Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Medieval Adventures => Topic started by: Coenus Scaldingus on December 10, 2017, 08:19:48 PM
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Took a bit longer than expected due to an unforseen trip abroad which delayed both the building of figures and taking pictures of them, but here we go: a full set of assembled plastic cavalry from GB's latest offering. As planned prior to purchase, 4 are built as actual dark age figures, 4 as late antiquity and the final 4 as incredibly generic ones that could expand either of the previous groups for when I need 6 or 8 for that period.
Overall, I was rather happy with the set. Although the different arm joins (compared to earlier sets) require an extra cut for arms to be interchanged, this is obviously minimal effort, and having used many bits from other sets my bitsbox has now grown with a bucketload of new weapons and useful heads, as well as some snazzy draco standards (it really is a rather nicely detailed one). The riders are an interesting situation. On the one hand, they allow for much more dynamic poses than you'll find in other sets, which fits light cavalry in particular very well. On the other hand, they do force you to use such extreme poses, and with only 3 bodies in the set, this simultaneously limits variation (a supposed strength of multipart plastics over monopose metals). However, for this little group plenty of different outcomes were achieved using various weapons, different angles of attack and changing the direction the heads were looking in. If getting a second set, I foresee some much more elaborate converting and sculpting, but the upside is that these were very easy builds; mostly transplanting some hands.
Anyway, I assume you want pictures now. Worth noting there are a few gaps left to fill (hair/neck mainly) and the riders are stuck on with putty rather than glue for now, as I didn't have enough bases for all horses...
Group 1: Dark Age. Meant to represent some sort of Hiberno-Norse figures, useable as mercenaries for various factions in the area.
Viking head, DA warrior javelin and shield
(https://fi2qpa-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4md7L3dkZe3M8EdcM5E1FoY2CKvpE29IoqHOygt7Wy_5jSwjxbVXwObCcd5P2JGBF4t_Fhtw-7oVkzJuA8sBXegA1MwPqNjzte7_05miYujQ8HJBT5dYUB5SU3S8nk31RWuj2IthKu1Zo7M5LBfZbVXlMhjZ8nC2n2VBu8duVC0ic5BLvrnIrG_H9UZsXcQNa1eEAZQ5OPM3PUVsUxsOTpqA?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
(https://xrmeaa-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mrMFra9TFuvoxchZDbrr8iAONXKlPv_VInf2-W53RQ4vfgoGRcN3MX4kQszogPJ0mIdOqE57lZJerwjgvlD-N3CVmgv0dNkWsU5yvXyTbom4pxeSEqHBqhwfgDvQe_Ln5BlHm3PMGinKuhkn70uadjDW5JQrwB-1mOL0d0W1XkwwikFGTgpp38nh5-aAiAPgBcqJ8rpwFVBqq0HAYZlDGPA?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Viking head, DA warrior javelin and shield
(https://xrlofw-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mDS8dKL2eW4ekRtFPv9ThVFHBBKFEGvApS_ZWDNS3NOl1oM5tJwkteF2xPUe9nwlQLemWE7OyXaXN-GUImdW3Ju8-N42BKuqpIqJWcrb0MHhYIub8oKkNrBWtlbjsk1H3bNdu9yZlruYVcw6HmoP9WENch5QkLDkwahQGID02NgWAieLk5hvoqTIs7n4HMZyvLYaNvAO-bCni8UL1jV4pCw?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Viking head, axe and shield
(https://xrnw0g-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4m99SrgsJXdmhs_7YjMdRg0JvZH5ty1W03hr0h78B3a0nHFx79h_O-fSdykER2OVUgtcrV3O4GksXpaBQrXfdbIbwFCg3W9c88dE7i8k2VnqsDUmUTfJXC7rqUuQmezarH1FsFBM914bL6UZWJ9OwMnbrC1_EBAnWmXgeeuKn5bSyI8v19revB18nS_XDbpiUS_B7FZTnJBm0t-L6_UCGpgA?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Rather like how this one turned out. Viking head and shield, Arab cavalry javelin
(https://xrnpiw-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mLprvf2lPMUJX2tKNGeQGYwhROf19QRCnRs9Wtk0ASuQI4DMC47ZQUDgH5Eu6U9mjVlrWoGwG1UEJSw3JWudC49wDRl9-JnATrQZz_O7KdB9edywj_N-swemgd998wmFYWRxI85ag5snJkJMqsHdl6mJKZLtV2kh-ZTc_bo35I4t7QOJaS9YvNHBK9zHCq7HesiAkngLkSo7j3JA4ph5RZg?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
(https://xrmzog-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4msiOjCXyFPl2MWf2LVqXdh39ZMVUEIOzMOcroXOuN72Ot_aW7hq6zrgMg0WofQocLwpk-_fY-xAbAFggpRd_RhDsDZOYxIhCn26_ACFw3nG4CP0v4pksAwXKPnSeH8BsgXRpZeMQJS-x-CMI6FRtleasU4ZWShHDvSxA38GG5ELtras8ESDZbgnvZ9Dh97HYzKKW2FcWYhpItUYwha1D3pg?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Group 2: Classical. With a variation of more Roman and 'barbarian' bits, these could either be foederati under Roman(ised) leaders, or full-time barbarians with looted Roman equipment. What can I say, I like them to be flexible...
