It has been quite a while since I painted any multi-figure bases, and I already have a number of sub-Roman British figures painted up that are individually based. However, I've been wanting to put together some larger armies for Impetus and Dux Bellorum, and wanted some bases that looked a bit more realistically packed with spearmen than is possible with movement trays.
School started back this week, but I wanted to make a last push to reach my 1500 point total before work inevitably cuts too deeply into hobby time. The figures are a real grab bag of whatever spearmen at rest I could find in the lead pile, so I think there are Westwind, a couple of Black Tree Design, Musketeer and Crusader figures. I painted most of them to look somewhat Romanised, and a few with decorated tunics and Late Roman helmets that they no doubt bought from an army surplus shop in Silchester before heading off to fight the Saxons. Shields are hand painted, natch.
28 figures gives me 140 points. Along with the 65 points that my entry to the Myth Bonus Round will get me, this means I've reached my 1500 point total, and also smashed my total for the whole of last year's challenge (1349 points). I'm feeling pretty happy as a result. I leave it up to Curt to judge whether I should now claim victory in my side bet with Tamsin :).
From Curt:
Beautiful work Alan! I love these closely-packed units as they really give the sense of how these formations must have looked. As usual, your shields are gorgeously painted and give the whole unit a wonderful, bespoke quality about it.
This past weekend Tamsin, Alan and I discussed their 1500 point duel, as their relative scores were so close, and Tamsin has graciously conceded the contest. Congratulations go to Alan for the win, but also to Tamsin for keeping us all (especially Alan) at the edge of our seats with her flurry of entries. It was a wonderful match to see played out. I tip my hat to you both - thank you!
Now that's what I call a Shieldwall, nice choice of colours and perfect spacing on the bases!
ReplyDeleteExcellent work truly you put my fumbling efforts at painting shields to shame.
ReplyDeleteWell done on your contest.
Well done Alan ! the shields are really stunning and the large bases are really cool.
ReplyDeleteand congratulations to you and Tamsin for your scoring, I need to accelerate!!!
All the best.
GillesW
I was robbed!! *lol*
ReplyDeleteNah, honestly, it's been a fun and hectic ride on this side-bet of ours. In hindsight, my big mistakes were:
1) Sticking with a "pure points" Challenge, ie no theme round bonus points
2) Taking a couple of evenings off to go gaming, rather than painting
3) Fiddling around with 6mm for the first time in 3 years and painting as much detail on them as I could. Tiny bayonet scabbards that won't be seen? Paint 'em. pale blue canteen covers against a pale grey/brown bread? Paint 'em.
Congrats Alan - you are a very worthy winner of our side-bet. Huzzah!!
Hmm, now I'm going to have to paint a 28mm foot figure up for you as your prize ;)
Whoops! Forgot to comment on the figures!
DeleteExcellent work as always Dux. They certainly look like a fearsome shieldwall.
I like those close up pics of the figures. You did a fine job with those faces and the shields are excellent.
ReplyDeleteGreat work on the shields and they really look good closely packed in the shieldwall.
ReplyDeleteVery well done - this is excellent brushwork!
ReplyDeleteGood work there Alan and congrats on the side challenge win.
ReplyDeleteBy my reckoning thats one lost, one won and one still in progress?
Nice Sub-Roman chappies there Alan, you can imagine them sweating in rank and file and being told, "We only have to stick this out for a couple of years, lads; the legions will be back once the Emperor's sorted out that bit of bother with the Goths..."
ReplyDeleteGritty and characterful, and you really nailed the shields.
Well done Alan, these really look the business. The shields are awesome and I like the muted colours as well.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the win. It's been great fun watching you and Tamsin fight a closely contested battle. Where's the victory dance tune though? :-)
Thanks all. I don't know about Tamsin, but I am completely knackered from our duel. Like Curt said, the outcome was incredibly close and made closer by our different submission days, so Tamsin was very gracious to concede. That was one heck of a race, and a pleasure to cross brushes with such a formidable opponent. What do you reckon Tamsin? First to 6000 points rematch? Errrrrrgggh.
ReplyDeleteTotally shattered mate, but still beavering away! Would you believe that I am aiming for a 300-point submission this week? ;)
DeleteIt was only fair on both if us for me to concede. Maybe if we'd sorted the victory conditions out a week or so ago, the result might have been different - or delayed a few days - but at least it's over now and we can both take a breather.
Mind you, we still have the teeny-tiny side-bet to go :)
6000 points? Have you been injecting yourself with Millsy genes? *lol*
Those are a great looking bunch of models. There's some great character in those faces and you captured it really well. As everyone else has said, the shields are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteJust excellent, the quality of those shields alone left me gaping.
ReplyDeleteIan
Well done and well deserved.
ReplyDeleteVery nice work. Especially the shields are a real eye catcher.
ReplyDeleteVery nice work. Especially the shields are a real eye catcher.
ReplyDeleteVery nice work. Especially the shields are a real eye catcher.
ReplyDelete