Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => It's Alive! => Topic started by: Hu Rhu on December 15, 2013, 11:10:25 AM
-
Having been inspired by a number of threads on this forum (in particular Furt and his amazing Blood on the Sands Gladiators Rules, Pappa Midnight, BigMecha and Carmen's Fun Painty Time blog) I am dipping my toes into the world of Gladiators. The intention is to build an arena, a ludus (or two) and get my local club to run a Gladiatorial Campaign.
Firstly I decided that since Gladiatorial combat involved only a few figures I wanted a large scale so I decided on 54mm as the scale of my gladiators. Having decided on scale I looked around for a suitable venue and the Playmobil Roman Gladiator Arena seemed to fit perfectly.
So here is the start of my Ludus.
Firstly the Arena. I managed to pick up a Playmobil Arena fairly cheaply on Ebay.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Arena01_zps29f29a92.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Arena01_zps29f29a92.jpg.html)
It will need some painting as I am not happy with the sandy colour or the sheen of unpainted plastic. However as you can see it seems to fit the scale of the 54mm gladiators quite nicely. I intend to mount it on a 3'x3' board and the the inside of the arena will be hexed. I bought a (large) number of 45mm hexes in 2mm MDF from Warbases which will be glued down to the board and covered in sand.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4388_zpsc65e72f7.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4388_zpsc65e72f7.jpg.html)
Next the gladiators. I noticed that in 54mm scale there were a number of options including Black Cat, Pegaso and Pegasus. I choose the latter for my initial buy simply because they were the most easily available (my local hobby store had a number of boxes) and they were cheap! The down side is that they are soft plastic which has required a little more preparation time. I intend to acquire some Black Cat and Pegaso to fill out the missing armaturae and to provide a range of poses.
Here are my first gladiators in their unprimed state. They still need some greenstuff to fill the gaps in assembly especially since I did a couple of cut and shut jobs to re-arrange some of the poses. They are all mounted on 40mm bases. Next steps will see them primed, undercoated and painted.
First up is my Secutor.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Secutor01Front_zps75c54f2f.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Secutor01Front_zps75c54f2f.jpg.html)
Next his opponent the Retarius.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Retarius01Front_zps2cfb5423.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Retarius01Front_zps2cfb5423.jpg.html)
Then the classic Thraex.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Thraex01Front_zps5cf33b3f.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Thraex01Front_zps5cf33b3f.jpg.html)
And finally his opponent the Myrmillo
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Murmillo02Front_zps778ac023.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Murmillo02Front_zps778ac023.jpg.html)
Here they are in fighting poses inside the arena with a few of their colleagues.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Arena02_zpsdee24bc9.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Arena02_zpsdee24bc9.jpg.html)
That's all for now but I will post updates as the project progresses.
-
Looking very good Hu Rhu; a most impressive start.
If I wasn't so heavily invested in 28mm, I could almost be tempted to pursue some gladiators in these larger scales.
Looking forward to your progress.
-
That is a great start, Gary.
Love the arena and the effort that you have put into converting the Gladioli is great.
Some pretty dynamic poses in there.
:-* :-*
Looking forward to watching his progress.
8)
-
And another one joins the fray :D
It's more addictive than you first think ;)
cheers
James
-
Yes...yes it is. lol Looking good!
-
That arena is becoming a must buy....
-
Excellent stuff!
The Pegasus minis are very versatile. I'm looking forward to seeing them painted up.
With regards to the Pegaso 54mm miniatures you will find that although they are very nice they don't match up scale-wise with the Pegasus plastics ( the Pegaso metal minis are a good head or more taller !).
I've seen reference made to some 54mm minis by Outland games but can only find a few pics of them.(near the bottom of the page).
http://www.outlandgames.net/welcome_to_the_outland_games_gal.htm
Regards
PM
-
Thanks for all the support and encouragement.
