Russian Conquest of Central Asia 1860's-1880's

[marco55]

Good to know you have already explored that avenue! The French colonials done by Massimo sound amazing. Did he turn you down outright, or will they eventually get made once he's done with the FPW stuff?

Another 20mm maker who accepts commissions is Elhiem, who will also cast the figures in metal. In recent years he has switched completely to digital sculpting, which means the sculpts tend to be more slender than other companies'. Folks have banded together to get an entire range sculpted. Again, only trying to be helpful. I most certainly don't mean to come across as a busybody.

No I don't think your a busybody at all.I appreciate any advice.
Mark

[italwars]

No he's a Senegalese tirailluer.
Mark

Maybe I’m wrong but I think the configuration of the back straps is not the right one for the lebel pouches

[Hang Tuah]

No he's a Senegalese tirailluer.
Mark

Holy shit, I knew I'd be off the mark, but didn't expect to be this far off. Haha.

Again, good luck with the venture, and thank you for enriching our hobby.

I wonder what other subjects you have in store for commissioning?

[marco55]

Maybe I’m wrong but I think the configuration of the back straps is not the right one for the lebel pouches

You may be right.
Mark

[italwars]

those are some reliable plates ..the back straps are "Y" shaped and another common feature was an additional or a single pouch on the back..and, as an alternative, no straps at all..as i've seen in quite a few picts and plates..the equipment carried was minimal as their wives were employed as cooks, housekeepers and, in campaign, also as porters 
another feature was the "Serrual" pants..well under  knee lenght or at ankle lenght for the tirailleurs belonging to the camel sections and just under the knees for the rest..in your  rendering they are, in my opinion, too much above the knee and not sufficiently puffing..on the other hand the headgear "chéchia" is very well done..the first one that i see which has been done correctly in a miniature..one last feature that, in my opinion, should be represented, at least in some subjects,  is the "coupe coupe" panga type broad knife that every tirailleur used even in battle and was proud of it..it was officialy distributed with his big scabbard in 1989 but was in use also before.
an. very LAST, the designer also forgot to sculpt another essential feature which is the red sash under the bel...just my opionion but i don t agree if somebody told me that it was nt used on campaign but only in parades..simply because it was an essential item in african costumes and above all to protect stomach, reins ecc..during cold and disentery..and above all how can you play wargame or make dioramas without the most iconic details of your choosed subjects? 

OK sorry really out of topic..i ll stop now

https://www.passionmilitaria.com/t39307-le-coupe-coupe-du-tirailleur-senegalais

[marco55]

Some more

[italwars]

contrary to images..the tirailleurs in action did nt wear neither gaiters,  shoes or sandals...in my opinion the picts with shoes represented  just experimental attempts or posed picts..or the parade at Champs Elysées of Marchand Expedition...i read that in some very few campaigns  that gaiters were sometime used to protect ankles and calves from thorns ..but bare feet with gaiters are nt very nice to see and paint in a miniature

[marco55]

https://www.warflag.com/shadow/uniforms/senguniform.htm
Mark

[italwars]

thanks Marco..i know those plates..in my opinion the most useful (and only) figure for the period you choosed to represent (Fights against Samori, French Soudan and also Cote d'Ivoire even Tchad) is the "Tirailleur and Officer in White Campaign Pants 1890" and precisly the guy with the rifle at rest, with sash, minimal equipment...puffy pants slightly under the knee.in my opinion not even sandals...avoid of course the backpack..as unfortunatly Eureka miniatures provided on his 28mm tirailleurs..i read on a French contemporary book that on one occasion that a French officer ordered to his tirailleurs to carry their packs, ammo reserves, water, goodies ecc..it was answered by his soldiers almost rioting "no we are soldiers that s a duty for slaves not fo us" ..the warrior races (bambara for ex.) among which were recruited the tirailleurs were very devoted to their leaders but quite individualistic and almost lofty..that 's the reason why i have about 40 of them (Reviresco miniatures in 28mm ) and  they also are my favourite colonial troops to represent on the tabletop 

[marco55]

I had the Reviresco when I was collecting 28mm.I'm mostly going for the "look" than accuracy as there are just no Senegalese in 1/72.It's just for fun to make a diorama when I retire. Same with the Russians.
Mark

[marco55]

Here's a couple more I had sculpted.I like the poses but I told the sculptor that I think the tunic is too puffy and too long between the belt and the knees.I think these are suppose to be summer tunics not a coat.Comments,opinion's suggestions are appreciated.
Mark

[JBaumal]

Marco, you are most correct sir! In all the paintings and drawings I’ve seen the Russian Gimnasterka was definitely shorter than those modeled on those 1/72 scale figs.

[Emir of Askaristan]

Mid thigh and thinner fabric. It is a shirt and not a coat as you say. Otherwise great figure.

[marco55]

Yes even on the Senegalese I had done the tunic looks more like a coat.I will correct him on any future figures.
Mark

[marco55]

Here are the 5 figures I have had done so far. I talked to the sculptor about the tunic being too thick. He tried to thin it but didn't have much success. I may have to stop the project as the tunic looks too much like a coat.
Mark