Friday, May 9, 2014

Meiji Army Re-Based

These are all Old Glory figures from their Boxer Rebellion range, except for the cannon which are from the Spanish American War range, IIRC. They're painted up in early Meiji era uniforms, which were worn up until the middle of the Russo-Japanese War. They are also similar to what was worn by Imperial troops in "Dances With Samurai", er...I mean "The Last Samurai".
The figures have been re-based on Litko plywood bases for either Hail Caesar or Black Powder. They were previously based as singles and used in a couple of The Sword and the Flame games in the past. As I'm not much of a TSATF player, I wanted them multi-based for the types of games I play.
I suppose they could still be used in games like Bolt Action with casualty counters too.
I might try them out against Samurai like the movie mentioned above.
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37 comments:

  1. HandgrenadealienMay 9, 2014 at 10:54 AM

    Hats off to you Dean, a nice take on a very under represented period of warfare. Your 'Dances with Samurai' quote is a belter:).
    More seriously has anyone war-gamed the Russo Japanese conflict? I've seen plenty of Naval scenarios played over the years but never any of the land battles.
    Regards HGA.

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    1. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 2:18 PM

      Thanks, HGA. I know Fran & Ray and their crew have played good-sized RJW land warfare games in 15mm. Best, Dean

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    2. maximexMay 9, 2014 at 8:51 PM

      Hello.
      Realy interesting question.
      Russia - Japan War is probably buried in the waves of the October Revolution.
      There have been many Russo-Japan war.
      And Port Arthur was a long time for Japanese.
      When Russia lost Port Arthur
      Russia stay only one shipping point, this is was the Leningrad

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    3. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 8:57 PM

      Thanks for the visit, mm. It is an interesting, and much forgotten, period of history. Overshadowed by WW1, yet the Pacific Theater of WW2 had it's origin/roots in the RJW. Best, Dean

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    4. maximexMay 9, 2014 at 9:29 PM

      After Russian - Japanese wars (1890 - 1910?).
      Year 1918
      USA, Canada, and Japan make landing in the Far East.
      Usa and Canada the left in 1920.
      Japan remained.
      Japan dominated Manchuria area long time.
      One of the war in Russia - Japan was in 1938, next in 1939.
      After this, Russia was afraid the Japanese invasion, and the strong forces concentrated on the border.
      Russian men was the origin of the Siberian and Far Eastern.
      They had a great winter outfit and all were accustomed to very cold and lots of snow.

      Stalingad: When the battle was at a loss, Stalin brought about 300.000 new men to Japanese border .
      For all the skis and all know how to ski, unused and in very good winter accessories
      These men had never fought, and seen the hunger for war.
      This men solved the battle of stalingrad, and German defeat in the battle.

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    5. maximexMay 10, 2014 at 9:17 PM

      Japan left the Russian territory in 1922, be caused due to the requirement of U.S.

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  2. The Angry LurkerMay 9, 2014 at 12:20 PM

    Now I like them and versus Samurai would be great.

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    1. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      I do plan on doing it as such - although probably not many, if any, of the rebel Samurai may have actually worn armor, it would have the right look, I think.

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    2. Ray RousellMay 9, 2014 at 4:36 PM

      Great looking figures Dean!!
      Apparently during the Russo-Jap War, some of the Japanese Generals wore their old Samurai armour!!! Well according to the book Posties reading they did anyway?

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    3. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 5:24 PM

      Thanks, Ray. I do recall reading about a few officers in the RJW, frustrated at the way an assault was going, donned their family heirloom armor (which they must have brought along on the campaign!) to inspire their men for a charge. Best, Dean

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  3. Paul WMay 9, 2014 at 12:27 PM

    They look great Dean, a fascinating and probably little played era. Cheers, Paul :-)

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    1. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 2:22 PM

      Thanks, and yes, another under-gamed period.

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  4. RokurotaMay 9, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    Maybe my Boshin War range can help you. ;-)

    http://bacninhminiatures.blogspot.com

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    1. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 2:21 PM

      Oh, yes - I've definitely seen the fine minis in your range! Absolutely top-notch and accurate. I may have to get some of them for the slightly earlier war. Love the maned headgear, in both red and white. Best, Dean

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    2. RokurotaMay 10, 2014 at 7:48 AM

      Take advantage of my special sale!

      Delete
  5. Jason MeyersMay 9, 2014 at 1:46 PM

    Great looking stuff. I've always thought putting together a little collection for a Boxer rebellion or Russo-Japanese battle would be a very interesting project.

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    1. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 2:23 PM

      Thanks, Jason. I still wouldn't mind using them against Russians, but not sure if I'd ever get around to painting any up.

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  6. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 2:22 PM

    Thanks, Andy!

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  7. MillsyMay 9, 2014 at 2:44 PM

    Very nice indeed mate. Something not seen often either which is a pleasant change!

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  8. CyrusMay 9, 2014 at 4:35 PM

    Lovely army Dean!

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  9. MontyMay 9, 2014 at 4:45 PM

    Excellent army Dean, I too would love seeing them go against Samurai!

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    1. DeanMMay 9, 2014 at 5:18 PM

      Thanks, Monty. I hope to do just that after the Imjin War game later this month. I should also add a few command figures in appropriate Meiji uniform too. Best, Dean

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  10. maximexMay 9, 2014 at 8:55 PM

    Oh, great.
    A fabulous show.

    Besides, I like this film, the characters and fantastic samurai costumes ..

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  11. PhilMay 10, 2014 at 12:13 AM

    Beautiful units, and an unusual period for me...love them!

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  12. Schedler Vincent May 10, 2014 at 12:13 AM

    Great look and very nice pics Dean .
    Cheers .

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  13. DeanMMay 10, 2014 at 5:53 AM

    Thanks, Gentlemen! Appreciate the visit and comments very much. Dean

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  14. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)May 10, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    Great looking army Dean! I would really like to see them paired off against Samurai!

    Christopher

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  15. BaconfatMay 10, 2014 at 3:53 PM

    They look great.

    The cracked ground full of human skulls is quite disturbing.

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    1. DeanMMay 12, 2014 at 9:36 AM

      Don't worry, James, they're not fallen Empire troops :)!

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  16. Captain Richard's miniature Civil WarMay 10, 2014 at 6:10 PM

    Excellent work Dean and those flags really pop

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  17. DeanMMay 10, 2014 at 7:37 PM

    Thanks, Gents! Appreciate the visit and kind words. Dean

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  18. ScottswargamingMay 11, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Dances with Samurai - LOL! Still a fave movie tho... Crackin work here Dean, they look a serious bunch with those rising Sun flags waving!

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    1. DeanMMay 12, 2014 at 5:47 AM

      Thanks, Scott. The cinematography, sets and costumes were all very well presented - if not anachronistically portrayed. Well worth recreating in miniature nonetheless! Best, Dean

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  19. Jonathan FreitagMay 13, 2014 at 12:03 PM

    Multi figure basing is the way to go and your basing results show why. Great results and an interesting period. The Old Glory Japanese look very good.

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