Brushes and Bases

Analogue Hobbies Painting Competition Update 7

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000Z

Here are the first completed bases for the Mycenaeans that are currently on the painting table:

These figures have been relatively easy to paint and the flesh which has been commented on by several followers is the Foundry Triad - Mediterranean Flesh. Initially this seemed very orangey, but after painting some sixty odd Spartans it looks pretty normal now.

The light infantry should be completed by tomorrow so all being well there will be another entry to the Analogue Hobbies painting competition during this week. Hopefully this momentum will continue throughout late January into February and enable some points to be tallied up.

Thats all for now.

Cheers

Back to the Brushes 8

2012-01-22T14:40:00.001Z

Another brief session at the paints this morning and Hector's Chariot is starting to come together. The horses have been painted after December 20th, but everything else was started prior to this date, therefore will not be eligible for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Competition. Here are a few work in progress pictures showing a possible layout for basing the models.

As you can see there is still a bit of work to be done before the final basing can be started. The base used is a standard Impetus base for cavalry at 120 x 80mm. This size does not allow for a straight basing with the chariot coming straight at you, however, the angled approach suits. It also follows some theories that these chariots slowed down prior to contact allowing for the aimed spear thrust of the hero and then the chariot runners then engaging the foe along side their hero. At this stage everything is coming together well and hopefully the final base will live up to expectations.

Back to the light infantry and archers this evening if time allows.

Lastly a warm welcome to:

Chema Sanchez

As always hoping that you find something of interest here.

Cheers for now.

Analogue Hobbies Painting Competition Update 6

2012-01-21T12:47:00.000Z

Below are some more pictures of the work in progress for the above competition. There is little hope of catching the leaders now but it is still a worthy use of the miniatures and the blog. Well with no more waffling here are the pictures.

Tunic clothed light infantry with javelin

These three figures will be combined with the three below to create the first of two stands of javelin armed light infantry to support the three planned stands of long spear. Each of the two units of javelin armed foot will have round shields to make them more distinctive on the table from the long spear units that will have tower and figure-of-eight shields.

Loin cloth light infantry with javelin

Time permitting these should be well on their way to completion later this weekend allowing a bit more time to be spent on the three stands of archers as shown below.

Archers

The archers will be used to cover the long spear from behind. This allows the skirmish units the opportunity to avoid contact with the opposition whilst still providing missile fire at no penalty in Impetus.

Lastly, a warm welcome to another new follower:

Baconfat

Hopefully you will find something of use and interest here.

Thats all for now.

Cheers

Back to the Brushes 7

2012-01-15T18:16:00.000Z

Just a few work in progress pictures below:

AB Figures entrenched British WW2 Infantry

This week has seen a few small started projects move one step closer to completion, with the above being painted in between ink washes drying on some bases that are completed.

Hector's Horse

The above horses are the only 2 items for Hector's Chariot that will be included in the Analogue Hobbies Painting challenge as everything else was painted prior to the start date.

The pictures below bring to end another project that was started some time ago and is now ready for the gaming table. Basic Baroque English Civil War - the first games was going well but time called an early halt before a formal victor could be named; looks like this could be a popular game in the future.

Hopefully there will be more to follow later this week.

Lastly, a warm welcome to the following new followers:

Cyrus
Curly Crusader
Lee Hadley

Hope that you find something of use on the blog over the coming months.

Cheers for now.

Analogue Hobbies Painting Competition Update 5

2012-01-08T11:47:00.000Z

Again there hasn't been much progress with the work for the above competition and some participants have an unassailable lead. Still winning the competition wasn't the real reason for entering, making progress and charting the painting of the Mycenaeans was; so here are a few work in progress picture of the slingers which will be the last until they are completed and entered into the competition proper.

The picture below is the first of the archer bases that will be an additional skirmish element of the completed army. This is the first coat of the base flesh tone and the faces have been deliberately left black at this stage.

Hopefully there will be a few more pictures of these later this week and again apologies for the images.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 6

2012-01-08T11:35:00.001Z

Over the last week there hasn't been much time for the brushes unfortunately. Just a quick 15 minutes here and there. So here is a quick pic of the Dwarves for Songs of Blades and Heroes to show some progress. Apologies on the poor quality of the pic but the natural light today is dire.

Hope to get these two figures finished this week before moving on to some more to balance the warband out. Perhaps a few archers or crossbows and another frothing loon or something complete different. The good thing about these figures is there is very little restrictions on what can be used which makes the painting very free and enjoyable.

Cheers for now.

Analogue Hobbies Painting Competition Update 4

2012-01-02T08:12:00.000Z

Due to a misunderstanding at this end the Dwarves that have been painted for the above competition have been withdrawn. Just a minor error in that they are not historical figures which isn't a problem as it gives some new pics for here. So without further ramblings here are the Dwarves:

The axe wielding loon is a Citadel figure from about 1986 and the menacing looking figure with the flail is a Marauder figure from the late 80's. The figures have been great fun to paint and the others will continue to be worked on alongside the Mycenaeans for the competition.

Cheers for now

Analogue Hobbies Painting Competition Update 3

2011-12-31T13:36:00.000Z

Well, things are slowly coming together as the first entry has been submitted to the above competition. Now all that remains is to get cracking on everything else that is going to be painted over the next 80 days. The bulk of the spear units for the Mycenaeans have been undercoated and are justing needing touched up by hand before the real work can start.

Here is just a quick pic of some of the work that is under way at present.

Not that this really show that much other than another two Dwarves for Songs of Blades and Heroes and the start of the flesh base painting on some armoured Mycenaean spearmen; but from little things big things grow. The left hand Dwarf comes from the C07 Northern Dwarf Range and the other was available as a special release through the first edition of Warhammer; believe he was called Throgrimm.

The best thing about these figures is that they are great to paint as everything is how is everything is. No need to worry about colours or reference just painting purely for the fun of it. Can recommend this to everyone once in a while as it really does help put the pleasure into the hobby!

Hope that everybody has a good New Year and that 2012 is peaceful, prosperous and plentiful for all.

Thats all for now

Cheers!

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-24T16:11:00.000Z

Seasons greetings to you all. Thank you for your support and interest in 'Brushes and Bases' over 2011 and I hope that you will continue to visit in the New Year.

Cheers for now.

Analogue Hobbies Comp Update 2

2011-12-24T13:07:00.000Z

Just a few pictures to show what little progress has been made on the Mycenaeans for the above painting competition. The first picture shows a group of spearmen before the flesh is repainted black to take them back to a base undercoat. The second is during the re-undercoating of the flesh. This will have to be checked with Curt to see if its acceptable before real time is spent painting these figures.

The second picture also shows at what stage Hector's Chariot is at even though this will not be a part of the competition.

The following pictures show some work in progress on a couple of old Citadel Dwarves for Songs of Blades and Heroes. These 2 figures will also enable a few cheeky points to be added to the score board whilst working on the main units.

More to follow just as soon as they are ready.

Cheers for now

Analogue Hobbies Painting Comp Update 1

2011-12-22T22:04:00.000Z

Well, there is not much to report as yet; just a large pile of filed lead waiting for undercoating. Normally this is brushed on but given the numbers waiting there on this occasion it will be sprayed on.

The casts have generally been okay, but there have been a few heavy flash lines over faces and a couple of completely mis-cast hands. These have not been spotted when the figures have been delivered during the last couple of years. The end result is that some of the spearmen are of no use as sculpting is not a skill which rates highly in this camp.

Hopefully the next few weeks will allow some painting time to get cracking on these as some other competitors are racing ahead.

Cheers for now

A brief update...

2011-12-17T15:51:00.001Z

Not much in the way of painting been going on here over the last few days. There has however been a fair bit of reference gathering for the Mycenaeans, especially in regard to shields and shield rims and bosses. Nothing certain for the tower and figure of eight shields having bronze edges or bosses though but a few more sources located and obtained. Thankfully there is always artistic licence so there will be mixture of bronze and hide shield rims throughout the army. Not necessarily historically correct but within certain tolerances. Here are a few of the historical pictures that have been viewed over the last few days:

Due to the size of these shields, the look is going to be key to creating cohesive and visually impressive units for Impetus, especially for the rank and file. An excellent example of this can be seen here, which gives an idea of the finished effect that is looked for.

Thats all for now.

Cheers

Plans within plans within plans 2

2011-12-14T19:30:00.000Z

The following has created some interest on the blogging front over the last few weeks:

So after some deliberation and thought an entry has been submitted and accepted. You can find more details at the here on the rules for the competition.

This is being viewed as a motivational tactic to increase painting during the dark months of the year and hopefully enabling the 300 point Impetus army for the Trojans to be completed in this time. In order to qualify for the competition no paint other than undercoat can be on the figures before the 20th of December; so Hector's chariot and spear unit won't be counted in this, but everything else will.

During the course of the competition work in progress pictures can be shown, so hopefully you'll see chariots, heroes and more very soon. The first picture will of course be of a pile of lead and this will include a break down of the units and the figures involved in them.

Before this entry finishes a warm welcome to:

H.snilloc

Hope that you find the content here interesting and useful.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 5

2011-12-07T19:02:00.000Z

Just a few more pictures to show what little progress has been made on the first Chariot unit for the Trojan Impetus army. Despite the earlier misgivings on the white, nothing has changed on the driver and shield bearer. Hector and the chariot runner now have green tunics with white trimmings.

The white and green go well with each other and will work in well with the spear armed units to follow. Each large unit will have a binding colour, in this case the green trimmings, allowing for differences in tunic colours to create a sense of unity without resorting to a uniform approach. This will allow for whites, buffs and cream colours to be used without too much diversity in the figures on the final base.

The figure of eight shields really cover the majority of the figure as can be seen in the above pictures both with and without. Don't fancy running with one of those for too long.

These four figures are now very near completion as a bit more work was done this afternoon, so its nearly time to start on the horses and the chariot proper. May opt to put a third chariot runner on the base but will decide that once the original figures are nearer completion.

