"GB plastic arabs as sassanids?" Topic

OG

I think you answered your own question. "You can't see why anyone should convert…" Followed by: "I'm not a modeller, I am a wargamer". This fascinating hobby of ours is made up of both these types of people, along with those who would prefer to describe themselves as collectors, figure painters, etc.

The original post was looking for help. I don't know the person who submitted it, I only hope it wasn't someone new to the hobby, who might have been turned off the idea by subsequent posts.

1. Cost
2. Weight
3. As some people just "like" doing conversions, because;
a/ they enjoy modelling
b/ they think they are cleverer, and have done better research than the next manufacturer so can create a more accurate figure by doing so
c/ they have more time than money

Some good points Mr. Axeman. Might I add – also to use as proxies for other armies. Not all of us have the time or money to paint every army we would like to use. Basic dark age foot can be used without conversion in many armies from 500BC to 1000AD.

I think the "proxies" argument also holds true for metals though… almost all of my metal figures appear in different armies!

I simply made a comment about using substitutes for historical armies when the proper historical figures are available, when more often the not the substitutes are not completely accurate. Vikings as Goths ??????????

I just don't see the point of running around looking for something that could work or not work when there are so many other sources available that were done for that specific purpose-- regardless of the medium it is cast in?

I don't think the discussion was about using plastic figures, it was about using substitude figures when the correct figures were available.

Dark ages foot are the easiest to proxy for other armies and periods.

Wow lots of this and that, I'm larfing about it all guys, the lady did doth protest too much but again that's ok and cool (we can take our hats off to you Russ you are the guy who has actually got some great figures, -yes them 15mm are gems, I agree) but there are just some guys out there who would do the plastic/metal convert on a product just for the sheer enjoyment, to you crazy to some of the others in the hobby an exciting challenge. I am going to end with saying the OG Naps 15mm Saxons are brilliant (yes I've got them) and perhaps a little more actual showing of the figures on your site would not go amiss- I for one always wondered what's in the packs from a company. Finally don't take the b-tching to seriously all. Again happy Modeling/painting/gaming to you all. PS Russ how do we see what your Biblical 10mm look like?

This is actually my first post on TMP, so I'll try to be brief.
In relation to the actual topic by chrach7, my answer would be both no and yes: No the Arab infantry would not really work for the average Sassanid infantry man. The Sassanids wore a more Persian costume, and not the long robes these Arabs wear. However it has been noted that the light troops of the Sassanid armies were typically mercenaries, and rated higher by their Late Roman enemies. So if you stick with the archer and javelin guys, and the round and oval shields, the Arabs could easily represent Lahkmid or Quraish freebooters in Sassanid service.

Now to Dellbruk, OG was correct in saying that the Sassanid infantry is not really well known. It clearly wasn't well respected by the Sassanids nor feared by their enemies. The Sassanids were Persians, and their armies were Persian both in appearance and character. The force expected to win their battles were their cavalry, the infantry was likely mostly used to distract the enemy, construct siege equipment, and impress the enemy with shear numbers. Archers, slingers and javelin men would be more expected to cause casualties.
As to the globe hats thing, it really is a matter of opinion, it was a piece of early median costume and may have been brought back by the Sassanids to reinforce their Persian Ancestry. Though the Perry Mahdists Nile Spearmen are a good idea for late Akkadians.

As far as Augustus' statement, I would say a fairer parallel would be a GW employee commenting on Warmachine player asking about the likelihood of converting plastic Trollkin Impalers into Blighted Ogrun Warspears, by reminding the player that Privateer Press makes perfectly good metal Warspears that would actually be cheaper to buy.

If I might be permitted a brief out-of-period diversion:

Sometimes metal ranges don't provide everything you need, especially for more obscure conflicts. They only cover the basics, and then not necessarily with total accuracy.

A case in point is the Old Glory PIM (essentially Mexican Revolution)range, which offers good to very good quality sculpts for the essentials, but has some accuracy issues, and leaves out a number of necessary troop types(such as, for instance, Rurales command figures, and later, uniformed Constitutionalists).

But, I've had a lot of fun seeking out adaptable/convertible figures, most of which have actually come from OG, and doing bulk head swaps and some modifications to achieve the desired 'look'. The SAW US figures I bought aren't quite right for later Constitutionalists, but they're good, dynamic figures and close enough for me.

Old Glory said

I still rember the article in wargames Ill. -- (think thats where it was) where a guy was showing how to put Perrys plastic horses together and fill the seems -- WOW --what a bunch of green stuff and time !!!????

I am rolling on the floor laughing in a pool of my own blood after cleaning the horrendous mould lines and flashing and filling gaps on Old Glory 25mm Revolting Peasants and some elephants.

Are you for real? You have great miniatures but you must just ignore the nightmare or (from your other posts I only assume) have Sri Lankans or others do the drudgery for you because your figures are some of the hardest most brittle, flashed up, mould line ruining casts I have EVER seen. Plastics are a joy compared to your line. Get your own house in order before you bash Perry plastics.

My maimed fingers are at least warm from the blood and tourniquet.

George J.

Apparently you are the exception, as I've never had any such issues with any Old Glory minis I've purchased. In fact, my old club had thousands of them and I don't remember of of these sorts of complaints.