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Miniatures Adventure => Age of Myths, Gods and Empires => Topic started by: Tim Haslam on July 28, 2022, 06:10:59 PM

Title: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 28, 2022, 06:10:59 PM
Well just over 100 hours of painting, over the last three months has got the initial army finished.
I’m using it for WAB, my all time favourite game warts n’all.

Phase 2 includes more Spara, Kappadokians, Skythians, more elaborate command and North Africans. Maybe Egyptian marines too.

First up, the whole army.
Then Babylonian levy with a Satrap to stiffen the morale.
More levy this time Median bowmen.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 28, 2022, 06:14:04 PM
Next,
Camp followers and sailors rushed into combat with a pointy stick!
Midianite Arabs out for plunder.
Persian Sparabara unit, ready to block out the sun with arrows.
Persian light troops.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 28, 2022, 06:16:58 PM
Next,
The Immortals with army standard in there too.
Persian heavy cavalry.
Carians
Persian slingers
General and his baggage camels
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 28, 2022, 06:20:04 PM
Many thanks to suppliers and manufacturers of,
Victrix
Wargames Atlantic
Blitzkrieg miniatures (and Mario the sculptor)
Crusader Miniatures
Gripping Beast
Casting Room Miniatures
Newline miniatures
Relic miniatures
Veni Vidi Vici
Black Tree
The War Office, Milnrow, Manchester
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Jjonas on July 28, 2022, 07:27:54 PM
Wow! A laudable effort. It is not easy to find all the variety needed to achieve the "army of nations" look that is the signature of a Persian host. You have made a great dent in it though. Lots of clever mixing and matching to increase the variety. It is nearly impossible to finish a Persian army. Mine started in 1972 with 20mm Scruby figures. Then 25mm killed them off. Luckily I still use my 25mm with modern day behemoths, because nobody makes the levies like Minifigs and Garrison did back in the day. Now we get regurgitated base army figures over and over again. Vendel still has some outliers. It is a never ending project.
Great mix. Thanks for sharing your major opus! Hope they can hold their own in WAB2.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Easy E on July 28, 2022, 08:37:05 PM
Very cool and ambitious! 

My Persian army will not be nearly as diverse and cool.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 28, 2022, 08:49:41 PM
That’s inspiring! I have a pile of Achaemenid Persian figures, but have been putting off painting them. Seeing yours makes me want to drag them out and get to work.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on July 28, 2022, 09:05:27 PM
Tim, you are killing me mate. I have wanted a Persian army for quite some time and have a bunch of sprues waiting in my workshop but I just never find the time. Your army looks brilliant! I am green with envy. 👏🏻
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 28, 2022, 09:47:17 PM
Thanks guys.

Yup, I’m beginning to see this will be an ever growing project!
The figures for phase 2 are already taking it over 5000pts in WAB terms (2800pts) being the ‘norm’

I’ve got some good ideas running for the minor races.
One unit is already on the paint bench.

As for gaming success, meh, not too bothered.
As long as I give my opponent a bloody nose as he grinds me into the dust, I’m happy.
It could be a quite powerful army if I cherry picked from units listed.
That wasn’t my brief.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: armchairgeneral on July 28, 2022, 10:17:37 PM
Great looking army  :)
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: AdamPHayes on July 28, 2022, 10:54:44 PM
Love the camel having a little sleep!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Wellington on July 28, 2022, 11:16:20 PM
Brilliant!

Especially all the non-median and non-persian troops!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: FierceKitty on July 29, 2022, 04:07:39 AM
Good and muddled, as they should be. Two challenges: i) double-mounted Arabs are recorded several centuries earlier in the context of a final solution campaign. Is there evidence they existed by Achaemenid times? ii) Some of those lights are wearing the bulbous Sassanid Persian cap. Apart from the question of whether it existed or is a misinterpretation of a turban (I go along with the former), would it have been worn six hundred years before the time it's recorded in?

I hope you'll have some hoplite mercenaries? I always find the Persians seriously need them against Hellenic opponents.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 29, 2022, 09:05:06 AM
Thanks ever,
The army is based around Battle of Thymbra in 546bc
With Cyrus at the head of the army.
According to what we know mounted camel riders were used, as were baggage camels with infantry based behind them. It was a tactic that seemed to work, in that it caused fear in the Lydian cavalry.
Hence the seated camels in my photos. In WAB I can place them with an infantry unit which then causes fear in enemy cavalry.

As for the felt or cloth? hats, I’m only going off what references I have I’m afraid.
But agreed very similar to later Sassanid head gear.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 29, 2022, 09:06:52 AM
I do have some of the later Persians from Foundry and hoplites too.
So you never know this army may morph into an army ready to repel Alexander himself!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Arche Seleukeia on July 29, 2022, 09:08:15 AM
Beautiful army.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: sgzleada71 on July 29, 2022, 10:28:45 AM
Very cool.   I look forward to more picture as  the army grows.   Out of interest- which models are from Blitzkrieg ?   Do you find them bigger than all the rest ?
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on July 29, 2022, 02:26:51 PM
Arab camels are from Blitzkrieg, but not sure if they are officially released yet?
Size wise I'm perfectly happy with them.
Victrix are also chunky figures, as are Casting Room.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: sir_shvantselot on July 30, 2022, 04:42:13 PM
This all looks absolutely fantastic!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 01, 2022, 03:57:41 PM
Starting on Phase 2 now,
North African tribesmen now,
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: FierceKitty on August 04, 2022, 06:35:31 AM
It's frustrating to be beaten by Persians when one is using Alexander's army. When one's own name is Alexander, it's even worse!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 04, 2022, 08:25:45 AM
Rest assured, Alexander will not be having any trouble with this army!
Now, if you were Croesus from Lydia, then you can start to worry  lol

