A useful addition to the Ottoman forces today with two large rowing boats from Barrage Miniatures, https://www.barrageminiatures.com/boats/112-viking-boat-156-28mm.html. They are intended for Napoleonic Ottomans but I don't see any reason why they would not be suitable for earlier periods. Whilst researching the wars between the Hungarians, Habsburgs and Ottomans in the first half of the sixteenth century it has become clear that control of the rivers was key with the Sava and Danube playing an important role in the Hungarian kingdom's system of defence. Similarly the Ottomans used their fleet in the wars in the Mediterranean against the Knights of St John and Venetians.
These models remind me of contemporary depictions of the Sieges of Belgrade, 1521,and Vienna, 1529, which show rivers being patrolled by small Ottoman boats as seen below. These images are followed by some pictures of my 28mm janissaries launching an assault on an unsuspecting Venetian fortress in the Mediterranean. The boat models can each fit three of my infantry bases inside which is a great bonus. I do realise there are no actual rowers, we will have to rely on a suspension of disbelief until I can find suitable models!
Hopefully the boats will see action soon. All being well I intend to set a game during the 1521 Siege of Belgrade in the coming months.
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| Near contemporary image of the Siege of Belgrade in 1521 showing Ottoman rowing boats controlling the Sava and Danube rivers. |
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| Another near contemporary image of the Siege of Belgrade depicting lots of Ottoman boats. One of these images of Belgrade is probably based on the other as they are very similar! |
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| Detail from Niklas Meldeman's depiction of the Siege of Vienna in 1529. Again lots of small Ottoman boats are shown patrolling the Danube. |
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| A force of janissaries prepare to storm a Venetian fortress. |
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| 28mm janissaries in large rowing boats - although I don't have any rower miniatures. |
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| A janissary naval assault. |
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| The Ottoman boats arrive. |
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| Two large ottoman rowing boats. |
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| 28mm Ottoman boats. |
They look great Oli and I think they are fine without rowers...in wargaming, we have a choice...either the landing boats are practical (like these) and can hold figures that can be used in a game, or, they have rowers and seated passengers etc...but are then only really a scenic item. I do like flat boats with full crews of rowers and seated infantry, they look fantastic, but they don't actually serve any purpose, except looking good! (A bit like me 😀)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Cheers Keith, yes I agree the more scenic boats full of crew look great but the flexibility with these more practical models does make them useful.
DeleteThe boats look wonderful as do the Ottomans in them. But I am particularly taken by the town walls and the large 'Italian' tower behind them. Do you remember where they are from? Thanks. Richard
ReplyDeleteThank you Richard. The Italian fortifications are from the very old Ian Weekly Battlements range. Magister Militum used to sell them but now they are available here: https://totalsystemscenic.com/product-category/28mmresin/28mm-fortifications/
Deletewith the artillery towers being here: https://totalsystemscenic.com/product/28bv101-renaissance-artillery-tower/
They cost a lot more now but that large Italian style tower is a great piece.
Thats great - thanks Oli
DeleteIf you're looking for a Turkish Galley. I believe this is the only one i have seen on the market for 28mm. Older model and resin with some metal parts.
ReplyDeletehttps://oldglory25s.com/product-category/old-glory-shipyard/25mm-ships/25mm-lepanto-wars/
Thank you - I certainly do want to add a galley at some point. Even the Tudors used them in some campaigns - but I was hoping that the 3D printing world might throw something up - as it has done for the other larger boats I have painted.
DeleteYou and I both. I actually gave in an ordered the Christen one. So, we will see how it looks in person.
DeleteThat is interesting - I would love to see some photos of it once you have finished it.
DeleteBoats, figures, walls, the whole lot look great in my opinion, cracking work all round.
ReplyDeleteCheers Donnie, hopefully I will get them into a game soon.
DeleteAs always, , a treat to see the boats, , which look great with the troops in them... . Very evocative in your photos...Thanks for the link to the vendor.
ReplyDeleteThank you pancerni, I agree the boats work well with the figures in them.
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