Head from Late Roman infantry
(https://xrkfdq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mc5jRLSNc3thNvxAgjne-iFx4sIEnsIAqYiwv7fH90w6oLDaCKx3VP0d3_MoXrefiddG3srkueWAvjohZyLcVYR1QaGI0uIlw_LORaNT81h3MBncEROlDLtuLS5-I96YmstXVcPiH66O7BVn4ugBIlOkPp6YH1KuoneZnIcJx5cNcCZAxo-PjgdRwkVFsCvmhdI1KvneCuqm-fKey4vWLog?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Head and standard from Late Roman infantry
(https://xrkr5w-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mQL3XliACR37v23nHu5MmPxM9KflkXfJVCO9S4ByHWvTeySxql2-03uPMCeY2bKjD5A5Q0TX7BMiJFCsccSqN-hV3dxAUi3mWBRuKwhNv-8RD4EDZeddZ5IP6fihddGcRWny__FI_8lGyAqiDDAumWkdpYYO8h6NSRqSCOFG7_-JjYG6Bu6qg5X28lp9hMix1y_7WgF2Dipk5WYbuVkxnug?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
(https://pi0row-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4m-Qk6pLxQyvsvd0SZSHlWNOpVQ0hVRLcR1PtJQnyXA3IIk4bDRmobXKiuUbd-Rv7jctkaQwmAF_sn8yclopa9Bn6r_OFDLMCoIvlpWBsaLNk98Idi4gqeyUrd4fk2uqsAwn25s76XoKB0b-rqEp1W7CQWzCIO4pKuiZEJd5Q0haTAo8vkcntogWid61lTDn0SfAxzM4czreW96joxOzYG8g?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Another one I really like. Simple hand swap (spear for sword), all bits from the actual plastic cavalry set.
(https://xrmsww-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mB4KPpyWxhr7M4_LHlZ-3RXIvMT79y8TJQrnDj-Okxde2iYBeLlvx-ev2FmKZveWQhVUEtipwNZD8KCSmW5dutGpHUnecfdGJMOd98H5rb0VcQMrv9OE9s4bSsN35rWF2rc_y4OKb4OALgxAqaRNM7wOMFwF0EWMOwz9QQlxN_W9gNUdXxx1GvpNQQC4YC1YCCyz5JWhNRSvd0HlwX53CVQ?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Plume from a Warlord Games Caesarian Roman.
(https://xrm66q-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mNDfaD0oM7k-QyZbMAyraj2K-1bGrSK9_yIxRCRypgGISH3RCfmloGCiCC2lEYVYACdnMzWufHXUMrcvBLB8VvtCn96BehABYtGuCh8XRGOxsdZjFqho7IsRv4UAKvmZ9kxty0rZMgWYytqUM4XVNz_T5Hqn6zNBMY4LoHjSvQbGFJJWpaQeGRmh6g_QyVQD6Apv5H_j0vIYHb1aLqu6G6g?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
(https://xrlvxg-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mwS9C0RZi40r3OZcG6Mcf1QiWxv_2gLaioxqxdx-9XTCF4msP1Pud9JOme7huSpPn33l4qij3A8HfuvEGp_9tnSlzb8n5w_d8UG-ri5tkIL9KHqg1WthuQFvb_oLCyMYAVVcWU8XGgXoSLgl_DCBvt9EBCZXFMHZgKKE1tW5_zmk__aLRjjNNQzPFz3zkeyq7SWoTqV9ady1FiktxsnybeQ?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Group 3: Random hairy barbarians.
