The Theodosian Walls of Constantinople

The baggage train is marching out through the gates of Constantinople to join the column of the Byzantine Army. Three mules carry provisions, tools and kit lead by boys while a wine merchant walks along looking for a good deal to sell his cheap stock to unsuspecting customers and thirsty soldiers.

 

It is the camp for my upcoming DBA Army of Thematic Byzantium III/29

This Byzantine Gatehouse is inspired by sections of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople, today's Istanbul.

It is a  truly original piece, a stewalin cast from a silicon mold I made by myself. Copies are now for sale, you might contact me by e-mail Menic666@yahoo.com or go to the MENIX MINIATURES SHOP. Please note it comes unpainted and unassembled just like on the image below.

Constantinople's patron is Maria. So, I thought I'd put  her marble effigy over the gate. The statue is made of trinkets you might find in souvenir shops at places of pilgrimage like Rome, Santiago or Einsiedeln.

Stay tuned for the next post when the baggage train catches up with the Byzantine Army! More pictures to come....

Parthian Camp

It is set up in an ancient ruin in the arid region near Palmyra. I thought I'd put up some camels loaded with quivers getting ready to resupply their Light Horse archers.

I like to create some kind of mini topography on the drastically constricted area allowed by the DBA rules. Consequently, most of my camps turn out to be maximum size. Tactically I don't mind because my playing style is aggressive enough to keep the opponent preoccupied (which doesn't mean I win!) The material is simple modelling clay from DAS. But I have to say it is not ideal because
a) it takes ages to dry (this camp took one week!!!),
b) it shrinks about 1/8 an
c) deforms while drying
I had to do all kinds of cover up jobs like file the bottom level with sandpaper, fill cracks with putty etc. I have to find an alternative. Can you help me here?
After drying I cover it with a putty from NOCH.
I'll try to remember to make some pictures next time :-)

II/56 Early Imperial Roman Army

This is the LEGIO XI RAPAX (latin = "predatory") and was stationed in Vindonissa (Windisch/ Switzerland) from AD 43.It is represented by one DBA Army 15mm, figures cast by Eureka Miniatures, Corvus Belli, Essex and Baueda.

Aquilifer, Signiferi und Bucinarii as Camp Followers (Eureka Miniatures)

The XI Legion deployed in battle order one

The XI Legion in battle order two

The Legionaries (4x4Bd, Corvus Belli)

The Legionaries (4x4Bd)

The Auxiliary Cohorts (4x4Ax, Corvus Belli)

The Legate (3Cv Gen, Eureka Miniatures)

Cavalry Cohort 1 (3Cv, Corvus Belli)

Cavalry Cohort2 (3Cv, Corvus Belli)

Cavalry Cohort 3 (3Cv, Corvus Belli)

The Ballista with crew in a fortified position (Art, Corvus Belli)

The Ballista with crew in a fortified position (Art)

An Auxiliary Cohort of Bows (3Bw, Corvus Belli & Essex)

Bows supported by slingers (3Bw + 2Ps, Corvus Belli)

Bows supported by slingers (3Bw + 2Ps)

Light Horse from North Africa (2LH, Corvus Belli)

The Camp with Camp Followers,legionaries (Baueda) building the marching camp (scratch built) and tents (Baueda).

Early Swiss some more

Early Swiss Army Approaching

Here we go! And if you got a large monitor-screen, double-click on the pics and blow them up to 100%, the pictures are huge! use them as your desktop background or screensaver. Enjoy!
Early in the morn', before I rose for travel, up came 10'000 footmen...



MushaRing Dabadu Dabadah...

Whack-foul-the-daddio... Whack-foul-the-daddio there's whiskey in the jar!
more pics coming up, that's all for now...my eyes hurt :)

Early Swiss Project continued

All Elements are painted but the bases and banners are still uncomplete. But here are a couple of pictures of the "Beta-"Early Swiss. Here we go:

Bern, Schwyz, Unterwalden, Glarus. Zürich, Luzern, Zug. The Bernese Guild of Ober-Gerweren. Uri and Obergerweren Uri with Urisstier Crossbows (=Psiloi) Unterwalden Schwyz Bernese Troops (General) Glarus