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Miniatures Adventure => Age of Myths, Gods and Empires => Topic started by: Ran The Cid on April 24, 2023, 02:57:49 AM

Title: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on April 24, 2023, 02:57:49 AM

Latin Tribes of ancient Italy:  Etruscans, Samnites, Oscans, and others.  Sometime allies of the Romans, sometime enemies of the Romans.  Units from the Latins will support my existing Roman and Punic armies, and possibly grown into an army (armies) of their own.

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/latin-tribes.png)

Miniature Reviews (for a few ‘new to me’ companies):

Newline – cleanly sculpted and cast in hard metal. The figures are on the smaller scale of 28mm, standing about 2mm shorter than the Crusader figure. When purchased on sale, the figures will do well for building out large units. While the Samnite figures have enough variety in poses and detail, some of the other units available from Newline have limited or single pose options.

Lancer – cleanly sculpted and cast in hard metal. The figures stand even with modern sculpts with good depth of body. Units use the same basic dolly, but come with many individual helmet and pectoral details. A fine set of figures, I would love to see this range of models expanded into other Ancients armies.

Agema – sculpted with a wealth of detail but cast in soft metal which lacks crispness. The figures are tall and thin with small features. I needed to spend a lot of time carving up small fists to make space for a spear. The pictured figure (1st class in Plate) is one of the few with a large enough fist to drill through without damage. The hoplite shield is cast with fine detail on the inside, but it matches poorly with most of the figures. On many figures the shield is hanging from the shoulder and barely making contact with the arm. The models that I have are from the 2021 Kickstarter. The units come with a wealth of variations for armour, helmets and clothing. I get the feeling the sculptor has a talented command of putty and history, but lacks experience with creating figures for gaming.

Side note – poor little Gripping Beast. Noticeably out of place in this line up. They could possibly mix in with Newline, but mostly will need to be in their own units.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: bluewillow on April 24, 2023, 05:48:57 AM

Have you looked at A&A and Crusader.

I have a mix of Agema and first Corps

Cheers
Matt

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: SJWi on April 24, 2023, 06:17:45 AM

Good morning, I understand from Keith at Aventine Miniatures that their next range will contain Samnites, with the late Etruscans re-released maybe in the Autumn.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on April 24, 2023, 01:57:34 PM

@BlueWillow - Crusader is in the line up.  I may mix them with NewLine to fill out a unit. 

@SJWi - I look forward to Aventine coming out with Samnites and re-releasing the Etruscans.  One of my Roman legions is Aventine, as well as most of my cavalry.  Wonderful sculpts with a distinct look.  Now I just need to paint up some of this inventory before buying more.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: sgzleada71 on April 25, 2023, 02:50:40 AM

Thanks for the summary.   I've not seen Lancer before and will check them out.   Re:   Agema I really like their plastics Roman and Punic sets (  and they have dedicated Etruscan heads in metal to modify these).  I've a fair few Agema metals and agree w your assessment.  Frustratingly skinny and poorly cast by Footsore ,  who seem to do an equally poor job with their own Mortal Gods line ( coincidentally sculpted by the same guy ). 
The Aventine Italian Hill Tribes are superb.   Gorgon's look great too.  Hopefully  you can post some pics of the finished figures  later.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: bigredbat on April 25, 2023, 04:26:12 PM

The Aventine Hill tribes and Gorgon fit really well together, lovely minis.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: pws on April 26, 2023, 08:49:24 AM

Quote from: bigredbat on April 25, 2023, 04:26:12 PM

The Aventine Hill tribes and Gorgon fit really well together, lovely minis.

I Love Aventine "ancients italian" miniature range one of my favourites.
I've mixed some with Mirliton's ancients (Apulians, Etruscans, Samnites, Romans), here: https://www.mirliton.it/historical-25-28mm/ancient
   

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Rossco2 on April 26, 2023, 12:12:09 PM

Newline and Gripping Beast fit with my old Ral Partha figures.  :)
I recently discovered Victrix and Ral Partha must be kept in separate units. In the same unit it looks like a legionary version of 'Take your kids to work day'.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on May 19, 2023, 10:32:08 PM

Agema Etruscan 1st Class Plate from the 2021 Kickstarter.  I like painting metal cuirass, its quick and easy, and makes for a sharp model.

