map When one embarks on an obscure period of history to recreate on tabletop, finding
suitable figures can be a chore. I've listed below my suggestions for figures that can be
used for the various troops found in this campaign. Copplestone Castings mentions on
their site that they will be making specific figures for the Wissmanntruppe. I'm looking
forward to seeing those once they are released.
The German and Allied Forces
German Marines - There are quite a few companies that make Marines for this period.
Copplestone Castings has a box of Marines (AFU2). The Old Glory Boxer Rebellion
Marines are good figures, and then there is also Pulp Figures. Add to the mix the recent
German Seebattalion figures by Redoubt Enterprises and you have a wide selection of
companies to choose from (or mix companies for greater variety). All of these figures are
very well done. The Honourable Lead Boiler Suit Company used to make figures as
well, but they seem to have phased them out of production. These were also good
quality figures, but on the thin side, and probably wouldn't mesh too well with the
aforementioned companies.
German NCOs - Pulp Figures makes a nice pack of NCOs which could be easily used.
Item number PGS 2.
Sudanese Askaris - As far as I can determine, these Sudanese Askaris came from the
Egyptian forces on the Upper Nile. Many manufacturers make Sudanese figures in their
respective Sudan ranges. I am going to use a mix of Copplestone Zanzibari Regulars
(Boxes AF20 & 21) and their East Afrika Kompany Askaris (Box AFU2).
Zulus - As the Zulu War is one of the most gamed periods of colonial history, there are a
plethora of companies that make Zulu figures. Since this conflict was just a few years
after the Zulu War of 1879, one might imagine that their dress would still be the same.
However, one would also be wrong. Take a look at the Wissmanntruppe page, and you'll
see that Shaka's decendents were attired much like the Sudanese mentioned above.
Somalis - Copplestone Castings produces three Somali boxes in their line. I would
suggest mixing the gun-armed figures with the spear carrying Somalis. Boxes AF15-17.
47mm Revolving Cannon - The London War Room does make a 37mm version of this
weapon, but no one makes the 47mm model. Hopefully Copplestone will design one.
60mm Mountain Gun - The Foundry used to make a mountain gun in their Darkest Africa
line, but try finding it on their site.
Abushiri's Forces
Arabs - For the Arabs I plan to use The Foundry's Zanzabaris.
Swahilis - If someone has any ideas, please let me know!
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