'The enemy has overrun our positions. We're blowing everything up... Au revoir.'
- Last French radio transmission from Dien Bien Phu - May 7th, 1954.
I needed a brief intermission from the winter-themed figures I've been working on and so decided to finish this command stand for my (slowly) developing Indochine project.
These two figures are from Red Star Miniatures' 28mm 'Dien Bien Phu' range. Beautiful models sculpted by Paul Hicks - I highly recommended them. I've based them on a hex-shaped base so they can be easily identified as a command stand when on the tabletop.
I understand that Red Star is just about to release their range of Viet Mihn to serve as the French's intractable opponents and so I'm very eager to get my hands on some of those.
These two French paras will provide me with 10 points, inching me further along to my 700 point goal.
Now back to the ice and snow of Russia...
They are superb. I had no interest in doing this period until you showed me just how good they could be. More Lead to buy now!
ReplyDeleteThanks Clint. You definitely won't be disappointed as they are marvellous figures and a joy to paint.
DeleteThese are great,
ReplyDeleteIan
Cheers Ian!
DeleteLovely figs Curt - the Indochine war is a cracker and filled with really interesting stuff. If you haven't read it yet "The Last Valley" is a must for this genre and will really get your juices flowing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul! Funny you should mention 'The Last Valley' as I've just finished Bernard Fall's 'Street Without Joy' and 'Hell in a Very Small Place' and was wondering about 'The Last Valley'. I'll definitely pick it up on your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done Curt, love it.
ReplyDeleteCheers Kev!
DeleteAs always your brushwork and basing are superb. I like the tall grass that conceals them as it lends that extra touch of realism that you're known for.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne, you're very kind.
DeleteGreat looking command vignette. Dean
ReplyDeleteThanks Dean!
DeleteNice work. Love the history behind the piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks Iannick - it's a pretty evocative period and with the French it has that doomed and romantic flair about it.
DeleteAny figs which make me want to get into that period must be pretty great! These do the trick - lovely stuff.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lord Hill, that is high praise indeed!
DeleteCheers Andrew.
ReplyDeleteCracking work Curt, I am really drawn to this project of yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael. It's a very niche period but very compelling and evocative.
DeleteGreat stuff Curt a real life feel to this base
ReplyDeleteThank you James, the figures are so well animated that it is easy to assemble a convincing pose.
DeleteAidez nous! Send more brie!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Curt, very atmospheric. The huddled look of both minis suggests a lot of unhealthy things flying over their heads.
Haha! Indeed. I could have placed them on a larger base but liked the compressed nature of a smaller area - it seems to work well with their hunched poses.
DeleteI read that the French general commanding at Dien Bien Phu, de Castries, was promoted during the course of the battle and that the French High Command paradropped in his General's stars along with a bottle of champagne. Prophetically they were dropped into a zone that had recently been overrun by the Viet Mihn...
Fantastic, Curt. I´m more and more interested in this period. Very nice composition with the figures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Juan! I look forward to your interpretation of these figures.
DeleteGreat stuff, love the basing.
ReplyDeleteJohn
Thanks John!
DeleteSuperbe mon ami!
ReplyDeleteSalut
PD
Merci beaucoup, mon vieux.
DeletePaul Hicks is a flipping genius. Honestly, the man can sculpt anything. I've got a load of his stuff across many genres and love every single fig.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a lovely job with these chaps Curt, especially given the limited palette. The basing is very evocative of the theme and finishes them off really well.
Thanks Millsy. Yep, Hick's brilliant. I don't know how he can be so prolific - it's almost unbelievable.
DeleteAs always really nice work Curt!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thank you Christopher, very kind of you.
DeleteMy, the temptation! Really nice looking collection
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Phil. I don't think will hit 'collection' status until I get around 30 figures under the belt. Sigh. Back to it...
DeleteReally well done dude - great work.
ReplyDeleteBased on the weather here today, I'm sure there is no shortage of Russian winter inspiration at your place...
Thanks bro! Yes, every time I take the pups out for a walk I feel like I'm stepping onto a set for 'Dr. Zhivago'...
DeleteA very nice piece... Very tempting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. Hold your resolve, you have cowboys in 54mm to do!
DeleteHi Curt,
ReplyDeletewell done ! once more you hooked us ;-)
they were few but they were brave up to the end!
a sacrifice that became the birth of the Myth!
par St Michel! vive les Paras!
Cheers
GillesW
Thanks Gilles! I'm very happy you're enjoying this little foray.
DeleteMore great work Curt!! Love the scenic bases!!
ReplyDeleteCheers Ray, much appreciated.
Delete