Before this entry closes a warm welcome to:

Vladdd309

Hope that you find this blog interesting.

Thats all for now.

Cheers

Welcome

2011-12-05T17:52:00.000Z

Welcome to:

Willie Anderson

Hope that you find the ramblings here of use and thanks for the encouragement for the new army.

One slight change has been made; Hector's tunic has been reversed to green with a white trim instead of white with a green trim. Pictures to follow shortly.

Cheers for now

Back to the brushes 4

2011-12-05T00:20:00.000Z

Here are a few work in progress pictures of the first Trojan Chariot unit. This will be Hector's chariot and at present there is doubt on the colour of the tunics; the white is just not sitting right just now. Maybe in the cold light of day it will be okay but at just now it is heading for a new coat of black in the morning.

The white of tunics is too cold for the desired feel of the army and it may be better to start with a light buff base coat rather than a light grey. This will provide a warmer base without having to resort to yellows, ochres and god forbid reds.

The horse hair plume from Hector's helm will definitely be changing colour as it is too stark in white. May opt for a light green here to tie in with the planned colour for the edging of the tunic.

That is all at present but hopefully there will be some more on the same unit throughout this week.

Cheers for now

New Beginnings

2011-11-29T17:10:00.001Z

As November 2011 comes to an end and the year draws to a close it's is time to look at the coming months with a view to starting a new project. This year started with plans and talk of undertaking a "Rise of Macedon" army for late Philip or early Alexander and this is still likely of happening but later in 2012. The Spartans are so very nearly completed with only a few more stands required for the full 400 point army under the new list so no major change of plans there.

The main thrust of early 2012 will be to start a 300 point Mycenean/Trojan army for Impetus. The starting point for this will of course be The Illiad itself and the following quote sets the scene for the first two stands of the army; a chariot and heavy foot stand:

The Trojans, on the other side upon the rising slope of the plain, were gathered round great Hector, noble Polydamas, Aeneas who was honoured by the Trojans like an immortal, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybus, Agenor, and young Acamas beauteous as a god. Hector's round shield showed in the front rank, and as some baneful star that shines for a moment through a rent in the clouds and is again hidden beneath them; even so was Hector now seen in the front ranks and now again in the hindermost, and his bronze armour gleamed like the lightning of aegis-bearing Jove.

The plan is for each character from Homer's epic to have a foot stand and where possible a chariot as well. This will give the army a heroic feel which relates to the primary source as well as defining the opposing sides by character figures and scenes from the epic. Work has already started on the first stand and chariot for Hector and here are a few working progress pictures to start with. All figures are from Redoubt Miniatures.

Driver

Hector

Chariot Runner

Shield Bearer

The Trojan Horse

A constant reference throughout this project will be Peter Connolly's book as below and needless to say there will be no red in this:

Before this entry is finished a belated welcome to:

Iain

Hopefully you will find some of the ravings here of use.

Cheers for now

Cinaed overview

2011-11-24T07:50:00.001Z

Well where to start, last weekend saw the Spartans take the field for the first time in a competitive game and for that matter as a finished force and my prediction came true as the wooden spoon is mine, all mine :). To be fair I had 3 very good games and enjoyed them all in different ways.

Game 1 against Crusaders was going to be hard from the very start; when your facing 6 units of crossbows and 4 short bows with 2 light cavalry and 3 Impetuous Heavy cavalry to back them up you know your in for a tough time. So the Spartans fought in the shade to start of with. In-discipline in the ranks broke the battle line as it progressed through the arrow storm, during which time the right flank evaporated under the pressure of the combined skirmishers and light cavalry allowing the Crusaders the opportunity to flank the main phalanx. When the battle line finally clashed the Crusaders held - the dice god was not in my camp at this point - and the Crusaders then released their Knights. The Spartans held them for a while but the flanking lights brought in the end. Overall a very good game and a fair introduction to Impetus.

Game 2 against Carthage was also going to be hard. 4 units of cavalry on the extreme left, with elephants and Spanish light infantry over on the right. I had decided to split my line and hold the left with skirmishers, 1 phalanx and my only unit of cavalry. The rest went forward to clash with the Spanish. Again in-discipline on the left caused problems and a failed charge didn't help matters. The evasion from light cavalry changes a lot from BI. 1 Phalanx held up the elephants whilst the other 2 clashed against the Spanish with support from a unit of peltasts on the far right, yet again I couldn't wear the main line down and it all went horribly wrong from there.

Game 3 against the Huns was just painful and the Spartan's fought in the shade yet again. The Hun player had 2 warbands which were my main target and a good combat ensued there. However, against such a mobile and bow armed force I was always going to struggle. Again the holding force on the right this time dwindled away too quickly and with the loose of 1 phalanx on the left to missile fire very quickly it was over very quickly.

The Spartans are a good army to play with but lacked enough missile troops and cavalry to hold their flanks long enough for the phalanx to do its job against this opposition. In games 1 & 3 I couldn't just sit there as I would have just been whittled away with no means of replying. Game 2 I could have done so but counted on the phalanx beating the Spanish - which they should have done - allowing me to turn the flank and centre.

Overall Impetus is a good game which has more to offer than BI, not that I am saying I'll stop playing BI as I won't. Things to look out for are evasion, counter charge, skirmishers dispersing when contacted and opportunity charges.
Forgetting a few minor changes in the cohesion test - which is slightly different - doesn't help either.

The day itself was very good with a friendly bunch of guys from Falkirk, Kincardine and Fife. There are already plans for 4 games next year and I'm going to go back after all I don't want to stay at equal 98th in the world rankings for ever :)

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of the day as the camera was on the blink.
Cheers

So very nearly finished...

2011-11-19T18:21:00.000Z

in the last 10 days 38 Spartans have left the painting table and are now ready for use. Here are a few quick pics of the final work in progress

More to follow shortly.

The old lie...

2011-11-11T20:56:00.000Z

Dulce Et Decorum Est

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, 

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, 

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs 

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind; 

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots 

Of disappointed shells that dropped behind.  

GAS! Gas! Quick, boys!-- An ecstasy of fumbling,

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time; 

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling 

And floundering like a man in fire or lime.-- 

Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light 

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.  

In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, 

He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace 

Behind the wagon that we flung him in, 

And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, 

His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood 

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud 

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,-- 

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest 

To children ardent for some desperate glory, 

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est 

Pro patria mori.

Wilfred Owen

Nothing else for just know, more updates to follow over the next few days

It has arrived...

2011-10-29T17:23:00.002+01:00

EI4 that is. On first glance a good product with an interesting range of army lists. The history for each section provides an overview of the period without detailing every move made by the opposing armies. The campaign that is detailed is simple enough to create game play but has enough detail to keep it interesting.

The main list at this time here is the Spartan list, which offers some more variety within the list. Yes its still a hoplite army but there are options with certain units to create a detailed and varied army without over kill. This does open up some more options the list created for Mantinea but this in itself is good, especially with a days gaming in the offing at Cinaed late next month. On the downside a few more bases will have to be painted but the list has provided the motivation to do this and on that subject here a few pictures of the Spartan's as they stand at present:

Hopefully there will be more to follow over the next few weeks before Cinaed on the 20th of November. Also a quick welcome to:

Peter Celella

Thanks for joining the brave followers of this blog.

That's all for now.

Cheers.

Breaking the Widow's Wall 2

2011-10-24T17:20:00.000+01:00

With just under a month passing by since the last entry there isn't really that much to report. A little painting has been done on both the Vikings and Spartans Allied Phalanx but nothing major. In fact the biggest use of hobby time has been on prepping the figures for the 12th SS Infantry Company for Flames of War. Considering the amount of superglue that has ended up over fingers and hands it is surprising that anything has actually been stuck down or glued in place; still nearly completed before undercoating.

The next few weeks will see a concentrated effort to complete another base of Spartans and some other Ancient Greek Skirmishers to allow for a few different options in the completed army at 300 points. This however, will all depend on the changes to the army list when EI4 arrives. There may be more use for peltasts than skirmishers but time will tell.

Some WIP pictures to follow shortly.

Cheers for no

Breaking the Widow's Wall 1

2011-09-27T14:42:00.001+01:00

After reading this months Wargames Illustrated late night with its high contents of Dark Age articles, it was an easy choice this morning to pick up the paint brush and start yet again on the Vikings for Basic Impetus. This base will represent the infamous berserkers for this army and choosing the figures for the base was an interesting exercise. Rather than have a stand full of bare chested warriors gnashing their teeth and stamping their feet, a decision was made to create this by varying the figures, as the stand is represents upto 2,000 men. So a eye catching figure was selected as a centre piece for the stand with other various Viking types to back him up. Easier to let the a few pictures show how the stand is coming together:

Here is an individual picture of the centre piece and name sake for this entry:

The figures are all from Gripping Beast's Vikings, Varangian and Rus ranges and hopefully there will be more later this week.

The magazine also included an in depth battle report of Gripping Beast's SAGA Dark Ages skirmish rule set and whilst it is very tempting and has some very interesting mechanics at present it will be staying with Gripping Beast.

Ironically, this is the last issue of the current subscription for Wargames Illustrated that will be coming this way. The magazine has not been inspiring lately and suffers from too much of a particular set of rules - understandable considering Battlefront own it. By not resubscribing each issue can be view before purchase and it possibly allows for a change by subscribing to Wargames, Strategy and Soldiers in the near future, but enough rambling there's painting to be done.

Cheers for now.

Its all a bit of a guddle

2011-09-25T15:38:00.001+01:00

As part of this morning was spent preparing old figures for undercoating, in fact preparing 71 Citadel miniatures from 1983 to 1984. This has included stripping, filing, basing and generally getting in a right old mess. The most time spent at the painting desk in a while and still not a brush has been wetted. That will be changing very soon.

The desk as it was a few days ago, showing a mixture of 28mm Citadel, 28mm Ancients and Dark Ages and 20mm WWII in various stages of readiness for use. Well not really to be used, more like to be used in painting but that is another story.

