"28mm unarmored samurai and bystanders?" Topic

After reading thru WI278, I'm feeling an attraction to some Meiji Restoration gaming in 28mm, using the Legends rules.

Does anyone make Shinsengumi or equivalently-armored troops? That is, chestplates, gauntlets, and a forehead protector worn under a uniform-robe?

Civilians would be nice too, but who makes them?

Perry Miniatures' Samurai line of figures includes Town People (SAM51) and Villagers (SAM52).

I can only see the title, but in case they haven't already been mentioned, there are also Museum Miniatures and Black Hat.

Perhaps set SA-039 from Kingsford Miniatures?

link

Though I am not too up on the Shinsengumi period.

David
owner
kingsfordminiatures.org

I know of no miniature brand that makes meiji period miniatures. The closest you can get IMHO is to look at the various unarmoured samurai linked and then convert with green stuff. The defining trait that you are unlikely to find is the forehead protectors that were commonly worn, but thankfully it is a small part and should be possible to make yourself. Sadly though, I know of no miniatures of unarmoured samurai/lightly armoured samurai with uniform jackets.

Old Glory and Perry Miniatures both have quite a lot of villagers between them, and I think the Perry unarmoured samurai would be good starting points for shinsengumi conversions. The Kingford unarmoured guys look good too, and em-4 have one or two. If I did this project myself, I would pick up unarmoured samurai from many ranges as no single one have that many, but together it would be enough to have some variety. Then I'd see how well I could convert them, and bring some uniformity in the conversions and painting schemes.

If you can find the NHK drama "Ryoumaden" ( www9.nhk.or.jp/ryomaden ) it's worth a check, as there are tons of shinsengumi action in that drama series.

Any of the Heroes of Nippon Range by Bob Charrette work?:

link

Oh, I guess I could abuse some of GW's Warriors of Khand. They've got about the right look for the Shinsengumi, and should scale pretty well with the Perry Samurai.

With everything else I should be covered… It's an interesting time period, in the old Chinese sense of the word.

Of course, there are three problems with buying Khandish troops from GW ( picture ): first is that they all are wearing helmets, second is the pricetag, and third is buying something from GW!