The sword arms were missing from this unit, I substituted plastic hands from a Victrix kit.  The spear hands are fisted, but are large enough to drill cleanly through for a wire spear.  The shield arm was attached to the body, but did pop free during clean up to give a little space between the body and shield.

Shield decals are by Battle Flag.  The Agema shields were exactly the same size as the decals, but have a flat rim next to the rounded face.  The first decal did not sit well.  The solution was to cut off the rim from the decal, and only use the design in the center.

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/pxl_20230519_210426351-e1684531542793.jpg)

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/pxl_20230519_210435957-e1684531604802.jpg?w=1024&h=459)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: sgzleada71 on May 21, 2023, 11:52:29 AM

Great work w those Agema metals.   I've enjoyed painting them up too.   I also felt the need to modify them a bit. 

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: markw on May 26, 2023, 08:31:23 AM

I am currently working on a allied legion using a mixture of Agema and Victrix. I will post some pics up on progress.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on June 14, 2023, 06:39:06 PM

Lancer Miniatures Samnites

These guys were fun to paint.  The figures have crisp detail, with well defined features.  Assembling the figures was easy, although a few of the feathers were damaged (not a surprise for such a small detail.  My favorite detail is the broad metal belt which was a hallmark of the Samnite tribes, but which I have not seen on other tribal miniatures.  Finally, the standard bearer icon is huge!  But unique for similar brands of figures.

The only question remains, will they fight For or Against the Romans?

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/pxl_20230614_170358669-e1686762905162.jpg)

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/pxl_20230614_170420781.mp_-e1686763017569.jpg)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: AdamPHayes on June 23, 2023, 12:22:07 PM

The Navigator range of Samnites sold by Magister Militum are really excellent great detail and lots of character. Size wise similar to Newline?

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on July 17, 2023, 08:20:13 PM

Italian troops drawn up in Roman style with Hastati x2, Principes x2, Triarii, and Velites.  Shield transfers by Little Big Men.

These guys sat on my paint table for most of Covid.  The division was assembled and half painted when everything ground to a halt.  With the resumption of gaming, the final units were completed over the past months.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/pxl_20230717_180800005-e1689621330792.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/pxl_20230717_180904136-e1689618605807.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/pxl_20230717_180940157-e1689618558305.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/pxl_20230717_181012319.mp_-e1689618461211.jpg)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: OSHIROmodels on July 17, 2023, 09:30:00 PM

Impressive  :)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on August 21, 2023, 06:11:20 PM

Agema Etruscan 1st Class warriors in Lamellar.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/pxl_20230821_163909937-e1692637181858.jpg?w=1024&h=440)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/pxl_20230821_164015807-e1692637309454.jpg?w=1024&h=517)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on September 14, 2023, 10:02:05 PM

Agema Etruscan Command:  Commander with Augurs, 1st Class Command, and Centurions.

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/pxl_20230903_190035494-e1694723389881.jpg?w=909)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/pxl_20230903_185945643.mp_-e1694723716839.jpg?w=1024)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/pxl_20230903_185903605.mp_-e1694723760936.jpg?w=1024)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: vodkafan on September 15, 2023, 11:51:51 PM

Have you looked at Tin Soldier? They do a mixed range of ancient Italian states and further separate ranges of Samnites and Etruscans.
I can say they are a lot better in the metal than the website pictures would lead you to believe.
Up until a couple of weeks ago they were only £1 per figure but they have now gone up to £1.25, still excellent value and their mail order is the fastest .

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on September 16, 2023, 08:04:45 PM

I'll have to take a look at Tin Soldier.  The figures are listed as 25mm, how do they compare? 