A couple of pictures showing some of the old Citadel figures that have mysterious added themselves to the lead mountain and a few of the WIP Allied Spartan Phalanx in the top right of the top picture; remember them?

I was happier green!

One of the reasons as to why the interest in retro Citadel figures is shown above, great sculpts with character even when they are over twenty-seven years old. The above is from the C10 Half-orc range which even now still firm favourites in the collection. The pseudo Pilos style is a dead give away as to why apart from the overall stance and character of the figure. Never sure if this range was by the Perry twins or Ally Morrison, still great work who it was.

The balance of the figures have now been undercoated, so all being well there will be some progress on a variety of items over the next few days.

Lastly a rough picture of the a WWII British Paratrooper for Disposable Heroes. Might just need to touch up the face on this one as the picture shows all the mistakes too well.

Thats all for now

Its coming

2011-09-21T21:41:00.000+01:00

Extra Impetus 4 that is.

The great motivator has arrived, brushes ready to finally finish the Spartans and move on the next army from the many that are listed in the above title. Who knows what may lie within, oh well apart from the following:

THE AGE OF HOPLITES
Athens (2 lists)
Thebes
Sparta
Other cities (Corinthus, Megara, Argos…)
Ionic Greeks
Magna Graecia
Thessaly
Thracians
Early Achemenid Persians
Illyrians

ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND THE SUCCESSORS
Early Macedonians
Alexander macedoanians
Alexander Empire
Later Achemenid Persians
Classical Indians
Maurya Empire
Achean League
Aetolian League
Early Ptolemaic
Middle Ptolemaic
Later Ptolemaic
Graeco Bactrian Kingdom
Indo Greek Kingdom
Galatians
Early Seleucids
Scythians
Early Macedonian Successors
Alcetas and Minor Successors
Eumenes
Antigonus Monophthalmus
Demetrius
Lysimachos

ROME AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Middle Republican Romans
Carthaginians
Iberian and Lusitanians
Celtiberians
Gauls
Numidians
Later Numidians
Later Macedonians
Later Seleucids

Too many decisions to be made for this time of night.

Cheers for now

Back to basics

2011-09-17T15:36:00.000+01:00

The last 3 weeks have seen neither a brush being used or a post being sent to this blog. The shame of both has brought about some activity with this morning being used to flock some 20mm British Paratroopers for Disposable Heroes and tidy up some old Citadel figures from their C08 High Elves, C09 Dark Elves and C10 in preparation for undercoating. Pictures to follow shortly.

There are no plans to paint anything in particular at present, just what feels right at the time. Obviously, the last of the Allied Phalanxes for the Spartan Impetus will be a priority but as nobody at the club has a suitable opponent at present there is no great rush. The Vikings are more likely to be back on the painting table as they will have more opponents, but that said I haven't had a game of Impetus in the last couple of months.

There will be more updates over the next few weeks as something has to be done about the increasing size of the lead mountain.

Cheers for now.

Back to the brushes

2011-08-24T12:57:00.000+01:00

after a few weeks of no activity on either the painting desk or the blog here are few pictures of the almost completed Panzer Grenadiers for Disposable Heroes in 20mm. The figures are all from SHQ and are based on 20mm squares from Warbases - or other suitable sizes for 2 man elements and support weapons. Basing from Impetus has come in to good use here in trying to create a cohesive feel to the sections and the company as a whole as well as helping in the team bases.

HQ Section with attached Sniper

1st Squad

2nd Squad

Each squad has 2 MG34 teams which have been based in 2 differing ways to distinguish on the table as shown below:

The next few pictures show the company support elements:

The Buzzsaw

80mm Mortar

Panzerschreck Team

The final picture shows WIP on a 75mm IG and crew - where obviously the crew still have to see the working end of a brush.

There is still another 10 man section to paint and a few other support options; PAK 40, 120mm mortar and a second MG42 team to complete the company and support options. All being well this will be done and dusted by the end of the year. On that note, the Allied Spartan Phalanx and Macedonian Cavalry are next in line on the desk - all of which need a good dusting before any painting takes place.

Also a quick welcome to:

Remco de Groot

Hopefully there will be more posts in the next few weeks as the Spartans have been dragging on and there are many plans within plans to complete in the future.

Cheers for now

Beginnings and retro figures

2011-08-09T22:02:00.002+01:00

A good break has been had over the last week, with no computers or connection to the Internet. Its amazing how quickly you adapt to not having something that is now taken completely for granted.

On return from holiday a trip to the loft was made to return various items of luggage and assorted items to their respective storage places until the next time; during this time a brief raid was made into the lead mountain in search for some retro figures from the early eighties. The result is below:

This figure was probably one of the very first 25mm miniatures ever painted. No toning at this stage just block colours and orange sleeves. Don't ask why the choice of colours as the figure was painted in 1984 and the memory isn't that good. On reflection the blocking is fairly clean and considering the figure was painted in a mixture of enamels and oils, it still looks fairly crisp. The figure and his 7 other comrades - all from the Citadel C08 High Elves range - are now full stripped and awaiting undercoating. Line drawings of the range can be seen here; needless to say there may be a far bit of ebay searching over the next few months to try and complete this range.

If anybody has any figures from this range, the Dark Elves and Half Orcs of the same era please contact me if they are no longer required as willing to trade or purchase.

Normal service will resume shortly as routine starts to set in and time presents itself for painting new and retro figures alike.

Also a warm welcome to:

Geordie an Exiled Fog
Craig

Hopefully the blog will continue to interest you as it continues to grow in the future.

Cheers for now

Welcome

2011-07-29T07:57:00.000+01:00

to the following new followers:

Amylum
Greatwhitezulu
TWD

Thanks for joining and hopefully you'll find something of interest and use in these pages.

Cheers for now.

Back to the Brushes 3

2011-07-28T22:37:00.001+01:00

Apologies for the delay since the last post but things have been a little busy here over the last two weeks. The month started well and then rapidly ground to a halt due a variety of reasons including motivation, graduating, work and a few other pressing matters.

The Spartan Allies will require a brief dusting before work can continue and this will not happen until early in August. As will the Macedonian Cavalry that gather dust beside the Allied Phalanx. Oh, and a few packs of phalangites and an armoured Seleucid Elephant arrived the other day from Aventine. They do not disappoint and will fit in well with the existing figures from Gripping Beast and Foundry. Yet more plans within plans to follow.

That said over the last few days 2 platoons of 20mm Late War German Panzer Grenadiers have been finished as a the result of a conversation regarding Disposable Heroes at a recent club gathering. Painters and wargamers tend to be butterflies when it comes to interests and completing projects - well this one is at any rate. This will also allow the opportunity to try out the "Road to Hell" from D& P in the near future. More details and pictures to follow shortly.

Thanks for your patience.

Cheers for now

Allied Phalanx Work in Progress

2011-07-10T13:23:00.000+01:00

The first Allied Phalanx for the Spartans is actual meant to represent the Brasidians or Nedamodes. These are mentioned in Thucydides account of Mantinea as holding the left flank alongside the Sciritae. The figure below has been painted to show a lesser Spartiate who will be placed as the Brasidian's officer.

The figure is from Gorgon Studios and is shown with a foundry Hoplon at the top and a Gorgon Hoplon at the bottom. At present no decision has been made as to which shield will be used, although at present the large of the two is preferred. Sorry about the shadows, the ambient light not the best today.

Hopefully more pictures of the rest of the phalanx to follow shortly.

Cheers for now

Comparatively speaking

2011-07-09T12:19:00.001+01:00

many miniature manufacturers have different views on what is 28mm, as for that matter do many gamers. Older ranges tend to towards 25mm and some newer ranges are moving towards 32mm. We all have our preferred ranges and manufactures for a variety of reasons. The ranges below are all compatible in size at 28mm and come from several well known manufacturers.

From left to right you have here: Aventine; Gorgon Studios; Aventine; Foundry; Aventine; Foundry and Gripping Beast.

The Aventine figures are some samples that Kevin from Aventine Miniatures sent through the other day. Great service from Aventine here, with the samples arriving next day and the response time to an emailed enquiry being rapid. That along with the quality of the figures adds to the overall perception that Aventine have their attention fixed on customer service. The comparison figures are from the lead mountain and are all sculpted by Steve Saleh. The Aventine figures compare well against the other figures and fit in well in terms of size. That said they are excellent figures in their own right, being well sculpted with clear details and clean casts and a few of them will be joining the ranks of Late Macedonians and Successors very shortly as regular pikemen and mercenaries.

Aventine Miniatures are definitely worth taking a look at if you haven't already done so and to be fair that elephant on their front page is bloody marvellous to say the least.

Here are a few more comparison pictures between the ranges above:

Showing heights at 25mm to shoulders 28mm to eyes.

Top: Aventine Bottom: Foundry

From the left Aventine, Foundry, Aventine, Foundry, Aventine, Foundry

From the left Aventine, Gorgon Studios

Top: Aventine. Bottom: Gripping Beast

From the left Aventine, GB, Aventine, GB, Aventine, GB

Hopefully you have found these pictures of use and are better able to resist temptation than some others. Work on the Allied Phalanx progresses well - if slowly and there will be some work in progress pictures presently.

Cheers for now

Welcome

2011-07-06T19:39:00.001+01:00

To the new followers:

Christopher (aka Axebreaker)

Kingsley Park

Captain Richard's Miniature Civil War

rousell68

Prufock

and any other new followers who haven't been welcomed to this blog.

Hope you find the content interesting and worthwhile.

Cheers for now

Plans within plans within plans

2011-07-04T22:15:00.000+01:00

As the last units of Spartans are slowly taking shape the creative spark is drawn to other sources. The impetus driving the Spartans was the Battle of Mantinea with the 400 point army depicted and painted representing the victorious force of that bloody day. The inspiration that will drive the Macedonians on will be taken from Arrian as below:

But to this Alexander replied, "I recognize the force of these arguments, O Parmenio; but I should feel it a disgrace, if, after crossing the Hellespont so easily, this paltry stream (for with such an appellation he made light of the Granicus) should bar our passage for a moment. I consider that this would be in accordance neither with the fame of the Macedonians nor with my own eagerness for encountering danger. Moreover, I think that the Persians will regain courage, in the belief that they are a match in war for Macedonians, since up to the present time they have suffered no defeat from me to warrant the fear they entertain."

