Monday, August 18, 2014

Punic Wars Project in 6mm

In anticipation of a chance to get in a session of Commands & Colors: Ancients (CCA) this week, I pulled the collection from its storage bins with thoughts of codifying all of the bases.  Although I based the figures so that the different CCA troop types could be identified at a glance by the number of figure strips per base, Scott suggested I color code the base edge.  So, that is what I set out to do.  Rather than paint all four edges, I slapped paint only on the trailing base edge.  With that splash of color, the owning player can now see his heavy (red), Medium (blue), and Light (green) easily. 

After painting all bases, I thought why not array both combatants out onto the table as a Pass in Review?  Often, I lose track of just how many figures have been completed in a project despite keeping a painting log.  One way to see how large the collection has grown and spot any OB shortages is to deploy all stands out onto the table. 
Carthage TOP - Rome BOTTOM
Carthage RIGHT - Rome LEFT
As seen from the photos above, the project has grown to  a significant size.  All figures are Baccus 6mm.  Many more stands than can be utilized for CCA especially since I use one stand equals one CCA unit.  Many stands can see dual service such as the Celtic warbands, Spanish, and Numidians.

The totals figure count is about 1,300 with breakdown by number of stands as,
                        Carthage     Rome 
Light Cavalry         11            8
Medium Cavalry      4             3
Heavy Cavalry         8             4
Light Infantry/Aux 20            26
Medium Infantry   18            19
Heavy Infantry        6            9

Elephants               8
A pictorial of assorted units within the collection follow.
Carthaginian Army
Roman Army
















While I have the figures out, perhaps I should set up a solitaire game as a refresher?

26 comments:

  1. WOW! Nothing like the teeny-tiny scales for depicting the massed units of an army whether ancient or gunpowder period.

    Very impressive painting details on these, too!

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  2. As a confirmed Poeni-phile...

    Hmmm, that sounds kinda dirty,especially after my "colorful pair" comment on the 7YW units, not to mention clashing Latin and Greek etymologies, so let's try "Hannibal Fan Boy", LOL!

    Anyway, I think as big as the collection is, you need more Carthagenian Infantry for force balance. You also left the Ponderous Pachyderms out of the tallies. :-)

    Seriously, they look amazingly good, especially for 6mm! The detail work on the shields is especially impressive!

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    1. Peter, thanks for pointing out my OB shortfall!

      Actually, my totals didn't survive transcription and totals have been corrected including the Ellies. Does it look more balanced now?

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    2. Those totals look much more like it, Jon!

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  3. Amazing, I love the bird's eye view!

    I can't imagine how much of your house is dedicated to your lead collection. 50%? Whatever it is, the percentage grows daily!

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    1. Thanks, Monty! It was an enjoyable exercise to bring the project out onto the table for a display.

      Painting Discipline = Large Collections !

      The figures are almost exclusively stored in the game room under the game table and in two small bookcases. Everything is close at hand but seldom seen!

      Oh, and if you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by for a drink, tour, and a game!

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  4. At the risk of using a word that is overused: Epic! I will say I'm interested in how you go about a solitaire game-what you roll dice for on the opposing side and whatnot.

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    1. "Epic" is overused but thank you!

      In solitaire games, I simply attempt to make the best move for each side unless the scenario is such that it lends itself to allowing self-moderation for one of the combatants.

      For the 6mm ancients, I typically use CCA. The card play lends itself very well to solo play.

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  5. Great looking mass armies you have here Jonathan, no secret I love Commands and Colors Ancients game system.... um ever thought about conquering the world using the "Risk" board game *grin* as well? I can see you marching across the US with the Carthaginian Army! ;o)

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    1. Thanks, Phil!

      No secret that I am in the same CCA fan-camp as you! Great system.

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  6. Impressive effort, and looking very good indeed!

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  7. It's always impressive to see these small scale games! You get the feeling of almost flying over a real battlefield. And what a collection you've got there - must have taken a few years to build, even in 6mm!

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    1. You really do get a birds'-eye view of the battle with 6mm. With 6mm, you really are a 200 foot general!

      Yes, it took a few years to reach this point but playable forces were reached quickly. Another advantage to 6mm; they paint quickly!

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  8. These look stunningly good, I am thinking about an ancients 6mm army as the next 6mm side project once I have the Waterloo stuff finished

    Ian

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    1. Thank you, Ian! Ancients in 6mm would be a terrific next project for you. Lots of variety and easier to paint than 6mm Napoleonics, for sure!

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  9. Looks great and one impressive collection....again! I'm always very impressed at your output.

    Christopher

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    1. Thank you, Christopher! Always appreciate your feedback!

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  10. Most impressive armies, really nice!

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  11. Great looking 6mm figs! A scale I have not attempted yet. The battle certainly looks large scale! Best, Dean

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    1. Thanks, Dean! Does this display tempt you to dip into 6mm?

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  12. Well, that looks like proper armies on a field. I always liked the 6mm massed effect - makes a battlefield look like battlefield instead of skirmish encounter. Good work!

    Of course there is price in detailing, but then again, there different scale for that.

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    1. Thank you for the comments!

      You are correct in that 6mm is perfect for the massed battle effect and provides a good representation of how a battle line ought to look.

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