Thursday From RossM Ancients, Undead, Fantasy Hero and Crusaders (88 points)

Struggling to believe that the Challenge is nearly ending and this is only my second post; this was not the plan...

So, rather than wax lyrical about the whys and why nots of this years' challenge here are the next set of pictures.


First up are six Late Romans from Gripping Beast. Yes there are more than six here, however only six where painted for this year's Challenge. The six figures make up three quarters of the back ranks of these two stands.

The last two figures on the right as viewed are the original rear rank figures. The others the new additions to fill the gaps caused by rebasing for ADLG.

Matching in six figures to a unit that was painted approximately 15 years ago was an interesting experience. The colours where easy enough as the paints used haven't changed significantly in that time. The shield transfers from Little Big Man are still in production. These were the easy parts; the harder parts came in terms of changes to how I paint.

Fundamentally, nothing has changed with this, I still layer colours as per the Foundry Triads, however, there was no Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil then, both of which I used extensively now. The wash used for the armour and helmets was a black ink wash on the originals, Nuln oil on the additions. The difference is very subtle and may not show on these pictures, however I can see it at painting level. In reality you'll never notice at table level.

In terms of layering, the final highlight tends to be more muted now. This could be a change in how I view colours, a change in my eyesight, a change in table lighting since the originals were painted. This wasn't noticed until the basing was started and by then there was no changing anything.

Another difference was the varnishing, then spray satin or matt varnish, now brushed only matt acrylic. Again a subtle difference however noticeable in hand. Overall, they match in pretty well in my opinion.

Next, there are some classic Undead figures from Mithril Miniatures (Left) and Citadel (Centre and Right). All three figures have been a pleasure to paint and have been based for use in a current GURPs campaign I am involved in.

I collect and paint retro figures from the hay days of Citadel Miniatures; that period in time circa 1983-84 and the next figure is a classic C01 fighter from this period.

Purchased over 35 years ago now, the figure is starting to show his age with some wear from painting and stripping showing on the face. Not to worry as there is another one in the lead mountain in better condition as you wouldn't want to lose the first 25mm figure you bought and painted; would you?

Next is the start of two armies from Gladiator Miniatures in 15mm. The armies will be Late Crusaders for both DAB and ADLG, two very different games with very different ways of playing. Thankfully, they both use the same basing and as such the figures will be interchangeable between both systems.

First up are two stands of spearmen; one knights the other sargeants from the Knights of St John. The knights are in their red tabards which dates them between 1259 and 1273 as the distinction between brother-knights and brother-sergeants was not popular.

The shield transfers are from VVV and are to fit 15mm figures, those used on the back of the tunic are for 10mm figures. Its strange going back to using water slide transfers for figures instead of vehicles.

Next there are three stands of missile troops, two with crossbows and one with bows. These again are painted as sergeants. The crosses again from VVV

The crossbowmen shown as they will appear in ADLG.

The spearmen shown as they will appear in ADLG.

This second entry will take my total beyond the 20% mark for this year's challenge and is broken down below:

6 x 28mm Late Romans: 30 points
3 x 28mm Undead wights: 15 points
1 x 28mm Fighter: 5 points
19 x 15mm Crusader Infantry: 38 points

The total is 88 points.

Thanks for looking and any comments are appreciated.

Cheers, Ross

Welcome back Ross! As you say on your blog deciding to rebase masses of figures is going to impact on your challenge time but this is a lovely post! I can't see the join between the old and the new figures, they both look great the old school wrights and fighter is a particular feature of your work and they have come out really well! I think your Crusaders are a joy, showing a mastery of  teeny tiny transfers! I agree with your figures 88 points it is!

All the best Iain