From MarkB: Custer’s Last Stand (85 points)

Hello all,
So far on my burning, pillaging and looting tour of the Painting Challenge Island I have made my way along the historical path and reached the delights of Benito’s Brook. The challenge demanded a last stand... so what better way of fulfilling this than one of the most iconic last stands in history? Custer’s last stand!

The US Cavalry figures are mostly Dixon’s miniatures although Custer himself is a glorious Artizan sculpt that came free with the old Warhammer Historical Blood on the Plains book. All are 28mm. I positioned them all on a 60mm MDF base facing at all angles as the Sioux and Cheyenne braves close in to count coup and finally finish them off!

To fight against the doughty 7th Cavalry I needed some Indian braves. These fine Foundry figures painted up really nicely. I particularly enjoyed doing the Appaloosa horse and the vivid warpaint to contrast with the muted duns and browns in the Native American clothing and horses.

The warpaint was fun to add. I’m not sure if it will really protect them from all the bullets that Custer’s boys will be dealing out? But maybe their ammunition is running out and their fire is slackening by now?

I thought the iconic Appaloosa horse really needed attempting. I’m going to try and do a few more variants on these as they make an interesting and eye-catching challenge to paint.

The Sioux are closing in for the kill. Custer looks remarkably steadfast considering the situation!

Last of all a dramatic warrior society brave resplendent with sash so he can peg himself to the ground to display his bravery.

So in total 5 x 28mm foot figures = 25 points

3 x 28mm cavalry figures = 30 points

Benito’s Brook last stand challenge completed = 30 points

Grand total = 85 points

I will continue the looting tour on to O’Grady’s Gulch where I already have treats in store for you!

I recall as a youngster reading the Ladybird book about Custer's Last Stand, and had a feeling that somebody would reproduce it for this island location. Excellent work, Mark, and an interesting choice to give Custer a dark brown buckskin jacket - all the images I've seen show it as more of a yellow brown, but the dark colour does work nicely.  85 points well earned!

TamsinP