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SP's Projects Blog

Rhodesian African Rifles.

Pete S/ SP

The Rhodesian African Rifles have had a long and illustrious career fighting firstly for the British empire and then after the UDI for Rhodesia against the Marxist/ Maoist insurgents groups of ZANLA and ZIPRA.

With a similar motivation to the previously posted BEF, I had a scenario in mind for these figures, I dug out 4 ‘sticks’ worth of Under Fire Miniatures’ Clicky 20mm RAR figures.

RAR 1

Clad in the typical Rhodesian camo I did half with painted rifles to add a bit of variety.

RAR 2

The 4 man stick was a unit organisation peculiar to the Rhodesian armed force, based around the number of men that could fit in an Alouette III heicopter as used in the ‘Fire Force’ missions in the later stages of the Rhodesian Bush War. The 4 men, as seen above, carried FN FALs and one had a FN MAG GPMG, one man was a signaller wilst a further man was trained as a medic.

For more information on the Rhodesian Bush War and the RAR in particular I strongly recommend John Wynn Hopkins’ blog : Rhodesian War Games

 

Cheers,

 

Pete.

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  1. Sapper Joe Avatar
    Sapper Joe

    ·

    Looks like a great paint job on those figures.

    Reply
    1. Pete S/ SP Avatar
      Pete S/ SP

      ·

      Thanks Joe. Some more to come of them too.

      Cheers,

      Pete.

      Reply
  2. Mark A. Morin Avatar
    Mark A. Morin

    ·

    Only fired an FN once, was not impressed compared to the M-16 or the AK-47. However, like the short history lesson, and really like the figs. Your camo is excellent. I only wish the photos resolution was a bit better, these look great Pete.

    Reply
    1. justneedsvarnish Avatar
      justneedsvarnish

      ·

      Funny how different people have different views on things! I have also fired an FN, an M16 and an AK-47 and I preferred the FN, probably for the weight of it (although that makes it a pain to lug round)!

      Reply
      1. Pete S/ SP Avatar
        Pete S/ SP

        ·

        Always interesting to hear peoples views on this kind of thing. Having recently held various submachine guns I founf the old Thompson one of the heaviest but as it was so well balanced quite comfortable to hold.

        Cheers,

        Pete.

      2. Mark A. Morin Avatar
        Mark A. Morin

        ·

        The Thompson was also very expensive but the best, certainly better than the M2 grease gun.

      3. Pete S/ SP Avatar
        Pete S/ SP

        ·

        The Grease guns is about as comfortable in the hands as it is pleasing to the eye.

        Cheers,

        Pete.

      4. Mark A. Morin Avatar
        Mark A. Morin

        ·

        I have held them but never fired one.

      5. johnwynnehopkins Avatar
        johnwynnehopkins

        ·

        Justneeds yup the FN is one hell of a weapon and has greater knocking power compared to the M16 A1 or the AK 47. I must admit I did quite like the SKS as a weapon. The Soviets were giving crates of Thomson machine guns and German mouser rifles and other WW2 kit to ZIPRA, and after we captured them, we got a chance to fire them all. Great day on the range. Even the old WWII PPSH with the round magazine was being given out, looks a bit like Eastern Ukraine at present. I truly believe the west lost an advantage going to 556. 7.62 rules.

      6. Pete S/ SP Avatar
        Pete S/ SP

        ·

        Thanks John- always goodd to hear veterans accounts on this. How much 7.62 would you carry on a standard patrol then?

        Cheers,

        Pete.

    2. Pete S/ SP Avatar
      Pete S/ SP

      ·

      Thanks Mark. Not fired any of those weapons only shotguns for clay pigeon/ skeet shooting and target rifles in cadets. I do shrink my photos down massively to save on server space but I can do some close up is you want?

      Cheers,

      Pete.

      Reply
      1. Mark A. Morin Avatar
        Mark A. Morin

        ·

        No worries, I just think your work deserves the best exposure!

      2. Pete S/ SP Avatar
        Pete S/ SP

        ·

        Thanks Mark- I’ll do some close ups on the next batch I finish.

        Cheers,

        Pete.

  3. justneedsvarnish Avatar
    justneedsvarnish

    ·

    You have been busy! Like the figures and the background!

    Reply
    1. Pete S/ SP Avatar
      Pete S/ SP

      ·

      Thanks- I thought I’d best make the use of my enthusiasm whilst I had it.

      Cheers,

      Pete.

      Reply
      1. justneedsvarnish Avatar
        justneedsvarnish

        ·

        Pete, I’m being a bit thicker than usual at the moment, but I never seem to get the option to “like” your comments, which I’d normally do so you can see I’ve read your replies! So please don’t think I never appreciate your replies!

      2. Pete S/ SP Avatar
        Pete S/ SP

        ·

        That is no problem. In fact I’m glad it is not me who is having that problem. I only seem able to ‘like’ posts on other people’s blogs when I use the app on my phone and even then it is patch. I wonder what is causing it?

        Cheers,

        Pete.

  4. maenoferren22 Avatar
    maenoferren22

    ·

    Nice paint job, I have vague recollections of playing a game with some Rhodesian forces once. Thompson’s are light compared to a BAR 😁

    Reply
    1. Pete S/ SP Avatar
      Pete S/ SP

      ·

      Thanks. A BAR looks to be pretty heavy- long too.

      Cheers,

      Pete.

      Reply
  5. Azazel Avatar
    Azazel

    ·

    Nice work on these, Pete. I don’t think I’ve seen Rhodesians in miniature form before. I’ve seen a few customs in 1:6, but nothing like these. Great work!

    Reply
    1. Pete S/ SP Avatar
      Pete S/ SP

      ·

      Thanks Azazel. It is a pretty niche conflict but there a few bits out there. Recently there has been more books/ gaming supplements that cover the war coming out.

      Cheers,

      Pete.

      Reply
  6. Unit-ed October: 2018 Community Painting Challenge. Also, Orctober/Orktober. Community Round-Up | Azazel's Bitz Box. Avatar
    Unit-ed October: 2018 Community Painting Challenge. Also, Orctober/Orktober. Community Round-Up | Azazel's Bitz Box.

    ·

    […] SP also had a busy month – completing three distinct units. Firstly a platoon of 20mm Rhodesian African Rifles from Under Fire […]

    Reply
  7. johnwynnehopkins Avatar
    johnwynnehopkins

    ·

    Hi Pete great stuff, No1 sharp as we would say in the RAR. All the best John Hop

    Reply
    1. Pete S/ SP Avatar
      Pete S/ SP

      ·

      Thanks John- they are some lovely figures to paint too.

      Cheers,

      Pete.

      Reply

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