Having spoken thus, he sent Parmenio to take the command upon the left wing, while he led in person on the right. And at the head of the right wing he placed the following officers: Philotas, son of Parmenio, with the cavalry Companions, the archers, and the Agrianian javelin-men; and Amyntas, son of Arrhabaeus, with the cavalry carrying the long pike, the Paeonians, and the squadron of Socrates, was posted near Philotas. Close to these were posted the Companions who were shield-bearing infantry under the command of Nicanor, son of Parmenio. Next to these the brigade of Perdiccas, son of Orontes; then that of Coenus, son of Polemocrates; then that of Craterus, son of Alexander; then that of Amyntas, son of Andromenes; finally, the men commanded by Philip, son of Amyntas. On the left wing first were arranged the Thessalian cavalry, commanded by Calas, son of Harpalus; next to these, the cavalry of the Grecian allies, commanded by Philip, son of Menelaus; next to these the Thracians, commanded by Agatho. Close to these were the infantry, the brigades of Craterus, Meleager, and Philip, reaching as far as the centre of the entire line.

The actual army list has still to be finalised but the above passage will provide the historical basis of the army as well as the inspiration to paint it. At first glance this force will have at least six phalanx in it, so there will be a good few pikemen to paint as well as several units of cavalry. This doesn't include the skirmishers and light infantry mentioned as well. Oh the joys! When the full list is completed it will be posted to the Macedonian page.

Cheers for now.

Basing the Peltasts

2011-07-03T21:28:00.000+01:00

The following pictures show how the Peltasts and the previous units of Spartan cavalry have been based. This is actually a step backwards in that an additional process has been added back in to the sequence for basing; this is the creation of raised and textured ground effects by using milliput. This has returned for two main reasons:

it improves the over aesthetics of the base
it helps to reduce any warping that may occur in the later stages of basing

The stages that are currently being used are as follows:

use milliput to create raised and texture ground effects
glue figures in place
fill any gaps with milliput and allow to dry for 24 hours
cover entire base with a liberal coating of PVA glue
cover with sand and gravel mixture and allow to dry for 24 hours
wash textured base with acrylic inks and allow to dry
dry brush using Foundry Sand triad
glue Silfor tufts/static grass in place
dry brush silfor tufts with Foundry Boneyard C

The following pictures show this in stages

At present this base has no static grass on it, which is not in keeping with the rest of the army, so it will probably be added in at some point.

The first unit of Allied Hoplites progresses slowly as does a unit of cavalry for the Rise of Macedonia army that is being worked on in tandem to the last of the Spartans. Will hopefully get some work in progress pictures in the near future.

Hope that you enjoy the pictures and find the ramblings on basing of some use, although there is nothing new about the method used.

Cheers for now

Interesting distractions

2011-06-24T17:56:00.000+01:00

For those of you interested in the Great Northern Wars and Basic Impetus Baroque have a look at the blog below. Its in its early days but will grow in content knowing it's owner; a fellow member of Legion Games.

Anyway here's the link:

mylittlewargameblog

More updates to follow shortly.

Cheers for now

Pro et contra

2011-06-19T09:39:00.001+01:00

Mixed feelings today about a variety of things.

Firstly, welcome to the most recent new members, glad to have your support and hope that you find something of interest in this blog.

Secondly, past the ten thousand hits mark yesterday which is great! However, feeling slightly cheated due to the massively increased number of hits over the last week or so. Not sure what is causing this but ten thousand plus hits is ten thousand plus hits, so thanks for all your support over the last year. Hopefully, the blog will continue to grow and maintain your interest.

Thirdly, the venue that Legion Games meets in closed last Sunday as numbers of other visitors - British forces veterans - have been dwindling to the point that it is no longer economic to open the Legion in the afternoon. As a club this present several problems, the foremost being finding another venue that meets our requirements and that isn't too expensive. There are several options for a new venue at present, so fingers crossed something will present itself.

An alternative is to use the facilities already in use by another club. Whilst this will allow the club to continue meet, the identity of the club will be gone as an independent entity. There are pros and cons to this and only time will tell.

On a more positive note, the peltasts are nearly finished and the first unit of Allied Hoplites are undercoated and taking shape. These figures are all from Gorgon Studios range of Spartan Ekdromoi and were selected to look like poorer troops in older equipment than the majority of the other Spartans in the army. A unit of cavalry for the Macedonians has been started as well. Pictures of all to follow shortly.

Thanks again for your support.

Cheers for now.

Spartans on the Hoof 2

2011-06-12T09:35:00.001+01:00

A few pictures of the last unit of Spartan Cavalry for the Impetus army.

The next few pictures show both units together and how the texturing on the bases fits with each other.

Thats all for now as the club meets today and still have kit to pack.

Cheers for now

The terrible business of the push of pike

2011-06-05T11:28:00.000+01:00

Gathering a few images to help with the next units for a new Basic Impetus army - Early Macedonians for either Phillip's or Alexander's reigns.

P. Connolly 1975 The Roman Army

Alexander 2004 O. Stone

The actual painting hasn't started yet but the preparation is well under way with the figures selected, filed and under coated. Sources for colour reference and images being gathered as shown above. This is as important as the actual painting as it allows a theme to be started for the army. This develops a feel for the period being painted and the army being represented. Whilst not all the sources used will be considered authentic, they all help to gather a variety of interpretations of what the actual units may have looked like.

There will be a further update later this week with some more progress on the peltasts and Spartan cavalry.

Cheers for now

Spartans on the hoof

2011-05-31T10:18:00.001+01:00

Here are a few pictures of the first completed Spartan cavalry unit along with a screen of slingers. The cavalry have been painted as Spartiate with the classic red tunic. Not altogether sure if this is historically correct but from the artistic point of view it helps keep the army together and will help for identification on the gaming table as well; unfortunately for both sides though.

The base was completed without the planned water effect. The texturing was painted as rock to blend with the colouring of the base which hopefully it achieves.

The second unit of cavalry is well under way and will hopefully be completed over the next week or so. Anyway here are the pictures:

The next pictures are of a few pieces of ongoing work; first a mercenary peltast unit for the Spartans and second a frothing loon for the Viking berserkers. The Vikings are on the back burner at present but the intention is to paint the odd figure in amongst the Spartans to break things up a bit. This helps to keep things fresh and motivation high by chipping away at other projects at the same time.

That's all at present but will hopefully be back soon with some more on the second unit of cavalry, peltasts and some more information of what is coming up on the painting table for the remainder of 2011.

As always please feel free to add any comments.

Cheers for now

Back to the brushes 2

2011-05-22T16:39:00.002+01:00

Just a few pictures of Spartan Cavalry and a Late Roman Scorpion base that has been languishing in the side lines for some time. Both are fully painted with only the texturing and painting of the bases to be done.

The Spartan cavalry are first and the original plans was to have a water feature on this base. However, the product which was bought for this is not suitable as it doesn't dry like a resin more like a tacky gel which is no use. The texturing on the base will be left on and most likely used to show some sort of wadi or similar. The casualty figure may not be on the final base as just not sure if it sits right.

The commander for the Scorpion unit was painted over the last few days to allow this base to be completed. The shield is hand painted and the pattern is based on a historical image from the Notitia Dignitatum and can also be seen on Saxon Dog's blog; the colours have been changed to suit the colours of the unit though. Anyway enough rambling here are the pictures:

Hopefully these bases will be completed over the next few days, work permitting. In the top right corner of the Spartan cavalry the first figure for the Viking berserkers can be seen but more of them in the future.

Cheers for now.

Carronade 2011

2011-05-16T12:03:00.000+01:00

In the previous post Carronade 2011 was mentioned, a gaming and hobby show run by the Falkirk District Wargaming Club every May. The show has grown each year and support from both traders and clubs is good, with variety of demo and participation games and a large amount of wargaming eye-candy.

Here are the best of the pictures taken on the day of the Impetus Table showing the Great Italian Wars in full swing:

Sorry that there are so few pictures from the show, but somebody forgot to charge their camera and the battery went after a few pictures.

Well thats all at present

Cheers for now

Back to the brushes

2011-05-15T20:50:00.000+01:00

Now that the college books are closed, all being well, its time to get back to seeing red and get the Spartans and Vikings finished off. It's good to have have time for hobbies again after a pretty intense last month of studying.

Rather than rush straight in head first, a more sedate approach has been used, mixing washing ECW figures in Devlan Mud before a short session of painting red tunics for the Spartan cavalry. Thankfully there are only three figures in this base so not too much red to start with. Hopefully get more done in the morning before work in the afternoon, needs must and all that.

There will be a few pictures of an Impetus game at Carronade to follow, once they are uploaded from the camera.

Cheers for now.

So very nearly finished...

2011-05-05T03:17:00.000+01:00

the dissertation, only 1 more night and all will be done.

Thank you all for your patience, painting and gaming posts will resume shortly.

A quick welcome to all the new followers as well.

I'm looking forward to Carronade at the weekend and hopefully will be able to post some pictures.

Cheers

No time for...

2011-04-05T20:29:00.000+01:00

hobbies at present. Just a quick note to thank the 27 followers who have joined this blog over the last months. Your presence is noted and welcome.

There will be further updates on a variety of projects in the early days of May, but until then all time is on completion of college work. Such is life...

Cheers

The Lines are Drawn

2011-03-22T10:45:00.000Z

The following are some pics taken last summer of a Basic Impetus Game between Polyibian Romans and Early Visigoths if memory serves correctly. The nots of the encounter are about some where but hopefully the pictures will tell their own story.

The battle lines in the early stages of the encounter.

