Pack mule or pack horse?

Even though they represent conflicts I am not interested in, I have been deeply impressed with Iron Duke Miniatures’ releases, particularly Paul Hicks’ fine sculpting. The release of useful packs around the main ranges did interest me though, and I bought a set of mules from the THEM range.

Lovely models, but really quite large – the size of the horses I have from Perry Miniatures’ Sudan range. And much larger than a pair of Empress Miniatures draught mules (from their Zulu Wars range) that I have spare (since I modelled the water wagon in a stores vignette).

I began reading a bit about mules and how they are bred … and I have come to the conclusion that the new large ones are not overscale, but that the smaller mules are likely hinnies.

I plan to assign the new ammunition mules to the Naval Brigade Gatling gun battery, to be joined in due course by Private Thomas Edwards, 1st bn Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch) Regiment, with whom he would win a VC at Tamai.

Meanwhile I have been finalising the basing of my first Hadendowa Rub.

More pack horse than pack mule? Iron Duke Miniatures’ mules in the middle,. Empress Miniatiures’ mules at the front right, and eBob camels at the back, with bits of tuft on the table.