Saturday 10 August 2013

Westernised Stradiots

Westernised Stradiots
Finally a break from painting Swiss or Landsknechts. This is my first group of Perry Miniatures Stradiots. They are in Western style armour and clothing, the Stradiots in more traditional Balkan styles are what I am working on now. They are really great figures, I love the mix of Western style Brigandines, Breastplates, Sallets and Barbutes with the Eastern style composite bows, quivers and shields. The shields are what took me the longest, I cannot stand painting the designs freehand but I feel I am slowly getting better at them!
I felt the figures didn't really need any converting, the only changes are some extra beards and moustaches on some of the riders with greenstuff as well as added tassles to the horses trappings. I have now painted 36 of these Perry Plastic Horses and with the plastic "light" horsemen on the way I am sure there will be more to come. I already have some ideas about conversions for that box set into early 16th century troops.
This group are perfect for the early Italian Wars and will go nicely in my early Spanish, French and Venetian forces. I love the fact the Perrys have done these figures, I think they are the only Balkan horsemen for this period that reflect the Western influence. They would fit nicely in an Ottoman Army as Balkan Vassals.
Although this is a break from the famous pikemen of the Italian Wars I think there will be many more to come. I was very happy to see this: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=427155780735147&set=a.299484386835621.70983.295957277188332&type=1&theater
Prog Gloria Miniatures are making a plastic kit of 16th century figures that can be used as Landsknechts, Swiss, Italians or French. I am really keen to see how these turn out. If the kit allows for less flamboyant Italian and French troops it will be excellent, although I could always do with more Landsknecht and and Swiss as well! Either way the conversion opportunities will be fantastic and I will be following developments closely. I think Stephan is going to launch the kit as a kickstarter.

Strasiots

Stradiots

Perry Miniatures Stradiots

Stradiots