28mm Republican Roman Cavalry

 

I painted this unit of Republican Roman cavalry for Victrix last year. They are actually metal Aventine Miniatures figures which have been especially designed to fit in with the fantastic Victrix plastic Republican Roman range. They are available as part of the army deals on the Victrix site or separately on Aventines. They are finished off nicely with LBMS transfers, which are splendid as usual. 

 

 

 

 And here are a couple of WIP pics.

a few more Apulians

Another nice phalanx of Apulians, again I have finished them off with the marvellous Little big men studios transfers. this time using a selection of Etruscans designed for Aventine miniatures and Italians designed for Grippingbeast. They all fit very well on these Crusader miniatures hoplons.

My favourite is the chap in the front row with the red cloak, who quite by accident has a matching shield and tunic. Gok wan would be impressed!

Imperator

Here he is, the Imperator ready to lead the Samnit chosen band. I have kept with the white and silvered look, then added a bit of colour with the purple. I also decided to give him a hoplon and a rather nice shield transfer from Little big men studios Etruscan range to fit Aventine miniatures.
This chap and the linen legion should really stand out on the battlefield against all the colourful units and bronze armour.

Samnite Linen Legion

According to Livy, the Samnite infantry were divided into two corps. The first wore bleached white tunics and silvered armour. the second wore bronze and muti-coloured tunics. It was the custom of the Samnites to concecrate themselves before battle, and this is why they dressed themselves in white and whitened their arms , as this is the colour of religious purity. In the middle of the camp an enclosure was erected made of wicker fences this was then covered with linen. Here a sacrifice was made according to the ancient rites preserved on linen rolls. The chosen band was created firstly by the imperator selecting ten of the most eminent of the Samnites. These then in turn chose a further ten each until they numbered 16,000 men. These soldiers swore a sollemn oath over the sacrifices, which were guarded by centurions with drawn swords. These were called the Linen legion after the linen roof of the enclosure. They were given silvered arms and crested helmets to distinguish them from the rest.  They were the elite of the army and held the post of honour , the right wing.

Apulians in detail

Here are a few pics of the Apulians in a bit more detail

I am pleased with the results.

Next up Samnite Sacred Band!

Apulians

Here is a rather large Apulian phalanx I have jsut finished.

I had trouble acquiring any decent reference material for these boys, so i kept them quite simple then added in some classic Italian style clothing, so hopefully I am not to far off the mark!
Figures are from Crusader miniatures, finished off with LBMS shield transfers, Italian ans Etruscan range fro GB and Aventine minis.
More detailed pics tomorrow

More Campanian Hoplites

Heres the latest unit of Campanians. Again they are Crusader miniatures, with the help of LBMS transfers.

 Whilst I had the camera set up I thought I would take a few pictures, I am really pleased with the results but i am sure they will only get better with time. I would just like to thank Joe Dever for his advice on the camera set up. Photography has never been my strong point and I really need to put some time aside to become proficient. But first some more commissions to finish!

  

I love the way the lad in the second rank looks like he is looking at the camera



new camera!!

Well I finally bought the new camera I have been promising myself for the last couple of years... Its a Sony A350 and I had a little play with it this afternoon and I think once I get to know my way around it a bit better it will be a great camera for my needs.
Above are a few pics shot today, sadly there is nothing new. Next week I have lots to paint so stay tuned