1/30th Assegais. (1 Viewer)

[Spudee]

Bit of a tricky one. I am putting together a Rorke's Drift diorama using Britain's and First Legion figures and accessories. Trying to think of how I might get my hands on, or even make, some Zulu assegais to litter the scene. Has me stumped at present. Any thoughts, suggestions, most welcome.

 

[Hazebrouck]

Try some fine metal rod from a hobby shop for the shaft and shape some Milliput for the spear end. Sand the spear end to the right shape, prime and paint.

Scott

 

[Spudee]

Try some fine metal rod from a hobby shop for the shaft and shape some Milliput for the spear end. Sand the spear end to the right shape, prime and paint.

Scott

Thanks Scott, I think that might work. Much appreciated.

 

[theBaron]

I second Scott's tip about using metal rod, like brass rod. I'll add that you'll probably want to flatten the stock into the shape of the blade. You can do that with a small hammer, like a small tack hammer. If you have bench vise, it probably has a small anvil area built into it. But I've improvised this by laying another hammer flat and using the flat side of the head as an anvil.

If the brass is relatively hard, you can anneal it by holding it over a burner on the stove until it starts to glow, then remove it from the heat and cool it. Lengths of heavier gauge copper wire are good for this, too. I've even salvaged the large staples used to hold appliance packaging together, for things like this.

I look forward to seeing your results!

Prost!
Brad

 

[Blackbob]

Try the Tradition website in the spare parts - battle weapons misc. It shows a number of spears -- 0.50 pence UK that may lend themselves to being modified to be an assegai, originally assegai, or iklwa the Zulu word for their stabbing spear, supposedly based on the sound it made when pulled out.
Good Luck and please post your layout when finished.
Black Bob

 

[Spudee]

I second Scott's tip about using metal rod, like brass rod. I'll add that you'll probably want to flatten the stock into the shape of the blade. You can do that with a small hammer, like a small tack hammer. If you have bench vise, it probably has a small anvil area built into it. But I've improvised this by laying another hammer flat and using the flat side of the head as an anvil.

If the brass is relatively hard, you can anneal it by holding it over a burner on the stove until it starts to glow, then remove it from the heat and cool it. Lengths of heavier gauge copper wire are good for this, too. I've even salvaged the large staples used to hold appliance packaging together, for things like this.

I look forward to seeing your results!

Prost!
Brad

Thank Brad for another option. My problem is that at 75 my eyes and general motor skills are a bit shot, But I'll see if I can try and tackle something like this.

 

[Spudee]

Try the Tradition website in the spare parts - battle weapons misc. It shows a number of spears -- 0.50 pence UK that may lend themselves to being modified to be an assegai, originally assegai, or iklwa the Zulu word for their stabbing spear, supposedly based on the sound it made when pulled out.
Good Luck and please post your layout when finished.
Black Bob

Thanks very much Bob, these look perfect. Have just placed an order for 10. Handy site as well.