@Pappa Midnight - Thanks for the heads up with regards to size mismatch between Pegaso and Pegasus. I will try some Alpha Miniatures through Black Cat. I just need a few different poses. I missed out on some Sanderson Miniatures on EBay the other day but picked up this metal Myrmillo made by Italeri/Fabbri. It will need some work since the pre-painting is very poor.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4389_zps5416786c.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4389_zps5416786c.jpg.html)
Next update shortly.
-
Very nice! What a fine ludus you have there.... lol
Have you ever heard of Army Painter dip? I bet the strong or dark dip would look great!
-
Yes...yes it is. lol Looking good!
ditto.... And TONS of fun! I even got the little lady to play :)
-
I missed out on some Sanderson Miniatures on EBay the other day but picked up this metal Myrmillo made by Italeri/Fabbri. It will need some work since the pre-painting is very poor.
Not a bad find at all. You guys are really opening up my eyes to what larger scales are available out there.
Like TBC's suggestion, I also use Army Painter for most of my minis these days, especially glads, but I do wonder how it would look with larger miniatures.
-
I think it was first 'discovered' in the context of 54mm soldiers.... but I wonder myself :)
-
I am slowly working on one of those too, but I am trying to add stairs and rooms. Good luck and nice job so far
-
Looking good Gary. Thank Heavens for Playmobil eh? ;)
-
Here are my first two painted gladiators.
First up is Servius Maximus - a Myrmillo.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4414_zps5fe645d1.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4414_zps5fe645d1.jpg.html)(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4413_zpsbf90c9d4.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4413_zpsbf90c9d4.jpg.html)(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4415_zpsb184e7fd.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4415_zpsb184e7fd.jpg.html)
Next is Nisus Africanus - a Retarius
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4410_zps1dd74dc2.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4410_zps1dd74dc2.jpg.html)(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4411_zps0d75cee8.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4411_zps0d75cee8.jpg.html)
They didn't quite come out as well as I had hoped as I found the change in painting style from 28mm to 54mm a challenge. Still not bad for a first attempt.
Also started on priming the Arena but the weather has stopped that in its tracks as I don't want to spoil the primer with all the humidity. WIP shots to follow.
Also the base board arrived today so I shall be shortly starting to create the fighting area. Again WIP shots to follow.
Next post hopefully before too long. Ave
-
Very Nice!!
The larger scale stuff does take a little getting used to but I think your gladiators look in good fighting form! I especially like the net, although I would be a little worried about handling it for gaming ( I'm a bit of a clumsy git)
Look forward to seeing more.
Regards
PM
-
Very Nice!!
Look forward to seeing more.
Since you asked nicely :D
I started on my arena floor today. The baseboard is 3' x 3' x 6mm MDF and the hexes are from Warbases. I started with a central row and then worked out from there. Here are some work in progress shots.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4417_zps6cd17569-1.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4417_zps6cd17569-1.jpg.html)(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4416_zps6f2521f3-1.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4416_zps6f2521f3-1.jpg.html)
In the background you can see the first section of the actual arena primed ready for painting.
Here is the completed playing area.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4418_zps06ec37a1.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4418_zps06ec37a1.jpg.html)(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4419_zps4243960a.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4419_zps4243960a.jpg.html)
I now need to finish off a couple of hex edges and the sand and paint it. Hopefully that will be this weekend. I also started on the arena stands and have primed all the base units. You can see one section in the background shots. Painting will follow.
Post again soon. Valeant et nunc!
-
Looks like everything is coming along beautifully!
-
This is all coming along very nicely.
The gladiators are great and the playmobil entrance sure looks grand.
-
Bonum est vespere.
Here is the next instalment of the Arena. All the sections primed ready for painting and placed on the board.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4425_zpse39ca334.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4425_zpse39ca334.jpg.html)
Unfortunately switching from one can of primer to another (same make) resulted in a darker shade of grey on a couple of sections. I am wondering if it will be noticeable once I dry brush the walls and paint the columns?
I have also been experimenting with the best colour combination for the sand and I am almost there. Hopefully sand will be laid tomorrow and painting will commence very soon after that.
Valeant et nunc.
-
That looks the nuts already.
:-*
This is going to be one great-looking gaming arena when it is finished.
