Monday 1 April 2013

A change of scale...

I've been painting 28mm pikemen for my Raphia project, continuously for the last four months, and have rather reached the end of my tether.  In fact the whole 28mm thing is starting to pee me off: I've at least 4000 unpainted, most of whom will never get painted, the whole house is full of lead, and I've been fighting a rearguard action for space with the family for the past decade.

I have plan "B" in mind; sell all my 28's and shift to 2mm, instead.   

Here's my Alexandrian 2mm army, all from Irregular Miniatures.  


On the left (below) are the Companions, in 8 squadrons, including the larger Royal squadron with the man himself, screened by Agrianes.


In the centre of the army, the Pezhetairoi (below).  Each of the 12 blocks has 240 pikemen in it, giving a much better impression of mass, than 28mm do.


On the right, the Thessalians, and Prodromoi.


Here are some pike blocks I've modeled as deeper formations of less well drilled Machimoi, for Raphia.


Fianlly, below, the elephant and Cretan skirmisher screen.


The entire 2mm army fits into a large matchbox, unlike my 28mm collection, which would fit into a shipping container, (just about!).   

So there we have it, plan "B"...

15 comments:

roma912 said...

Interesting. I agree with you that the painting of 28mm can wear you down.

This might fit in with some thoughts some fellow games are having with Command and Colors.

Cheers,
Ross

Christopher(aka Axebreaker) said...

I've started up 10mm to actually finish things and space, but I won't give up on 28mm. I'd recommend just painting your 2mm for awhile before doing anything rash that you may regret later. For sure that's something you can work out over time.
There is nothing to say you cannot do two scales especially as the smaller scales of 10mm or less do not take up much time or space which doesn't force you into a dramatic decision of either this or that.
Best of luck.

Christopher

Kaptain Kobold said...

Why not take stock of this tomorrow. I'm sure things will feel different on the 2nd April ;)

Although I do see the appeal of 2mm armies - one day I shall do some myself. 28mm? Can't see it happening. I've done a couple of HOTT armies and really didn't enjoy painting them.

AJ (Allan) Wright said...

I've been going the other direction, moving from smaller scales to 28mm. As my eyes start to fail they're more enjoyable to paint and to play with.

AJ (Allan) Wright said...

Damn....you got me. April 1st? I'm a goof for not seeing it!

BigRedBat said...

Sorry guys, I do like the 2 mill minis, but I'd rather chew my arm off, than part with my 28's! ;-)

Cheers, Simon

Christopher(aka Axebreaker) said...

LoL! Good one! Glad to hear your just expanding scales rather then giving one up for the other.:-)

Christopher

BigRedBat said...

Sorry Christopher, I was naughty!

Broeders said...

6mm is a better scale I think. You can make out the individual units but still get mass effect.

BigRedBat said...

Hi Phil, I prefer the 2mm cast pike blocks to 6mm, no bendy pikes to fret about, and so quick to paint.

Corporal_Trim said...

Good one, Simon. You had me going for a second as well.

Steve

Foss1066 said...

I have some 4 inch dice I can send you for your game!

Well played sir, well played!

Thomas

Tarty said...

Hahahaha.....28s for me as well, I do like the small stuff and it certainly looks more realistic but it's hard to break from the detail of 28s and the painting aspect that goes along with the scale.

EinarOlafson said...

Good one!! I'm glad it was a joke.

Impressive, they are so little. I love that scale for VSF games, Aeronef and Land Ironclads games.

Cheers.

Dalauppror said...

Thant was a good one:)

Keep up the rearguard action !

Best regards Michael