From PhilH: 28mm Colonial British Marines & Rocket Section (55 points)

From Phil:

For my next entry, a unit of the Royal Marine Light Infantry to join my British force in the Sudan. The RMLI were one of the first units to disembark at Suakin in 1885 following the Mahdist revolt, With a strength of 464 men and 14 officers, they fought at El Teb and Tamai. Their helmets, pouches and belts were lightened with white pipe-clay, which makes them quite distinctive. 

I thought I'd left the white cross-belts behind with Napoleonics, but it seems a glutton for punishment. These took an age to do, particularly on the kneeling figures. But I'm pleased with the final outcome.

I've included a couple of pics of them defending a zariba, joined by the bugler and sergeant that I finished an age ago. Seven minis were painted during the Challenge, all from the Perry range. 

They are joined by some more fire support: a British Hales rocket team. I haven't actually found reference to the British using rockets in Sudan, though I've seen a few references to Egyptian forces doing so. But I couldn't resist adding one to my force: I find the British perseverance with the rocket as a weapon of war quite charming and Hales rockets remained in service until well after the Mahdist revolt was brought to heel. 

This is a very fine Empress miniatures sculpt from their Anglo-Zulu war range. The rocket trough is quite delicate and I did accidentally crush it, to repair it I had to prop it up with a small rock!

Lovely work Phil. Those Marines look the treat especially in that shot of them amongst your new zariba scrub, and that rocket team seems ready to make a nuisance of themselves with their infernal contraption.

These British troops of the Sudan will give Phil 55 points. A nice points-add for your Victorian Duel as well, Phil and nary a gypsy in sight!  ;P