Would there be any interest in seeing dedicated models for this interesting but much overlooked WWII theater? Obviously some existing models could be pressed into service - particularly armour and 8th Army - but it would be nice to see Italians and Commonwealth infantry in topees as well as more colourful units like the Regio Corpo Truppe Coloniali (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Corps_of_Colonial_Troops), Force Publique and Ethiopian irregulars (http://www.tesfatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Abyssinian-patriot-troops.jpg). Any support for this? Or can most of these be covered by proxy-models?
Those would also do for the early desert war. Probably not too commercial though,.
How much of that can be sourced from the WWI ranges?
Quote from: ianrs54 on 25 June 2017, 03:39:38 PM
Those would also do for the early desert war. Probably not too commercial though,.
Indeed, Italians in topees would be perfect for Operation Compass - Britain's first successful land operation of WWII. Is anyone else interested in gaming this period of the war?
Well, I have a bunch of 28mm Ethiopians and just ordered some more so I'm kind of OK with Pendraken not making 10mm for East Africa.
That said, if they existed they would be bought.
At one point, I was thinking of asking for some head swaps to the Sudanese range to make them Ethiopians but apparently doing head swaps for 10mm ranges is far from trivial.
There may be some figures in the SCW range that would serve as proxies.
Don't fly via Addis Ababa if you can avoid it, by the way.
Hello
The WW1 ranges can help with proxies. The British mid-east figures with Wolseley are very useful, I've used them as French colonials as well. The New sculpts including the German Asia Korp figures will also help when they arrive http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,15005.0.html (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,15005.0.html). Also the WW1 East African Rugga Rugga are handy as Native guerrillas.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4938245892_cbb3b2a747.jpg)
Cheers
GrumpyOldMan
They are campaigns that I have considered, but would probably use proxy figures from existing ranges. At this scale and once on the table, that would work for me.
Thanks for all the suggestions chaps: most useful. It seems that everything could be adequately covered using proxies from existing ranges (those Rugga Rugga would do superbly as Ethiopian irregulars, thank-you GOM), BUT (and it's a big BUT - oi, no giggling back there!) I think I would need Italians in topees before jumping off. Is there any chance we might see any before my eyes are so knackered I can no longer paint 10mm*?
*Although some might reasonably claim I reached that point some time ago.
The Italians wore bad wigs? :o
I'll get my coat...
Think you meant hairpiece there Will. :d :d :d
I didnt bring a coat.
Hare piece maybe?
Did the Italians train hares as prison guards?
You know, hare today, goon tomorrow. :D
......
Pass me my coat while you're there ML
X_X X_X X_X X_X......and =) =) =) =) =) , too.
Dearie, dearie me.
Hello Gazza
Quote from: Gazza on 26 June 2017, 09:17:02 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions chaps: most useful. It seems that everything could be adequately covered using proxies from existing ranges (those Rugga Rugga would do superbly as Ethiopian irregulars, thank-you GOM), BUT (and it's a big BUT - oi, no giggling back there!) I think I would need Italians in topees before jumping off. Is there any chance we might see any before my eyes are so knackered I can no longer paint 10mm*?
*Although some might reasonably claim I reached that point some time ago.
Injecting some sanity back into proceedings, my guess is that Italians with sun helmets would be near the end of a rather long queue :(. Best Pendraken proxy would be the WW1 German Asia Korp with sun helmet:-
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5599/30458495225_47e386a81c.jpg)
(http://ww2today.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Italian-troops-surrender-Ethiopia.jpg)
Lots of figures wearing sidecap - maybe mix in some SCW Regular winter types:-
(http://pendraken.co.uk/_img/products/1934/SCW22.jpg)
Another manufacturer, with mining connotations, makes desert Bersaglieri but if you're worried about your eyesight do you really want to hack feathers off multiple 10mm figures :).
Cheers
GrumpyOldMan
Quote from: GrumpyOldMan on 27 June 2017, 12:53:21 AM
(http://ww2today.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Italian-troops-surrender-Ethiopia.jpg)
Dear Grumps.
Can you explain this photo? I see that it's called "Italian troops surrender Ethiopia", but they do seem to be somewhat armed. Also, do my tired old eyes deceive me, or is there a German officer in the front rank? Or is it an Italian in a really battered cap?
Is it about 1941?
Perhaps they were offered "Honours of War" ?
IanS
My thought also. Have seen paintings and prints from the 18th Century depicting similar formal surrender ceremonies (e.g., Yorktown 1781?).
A caption I have seen claims, 'Italians "saluted" into surrender by South African troops.'
From what I've read, at least in Ethiopia, the Italians were quite insistent on getting the Honors of War.
Quote from: lowlylowlycook on 27 June 2017, 03:08:20 PM
From what I've read, at least in Ethiopia, the Italians were quite insistent on getting the Honors of War.
It is also reminiscent of Lettow-Vorbeck's surrender in 1918, although he was technically undefeated.
Looking at more proxies - Falangist Militia from the SCW range would also work as Italian infantry. Would German Askari from the WWI East Africa range do as Italian Royal Corps of Colonial Troops do you think? I will start working up a proxy list for your (dis)approval. I say, this thread is generating some interest!
As far as I know, when the Duke of Aosta surrendered, the Italian Army in Ethiopia had fought a bitter campaign against the Allies. He asked for, and was granted, a full honours surrender.
That is why the italians, marching in front of the south african troops presenting rifles, carry their weapons.
Please add my voto for this request.
I am using a lot of references to play this period. WW1 eearly germaan askaris for the italian ones (although Italy never gave backpacks to the askaris), sudan Mahdists as freedom fighters, etc.
For the British forces it is not a problem, moost of them used helmets or slouch hats, you can see a few in the picture.
Votes added!