I’m supposed to be playing an Ancients Saga game in May against Pemps’ Hoplite army. I’m going for a Persian or Indian army but, I don’t have the figures and I really don’t want to buy anything new. So, I’ll be using what I already have on hand to fill the ranks.
What I have is a selection of 28mm plastic multipart figures…….
Frostgrave Cultists by North Star
Mahdist Ansar by Perry
Afghan Tribesmen by Perry
Arab Light Cavalry & Horse Archers by Gripping Beast
Arab Heavy Cavalry by Gripping Beast
Arab Spearmen and Archers by Gripping Beast
Celtic Chariots by Victrix and
Macedonian War Elephants by Victrix.
It was Tim H who encouraged me to mix and match the various bits and bobs (the figures he’s produced by that method are truly gorgeous), so we shall see what we shall see.
First up, a War Elephant
The Victrix elephant has tiny weeny tusks, so I replaced them with brass rod. And the Howdah was too small for what I wanted, so the assembled sides were sawn into quarters and rebased. It’s probably at least half as big again as the original……poor Nelly!
The Mahout was given an Afghan turbaned head, and some Green Stuff clothes. I think the shield is from one of the Arab boxes. The chap waiving his sword is a straight forward Occultist, the other two crew are a combination of Afghan and Arab parts with Green Stuff hoods added.
The rugs hanging from the side of the Howdah are paper, painted over with dissolved plastic and given a fringe of Green Stuff. I’ve lost track of where the shields came from (clearly, I can’t paint circles!).
I added a small platform at the back of the Howdah. It occurred to me that it would have been rather difficult to board or alight………so now I start wondering about realism!
I was thinking I might do a couple of chariots next, but perhaps it would be best to finish some basic foot characters first. Not sure.
Iain
Yes. Definitely your elephant.
Very splendidly done.
Eh?
Ta!
I think he’s speaking Geordie “Wor elephant (man)” – ” Our elephant (old chap) ” ☺
Neil (native Northumbrian almost fluent in Geordie and English)
Oh yes. It’s like a different language isn’t it.
Like two Nations, divided by the Midlands.
Lovely job Iain.
For some reason it reminds me of the Airfix baby elephant……
Your colour choices and figure style suggests Harad and the Harradim…..☺
Neil
Hello Neil,
I wanted a colour that said evil. I think it worked. And I know what you mean about the Airfix Elephant. This is much bigger though.
A few years ago I bought two or three of the Schleich baby elephants to have a crack at doing a 20mm conversion……another project that stalled.
Iain
Too many conversions, too little time….
Neil
Isn’t that the truth.
A unique piece, which gives it so much more charcter – top notch!
Thank you Rob.
Are my people supposed to be talking to your people about a game…..or vise versa?
Iain
Spectacular and beautiful ! Another masterpiece..really like the red tones that you’ve achieved
Thank you Simon.
Your gorgeous Hinchliffe elephant inspired me to finish this thing. Can you do some chariots next please? I’m in need of inspiration!
Iain
I am doing some chariots..
But they are skeleton chariots. Not sure they’ll help!
A good point well made.
A gorgeous model Mr. Burt.
Currently feel intimidated enough not to turn up to the game.
Thank you Mr P, but it did take over six months, start to finish.
Iain