8)
-
Really must say very impressive job - that looks great. :-*
-
Yep. Impressive is the word :o
-
Looking great
-
Bonem est vespere. Thanks for all the encouragement. The last few days have been a bit busy for all of us but I have managed to sand the arena. Here are the latest WIP shots.
Here is the arena floor.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/ArenaFloor_zps5b1e03b4.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/ArenaFloor_zps5b1e03b4.jpg.html)
Then with the arena sides.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/ArenaWIP_zpsc427fd54.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/ArenaWIP_zpsc427fd54.jpg.html)
And a close up of the cobbles around the arena.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/Cobbles_zpse31fc20e.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/Cobbles_zpse31fc20e.jpg.html)
Next I need to paint the cobbles. Not sure if they should be in grey or a red sandstone to give the place a little contrast. I feel a little experimentation coming on. :D Once that is done I intend to edge the baseboard to prevent damage and give it a good coat of varnish.
Then it will be onto the Arena walls and spectators area. I am still looking for some cheap 54mm spectators to occupy the gallery. If anyone knows of some please pass on the info.
Valeant et nunc.
Bornius.
-
Looks marvelous! I just sold off my arena on ebay unfortunately (just never really think I'll get around to it). I can't wait to see the final project (I'm hoping for lots of details outside of the arena too!)
-
Great progress.
8)
Next I need to paint the cobbles. Not sure if they should be in grey or a red sandstone to give the place a little contrast......
I think a bit of variety in colours and textures will not only look better, but also save your sanity, mate.
;)
-
That looks great! How did you make the cobbles?
-
That is looking fantastic alright. :-*
Very nicely done in every way.
-
That looks great! How did you make the cobbles?
It looks like textured wallpaper to me.
-
That looks great! How did you make the cobbles?
It looks like textured wallpaper to me.
You got it in one. I went to my local DIY place and they gave me half a roll of textured wallpaper as a sample. I originally intended it for a Victorian terrain board but that project got put on hold (you know how it is) and it seemed ideal for the outside of the arena. I tried a couple of paint options and eventually went with red sandstone rather than grey (too much already). Here is a shot of the painting so far. It still needs another highlight.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_4436_zps7243f689.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_4436_zps7243f689.jpg.html)
Valeant et nunc.
Bornius
-
Thanks to the good Professor Witcheimer this thread has indeed ' Surrexit a mortuis'. The aim is to finish off this project which is to help me have been broken down into 4 mini projects.
Mini-projects are:
Paint up the remaining gladiators.
Re-paint and rebuild the Arena.
Produce some arena tokens such as discarded weapons, helmets etc.
Populate the seating area with the crowd and officials etc.
First up I have undercoated another 4 gladiators ready for painting.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_5587_zps027ad669.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_5587_zps027ad669.jpg.html)
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_5586_zpse8efae4b.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_5586_zpse8efae4b.jpg.html)
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_5589_zpsd35b6e82.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_5589_zpsd35b6e82.jpg.html)
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gladiators/IMG_5588_zpsd44709d9.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gladiators/IMG_5588_zpsd44709d9.jpg.html)
I have two more that are almost finished painting and a further two to be undercoated. That should allow me to field two complete ludus or up to 3 correctly matched pairs for a group game.
Quia nunc vale
Surrexit a mortuis - Risen from the dead
-
This looks brilliant, the arena is just to die for!
-
Great to see you continuing with this HR - you made such a great start!!
Please tell me HOW on earth do you intend to populate the seats and do you still intend using BotS?
-
This looks brilliant, the arena is just to die for!
Great to see you continuing with this HR - you made such a great start!!
Please tell me HOW on earth do you intend to populate the seats and do you still intend using BotS?
Thanks for the encouragement chaps.
Furt - Yes I do intend to use BOTS. I really hope that you find someone to publish your game as it the most realistic and fun (not always combined in my experience) set of gladiator rules.
As to the population, I was thinking of converting some 54mm figures if I can't get any of the old plastics sets such as Marx etc.