28mm Early Imperial Roman Cataphractarii

Hi I've finished the final cavalry unit for my Early Imperial Roman army, these Cataphractarii are very heavily armoured horsemen in the Palmyran style carrying the 12 foot long Kontos but no shield, at 1/56 scale I made these lances 65mm in length.

The Roman Cataphractarii were near invulnerable but ponderous trot-charging cavalry introduced into the Roman army by Aurelian and greatly expanded by Constantius II. Inspired by one of Romes enemy states; Palmyra whose cataphracts caused some much consternation among Aurelian's army. The horse armour could be bronze or iron, the riders really didn't need a shield as they were almost completely covered in armour of various types.

Based to 'Wargames Research Group' 6th edition rules these 'Super Heavy' cavalry have a frontage of 15mm per horse and a depth of 50mm, the depth allows staggering of the horses so they can comfortably fit on the narrow bases. My usual basing effects are applied including the 4mm tufts made using a flock box which I thoroughly recommend.

Anyhow I'm just waiting for Aventine minis to send my the remainder of the Army through the post. The Army commander Marcus Aurelius and his Praetorian Guard should be finished next. I did acquire a Ballista stone thrower from Warlord Games so that's on the painting table at the moment.

Have a Great weekend,

Peter.

28mm Early Imperial Roman Legionary 1st Cohort

 At last I've managed to finish  the Roman 1st Cohort of my Early Imperial Roman Army introduced in the last blog post. Being the senior cohort of a legion it holds the Imperial Legions' Eagle carried by the Aquilifer also known to be the Legions paymaster.

These legionairies are clearly confused by the meandering road, Roman policy dictates that the locals need educating in the necessity of straight lines and therefore straight roads.

These miniatures were aquired from 'Aventine Miniatures', after painting them in enamels, oils and acrylics, I based them on plasticard, four figures to a base, frontage 60mm, depth 20mm to conform to my copy of 'Wargames research Group' 6th Edition Ancient rules. 

This Early Imperial Roman wargames army will initially be only 1250 points as detailed in a forthcoming blog post.

Next on the painting table is a unit of 12 Cataphractarii, a unit of 'Super Heavy' armoured Cavalry, in a very compact formation.

Also I have a hankering to paint up a Biblical New Kingdom Egyptian Army while I wait for the remainder of my Aventine Romans to be delivered.

All the Best for now,

Peter.