Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Pikes, Muskets and Flouncy Shirts => Topic started by: warburton on October 13, 2013, 11:46:53 PM
-
Crann Tara has apparently purchased the excellent and sadly out of production Graven Images Border Reivers.
I may have to get them for myself for Christmas...
http://cranntaraminiatures.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://cranntaraminiatures.blogspot.co.uk/)
-
Good to see that Graham has brought these figures under the Crann Tara wing, a nice move that has been bubbling under for a while 8)
I think they'll get a well deserved new lease of life :)
www.gallopingmajorwargames.com
-
I tried to get hold of some a few years ago for some Border Reiver skirmishes but no luck. Good to see someone has picked them up. I ended up getting the Molon Labe (Vendel) figures from Sgt Major Miniatures in the US (excellent service), which may be a little small next to these?
-
I always liked Jim Bowens sculpting style. Which size are these though?
-
They are quite chunky and quite large, but great figures.
-
I understand the Graven Images line are chunky and quite big 28s; I hope they will mix well with the Vendel figures as I have those also (which I would describe as fairly big and chunky themselves) though I would be interested to see a side by side if anyone has one.
I also second the excellent customer service of Sgt Major Miniatures.
-
Unfortunately, Vendel and Graven Images don't mix that well. Vendel are of the (older) Gripping Beast variety no surprise since it's the same sculptor while Graven Images are distinctly taller and of a noticeably different style. If you are want to reinforce a Vendel collection, perhaps better wait for Warlord releasing the newly acquired Arsenal range, these look more suitable for a mix so far.
That said, the reivers (and civilians in particular) from Graven Images are very nice in their own right and, if kept separate, would be usable alongside any other range, anyway.
-
Graven images mix quite well with GW ;) they are "epic" 28mm .
I use some border reivers for mordheim .
-
I might still get the excellent looking bishop character as he can justify being a big fellow!
-
That is superb news, particularly the bit about finishing off the ranges by adding Gallowglass
That's the xmas present to myself sorted then :)
-
Unfortunately, I have the miniatures not at hand for a comparison. But here's something cobbled together from an older stock of photos. The two models to the left are Graven Images, the other three are from various ranges carried by Wargames Foundry (the landsknecht being a fair match to Vendel). All bases are 25mm in diameter.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/14/1034_14_10_13_2_04_32.jpg)
In case you wonder: These come from an age-old project of mine set in the early 16th century. As such some of my (converted) figs became models for Regulator's excellent Landsknecht range, and consequently I replaced pretty much my whole stock with the more appropriate and, to my taste, better sculpts (cf. the bishop here (http://shop.progloria.com/product_info.php?cPath=34_22&products_id=29)). A collector's tale
::)
-
Here's a side by side of the Graven Images and Vendel pikemen for comparison:
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FecgEPb1vrU/Ulv85sPfjMI/AAAAAAAALvk/S9e6zv7NOKs/w931-h374-no/Graven+Vendel.jpeg)
As you can see the Graven Images figures are much "chunkier" than the Vendel ones and I tend to use them in separate units.
-
Doc, great link to the Pro Gloria bishop. I like that one a lot!
-
Hope the new sculptor keeps the size and girth of the originals. A Flodden range would be great too. The Irish figures are great as well, I acquired quite a few from Jim before he sadly passed on. The command pack had loads of character, I painted it for a guy in the states, don't even have a photo. THE CID.
-
They look rather fun. Reivers are a group that you could easily get away without mixing with anyone, assuming the ranges are big enough. Perfect for skirmish games.
-
Great news that these figures are going to be available again, all of a sudden the range of figures for the 16th Century is growing faster than I'll ever be able to paint. These, Warlord's purchase of the Arsenal figures, TAG's Tudors and hopefully their Valois French to follow and of course Progloria's Landesknechts and soon to appear gendarmes. Life is sweet if you like this period.
-
Always liked these figures, but sadly found them incompatible with 28mm, since they are more or less 35mm in actuality... ::)
But good to know they'll be available again.
-
Gents as the owner of Crann Tara miniatures and the new owner of this range I have read the comments with interest. The risk with the range, indeed any range is compatibility however I loved the figures so much that I just couldn't let them disappear especially when there were so many unreleased.
