Notes on Figurehead ironclads

Just a couple of observations on the fine ironclads from Figurehead...


The first point is minor: all of the Figurehead ironclads, all of them steam-powered, have sails set. I could probably live with that point; it does not seem to detract from the models at all. But, if one wanted a bit more realism, the sails would need to go. On Regina Maria Pia and her sisters, it would be easier than others as the sails of the fore and main masts are actually separate from the mast itself. Others in the Figurehead line have the sails cast as part of the masts, making replacement of the entire piece necessary. For me, more thinking is required before getting my clippers ready.

The second point is more important, at least to me: the base is too small. I would like to put some labeling on the base itself and the included base, although sculpted with a nice wave effect, has no room for labels.


Here is Regina Maria Pia resting upon a 1" x 2" metal base. I think that a centimeter or some would be enough at the stern for the labels .


Is 1" too wide? Or maybe I should apply the label along the broadside edge of the base???

Old projects, part 1 - Figurehead ships

I have been slowly sifting through boxes of hobby stuff, and some surprises have been uncovered. There are some pics of some items over at my other blog, but the discoveries have not been of a naval variety, until now:




I was quite shocked to find these! These are a nice set of Figurehead Ships ironclads in 1/2400 scale. I purchased these 9 or 10 years ago, I think, at a convention in British Columbia. The dealer had them at 50% off and I bought what he had left. Figurehead's selection is based on the Battle of Lissa, 1866, at the end of the Seven Weeks War. Now, I'm not sure but it seems that I have a good selection of Italian ships, but only 4 Austrians; not nearly enough for the actual battle. There are also some 'generic' steam ships, which I think I bought with the intention of using them as Turkish ships. Figurehead minis were originally cast in England, but they are now available from Noble Miniatures in the USA.

I assembled one of these fine minis, long ago:


Regina maria Pia, one assembled and one still in the bag. The mini is in four parts: hull w/masts, 2 sails, and a base. On the assembled ship, the base is augmented by a piece of magnetic strip trimmed to the size of the original base.


Not quite 1½ inches long including the base. The mini is very nicely detailed, with individual gunports and some deckwork.


The sails are well detailed also. In all, a fine looking mini!

This looks to be a significant addition to my list of naval projects. Although I am rather short on Austrian ships, there are enough to start working on learning some rules and then building up to the full Lissa fleet rosters.

Mustering Sérqu, Sword of The Empire

In an attempt to become more organized in both my painting and purchasing, I have dragged my Legion of Sérqu minis out into the light to get them into nice, orderly 'unit' groups PRIOR to painting them. At this moment, my 'unit' groups for heavy infantry consist of 6 minis. This unit size is specifically chosen for it's usefulness in a number of different rules I'm *still* researching - Fantasy Rules!, the yet-unreleased Song of Armies & Hordes from Ganesha Games, and maybe even some others like Fantasy Warriors, Irregular Miniature's Ancient Rules Box, or Command & Colors.


24 of Eureka Miniatures' finest Tékumel minis! (My apologies for the poor pics)


I must actually have 25 minis for Sérqu - one of the officers is missing from these pics (2 officers come with every large economy-size pack from Eureka). Obviously I have sent him off to join my special command stand unit with one from the Legion of Ever Present Glory and Kettukal himself.

One little project that I am going to try with Sérqu is to equip at least one unit with their handweapons instead of a long spear. These minis from Eureka come with two different ones - a sword or a mace. That should provide a bit of visual flair for the different units, and in skirmish games it will make quite a difference. If this works, I intend to convert some of my Ever Present Glory troops, especially the ones with leveled spears...


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Legion of Ever Present Glory, part 6

This project has been sitting on the back burner for some time now, but definitely not forgotten:


You might notice that I have changed the basing from 7/8" round to 1" square. I have done this for a few reasons - the square basing fits in better with the square bases of my Warlord minis for skirmishing, and they will rank up much easier for mass battles (which I still want to do).

Here is another pic, with the command group added:


The first dozen or so of these minis are almost ready, they just need their bases finished and a clear-coat or three. But, of course, I am in the horns of a dilemma. The decision of what terrain style - temperate or arid - is going to decide what opponents I will procure for my Tsolyanu forces. I could go with a more arid climate, and use the excellent figures for the Yan Kor from Eureka, as seen here. I could use a temperate style, and then proxy some Mu'ugalavya minis while hoping and praying that The Tekumel Project will get to the Red Hats in the near future. Or, I could just pick something and not worry about Tekumeli 'canon' in regards to the terrain that these empires would fight over.


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The end of an empire...

The great plan has started, and in a grand way. I have started into motion a massive re-aligning of my projects - not just thinking, web surfing, and making notes - but a major change.

Almost three years ago, I was given the core of my Warhammer Empire army, the army box set that Taeklonn won in a raffle at his local GW shop. Add to that more gifts (more raffle prizes!) from my kids - Helblasters, Greatswords, many sprues of 5th edition spearmen and handgunners, and more. I think that I had over 2800pts, of which I had only purchased 6 minis: 1 box of metal Greatswords command, and 1 warrior priest for a total of $30.

Before the Empire project, the Tau had a place at my painting table. Fire Warriors, Crisis suits, a Broadside, a Hammerhead tank, Catachan Imperial Guard converted to gue'vasa, lots of drones.

Out of all of these minis, only the six Tau Stealth suits were completed.

So I made the decision to give these minis away - the Empire troops went back to Taeklonn, as he is the one that won them in the first place. And the Tau were given to Vahll, as in my collection were the remnants of his beginning 40K collection.


Partially painted minis, sprues, bitz, and books - now off to a better home.

I am a little sad that they are gone, but I know that my sons will get them into action.





I have to admit, though, that I did not give away all of my GW minis:


I have a few greenskins hidden about. Maybe someday...


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