Eastern client state levies - late rome

[lord marcus]

I've been working with the wargames atlantic plastic kits for some time now, and I've wondered if there would be a way to use the existing persian infantry set (specified for the achamenids) and convert them using later heads and weapon arms.

Specifically focusing in on the infantry of the eastern states that would be allied in as foederati, or otherwise the eastern versions of limitanei, or lightly armored troops.

Example 1: Basic, unarmored body from the persian sprue. Tunic, trousers, etc. I don't believe the style for these changed that drastically, so what other details would i have to add by bits, paint or greenstuff (again, keeping i mind i would be using later period heads and weapon arms to make these later period troops.)





Example 2: Armored body, with a padded gambeson. I'd argue that this body would fit right in, as the romans had wide use of Pteruges in different variations.



Example 3: Scale mail armor. This is where i think I will run into issues, as the shoulder/strapping plates is definitely of an earlier variety. I'd either have to omit use of this body or find a way around that issue.



I would love your thoughts an opinions on this idea to make some inexpensive conversions to represent legionary limitanei forces in the east.

[Johnp4000]

I wonder whether you could just use any Arab, Palmyran or Sassanid foot types to form border guards, perhaps with Roman helmets? The GB Arab foot pack might be useful for cheap conversations?

[Easy E]

Body 3 would probably work just fine in the second rank at arm's length or greater away on the tabletop. 

Plus, not everyone has the most up-to-date gear; some would have old fashion designs and the like.   

This is a long way to say, do what makes you happy with the army!