I think its fair to say that I like just about every range of wargames figures that have been produced over the last God knows how many years. Some ranges I like more than others. I never particularly like the old Dixon renaissance range which I thought was out of proportion, but even these had a certain charm. But I digress. An old wargaming acquaintance of mine dropped in to see me a few weeks ago, and he brought with him an eclectic selection of Renaissance Turks, most painted. Amongst the figures Rahul brought me was a group of painted Turkish cavalry that appear to be Garrison and Minifig, but Im not that certain. What I did think was that they were full of vigour and would look great, repainted and re based. Anyway I have now finished them.I wasnt disappointed and although they must be well over 40 years old they look okay to me.
So 12 more light cavalry to add to the Turkish horde that I am now building. Scale wise they are not heroic 25mm, but the old 25mm size, whatever that means.
Another great range from the early 1980's was the Connoisseur Renaissance range by the late great Peter Gilder. I managed to get a load at Salute this year for my second Spanish Colunella. I have now completed the second unit of pike, and although there is only a limited option on the figure range, they still look pretty businesslike. I added the odd Perry head, and a couple of figures from my spares box. The flags are by Adolfo Ramos and Pete of Pete's Flags. Next are the sword and buckler men for both pike units.
Of course Old Glory do the lot. Landsknects, Swiss Spanish Italians , more Turks than you can shake a stick at plus Poles, Serbs, Wallachians, Transylvanians Bosnians and Hungarians and probably some others I've forgotten- Dalmation Uskoks for instance .......
ReplyDeleteSome of the Ex- Rahuls unit look like Garrison Hyboria range but equally as you say some are minifigs
Morning Andy,
ReplyDeleteI havent forgotten about, what I think is the BEST Old Glory range. I have always admired youre Wallachians, and of course youre wonderful Dellis, of which I have a badly painted unit sat on the assembly line for re painting.
Morning Robbie As for what is our best- another question entirely Me I thinks its the Hundred years war but I like the Turks too One day I'll do a Hussite army with Imperialists to fight 'em - mind you not for a while I'm still ECW -ing at the moment... though looking at 1806 in 15mm.......possibly
DeleteHi Robbie, you can never have enough diversity of castings when raising Ottomans. I've had a spot of luck, the Essex Tartars are mixing very well with the Hinchliffe's. Concerning Dixon, their Turks are rather slight in build but the barded sipahi is still impressive. Michael
ReplyDeleteAfternoon Michael,
ReplyDeleteEssex had a pretty comprehensive renaissance range in 28mm, and at one time I was mad for their figures. Mix and match tends to give the Turks a more irregular look, so go for it.
there's just something 'right' about these - so suited to the gloss finish too.
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