Miniature Design Studio

Sassanid Spearman

Miniature Design Studio Sassanid Spearman (SP07003)

Photo courtesy of Miniature Design Studio

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'!

Copyright © Dr. P.C. Hendry, 2010