As a little distraction while painting Dutch, Orange, and Brunswick infantry, I built, rigged, and painted these 1/600 scale ancient naval vessels. They are all from Xyston, and this was my first attempt at ancient ships.
In battle, the crews would have left the masts ashore, but I like the look of the sails. Plus sail colors can be used to mark squadrons on the table. I did my best on the crew and marines on deck, painting the highlights over a dark brown base coat. These figures are only 3mm high!
I painted the ships with Vallejo's "old wood" and washed with raw umber oil paint. I blocked in the sails with acrylic paint, washed with oils, and highlighted with thinned oils.
The bases are all from Litko. I covered the bases with automotive putty then rolled toothpicks over them to create a water effect. I painted the water with acrylics.
Greek Triremes
Phoenecian Triremes
Transports and Hemiolia
I enjoyed doing these, and I think they turned out pretty well. The next batch, I will probably use Vallejo's "new wood," which I used on the hemiolia with the red sail.
Beautiful work. I painted a lot of these a few years back and even wrote a set of rules for Hellenistic galley warfare. I left the masts off because, as you pointed out, they stowed them for battle, and also because I'm too lazy to do rigging.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I will do the next batch without masts, but I do like the look of those sails.
DeleteWhile the photos provide a good representation of your handiwork, nothing compares to seeing the little gems in person.
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind, Jon. When I have time, I will paint enough for us to have a game!
DeleteI look forward to that!
DeleteBeautiful ships, lovely colors and great bases, I have painted mine darker, and I find yours much better, excellent job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phil! I enjoyed painting these.
DeleteI do like the colour palette- suits the med I remember it well in parts of my misspent youth ....
ReplyDeleteI am very jealous. A trip to Greece is on my bucket list for sure.
DeleteI like the "new wood" color as well. David's ships look great too.
ReplyDeleteWhat rules were you planning to use with these beautiful models?
Yes, I think I will use "new wood" from now on.
DeleteI have Poseidon's Warriors from Osprey, and I will probably start there. If I like the rules for the Greco-Persian Wars, I will probably add Punic Wars fleets as well.
Lovely looking ships, I think they probably are better with sails, very nice job!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks! I do like them with sails.
DeleteOh Scott, those look LOVELY!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am pretty pleased with how they turned out.
DeleteBeautiful work on these, Scott! Your talents are limitless.
ReplyDelete