Resurrecting a Vendel Ancient Indian Army

[Emir of Askaristan]

Over a year ago I bought an unpainted Vendel mini's ancient Indian army from one of the chaps on here. Sadly I've cleaned out my inbox and deleted the posts so I don't recal whom, however it came wrapped in German newspaper!

Anyway, there were a good mix of spearman and three elephants and their crews as well as some archers. However a few of the figures were damaged and others had been poorly painted at some point and needed stripping. There were also two very curious chariots and loads of horses but only a few cavalry figs. This was fine as the price was very good and I knew I had the core of an army there.

Into the paint stripper went the painted figs and the rest languished at the bottom of my painting table. And there they stayed for over a year....

However I've now dug them out, cleaned them up - replaced the damaged bow using brass rod, cut plastic shields to replace missing ones assembled the elephants and performed dentistry by fitting them with plastic tusks!

I've painted up a couple of units of bow/spears for the rules I use and I'm on my way to having a nice wee Indian army to squish my Macedonians when they get to India.

Now this is not be the best painted, or best built army in the world, but it's been good fun restoring them so far and as I crack on and complete them I'll post up some more shots. However for now, here are some before and after shots of the infantry and the repaired tusks.


Stripped and repaired, plastic shields cut.




Finished Article - spears to be added. 



Forest Indians - plastic shield to match others.



Replacement tusks from 40K Ork helmets!
(I knew they were good for something!!)


Hope you like!

[bigredbat]

Splendid!  You might like to look an the Miniature Company Indians- they are a really good size match for Vendel.

[LeadAsbestos]

Sgt Major still makes the old Vendel lines. These look great! I've always been a fan of the Vendel minis, and I may.someday get myself that Greek army I've always coveted.

[Emir of Askaristan]

Thanks chaps.
I have an order for some cavalry in with TMC and have been in touch with Sgt Major too.

[Phil Robinson]

Patched up rather nicely and looking good.

[armchairgeneral]

They look great to me. Looking forward to seeing more 

[Emir of Askaristan]

Thanks guys,
Patched up is about right. My clumsy brass and plastic can't take away from sound figures in the first place. 

When I get my TMC order though I'll do a cavalry comparison shot.

[AdamPHayes]

Your elephants are from Essex Miniatures, a veteran figure but still one of the best representations of an Indian elephant around.

[Emir of Askaristan]

Hah, that's not a surprise actually!

It does explain why the riders are not a great fit. Some miliput will be required to cover their modesty!