First moves

Cautious Romans advance into the Impetuous Barbarian hordes

Closing in

Skirmishing begins

A break for the flank from the Romans

First blood to the Barbarian Hordes

The lines massing for the charge

The soldiers go marching, those masses align

First contact

The benefit of the large Barbarian units pushing back the Roman line

Pushing home the attack and tea

The flanking cavalry are held at bay by skirmishers

Drawing them in...

The reserve legion fails to break the Barbarian unit nearest the camera.

The lines clash again...

The Roman line starts to crumble but not without taking a heavy toll on the Barbarian hordes

...the end of play

Victory to the barbarian hordes but not without cost.

Hope the pictures give you the idea of the game and how it flowed.

Cheers for now.

Temptation Four

2011-03-18T09:15:00.002Z

Some great looking cavalry from Redoubt Miniatures for their Trojan War range.

These are not painted by myself

(more details here)

Not quite sure how these would fit in to the Impetus army but they do look the part. Perhaps they could be reward once the studies are complete. On that note its off to work

Cheers

The Widow's Wall

2011-03-17T15:41:00.000Z

Studies are taking up nearly all spare time at present, however you have to have lunch. The following pictures show the very slow progress being made on the Berserker base for the Vikings.

Rather than go for a large collection of bare topped frothing loons, the base comprises of figures with movement in varying degrees. The central figure from Gripping Beast’s Breaking the Widows Wall vignette is charging through the opposition shieldwall and everybody else is following his lead. Not necessarily that easy to see in black under coated figures but hopefully the germ of the idea is there.

The second set of pictures show the slow progress being made on the Royalist English Civil War army for Basic Baroque. That is the shot and pike bases completed bar painting the pikes on 2 bases. Don’t ask why they weren’t painted before being glued in place as no answer will be given, they just weren’t. A decision that will be regretted no doubt.

Lurking in the top right corner is a test figure currently being painted from Front Rank Miniatures; what the outcome of it will be remains to be seen...

The Spartan cavalry are lurking there as well, with the ground work on the base slowly moving on.

The same unit from above, just because.

Well that is lunch over and the books beckon. Hopefully, there will be more for the next post but no promises.

The Great Hoarding

2011-03-05T13:44:00.000Z

Well, that is the trading over and the additional figures required for the Seleucid and Late Macedonian armies are now all accounted for. As are several bases worth of Imitation Legionnaires, Thorakites and Thureophoroi, meaning that the future offers a few options and an early Basic Impetus Pontic army – there are not enough Legionnaires to make the army the later version.

The list below is a first interpretation taken from the full Impetus list that is up for comment of the Impetus Forum.

1	CP- Heavy Cavalry (*)	10	5	3	3
1	CL - Light Cavalry	12	3	1	1	Javelin
1	CP - Bosporans or Rhoxolani	10	6	3	3	Impetuous
4	FP - Phalangites (*)	5	4	1	2	Pike
1	FL - Galatians	8	4	4	2	Impetuous
2	FL - Javelinmen	8	4	1	1	Javelin
2	S - Archers	8	2	0	1	Short bow B

Options

1. change CL Javelin for CL Skythians

CL- Skythians

Comp. bow B

2. Changes 1 FP Pike for 1 FP Imitation Legion

FP - Imitation legionaries

Pilum

In real terms the lead Mountain isn’t any smaller, but the figures that are there have a greater chance of actually being painted. This in itself is an achievement.

With college work full on at present, there hasn’t been much painting done, in fact almost none to be honest. Unfortunately, college is the priority at the moment but that will change come early May. Here is a picture of the last figure for the Odalsbondi base for the Vikings as well as two frothing loons for the Berserker base.

Flags from Little Big Men studios

Will try to keep updating the blog over the next 2 months but can’t make any promises.

Cheers for now

Temptation Three

2011-02-20T16:41:00.001Z

Just when you thought it was safe to look about miniature galleries and websites, Gripping Beast announce yet another new range; The Timurids. Whilst not a period that carries much interest at present, with teasers like this elephant, that could change.

Please note the above pic is from a GB newsletter and unfortunately not painted by me

The trades have started to arrive and the Seleucid planned army is now complete, with few figures left over for some other bases in the future to expand to a full Impetus army.

Still working away at the Spartan cavalry and the last figure on the Odalsbondi stand for the Vikings. Pictures to follow in the next few days.

Cheers for now

Moving forward, standing still.

2011-02-15T13:04:00.000Z

At present nearly all spare time is being eaten up by studies, so not really much to add from the last post. A little brush work on another Viking and some more red for the Spartan cavalry.

That aside several good games of Basic Impetus at the club on Sunday, winning and losing as well. Yet another few things learnt about the game in the process of the afternoon's gaming.

A few packs of Redoubt swordsmen have been ordered to mix the infantry units of the planned Trojan/Mycenean armies up a bit. The surplus will also make go towards the swordsmen units for the full Impetus army if the project progresses that far.

A few trades should be completed soon which will see the completion of the Late Macedonian and Seleucid plans. Not really reducing the lead mountain, more changing it to something that will be painted. The remaining surplus will be going on eBay shortly.

Hopefully, there will be a bit more progress on both studies and painting in the next few weeks. More so the studying to be honest; as the deadline clock is ticking faintly in the background.

Cheers for now.

A change is as good as a rest

2011-02-08T12:28:00.000Z

Just a few pics of some alternative bases that are on the painting table at present.

Firstly, some Vikings from the Odalsbondi base for the Basic Impetus army:

The figure to the left of the top picture is still being worked on as are another 2 to complete the base. The figures are from Gripping Beasts Varangian Guard and Heroes of the Viking Age ranges with the centre figure being Harald Hardradda. The shield design is a transfer from Little Big Men and the runes to the right are hand painted.

The figures with the others from the same base; which includes Gripping Beast Jomsvikings, Rus and a giant figure from Foundry to the left of Hardradda.

The next pics are of a project that has materialised out of reading David Gemmell's triology on Troy. The Trojan War along with Greek Mythology and the Wars of the Greeks have been an interest since childhood. To be honest they really are the root cause for painting and gaming. After reading the Gemmell books' the idea of creating an Impetus army came to mind and after looking at the figures and working out that it was possible a base was started.

The figures have been languishing in the lead mountain for some time so this will bring them out and give them a use. The base below includes a victorious Hector and each of the other bases will also include a hero from the Homer's classic. This is one of the great things about the Redoubt Miniatures range; each of the main heroes are there for both sides.

Obviously, this base is only in the planning stages at present but the painting of the army is eagerly anticipated for two reasons. Firstly the subject is a firm favourite and secondly; the primary colour of the army will most certainly not be red. Anyway enough rambling here are the pics:

That's all for now as its back to work and Spartans for the next while.

Cheers

Chipping away at the Lead Mountain

2011-02-05T12:01:00.000Z

The decision has been made, the figures sorted and shortly there will be some less lead in the mountain. The following figures all from Foundry will be up for sale in the near future:

Greek Hoplites - approximately 100 figures from the original range of Greeks
Frankish/Arthurian Cavalry - 12 figures including command
Late Roman Cataphracts - 6 figures

All of the figures are either unpainted or undercoated in black or grey spray primer. If anybody is interested send a message.

The main reason for making this decision is due to the change of gaming systems from WAB to Impetus, meaning less figures are required to field an army.

The second reason is purely to do with time. Based on painting for approximately 30 minutes a day and taking about 2 hours per figure - not the world's fastest painter - the figures above would take roughly 18 complete days to paint. This based off 30 minutes a day equals almost 2 and half years worth of painting time. Its quite scary when worked out like that when you add in real life and work as well, it would be closer to double that time.

The last reason is a change in interests in gaming the Fall of Rome and Dark Ages to gaming The Trojan War, The Greek City states, Macedonia and the Successors - the above Greeks are surplus to requirements as there is the same amount of Foundry World of Greeks waiting to be painted.

All that said there has been very little paint moved about this week, although a Viking was completed the other day during a lunch break. Sort of goes against what has just been said there, but just needed a change from Spartans and red for a little while.

Pictures to follow shortly time permitting.

Thats all for now

Moving on

2011-01-31T16:25:00.001Z

Progress on the Spartan cavalry and peltast bases has moved on slowly, very slowly to be honest. Hopefully work will resume at a slightly better pace in the near future.

A small purchase from Gripping Beast is moving towards its new home - just waiting on the postman arriving. They have become a rarity in the local area - but sightings have been confirmed. The package when it arrives will contain a command and line pack of Thorakites for the Late Macedonian army along with a few additional figures from the same range for variety in the cavalry bases.

A separate page outline the Basic Impetus armies for both the planned Macedonian armies has been added to the main page as well.

When there is more to show pictures and details will be posted as soon as possible.

Very brief today, so that all for now

Cheers

Bits and bobs

2011-01-16T12:52:00.000Z

Here are the WIP pictures of both the Spartan Cavalry and the Vikings:

At present not one hundred percent sure of which rider will go on which horse. Most likely, it will be the under armed figure as the central figure. This will put the armoured figures to the outside which will break the line up as well. This and the positioning of the spears will hopefully help create a bit of movement between the figures and the horses and draw the eye in to the casualty figure in the fore-ground.

The horses are painted from a method taken from the following article:

Horse Painting

This method provides good results in a reasonable time scale which will help for future projects which will contain more cavalry. The Macedonian armies for example both have 3 to 4 cavalry bases. The evil empire is good for somethings after all.

The Vikings are a mixture of Foundry Vikings and Gripping Beast figures taken from their Viking, Saxon and Rus ranges. The idea behind this is to create a non-uniform base where the common theme is Dark Age warriors with a range of styles of equipment shown to show variety achieved by successful raiding. Well that is the idea anyway.

The bases will be made up of varying numbers of figures from 8 to 10 and will be made up in a variety of ways to show line, shield-wall and wedge. This will hopefully help depict a less organised and disciplined army as opposed to a regimented phalanx based army.

