My gaming buddies and I enjoy exchanging Christmas gifts each year. This year Jon got me two 54mm white metal figures from EK Castings, a Russian outfit that produces some beautifully detailed military miniatures at a great price. Over the past few days, while I have been priming French infantry in sub-zero degree weather, I tackled the first of the figures.
This is a Roman hastatus suitable for the 4th-2nd centuries BC. I would guess from his helmet that he is from the earlier years.
I used this figure to experiment with some ink washes and light acrylic glazes, using mostly Vallejo paints. While I am happy with the overall look of the figure, his face did not come out quite right. I may have to break out the oil paints for the next figure, at least for the flesh tones.
He'll go in my model display case now. This was a fun diversion, and I look forward to trying my hand at some more figures from EK Castings' range.
I have found one Russian vendor that sells these figures for about $4 each (plus shipping costs). Once I figure out how to actually place an order, I will probably get a couple dozen figures. I really enjoyed painting this guy.
Sweet Hastati.
ReplyDeleteI liked him. My wife has named him Lucius.
DeleteGreat work, Scott and am glad you enjoyed the distraction! I paid quite a bit more than $4 for these figures so you have found an economical source for an army of these.
ReplyDeleteThe vendor has a handful of gladiators in 54mm. Wouldn't gladiatorial combat be fun with these large figures? I think so!
We'll see how it goes ordering from Russia. He posts a lot on Lead Adventure Forum.
DeleteI also found this guy on eBay. http://www.ebay.ca/usr/strong-seller
I think these EK Castings figures compare with any 54mm out there (except maybe Andrea). I would expect to pay $20-30 each for these.
The eBayer is a the fellow from which I got your figures.
DeleteIf I cannot figure how to order from the Siberian vendor, I will order from Canada!
DeleteNice work very different from wargames figures - I used to sometimes paint 54mm for the practice . Perhaps I should dig out those I still have.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun, and yes, very different from mass producing wargames figures. It takes a whole different approach.
DeleteI actually like the face a LOT. Maybe put a touch of rose on the cheeks, but other than that looks very life-like.
ReplyDeleteThanks, AJ. It's tough -- I like parts of the face, but one or two little things are off, and that makes the whole thing look wrong to me.
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