While my last entry was focused on the German coastal forces of WWII, this time I give to you a squad of hard-bitten veteran infantry from the Czech Legion. These hard nuts fought their own private war along the breadth of the Siberian Railway during the end of the WWI and well into the Russian Civil War. These are the same chaps who, riding on a series of armoured trains, captured the Imperial gold reserve, soundly defeated every Red force put against them and inadvertently caused the Bolsheviks to panic and execute the interred Romanovs. The Czech Legion was ultimately evacuated out of Vladivostok in 1920 and formed the core of the new Czechloslovakian national army in the interwar years.
The rank and file are from Mark Copplestone, one of my favourite sculptors in the market. (Why, oh why can't he be more prolific. His stuff is absolute gold.) They have great heft, possess wonderful character, and have such clean lines which are a joy to paint. I did them up in a mish-mash of coloured greatcoats. The only cohesive thing about them is the red and white Czech colours on the fabric top of their fur caps.
I can't remember where I sourced the leader from. Maybe Artizan? Tsuba? Beats me. All I know is that he looks hard as nails striding purposefully ahead, all grim faced, brandishing his artillery Luger sporting the all-but-useless-but-oh-so-cool wooden stock.
These fellas will give me 55 points to add to my total and another notch to my Squirrel tally. Yes indeedee, I'm on a roll folks!
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year everyone!
Fabulous, love Copplestone and have these figs painted for back of beyond
ReplyDeleteThanks Martin. I remember yours from last year, which reminded me to get mine on deck for this edition.
DeleteWow Curt, have you left your painting table this weekend? Simple sculpts but great job on them and that officer looks the biz
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil! The greatcoats on these made them a very fast paintjob.
DeleteGreat additions to your collection my friend! The Czech Legion has a very interesting background and you‘ve certainly brought theses fellas to life.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nick! Yes, it's amazing they've not done a movie about these guys as the story is so improbable.
DeleteLovely figures and an interesting history to go with them, I’ll be reading up a bit more about these guys shortly. I hope you have a great Christmas too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve, same to you and yours.
DeleteOustanding unit and painting work. Have a wonderful Xmas
ReplyDeleteThank you Benito, and many happy returns to your and yours.
DeleteExcellent entry Curt and I agree love Coppelstones work and wish he would do more!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks Christopher and yes, I wish he'd treat us to more of his work.
DeleteBreathtakingly good paint-jobs, Curt, and terrific basing too. That officer looks especially hard as nails.
ReplyDeleteThank you Simon, this period is so colourful it seemingly paints itself.
DeleteNice work on these Czechs Curt. Is there RCW project started here?
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter, but I think you're getting senile as I've been doing a few RCW entries for the past few years now. I might even have enough now for a small Chain of Command scenario.
DeleteWell it would help if you young whippersnappers would stick to one task instead of hooping about like a squirrel with an electrode up it’s backside! And get off my lawn!
DeleteLovely looking Czech legion! Have you stopped painting at all since the 20th? Have a great Christmas !
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Pretty much! I took holidays from the 20th on off, so I've been steadily bashing away late at night. These are a bit of a cheat as they have greatcoats which are super fast to paint up.
DeleteOutstanding, I love seeing obscure military forces.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam!
DeleteGreat work Curt - I remember you describing this force to me, a very cool story. Merry Christmas my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg and Merry Christmas to you and Linda as well!
DeleteYep the Copplestone stuff paints up really well. Nice job MrC
ReplyDeleteCheers Dave!
DeleteGreat looking work again Curt
ReplyDeleteIan
Thanks Ian!
DeleteDamn fine painting Curt!
ReplyDeleteCheers Ray!
DeleteStunning work!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
ReplyDeleteAwesome work on the Czechs there, Curt! Especially the ushankas.
ReplyDeleteI agree on Mark Copplestone's work, it's simply smashing. His stuff always seems to inspire some mad kind of craziness. Almost "Boys Own Adventure" level.
Thanks Robert. Yeah, Mark and Bob Murch should get together to do more pulp stuff together. You can tell they have much the same sensibility when it comes to the character of their sculpts.
DeleteAbsolutely. Bob Murch needs to be lured into the 1870s periods.
DeleteLovely stuff - I really like the way you tie them in with the tops of their fur hats.
ReplyDeleteUntil I read this post, this was a period I had no idea about and had never really considered. Now I'm contemplating starting a new project full of lovely Copplestone figures.
ReplyDeleteGreat work and very inspiring.
Cracking stuff, the greatcoats help define the unit despite the different colours. I like the basing as well.
ReplyDeleteVery nice indeed! The hats make them look somewhat Pulp, so always interesting to read the real historical background for them.
ReplyDeleteSuperb work Curt! The Czechoslovak legion is a great subject! Their exploits really are a fascinating part of history.
ReplyDeleteLovely work Curt :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for all the nice comments everyone - they are very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteVery cool Curt! Love the tight muted palette with the touch of brightness on the hats.
ReplyDeleteAwesome chaps Curt!
ReplyDeleteStunning pieces, Curt. Excellent job.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work, Curt! I really like the look of these fellows in great coats and honking huge rifles with sword bayonets. The bases really suit them too!
ReplyDeleteSuperb! Very nice. Cheers
ReplyDelete