At my local gaming club, during 2008, some of us decided to get armies to game the inter-war period based Russia and the East. Known as 'The Back of Beyond' due to the vast expanses of open land this period encompasses many of the local forces plus the intervention forces sent by the Western powers to gain influence in the area and possible trade agreements. Not only does this period cover the Russian civil war but also other conflicts including the warlord conflicts in China at the time. This was what I decided upon when I chose my force, a Chinese warlord's personal army.

Figures for this army are nicely provided by great looking sculpts by Copplestone Castings. This is where the bulk of my army comes from, together with a few extras and specials drawn from other sources. The rules we use are Contemptible Little Armies, complete with the Back of Beyond supplement, both by Chris Peers. My army is based on the Chinese Warlord army in these (together with a few extras). The rules are quite bloody but give an enjoyable game in a few hours, just right for a club night game.

 

 

This photo shows the current extent of my army. I have a few more things to add yet, Mongolian cavalry being the main unit, just to give the army more variety.

The various command figures (A) include the Warlord himself, as both mounted & on foot. He is wearing the usual Warlord uniform that was worn in this period. His second in command is shown together with two 'special' friends. These are a pair of figures of Chinese girls from Eureka, added to give a bit of colour. Also shown is the army executioner together with his latest victim. This is to inspire the soldiers to follow orders...

There are four standard infantry units (B), each comprising of 12 figures. Each of them have an officer figure and either standards or buglers added. Being Chinese, these are the main numbers of this army.

Next is shown the Warlord's bodyguard formed from White Russians (C) who have fled the civil war in their homeland. This unit is one of the specials I can field, the other being the assault troops armed with SMG's (D) shown in the next unit. These weapons are devastating in close but they need to get to the enemy first...

Finally there is a unit of bandits (E) or Tong gang members. These figures are probably a little late for this period but as I already had them then they will do. They come from Pulp Figures in Canada and form another nice splash of colour for the army.

Not known for their artillery use, Chinese armies are limited to either a field gun or a trench mortar. I chose the later (F) just to have something a bit different than the field gun that most people seem to choose. I also have a single heavy machine gun & team. If the army is used in defense then I could field a second one.

For transport I have added several vans and a fuel tanker (G), all from the Models of Yesteryear diecast range. These can be picked up cheaply off of eBay and given a simple paintjob to make them suit the setting.

The tank (H) is a French Schneider, from HLBS. This is now OOP and I got it via another club member. Although not the vehicle listed in the rules (they suggest a Renault FT-17) I shall stick with it until I find a suitable replacement.

The aircraft (I) is a 1/48th DH6 kit from SMER. I picked this up cheap at a bring & buy and just had to add the Chinese star markings to make it suitable. The pilot is from Artizan Designs, a dastardly fellow indeed!

Finally, there are a few odds & ends (J) just to add some flavour to the force. A mounted officer figure, Mongolian princess (she will be added to the cavalry when I've painted them), yak handler (Irregular Miniatures) & yaks (Amazon Miniatures), an American fossil hunter & bearer and finally a seller of special Chinese goods and his pack donkey (both old Citadel figures). All of these could be used to add scenarios and missions to games.