Gurkha Rifles, 1877–1893

Ral Partha 1:64 Scale Figure Review

A Lieutenant, Havaldar, Naik, Lance-Naik, and Rifleman of the 5th Gurkha (Rifle) Regiment of the Punjab Frontier Force in 1879, wearing full-dress and campaign dress uniforms. The Riflemen included in this figure set may be painted to represent non-commissioned officers and men. The officer figure is from Ral Partha’s Indian Infantry Command Group. The scans below show a Company Havaldar Major (CHM) in full-dress, distinguished by four rank chevrons on his right sleeve. Using The Sword and the Flame (TSATF) wargame rules, a Gurkha Rifle Company consists of a Captain, Company Havaldar Major, and two Gurkha Rifle Platoons of 20 men each, led by a Lieutenant and Havaldar.

Contents

• 10 Figures in 2 Poses – 26 mm equal 166 cm Height
  • Gurkha Rifleman with drawn Kukri (Khukuri, Khukri) Knife
  • Gurkha Rifleman advancing (9)

Evaluation

• Excellent choice of subject, these Gurkha Riflemen are suitable for many campaigns on the Northwest Frontier, in Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt, and the Sudan.
• The advancing poses are perfect for infantry patrolling, advancing into combat, moving to alternate firing positions, and engaging enemy troops in melee.
• The Gurkha with drawn Khukri makes an excellent NCO or hero figure. Purists may want to sharpen the blade of the Khukri knife to make it look even more realistic.
• Good casting quality, practically no flash. Ral Parta colonial figures are a joy to paint and collect.
• Compatible with other 25 mm 1:64 scale figures. Considering that Gurkhas are noticeably shorter than their British comrades, these miniatures may be used alongside the taller 28 to 32 mm 1:60 scale figures available today.
• The Gurkha’s rifles are 25 percent too short, they measures only 1120 mm in 1:64 scale, compared to the actual 1407 mm length of the Snider-Enfield rifle.

Historical Employment

• Gurkha Rifles, 1877–1893
  • Second Anglo-Afghan War, 1878–1880
  • Northwest Frontier, 1877–1893
  • The First Sudan War, 1882–1884
  • Third Burmese War, 1885–1887
  • Black Mountain Expedition, 1888
  • Black Mountain Expedition, 1891

Ral Partha’s Gurkha Rifles are a must-have for wargamers and collectors interested in the late 19th century colonial campaigns of the British army. The riflemen in this figure set may be painted full-dress, campaign dress, or khaki uniforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

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– Published: 07.06.2005 – Updated:
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