However at my command don’t expect any victories.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Frostie on August 12, 2022, 09:57:04 AM
very nice, I love a Persian army, I have one in 15mm Xyston figures
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: sgzleada71 on August 13, 2022, 10:04:20 AM
Nice looking Ethiopians.   What brand are they ? 
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 13, 2022, 01:29:50 PM
Those are Copplestone Back of Beyond range!!
Lovely sculpts, and quite adaptable across various periods.

Working on more stuff, see other thread!
Arab levy types.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 13, 2022, 04:51:26 PM
Kappadokian warband, or Phyrigian?
Looking good.

My painting has slowed a little, as I’ve had to take on extra real life work!
Plus the heat isn’t helping the paint.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade!
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 21, 2022, 03:22:20 PM
Phase 2 update,
Finished Kappadokians.

Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 21, 2022, 05:21:27 PM
Very nice job! The king of kings will be pleased.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 21, 2022, 07:18:12 PM
I hope so,
He’s next on the painting bench!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: bigredbat on August 22, 2022, 02:25:39 PM
Loving the Cappadocians- please remind me- what did you kit-bash them from?
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 22, 2022, 06:14:35 PM
Persian Body
Dacian head
Numidian shield and extra javelins
Celtic cloak.
all Victrix, maybe a Wargames Atlantic Irish cloak in there too?

I’m very happy with the result, plus my painting is acceptable for large armies, so overall a good unit.

Cheers guys.

Working on the King of Kings now…
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: bigredbat on August 22, 2022, 07:16:38 PM
Impressive!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 22, 2022, 09:26:04 PM
Praise indeed, thanks.

I’ve got another Spara unit, some Arab levy archers and a war tower to finish too!
Probably those beautiful looking horse archers from Victrix when they come out as well.

I think I’ll need to move on after that!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: Easy E on August 24, 2022, 03:58:51 PM
Nice work on your new unit!  They look the part.

Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: sir_shvantselot on August 24, 2022, 09:35:11 PM
Nice. I’m waiting to see the minis you swapped with me get painted!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, 21st Aug
Post by: Tim Haslam on August 25, 2022, 05:18:26 AM
The Foundry ones?
Yeah, they’ll be for a future expansion.
They are a later period to my Cyrus army.

Rest assured they are in the queue!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on October 19, 2022, 05:19:09 PM
Phase two completed.
Great King and his entourage, Kappadokian hillmen and African dudes.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on October 19, 2022, 05:23:16 PM
I’ve started working full time again at the moment, so progress has slowed right down.
Phase 3 is,
Horse archers (from Victrix, when they are released)
Ionian hoplites (built but only in undercoat)
Arab levy bowmen (in undercoat)
Another Spara unit (also in undercoat)

This is going right onto a back burner for the moment, as I also have a Norman army to get ready for February or March time!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Freddy on October 19, 2022, 08:43:02 PM
That looks really great, how did you make the carpet?
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on October 19, 2022, 09:34:43 PM
I cheated!
It’s a 3D print off eBay.
Along with the tent, I think it’s sold as a fantasy Arabian Knights kind of thing?

Looks cool doesn’t it.
I like the idea of the great guy himself watching his minions battle it out from a relatively safe distance.  lol
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Easy E on October 19, 2022, 10:54:44 PM
Awesome diorama.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 20, 2022, 04:30:17 AM
Decadent easterners, I like it a lot! Nice job on putting the elements together in a scene, it tells a story.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Freddy on October 20, 2022, 08:43:49 PM
I cheated!
It’s a 3D print off eBay.
Along with the tent, I think it’s sold as a fantasy Arabian Knights kind of thing?

Looks cool doesn’t it.
I like the idea of the great guy himself watching his minions battle it out from a relatively safe distance.  lol
It looks really great!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on January 20, 2023, 09:42:22 PM
I’ve finally got the horse archers from Victrix.
But not painted any figures for ages.

I’ve got a source for Archaic Hoplites too from Blitzkrieg Models.
These are painted by my buddy Mario, who also incidentally designed the figures!
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: trev on January 22, 2023, 09:27:15 AM
This project is shaping up nicely Tim.  Great painting and kit-bashing.  I like the Cappadocians.
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on January 22, 2023, 01:48:51 PM
I’m well chuffed with those guys too!

Bloody expensive way to build if that’s all you want.
Fortunately I had everything spare from the army project.
Plus a mate gave me some Dacian heads.

I’m afraid I’m just too busy to pick up the paintbrush at the moment.
Maybe when the weather gets better?
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: nikkobourges on January 22, 2023, 05:55:36 PM
Hello,

Superb paintjob of Great King and his entourage !!!

Nikkobourges
Title: Re: 1st Phase complete, Persian army on parade. Phase 2, update 19th Oct
Post by: Tim Haslam on January 22, 2023, 10:04:39 PM
Cheers.

Loved the project so far.
Just waiting for some time to continue it.

It’s also going to morph into a Lydian army I can use to oppose it, or mix and match some units in both forces.