Back to Africa: Force Publique

[Plynkes]

As the Belgian Force Publique seem to be very much flavour of the month around here at the minute, now seems as good a time as any for my "Back to Africa" finishing-things-off-push to focus on them for a while. Years ago I painted up a few Belgians which we have used in our Great War in Africa games several times, but I never got around to making them into a complete force. They were among the first Darkest Africa figures I ever painted, and so it's bloody-well time I finished them off.



First things first. I had sixteen rank-and-file lads painted. Two more gives me a slightly more flexible amount for my T&T force. I can field them as three squads of six for flexibility, or two of nine for a bit more staying power. So here are the two latecomers:



Next the flag...

Had an old printed flag I never really cared for, so I've replaced it with one I painted myself. Same old figure, painted years ago.


Gotta have a leader.


I call him Hergé Geudens.


Finally a bit of firepower. Can't be too careful...




Just a couple more figures to paint and then we'll have a group shot of the whole gang together.

[Hammers]

Most handsome. *Most* handsome!

I wish I was a citizen of the Congo Free State so I could hoist those beautiful colours up the garden flag pole.

[mortimer]

lovely forces work!!!

interesting comparation between both T&T belgian forces... your bases are great!!!!! and the background of the photos...

congratulations

[Grimm]

  we must play a game together one day,please 

[Operator5]

Having just started my own African collection, I now see the appeal of it.

Great looking stuff there.

[Prof.Witchheimer]

so GREAT I love Africa wargaming and I love when Plynkes brings out his Africa stuff! Please more 

[Darkoath]

Outstanding work Plynkes!   Very rich and vibrant colors! Is the leader on the donkey a straight foundry casting or is he scratchbuilt?  He looks quite dashing in his white coat!

Darkoath

[Plynkes]

Ta.

Darkoath, that's how the Commander comes straight out of the packet. If you check out Mortimer's Force Publique thread you'll see he's been painting the same fellow this week too. He comes with a dismounted version. I suppose I should have used him as such, but as you can see he is otherwise occupied commanding the Nordenfelt gun. I guess it must be the Commandant's twin brother.

The only conversion in this bunch is the guy operating the machine-gun (which is a Copplestone Castings Royal Navy one). He's had a bit of surgery to make him fit his new role (previously he was waving a sword above his head like an idiot).

[Smokeyrone]

Beautiful work, Plynkes.

I hope I can get similar character from my 15mm genre.  (granted, they won't be painted as well)

[coggon]

Plynikes,

As always, great stuff, and inspirational

[bc99]

Koloniale Dagen?

It sounds Cthulhu to me!

Great looking figures. I've also got my force publique out of their hiding spot and looking at me with anticipation. Will I lift brush to paint them? The slew of new posts about FP might just push me to do some painting!

[Ray Rivers]

 

Wow!

I think the one I like the best is... well, darn, I like them all!

Great flag as well.  Super minis!

[Traveler Man]

Excellent work, sir! I'll have to get a Copplestone Nordenfelt for my own Force Publique company. They are rather lacking heavy support. Thanks for the idea. 

[Smokeyrone]

Can't get over those Askaris.  Fantastic!

[argsilverson]

Very Good, Sir!
Can;t wait to see the rest