Sunday, December 26, 2010

Szekler Light Cavalry

These are Old Glory figures from their Crusaders and Saracen range - actually listed as Turcopoles. I'm including them in an Early-HRE Clerical army as Szekler light cavalry. I'm not exactly sure what Szekler cavalry are supposed to look like, but they are listed (in the Armies of Chivalry supplement) as having light armor, bow, lance and shield. Quite a combination - which along with being Expert Horsemen with Feigned Flight and Parthian Shot abilities - should make for a formidable skirmish unit.

I experimented using Miniwax stain for the horses - thinking this would be a quick way of shading them. It looked okay, except for the fact the stain seems to remain sticky - I ended up coating it with clear matte spray. Then I dry-brushed the highlights of the horses. Don't plan on doing this again - too messy.

Next up are the remaining infantry - Curteys spearmen and Old Glory crossbowmen. I also built movement trays for the knights and infantry.
These will join previously completed Old Glory spearmen and crossbowmen to form three Mixed Order units of infantry. Then all I'll need to finish is the carrocio/army standard.

12 comments:

  1. They look really nice.

    It's sometimes hard to get the historical references right - I've had similar problems with ancient troops. To be honest, most historians struggle with telling us what the most famous troops in the ancient and medieval times looked like (in terms of armour, weaponry etc.) so my view would be as long as your troops look good and are identifiable as the units they represent, then you're on to a winner.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don´t know how you would pronounce the name properly but they look great. Nice painting :-)
    Cheers
    Paul

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very nice looking units. Saw thye header and had to check them out as I'm looking for some inspiration for just this type of unit for my Hungarian Army. Think they look pretty decent.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very kind of you, Gentlemen. Regards & Best wishes for the New Year! Dean

    ReplyDelete
  5. I never cease to be amazed by the talent of mini painters such as yourself. It really is an art form.

    ReplyDelete
  6. this unit look great you must be pleased with the end product even if it was fun trying to achieve it.
    Have a great new year and i look forward to seeing what you get up to next year
    Cheers
    Kent

    ReplyDelete
  7. Minwax was tacky? Was it a water or oil base? What color did you use?

    They look amazing. I'm going to have to buy some of those models.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks again, Gents.

    James:

    I'm looking at the can now - Minwax Wood Finish Red Mahogany 225. It is "oil based." There's a water based type? I actually had this for wood staining and was sitting in my garage for several years. Did I use the wrong type? Dean

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dean, the water based is the only one I've ever used or can remember reading about. Not tacky within in 20 minutes, no horrible smell, need to ventilate, or poisonous cleanup.

    At Lowes I just buy the can of clear tint and pick the color for the worker to dye it. For browns I've used American Walnut and for blacker models Onyx.

    I imagine that's practically what Army Painter system is. And Minwax is only $9 for a big can compared to 2-3X as much for a little guy.

    ReplyDelete