Saturday 26 April 2014

Sudan Stocktake: The Mahdists

People keep noting that I've been so dedicated to the Sudan project, I surely must have enough to put on some more games. Of course, this is true, but as the project has evolved (read: grown), I've settled on new targets quicker than the minis roll of the painting table: larger units, more units, different rulesets. Only now am I just about approaching being ready to put on the complete games that I want to put on. 

The Analogue Hobbies Challenge provided some necessary impetus over the winter and it seems like a good time for a stocktake. Of course, that means getting all of the toys out and taking some photos to share with y'all. 

First up, the Mahdists

One small Mahdist horde: check

While not a patch on DaveD, it is a fairly respectable tally of:

3 command stands
24 Beja infantry
10 Beja rifles
3 Beja Camel riders
33 Arab infantry
8 Arab rifles
3 Baggara Horse
Captured Egyptian Krupp gun

The fierce Beja contingent, now with a new standard from my Salute supply package

 To maintain focus, I've roughly categorised everything that I'd like to add into 'Must' (minis that I will paint before putting on some games), 'Should' (I'd prefer to finish before putting on some games), and 'Could' (the nice to haves minis to round out the force). 

The Mahdists have the shortest 'must finish' category; I'd just like to bulk out the Baggara horse to a more fearsome size. These are currently on the table in the process of being prepped.

I also must get the sabot bases done for all of the infantry, which I think will be a long and thankless task. I've also a cunning plan to reduce the number of infantry I paint - more on that once I've run off a test.

More Arab infantry

I 'Should' round out the infantry units to make them all up to groups of 10 men of each type. Bit of an issue looming on that one - the Mahdists are based on English 2 pence pieces and I've ransacked the change jar and run out of them. It seems I don't use cash enough to stockpile more! I've six Arab rifles prepped and aim to finish those off too. Finally, they could do with a commander-in-chief stand.

'Could' is mostly infantry, infantry and more infantry, then perhaps a few more horse and camel-riders. I'll ad some proper wounded markers too. There isn't that much in the way of variety when it comes to the Mahdist forces! 

18 comments:

  1. While I get your point about wanting to finish some things before even considering putting on a game your Mahdists already look like a fearsome bunch to me. Can't wait to see some in action shots.

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    1. They've come far over the past two years - the whole projected starts as a small tribe for Pulpy gaming

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  2. Looking great - roll out the maxim... erhm... naval guns!

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    1. First Sudan campaign sir - Gardners and Gatlings eater than Maxims. Slightly less technological advantage!

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  3. I do rather hope so - lots of Sudan eye candy around these days.

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  4. Coming along nicely Phil.
    Do you have dates set against you must, should and coulds?
    I find this helps to focus the mind.
    Cheers
    Stu

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  5. You are quite right, though I'm not sure how long to allow as I've a lot of DIY and family activities coming up.

    I should compare my diary with the club dates and put a shout out to pin down a suitable date. The must lists are quite small so probably looking early summer.

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  6. Very hide Phil - Sudan is a personal favourite period for gaming and your figures look fantastic.

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    1. Thanks Carlo. Your blog is a great inspiration - I've plans to borrow your random events and am looking forward to your rules

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  7. Oh yes, there we go! I've been hoping to see a post like this for a while now - they look tremendous Phil, well done Sir.

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    1. More to come too, Michael. I'd love to see your British all laid out too :-)

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  8. Fantastic horde! Very nice painting work.

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  9. And fine they look too... You will get there.. Mrs D saved 2p pieces... I can raid the jar for next weekendsBlogCon and top you up!

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    1. Wow, a handful would be great Dave, but don't go to too much trouble.

      Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend

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    1. Thanks Thomas. I just took a look at your blog, some very nice work there

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  11. A fine looking force you have there. Excellent!

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