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: vodkafan on September 17, 2023, 04:11:18 PM

Quote from: Ran The Cid on September 16, 2023, 08:04:45 PM

I'll have to take a look at Tin Soldier.  The figures are listed as 25mm, how do they compare?

They are 28mm going on 30mm like most others. I have Scything,  some Greeks and some Romans, they all fit fine with my other stuff.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: vodkafan on September 17, 2023, 04:35:24 PM

 That should have said Scythians!

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: vodkafan on September 17, 2023, 05:12:31 PM

I can do some comparison photos if you like?

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on September 18, 2023, 05:12:22 PM

Quote from: vodkafan on September 17, 2023, 05:12:31 PM

I can do some comparison photos if you like?

Yes Please.  More comparison pics are always welcome.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: AdamPHayes on September 20, 2023, 08:07:23 AM

You do have to pick and choose with Tin Soldier.

(https://myalbum.com/photo/LDsXvTmrqhR9/540.jpg)


Some of them are a bit errr.... portly.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on September 20, 2023, 05:47:34 PM

That first guy is rather dwarf like  lol

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on October 05, 2023, 05:16:44 PM

A mixed unit of Newline and Crusader figures.  This was an experiment to combine the two miniature lines, and it appears that the two companies blend well together in a single unit.  I’m not crazy about how the shields turned out, but its done for now.

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/pxl_20230930_171414917-e1696518763330.jpg)
Combined unit, ready for wars up and down the Italian peninsula.

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/pxl_20230930_171102192-e1696518809861.jpg)
Newline figures with command

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/pxl_20230930_170940625-e1696518871233.jpg)
Crusader unarmoured Samnites

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: markw on October 29, 2023, 10:02:21 AM

Working through my Agema Etruscan minis

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on October 29, 2023, 01:16:34 PM

Looking good!  I like the red rim on the shield.  What decals did you use for the shields?

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: markw on October 29, 2023, 08:36:20 PM

Little big men decals.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: markw on October 29, 2023, 08:37:53 PM

Another progress pic

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on November 03, 2023, 02:19:09 PM

Agema 2nd & 3rd Class Warriors, and Axe-Men

More Agema Etruscans from the Kickstarter.  Advertised with circular Aspis shield, the units were delivered with a mix of Aspis and Thureos shield types.  Stealing a few extra Thureos from the 4th Class unit, I was able to balance shield types across the unit.  I would have preferred all Thureos, but Agema was unresponsive about selling more.  Assembling the figures continues to be a challenge, many hands were dremeled in an attempt to add spears.

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/pxl_20231030_182144914.mp_-e1698694150109.jpg?w=1024&h=407)

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/pxl_20231030_182454344-e1698694078919.jpg?w=1024&h=456)

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/pxl_20231030_181840795.mp_-e1698693981228.jpg?w=1024&h=440)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: AdamPHayes on November 04, 2023, 09:15:21 PM

Great job on those.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: markw on November 09, 2023, 09:12:58 PM

Nicely painted 👍

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on December 09, 2023, 02:53:04 AM

First Division of the Etruscan army is complete!

(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/12/pxl_20231208_214536872-e1702073572324.jpg)

Agema 2nd class warriors command.  These were purchased pre-kickstarter, but the are a close match for the 2nd class command.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/12/pxl_20231208_213827647.mp_-e1702073618900.jpg)

Gorgon Etruscan commander
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/12/pxl_20231208_213715134.mp_-e1702073728124.jpg?w=195)

Agema Snake Priest
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2023/12/pxl_20231208_213739391-e1702073665244.jpg?w=246)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: markw on December 09, 2023, 10:17:35 AM

Nice looking Etruscan army in the making.   Quick question what size bases have you used ? Cheers

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on December 09, 2023, 01:13:01 PM

All of the figures are on 20mm squares with magnetic tape on steel movement trays.  The only exception is the general on a 50mm round.  Cavalry is on the painting table, they are based 25x50mm.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Freddy on December 10, 2023, 09:21:35 AM

I like them!

