Help Needed - Saxons 600´s

[rumacara]

Hello all

I´m starting a long term project of 1 warband for SAGA about saxons from around 600´s when they fought each other (christians versus pagans).
The only sorce i have is Osprey book Anglo-Saxon Thegn 449-1066 AD and a few internet articles.
What i would like to know is about suitable figures for my warband.

I have a few from Black tree design saxon range that might suit for Hearthguards and i´m thinking on using the plastic box from Gripping beast generic warriors for the Warriors if i dont get suitable metal figures.

Opinions and tips are most welcome.

Many thanks

Rui

[Jeff965]

Musketeer miniatures Arthurian range would be my first port of call.

[Captain Blood]

I'm doing Early Saxons - the Musketeer figures portray figures crica AD400.

For middle period Saxons (AD600 - AD800), personally I'd say the Gripping Beast plastic thegns set are your best bet. It's the best of their sets in my opinion.

[rumacara]

Hello all

Yes i thought about that GB set too but i have some doubts on the helmets.
I can always change heads from other sets or place some West Wind saxon heads.
I will place a pic of the miniatures i´ve choosen for opinions.
I´m also thinking on at least some Musqueteer miniatures for Hearthguards.
Many thanks for your help Jeff965 and Captain Blood.

Cheers

Rui

[rumacara]

Hello all

Here are the miniatures so far.
Again, opinions are welcome.

Cheers

Rui

[Lowtardog]

Mid saxon range, avoid Huscarls with bearded axes and kite shields also the longer (Norman style) chainmail

[Atheling]

Musketeer and Gripping Beast both have ideal ranges for what you're looking for.

Foundry's 'Arthurian' ranges should not be left out of the mix:

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ancients/franks-or-saxons/frank-or-saxon-warriors-collection-bcfs001/

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ancients/late-roman/best-sellers-collection-bclr005/

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ancients/late-roman/arthurian-collection-bclr004/

Though they're smaller than GB and MM I think they get forgotten about from time to time.

Darrell.

[v_lazy_dragon]

The figures you have all look look fine - the only one which isn't perfectly suited is the pointing figure on the top row in black - the long, split, chainmail is a much later style, as are the chainmail leggings (char-something or other). That said, the Helmet is spot on and looks fine. Personaally, I'd stil use him, although I might file the legs down to look like trousers.

For inspiration - these reenactors are spot on your period, and are about as authentic as they come (90% of  the kit is based on reproductions of finds):
http://www.wulfheodenas.com/

For the gripping beast plastics - the helmets with cheek guards are definitely fine. I'm not sure of the dates that the 'nasal' spangen helmet came into use, but you should be ok with mixing a few in.

[rumacara]

Hello all

Many thanks for the great help on this subject.
After seing the propositions of miniatures, i will opt for the ones pictured except the one pointing.
For the warriors and a few more hearthguards i will use the plastic warriors from GB with some mixed heads from other sets.
About helmets i will opt for a minimum for the warriors and leave those for the hearthguards (even those will have a few bareheaded).
Mail shirts were not so common on that period so i will search for 3 or 4 hearthguards with leather instead of mail to mix them.

Cheers

Rui

[Atheling]

Musketeer and Gripping Beast both have ideal ranges for what you're looking for.

Foundry's 'Arthurian' ranges should not be left out of the mix:

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ancients/franks-or-saxons/frank-or-saxon-warriors-collection-bcfs001/

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ancients/late-roman/best-sellers-collection-bclr005/

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ancients/late-roman/arthurian-collection-bclr004/

Though they're smaller than GB and MM I think they get forgotten about from time to time.

Darrell.

Some Foundry one's painted up (Wargames Standard)- I think they're pretty nice mini's:

[rumacara]

Hello all

Those are great minis and i know them for i used to have some but sold them some years ago.
I would use them in late roman period and not in the 600´s (though some would certainly do).
Many thanks for the pics and the tips Darrell.
Excelent painting in those.

Cheers

Rui

[Atheling]

Hello all

Those are great minis and i know them for i used to have some but sold them some years ago.
I would use them in late roman period and not in the 600´s (though some would certainly do).
Many thanks for the pics and the tips Darrell.
Excelent painting in those.

Cheers

Rui

No probs  . I love that range (and the Foundry Arthurian stuff too). Good luck with finding what you want- you seem to be on the right track- personally, my next stop would be Musketeer Miniatures or the Gripping Beast Early Saxons with larger shields (ask Darren/Andy- I'm sure they would sort it out for you if that's the route you chose.

Darrell.