News: Drug Smugglers Apprehended

'Border Guards from Bugabu have quashed an attempt to smuggle drugs across the border. It is believed that the shipment of cocaine originated from the South American region.'

'It is known that the drugs are smuggled from South America and Asia and are brought into both Natonga and Bugabu. From there they are smuggled into Europe. Mostly Eastern and Central Europe.'

'There has been an increased presence of U.S. Agents (DEA) in Natonga and along the border, working in conjunction with the border guard of both nations.'

Milestone: 500 Views

Hi folks, just wanted to say that this blog has reached over 500 views. Which I am very pleased about as it still has a small following (5 to be exact). 

I'm hoping to update this ASAP as I have some Spectre Africans to paint up.

Godspeed,

Sean.

News: Italian Peacekeepers Attacked

"Italian Peacekeepers stationed around Light Springs have come under attack during a routine patrol."

"It is believed that members of the NLA are responsible for the attack which left 2 dead and several injured. The attack happened around dawn as the group approached the centre of the town. A number of residents came out of their homes to berate the soldiers, throwing bottles and bricks in their direction."

"The scene quickly escalated as gun shots rang out amongst the crowd, with the first Italian hitting the ground dead. The residents dispersed and the Peacekeepers engaged the terrorists head on."

News: Paratroopers Drop In

'Members of the 1st Airborne have dropped in the fields around Dopetown today as tensions rise within the area. There has been an increasing number of NLA members making the town their home and garrison.'

'General Papanu Guinea said that the men were "prepared for war, wether they be outnumbered or under equipped" and that these terrorists were nothing more than "cowards and traitors".'

Progress

I have made some progress on my 28mm ANZAC from Baker Company. I've clipped the bush hats off of 3 miniatures and replaced them with M1 helmets.

They aren't the best, but I never said I was a conversion expert!

Pictures to follow.

Cheers,

Sean.

Hello!

Hello to my new followers! I hope to get some eye candy on here ASAP. Please stand by.

Cheers,

Sean.

More Planning

So, I've been thinking, I don't think I'll be doing 15mm (sorry!). Instead I'll be doing it in 20mm as originally planned all those months ago.

All from Liberations modern African range. This means I won't have to convert bush hats into M1 helmets as the miniatures already come wearing the appropriate headgear.

I can also get my Bugabu Border Guard and my insurgents!

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

Planning Things Out

This post is just as much for me as it is for you guys. I'm going to jot down what Factions are main players in this civil war, and what miniatures I plan on using to represent them. Enjoy!

P.S. This is the list for 15mm, I shall also make a list for 28mm at some point.

Natongan Liberation Army(NLA):

- Peter Pig African Militia

- Peter Pig PLO

Natongan Defence Force(NDF):

- Peter Pig IDF (for Airborne)

- Peter Pig Professionals (Regulars) with head swaps (M1 Helmet).

Natongan Security Forces:

- Peter Pig African Regulars w/ Kepi and berets w/ SLRs/G3s

- QRF Saxon APC

British SAS:

- Peter Pig bareheaded Professionals

UN Peacekeepers:

- Peter Pig Professionals w/ M1 helmets and Turban head swaps (Indian Peacekeepers).

Personalities:

- Ivan Koslov (Peter Pig Mr Arms Dealer)

- Goodwill Hunter (TBD)

- British Prime Minister (Peter Pig Civilian)

Bugabu Border Guard:

- Peter Pig Hardened Militia

Update: Miniatures

Hi folks, just thought I'd let you know that I may be doing this project in 15mm scale as well as 28mm scale.

Mostly 15s, though, due to the new house not having as much room and having limited space in my own bedroom (cupboards etc). 

I'm also toying with the idea of having Indian peacekeepers here in Natonga. More of an unusual one there. At least in my opinion. It'll be about two weeks before I order anything as there's a Steam sale on and I would like to buy a few games on my wish list.

Until then,

Cheers,

Sean.

News: Security Forces On High Alert

'The police force, who are all highly trained individuls, have been on high alert this evening following a written threat sent to the President's secondary address.'

