When I pulled the box of Assyrian chariots off the shelf in contemplation of beginning the rehabilitation process, I was shocked (shocked I say), to look up when I purchased these figures. I bought these over three years ago and the nine chariots have been sitting in box, untouched ever since.
To refresh my memory, a quick search in the blog archive showed that these were purchased near the end of 2013 (see: Overcome by Temptation). As noted then, the package arrived with contents in various stages of destruction. Some chariots were even missing parts! I suppose the state of the figures dampened my drive to get them ready for the gaming table. Of course getting these onto the gaming table is a very long term proposition since I have no other Assyrian figures for this period.
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| State of the models upon arrival |
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| State of models upon arrival |
Pulling one of the nine models from the box for closer examination, I decided to tackle the rehabilitation on one model to see what work lies ahead. Looking at the model, it appeared the yoke was affixed upside down. For the models having the yoke still in place, all were mounted in the same fashion and all were upside down.
First thing to do was soak the base in water to loosen the glue. After a soak, the figures could be removed from the base easily. Next, the yoke was pulled off and reattached to the chariot tongue properly. Both wheels needed to be reattached and then all pieces received a treatment with Minwax stain after a little touch-up painting.
After drying, a coat of Dullcote was applied and then the models were rebased on a 60mm x 80mm base. After basing, another coat of Dullcote was applied. The final result is what is seen here. Nice looking model. Only eight more to go. Of course, continuing on with this project suggests a need to start gathering foot troops to accompany these chariots. That, of course, would necessitate an opponent. Ah, this is a slippery slope.
These are beautiful. I love your muted colour schemes rather than the day-glo effect you get on lots of Ancients.
ReplyDeletehere is a stupid question though: I have always wanted to collect an Assyrian army but who do they fight? Who are their historical opponents and do manufacturers make them?
Glad you like them, LH, but I bought these second-hand and already painted. I cannot take credit for the color scheme. I do like the muted colors too.
DeleteAs for adversaries, the Neo-Assyrians could face off against Elamites, early Iranians, Hittites, Medes, Babylonians, Israelites, Egyptians, Kushites, Arabs, Urartians, Aramaeans, and each other! Foundry make Hittites, Egyptians, and Canaanites. BTD make Egyptians and Assyrians. NewlineDesigns has a large range of 28mm Biblicals too. I am sure many others exist and I will discover more as I dive deeper into this project.
I think most people use New Kingdom Egyptians ( I know I do!), although strictly speaking by the time of the conflicts with Assyria it woukld be one of the Kushite dynasties. Close enough for me, and besides, I love the look of the ancient Egyptians, and they have the same issue with opponents - Canaanites (including Israel) of Hitties/Mitanni. Canaanites make a logical 3rd choice as they fought with or against both the Assyrians and the Egyptians, and could easily include a diverse loose "alliance" of other near Eastern states.
DeletePeter, very good to read that NKE is an acceptable wargaming foe the Assyrians. I figured NKE was too late for Assyrians but illustrations suggest that Kushite Egyptians and NKE might not look too different. Besides, I like the look of NKE too!
DeleteWow, wow, wow, wow, wow!!! Sorry, difficult to find words...And a very tempting army for me...Wow, wow, wow!!!
ReplyDeletePhil, you are always very kind!
DeleteOne of my goals is to get a chariot army - though my inclination, due many to limited knowledge would be a Hittite force. Your grasses are particularly effective.
ReplyDeleteFielding a Hittite force would be quite nifty! Foundry and Newline Designs both make a Hittite range in 28mm.
DeleteYeeeees! Fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteExcellent job of rehabilitation. I agree with LH, the muted colours are spot on. Very effective. I have an answer to his question - Gondorians. I think I've mentioned before that I see a place for Assyrians as Easterlings/Harradrim in my LOTR games. And they definitely need chariots. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, that is another theater for an Assyrians army; LOTR!
DeleteAppreciate the visit, Michael!
Fantastic Assyrian chariot Jonathan! The Foundry ones are the best.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Mike! The Foundry chariots are outstanding!
DeleteVery nice reconditioned chariot and from what you say it didn't take too long which is good. I've always had a soft spot for the Assyrians, too much time spent in the British Museum in that section! I look forward to the other chariots and then the rest of the army!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Iain, you are correct. This particular chariot did not take too long to refurbish. Others in the group will require more work. A trip through the British Museum would be fascinating. Next time for visit, take photos to share.
DeleteWell worth the effort! Look forward to seeing them on a table in the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Eight more of these carriages to go!
DeleteThat was a fine Rehab job on the chariot, Jon. I agree with the others on the muted color schemes, even though my own Assyrians are very much of the bright and shiny school, and thus a few minor planned additions will have to be as well. I have had another 3-4 of the Hinchliffe 4 Horse Chariots that I bought at Historicon well over 10 years ago to beef up the 4 that I have already (painted circa 1978), and haven't done a single thing with them. Perhaps if I tackle my own, far less daunting rehab job on Ken's Canaanites, I will feel the pull to paint them (and the BTD Assyrian Cavalry I bought last year, which remain thus far similarly unloved!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Peter. A rehab requires a bit of extra motivation for me. Now, that I have one of the chariots refurbished, the other eight will likely get fit into the work process in dribs and drabs. I look forward to seeing your refurbished Canaanites. Oh, if only a large continent did not stand between us.
DeleteThese look really nice. Planning on pulling out Impetus again?
ReplyDeleteThank you! Broken Assyrian chariots are all I have thus far. I was looking at the Foundry catalog and BI lists this weekend...
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