Well that is all for now.

Cheers

The Lost Post

2011-01-15T18:06:00.001Z

Thought this was posted the other day and here it wasn't. The jist of the original post refers to the following:

Spartan cavalry - horses now completed and working on the base. Looking at some limited water effects here to show slightly different terrain. The riders are started with the flesh colours being mostly completed.

Slingers and Peltasts - flesh blocked in, waiting for second and final highlights.

Snuck a unit of bondi in for the Basic Impetus Viking army which has been lurking around the painting table for a while. Still to texture and complete the base but so nearly there with this unit.

Pictures of all to follow tomorrow.

Cheers for now.

Plans for 2011

2011-01-08T13:09:00.000Z

Well this should be fairly easy so starting at the beginning.

Finish the Spartans, which currently have 3 Allied Phalanx, 1 Peltast and 2 Cavalry bases to paint. That should be nice and easy. Both the Peltast and one cavalry unit are started, so going well there. Not setting any dates for the completion of this as its going to be a busy time with college work as well and that is really going to be the priority.

The original plan was to paint another hoplite army to face the Spartans based around the following description of the Battle of Mantinea from Thucydides:

Now their left wing consisted of the Sciritae, which amongst the Lacedaemonians have ever alone that place. Next to these were placed the Brasideian soldiers lately come out of Thrace, and with them those that had been newly made free. After them in order the rest of the Lacedaemonians, band after band; and by them Arcadians, first the Heraeans, after these the Maenalians. In the right wing were the Tegeats, and a few Lacedaemonians in the point of the same wing. And upon the outside of either wing, the horsemen. So stood the Lacedaemonians. Opposite to them, in the right wing, stood the Mantineans, because it was upon their own territory; and with them such Arcadians as were of their league. Then the thousand chosen Argives, which the city had for a long time caused to be trained for the wars at the public charge, and next to them the rest of the Argives. After these, the Cleonaeans and Orneates, their confederates. And lastly, the Athenians, with the horsemen (which were also theirs) had the left wing.

This is still the plan but it is looking likely that this particular army will be pushed back in the painting schedule and the reason for this is mainly down to Macedonians.

Currently working out the figures required for both an Early Macedonian army and a Late Macedonian army. The figures will come from the lead mountain as there is a 2,000 point WAB army gathering dust in there unpainted. Pages for both armies will be put up in the near future to plot their progress in a similar fashion to that of the Spartans.

Most of the figures will come from the planned WAB army but a few packs from the Polemarch range by Gripping Beast may well make their way here.

Polemarch Successors

These armies will offer some interesting challenges for both painting and on the gaming table; with the colourful appearance of Macedonia troops in certain references and the composition of the army changing greatly between the two periods. It will also offer some interesting opponents including Republican Romans, Persians, Hoplites and the Spartans and allies for the Battle of Megalopolis in 331BC.

If time allows some more work on the Vikings will be done as there are about 2 bases half painted here and there. Oh and if at all possible some time spent painting the FoW Germans as this seems to have taken off at the club lately.

So nothing much really for the painting and gaming tables in 2011.

Cheers for now.

Go tell them in Sparta

2011-01-04T13:05:00.000Z

That we are ready.

The 6th Spartan Phalanx has just been completed enabling the Basic Impetus army to be played. Along with the three bases of skirmishers this will also enable a 300 point Spartan army to be used for Impetus as well - just one base of Allied Phalanx to paint.

The remainder of the planned 400 point Impetus army will still be worked over the next few months - time allowing as college deadlines are now looming fast so more time will be spent on studies than hobbies.

Here are a few pictures of the final phalanx, the image on the shield is from the Scritean Mora as shown on the following:

The following are of the army as it stands at present, 274 points worth of Spartans and helot skirmishers:

The phalanx bases have been doubled up as there isn't enough room to show the whole battle line as single elements. The last two pictures are of the phalanxes alone:

Lastly, a Happy New Year to all.

Cheers

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-24T22:06:00.000Z

Just a quick note to wish all a Merry Christmas!

A couple of pics from the Foundry range to show how the season can effect us all:

The Queue Buster

Stand and Deliver

All the best to you all

Cheers

We're back

2010-12-21T13:06:00.000Z

Without tempting fate, the 5th Phalanx is now nearly complete. The re-painting of the bloomed matt varnish has been completed and in the main is a fairly good match to the original paint job. The figures have been hand varnished and at about 2 minutes a figure this will probably be the way forward from now on. Just can't face having to repaint another stand in the future.

Not sure if the remaining phalanx will be finished this year, hopefully, but with Christmas just 3 days away time is limited. The easier option would be to complete the 2 started units of skirmishers - 1 with javelins and the other with slings. Who can tell, how it will all work out.

Anyway enough rambling and here are a few pics of the 5th phalanx as the glue for basing them dries.

A little glimpse of what 2011 hopefully will be offering:

But more of that later.

Cheers for now.

ECW First Picture

2010-12-15T15:40:00.000Z

Just a quick update on the ECW Late Royalist Infantry bases:

Hopefully more to follow shortly with pikes attached to the second base - if they ever turn up.

Also a few pics of some 20mm German Armour for Disposable Heroes that have been hiding out in the workroom for the last few months.

Cheers for now.

Loose ends

2010-12-13T18:36:00.000Z

Well today has been a bit of this and a bit of that, but things have been done and few loose ends tied up.

The casualty markers from early in the summer have finally been flocked and varnished - by hand - along with a few more disordered markers.

Some more work has been done on the third base of the Late Royalist Army for Impetus Baroque, which means the infantry are all but complete, just needing the odd pike here and there. This however depends entirely on the Royal Mail ever delivering something of worth again; as still waiting on the wire for their pikes to arrive.

And last, but not least, the 5th Phalanx of Spartans has been dusted and the tunics and linen armour repainted where necessary. Hopefully be able to finish this base of as soon as possible and start painting the army in ernest again over the next few months. The planned finished date of the Monday before Christmas is long gone but at least the hoodoo over the varnishing mishap is gone.

Will get some pictures posted over the next few days.

Cheers for now

Starting from scratch

2010-11-27T16:31:00.000Z

Well, where to begin. Still no further progress on the Spartans although the figures have been dusted this afternoon, which gives you an idea of little work has been going on. The desk in general is a tip and after a short tidying session is now a reasonable working environment - this always helps to motivate.

Avoiding the Spartans, some work has been done on the 15mm ECW figures, so there are now nearly two bases of 15mm Royalists completed for Basic Impetus Baroque. Given the amount of time spent on washing and highlighting figures from another collection they look good on the base. The massed 15mm figures really do give a good visual effect on a 60 x 120mm base, giving a good sense of the formation of the period. Looking forward to trying this period out in the future.

Looking at the Spartans, there is little or no chance of completing this army this year, although another base should be possible.

Time now to brave the elements and walk the dog in the snow and frost.

Cheers for now

Another day down...

2010-10-25T11:02:00.000+01:00

No progress to update on any of the projects that are currently ongoing. Infact there has been very little activity here at all, so much so that the painting desk will a require a good dusting before any work can start.

The re-reading of the Elric saga has been entertaining and might led to the purchase of a few character figures as below:

The miniatures from Hasslefree Figures do have a certain Melnibonean appeal, but may be just to heavy set but it is hard to tell without seeing the figures in the flesh. If the figures do appear on the door step as if by magic then it will really be a single figure project as entertaining as a Melnibonean army for Impetus Fantasy would be.

Hopefully the motivation and time to paint will return this week. Strange how one mishap with some varnish can really put your enthuisiam for a project down.

Cheers

A blast from the past

2010-10-06T22:15:00.000+01:00

Its strange how the mind works. Whilst search through a journal database the name Achilleos popped up in an article that was completely irrelevant. The name however sparked off a series of memories that led to the following:

A web search for the Chris Achilleos web site
A trip up the loft to dug out the old Michael Moorcock Elric books
And ultimately this post

The image below is a favourite, depicting the fall of a decadent empire and the primary character of the above books; Elric. In many ways characters like Elric brought about this blog, as the progression from roleplaying to wargaming would never have happened without the initial impetus of reading Moorcock's fantasy works. The scale of the background in this picture has always impressed, as does the detail in the work as well.

Achilleos' work doesn't carry the same energy as Michael Whelan's cover images from the Elric books, his style being more refined. Both images however do capture Elric in two totally different ways.

The Spartans are progressing slowly, too slowly to be honest but my time is limited at present for painting. Hopefully the re-paint on the 5th phalanx will be complete shortly and when it is some pics to follow.

Thats all for now.

It's not that bad.

2010-09-28T17:41:00.000+01:00

Well, all things consider the mishap with the varnish isn't the end of the world. Felt like it at the time though. The figures have been removed from their base and the offending areas lightly undercoated in black. This enables the figures to be repainted to match the existing colours, which shouldn't be that hard as a limited pallette has been used throughout the paint of this army.

The pallette includes the following:

Foundry Mediterranean Flesh A, B & C shades
Foundry Canvas A, B & C shades
Foundry Bright Red A, B & C shades with a GW Foundation paint Mechrite base coat
Foundry Bronze Barrel A, B shades only
Vallejo Bronze and Old Gold
GW Chainmail

There are a few other colours used for belts, scabbards, sandals etc but these have varied from phalanx to phalanx as necessary.

The figures will be painted at the same time as the final Spartan Phalanx for this army and hopefully will be complete by the next club meeting in October.

Anyway here are a few pics of the walking wounded with their black undercoated 'bandages' on:

That's all for now.

Cheers

Mishap Varnishing

2010-09-21T19:49:00.000+01:00

Well, it is looking like the 5th Phalanx will be making their way back to the painting table. The matt varnish has bloomed - which is a first, well so far in 25 years of painting miniatures anyway.

Some parts of the figures will be okay, but the bronze helmets, shield rims and dark hair is now mottled white - not the effect that was desired for these miniatures. The sod of it all is that the figures are all based on their gaming base so will require a fair bit of work to remove so they can be repainted. The shields will be alright with a slight retouch here and there. Which is good as they have LBM transfers on them for the mora which this phalanx is depicting.

