The first batch of Baccus' Pony Wars Indians have been completed. 42 down 558 to go! The base frontage at 10mm per figure as as recommended in the rules. I have gone for a slightly narrower depth though at 15mm rather than 20mm. It is purely down to my aversion for overly large bases.
Judging by comments on social media, I was not alone agonising over the skin tone. Scouring photos online of painted figures in larger scales it would appear most have gone for a rather dark tone. Scaled down to 6mm dark can quickly appear almost black or make the figure look very dull. In the end I settled on the Foundry mid-tone flesh which was then given a nutbrown ink wash. They are probably a little too light but overall I am happy with the results. When sat next to the pale flesh of my European figures there is a clear difference.
Another factor I had trouble with was the base edge. I wanted their bases to be equally at home on the plains as in the desert, or at least acceptable to each. I settled on a sandy finish to the edge but now having completed the figures I have had a change of mind! It is not quite so obvious in the raw as in the photos but I aim to find a shade that blends in more with the base topside. I will experiment on the next batch and when happy will repaint these.
Continued -
Excellent work Jon, but somewhat daunting with how many you still have to paint! The base edge issue I 'solved' by painting the edges black so they looked OK on a variety of coloured mats, terrain etc.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Steve. I have used black previously when I had large bases and also on my 10mm collection. Food for thought.
DeleteYour native Americans look excellent, Jon. Perhaps a much darker brown for the base edges?
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Peter. I have found a colour that blends in nicely with the topsides and will reveal all when the next batch of photos is taken.
DeleteI think a more grey/brown tone, with no hint of yellow or green, will blend in well with both proposed playing surfaces i.e., something like the earth colour on the bases.
ReplyDeleteNice paint jobs - I agree the lighter, brighter tones look best on 6mm, have you considered doing any war paint on the braves and/or their horses?
See my answer above Rob on the base sides. Not dissimilar to what you have suggested. With regard to warpaint, yes I have considered it and may well be adding some to future paint jobs. Just got to settle on what looks right.
DeleteWonderful stuff Jon, having finished my first batch I feel your pain, I opted for Foundry Mediterranean and an army painter flesh wash. In terms of basing I figured I would focus on the northern plains and perhaps adapt the terrain to the Pony Wars rules, rather than south and a more desert feel.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Stu
Many thanks for your comment Stu. I must admit I was torn between the plains and desert and therefore aiming for both. The Battle of Little Big Horn has got to be on the agenda as well as recreating the feel of those old westerns.
DeleteI know what you mean, I found these to be a good read plenty of background and maps.
DeleteJerome Greene's Battles and Skirmishes of the Great Sioux War.
Cheers
Stu
Many thanks for that recommendation Stu. Will look that one up.
DeleteGood afternoon Jon
ReplyDeleteAlways remember the films and novels of a certain era never showed (or rarely) reality. No one rode or camped in the desert, unless you were hiding, why would you. The plains were used on a more regular basis but a lot of it was uncharted even then so you don't ride blindly into the unknown. The popular routes of previous users were generally stuck too as they provided shelter and potentially dropping points for lame horses or sick soldiers.
They would avoid valleys as these are ambush points unless they had enough trained scouts to give them a clear view ahead and behind. Much in terms of this period was still in the tactics of centuries before apart from the number of ponies available and the availability of the repeat rifle and revolver.
Wagons broke down on a regular basis so if you carried any stores without any backup you travelled no more than 2-3days.
Apologies for the rant, although I enjoy a good western the reality was vastly different. Oh by the way one soldier survived Custers Last Stand 'cause he was wearing Aramis. I will get my coat now.
Regards Peter
Hi Peter.
DeleteThe rules allude to the fact that they are based on the films and TV shows of the past rather than reality which makes them more fun. I am not an expert on the period so loathe to comment but have no doubt you are correct in your analysis.
All the best
Jon
Not to say I don't enjoy a good John Wayne movie.
DeleteRegards Peter
Excellent Peter. They don't make them like that anymore!
DeleteSkin tones are tricky, but fun to play around with, especially as individuals vary heaps. Your reasoning and end result looks really good.
ReplyDeleteUsing acrylics I (literally) mix and match!
Regards, James
Many thanks for your comment James. Yes skin tones can be tricky.
DeleteYou probably have found it ages ago, but given your preference for campaigns have you got/seen the ‘Atlas of the Sioux Wars’? Just Googling the title will bring up a number of links from where it can be freely viewed or downloaded.
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent. Thanks for this Rob. Have downloaded it for future reference.
Delete