Hypaspists

 

Macedonian pike phalanxes are fearsome things but are not so hot on the battlefield if their flanks are not well protected.  The Hypaspists - assumed to be carriers of the aspis, the large round shield carried by hoplites - were a key part of the army of Phillip II and Alexander.  They provided a flexible link between the pike phalanx and the heavy cavalry striking force.  I have just finished a first batch of 24 of these troops.

All these figures are Newline 20mm lead soldiers.  This represents one unit bag, giving 3 command figures and 21 soldiers in 3 different poses.  The eagle eyed will spot one odd figure in the rear rank, an erratic type with bronze cuirass and plumed helmet.  I have used him as he was in the pack and I don't yet have a spare I can replace him with, giving him a helmet colouring similar to the unit commander and the standard bearer, to mark him out as a junior officer, perhaps?

I have not followed any particular painting guide, simply giving them a uniform that is distinct from all the hoplites I have done.  The shield transfers are from Little Big Men Studios.  These went on well over the heavily curved shields after being scored with a sharp knife before sticking on and well pressed in with a useful rubber tipped tool picked up in an art shop.

In the lead pile is another unit bag of Hypaspists.  Before I get onto that, there is an assortment of bodies to finish off...