Zulu War Molds (1 Viewer)

[snowyowl]

Can anyone suggest a source for molds of figures from the Anglo-Zulu War? The molds would have to be for 54- 56 mm metal figures.

 

[theBaron]

Can anyone suggest a source for molds of figures from the Anglo-Zulu War? The molds would have to be for 54- 56 mm metal figures.

The only molds for the Zulu War, that I know of, are those in the Lil Army range sold by Dutkins' Collectables. Here is the URL to that page in their catalog:

http://www.dutkins.com/catalog/index.cfm?categoryid=4&companyid=22

The quality of the sculpting is a little off, in that some of the figures are not proportioned that well.

I just had a quick look at Prins August's website, to see if they have Zulus in their catalog, and I didn't find any. That's a shame, because I like their molds.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

I took a look at Castings, Inc, too, from whom I've bought molds and supplies in the past:

http://www.miniaturemolds.com/index.htm

They don't have any Zulu molds, either. Dutkins might be the only one.

Prost!
Brad

 

[snowyowl]

Thanks for the help. Those Dutkins figures look quite crude. I've never tried to make my own figures from molds so perhaps I'm unrealistic in my expectations.

 

[theBaron]

Hi, Dan, you're welcome. I wouldn't say you've got unrealistic expectations, you're just new to homecasting. The Zulu Wars just aren't covered that well in the world of homecasting. You might find more kit figures, though the makers I thought of off the top of my head--Tommy Atkins, Fusilier/Hussar and Imrie-Risley--don't have any Zulu Wars figures in their catalogs, except Imrie-Risley, but they have only 2 different figures of British soldiers at Rorke's Drift, and no Zulus or auxiliary troops. But keep looking. And if I find any more references, I'll try to post them back here.

Prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

Actually, one maker just came to mind, and that's John Eden. He has most of the old Rose Miniatures line in his catalog, and that includes Zulu Wars figures. Here's the URL to the page of his online catalog with Zulu figures:

http://www.johnedenstudios.com/page7.htm

From there, you can browse through the rest of the Rose catalog that he carries. He's supposed to have the molds for everything depicted on his site, so it's worth it to contact him, if you're interest.

The Rose castings still hold up today. In their time, they were considered to be of high quality. I'm a fan of the Imperial German series and the 18th century figures, myself.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

Adding to what Brad has said about unpainted castings, Dan - Dorset Soldiers in the UK make very reasonably priced castings for both 24th Foot and Zulu warriors. (so a Rorke's Drift type scenario is very possible). They make six of each group as kits - though if you mix arms and weapons, by changing over arms of some of the figures (we call these conversions), you can get more poses.


Here's the link to look at them - they are sets in the picture marked 1802 and 1803 - though you can buy them separately as individual pieces. They paint up very well in Glossy Toy Soldier style - and it can be great fun to slightly alter each piece - so multiples of similar poses can still look a bit different.


http://www.printteam.co.uk/websites/dorsetsoldiers/catalogue.php?id=africa
johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Another UK manufacturer/supplier of 54mm Zulu War figures has just popped into my mind. They are also inexpensive at under £4 each for an unpainted casting. See them here:

http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/

Once you get there - click on the size you want ( e.g., 54mm) - and then Colonial Wars - to see them all. Johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Last one for now -


Try this manufacturer of unpainted castings for Zulus carrying Assegi, Knobkerry and captured rifles. Again, not expensive to buy this way. They are based in Nottingham UK. I know that they also do two very nice figures of Michael Caine and Stanley Baker - as they were in the film "Zulu".

Check them out at:

http://www.rpworldmodels.net/

They are in the Steadfast range - though you will have to check through all of their products to find them. ( which will be both informative and fun!). Prices quoted are for painted models - so you can check on the unpainted prices by sending an e-mail ( easy to do with this site). Unpainted are normally around half of the painted prices - so again,they will be under the £4 mark.

If I think of any more, for this subject - I'll post them here. Johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Sorry Dan - remembered another one.

Again - unpainted low cost castings from a smaller supplier in the UK. All of the ones I've posted offer e-mail order from Internet web-sites. Have a look here.


As Brad mentioned - If you have never done any casting before - maybe this is a better alternative, at least to begin with - as it will let you find out if assembly/ painting is for you. Can't help you with suppliers of mould for this subject - as personally, I don't do that - but much prefer this lower cost option of buying ready-made castings myself. Hope it helps you decide - do check out the web-sites I have posted - as you can then see what is offered before choosing which way to go. Good luck with it - whatever you decide - this way will give you a super hobby. Hope my posts help. Johnnybach

http://www.langleymodels.co.uk/acatalog/Shop_Front_Zulu_War_77.html

 

[snowyowl]

Thanks, guys. I'm checking out the sites that have been mentioned. I need to convert Euros and pounds to Canadian dollars but my initial thought is that the figures are a lot cheaper than I pay when I buy Britains. I'm working on a diorama of part of Rorke's Drift. I'm pleased with the way it is turning out but it suffers from a lack of soldiers and zulus. At approx. $30 per figure it's an expensive project. I'm building anything (biscuit boxes, mealie sacks etc.) that I can but haven't attempted to make my own figures yet but that is coming soon (an attempt at least)

 

[Hazebrouck]

Dan,

Conte make some nice 54mm plastic Zulu War figures that paint up well if you are looking at building up the numbers of figures at a reasonable cost.

Scott

 

[johnnybach]

Thought you wanted metal (i.e cast your own)

If its plastic you want - another choice could be:

https://www.armiesinplastic.com/showcase/shop.php?category=Zulu+Wars

Boxes of 'em at around $15 for 18 figures. Can't get more reasonable than that. I personally prefer metal, for both weight of piece ( as they don't fall over quite as easily) - and I think my choice of paint adheres better, because they aren't quite as flexible. johnnybach

 

[theBaron]

And I've remembered another source for castings, since you mention Britains, and you're here in North America. That's Ron Ruddell's London Bridge Collectors Toys, here in PA. He's a licensed Britains replacement parts vendor, and you can get parts to assemble your own figures and paint them.

Here's the URL to the relevant page at his website:

http://www.londonbridgetoys.com/britains_repro.html

Ron is a well-known veteran dealer and I recommend him highly.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad

 

[snowyowl]

I do want metal. If I was able to sculpt my own figures, I would attempt to make my own molds. I don't know how tough that would be but I'm sure that it can be done.

 

[snowyowl]

And I've remembered another source for castings, since you mention Britains, and you're here in North America. That's Ron Ruddell's London Bridge Collectors Toys, here in PA. He's a licensed Britains replacement parts vendor, and you can get parts to assemble your own figures and paint them.

Here's the URL to the relevant page at his website:

http://www.londonbridgetoys.com/britains_repro.html

Ron is a well-known veteran dealer and I recommend him highly.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad

That's a really interesting site. Thanks!

 

[theBaron]

I do want metal. If I was able to sculpt my own figures, I would attempt to make my own molds. I don't know how tough that would be but I'm sure that it can be done.

Absolutely it can be done. As far as sculpting goes, practice, practice, practice, just as with any other skill. And then to make a mold is relatively simple, you just need to get the materials and get the hang of the process.

I'm trying to learn to sculpt, for the same reason--I want a figure that no one has ever made.

Prost!
Brad

 

[snowyowl]

When I was kid, I made all kinds of figures that seemed pretty good to me and they were scaled to fit in with my Britains. Mind you that was a very, very long time ago.

 

[foxmarine2123]

I have the Dutkins' Collectables Zulu molds they are ok, Here is a pic of a couple of castings.{sm4}{sm4}