Hello all
I've been working on some 28mm Perry Miniatures figures. They're a set of Zulu War British infantry but they also come with home service helmets (i.e. the helmets have spikes on them and regimental badges displayed).
This got me thinking that I could turn them into some Victorian Rifle Volunteers. One of our forum members "Edwardian" produced something similar in 1/72 scale for the Group Build this year. The volunteer movement began in 1859 and were intended to be a reserve to the regular infantry and militia. The movement featured countless small Rifle Volunteer Corps scattered about Great Britain. often formed from men with a common bond, such as representing a local town or formed with men from the same employer (e.g. the Post Office Rifles).
So, I've produced a small vignette of men from the 1st Cheshire Rifle Volunteer Corps, also known as the Cheshire Greys (on account of their uniforms). They appear on their local rifle range under instruction from an officer. For their shooting practise they are using Martini-Henry rifles at a distance of 300 yards from the target (as indicated by a white marker post). I've written more about them - and their rifle ranges! - here:
https://suburbanmilitarism.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/home-on-the-range/Hey, maybe one or two might even hit that target!
And now for the final touch - they deserve a plaque!
I'm already working on my second corps...
Best wishes
Marvin