Fumbling my way around the world of Ancients
The pointy end
In recent times I have seen lots of people using broom bristles for spears and the like. So off I went to the local hardware store to find something that would fit the bill.
Scouring the isles for what felt like ages and manhandling more bristles then I dare to admit I ended up empty handed. Lots of natural product bristles but none that were thick enough and long enough for what I was after.
Having done some Darkest Africa models in the past I knew I had some 28mm steel Javelins spare. You know the sort, the ones that are terrifying to most armchair generals on account of them being incredibly sharp and pointy.
Using a small pin vice I drilled holes for all the metal spears I would use to represent Sarissa. I opted for 50mm length weapons. I know they should probably be a little bit longer but 50mm was the length I had and it also saved me having to cut down the 100mm thin spears.
These things seem pretty hard to find these days. I think the ones I have came from North Star Miniatures but they now seem to be unavailable.
If anyone knows where I can get my hands on any more please let me know.
Once the Sarissa were glued in place I used blu-tac to attach the figures to popsicle sticks. Initially I used hot glue but the figures didn’t stay on to well.
Using the pop sticks it would allow me to handle the figures easier whilst painting.
North Star still sell wire spears, although 100mm long https://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=537
There’s a few places that do 50mm
https://arcanesceneryandmodels.co.uk/shop/metal-thin-wire-spears-javelins-50mm-long-pack-of-20-spears/
https://www.theplasticsoldiercompany.co.uk/product/50-x-50mm-wire-spears/
https://www.scotiagrendel.com/Xyston/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=162
They vary a bit by cost and style. Have a Google of 50mm wire spears – there’s a lot of companies that do them.
Thanks heaps for those links. I’ve had a look through and will probably order some more. The search still goes on to find those thin 50mm wire spears with the same ‘tip’ style as the ones I currently have. I know it probably seems a little OCD to want them all t look the same.
For other armies though, those links will come in very handy indeed.