Middle Imperial Project

[bigredbat]

Hi chaps,

Inspired by Harry Sidebottom's Ballista series, I've been working (very slowly) on a Middle Imperial project, using the A&A minis sculpted by Adam "Smithy" Smith (now of Aventine).  Last year I bought some beautifully painted minis from the very talented David Imrie, and recently I painted enough minis to go with them to make two units.  I went with single large bases, partly because they are aesthetically pleasing, and partly because light units in my rules only have one hit.





I already have a couple of units painted earlier (2011; how time flies!):





I'd like to think I'll have an army ready by March next year when I have plans to put on some display games using my "To the Strongest!" rules. For me an army needs at least ten to a dozen units so there is still quite a way to go!

Best, Simon

[Mad Doc Morris]

Already a fan of big diorama-style bases, but these XXL-sized ones look particularly sweet. And Middle Imperial Romans on top – what's not to like?
Thanks for sharing your work here. Despite managing one or two Google+ accounts I still haven't figured out how to comment on your blog. Sorry, I'm dense.

If you ever need reinforcements: I loved painting the A&A/Aventine Romans, so…

[OSHIROmodels]

Very nice indeed, those big bases certainly do the trick 

cheers

James

[bigredbat]

Hi Mad Doc,

I'm sorry that you can't post on the blog, Google+ is a mystery to me, too.  Reinforcements... mmmm  :-)  They are such a lovely range of minis.  I'm trying to work out how to model a figure of Ballista from the Sidebottom books to serve as a general.

Thanks James! 

Best, Simon

[Denouement]

Eye catching and very inspiring.   

Stuart.

[skip]

very nice painting, like the idea of space that you have created with skirmishers

[Mad Doc Morris]

Simon, what's wrong with your earlier version – apart from the non-pale horse?
Don't think Sidebottom's Ballista is a man for fancy dress, so the Roman commander I used (don't click that shameless plug) wouldn't be particularly well suited. Perhaps with a head swap, though? The mounted emperor from A&A might work as well – a very good sculpt, especially the hairdress is spot on for the period (I recognise the dismounted version in the unit above). Besides, Caracalla drinking from a casserole (after Graham Sumner IIRC) is a nice bonus with this pack.

[bigredbat]

Well there was nothing much wrong with the previous attempt, except that his clothes were all the wrong colour, the shield design was wrong, it lacked his raven-crested helmet and his personal jewellery.  Essentially I had the hair colour correct!  ;-)

Best, Simon

[Mithridates1]

Nice looking bunch Simon - like you I do like these A&As and yes I much prefer the 1st Ballista book.  Have not bought the last few.

Not a Roman myself but was thinking hooded legionaries and Palmyrans would make acceptable Nabatean swordsmen - a pre-Islamic Arab army with cataphracts, horse archers, massed bowmen and some heavy foot has attraction.    Given they suucessfully fought the Seleucids it does appeal.    Gripping Beast Arab plastics could form the bulk of the foot with some A&As as the elite units.

Have been playing with the idea of skirmishers on 160mm x 40mm deep bases - yours are a great guide.

Garry

[Phil Robinson]

Excellent stuff Simon, always good to see more of Rome's poor relation period being done.

[bigredbat]

Thanks chaps!

Garry it would be fun to do one of the armies of the East, maybe Palmyra, Commagene* or the Nabateans.  I have always fancied a Jewish revolt army, too. 

Best, Simon

*Antiochus Ephiphanes