Entirely from the set.
(https://pi2xdq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mxGbClJA7RYuYoiDUqOLifQIAAGl5oTG0S8obMax7G2iANa6OAriZV5jIzJ_nasgACZ16bKWUgFFcUhOO-JOQC_YEaRYoiIV2hH_IZf9PSXkQ1AI1RIyhJ5rShHaypswAYH3f_eJAz7umaQ4tPGzjI0Lz1a0UGsN3xD2mXLCfXBZ2C-N1URQgtxZvAl0MnbD1b5qi32T3Yl0OHyVQwDUYTQ?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Dark Age head and javelin.
(https://pi1arq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mNvwV-sBhy8pZvx8-cuPVpcO_BYGfw9p3ov5wgwlI6RyW6-JUmoXhRtWTxxtzbyRODvco9Yy7PV-OZOF62pLc65JYLvhCLb69-ePHdbrbtAC0RjlOcIjU3c5IpNT1I-zf_MTpsumeDfeet08gw0m4oJYUtD4UISqRaE5nwrYrVBkYtNJBui1YbofeFKNWBFjAUkZnFuMZwN9cSG__oEkInw?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
(https://pi2qlg-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mWV40oyS7Q0mljmr0NY6pNmeOGKMEKlG6OWND2mRd5iS5V-rD8OTgSU4vCiRHi007IMATFate6bUaNo9rwAFhqzZeIJdkmJd9yI5R_Bi2Yi-cCVXPG-KHKg0GOHkqyFliJMwBX3i2UT4EEQt5A4-hVRfTlNuwzvSiPSZzR6a_vLc0tcFYExPIstHnp9Trc0Z7Um_AJ57-anY2fQVD24oh7A?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
Dark Age head.
(https://pi1hja-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mGYQ7mLP1zRmAw_4Xz2c52ZMbaHGhSUH4dv8vocq2-SqvcBJNOFyj8KcSoFJkVxIyaccRPSL11idpNgZqnx8idExBqQ6wDPeJ4x7w96u1U2Caw0lvrSoCKhSA68yE3lwB_3jdwJ4TktvT5mS2RdTAjMGyQ_CLoBoZs29hH2LNbCJCeBra0hpcgZWJYAZCZvcJbqyeOu0UWfnaEdR9C4W3-w?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
(https://pi38aa-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mxgAu90Qd32aK6-GZgGjwX5p2TmQ_kYnJ3DV6DpPHv-WYHcFl6ayi1C0VrtSpWbSil-MKPPSePKC7uoVBY3upfEfAJEzJ58BPorlb2PjFdI2s_HqQPa3klT7rj4gaye9M-hn1EHuFIDUu1hB4ihoLxtqpdiOm4FVXubSQPmI06E6oiVuxtDzOZp0E6H0E05ooWZjttPeYByX8kGxFV7F1Ag?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
And finally, another one of my favourites. Dark Age head and horn, Viking shield with javelins.
(https://pi31uq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4m7kJnad7XvziwOjojgZeBV1-VG2-tBtANK1oD5trVI0XLOyBBTQBsneG2pjh3sCZTuhE8hspprKe-sz8fX-Tj8BwlGzy04ZVlOM-kf0XWZ9dsRsWGQOMQZA15vcGMU1tdiUpbz1CyYIO9rKHGJ72ijsUfYySHk0AcPwwQHbt6xcubuYq64uYJa6mwd3-nMmXPHiZufiep_J89P40YGW2Ttg?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none)
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Great work all around! I'll surely draw inspiration from some of these for my own builds. The hornblower in particular.
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Fantastic! Really great conversions, the poses all seem very natural and realistic.
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Great stuff 8) 8)
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Nice work on these and thanks for posting. A versatile set despite the limited options. I think most of us have plenty of bits to add to the kit, so definitely a maybe for me in the future. I will probably wait and see how the new Saga boards pan out before making a final decision, but if cavalry are required I can see these being my first option. :)
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Cool conversions.
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Very nice conversions. Very natural poses, as previously said
:-* :-* :-*
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Fantastic stuff, and inspiring for what I plan to do with the set as well. My faves are the last Viking pic with the cloak, and the hornblower.
