makes models of models of models...
Designed by Mike Broadbent, our new 28mm releases are from one of those "forgotten" wars of the 19th Century, the Russo-Turkish War 1877-78.
This was no mere colonial skirmish. Both sides fielded large armies as Russia mounted aggressive operations in both the Balkans and the Caucasus. Sweeping manoeuvres, raids, and a series of bloody sieges characterised this war, which is also noted for the incompetence of its commanders.
Russia mobilised almost 350,000 men on two fronts, expecting an easy victory against ramshackle Turkish forces of little more than 200,000.
After forcing a crossing of the Danube and some initial successes, the Balkan campaign degenerated into a series of bloody sieges – centring on the heavily fortified town of Plevna. Turkish resistance was surprisingly stubborn and ferocious, but their commanders were as inept as the Russians – with all their attempts to relieve Plevna failing. Despite this, Plevna managed to hold out for five months and the Russians lost the chance of victory before the winter set in.
In the Caucasus the Russians faired better, managing to defeat the Turks at Aladja Dagh and pushed them back into their mountain fortresses, where, despite the cold, the Russians made steady progress.
Finally, after the fall of Plevna, the Russians launched a winter campaign, successfully outmanoeuvred the Turks and capturing 36,000 men. A further 50,000 Turks were cut off from their Turkish bases, but their commander refused to accept defeat and managed to evacuate them by sea, back to Constantinople. An armistice soon followed.
In many ways the Russo-Turkish War was a pre-cursor to the Russo-Japanese conflict and, ultimately, the slaughter of the First World War – with the emphasis on set piece assaults against fortified positions, defended by troops armed with modern rifles and repeating carbines. Casualties were enormous – the Russians losing 30,000 men alone in the early attempts to storm Plevna.
The first releases in our Russo-Turkish War range allow you to recreate the basic infantry units of both sides, with the Turks accurately depicted in a variety of headgear.
It is our intention to add further figures to this range, but we would like some guidance from our customers as to what you'd like to see us produce.
You can also have a hand in expanding this range via our 100 Club. There you'll find a series of figures we'd like to put into the range – providing there is enough interest. Please indicate in the box the quantity you would like and supply your details as per usual for pre-orders via the 100 Club. Remember, nothing will be charged to your credit card until the figures are ready and you have confirmed the order.