The sculptor I am talking to has a very similar style to Jim as it's imperative to keep the character of the range.
I want to finish the Irish fairly quickly by getting Galloglass, Horse and some more command completed.
The Reivers I want to add some more broken men, hounds and hound master, herdsmen etc all to fit in with some rules we are working on.
Depending on how well this goes it would be nice to drift into the earlier periods and look at possibly Flodden etc.
But first things first as my piggy bank sounds a bit hollow at the moment!
-
How do tehy fit with the perry 40mm-Range???
-
How do tehy fit with the perry 40mm-Range???
Too small, sadly but definitely.
-
Great news.
I think these are fantastic figures. 35mm? I don't recall them being that large, though, it's a while since I painted these. "Chunky" 28mm is how I thought of them, a sort of "man's size" metal figure. ::) These are based on 25mm round bases, if that helps anyone.
Not sure they would "mix" well with other ranges, but for me that doesn't matter. Besides, I read on these boards that lots of ranges won't mix with lots of other ranges. :?
I'm biased as I loved the style of the figures. Real blast to paint and, funds permitting, I'll be buying some when they are available again. Think my only niggle was the thickness of the pike/spear shafts so I replaced them.
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR600.jpg)
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR1.jpg)
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR2.jpg)
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR3.jpg)
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR4.jpg)
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR5.jpg)
(http://www.orctrader.co.uk/Images/Historical/BR6.jpg)
-
For those that are interested I have posted some far better pictures than my first attempt on the two blogs
http://scotiaalbion.blogspot.co.uk/
http://cranntaraminiatures.blogspot.co.uk/
In the pictures all the infantry are based on 1p coins or small washers.
-
This is good news. I've long fancied getting some of these, but Graven's reputation put me off.
-
Orctrader: those photos were the ones that inspired me to start collecting the Reiver period; great paintwork, really brings the figures to life!
Whisperin_al: Thanks for that comparison shot - very useful. I think the figures mix well enough for my purposes and I intend to get loads!
-
Graham, you said the F word. FLODDEN. Yihahhhhhh. THE CID.
-
Great news! The Reivers display in Carlisle uses these, and they look very good!
Some of the Vendel/Molon Labe ones I have are pretty chunky, more 32mm than 28mm, btw.
-
They are great Graham and ill be getting some of these for sure along with some flags for the them :)
-
Bought a lot of these when first out, nice big chunky minis, hadnt seen the later Irish other than the Kerns. Any plans on expanding these at all?
-
Hi,
It's my intention to expand the Irish we currently have Irish kern with Javelin and swords (12 different figures) Irish kern with arquebus (12 different figures), Irish pike with pike upright and level ( 12 figures in each pose) and Irish with arquebus ( you guessed it 12 different figures)
I was looking at expanding the Reivers first but from comments and e.mails received then it may be prudent to get the Irish finished - Gallowglass, horse and redshanks are all on the list.
Any suggestions for either elements of the range gratefully received
-
Oh yes gallowglas and redshanks would be great I did an irish army with the few released at the time and the then Vendel ones, was a real struggle at the time.
-
Gallowglas and Redshanks sounds great and a few mounted would be good. Also casualties, I had the reivers ones, but we need a few irish.
-
Orctrader: those photos were the ones that inspired me to start collecting the Reiver period; great paintwork, really brings the figures to life!
WOW. Thanks for telling me. :D
-
Great news! I have some, they are big and chunky but great sculpts. I will definately buy some more
-
Great news every body, test casting complete, no problems so the figures are now available :)
The shop is at http://www.cranntaraminiatures.co.uk/ and has all the current figures listed and if you click on special offers and deals you will find some great deals on multiple purchases :D
-
Couldn't resist,
I've always wanted to collect this range, so I jumped at the Border Ablaze deal. I presume these will scale okay with the Foundry Swashbucklers?
I think this range lends itself to individual round basing that can be placed into other bases. So the troops can be used either in a skirmish game, or based together for a "Pike & Shotte" battle.
Can anybody suggest a brand for 3mm mdf bases 60x60?
Will start with reivers and then push into the Irish wars.
Nick
-
Nick,
First thanks for being the first to order, so I'm putting a an extra figure in which we haven't identified yet. Think it's a general but we can't find the mounted version. I'm sure you will like the figures and the casualty pack is nice.
