More 15mm for the Hellenistic Wars

 

I continue to press on to complete my Macedonian and Persian Armies, shading into Hellenistic Armies. Old Glory Xystophoroi above.  I have used a fair range of figures and you will find two comparison pic's at the foot of the page.

Persian archers and slingers from Lancashire Games with command.

 

Xyston Persians mixed with Lancashire Games Cardakes.

Forged in Battle Agrainian javelin men.  These are particularly nice figures.  So nice I did two units.  Alexander seems to have used them for special operations.  They could skirmish and melee, so I did them 3 to a base.

 

Betimes they were allied with the next bunch.

 

Forged in Battle Galatian mercenaries. Very popular in Hellenistic Armies and  they will do service on their own account.  There are odd bits of info' about suggesting that the colour blue may have had specific significance for Celtic warriors.

A 15mm comparison shot looking from left to right Lancashire, Forged in Battle, Xyston, Forged in Battle.  Side shot below in the same order.

Only a few bits and pieces to do now.  Or so I tell myself.

Macedonian and Persian Light Troops

 

I’ve decided to press on with Ancients Project.  Today we see various light infantry to suit Macedonian, Persian or Successor armies.  Some of them could do service with the Romans too.  I’ve discovered I have loads of everything but not enough of anything.  Anyhow, let’s take a look.

 

Cretan archers from Minifigs, a combination of three codes.

Cretan archers from Xyston, sold as Macedonians I think.  The Kausa cap is a clue, still popular in Afghanistan because of Alexander's Army.  Would campaigning Cretans wear Macedonian caps? I think so.  Otherwise consider them Macedonians.

 

Greek Slingers from Minifigs, another combination of codes. 

Greek Slingers, a very pleasing Gladiator and Lancashire mix. Josef Ochman sculpts for both?

 

Cappodocian archers from QRF. 

These could serve with Darius or Antigonus or Mithridates, others too. Eumenes Diadochi? I do. Handy fellows. 

The pic' at the top of the page is everyone's favourite - the comparison shot.  Here it is again with notes. From your left looking right Minifigs, Minifigs, Xyston, QRF, Lancashire/Gladiator.  Side view same order.

Next it will be Peltasts, Agrainians and Tarkabara/Cardaces.  After that more Macedonians in the form of Yxstophoroi and Hypaspists.  Not to mention 50 more unpainted Phalangites recently discovered.  When I get to them I don't know.

I find painting works best when I’m motivated to paint something specific.  At the moment it is this period.  I have got a fair few done.  All to the good as other periods are jostling there way to the top of the painting queue.

Later Achaemenid Persian Cavalry

Here are my Late Achaemenid troops bought over the years from various outfits. My latest from Xyston above, I must get another 4 to complete the unit.

 Old Glory Persian cavalry above and both next below.

Not bad figures.

  Some Essex next.  I used to paint the eyes.

These ones came from Bill Lamming’s shop closing down sale.  If I recall right I also got some Battle Honours French Revolution figures.  That certainly dates things.  Another Essex unit.

I have some Scythians too from Old Glory, currently AWOL.   Once located they can join Darius.

The Cappodocian contingent from Old Glory.  I intend to add some Forged in Battle Cappodocian light cavalry to this bunch. They will then do nicely as Pontic cavalry of Mithridates.

I have far too may armoured units but I shall have to live with it.  Amongst the unpainted there are probably enough for another two units of ordinary troopers.  Between them and the missing Scythians that should do the trick.

 

Towards a Later Achaemenid Persian Army- Part 1

 

There comes a time in a man’s life when he looks to his Achaemenids. I was disappointed when I saw mine.  A mixture of old and newish, finished and unfinished.  It was a semi derelict project in desperate need of renovation.  Something had to be done, so I did it.

Where better to start than the essential Greek Hoplites.  The newest and the best of mine are from Forged in Battle. 

They came my way via a splendid ebay bargain.  They are a joy to paint.

Next, a mixture. Some Essex Hoplites with added QRF aspis shields.  The Essex ones come with a cast on non hoplon shield, no rim. So I cut off the originals. The clue’s in the name lads.

Gladiator Hoplites above and below as well.  Nice figures and correct shields.  The spear is way too short though. 

Back in the day the Gladiator Hoplites were,in my opinion, the best of what was available.  There is a Minfig officer in the next pic'.

There are enough of the above to provide a heavy infantry core for a Later Achaemenid Persian Army for use with Simon MacDowell's Civitates Bellantes (A sort of Classical Comitatus) or Piquet’s Pulse of Battle.

Of course, we would betray the spirit of the thing if we missed out on the four horsed scythed chariots. First QRF’s version, a good one I think.

 

I’ve had to use bigger bases to prevent the scythes getting knocked off. Of course my scythed chariots will also see service with Mithridates Scourge of the Romans.

 

Above and below one from Essex.  

Pleasantly, I found that most of my Persian cavalry were done and based needing only a tuft or two to cheer them up.  That may seem an odd thing to write.  Dear Reader, this project began 30 years ago.  We will see them all shortly.  

In other news I've finally learned to use my pin vise drill without snapping the bit.  As a result some very nice Xyston Satrapal cavalry are having their moment on the painting table.