Outpost Wargames Services
15mm Ancients

Figure Review

by David Barnes

Available from 25, Grantham Place, Southfield Green, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 6EQ UK

I have always been interested in Tang China engendered by the detective novels of the period first translated and then written in the style - and illustrated - by the Dutch diplomat Robert Van Gulik. American publishers still produce his novels for students wishing to study the era. (viz. Dover, Charles Scribners Sons and University of Chicago Press. Penguin did some in the UK). I have been sent some figures cast in pewter. As usual I will list them, comment on them and as there are only four of them, draw them all, not to scale. I begin with the Tang cavalry:

STC1 Mounted archer. Drawing the bow to the left, he has just released the string. It is a composite short bow. He wears a quiver on his right hip balanced on his left by a straight sword with a typical pommel. He wears a leather or possibly felt coat which comes to his knees. The cap on his head is reminiscent of the Phyrigian type. He's probably a member of "The Flying Horse," unarmoured cavalry. The horse is really one of the best mounts I have seen in l5mm, maybe because it echoes the Chinese statues, ceramics and drawings of horses, of which they were extremely fond. The model is cantering, ears laid back. The saddle and other tack is very well shown.

STC9 Early cataphract armoured cavalry. Tang cavalry were grouped in 4,000 man divisions with regiments of 500 to 1,000 men. These cataphracts would be the shock troops, probably held in reserve until the critical moment came. The armour appears to be lamellar but may have been made in a more solid state to look like it - as early cars looked like horse carriages. He has extra breast defenses and large shoulder epauls. He wears a bowl like helmet with a leather cowl. In his right hand is a lance and on his left hip a straight sword. He would make up 50% of the Tang army. His horse is walking and is fully armoured too.

Now two Khmer infantry:

KHM10 Khmer infantry. Long shield. Highly detailed figure - pewter is good for taking fine detail. He is well proportioned and moves forward in his leaf-like kilt with a tunic covered in little round plates. In his right hand is held a long spear in pronation - stabbing mode. His swept back hair and moustache is reminiscent of a Celt.

KHM Khmer javelinman. Good detail and ftill-of-action pose. Bare torso and top knotted hair. One javelin high in his right hand, point down, another in his left hand. I can imagine clouds of these troops rushing forward to worry the enemy formations.

Bibliography of references.

1. "The Army of Tang China, " Karl Heinz Ranitzsh, Montvert Publications.
2. "The Armies and Enemies of Ancient China," John P. Greer, WRG, 1975*
3. "China - A History in Art, " Bradley Smith and Wang go Weng, Gemini Smith Inc., 1979

* I know derogatory remarks have been made about this book but for a long time it was all there was for lay people.

Now "Outpost" are producing these figures and waiting to see what response there is. I would say if you have a Tang army, replace it with these elements. If you haven't a Tang army think about it. 50% cavalry, foot archers and crossbowmen and "incendiary specialists" besides the PBI. A lively mix. Outpost will produce the rest of the Sui Tang army by spring 1999, and they will be based on the Montvert book by Dr. KH Ranitzsh. Figures are sold in packs. At the time of writing prices are 8 foot for £ 1, 4 cavalry for £ 1.20. Outpost are happy to make up armies to suit any rule set. Prices on application. In December they will release Burmese ancients to fight their already produced Khmer. Dr. KH Ranitzsh has helped with research.

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© Copyright 1999 Hal Thinglum
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