28mm African Wars Portuguese

[Arlequín]

I'm a plane fan and this is something I've struggled with. The purist in me says 1/48 is the closest match for the figures, just as 1/100 is for 15mm etc. etc. As you say though it's a token and it's not like you're going to have it flying at a scale 200 feet+.

The only time you need aircraft to scale, is when they are going to be interacting with figures on the ground. As troops were dropped some way from the action mostly, is there a need to depict anything other than 'G-Cars' (or whatever) on table? As these are also flying above (4' or so above the table at 200 feet), any relationship between the size of the model and the troops on the table is pretty meaningless.

Having said all that... an Alouette III in 28mm would be good.     

[Kingscarbine]

Carlos. I understand that the Portuguese military archives are almost useless due to neglect and destruction. Is this true? I was told by an old archivist with a military research bent.

Hi,

It was certainly true 20 years ago when I went to the Historical Military Archive but there's been a lot of work since then. They used to employ conscripts that cared nothing for the job and made a complete mess of it. I'm not saying that they are in top shape now but they are close. The problem is a chronical lack of funds to improve, modernise and maintain it. Floods and other natural causes have also contributed to destruction.

There are so many good military, and civil archives, with competent staff and modern structures that it's unfair and erroneous to validate that statement.

[Kingscarbine]

Here you can find info on a Recon Squadron and the use of White Scout Cars in Guinea:
http://blogueforanada.blogspot.com/2006_02_26_blogueforanada_archive.html

A nice photos of Chaimite w/ gun turret:
http://blogueforanadaevaotres.blogspot.com/2010/09/guine-6374-p7047-em-busca-de-145.html
http://blogueforanadaevaotres.blogspot.com/2011/12/guine-6374-p9216-o-nosso-fadario-8-o.html

[starkadder]

There are so many good military, and civil archives, with competent staff and modern structures that it's unfair and erroneous to validate that statement.

I agree, K. Apparently the legendary archive is the Egyptian army's. Horrendously disorganised. Which is tragic for someone who's made Ibrahim Pasha a bit of a life study.

I don't want to hijack this thread as it's quite an interesting subject. I have friends living and working in Timor right now and have a bit of knowledge of that zone.

By the way, Carlos, CR Boxer was a serious springboard for my interest in the Indian Ocean. Aceh and the Molukas are a huge study in themselves.   

[carlos marighela]

I take it you've read The Secret Discovery of Australia then. Fun book, even if it requires some incredible leaps of faith and logic.

[Arlequín]

Here you can find info on a Recon Squadron and the use of White Scout Cars in Guinea:
http://blogueforanada.blogspot.com/2006_02_26_blogueforanada_archive.html

A nice photos of Chaimite w/ gun turret:
http://blogueforanadaevaotres.blogspot.com/2010/09/guine-6374-p7047-em-busca-de-145.html
http://blogueforanadaevaotres.blogspot.com/2011/12/guine-6374-p9216-o-nosso-fadario-8-o.html

Good find... I didn't know there was a FSV version of the Chaimite in use back then, I thought it was just the 'Scout Car' (pintle mg APC) and T-50 turret (or whatever it is) versions that were used.

[Mac]

ooooh, I will be picking those up from Eureka at Cancon. Almost worth the four hour drive alone...

[Dave Knight]

I've been looking forward to Fof's bush wars - thanks for all the information in this post.

Some photos of painted miniatures/models would be nice, but then again I'm just greedy

[Arlequín]

I've been looking forward to Fof's bush wars - thanks for all the information in this post.

Some photos of painted miniatures/models would be nice, but then again I'm just greedy

Same here... I'm still waiting to see all of the figures for this.

There was another similar thread a while ago, where amongst other things, Carlos did a comprehensive list of die-casts and stuff available in '28mm-ish', but I haven't found it yet. That was also well worth reading.

[Kingscarbine]

You'll love this article:
http://www.operacional.pt/the-unknown-war-portuguese-paratroopers-in-africa/

[Arlequín]

Nice... and written by a Paratrooper, who knew some of the men he writes about. Excellent find! 

[mpennock]

This is an absolutely fascinating thread. Thanks, everybody, for posting!

[Predatorpt]

So...does anyone have them in the flesh? Or should I say, in the lead? 

I'm thinking about buying some, but Fighting15s in the UK still isn't selling them :\

[Johnny Boy]

They say all good things come to those who wait but I must admit I'm sruggling Keep us posted if you can Carlos.

[Keith]

Excellent figures - picked some up from Nic at Salute this year. Love to see more added to these.