Sassanid Spearman
A couple of days ago, whilst thinking about expanding my armies, I was wondering about how to get more variety into the army - particularly the Sassanid infantry units, which are probably going to end up being quite large. And then I heard a faint bell ringing, somewhere deep in my memory. A bit of googling later, and I had found the website of the Miniature Design Studio. A fairly new company, they have started out by producing infantry for a number of periods. Having ascertained that they would work 'height-wise' alongside the A&A Miniatures models, I decided to order a 'Warband Deal', which nets you fifty (yes 50) figures for a mere £25.
They were posted yesterday, to judge by the automated email I received, and they dropped onto my doormat with a dull thud this morning. Upon opening the package, out fell a pile of little grip-top bags, full of figures, shields and white metal spears. First impressions were that they are well-cast, with little flash, and that they are quite slim - slim compared to the A&A figures anyway.
Size-wise, they are about the same height as the A&A figures, and 'fit in' quite well - heads and hands are sculpted to a very similar size. Unlike the A&A figures, which almost all have cloaks, these don't. So they are pretty much ideal figures to mix in with the A&A ones. Given that they don't have cloaks, I think the difference in girth (which is not enormous) will not be noticeable as I think the eye will just believe the difference to be due to the lack of cloak.
Dave also sent a variety of samples - some archers, and a new musician which isn't yet on the website. All lovely! I highly recommend these figures - they're great value, particularly in the Warband Deals, and they're well designed and well cast - what more could you want?
I was meant to be painting Savaran (Sasanian noble cavalry) next, but on examining the models closely, I am not very happy with the mix I ordered - none have armoured leggings, and none of the horses have armoured heads. So I'm placing another order with A&A for some more (which will also form part of my force expansion plan). In the meantime, I need something to get on with, so I'd started making more movement trays. I'll finish them off, and then either start on the Aventine Jumbo, or these infantry! I have an embarrassment of Sassanid riches at the moment!!!!
At one time, having this many figures added to my 'lead mountain' within a short time would have given me terminal jitters and I would never have got any further with painting them... But since I started using the Army Painter 'dip', fifty-odd figures is only two weeks work, and I can just get on with them, safe in the knowledge that I won't be bored and fed up before I'm finished. So I don't get over-faced, even by fairly large numbers of figures. Yet another advantage of 'The DIp'!