'Although sources are saying it is nearly a hoax, the security forces feel otherwise with their spokesman saying: "We can not take these threats lightly. Following civil unrest, we must take all threats as serious and follow any leads we may have. So, until further notice, we will be stationing armed guards at every governmental building and, those without armed guards, will be provided with some of the countries best trained men and women.'

Update: Life

Hi guys and gals, I must apologise for my lack of posting over the last few weeks. I moved house about a fortnight ago and I'm still settling in. After 3 weeks or so I finally received my order from Baker Company and I'll be cracking on with them soon.

In the meantime, I've took interest in the Batman Miniature Game. I picked up Black Mask's crew and played an intro game, which I won. But apart from that, everything has been a bit hectic.

Sorry again, regular posts with resume soon.

Cheers,

Sean.

Update: Miniatures

Hi guys and gals, just another update on miniatures. I made an order this morning for the excellent Salute exclusive Female Operative from Spectre Miniatures.

At least I think I have! I ordered it about an hour before they said it went offline so hopefully that lovely lady shall be mine. I also ordered some of the Big Men (I think that's their name).

Future plans include African Irregulars from The Assault Group (TAG) with rifles, shotguns, pistols, SMGs, and support weapons. These are either topless and wearing shorts or wearing a t shirt. I don't like the look of their uniformed soldiers with their flared trousers, as opposed to having them tucked into their boots.

The only thing that has arrived so far are my helmets from TAG.

I'll keep you all updated,

Cheers,

Sean.

Natongan Defence Forces

Above: Members of the NDF rendezvousing with members of the British Armed Forces.

The standard rank and file soldier of the Natongan Defence Force (NDF) are armed slightly different to that of the 1st Airborne Division. With their SLRs and M60s, these individuals are dropped into combat via choppers provided by the British. They wear a variety of camoflauge and have a more rag tag look then the 1st Airborne, as well as M1 helmets.

These soldiers fight alongside British soldiers in the forests of Natonga and are especially good at Guerrilla warfare. They have seen much combat over the years, including the war with Bugabu, as well as  acting as peacekeepers in neighbouring countries.

Their current mission, in conjunction with the British, is Operation Banga, Banga being the name of the NLA's major stronghold. They have used the cover of night to launch attacks on the camps of the NLA.

Intel: Joseph Kiki

Name: Joseph Kiki

Age: 40

Occupation: Leader of the NLA, Politician

Attributes: Stocky build, goatee beard, smokes cigars on a regular bases, always surrounded by bodyguards.

Notes: Father of rebel commander Luke Kiki, has a home on the outskirts of Hopetown, his informants are situated in Dopetown and Hopetown, as well as those dotted around the countryside.

Update: Miniatures

Hi guys and gals, I've just ordered some 28mm Vietnam ANZAC miniatures from Baker Company Miniatures. I bought a platoon of them which is around 45 miniatures, including command.

I have also bought 2x10 M1 helmets to replace some of the Boonie Hats, from The Assault Group (TAG) (This will be my first attempt at converting metal miniatures so please, keep your fingers crossed for me!).

I have also ordered a Vietnam era Press set (I think that's what it's called) from West Wind Productions. This includes a Camera man, a boom man, a Reporter, a journalist, and some chopper gunners. I believe the miniatures are meant to represent certain personalities but I'm not 100% sure.

When they come, I'll do a test model and post that up here. It may be within the next week or so as we move house next Friday.

Until then,

Cheers,

Sean.

Intel: Light Springs AKA Dopetown

Light Springs, AKA Dopetown, is a large populated area to the south of Hopetown. It houses around 10,000 people and is the countries biggest shanty town. It is mostly ungoverned and the people are left to their own devices. Due to this, there is a large amount of crime within the town, only rivaled by the Zugandan Quarter.

It gets its nickname, Dopetown, due to the high use of, what the locals call, Lucky Lucky Grass. It has a mild seditary effect on the user, thus the saying 'being doped'. This is, however, an unofficial name given to the town and doesn't appear on any official documents.

Because of the increased amount of crime and unrest in the town, guard towers have been set up on the four corners of the fenced in town. Armed guards man these towers 24 hours a day, with a curfew set at 8pm.

