Early Republic Romans

[markw]

I am looking to start my second painting project this time it’s going to be an early Republic Roman. I have nearly all of the manufactures of plastics and metals but cannot decide on a one shop solution.

Any advice would be most welcome

[Ran The Cid]

One company for the whole project?  Aventine.  Well sculpted, full body, modern 28mm.  Plenty of Command, Infantry and Cavalry options.

Victrix plastic infantry are great and loaded with options, but the cavalry are over sized.  Agema plastic kits are nice but with limited figure options and no cavalry.

[Rochejaquelein]

By early Republic do you mean Romans of the Servian reforms or Camillian reforms?

[Waffles_vs_Tacos]

Victrix Samnites for the earlier Romans, maybe with Victrix new hoplites?

For Polybian Roman's, Victrix normal Republicans work, as do aventine.

[Peithetairos]

For Polybian Romans also look at Agema Miniatures.

[markw]

Hi, I should have given a bit more details about the period of the army. I will be looking at Rome expansion of Italy. The destruction of the late Etruscan and coming into conflict with the Greek colonies of southern Italy

[Ran The Cid]

So Samnite Wars era?  What is your vision for Romans of this era?  My understanding is that history is fuzzy about what the Romans were actually wearing.  I think of the Romans in this era as being rather similar to how we model Samnites, just without the belt and with the iconic Scutum. 

My take:  Unarmored, Pectoral, and Cuirass armoured figures (in order of wealth).  Feathered helmets. Scutum shield.  Principes with long spears. 

Models:  Victrix Rome's Italian Allied Legions & Aventine Allied Republican Roman Legion

Earlier than the Samnite wars, you could look at the Agema Etruscan line (see my Latin Tribes post for the pros and cons of this line) currently sold at Footsore.  Or go full Greek style with head swaps for the feathered helmets and a few javelins carried with the long spear.

[markw]

This is my current allied legion

[markw]

Looking at the Aventine, they look rather good miniatures, especially the officers' sets. I think I will order them up and then decide on standard troops

[VonAkers]

Mark
It really does depend on 2 main factors .
Size and Budget .
If you are doing it in the Grand Manner ( 300 inf  ) , I think it is hard to go past Victrix price wise .
Smaller Armies the Aventine are Wonderfull , but more expensive .
I would not use the Victrix Cavalry , on either army ....
Cheers

[SJWi]

Vonakers, agreed. At just over 50p per infantry figure you can't beat Victrix for price. They are however all in a similar pose.  My Republicans pre-date plastics mainly being the no-longer-available Renegade range plus some Aventine. I would certainly go Aventine for cavalry and "personalities".

[VonAkers]

Hi Mark
Sorry mate forgot to comment on your Fantastic Brush Work ....
Bravo Old Boy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[markw]

Thanks for all your replies. In the end I contacted Keith at Aventine miniatures and asked him to put together an allied roman republic army and it is now up on their website.  I have placed the order so should get them later next week. I will post progress pics.

[SJWi]

Mark, a good call. Keith is a top bloke and very helpful. I always find it a pleasure dealing with him plus his figures are first class and very easy to paint.   

[markw]

Another quick question. I base all my model on 25mm round bases and then display them on movement trays all from Charlie Foxtrot. I was thinking of changing to 20mm square as I may game them as well. Any thoughts on this matter ?