Nordenfelt Gun and Naval Crew

Having recently finished the Naval Brigade complement for Cressida Rose, the Sudan paddle steamer, this week's project was finishing the first of the two support weapons - the Nordenfelt machine gun.  This Redoubt Miniatures kit consists of the gun on a deck mounting, a crew member operating the firing crank, another providing advice, a third looking on, and a fourth opening up ammo crates.  As with the paddle steamer crew I based the kneeling figures on sand so as to be able to use them deployed, and the gun on a deck base to blend in with the steamer itself.

I had to build up the gun's base.  It needs to be able to fire over the deck barricade but, perhaps surprisingly, the figure operating the firing crank needed to be set at a higher level than his own base allowed, hence the platform.

Side view showing the deck to good effect.

The Nordenfelt gun in position infront of the steering cabin of Cressida Rose, firing out over the top deck bow barricade

Naval Brigade - completed

Next set of miniatures to be completed is the remainder of the Naval Brigade.  I've had very limited time for painting over the last couple of weeks so the pace has slowed a bit.  However, all the ratings are now done, with the Nordenfelt gun and naval crew due to be finished tonight (kids permitting...).  These were painted as per the last batch - matt black undercoat then three layers of colour then the usual gloss varnish.

The last six ratings in Sennet hats and Sudan uniforms.

The complete Brigade on movement bases (magnetised) and ready for Black Powder games.

The Brigade in position on the top deck of Cressida Rose.

Vulture's eye view...

Manning the barricades.