There are several shops on the main stretch of road (Railway) that runs the length of the old railway lines. The most notable one is George's Delicious Deli, popular with both old and young residents.

Update: Miniatures

I know, I know, I only changed my mind yesterday about scale etc but with us moving to a new home in about 2 weeks, we'll have less room so it looks like I'm coming back with my tail between my legs and going down the 20mm road again.

This means I don't have to change the background or anything and everything is hunky dory!

Miniatures, as stated in other posts, will be from Elhiem and Underfire Miniatures. I will buy the odd 28mm miniature, however, and build up a small collection.

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

Intel: Zugandan Nationals

Papa Digando, a Zugandan national, is a well know criminal on the streets of Hopetown. He runs many lucrative schemes including, but not limited to, extortion, intimidation, and bootlegging.

He has been well known to the authorities for many years now and has been one of the nations most wanted men. He fled his native Zugando just before the civil war and settled down in the Zugandan Quarter of Hopetown.

The recent riots were masterminded by him and his colleagues in support of the insurgents.

Bobby Zee also fled the country before the civil war, fleeing with his cousin Al 'Papa' Digando, and settling in the Zugandan Quarter. He, like his cousin, is involved in lucrative behaviour in and around Hopetown. Very unpredictable, the police have warned citizens not to approach him.

Bobby acts as a second-in-command to Papa and is usually the one to collect debts, intimidate people, and, sadly, assassinations.

Above: People on the streets of the Zugandan Quarter with pet hyenas.

Crime is rife in the Zugandan Quarter, with 60% of the Quarter's population being involved in some form of crime. The police have attempted to crack down on the crime rates but to no avail.

Update: Miniatures

I've been thinking a lot lately and, after a long thought, I've decided to switch to 28mm scale for the smaller scale fighting,  which means I'm going to have to look for good stand ins for the Natongan Defence Force.

In 20mm I went with the IDF, but you can't get IDF in 28mm anymore (as far as  I'm aware, couldn't get a hold of Mongrel IDF). That means I'm going to have to re-write, or 'forget' what I've previously written. That is unfortunate as I was really enjoying it.

This decision came due to me being partially blind in one eye, thus making painting 20mm miniatures quite difficult. I'm still going to give it a shot, but for 'health' reasons I'm going to go bigger. Maybe I'll get my 20mm painted for me, by a professional painter. We'll see.

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

News: 1st Airborne Division Mobilises

Above: Members of the elite 1st Airborne prepare to be deployed into the heart of NLA territory.

'Today, members of the elite 1st Airborne Division have been deployed into the heart of NLA territory. Their commanding officer Jeffrey Lang assured us that they will take care of these pests with "unforgiving judgement" and was certain that they'd be home for dinner: "These 'Soldiers' are nothing but terrorists, scum of the earth, and we shall not tread lightly. I assure you that we shall take care of these subhumans swiftly and affectively. May God bless us all."'

News: Riots On The Streets Of Hopetown

Above: Natongan citizens riot on the streets of Hopetown in protest of Goodwill Hunter's cooperation with the British.

'Today hundreds of Natongan nationals took to the street in protest of the governments military ties with the British Army. A spokesperson for the group, called Natongan Action, said "We as a nation have to leave the past in the past. Our colonial overlords gave us indepence a long time ago, so why are they still involved with our military and politics? It is time for President Hunter to sever ties with these overlords, they have no business being here. If he refuses, we will continue to protest, and we cannot promise to be peaceful."'

'Natongan Action have close links to the NLA and act as their political wing, this relationship has not been hidden and, in the past, has been promoted by leading members of both groups. President Hunter responded by calling off his planned parade of the city centre.'

Update: Miniatures

(Sorry for the bad quality photos, I only have a phone to use).

Hey guys, yesterday I received a nice package in the post! Some little metal men from Elhiem.

My order of IDF, to act as Natongan Armed Forces, arrived and I'm very pleased with them. Good proportions, nice detail also. No problems whatsoever.

