Monday, February 6, 2017

A Few More Moors - Cavalry for the Reconquista

Seems cavalry for the 28mm Reconquista project has been making a regular appearance on the painting desk in recent months.  Today's painting desk offering presents a four figure stand of Arab cavalry to join the growing cavalry contingent for the project.    
Two such Moorish stands were mustered out in December followed by heavy Spanish cavalry in January.  With the calling up of this more recent work, The Lead Pile shows few remaining Black Tree Design Warriors of Islam cavalry remain.  The Painting Log shows seven medium Arab cavalry units can be fielded for Impetvs.  That is a lot and does not include all of the light and heavy cavalry present in the ranks for the Almoravid/Almohad armies.    
These figures, like so many in the project, are BTD figures from their range of Warriors of Islam BIG cavalry figures.  Still, a few Arab cavalry remain in inventory including enough to field at least one more camelry stand but how many camelry units does one need?  Looking at The Lead Pile, I guess at least one more!

With the Arab cavalry supply almost exhausted, I need to re-evaluate the status of the project and see what options require consideration to rebalance the armies.  A large number of Spanish (Feudal) cavalry await in The Lead Pile from BTD's most recent cavalry sale.  Focusing on European cavalry ought to help rebalance the lopsided nature of the opposing cavalry arms.  More foot units ought to be under consideration too but other projects will be seeing activity first. 

27 comments:

  1. I have to say those do look good. I only hope the horse (belonging the central swordsmen) doesn't pull up short, refuse to ride through the grass and so throw the rider head other heels - as seen in many Youtube and Funny Home Videos clip shows.

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    1. Roy, you are observant! That clump of grass is an expedient to prevent that particular horse from breaking at the hooves. You see, the horse is only attached to its base by its two rear legs and is quite unstable and weak with buttressing. Adding the clump of grass provides some stability and protection. Hopefully, it will survive the rigors of the gaming table. I have done this for one or two other stands as well.

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    2. Its a good idea, that. I so rarely touch horse miniatures that I don't have any experience of such issues, but should I do then I've got this method to add to the possible solutions. Cheers for explaining it.

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  2. Good looking stuff. The answer to your question "How many stands of XXXX does one need?" Is always ONE MORE.

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  3. I love this project. Cavalry look awesome. This colours!

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    1. Thank you, Michal! With all of the cavalry added over the last year, perhaps it is time for a Parade Review?

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  4. Great work Jonathan. Love the colours used.

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    1. Much appreciated, Ray! The cavalry are a colorful lot!

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  5. Great stuff! I'm new to the period, and have a general question about figures for both sides: I have a lot of Crusades-period figures that I never did anything with. As a rule, can they be used for the Reconquista?

    Thanks and best regards,

    Chris Johnson

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    1. Thanks, Chris! The Spanish Reconquista covered about 770 years from 717-1492. During nearly 800 years arms and armor could change but I would not hesitate to fielding Crusades era figures and I do! For figure samples in 28mm, see the offerings from Black Tree Design, Crusader Miniatures, Artizan, Gripping Beast, Perry, and more.

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  6. I think the ship that was the Arab cavalry has come hom,e to port and is safely Moored now. Ahem.
    Great lookbng base of figures, Jon.

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    1. Safely Moored, for sure! Ba da boom! Well played...

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  7. Most impressive cavalry, they look superb!

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  8. Really like the colour scheme on those Jonathan

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  9. Great looking Arab cavalry!
    Best Iain

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