USMC in the Banana Wars

 

Somewhere in the Dominican Republic, a detachment of a USMC heavy weapons company goes into action in the Banana Wars (1898-1934) of the early 20th Century (The USMC was engaged in the Dominican Republic from 5-5-1916 to 1924). During the Banana Wars, the USMC would see action in Cuba- 1898-1934 (they are still stationed at Guantanamo Bay as of 2024), Honduras- 1902-1925, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua- 1912-1923, Mexico- 1914 and Hati-1915-1934.

The gem of the unit is a Browning .30 cal. model 1917 water cooled heavy machinegun. This excellent weapon was used in every American conflict from World War One to the early days of the Vietnam War. Firing the powerful .30-06 Springfield round at 600 rounds per minute, this was a brutal force for an enemy to face. 

Other support is being given by two Lewis Guns. This was a lighter weight machine gun that remained in American use from the First World War to World War Two. The Lewis Gun in American service also fired the .30-06 Springfield at a rate of 600 rounds per minute. 

Also to be seen in the unit are the .30-60 cal. Browing Automatic Rifle (BAR), a .45 cal. Tommy Gun submachinegun, a 12-gauge Trench Gun shotgun, two Springfield .30-06 rifles and, in the hands of the Lieutenant, the famous 1911-A1 Colt .45 cal. automatic pistol. These solid weapons gave the USMC excellent firepower support throughout some of the most brutal wars of the 20th Century.

These are metal pieces that I painted in the early years of the 21st century.

Goblins are Fighters Too

When it comes to fighting, Orcs get all the press, but where would they be without the hordes of Goblins "cannon fodder" that draw off enemy attacks.

These "Bloody Moon" goblins are a perfect example of the many forms of goblin fighters that are supportive forces of their bigger green buds.

From Spider Riders, shamans... 

semi-intelligent leaders, masses of hand-to-hand fighters...

to special weapons teams...

Goblins have them all to bring to the battlefield.

These are mostly metal pieces that I painted in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Roving Dead of the Desert

In the dead of night with the creaking of bones, old leather and rusty metal Ancient Egyptian undead shuffle through the sands. Where they are headed is unknown. 

 

As daylight comes, they become more determined as they move with deadly purpose radiating fear.

Is it a raid, or the start of the creation of an army to war on the living?

More have joined, including some form of nobleman captain.  So, war it is to be.

These are plastic pieces I painted in the early 2000's.

Dire Wolf-Master of the Pack

With his blood lust, massive size, brute strength and killer instincts, the Dire Wolf "Mortem Ferens" (the Death Dealer) is the undisputed leader of the Wolf Pack. As his latest victim this bloody Skaven Gutter Runner can attest.

Killing is both a pleasure and need for Mortem Ferens, who is never sated no matter how many he kills.

Mortem Ferens is a metal piece, his four wolves are plastic. I painted all of them in the early 2000's.

Wolf Pack Death on the Prowl

Few sounds cause as much primeval fear in humans as the howling emanating from a pack of wolves hunting.

Organized and skilled in the ways of taking down the largest prey, this wolf pack knows that human farms and ranches have excellent hunting prospects.

Soon the prey will come to heel, and the pack will feast and then rest. until the next hunt is called/

These are plastic pieces I painted in the early 2000's.

Vampire Royal Court - When the Dead March to War

 

Just in time for Halloween, the Royal Vampire Court of Queen Vladcaedes Sanguinarius of Regnum Mortuorum march to join the rest of the Undead.

Countess Lucrecia Cruentus, Queen Vladcaedes Sanguinarius and Princess Valdamina Sanguinarius.

Vampires Baroness Sanguinis Luxuria, Standard-bearer Domina Sanguinolentus and Baroness Sanguinis Repetit.

On the left and right ends are Vampires in Waiting Sanquinis-Amans and Sanquinis-Siti.

All ar metalpieces I painted in the early 2000's.

Vampire Royality - When the Undead March to War

No Undead Army will march without their Mistress Masters, such as the Princess Valdamina Sanguinarius (Blood Thirsty).

Being the 2nd most powerful Vampire in the Regnum Mortuorum (Kingdom of the Dead), Princess Valdamina uses her tremendous powers to prepare the Undead Army for war.

She has little time to ready the forces for the arrival of the of the ruler of the House Sanguinarius.

Her mother Queen Vladcaedes Sanguinarius, the most powerful Vampire in the Eastern Continent. 

Armed with the dreaded "Gladius Animae Furandi" (Sword of Soul Stealing), a genius for battle tactics and a lust for the blood of her enemies, Queen Vladcaedes is a most feared opponent.

Fearless, as brutal as she is stunning, and heartless, Queen Vladcaedes is the perfect "Master of the Army of the Undead." 

These are metal pieces I painted to command Michelle's Undead Army for Warhammer.

 

Female Vampires Make Excellent Commanders -When the Undead March to War

Formed up to lead their Army of Undead are the Vampires Baroness Sanguinis Luxuria (Blood Lust)  Standard-bearer Domina Sanguinolentus (Bloody Lady) and Baroness Sanguinis Repetit (Blood Taker).

In addition, to their vampiric powers, they are armed with a variety of deadly magic items.

Including the dreaded battle standard "Vexillum Timoris et Dies Abactor" (Flag of Fear and Day Stealing). 

And the Standard Units Commander, Countess Lucrecia Cruentus (Bloodstained). Countess Lucrecia Cruentus and her female vampires are all more than capable of commanding the Undead Army, but their abilities pale in comparison to the Mistress and her Daughter who are soon to join the army...

All are metal pieces I painted in the early 2000's.

 

When the Undead March to War - Coiste Bodhar, Death on Wheels

Proceeded by a flight of vampire bat, the  Coiste Bodhar (Death or Silent Coach) races to join the Undead Army. 

With its skeletal steads at the gallop and a Banshee at the reins, the Coiste Bodhar eminates a terror few humans can face. 

Most times it is to take the living on their death ride.

Sometimes it carries the Master into battle. 

The Coiste Bodhar is empty and waiting, but for who?

This is mostly a metal piece I painted in the early 2000's.

 

When the Dead March to War - the Wraith Guard Hungers for Lives to Take

 

The Wraith Guard is an elite unit of the Army of the Undead.

Due to the foul magics involved in their creation they are always in existence as the personal guard of the masters.

To maintain them, the Wraith Guard needs a steady diet of living victims.

While the life essence of any living creature can sustain them, the Wraith Guard gains their greatest strength when the victims are human.

The fear that radiates from them is a foul miasma that can suck the very life force of their victims the longer they stay in close proximity of these ghastly horrors. 

When they march to war, the havoc they bring can weaked or even destroy the strongest human militia.

These are plastic pieces I painted in the early 2000's.