Macedonia v Rome

[markw]

I am busy painting up an allied Roman legion in fact two Roman legions from two separate manufacturers.

I am looking for a manufacturer recommendation for Magna Greece and a Pyrrhic army in support. I don’t mind plastic as they paint up very quickly. But will use metals for command figures.

[SJWi]

I don't know of anyone who produces specific "Magna Graecia" figures so you really need later Hoplite types. Victrix sell a variety of plastic hoplites plus light troops and cavalry. I would also recommend looking at Aventine's metal range.   

[FierceKitty]

Epirus rather than Macedon. Unless you call Canadians Americans.

[cadbren]

Epirus rather than Macedon.

What's the difference?

[SJWi]

At the time Epirus and Macedonia were separate "countries" or Kingdoms,  albeit with many common cultural aspects. Hence the rather apt comparison to the USA and Canada.....

[Triarius]

Aventine has an excellent range of Epirote and general successor types including Magna Graecia types - both pikemen and hoplites.

For Plastics, Victrix does basically everything you need from Pikemen to light troops. etc. Aventine infantry mix quite well with Victrix infantry. Aventine and Victrix cavalry however are at opposite ends of the spectrum scale wise.

[markw]

I will be attending Colours at Newbury in a couple of weeks and make my purchases there. Thinking of Victrix Macedonians, Aventine Calvary and a warlord Nellie

[SJWi]

Hi, I doubt you will find Aventine at Newbury as they don't normally attend shows.  I don't want to "knock" the Warlord nellie but it is very expensive and IMHO not that good. I have one and it was a bu**er to assemble.  I much prefer the Aventine elephants.  Unfortunately the Aventine on-line store is closed at the moment as they have a massive backlog or orders. They announced they are retiring in about 1 years time and I think they have been flooded with fresh orders, which actually shows how popular they are.   

[AdamPHayes]

Gripping Beast and 1st Corps both do ranges of nice elephants. I think both use resin for the bodies so they are waaay lighter than the big lumps of lead that I have and glue together easily.

[SJWi]

From memory the 1st Corps elephants are nice but absolutely massive. However both their's and Gripping Beast's are very cheap compared to Warlord.

[markw]

I will check out the 1st Corp and Gripping Beast war elephants

[markw]

What are peoples views on 1st Corp and Gripping beast range of Macedonian Successors range of minis. I have just logged onto the 1st Corp range and looked at the African Elephant range and they look might impressive .

[SJWi]

Mark. From what I recall the 1st Corps infantry and cavalry whilst nice sculpts are a bit smaller than other ranges .I don't know if date are from the era when models were going from 25 to 28mm?  That said their elephants are absolutely massive.  I bought one as I liked the model but ended up selling it as it was IMHO just too big. However if you want an impressive elephant this could be the one for you! The only Gripping Beast successor model I have is their scythed chariot which is very nice.  I have heard that their quality control isn't brilliant but I have no idea how true that is. 

[AdamPHayes]

1st Corps figures are a bit shorter than todays 30mm versions of 28mm. They are at the chunky end of the scale so at the angle they will mostly be seen on a wargames table, the height difference is not so apparent. I used their Republican Roman Command figures in with units of Foundry and that worked fine for my tastes. YVMV.

[Jjonas]

Aventine metals are great for Epirotes. Many cool helmet shapes.
Their elephants are the best.
Gripping Beast elephants are also very good.
1st Corps are a bit closer to 25mm. Their elephants are too big for 28’s.
You’ll have to hunt and peck for Italiote hoplites. Later styles with pilos helmets would be my choice with a smattering of other styles.