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Waffles_vs_Tacos on December 10, 2023, 01:27:31 PM

Those look amazing. Inspiring for when I finally get back to my Italians.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on January 16, 2024, 03:11:09 AM

Etruscan General and Snake Priest.  Both by Gorgon Miniatures.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/pxl_20240115_222430792.mp_-e1705368318316.jpg?w=195)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/pxl_20240115_222419684-e1705368267705.jpg?w=195)

The Gorgon Snake Priest is a fun study in contrast with the Agema Snake Priest.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on March 14, 2024, 02:49:25 PM

Etruscan Cavalry by Agema Miniatures.  These figures came out of the Agema Kickstarter as two very different packs.  The cloaked figures are rather tall with the typical Agema issues of poor arm placement – I even had to drill through a cloak on one of the figures to place the spear.  The second pack is smaller/thinner with less detail and a few weirdly shaped limbs.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/pxl_20240308_154253370.mp_-e1710042481249.jpg?w=620&h=620)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/pxl_20240308_154321033-e1710042426208.jpg?w=620&h=498)

Samnite Cavalry by Newline Designs.   Clean, sturdy figures with smaller stature.  I’ve really taken a liking  the Newline miniatures, the only negative is the limited number of sculpts available.  The horses come with armour, which is unusual for Latin miniatures.  I’m uncertain how authentic this is, but it does make the unit distinctive.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/pxl_20240308_154421798.mp_-e1710042577921.jpg?w=620&h=699)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/pxl_20240308_154434146-e1710042534803.jpg?w=620&h=472)

Paint Plan:  I’ve made an effort to try and paint the horses in an ancient style.  My (limited) research indicates that horses were pale and spotted, leading me to focus on grey, buff and a matt brown as choices for the mounts.  Apparently chestnut and the rich red/browns are a more modern aspect of horse breeding.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: nikkobourges on March 16, 2024, 09:47:49 AM

Nice cavalry units !!!
Nikkobourges

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on June 25, 2024, 09:43:59 PM

Second Class Etruscans by Gorgon Miniatures (with a pair of Crusader minis to fill out the unit).
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pxl_20240624_155212264-e1719263288523.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pxl_20240624_155226466-e1719263246948.jpg)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Basementboy on June 30, 2024, 04:43:47 PM

Lovely! The officers cloak is great as well, really makes him stand out among the rest of the unit.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on July 19, 2024, 07:10:59 PM

First and Second Class Etruscans by Gorgon Miniatures.
Digging deep into the lead pile, these figures may have been picked up 15 years ago when Gorgon first released the Etruscan line.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pxl_20240719_170726213-e1721410633223.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pxl_20240719_170800950.mp_-e1721410699981.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pxl_20240719_170826196-e1721410750469.jpg)
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pxl_20240719_170849837-e1721410819359.jpg)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Plynkes on July 19, 2024, 08:33:24 PM

Wonderful. I love this thread and all the figures in it so far.



I don't know much about this era, but I'm fairly sure that neither the Etruscans nor the Samnites were Latin tribes, though.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: nikkobourges on July 19, 2024, 10:49:59 PM

Very nice Etruscan units !!!

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Basementboy on July 21, 2024, 07:47:10 PM

Fantastic stuff! Really nice units ;)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on July 24, 2024, 05:54:30 PM

Thanks for the kind comments guys.  This project is nearing completion.  I have a unit of singers (Agema) and a General (Gorgon) on the painting table, then will move on to other projects for a while.  With Aventine closing, I will need to pick up 1 or more Etruscan units from them.  And then all that's left in the lead pile are several bags of Gripping Beast Italian Allies.

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Ran The Cid on August 12, 2024, 09:35:55 PM

A mixed group of Agema Slinger/Javelin.
(https://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pxl_20240803_182153265-e1723494158492.jpg)

Title: Re: Latin Tribes of Ancient Italy
Post by: Basementboy on August 14, 2024, 03:02:08 PM

very nice!