Saturday 23 January 2016

From DaveD - Sudan Camel Corps (495 Points)

Here we have the classic unit for the Sudan, the Camel Corps. This unit was made up of an amalgam of various units and attached to the desert column. Here we have the Guards Camel Regt, Heavy Camel Regt and the Mounted Infantry Camel Regt. I still have the Light Camel Regiment (which was left at Korti guarding supplies) to do. I will do those with scarlet tunics -because I think they will look good!

This is a major unit for the collection with both mounted, dismounted close order and skirmish formations to complete. It was also a major economic investments (have you seen the price of 28mm camels and troopers!)  Fortunately I got a cracking deal on all the castings from James at Bicorne miniatures with 20% off and free postage - well if you don't ask you don't get!


3 x 12 figure mounted regiments 

Each camel has been given a slight tweak with the heads and necks bent slightly with variations of left/right/up/down to suggest more movement across the unit. Likewise a number of troopers heads are turned left or right for the same reason. I think 36 figures all the same would look very static do it was worth spending an hour or so sorting them out.


The camels have been painted in a range of colours but generally a darker colour than my Mahdist force ones. The British were forced to buy up as many as they could find to make the corps and a number of these were of poor quality and blood stock which from reading have been described as darker in colour.


Well if you have mounted camels - you also need dismounted camels and troops - see here we have a further 12 dismounted camels, and 3 foot camel holders.


These are all classic Connoisseur Miniatures - still by far my favourite camels.They are bulkier and have more presence the Perry ones and far easier to clean up. 

The dismounted close order troops will be along shortly.

I recently picked up a copy of the classic work "Cassell's History of the War in the Soudan" - its full of primary sources and fantastic line drawings - its been a real inspiration

 


Oh wow, this is just fantastic Dave. What a stonking addition to your collection. I think the time you've put in to simply repose their heads has really paid off when you view the units in their entirety. I have to say the dismounted (reclining? at rest?) camels have to be my favourite. Their poses, with their long necks arching slightly forward, look so wonderful and I love the various muted colours you've given them. What an inspiring (and formidable) entry. Bravo!
This eye-watering 495 points will see you shoot up the roster. Well done sir!

44 comments:

  1. The bomb of choice, great work Dave

    Ian

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  2. Lovely looking figures Dave, and the little tweaks with the heads works a treat!

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  3. What an outstanding entry. I had no idea camels were used like this, so today has been a school day too. The sitting down camels are a brilliant touch.

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  4. Clearly you have now taken the crown and are now KING of Camels!

    Well done mate and I wish you very many excellent games with them. Top Notch ripping yarn stuff!

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    1. Why thank you,, I shall wear it with pride... Hmm now there is film in that.. The Man who would be King!... Ah yes I can just see Sean Connery playing me..

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  5. What a lot of hairy, smelly, spitty things Dave! Glorious work, even if you've knocked me out of the top 10 (briefly - my entry(ies) today will put me back in!).

    "Well if you have mounted camels" - sorry, that's illegal in the UK ;)

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    1. Indeed... You can only imaging the real life smells!

      Look forward to seeing what you got in store then.

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  6. Boom. Epic entry. Missed these from you. I really like the blue shirts.

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  7. Whoah what a points bomb! Great work Dave!

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  8. well done!
    your entry is "The Camel Trophy" of the Challenge!

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  9. Excellent work Dave! Those camels look fantastic.

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  10. Aw Dave, man this is brilliant! Well done on that desert fleet, the Dave-man strikes again...

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    1. Thanks Fran... Painting these it sometime felt like it!

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  12. A wonderful entry - spectacular and a well deserved points bomb - BOOM!

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  13. What a great bunch of camels Dave. I've always loved the Camel Corps idea, and you've got a splendid bunch of dromedaries. Also love the vintage London Illustrated News pictures.
    Cheers Peter

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  14. Very, very nice work Dave! One of my favourite units of the period.

    Christopher

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    1. Yes me too.. It's been hanging over this project for a while,glad to get it done

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  15. Lovely painting work, really impressive!

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  16. Those are stunningly, beautiful! The extra prep work paid off very well on them , Dave!

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  17. Beautiful work as usual Dave - great stuff.

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  18. Very nice Dave, the scale and ambition of your project is amazing.

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    1. Thanks Phil... It's utterly barking of course ... But hey it has t be done

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  19. Fantastic job on these Dave. That extra little bit tweaking the heads makes a real difference.

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    1. Thanks Sean, indeed the little extras do make a difference

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