Back in the saddle, more or less

Just got my new computer to replace the one with the obsolete operating system that could no longer be updated and prevented me from posting here. Now I can get back to posting. Covid was primary culpit it taking so long - with all its disruptions. But, I'm back!

Finding the "finished" Tartar wall

Here is the link to the Boxer Rebellion page on my Steeplechasing Zebras blog - including photos of the wall. The reason for quotes around the word finished is because I might still do some additional work on the piece(s). For now, however, I will call it complete. Link: Or not, seems this iteration of the blog is falling apart at the seems, probably related to the 'updated' blog courtesy of Google. Or maybe I just don't know what is going on with it - which is possible. One day I will have to put more time into understanding the blog rules. Maybe. Try again: https://steeplechasingzebras.blogspot.com I doubt that will link but you can copy and paste to your browser to get to my "Main" blog which includes the Boxer Rebellion.

Why so few updates here?

This blog was used when I had 'lost' access to my other blogs. I have regained that access and will be trying to convert this blog to the same method of access. If successful with that, then I will continue updates here. If not successful, I may transfer the stuff here to those other blogs as time permits. At least I've figured out what the issue was with access so that shouldn't be a problem going forward.

Ramping Up the Tartar Wall

 Finally!  Spent time last night and earlier today to build the ramp for the Tartar wall.  There are three units of 24 figures in the photo (ACW but based the same as the Europeans will be for the Boxer rebellion - though in 18 figure units rather than 24 figures).

Just a different angled view.

And a head on shot, so to speak.

A close up.

 Another close up.

An along the walls shot.

And the dragons.  Not sure if I will use all four on the ramp or just two - but at least two.

Probably just two and in the space above where they are resting - well centered.

There is still some sanding and fill work to be done but this gives a good impression of what my version of the ramp up the wall will be like.  The ramp and a couple of wall sections are big enough to have a modest game just on the wall.

Knuckleduster HO compared to Bluemoon Western and Boxer figures

So, I "bit the bullet" and ordered some of Knuckleduster HO western figures to see how they compare to other 15 mm figures - expecting them to be large, the comparisons are with Bluemoons 15/18 mm figures.  The figures without integral bases are the Knuckleduster figures.

Clearly, they are substantially bigger than the other figures.  I will still find uses for them because of their poses (and I have several other packs) but they aren't likely to be mixed up with the other figures, likely reserved for photo vignettes rather than game table pieces.  And if I don't like even that, then I can sell them off to HO railroad modelers in my sphere.

Made photos extra large so you can see the differences.

The above shot shows the two Chinese civilian figures in the central row to the left with one cavalry guidon bearer.  The top row, the three Bluemoon are all cavalry command figures.

Just a somewhat closer shot - really showing the size disconnect.

And, last, one of the seated ladies next to a mounted warrior.  While quite large, I'm hoping I can still use them as wagon drivers and passengers - but not if they dwarf the vehicle.

My verdict?  Lovely figures, clean sculpts though a challenge  in the basing department but that is okay.  But the bullet I bit didn't taste as sweet as I was hoping for based on the size difference.

Well, maybe this...

I'm afraid the light doesn't do proper justice but these are the same pieces (well a part of them) that I've modified with additional sprays of paint.  Can you see the difference?  Looks much better in person - at least to my sometimes critical eye.

What - pray tell - does this portend?

Well, whatever it is, I'm not telling.  Yet. 😎