I started this post a week ago! Lots been going on and as ever each time I login to get the blog moving again something happens to distract… Anyway…a diversion…
Once I’d finished the last Ottoman figures I was at a bit of a loss for what to do next. I’m still pondering a 2026 Plan so in an attempt to aid that I thought I’d have a little tidy. And in a box file I found a load of assorted primed figures from various projects I’d started and then left. There was 28mm RSM British, RSM Janissaries, Spencer Smith FPW Bavarians, and some 15mm Forged in Battle skirmishers: Balearic Slingers and Cretan Archers…
As I’m planning to return to Ancients this year I’ve been pondering a rebase of all my DBx based stuff on to 80×40 bases for potential use with Midgard, Impetus, and To The Strongest. Yes, I know I can use the existing basing and sabots etc. but recent games of Midgard have shown the appeal of the bigger bases. So I thought I’d use the FiB stuff as a trial to see what the basing looked like.
They were already primed and as they were of a suitable sculpting style I wanted to try a ‘quick win’ of base coating them and just applying a wash. 15mm is more forgiving of a bit of variety in painting style. So here we have them:
I like the rounded corners and although I could have tried moving to a lighter basing style I decide to stick with what I have as it works with my mats and means I COULD use the DBx stuff as well in the meantime…
I need a bit of planning to work out how to base close order units. Legionaries and the like are fine on 80×40 but I need to decide if I’m going to put command IN the unit or at the back. And how much space to leave at the side of each base. And as I have pike to base they are currently on 40×30 (8 figures) with two such bases making a block. So I could probably get three ranks on 80×40 but would need 80×60 to match the current look/depth. I’m sure that would work fine for Midgard and To the Strongest but part of the appeal of the ‘unit’ bases is the ‘look’ of distinct units and maybe using fewer figures that would then allow a few more bases to be created. I suspect I’m going to just have to pull a pile off bases and play…
I’ve to 16 Macedonian pikemen primed so not sure whether to paint them to try out or just put some others to soak… 16 isn’t quite enough for a base in either option…
We shall see…
They look lovely and it will be good to see the armies ready for action
I will make no comment on your basing conundrums 🙂
I have been following with interest this painting project. This blog post however is really interesting. Not only are the fine miniatures presented well but the background is interesting. I look forward to reading of progress.
I see the problem with the basing. I’d keep the same ‘space’ round the figures, i.e. the clear area between the figures and the edge of the base, consistent whatever the formation. So a pike block would go on a deeper base – although I’d say that three ranks is more than enough for a pike block, and probably more realistic.
Nice figures by the way.
I like!