Mantetsu Campaign

[marianas_gamer]

I have wanted to game the Japanese in Manchuria for quite some time but have been stymied by the lack of minis for the Japanese that are available on the market for the 20s and 30s . Now, inspired by Warlord Fish's use of Cobblestone Chinese I have decided to take the plunge. I am going to concentrate on the early Japanese incursion under Mantetsu, the South Manchuria Railway Company Ltd.



Mantetsu worked hand in hand with the Kwantung Army in the subjugation and development of Manchuria. It was a vastly profitable company, issuing between 20-40% dividends through the 1920s. Much of this profit was likely generated by opium. Opium smuggling was facilitated by Japanese post offices on Chinese soil granted in treaty by the Qing following the Russo-Japanese War. Mantetsu initially took over control of the China Eastern Railway but went on to expand the rail lines, develop coal mines, port facilities, steel works, ceramic and glass facilities, flour and sugar mills, chemical works, and agricultural improvements. Denounced in a partisan attack before the 44th Imperial Diet as ‘a ghoulish stomping ground of ne'er-do-wells scheming under cover of night’ Mantetsu certainly was a powerhouse in South Manchuria. Right or wrong that is how they will be portrayed in this campaign.

Since this is a railroad campaign, I will require rail track, a station, a water tank, coal storage, etc. Here is what I have painted up at this point.





Here is what I have on hand to paint. There are two Mantetsu Anti-Bandit Companies (more on this later), 2 FT17s with the 37mm gun, A Sumida Type 91 Armored Car (I am aware that it is an anachronism. Its an experimental design for Mantetsu. That's my story and I am sticking to it) and some more track. Yes, a train is sadly lacking at this point.



The good thing is that I can leverage my many painted Chinese for the period. First some bandits.



Mounted bandits



Monks



Village Self Defense Unit



Communist Guerrillas



Warlord Troops for some spice



And some more bandits in the paint queue

 

[Grumpy Gnome]

Sounds like an interesting project, and looks great!

[fred]

Looking good, and with having the railway station and the Chinese ready to go you are more than 2/3rds of the way to having a game ready.

The history sounds interesting too - sounds very much like earlier British (and other European) Imperial Companies and their methods of colonialism and exploitation.

[OSHIROmodels]

Great little project mate 

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

This looks excellent, Lon. Really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

[Mike Blake]

Great stuff, keep us posted

[trev]

This looks interesting.  I'm looking forward to the updates.  Great to see your existing Chinese too. 

We had a new member join our club recently, who has some Warlord Chinese.  So, my Russians might be heading east too.

[WarlordFish]

Oh this looks delightful, I look forward to seeing what you get up to! I'm honored that I could be an inspiration!

[marianas_gamer]

Thanks fellas. I have been making some progress, a bit slower than I would prefer, as real life has made things difficult the last couple of months.  Here is a gas station that I completed a while back but never posted here.

and another view


Today I finally finished a 3D printed building that I ordered a couple of months back. I wanted a couple of older looking Chinese buildings to mix in with the more modern European styled buildings and rural Chinese residences. I realize that this is more a fantasy building but it really reminds me of some larger and blockier older Chinese buildings that I have seen in 20s and 30s photographs.

and another view


I have a company of Mantetsu anti-bandit troops started on the painting table. Hopefully, they will make an appearance here soon.

[FreakyFenton]

A great looking building. And an interesting thread! I'll definitely follow with interest! 

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Lovely-looking buildings.      

[OSHIROmodels]

Glad you can carry on with this 

Where is the train track from?

[juergen c. olk]

Great setup .Wonderful job attaching those long spears...

[aircav]

 Cracking stuff Lon 

[trev]

More great additions.  I think the old building looks the part.