SAGA Byzantines - Second hobby update

Right. It's been several days, but I've managed to squeeze in some painting time with good results! I've been able to finish off another two models, thereby creating my first true point of SAGA Byzantines. I hope you'll enjoy the results, I certainly am!

Byzantine sergeant with kontos armed hearthguard

Kontos armed hearthguard

Frontal view of the Byzantine sergeant -note the partial horse barding-

Rear view with cloak detail

First full point of SAGA hearthguard

Technically, all of these are still works in progress, with me still having to spray several coats of varnish and add tufts, turf and flock. I'll have to wait till it's less humid. Until then,  this should suffice when presented on the table.

Now onward to the next point! I'll try to add some more work in progress shots next time, so you can see how I build up the base and the models.

Until next time!

SAGA Byzantines - Work in Progress

Time for the first update of this blog. It's been a while, but seeing as everyone was busy celebrating both Christmas and New Year's Eve, I thought we could all use a little break. Of blogging that is. Because over the holiday period I HAVE started to paint my first batch of Byzantines (hurray!). And of course, it's about time I shared some pretty pictures with all of you. First up are some mounted hearthguard.

Two mounted hearthguard with spears and shields

Frontal shot showing the fibula-gem and armor

Rear view with detail of the cloak with tassles

In case you're wondering; these are Old Glory miniatures, not Gripping Beast. They come from there "Dark Age Late Byzantine"-range. Luckily the size difference isn't that noticeable (25mm vs 28mm) and the details are good (although finding reference pictures is a true crime!).
I bought ca. 20 and a bunch of steppe nomads second hand, and so far they haven't disappointed me. Although some of the proportions are a bit off -hamfists for life!- the details are crisp and the sculpts characterful, perfect for a skirmish game like SAGA!

Chi Rho Shield Emblem detail (hand painted)

Chi Rho Shield detail (second variant)

The modeling side was a bit challenging, with having to drill out the grips for the cavalry spear with  too large a drill bit, but in the end -and with the help of a little green stuff- it all came together.

I've especially enjoyed painting the shield emblems and the fibula-gems. All I have to do now is Satin/Matt Varnish them and add turf, tufts and flock. That might be a while though, seeing as the humidity and temperature aren't very optimal at the moment... Still, I think you can see where I'm going!

Next installment will hopefully see me finishing the other two models, so I'll have completed my first official point.

Until next time...