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
29 October 2008, 01:23:10 PM
