Friday 20 February 2015

From PaulS - Gladiators! Ready!... (21 Points)

Ok, so not quite those gladiators. No Wolf present here. Those are in the other post... *badum.. tish*

I'll get my coat.


With Salute coming up in a few months, I thought it was probably time that I started tackling the preview Jugula models that I bought two years ago! I did originally intended to get these painted up well before they were originally released, but that never happened. These are 40mm multi-part metal models from Gripping Beast. I bought a couple of the Familia boxes, each one giving you 4 gladiator bodies and a large selection of heads and weapons to create a range of different gladiatorial types. I've decided that, for now, both Familia will have the same 4 gladiators. The models are quite nice and I enjoyed the few games I've had so far, but I think if I were to start Jugula again I would go for 28mm models instead as these feel like scaled up models rather than something specifically made for 40mm


The shields are done using the slightly odd sticky waterslide transfers. It's an odd way to deal with these things and not being able to reposition the transfer on the model is going to take some getting used to, but the plastic covering does make it easier and safer to cut the holes out for the shields. The main problem area was getting it onto the domed shield as it really didn't want to stick at the edges. I fully expect to find this one flaking off sometime soon. Really nice detail on these though, so I may have to pick up some for my vikings with flat shields.


From Curt:

Ah, I was wondering when we'd see someone do up as set of these larger-scaled gladiators. I remember visiting the excellent 'Atlantica' hobby shop in Madrid last year and seeing these up close. Though they looked very good (and I love the idea of each being a small kit) I shied away as I didn't want to get in to a scale that wouldn't mix with any other range. Nonetheless you've done a cracking job on these Paul.  I really like the defined musculature and nuanced armour, especially on the central spear-armed figure. Wonderful.

As soon as you started to describe the shield transfers for these my eyes started to roll in my head. I think at this scale I would try freehand before risking a rage-induced aneurysm trying to fiddle with 'waterslide' transfers that don't slide (sounds like something invented by the Marquis de Sade).

Again, great work Paul.

19 comments:

  1. Very nice I really like these great work on the skin especially the African fellow

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    1. Thanks, I'm pleased with him. It's the first figure I've ever done that isn't the standard gw flesh tones

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  2. Those shield transfers turned out beautifully. I really like these figures, particularly that big, dark, handsome chap on the far right. Mmmmm, hot chocolate :)

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    1. Why I do believe gladiators seem to be one of your weaknesses ;)

      The transfers look really pretty, but are a pig to work with on domed shields

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  3. They look very good! Nice blending on the flesh!

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  4. Excellent, you really nailed the dark African skin tone

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  5. Very smart work, Paul, these are excellent figs.

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  6. Very nice work! Great job on the dark skinned fella. Black skin seems to be almost impossible to do at least for me :)

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  7. Despite the fact that Glads should be chubby, not your fault, but historical thinking is that they were. (I am probably pointing that out to make me feel better about my physique). As I was saying despite the lack of wobbly bits I do like these sculpts. You have made them look very dynamic and action packed.
    I think there will be blood on the sand before long.

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  8. Great work, the skin tones and the metal are really good

    Ian

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  9. Fantastic painting work. I also prefer 28mm models, but these ones are very nice.

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  10. Those are great looking gladiators, much better than Curt's :)

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    1. Owch! What happened to the 'love and kisses'?

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  11. Marvellous work! I really dig the greens on these mini's. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Really nice Gladiators. Top job. The detail on the shields is really cool. If they are LBM decals/stickers I found my viking/saxon ones tended to shrink a little.
    Cheers

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  13. Very well done Paul! The skin tones of the black gladiator look fantastic.

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  14. Great gladiators, very realistic looking.

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