Leviathan Models

25mm Republican Romans

by Jim Womer

Considering the 'legendary' misadventures of Gluteus Maximus and his Roman vs the Carthaginians so faithfully detailed in The 'old' Courier, and the somewhat hard treatment Republican Romans receive under the WRG rules, it is easy to understand why this armY has Yet to prove much of a favorite among wargamers. But the Carthaginians lost, and a line such as the present one should go a long way in improving that image of the Republican Romans.

As most Ancients buffs know, the backbone of this army was its infantry, and Leviathan has done a solid representation of Hastatus, Princeps or Triarius Princeps and Velite, all apparently modeled on the WRG publications. The Velite submitted is in a javelin throwing pose, while the heavy infantry are available in both advancing and standing in reserve positions, with either mail shirt armor or bronze chest protector. The anatomy of these infantry strike me as being slightly beefy and somwhat broad at chest and shoulders, but by no means deformed; the velite seems rather thin viewed end-on, apparently a result of pose being aggravated by casting technique, which technique is otherwise quite clean and crisp.

Cast separately from the basic figure are rounded small shields with javelin, and the larger rounded oval shield with boss either with or without pila; while the haste is a piece of piano wire, the javelin and pile are nicely executed. Shields and some weapons will need to be attached to the basic figure.

The cavalry are perhaps the strongest suit of this line, having a marginally large but very well executed horse with good overall proportions in head, neck and legs with some minor flash and casting difficulties at the point where neck, head and reins join -- but still a very good looking horse overall. Both light and heavy cavalrymen are pro vided and nicely done; the unarmored light cavalryman has arm raised to throw his javelin while the heavy cavalryman is thrusting. Again, shields and weapons need to be added.

As wargaming figures go, my overall impression of this line is very favorable as the designer seems to have reached an excellent compromise between detail and paintability which works nicely in ancients. I found the figures somewhat reminiscent of one of my own favorites, the long-gone Charles Stadden line of 30mm Napoleonics. The figures have enough detail to satisfy an experienced painter, but not so much to frustrate a novice developing his technique.

In short, a solid line with something for most. In terms of compatability, they are marginally smaller than the current generation of 25mm Hinchliffes While it is unfortunately true that the heavy infantry historically showed up in large groups, it should be kept in mind that the velites and cavalry figures could be used as units in later period armies. My only real regret about this line is the choice of Republican Roman; given the current twist in the WRG Ancients Rules, had the designer chosen the late Roman army circa third or fourth century A.D. he might well have picked a winner.

Resuming our predilection for numbers, the ratings are: Anatomy (.7), Animation (.7), Detail (.8), Paintability (.9), Casting (.8), for a total of 3.9 of a possible 5.0, which is pretty good since I do not usually give a (1.0).

Since we did not receive a list, I have no information about the range of figures of variety available. Those interested in the period should write to Leviathan Models, 4 Peachfield Road, Malvern WR14 4AR, England, U.K. for lists and prices. For those of you who haven't dealt overseas before, it is generally a good idea to include an International Postal Reply coupon with your inquiries; they are available from your local post office.

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