For bases try Martin at Warbases.
I base mine on penny pieces and use martins 3mm trays with the cut outs. You can decide on size etc
-
I've always wanted to collect this range, so I jumped at the Border Ablaze deal. I presume these will scale okay with the Foundry Swashbucklers?
No, they really won't. They're a lot bigger and very different in style. Still, you've bought them now :)
I like the Graven Images figures too - always have, ever since they first appeared. But they are very unique in stature and style, and really are best used on their own.
-
No, they really won't. They're a lot bigger and very different in style. Still, you've bought them now :)
I like the Graven Images figures too - always have, ever since they first appeared. But they are very unique in stature and style, and really are best used on their own.
Sadly, yes.
-
Jim Bowens has passed away, is that correct?
-
Yes. Sadly. Very young, and the loss of a real talent. Some of his stuff was in perhaps slightly questionable taste, but his style was quite unique and he had a real, different creative vision.
-
Yes,
i often wonder what else Jim would have achieved. Key point is Steve at Monolith wasn't and isn't selling the figures due to family commitments and when we visited he must have over 200-300 40mm greens that Jim completed and never came into production!!!
Anyway if anyone is going to Fiasco look us up on the Hoka Hey trade stand, we may have a limited stock with us as I'm still waiting for the card inserts for the blisters etc and I will have the painted figures to look at.
-
Key point is Steve at Monolith wasn't and isn't selling the figures due to family commitments and when we visited he must have over 200-300 40mm greens that Jim completed and never came into production!!!
Wow. That's exciting. I wonder if they'll ever see the light of day...
-
I've just sent my order for the figures that I couldn't get years ago. I've used the Reivers for games at miniature conventions & they always draw questions & compliments from the players. I like them a lot & appreciate that this line has mounted & dismounted versions of the same character. I'm very eager to get the rest of the Irish & the Garrison men, then get to work on an Elizabethan Irish skirmish game. Thanks to Crann Tara for producing them.
Y'all have a great weekend.
-
Key point is Steve at Monolith wasn't and isn't selling the figures due to family commitments and when we visited he must have over 200-300 40mm greens that Jim completed and never came into production!!!
Do you know, for which ranges? I love the stuff and waited for new releases.
-
We are talking to Steve to see if we can find a mutually agreeable solution to get the 40mm back on the market. In terms of the greens they were for all the ranges, again some of which had been expanded but not released.
So all I can say at this stage is watch this space.
-
I also forgot to mention that I know some people say the figures are near 35mm that isn't the case, they are chunky and have girth. I know Jim used some of the Foundry swashbuckler figures as his sizing guide.
I will take some more comparison shots next week
-
Nick,
First thanks for being the first to order, so I'm putting a an extra figure in which we haven't identified yet. Think it's a general but we can't find the mounted version. I'm sure you will like the figures and the casualty pack is nice.
For bases try Martin at Warbases.
I base mine on penny pieces and use martins 3mm trays with the cut outs. You can decide on size etc
Thank you Graham, for the additional bonus mini. I look forward to receiving my order, from the packs being sent do you require painted examples for your webstore?
In regards to basing will the figures fit on a 20mm round base, as I would like to group 6 figures when required to a 60x60 movement tray for Pike & Shotte. Which size base will the horses fit, 25x50, 30 round, 25 round?
No, they really won't. They're a lot bigger and very different in style. Still, you've bought them now :)
To be honest I'm not to fussed as I will mostly be using them by themselves. They are more for a side painting project while I work my way through a WOTR army(attached a poorly lit example).
Which rules would be recommended for a multiplayer evening game of Border Reivers?
Also other than the Hudson & Allen Highland buildings, does anybody produce the more ancient brochs?, and a stronghold?
Many thanks,
Nick
-
Nick, all the figures in the photos are based on 1p pieces the cavalry fit on a two p piece if that helps.
The Hot Trod rules are a available for free although we are working on a set the Hot trod provide a good game
Hope that helps
-
I'm planning to tweak the "Sharp Practice" WOTR variant to produce a set of rules for the period - should be my main project for 2014, I hope.
-
Eventually got a comparison shot of Foundry against the Reiver figures.
Think you can clearly see the Reiver figures are bulkier but are the same height etc.
