"Imperial to Late Roman Buildings in 25/28mm?" Topic

Have already looked at the websites of Grand Manner, Hovels, and Monolith, and ALSO considered various pros/cons of each… based on comments "dropped" in threads, or purposeful reviews given by folks, here at TMP on each.

Grand Manner: Pricey, and do not really do any Roman "buildings" at this time -- mostly into fortifications pieces. Does have a pricey Greek Temple, and also an impressive but equally expensive-as-all-get-out "Palace."

Hovels: Inexpensive by comparison. A couple interesting complimentary Celtic pieces, but the only "Roman" buildings are the barrack and stable for their Roman Mile Castle model… In addition these Roman/Celtic pieces are older representatives of their line, and so lack removable roofs to facilitate small "skirmish" sorts of games (or save the punter cash; dual-use if you will) -- in fact they are solid -- not even hollow…

Monolith: Extensive line-up to compliment their fort/fortress pieces. Buildings appear to possibly be solid blocks -- like Hovels' two pieces, not even hollow, never mind with removable roofs?? Don't seem too pricey -- that is, until you note the shipping charges to the USA! Several remarks "dropped" in threads about spotty service and orders paid for but not received…

That brings me to Najewitz Modellbau? @ Lasermodellbau. They carry a small line of "Ancient/Late Rome 1:72." The couple entries LOOK really nice. They are resin kits so as they are being assembled one has the option (within the limits of the kit!) to assemble them such that the roof can be removed, and also to add some interior detailing (within the limits of the modeler's skill!).

I'm leery though because of the 1/72nd scale, or 20mm!! Does anyone have any experience using these with 28mm figures such as Foundry's or Warlord Games' EIR, or Foundry's Late Roman figures? Can anyone give dimensions?? Two critical ones for me -- three sir!!

1) Overall height and width of the front face of these buildings?

2) Overall height and width of the "doors" or street access/openings on the front face of these buildings?

3) Overall height measured from "ground" or "street" level to the bottom sill of the second story windows of the front face of these buildings ("1st floor" windows for our European friends who call what we Colonials style the "first floor" as the "ground floor")??

Any help on these measurements -- and comments from 28mm war-gamers who use these buildings as scenery/backdrops in their Imperial to Late Roman tabletop battles very GREATLY appreciated!!

I'm leery though because of the 1/72nd scale, or 20mm!! Does anyone have any experience using these with 28mm figures such as Foundry's or Warlord Games' EIR, or Foundry's Late Roman figures?

Unless you are doing skirmish (with 1 figure = 1 man) then going "one scale down" for buildings is quite a popular approach.

What about grand manner's Traveller's Rest? Is that too spendy?

While intended for a different use, some of these buildings might suit you. And they are 28mm

link

@ MBA.

While intended for a different use…

Thanks. I've thought about Spanish (Spanish Caribbean/ "Spanish Main"/ Spanish Pirate-era) buildings many times, but invariably find they have been made too "true" to what they ARE and not suitable for buildings dating 1500 to 2000 years further back… Take for examples one offering of a Spanish "Villa…"

I could ALMOST go with this bldg. as a major Roman town building, except for a very significant Roman "visual" it is lacking… The upper story's exterior balcony's balustrade is decidedly UN-Roman. It lacks the characteristic Roman "X" shaped or "crossed X" shaped "lattice" or transenna;

Still looking… Though I will allow as how I am re-thinking a few Spanish buildings that are the most VERY generic "Mediterranean" looking of structures, which might help "around the edges," but will definitely NOT figure as center-pieces of a Roman town, Villa Rustica, or a fort's or fortress' vicus.

Still looking…

Acheson creations have a barracks block (but I've never seen it). Ian Weekly did a late roman house (now sold by Magister Militum – it's 25mm but 2 storeys and should be ok – a little dilapidated in appearance). Steve Barber does a Romano-Brit house (but I've never seen it) a Roman market and arena/amphitheatre. I had thought (perhaps incorrectly) that someone did a suitable laser cut building.

My wife just reminded me that Black cat bases have some.

Kobblestone minatures does celtic buildings, marketplaces, etc. with removeable roofs. I bought a celtic blacksmith building and roundhouse and was very impressed.

My wife just reminded me that Black cat bases have some…

Either I am doing something wrong, or, those BCB ancient buildings are "ghost images." Not possible to place an order… Also its £30.00 GBP for the "large farm" or £30.00 GBP for EACH of its two obvious component parts, which can not possibly be accurate???

Not buildings, per se, but 4Ground has some lovely later Roman watch towers, as well as Ox Carts and Wagons.

See here link

link

@ TKindred I've considered the 4Ground Roman watch tower… Its not, as you say, the sort of building(s) I am looking for… I am also just not sure about MDF "puzzle" buildings. However, the manager/owner of my "local" says he is going to get some 4Ground buildings in soon, and probably will have the Roman watch tower in the milieu… I've told him he might sell me one if once I could "hold it and touch it!"

What about grand manner's Traveller's Rest? Is that too spendy?

I DROOL over that model about once every three or five days… But yes, way too "spendy," as you say idontbelieveit. Sadly. Appreciate your comment, however.

Maybe I'll start a "Christmas Pudding Club" fund now…

Nighthawk, I bought that one with birthday vouchers (requests) some years back and a friend painted it for me. It is a superb model and I hope it graces a table soon when we start Dark Ages games in 28mm.

@ poiter50 Sigh… Someday… Well, your endorsement is good news… NOT that I've any reason to doubt that its a great product!!!

May I ask a question? Do all five (5) roofs come off to allow access to the interior spaces (for skirmishing, or whatever)? And if they come off, is there any detailing to the interiors? Or is it just four bare walls -- you "salt to taste," as it were, with your own paint (obviously I'd say), and any detailing touches?

I count five by the way by including the portico to the main building.

Thanks in advance!

@ TheMiniatureBuildingAuthority. I was thinking over your suggestion this evening and went back to your webbie. Something caught my eye… I followed a trail of bread crumbs.

Its a pity that none of your 15mm Italian buildings, especially the farmstead buildings, are not available in 28mm -- they would do much better than any Spanish buildings… Just my duo dinarii!!!

Yes, all 6 roofs come off including the gate roof. The portico is actually one L shaped roof. I actually got the alternative slate tiled roof as well so I can use it for later period games. The 2 storey section has a lift out floor (interior wall provides a handle). The floors are "textured" in that the upper story floor is wood grained and the ground floor is tiled. Didn't check the walls but IIRC they are as if rendered/plastered.