Revisiting my never-ending Lord of the Rings interest here and a brief return to Rohan, where housing starts are up.
This is the 4Ground Viking Trader’s Shop which will make a splendid addition to the Rohan village I have been working on for the last few years. I suspect it will attract some Uruk-Has raiders in search of plunder, and will need to be stoutly defended. And I know just the chaps for the job.
Also on the painting bench are some aspiring Riders of Rohan. These are Goth Heavy Cavalry from Footsore Miniatures.
Pros: The figures are metal, and so are the horses, so I won’t have the problem I have with the blasted Games Workshop plastic horses breaking off at the legs when clumsily handled on the table. Also, they look suitably Rohanish with their long hair, beards and moustaches, and generally simple accoutrements. They don’t match perfectly with the GW Riders figures, but I have long since decided to build LOTR forces with figures from whatever range I please, so nyah boo to you, GW.
Cons: These figures came with a considerable amount of flash, which involved laborious scraping and filing of men and horses. Also, while they came with round shields (not shown), I forgot to order weapons, so I ordered a pack of javelins from Northstar. Also their gripping hands were solid, so I had to carefully drill them out so the javelins will fit. Finally, they don’t have capes or bows, as the GW Rider models all do, and while I could model them with green stuff, I’m not currently so inclined, so they will serve the Riddermark as they are.
Bottom line: while I was quite excited to order some Footsore minis, and will no doubt order more, I give these figures between a B+ and an A- at best.
I have a quiet weekend ahead, so I am hoping to get a push on and ride these fellows off the table soon.
Blessings to your brushes!
MP+
Lovely looking figures which will grace your table and blog. The building is an excellent addition too. I look forward to following your progress and hope the quiet weekend proves fruitful and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan. It was a lovely weekend indeed. I even got some gardening done!
DeleteQuite like the Footsore figures too. Personally I prefer drilling open the hands as it ensures a better fit. Also the weapon won't come off as easily when handled a little... umm... rough. But I've to agree on the amount of flash. The last batch I received was in dire need of some laborious cleaning up as well.
ReplyDeleteLaborious is the right word, but they are still lovely figures. I also splurged on some Early Saxons, for a possible Dark Ages project.
DeleteAlways great to see a return to Rohan and a great idea to use Goth cavalry to swell the ranks - sorry about the flash though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael. Since I posted this, I acquired a dozen plastic GW Riders, so I will be painting hose-boys for a while.
DeleteAnd as long as I don't hack off a finger, I don't mind a bit of flash.
I am also a fan of your LotR project and games! Having recently finally been able to play the new rules by GW at my friend, Stew's house, I find I really liked the rules.
ReplyDeleteStew's own adventures in Middle Earth are more Gondor oriented, but I think that you would appreciate his posts on the topic and also his style of writing too.
https://tllw.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much Dai! I had a quick look at your friend Stew's blog and there is a LOT to admire there, thanks for the tip.
DeleteHope you're well, mate.
Nice work in progress building and the Goths look like they will make fine riders of Rohan,I was a bit disappointed with my footsore delivery,there were bits broken off and a miscast horse leg, have you had a look at gripping beast plastics dark age cavalry?
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain. Sorry to here about your Footsore order. I would make another order, but I think I would explore my options, and there are a LOT of Dark Ages options. Speaking of which, yes, I am aware of the Gripping Beast plastic Goth cavalry, and think I could use some!
DeleteBest,
Mike