"Prince August 28mm Romans Quality and Comparison question" Topic

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Prince August 28mm Romans?

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How do they compare to other makes?

I have only purchased a blister pack of the Britons in the same range. They are large 28mm in comparison to my Wargames factory and Gripping beast celts, but they would mix ok in the same unit.
My main issue with the prince August range would be the relatively static poses as they are intended for home casting.

Just to add, if home casting is your thing, you can purchase the molds and build pretty decent metal units for a good price.

Brennus, that is exactly what I was thinking of doing. I was not very impressed with the Celt poses, but I thought the Roman Legion poses would work well.

I found only one size comparison picture online:

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It is only one pose shown and it is one you cannot buy the mould of.

If I ever get my Black Tree Design Romans I ordered last November, I was wondering if these would work with them (as well as Foundry and Warlord Games' Auxiliaries).

Isn't that the middle figure from PA6006-3?

Yes, it looks to be the Optio from that (pa6006-3) set.

That is one of the Roman sets they do not sell the moulds for.

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered the 3 mould sets for the Romans.

Considering the moulds have a separate arm throwing pilum I will see if I can use that arm with plastic Romans (either Warlord or Wargames Factory or Victrix) to make a more durable pilum.

Now, if only someone could make a wire pilum…

I just yesterday dug them out and gave my Romans to a friend for painting (in the Asterix style). I will post photos when the come back.

Generally the PAs are larger then the WG, WF or Victrix to the point of incompatibility, and larger then typical true 28mm minis.

The minis are typically nice, though limited in poses.

I made the Romans from the Prince August moulds and still use them. They're pretty good and pretty tall. They stack well with some Black Tree romans, which are very good as well and can be often found on 50% sale.

Although the troops are good, the shields are just okay. They already have the wings molded onto them. I plan to replace mine with the Victrix shields soon.

That's good to hear! I was hoping they would mix with Black Tree Design (I have a large amount that I ordered from BTD last year on their Black Friday Sale and Christmas Sale (50% off) but I have not received them yet – I know more than a few have made complaints against the company but they have come through in the past and John's (one of the owner's of the company) father just passed away.

The P.A. heads are smaller compared to the BTD, but I think they fit in nicely.

The PA Romans were my first and only experience with pouring the lead. I'm not sure if you've done that sort of thing before, but to make them pour evenly, I put a small piece of wood on each size, the size of the mould and held it in place with small wire clamps on each side. Just to make the pressure even throughout the mould.

Of course there will be quite a few that have to go back into the pot, especially in the beginning as the mould heats up to spread the lead/pewter evenly. But you'll quickly start getting some good ones.

And I guess it almost goes without saying to do this outside to avoid the fumes, and a fan blowing behind you couldn't hurt.

Thank you. I have done some casting – one Prince August mould (cannon) and some others (figures and horses). I found I was having trouble, watched some Prince August videos and saw that you have to cut some air channels the moulds do not come with…

I got my moulds the other week. Clearly one of the key elements to getting these to work the best is to vent the moulds!

The figures look quite nice. I have tried one of their types of Model Metal as well as some tin.

Some pours have worked, some not.

I will have to find a good source of pewter in Canada (good as in not too expensive for shipping and price).

I think scouring 2nd hand shops for olde mugs, frames, candlestick holders, etc is also in order.

When I poured mine, I used lump lead that my friend had sitting around (I think for that purpose). Yes, quite a few had to be thrown back into the pot, especially until the mould warmed up.

I was giving some of those figs a facelift the other day and noted how they have this 1960's actor looking face for Roman period. Just look too American and almost smiling. But you have to get really close to notice.

I should take apart some olde automotive batteries I have for the lead.