Zulu painting guide (2 Viewers)

[plasmapulse]

There has been some talk about zulu shield colours and such, and i thought it might be a good idea to bundle some ideas people have about them. That way you have a handy short list. There just can't be enough ZW threads right?

There is a new(er) company called Empress Miniatures who produce 28mm figures and they have a painting guide to zulus. Stating the hide colour and the married or unmarried status. Both should be sufficient to paint any zulu in battledress. Not sure about some of the spelling though in regimental names.

http://www.empressminiatures.com/page10.htm

In time I'll try to verify some info and add to it and if you like to do that be my guest.

 

[1879fanatic]

Joachim,

You are right about the regimental spelling- horrible! Also, some of the pictures don't correspond to the actual color described. Stick with the Osprey series that Britains is taking from. It is easy and in color, and I see things I didn't know every time I open one. 28mm- what's that anyway? Aircraft ammo? Mike

 

[plasmapulse]

Of course Osprey's the best. There are multiple titles that have unique or overlapping info on the ZW. The Lt. pointed me towards some titles I did not have (and still haven't bought )
What should be done however is combine all the info into one handy list with perhaps a small pic. Just to make things easy. Also for those who don't want to buy all the Osprey titles but would like to make a decent painted zulu army.

It was never my intention to draw people into the unholy 28mm scale. Guys, always stick with 54mm, gloss preferred, matte tolerated

 

[thebritfarmer]

I appreciate any information on this subject. I am thinking of buying my very first Zulu figures shortly, I am looking at the Matte series made by Britains and need any information that I can get.

Thanks

Scott

 

[1879fanatic]

Joachim,
You're right on every point. I have at least 15 Ospery books for reference on just the AZW. That includes Royal Artillery, Boer War, specific Zulu topics etc... I too would love to have a single reference work for regimental colors.
Gloss in 54mm for AZW is also my favorite. Mike

 

[The Lt.]

Joachim,.

I've put together a list as follows of the various Zulu Regiments with their Sheild Colors and strengths of The Main Zulu Army, 17 January 1879 from Osprey Campaign Series 14 Zulu War 1879 and men at Arms Series 57 The Zulu War. Please feel free all to submit corrections and comments...The Lt.

umCijo black 2,500
iNgobamakhosi consisted of black, red, black & white, & red & white 4,000
uMbonambi black with white spots 2,000
uNokhenke black 2,000
uDloko red with white spots 2,500
uVe red and whit 2,000
uDududu black with white spots 1,500
iMbube couldn't find the shield color 500
isAngu white 1,500

Went on to Rorke's Drift
uThulwana white 1,500 a married regiment
uDloko red with one white spot incorporated into the uThulwana regiment
iNdlondlo red and white 900
iNdluyengwe blk one white spot an unmarried regiment

The Shields and their Colors

 

[plasmapulse]

Now that's what I'm talking about. Lt. that wonderful shield schematic, where did you get it from (osprey nr?)? The list now has a great start. Flesh things out a bit and see what's more to add, we can all join in.

 

[The Lt.]

Now that's what I'm talking about. Lt. that wonderful shield schematic, where did you get it from (osprey nr?)? The list now has a great start. Flesh things out a bit and see what's more to add, we can all join in.

Joachim it's from Osprey's Warrior Series 14 titled ZULU 1816-1906. By the way the strength of the iNdluyengwe Regiment is listed as 1000..... The Lt.

 

[thebritfarmer]

In regards to the use of tea to stain their helmets. I read that they actually used tree bark to stain them. It kind of makes sense as tea was expensive back then and would seem foolish to use it as stain. Any thoughts ?

 

[1879fanatic]

Scott,

What do you do with coffee grinds and tea bags when you're done? toss 'em, right?
But there is plenty of life still in the dregs for staining. I would humbly venture that many methods were used, including bark, mud and even dung (at the instruction of older veterans to the raw recruits being sent out from home). Mike

 

[thebritfarmer]

Scott,

What do you do with coffee grinds and tea bags when you're done? toss 'em, right?
But there is plenty of life still in the dregs for staining. I would humbly venture that many methods were used, including bark, mud and even dung (at the instruction of older veterans to the raw recruits being sent out from home). Mike

DOH !!! Never thought of that Mike.

 

[1879fanatic]

DOH !!! Never thought of that Mike.

I know, you're busy watching the world economy (minus China) go down the John T. Crapper and lamenting not being at the Chicago show, like me. We get to stay home and discuss how to darken white foreign service helmets. Go figure! Mike