Post by zuludon on Jan 14, 2023 19:11:20 GMT
I wanted a von Tempsky miniature for my 54mm New Zealand 1860s colonial wars. Regal Toy Soldiers sells a very nice one for $49 NZ, but that's well outside my price range. For those who aren't familiar, Gustavus von Tempsky was a Prussian soldier of fortune who became an officer of the Forest Rangers who were trained to fight the Maori in their natural bush environment. After the Forest Rangers were disbanded in 1866 he took command of No. 5 Division of the Armed Constabulary. He was killed in action attacking the Te Ngutu o Te Manu or The Bird's Beak Pa in 1868.
I used a Britains Deetail US cavalryman as the base figure and added the pillbox cap and long hair with epoxy putty. Von Tempsky was famous for carrying his light cavalry saber, even in the bush.
I am pretty pleased with the conversion. I went with the toy soldier painting style to match the Regal Maori miniatures I own.
Nick Stern
