and...


Title: Re: Empress [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range.
Post by: huevans on April 05, 2023, 10:50:51 PM
I much appreciate the new Indian Mutiny Indian High Command set. Are the characters based on any historical persons?

https://www.empressminiatures.com/reb45-indian-commanders-3151-p.asp
Title: Re: Empress [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range.
Post by: Juan on April 06, 2023, 06:35:08 AM
Very nice and useful figures. I´m thinking about to use them as a local militia or "private army".
Title: Re: Empress [COMMERCIAL] LATEST NEW RELEASES Iron Duke Orange River Range.
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on April 11, 2023, 02:54:14 PM
I much appreciate the new Indian Mutiny Indian High Command set. Are the characters based on any historical persons?

https://www.empressminiatures.com/reb45-indian-commanders-3151-p.asp

Thats Empress Miniatures rather than Iron Duke.

However in answer you your question yes kind of but not specifically. There are not many logical (in wargames model figure design.) illustrations or photographs that capture the exact look of mounted Indian senior officers so our figures are non specific characters based upon an overall impression gained from illustrations and artwork.  I think that makes sense?  lol