Anticipating an upcoming opportunity to get the Great Italian Wars project onto the gaming table this summer, stepping off the painting desk is a block of Italian pike.
On three stands, these 39 figures represent an Italian pike block in Impetvs. Large and unwieldy with 37 chances of literally getting "stuck in." With a footprint of 120mm x 180mm, the block has trouble squeezing into the photo booth.
Figures are all from The Assault Group (TAG) and are nicely detailed with little flash. TAG offers figures in a variety of poses with varying armor and clothing presentations. Having not seen may TAG figures, my impression based on this limited sample is that TAG are more svelte than either Old Glory or Wargames Foundry. Without question, the figures will look compatible on the battlefield with these other manufacturers' figures in nearby formations. Truly excellent sculpting!
To support this fine block of pikemen, on the painting desk are two stands of TAG arquebusiers. The handgunners will be presented as skirmishers to lend firepower to the pike. Also in the The Lead Pile can be found a few Italian archers and crossbowmen. These will make it into the painting queue over time. With luck, the collection will see action in June. If not June then summer for sure. Well, that is my hope...
Really nice, although subdued compared to their Landsknecht co-weaponists! TAG uis one manufacturer I don't have in mt collection - their figures came out long after my own Renaissance forces were painted.
Are these sold as being specifically "Italian"? I suspect so, as many wear what looks like a later form of the "barbuta" helmet that was especially characteristic of the Italians. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbute
Conrad, you are very kind! I store the pike-armed infantry and lancer wielding cavalry in deep plastic boxes. I will snap a photo so you can see the method.
These look awesome Jonathan - always good to have troops in an Italian Wars army that aren't Landsknecht or Reislaufer - the ones that normally get all the attention!
Great looking addition, we really need to get these guys on the table this summer. I just need to figure our a reliable travel system for my own pikemen.
Now, that is a pike unit. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it is! Thank you, Greg!
DeleteReally nice, although subdued compared to their Landsknecht co-weaponists! TAG uis one manufacturer I don't have in mt collection - their figures came out long after my own Renaissance forces were painted.
ReplyDeleteAre these sold as being specifically "Italian"? I suspect so, as many wear what looks like a later form of the "barbuta" helmet that was especially characteristic of the Italians.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbute
Thanks, Peter! Yes, these are specifically classified as "Italian." See link for more of the range:
Deletehttp://www.theassaultgroup-shop.co.uk/italian
"The Assault Group" figures look great after your painting Jon - well done Sir!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Phil! Slowly churning through that Renaissance pile of lead.
DeleteThese pikes look superb...and are very impressive, great job!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them!
DeleteOh, lovely, lovely work Jonathan!!! They are exquisitely painted, love it!! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind, my friend!
DeleteJonathan - these are beautiful - seriously gorgeous troops. Humbling.
ReplyDeleteMost appreciative to have you stopping by and giving encouragement, Tony!
DeleteThey look like they've stepped out of an Italian old master. Lovely stuff. How do you store them? I thought fitting some flags in boxes was difficult!
ReplyDeleteConrad, you are very kind! I store the pike-armed infantry and lancer wielding cavalry in deep plastic boxes. I will snap a photo so you can see the method.
DeleteVery impressive and very well done!
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Rod! Very encouraged to see you added as a Follower. Excellent and welcome!
Deletebeatiful Jonathan! wonderfull unit!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michal!
DeleteSuperb stuff Jonathan great detail and basing as always my friend
ReplyDeleteStephen! Thank you very much! Now, if I could only produce maps as cool as yours or construct exquisite buildings.
DeleteGreat work on the Pike, looking forward to seeing the shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Handgunners on the way but another unit is ahead of them in queue.
DeleteGreat looking pike Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mike!
DeleteVery fine indeed!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael!
DeleteThey look fantastic. Nothing like a large pike block to emphasise a mass of soldiers.
ReplyDeleteA big pike block does look menacing, does it not?
DeleteThanks for your kind comment!
Fantastic looking pike nice sculpts and lovely painting and you got through them at top speed!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Much appreciated, Iain! Even though there were 39 of them, it went faster than expected.
DeleteWell that looks intimidating! Very nicely done Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks, Christopher!
DeleteThese look awesome Jonathan - always good to have troops in an Italian Wars army that aren't Landsknecht or Reislaufer - the ones that normally get all the attention!
ReplyDeleteOli, you are very kind! Glad you like the Italians.
DeleteGreat looking addition, we really need to get these guys on the table this summer. I just need to figure our a reliable travel system for my own pikemen.
ReplyDeleteThe collections deserve to see action soon! Perhaps we can find time this summer? Mine are boxed and travel ready.
Delete