'Risk Taker' from StephenS - 'Pony Express'

Originally I had slapped some paint on a different figure, only to see it posted up on the blog by another worthy challenger.  =)

Luckily, I was able to quickly, some might say, expressly, pony up another figure...

I think any organisation that allegedly advertised positions in its firm with the lines:

Wanted: Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.

Surely, must qualify for the tag-line of Gambler or Risk-Taker.

The Pony Express only operated for about 19 months from 1860-1861, but in that short time its riders achieved legendary status. They formed a vital role in connecting the East and West of the US, before the Civil War and then the expansion of the telegraph saw them disbanded. These chaps were quite dedicated to getting the mail through. Accounts such as those of Robert Haslam, who rode 190 km (120 miles) in 8 hours and 20 minutes with an  arrow shot through his jaw, are not uncommon.

The model is a 28 mm figure from Artizan Designs and the resin base is from Secret Weapon Miniatures. The cactus is from Great Escape Games. I'm not really sure if the Pony express operated anywhere there were cacti, but it looks cool!

The figure was a joy to paint up, which says something, because for some reason I normally loathe painting horses. This was my first attempt at a piebald colour scheme, the new challenge probably accounting for my abnormal enthusiasm!

Finally, I will leave you with an alleged copy of an original advertisement, in-case anyone is interested in joining up!

Cheers,

Steve