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Very nice horsemen, I especially like the viking who borrowed an Arab javelin!
You have made the most of a somewhat uninspiring kit with creative "plastic surgery" and a well assorted bits box. It confirms my belief that this is actually a good kit if you have a decent bits box.
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Fine looking conversions! Was it difficult to cut the arms so that they fit with the new bodies?
As for the limited selection of bodies, would it be possible to cut some bodies in half and then swap the upper bodies with those from the Dark Age Warriors set (cut into two in a similar fashion)? This would provide for a wider selection of poses, though cutting the figures in two might be somewhat time-consuming.
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You managed very dynamic poses! Congrats!
I like most the standard bearer!
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Great conversions. The unfortunate thing about GB kits is you really need one or more of other kits to provide many of the options. There first two kits (Hird and Thegns) are the most useful for the extra bits.
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They look rather good. :) Very dynamic poses. I like them all but the "Viking Cavalry" seem particularly effective.
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Nice kitbashing :)
Always good to see.
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Awesome kitbashes. Makes them look rather striking!
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Firstly your renderings of these is very good Scaldingus and I look forward to seeing them painted. Your 4/4/4 approach is simple and effective. The Viking-types are particularly good mate.
Was somewhat underwhelmed by the sprues however - they are a weird mix of clothing and even weirder helmets. If they had all been dressed in long-sleeved tunics and trousers with a choice of bearded bare heads and spanghelms they would have made almost any Germanic/Goth/Roman unarmoured cavalry for about 350 years.
Just wondering what the armoured Romans are going to look like now as they should have been similar with mail armour to be super-useful...
Will bash some of mine in the New Year and would be interested what you think
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Thanks all, glad to see the pictures were liked.
On the one hand, I agree that it takes some of the other kits to really make the most out of this set - especially for a later Dark Age set, something actually rooting them in that age (such as a viking hat) does make a great addition. Then again, the only reason I made these was because I might as well use the dozens of extra heads and weapons I had leftover from other sets to make them even better. For a single set, I could have replicated most of these poses with bits in the set (different standard, spears rather than javelins, other heads), but had a slight preference for the created versions (not least to have plenty of spares to now stick on infantry figures). However, after a first box variation will be tougher to achieve, which is where the bits box certainly comes in handy.
Was it difficult to cut the arms so that they fit with the new bodies?
Given that the figures already consist of 6+ parts, an extra cut and snip somewhere aren't much work. A big advantage of the cavalry figures is that they have short sleeves with narrower long sleeves underneath, which means that any arm cut above the elbow should fit incredibly easily. Once you get the arm cut at the right place and angle, it might as well have been made for the job. (Heads may require a tiny bit of puty or an extra slice off the neck; neck sizes seem to differ a bit between sets.)
As for the limited selection of bodies, would it be possible to cut some bodies in half and then swap the upper bodies with those from the Dark Age Warriors set (cut into two in a similar fashion)? This would provide for a wider selection of poses, though cutting the figures in two might be somewhat time-consuming.
Considered doing so very much, and probably will for a second set. There are three main obstacles here: Firstly, it will indeed cost some time and effort, and I wanted to get these done quickly. Secondly, the bodies are easily split just above or below the waist where both infantry and cavalry wear a belt. One of the cavalry figures (the raised right arm) is posed at such an angle that a newly transferred torso will probably still have to twist that way. Finally, the cavalry figures wear knives at their belts extending beyond the belt upwards, while various infantry have those left arms stuck to the body extending below the belt downwards with hands at least. Either way, some careful cutting or a decent amount of resculpting will be required. In additon, those stuck-on arms means the supplied shields won't fit when on horseback, so you'd need smaller bucklers or so (although they're well-posed to go without shields holding their reins actually. Could always have a shield strapped to their back or hanging from the saddle.).
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You,ve sold me on this set , C.S. , I,ll be buying a box after seeing what can be done with them . We need more of these “ kit bashing “ features , very well done and I look forward to seeing some painted up .
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I'm very impressed with what you have done with these. I'll definately buy some and have a go at kitbashing them.
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Very nice conversions. Are you planning so show some of them painted?
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Yes, pretty impressive what you made of those. :)
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Great conversion but I’m not convinced by those horses heads. Maybe they’ll look less weird when painted.
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Those horse heads and necks look awful.