Hopefully, it won't need to go as far as nitromors. Fingers crossed anyway. Obviously, there'll be no pics to show of the 5th Phalanx unless its of the repaint as it happens.

Can anybody recommend a good matt varnish?

Cheers for now.

Time flies by...

2010-09-21T12:48:00.000+01:00

...when you're having fun or so the saying goes and for that matter so does September, can't believe the date already.

Not much has been happening here and with college looming next week time is going to become evermore sparse for painting and gaming. That said a release is always needed and what better way than immersing oneself in painting the past glories of the Spartans and gaming in general.

The 5th Phalanx is waiting on the base being finished and the 6th Phalanx has the flesh blocked in; so still moving forward towards the finished army.

The plans for the base camp for the Spartans have been finalised with the purchase of a Dokana as a focal point for the camp. The figures are all prepped for painting, but will have to wait until the main army is completed.

Hopefully there will be some pictures of both units and various work in progress posted shortly.

Cheers for now

The North Face of the Lead Mountain

2010-09-06T12:57:00.000+01:00

With the best intentions in the world the summit of the lead mountain has been capped at its present level. Hopefully, with the completion of the Spartans and the projected work on the other Impetus armies and Flames of War companies a small dent will be made in the mountain over the next few months. That and a Masters dissertation to boot, no problem there really...

The Allied Phalanxes have been selected from the lead mountain, and will also be from the World of Greeks range by Foundry. The decision was based on availability of the figures, in that they had already been purchased several years ago and that they'll also double up as standard hoplites for Basic Impetus games against the Spartans - which is looking likely to be Magna Graecia or Theban. Sort of killing two birds with one stone here by doing this.

Work on the 5th phalanx draws to an end with the weapons and shields to complete before basing the unit. Unfortunately, the basic army won't be finished for this weekend though as life and work have taken over again. That said the overall plan for the army is moving along relatively well and should be finished for the set date. A date, that hasn't been set - so based off 10 figures per 3 weeks at present and 47 figures to paint, making 15 weeks from now. That makes the date for completion December 20th, not that there isn't much else going on outside of painting and gaming. Well, can but try and the date hopefully will make this that bit easier.

Hopefully get some more pics up at the weekend.

Cheers for now

And now for something completely different.

2010-08-29T13:33:00.000+01:00

The following are from the CiC section of the Flames of War Late War SS Infantry Company currently being worked on in between painting Spartans and re-basing Vikings.

In painting these figures it has been discovered that painting 15mm is nowhere near as much fun as painting 28mms. This is going to prove a quite a steep learning curve.

Thats all for today

Work in progress

2010-08-29T13:28:00.000+01:00

During the past few weeks some older miniatures from various different projects - mostly WAB have been rebased as parts of various Impetus armies including Vikings and Goths/Late Germanic Tribes. The following are a few pics of the bases in various states of readiness. Some of the Vikings shown below are among the first historical miniatures painted by myself about ten years ago. These came to be after moving away from fantasy based gaming.

Vikings

Miniatures from Gripping Beast and Foundry.

Goths/Late Germanic Tribes

Miniatures from Foundry and Gripping Beast

The figure with the falcon is from an old range of Citadel figures - Warriors of the Norse.

Cheers for now.

The story so far...

2010-08-29T13:10:00.000+01:00

Well here are some pictures of the painted army as it stands at present.

The following are of the 4th Phalanx and javelin armed skirmishers - which are still needing varnished and flocked.

One of the problems with gloss varnishing metal items after matt vanishing is that they really pick up any flash which is used. This is clear on the shield of the hoplite next to the musician where the Gorgon face is distorted by the flash. The photography side of this blog is something which requires further work to get a consistent standard. Oh and painting eyes.

The musician figure is from the Gorgon Studio range with all other figures coming from Foundry's World of Greeks range. Both are sculpted by Steve Sahel.

The second base of javelin skirmishers is planned around 2 figures allowing the bases to be combined if necessary as a light foot base.

Hopefully more of the 5th Phalanx before the month is out.

Cheers for now.

Still Waiting...

2010-08-27T23:13:00.000+01:00

Well another a week has passed by and it seems that life and work have taken over again. Still no pics of the finished units or of any WIP either - something which will be corrected this weekend. On the plus side the Spartan cavalry has arrived, good figures but unfortunately they are quite heavily flashed on both rider and horse, so a bit of scrapping and filing required there.

The last decision to be made relates to the Allied Hoplites, whether to use other figures from the World of Greeks range other than Spartans or to go with more of the same. At present no real thoughts but it could be a wait on the new plastic ranges to see how they will fit into the existing army. Time will tell.

Temptation Two

2010-08-18T21:14:00.000+01:00

Not only have Victrix announced a range of plastic hoplites but Immortal Miniatures have announced a range of plastic Spartans as well. Can't comment on either range as yet but will be keeping an eye out for these later next month.

Plastic Spartans

For those of you who prefer the "spindles" then also look out for the following:

The first previews of Immortal Miniatures soon to be released Persians.

Cheers.

Back on track

2010-08-18T19:00:00.000+01:00

It is strange how being back at work for a few days can motivate one to start painting again. Whilst on holiday the motivation wasn't there, but the time was and now that the opposite applies; everything is reversed. Can't explain it, it's just how it is.

So the long delayed 4th phalanx are now completed and fully based. What did people do before miniNatur Silfor was around. Certainly no looking back now that it be used on a few of the bases, the others will be updated in time.

The first stand of skirmishers with javelins has been based and is just awaiting inking and dry brushing prior to varnishing.

Work on the 5th phalanx is slow, with the base colour of flesh painted and not much else done. The same is true of the second base of javelin skirmishers.

All being well the Basic Impetus army will be completed for the next club meeting on September 12th, well that's the plan anyway. Still no sign of the cavalry due to a delayed re-stock from Foundry, so no real problem there apart from the obvious.

Pictures of the above to follow at the weekend.

Cheers

Temptation

2010-08-13T08:01:00.000+01:00

Victrix's latest news releases have shown more images of their forth coming plastic Hoplites for Spartans, Athenians and Thebans. Each box will contain 48 figures, almost enough for 5 bases of heavy infantry in Impetus, which incidentally is nearly a complete Basic Impetus army. A great starting point if you are interested in Hoplite Warfare. Have a look at the link below

Victrix Hoplites

Work on the Spartans has been slow this week and there is nothing more to post on the subject. Motivation is a fickle creature at best, something everybody encounters from time to time.

Cheers for now.

Finishing Touches

2010-08-05T16:21:00.000+01:00

Well, thats the last of the lead ordered for the Impetus Army for the Spartans. This being 2 packs of Foundry Spartan Cavalry, which will only be required for the Impetus 400 point army as there are none present in the Basic Impetus army. These have have been ordered from Caliver Books as this cuts down the postage necessary.

Spartan Cavalry

Been having a bit of a lull in painting at present which is likely to continue until the weekend, just been too busy with other things each day including being on holiday and turning 40. Both have been good so far.

More to follow later.

Immortal Miniatures Casualty Figures

2010-07-31T17:34:00.000+01:00

The above have arrived with this mornings post and true to various comments seen on various fora the shields are much bigger than those on a Foundry figure. The Immortal shields measure just over 18mm whilst the Foundry shields are closer to 15mm. This would make a big difference if the figures where being used as rank and file, however as they are casualty markers it shouldn't be that much of a problem.

Overall the Immortal minis are good sculpts with clear detail and good character. On the down side there is a bit of flash here and there. Nothing major, but enough to notice on a first purchase from this line. Hopefully there'll be some pics of painted markers as soon as the minis are ready. Work on the rest of the army is moving on at a snail pace at present, but will hopefully pick up over the next week or so.

That all for now.

Cheers

Delays and Changes

2010-07-27T10:37:00.001+01:00

The fourth phalanx of Spartans has been completed - save basing since last week, it has however been held up by indecision and changes to the initial layout for the finished figures on the base. This might sound strange but when painting the figures they are based on 20mm squares and give a very different visual appeal than when taken off these bases for the final basing.

There is normally a basic idea for each base which with a minimal amount of tweaking with the figures can be sorted out. This takes into consideration the ground space the figures take up and how they actually look when placed together on the base. Blu-tac is wonderful stuff for this, its so much easier to move than super glue...

The long and short of this is that the fourth Phalanx is finally glued down, but there are a few additions to the base including a casualty figure and a musician at the rear. These additional figures are about to be painted for the base prior to scenics being added.

The musician is from Gorgon Studio's Spartans "Gates of Fire" range and fits in perfectly. The comparison shot below shows the size and compatibility of the figures. To be honest there should be no problem as they both Steve Saleh sculpts but its always best to check. The centre figure is a Foundry Spartan whilst the other two are from Gorgon Studios, sorry about the quality of the image here.

The sword bearing figure is from the Gorgon Ekdromoi packs which are going to be used as Hoplites for the Brasideians. This decision has been based on creating a difference between the units visually, particularly in the styles of helmets depicted on the figures selected. There are no pilos helms in this unit but a mixture of more classical styles of helms. The full pack can be viewed at the link below:

Spartan Ekdromoi

A similar decision has been made with the Sciritae for this army, by using Peltasts figures from the Foundry range below instead of the more lightly clad Spartans from the Spartans:

Greek Peltasts

This may not be exactly historically correct, but however it does bring a degree of artistic licence into the creation of the army and its visual appeal on the table when complete.

Sorry for rambling on a bit, but thats all for now.

Cheers

WIP 2

2010-07-20T16:23:00.000+01:00

The next picture is of the first unit of skirmishers which will be a part of the both the Impetus Armies at 300 and 400 points. The figures are Foundry again and are from their World of Greeks range. As you can see the figures are in the early stages of being painted.

More to follow shortly...

