Tartar Horse Archers, PAINTED & READY

Well here are the twenty-four Tartar horse archers finally painted and based. I have issued two flags influenced by those thought to have been used by the Tartars of Kazan. Some historians have suggested that the dragon is a Russian distortion of a winged snake, the latter does have some historical links to the legends of the founding of their khanate. The figures are mainly Hinchliffe but I have added some Essex Miniatures to some spare horses for variation. All are on larger bases to confirm they are irregular raiding cavalry, and they can operate in bands of six, eight or twelve. These figures will also serve with my Ottomans, providing a much needed element to their army. MGB

NB.The flag renditions are taken from the excellent CRW FLAGS website for purposes of research.

Acemi Oglan Troops (Ottomans)

Here is my just completed unit of trainee Janissaries, or Azamoglami, drawn from the Acemi Oglan school. The figures are Hinchliffe with TAG officers and I'm quite pleased with how they have turned out. The castings were also very clean and tidy to work with. As I already have a fair number of Ottomans with firearms I may restrict this unit to garrison service (siege games), there is some evidence they occasionally carried out police duties. Contemporary paintings and prints show members in a uniform coat colour, usually blue, or a multi-range of coat colours. I think a uniform-issue coat seems quite probable if only for financial advantages. MGB

Ottoman Wargaming News

Dave Watson of Balkan Military History (see links) has just posted a nice little article on the Serbian Uprising of 1815. It includes several photos of Steve Barber figures serving as Balkan irregulars. Robbie Rodiss of Wargaming the Borgias (see links) has recently uploaded a fair number of photos of his Akinji and Tartar light horse in 28mm. He has also mentioned that he hopes to be staging an Ottoman game at the STAND TO show at the Railway Museum, Shildon, County Durham later in the year. BLACK CAT BASES are retailing two Ottoman-Corsair naval crew in 28mm, slot bases required. They cost £2 each plus postage. Here's a photo from their website. MGB

Sultan's Chapel and Baggage Train

Work commitments have cut my summer painting time, but here's a few additions to my Ottoman army on the march. A visit to a local antiques shop furnished me with three 28mm camels for a total price of £1.50. My spares box had some chests, and miliput was used for some sacks and water containers, providing suitable baggage. Another camel not in use has become the Sultan's chapel, this is based on 'The Sultan's Procession' by Claes Ralamb, late 17th century. My converted Solaks, some mounted, provide the guards. MGB

Acemi Oglan Arquebusier, late 16th Century

Have just received a batch of Acemi Oglan arquebusier from Hinchliffe Miniatures. The figure is dated for the late 16th century but I would suggest its fine for the 17th century, and we can turn a blind eye for battles in the 18th (as we all do with 28mm collections). Ian Hind decided to make new moulds for this casting so its totally free of flash. In my opinion, they are equal to TAG, and I have some spare Janissary officers from that company which will mix perfectly. The Hinchliffe catalogue code is RE69, but the website photo presently needs changing. Here is my photo to show what they actually look like.

The Acemi Oglan were, I believe, young slaves, most of whom ended up serving in the various Janissary ortas. Others may have found themselves in the state administration. These castings will be a joy to paint up. MGB

Wargaming the Borgias {Ottoman Battle Photos}

Robbie Rodiss has just uploaded photos of his revamped Ottoman collection on their 'inaugural outing', taking on a fair number of Poles. If you haven't visited his blog, do so now, and also see how not to throw dice! Great viewing. See Wargaming Links. MGB

Tartar Horse Archers, first seventeen painted

Have just completed a new batch of horse archers for my Ottomans. I can't base them yet until I'm sure some Essex archers and banner men will mix with these Hinchliffe castings. I noted John of BAND OF WARGAME BROTHERS BLOG has a fair number of six-figure light horse units on skirmish bases and I like this obligation to use them this way. I've painted mine in bold colours as the kidnaping and slave trade has been quite profitable lately. MGB