Reiver on the left Foundry on the right.
Hope that clarifies things
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s88/cerlach/photo1.jpg)
-
Hmmm...
Well, the camera never lies, so I stand corrected :)
Very peculiar, I have to say...
I picked up and closely looked at the Graven Images figures many times at shows. I weighed them in my hand, and repeatedly considered adding them to my Foundry swashbucklers and Vendel collection. And they always looked and felt huge by comparison. So I never did.
I shall have to get hold of a few and make a fresh comparison for myself, to see how I got it so wrong... ::)
-
Hmmm...
Well, the camera never lies, so I stand corrected :)
Very peculiar, I have to say...
I picked up and closely looked at the Graven Images figures many times at shows. I weighed them in my hand, and repeatedly considered adding them to my Foundry swashbucklers and Vendel collection. And they always looked and felt huge by comparison. So I never did.
I shall have to get hold of a few and make a fresh comparison for myself, to see how I got it so wrong... ::)
They are about the only ones that would match. There is a little flex in the ranges, from memory the Owen pike are more slight so dont fit quite as well and a few of the pike/spear armed Monolith sculpts are a bit chunkier.
I think for skirmish though they work ok.
-
Hmmm...
Well, the camera never lies, so I stand corrected :)
Very peculiar, I have to say...
I picked up and closely looked at the Graven Images figures many times at shows. I weighed them in my hand, and repeatedly considered adding them to my Foundry swashbucklers and Vendel collection. And they always looked and felt huge by comparison. So I never did.
I shall have to get hold of a few and make a fresh comparison for myself, to see how I got it so wrong... ::)
It's trick photography. The GI mini is actually a few cms further away from the lens. ;)
-
...Well, the camera never lies...
My new ones haven't arrived yet so I can't tell if casting has made a difference, but the batch I painted were bulkier, and seemed much heavier. Also, IIRC the base thickness was more than in the photo. The sculpting style of the blade weapons also gives the impression of bigger Leaving aside the base thickness the height is as I recall. Definitely a different sculpting style though, so some may still not want to mix. Wouldn't bother me though.
-
I've got all the figures for the orders cast. I'm packing tomorrow and aim to get all the orders out on Monday. If anyone is going to Fiasco come say hello.
I've also briefed the new sculptor re Gallowglass.
All the moulds we are using are the originals although I aim to get some new moulds set up in the new year.
-
I have the Foundry swashbucklers, which I have been wanting to add to for some time with these figures. Thanks for posting the comparison shot - I look forward to receiving my order!
-
Mine arrived today. :)
Only time for a very quick look, but first impression, slightly better casting than the "originals." Less flash. Obviously harder metal too.
Very nice figures, highly recommended. :)
-
Glad you like them! (Big sigh of relief).
After Christmas we will be making new moulds for the horses as they are a pain to cast!
I've also asked the sculptor to make a trotting horse in the style of theses so let's see what comes back.
He's also starting on the first 6 Gallowglass so fingers crossed.
-
Good plan Graham 8)
www.gallopingmajorwargames.com
-
Glad you like them! (Big sigh of relief).
After Christmas we will be making new moulds for the horses as they are a pain to cast!
I've also asked the sculptor to make a trotting horse in the style of theses so let's see what comes back.
He's also starting on the first 6 Gallowglass so fingers crossed.
From my point of view, it is only the horses in this great range that I do not like... No chance to fit them to some other mounts?
-
Bearing in mind the mounts represent the tough ponies/nags from the border regions.
I have asked the new sculptor to do a trotting horse to fit in with these, if that works I will get him to do a couple more in preparation for the Irish.
When it comes to the Demi lancer etc they will be on larger mounts.
Long-winded answer but over the next year I would like to have more horses available.
-
I have also penned out some thoughts for a 'hot trod' pack etc which again will see the need for different horse.
-
I have also penned out some thoughts for a 'hot trod' pack etc which again will see the need for different horse.
That sounds great! I look forward to see the new horses.
-
Like the idea of a hot trod.
-
I got my figures during the week and i have to say they are great figures. The casting is great on them and they are perfect for the chunky style figures that i love.
-
Just received my figures and I am very pleased.
I look forward to the expansions in the future. I would certainly be interested in alternate horses, the hot trod, and dog handlers.