"Converting suitable figures for Abyssinia." Topic

It's a good thing that Anglian is doing some Italian HMGs for the Ethiopian War, but we're still lacking heavy weapons for the Ethiopians, and lighter squad support weapons for the Italians.

Any thoughts on conversions, particularly for the Ethiopians? They had a wide variety of bits and pieces, and while machine guns were scarce, they did have a few, in addition to Bofors guns, and even a group of Pak 36's donated by the Germans in retaliation for Italy's defense of Austrian independence.

Would love to hear thoughts on converting up appropriate figures or pulling from other lines.

-A.

Hmmmmmmmmmm
I hope you mean Anglian!!!

There will be LMGs for the Italians, plus some support stuff for the Colonial troops as well.

Abyssinians will get captured weapons, and some heavier stuff like the Oerlikon.

Our range will be as complete as I can get it, but it will take time sadly.

Try looking at Askari Miniatures, and I think Castaway Arts may have some useable bits n bobs too.

cheers
Nigel H
Anglian Miniatures

Sorry, Nigel. Of course I meant Anglian:)

Had a long night at work. Didn't sleep as much as I'd like. Tends to do things to the brain;)

Unfortunately, Askari currently has no heavy weapons, either.

Will have to see what I can do for conversion purposes in the meanwhile.

-A.

Hi
In reality all that heavy stuff was only thorically at disposition of Negus Army..from the deep research that i made with cross references between various sources (inclufing French, Swedish and of course all it's availabe in Italian) i came to the conclusion that the appereance was still very irregular..Without exagerating with that i can begin to say that they were equipped at 90% with firearms..the spears and swords were only sported by chiefs for correografic effect and in addition to firearms…artillery was very limited and the few..very few modern pieces were kept in store by local warlords!!!…very few Oerlikons cannons…used by the guard in no more than one battle.!…some Lewis, maxim Mgs used to good effect in Ogaden ..mounted on vintage trucks…
Pak 36 ordered, highly paid (not a present!) but never used because ammunition retained in Jibouti by French authority..maybe you can use some kneeling, crouching Bicorne 1896 Abyssinians irregular, rab type warriors or also Abysinian artillery crews arming them, with a little cutting and conversione work, with spare 28mm weapons like more modern rifles and WW1 type LMGs..i'm thinking at Madsen autorifles, Lewis..why not Chauchat….maybe you can realistically set up a crew ..but just one..of irregulars with french mountain gun….i really don't think you should'nt, in order to be accurate, modernize to much the appearance of your army of the Lion of Judah…Also the sufficiently smartappearance of the so called regular army or best of the guard…was above present on propaganda pictures..same concept for their armament.
hope it helps