Questions on the Wiglaf Dark Ages line

[Mr. White]

I’m really enjoying 1/72 on a few other projects I’m working on, with Mark Copplestone’s fantastic 1/72 Gaslands models being standouts.

I see Mark has started a new line of Dark Ages models with Dan Mersey. I’m definitely interested, but have a few questions.

1) I see these don’t come with spears, but that they need to be purchased separately. I’m US based, so will probably need to order from Northstar. Is there a certain spear size for these models? Hard to tell if the spear bags fit 18mm.

2) as these are 18mm, are they too large to be compatible with Copplestone’s Barbarica line? Those are listed as 15mm. It’d be awesome if I could include a few fantasy units to flex armies of Lion Rampant into Dragon Rampant.

[SJWi]

Hi, I can't answer your question (2) but for (1) would suggest that you also look at the spears sold by Pendraken. These are thinner and shorter than those sold by Northstar, but would still need to be cut down for Wiglaf-sized figures. I reckon these would be a better fit for smaller figures and are a lot cheaper. 

[Bodvoc]

I have both Wiglaf and Barbarica figures and I feel they mix really well. I bought my wire spears from North Star and just cut to size.

[Mr. White]

Thanks, both!

I’m pretty new to the era and looking at the available line is this Ango-Saxons vs Vendel? Maybe I do wiglaf dark age men vs barbarian tribes from barbarica?

[Citizen Sade]

The Anglo-Saxons fought among themselves. I think that the Vendel packs represent Anglo-Saxons from the kingdom of East Anglia who were supposedly more exposed to and influenced by that culture.

[SJWi]

The Vendel culture is basically pre-Viking Sweden. The grave goods were quite rich with very distinctive helmets. The Sutton Hoo helmet found in the ship-boat burial in Suffolk is viewed as "Vendel".

[Atheling]

The Vendel culture is basically pre-Viking Sweden. The grave goods were quite rich with very distinctive helmets. The Sutton Hoo helmet found in the ship-boat burial in Suffolk is viewed as "Vendel".

I echo SJWi's opinion. Cultural interaction adoption and adaption is part of the human condition.

[Mr. White]

Does anyone have tips on how to paint multiple figures on a base? I’ve always done single model bases, but for Lion/Dragon Rampant at this scale I might consider 6 models on a rectangular base. I assume the six models would be painted separately, but then glued to the base and the base flocked? Is there a trick to holding 15mm individual models while painting? Seems tough.

Also, is anyone aware of any Wiglaf and Barbarica comparison photos with painted minis? I’d like to see some painted models in these ranges side by side if possible.

Thanks!

[Citizen Sade]

Yes, paint first and base them afterwards. Try mounting rows of figures, well spaced out, on wooden lolly/craft sticks or pieces of card for painting. I use Blu Tack or superglue. Some prefer PVA or double-sided tape.

[danmer]

This older thread shows a North Star spear in a Wiglaf paw, and has size comparison photos against Copplestone Castings' Barbarica range:

https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=135349.msg1718756#msg1718756

[Mr. White]

This older thread shows a North Star spear in a Wiglaf paw, and has size comparison photos against Copplestone Castings' Barbarica range:

https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=135349.msg1718756#msg1718756

Thanks for the link!
I thought for sure I was doing my next project in 1/72...but these 15mm figs are sucking me in...

[MartinD]

I made a start at Penda's army for Dux Britannia with them last year. Must finish them, actually.

Lovely figs, but hearing Victrix are doing them in 28mm next year distracted me!

oh! These are the Forged in Battle ones! I'll find photos of the Wiglaf ones I did!