DBA Bohemians Book III/16

Next on my list of commission work are the Bohemians. The overall painting scheme would follow the Carolingians I painted four or five months ago with particular attention to the shields.

The figures are a mix of Baueda Lombard knights and spear, Viking Bondi and archers.

The axe wielding types are Berserkers are meant to add variation to the battle line.

I have not painted Baueda figures before and while many speak highly of them, I found these needed far more effort to clean that Old Glory or Essex 15s. They are good castings with nice broad areas to paint; clothing, belts and cloaks and also nice, the weapons were not placed close to the torso or shield.

The riders are just as nice, but I had trouble reconciling myself with the horses.

They looked odd as to which gait they should be doing; walking or trotting? They are slender compared to Essex but the harness detailing is clear.


Next on the list are the Wends III/1a.

Cheers,

DBA Croatians - book III/26

Despite the long period between postings, my paint brushes have not been idle, as I have completed a large scale DBA-HX French army for the Seven Year War conflict. That project is sufficiently completed that I can now direct my energy on three DBA armies, the first of which are the Croatians, book III/26.

There are a number of art works depicting Croatian military and I would invite the reader to check some of these at: Kingdom of Croatia

One passage of interest mentions a Croatian navy, raised to defend the kingdom against Saracen raids.

About the figures, these are all 15mm Essex with the majority of figures having a rather generic look.

Tunic, breeches tucked into boots and leather covered shields armed with short spears or javelins, the majority of which will be based as 3Ax.

Cavalry will form 3 elements and the lights will complete the required number for DBA play.


This photo shows the completed collection ready for varnishing and later basing.

Next posting, the Bohemians - book III/16

Cheers,

Early Polish - Detailing and dry brush.

I find, detailing and dry brush work the relaxing part of painting miniatures. I do dry brush the legs, lower body, tail and mane of the horse and pick out the harness for better definition.

With linen or white I now pick out metal details, such as chain mail, helmets and shield boss. Highlighting clothing, I prefer to wet brush white over darker colour, especialy blue, green, and brown.

You can create depth to a figure which lack folds in clothing with this technique. Wet brushing, I will use the thinnest brush I have, the brush that started off as a size 1 and through loyal service is down to its last few hairs. Highlight the folds on tunics, leather parts that would catch sunlight, a nose ridge, cheekbones, and weapons as well.

The last photo is the completed DBA Early Polish in battle array. Cheers,

Early Polish 960 - 1200 AD

This latest DBA Early Polish army is a commission work. The miniatures are from a Polish firm of which I am not sure if these were Fire and Sword or not. They are good castings, all mounted figures are one piece castings which can be limiting, but there are enough different castings to add variety to your cavalry element.

The foot figures are solid looking figures with a variety of spear and bow types. The wolf skin headdress javelin men were unexpected. These would certainly feel at home among the Danish Leidang. Folds in the clothing are not deep by Metal Magic standards, but they are therre and there is ample detailing for the painter who prefers working with thin wash or inks.

This is a DBA army pack, III/62a Early Polish comprising of 9 mounted and 30 foot.


Out of the box.








Ready for priming.








Basic colour.








Detailing and dry brush next.
Cheers,

Lithuanians, ready for battle

Lithuanians are now battle ready and will be brought to the Post Office early Monday morning. The collection would have been shipped earlier, but I discoverd Friday morning my retailer who sells the Triplex board was out of stock.

Of the shops in our city, all were out of board. There can't be that many wargamers here? I even queried other cities, plenty of balsa wood, but no triplex. I checked with my contact about using the next size and that was not a problem.

I have plenty of triplex at 1.5mm thickness which is what I am using to rebase all my figures.
The thinner triplex is ideal for gamers who wish to add magnetic strips without creating a plateau effect.

These figures were a pleasure to paint, but do be aware, they are packaged 5 mounted or 10 foot to a pack with limited poses per pack. I would recommend the purchase of more types to add variation to your armies as you will see the figures are quite universal, as they can be easily used to most Baltic or Slav nations.

Cheers,

Lithuanians are done - next the basing

Lithuanians are painted up. Later this evening, I will varnish this figures and let dry while I prepare bases and sketch two flags/banners for later. Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of figures, nonetheless painting these took a bit longer as I was continually surprised at newly discovered bits of detail. I would recommend them highly.

I will base and flock these and have them ready for shipping this weekend as I have new figures arriving next week.

I still have some Napoleonic French that need rebasing, Russians are done and I am adding more figures to my SYW British for the conflict in the Americas.

Cheers,

A commission work

I am painting up a DBA Lithuanian army comprised of Black Hat Miniatures. These were sculpted by Josef Ochmann for Metal Magic Miniatures, but in 2006 are now produced by Black Hat. Lovely castings and you can see the range with photos at Vexellia Ltd.

These figures could certainly fill the ranks of most nomadic armies as they are quite generic. As you can see, I have started with the horses and with the exception of the harness, they are now complete. Next step, I will paint up the foot and use similar tones for the mounted figures. This will give me some time to work on designs for the flags.

I had several years ago my own Lithuanian army modeled for the Battle of the Saule, under the command of King Mindaugas. I shall duplicate the Wolf standard for this army.

Cheers,