From SimonG: 28mm Roman Legionaries Throwing Pila (Local History, 60 points)

For my next submission I am pleased to offer my first stand of classic Imperial Roman Legionaries -- in this case all in the act of throwing their pila as they approach on the hapless barbarians (or in my case more likely a horde of rebelling jews!).

These are very nice multi-part plastic figures from Victrix with shield transfers from LBMS. Perhaps the only criticism would be that they all seem to have the same face! Clearly consistency in appearance was a big deal for this legion.

The figures have been based on a 120x60 2mm base for Impetus -- these nice big chunky bases really give you room to set up a nice mini diorama. I especially like the fellow that is leaning forward having released his pilum.

I do tend to find that strict uniforms such as these really take a lot of time, to which adding the challenge of doing faces in recessed galea -- still it was a lot of fun and the finished effect paid off well! And I do love a nice manicure (surprisingly hard to photograph hands and feet and bring out the nail details!)

Always keep your nails clean!

For those of you that want to get this look at home I offer the following link 😅💅 !

With last weeks submission we took a lift on Sarah's library cart to the local history section -- which is quite apropos as this group of legionaries have just been posted to Judea after a long cold winter shivering off the Isle of Thanet at Rutupiae (Richborough Roman Fort). I can just about see the fort from the roof of our house here in Sandwich and so I think qualifies well as local history!

Points wise I have eight 28mm figures plus the location bonus for a total of 60 this week. Next week we should encounter the enemies of these Romans for the first time in this challenge!

More excellent painting on these Imperial legionaries, Simon! As their faces look rather alike, I suppose this is a Roman band of brothers? Primus, Secundus, Tertius, Quintus, Sextus, Septimus and Decius with their dad? Gotta love those imaginative Roman first names.  Anyway, they look very good together. Speaking about imaginative, the ancient historian in me flinches just a tiny little bit at the Local History connection, as I think we know very little about the actual garrison of Rutupiae (still a very impressive fortress, I have been there and loved it), but hey, who am I to argue with fingernails like these? So, 60 points for you.

Martijn

(Darrell H) Thematic Byzantine, Thematic (Light) Kavallarioi Unit (120 points)

 

Dropping down in both levels of training and to a paucity of funds this Thematic unit stands in stark contract to the last lavishly equipped Tagma regiment. This unit has mainly been used for policing actions on the border regions, or the far flung Themes of then Empire. They are equipped as Light Cavalry and are equipped with mail shirts, shields and helmets only.

In game terms, in particular the WAB friendly event I plan on taking place in this year, this unit has been based on single very old school(!) bases so it can be split up into component parts and skirmish. 

I do have plans to eventually use some of my Thematic/Tagmatic Kavallarioi units as Defensores and Cursores by adding a back rank of Hippo Toxotai, but that's something for the future. I need to concentrate on getting the bare bones of the army complete before I start going mad!

In the event that some of you may be interested in a more granular view of the miniatures, here are some close ups of the single models. There may appear to be some "icing" on the models but in fact I just forgot to dust them down as they have been sitting on a shelf for a day or so. (I just hope it's not dandruff!)

All the images are "clickable" should you wish to enlarge them. Those above this too.

So..... 12 Cavalry models at 10 points a pop is 120 points(?)

Also, thanks for Peter for "moderating"/posting as he seems extremely busy at the moment.  I like to whine but I've really nothing to complain about...

These riders may be stepping down a level in troop quality but not in painted quality Darrell.  You've gain picked a great colour palette which suits the models well.  Your work on the horses is especially nice, I appreciate the variations in coat colours and markings. 

From SimonG: Imperial Might - 20 28mm Roman Legionaries (100 points)

Phew, now I know why I don't do Napoleonics! Batch painting large numbers of uniform soldiers is quite a chore. However for my Jewish Wars project I do have to field some Roman Legionaries so my first off studio submission is a batch of 20 Victrix early Imperial legionaries -- from the Legionaries Attacking set.

These are very fine sculpts -- easy to put together and with clean detail to paint. Almost too much detail (all of those buckles and ties!) but I think they were ultimately worth the effort.  Those deep set eyes within the Galea had me digging out my rarely used ten zero brush!  Suffice it to say I've only given close ups on the best results, for mass troops I'm not going back over and correcting stuff that only shows on close up 🤪 !  I also enjoyed adding a modicum of dust to suit fighting in the middle east.

The shields are LBMS -- actually I've only attached shields to 10 of the 20 as I've got some 1st Corps Cornered Scutum on order as I'm not sure that the classic curved profile rectangular shaped shield was actually used in the Jewish wars.  I'll have to hand paint these shields and I'll repost as soon as I have this done.  Still without shields you can see some more of the detail on the figures.

Finally I do hate having to do sandals, quite time consuming but at least you get the chance to add toe nails!  Just don't count how many there are on every foot 😏

This focus stacked shot is actually quite amusing as it creates the impression of motion among the group!

And here is a shot of the lots together so you can see some more details on the basing (another PITA when you are doing large numbers of single figures) -- it's a Geek gaming mix with added tufts and rocks.

Points wise this is a simple 20 28mm figures for 100 and continues my total marching along.  Next week it's back on the Studio lot with a sample of global ghoulies for World Cinema!

Those Roman legionaries look fab, Simon! 100 points whizzing your way!

Tamsin