After a brief and somewhat expensive flirtation with 15mm, I decided I do not want to leave 10mm just for one time and place, particularly since I have 10mm armies before and after. The time and place is Ireland during Desmond’s and Tyrone’s rebellions. There are a few figures available (mainly from my go-to place, Pendraken Miniatures) but I needed a wider selection which lead to the 15mm jump. The solution was to offer a commission for twelve 10mm sculpts to Phil Lewis, famously known as “Techno” on the Pendraken Forum.
The figure styles have to be somewhat of a compromise. While they are typical for Ireland from 1570 – 1600, they need to be usable at least back to 1500. These means to the most knowledgeable a few anachronisms creep-in for a few of the figures. For these I take full responsibility. Most noticeably, I group Kerns and Bonnachts together (with respect to dress and weapons). The jackets (ionar) changed in style significantly over the 16th c and I wanted figures that could be fudged a bit with painting.
I also wanted to be able to use these figures to represent Highlanders in the same period. The Gallowglass easily fit the bill and I have had Phil add folded “plaids” (cloaks, mantles) which can be painted in a tartan pattern if one wishes. Likewise, many of the new figures can represent “Redshanks”.
Let me hasten to add that “Tartan” can also refer to the twill weave style use by Celtic peoples for centuries. It most usually applies to multi-coloured patterns but could also mean a single color done in the twill weave. In any event people (particularly in Scotland) wore these “Plaids” for warmth and in a number of ways.
Here are Phil’s near-finished sculpts (as of this writing):
These are brilliant Bill, simply brilliant! Some of the best Phil has done – congratulations to you both.
Andrew
LikeLike
Thanks, Andrew. I think Phil is doing lovely work with these. He is better than having a 3D printer in fact. 😀
LikeLike
Yeah I would totally agree with that he does some really wonderful work on these tiny little figures we would be lost without him and people like him
LikeLike
These look great
Take care
Andy
LikeLike
Those are brilliant sculpts and thanks for commissioning them Bill:). When they become available I’m sure to order a few for some skirmish games etc.
LikeLike
Techno’s process was amazing to watch and it’s going to be cool to have this small gap in Oendraken’s range covered.
LikeLike
Are you planning to modify king and parliament for these or use baroque
I visited one of the Desmond halls 2 years ago along with the boyne aughrim etc if u do go to the Emerald Isle they were doing up his main castle which should be ready now
LikeLike
In someways skirmish rules might end up working better for much of the fighting. Still, I likely will end up mashing TtS! and FK&P together (although more knowledgeable people are already working on this, I think).
LikeLike
As always, you are very knowledgeable about the people, armor, and clothing of the time period. I’m glad you found a way to have your figures show this knowledge. Enjoy this retirement job that has become a calling! It keeps your mind busy and makes your days enjoyable.
LikeLike