'With this, or upon this"

2010-07-20T16:21:00.000+01:00

"Thucydides reports that when Spartan men went to war, their wives (or another women of some significance) would customarily present them with their shield and say: "With this, or upon this" (Ἢ τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς, Èi tàn èi èpì tàs), meaning that true Spartans could only return to Sparta either victorious (with their shield in hand) or dead (carried upon it)."

This sparked an idea to create disorder markers for the Spartan army based on the aspis or shield of the unit being used. Similar markers have already been used for other armies, but they are not as specific to the individual army nor do they have such significance historically either. Here are the first four markers, but ultimately one will be required for each phalanx of the army and the other supporting units as well.

The bases are created in the same way as the unit stands are done, allowing for the marker to be placed at the rear of the unit without losing the visual appeal of the large bases in Impetus by using other counters.

Thats all for now...

Spartan Shields

2010-07-18T15:02:00.000+01:00

The website below has given some inspiration for the last three mora of the Spartans being painted.

http://www.300spartanwarriors.com/300spartansmarketplace/spartanmilitaryart.html

A few emails later and Little Big Men Studios are sending three sheets of transfers, each with a common image rather than the normal selection of images per sheet. It goes to show if you don't ask, you won't get.
Stephen at Little Big Men couldn't have been more helpful and the transfers look great.

Hopefully the finished shields will do as well :)

Not the best picture in the world, but it gives the general impression. The 4th Phalanx will be finished later this week as there are only the weapons and shields to paint.

Cheers for now.

Skirmishers, Casualty Markers and Camp base.

2010-07-15T08:18:00.000+01:00

Have completed undercoating the following skirmisher bases:

2 x Javelins - 1 base with 2 figures and 1 with 3 figures.
1 x Slingers - 2 figures.

Along with the archers that are already painted this will provide the skirmisher screen for the Spartans. The archers and slingers are interchangeable as they both have the same points value.

Immortal Miniatures have just announced a few additions to their expanding range including some hoplite casualty markers. The original plan was to pick up some of the Foundry range to match the existing figures of the army, however, the cost is prohibitive when compared to the deal the Immortal Miniatures are offering:

http://www.immortalminiatures.com/page81.html

Whilst not in the same style as the Spartans these miniatures will suit and maybe adaptable with a few head swaps to show the pilos style helmet favoured by the Spartans.

Plans for the base camp are coming along with the final element being a Dokana from Baueda.

http://www.baueda.com/15dokana.html

This along with the various figures from the Spartan Camp set from Foundry will complete the camp element.

Thats all for now.

3rd Phalanx

2010-07-12T14:15:00.000+01:00

Here are a few pictures of the third Phalanx prior to varnishing and flocking.

Not quite sure about the second figure on the front rank. It has been painted with a bronze helm, however thinking of changing this to appear as a felt pilos instead. It just doesn't look right in the finished base.

Overall the unit looks good and fits well with the previous painted units. The bronze is not uniform throughout the army, which gives a feeling of individuality to each mora as well as the differences in armour and shields.

More to follow as soon as possible, the fourth phalanx is fully fleshed now, waiting on touching up the under coat before moving on the the armour and equipment.

Cheers for now.

Brushes and Bases

2010-07-07T13:17:00.000+01:00

The Spartans are now drying after having their base textured. This is a simple case of applying a liberal coating of PVA and then dusting with dried builders sand. I find this gives a more uneven texture than some gaming sands and to be honest tends to be more economical in the long run. Its then a case of a light wash of FW Red Earth ink and once fully dry, dry-brushing the base colour up to a light sand colour using a variety of different shades as the mood takes.

The base is drying whilst tacked to a block of 4" x 4" to prevent warping. This hasn't happened often with infantry bases but can do so with light cavalry bases, as they have less lead on them. This is going to happen when you apply liquid to 1 side of an MDF board over a certain size. So as preventive I have started using the block to help keep the base flat whilst drying.

I get my bases from Warbases and can't complain at all regarding the quality and service provided. As they are local to me postage is seldom an issue to me as I collect. Have a look at their website in the links section.

With regards to brushes I mostly use Pro Arte Connoisseur and Renaissance Sable brushes in sizes from 4 down to 0000. These hold their shape well and I find are well suited miniature painting. I have a few older brushes from the Evil empire, but these are generally only used for large washes and under-coating as they are past their best. Oh, they are also good for applying liberal coats of PVA to bases.

Well thats all for now, hopefully get those pics up at the weekend once the base is finished.

Phalanx 3 Finished

2010-07-06T15:54:00.000+01:00

Well I have just finished the miniatures for the above Phalanx of the Basic Impetus Spartan army which I am I painting. The figures are glued in place to the base and I'll texture the base tomorrow so I'll get some pics organised at the weekend - World Cup permitting.

I have gone down a slightly different route with this base after finding the following website and the image it has for Spartan shields:

http://www.300spartanwarriors.com/battleofthermopylae/armorweaponry.html

There are some interesting images in this site, some of which will make their way on to the next Phalanx's shield designs. More of that later.

Cheers for now...

House-keeping

2010-06-23T13:22:00.000+01:00

I have made some changes to the layout of the blog, whilst trying to familiarise myself with the workings of Blogger. If all seems straight forward enough at present.

Summertime and Work in Process

2010-06-22T12:02:00.000+01:00

Well the sun is shining here and I should be working outside getting the windows painted but its too hot for that. So, I have added a few more pics to my flicker showing some work in progress at the moment. I am sort of fluttering from one period to another just now with the following on the painting table:

Foundry Spartans

Front rank of the third phalanx is well under way now. I have been having a bit of a problem with the faces on these figures, not sure if it is the beards or just me. We'll see on the next five although I recon it's me.

The last pic is from a previous batch where the flesh was painted using the following combination of Foundry Paints; Spearshaft Brown B, Flesh C, Flesh B. This gives a good result in my opinion, but I am always looking for better flesh colours.

The 2 pics from the WIP have been painted using the Foundry triad for Mediterranean Flesh. I initially thought this was going to be a bit too orange in colour but once all 3 layers are down, I am actually very pleased with the result.

Gripping Beast Vikings

I have been painting this base on and off since January. The figures are all Gripping Beast apart from the Hirdman leaning on the axe to the left of the Harald Hardradda figure which is a Foundry Hirdman I picked up a Claymore about 3 years ago for 50p.

Gripping Beast Crusaders

This figure has been on the painting table for too long now, so its time to finish him off. I am basing a Impetus army from EI2 on the Knights of St John circa 1260 using the Later Crusades list. In order to do this I will field the Knights as Military Order and the Sergeants as Crusaders Knights. This will allow me to paint the Knights in red tabbards and the sergeants in black which will hopefully reduce the time required to paint as well as individual heraldic devices. As this is a command figure I have opted to split the colours on the barding of the horse to reflect the two elements of the order.

Perry Casualty Markers

After mixing dice from casualty markers with dice in play in my earlier games of Basic Impetus I picked up some casualty figures from Perry Miniatures. Whilst from their early Crusades range the figures will mix in well with most Dark Age to Early Medieval periods. Not so sure they'll look the part next to the Spartans though :)

Thats all for now

The Huns - Pictures

2010-06-12T17:31:00.000+01:00

Here are a few pics of the first unit of Hun Light cavalry.

The Huns

2010-06-12T15:15:00.000+01:00

Well, after a slight delay that's the first base of Huns varnished. They'll hopefully get their first outing tomorrow afternoon at the club in a Patrician Roman army. Pictures and flocking still to follow.

I have also been working on some 20mm scenery from Hovels over the last few days for use in Disposable Heroes and other skirmish games in WW2. This has been taking up space for some time now and has been an enjoyable change - I don't generally do dry-brushing but its perfect for these items.

I'll get back on to the third base of Spartans now and hopefully get these ready for the next few weeks. They are already undercoated black and five have had the flesh blocked in. I am trying out one of the new Foundry Flesh tones on this base - Mediterranean Flesh. I initially thought it a bit orange but it seems okay once all three layers are down.

Horse Nomads

2010-06-03T12:26:00.000+01:00

The sun is shining and I have to go to work. There is no justice as the day will be slow because the weather is so good. Catch 22 I am afraid.

I am just about finished the first base of Huns, which at this stage will be mercenaries for my Late Roman Army, and in time be a part of their own army.

I'll post a picture of them pre basing just as soon as possible.

Spartan Army Composition

2010-06-02T16:31:00.000+01:00

The Spartan army for Basic Impetus consists of the following units:

1 x Heavy Foot with General
5 x Heavy Foot
1 x Skirmishers either bow, javelin or sling armed

I have already started this army and have painted the General's stand, 1 stand of hoplites and a stand of bow armed skirmishers.

I am using Foundry figures for this army, mostly from their World of Greeks range. I bought these years ago with a view to painting a Spartan WAB army, but just never felt right about Hoplites in WAB. The archers are also Foundry figures but from their older Greeks range.

From what I know about Impetus, Hoplite warfare is going to work better and be more balanced. I'll just have to remember and watch those flanks.

Anyway, here's some pictures of the painted bases so far.

Sorry, not the best pictures in the world, but this is all a learning curve for me.

A third unit of Hoplites is on the painting table and I should be back to them after finishing the first base of Huns this week, hopefully.

A beginning is a very delicate time.

2010-06-01T12:37:00.000+01:00

To try and encourage me to continue to paint units for the following armies I have created this blog:

Spartans

Huns

Vikings

Crusaders - Hospitaliers

All of the armies are in 28mm scale and are for the game Impetus, primarily for the Basic Game but possibly for the full game as well.

Each army roughly consists of 10 bases, although the Spartan army has only 7 bases. This is one of the reasons I enjoy Basic Impetus, the painting of a new army does not fill me completely with dread. The base approach enables me to swap between forces easily and still progress. This keeps the painting fresh and hopefully will enable me to keep moving forward with each army base by base.

At present there is a fair bit of noise and banging going on as our boiler is being replaced so doubtful I'll get much done today. I will however, put details of each army on the blog over the next few days.