I got a pack of two NCOs with Galil rifles, a set of four riflemen, three with Galil rifles and an NCO with an Uzi SMG, and a pack of four with two Galil carrying loaders with what appears to be ammunition slung over their shoulders, and two carrying FN MAGs.

Like I said, all miniatures are a good size, not too small, not too big, great proportions, good detail and a great service from Elhiem. I will certainly be buying from them again, if these IDF are anything to go by.

Update: Ideas and Miniatures

So, following the background, I have decided to do two separate scales: firstly, there'll be the war between Natonga and Bugabu. This will be played using the AK47 Republic rules and shall be 15mm scale.

Secondly, there will be the civil war played using Force on Force rules with the Bush War supplement. This will be in 20mm.

Natongan Defence Force:

• In 15mm, I shall be using Peter Pig's IDF, with a custom paint job, and using his range of vehicles (Centurion and M113)

• In 20mm, I shall be using Elhiem's IDF as well as Underfire IDF, again with a different paint job. Vehicles will be from various manufacturers.

British Armes Forces / Special Forces:

• As the British are only involved in the civil war, they will only be in 20mm. I shall be using Elhiem's British, as well as their Generic special forces, and SAS circa. Early 2000s.

• Vehicles will be from SandS Models, as well as other manufacturers.

Natongan Liberation Army:

• Again, only appear in the civil war so they will be in 20mm. I'll be using Elhiem's Somalians/African Militia/Insurgents.

• They will be armed with a mix of old Soviet weapons and AKs.

Bugabu Armed Forces:

• For 15mm BAF, I'll be using Peter Pig's Regulars from his AK47 Republic range, and QRF for Tanks and APCs

• In 20mm I shall be using Elhiem's Iraq Army, possibly going to try and green stuff some body armour onto them. I'm the civil war they won't be aggressors, as such, they'll be acting as UN Peacekeepers.

Natongan Military History

Above: Natonga (Blue) to the North, and Bugabu (Red) to the South. The star is Natongan capital city, Hopetown. The largest city in Natonga is Mabique.

Natonga, founded in 1909 by British Colonists, is a prosperous nation. It has an ever growing economy and is rich with oil. Several Western companies have set up shop in and around the country to plunder said oil, this includes Britain.

Although a small nation, their National Defence Forces (Natongan Defence Force, NDF) are second to none and excel at almost anything that comes their way. The most prolific of the NDF are those of the 1st Airborne Division, trained by British Paratroopers. These elite troops jump right into the middle of things, without worry or fear. They are certainly a force to be reckoned with. 

Equipment wise, they're armed with a derivative of the Israeli Galil, used by the IDF, similar to that of the South Africam Army. Although elite, the equipment of the 1st Airborne Division isn't always consistent. Some members use the U.S. Made M16A1, whilst others use the AKM. Heavier weapons include the FN MAG GPMG, and the RPG7

As for vehicles, the NDF use a mix of American and British made tanks and APCs. Examples of vehicles still in use are the British Centurion, and the American M113.

Natonga gained independence from the British in 1963, but stilled received aid and military training from them. Not much happened, military wise, from 1963 to 1985. Natonga remained at peace, content with their future as an independent nation. In 1986, however, Natonga's Soviet backed neighbours to the South (Bugabu) became aggressive, trying to expand their borders to the other side of the River Amba and claiming ownership of several small islands off the coast of both nations.

Words were exchanged, threats were thrown back and forth, and everyone was on red alert, ready for all out war. Natongan President, Jamal Fisher, tried to calm the aggressors down, telling them that there was no need for conflict. Bugabu was having none of it and invaded Natonga at nightfall, attempting to catch them off guard. This approach failed as President Fisher had mobilised his army in preparation for the anticipated assault. The war lasted three years with heavy casualties on both sides. This war was when the 1st Airborne Divisiom really shined, parachuting behind enemy lines.

Fast forward to 1994, a new threat, an internal threat, had emerged. The Natongan Liberation Army (NLA) was a left-wing militia looking at installing a Socialist Republic within Natonga. Armed with old Soviet weapons, including AK47s, they set out on an all out mission to overthrow the president.