WIP ICM I/16 Roman Gladiator

[Peter Day]

This is ICM's latest 1/16 figure release, a Thracian (Thrax) gladiator of ancient Rome. The sculptor has done his research:



Our man is equipped with the distinctive curved sword and plumed helmet of the type, together with the extra armour and padding.

The box contents:

First the paperwork:



Included are a small print of the box art, and an assembly guide.

The sprues:



These look very cleanly moulded, with some nice fine detail. I have some concerns about the finish of the flesh parts, and it's a pity that the greaves come in two separate halves, so I anticipate some extra clean up and filling. It's nice that alternative shields have been provided.

Another slight concern is that there are no straps indicated around the padding, rather, it appears that they have been pulled so tight into the fabric so as to disappear. I'll see how this looks, as the alternative wold mean excavating some channels to receive foil straps, which may be counterproductive.

I make no promises about this one. Of the six other kits that I've attempted in this series, I've only managed to finish two, but I'll give it a go.

 

[newtonk]

I’ll watch watch with interest as I have a fairly low opinion of ICM’s 1/16 figures. What’s the biggest impediment to finishing these? At least they are cheap enough to not get too hung up on dumping them. Would look good finished on a base of sand, with a little claret for good measure.

 

[Nap]

Hi Peter

A interesting project with the ICM releases ....plenty to get on with esoecially with the greaves and helmet

Following with interest on this

Have fun look forward to updates

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Peter Day]

Hi Kylie.

They look better quality on the sprue than they actually are I think. I'm in the middle of assembling this one and the amount of filling and sanding required is a little dispiriting. I've found with others that the detailing is too fine to survive the first coat of paint, and that the general finish doesn't allow much to be done with the paint.

 

[Peter Day]

Nap - Thanks for looking in.

 

[Moonraker]

Here’s hoping Peter.......I know it’s a subject from a period you really like.

 

[Babelfish]

This or something similar would make a terrific pose for a gladiator figure (Medieval Forge / Revolution / Mercury et al if you are reading this .... ). Many of the ones currently on the market - as nice as they are - tend to be a tad samey. As far as I know, one like this has never been done before, at least not in recent years and to the level of quality that we've come to expect.



- Steve

 

[Peter Day]

Hi Tim - Well, I think there needs to be quite a lot of hope here.....

It's ready for paint:



A bit of a so-and-so to sort out. The parts that came as two halves - torso, loincloth, and greaves - caused the most problems as the fit wasn't perfect. The sanding and filling required at the joins inevitably affected some of the detail, especially on the belt, which I decided to replace with plastic card, an etch feldgendarme's chain and a medallion from the ICM centurion kit. The detail on the greaves was similarly affected - I had to add some bosses made from sections of sprue.

The next problem involved the shield. I decided to use the larger one, but found that by using the handle provided it wouldn't fit. I've therefore had to use the buckler handle, but at least that way I have the choice of either when the time comes. Two of the strakes at the back of the shield are supplied as separate for some reason, and one of these proved too short and needed expanding with plastic rod.

The helmet wasn't too bad, though there were some slight fit issues. It will need to be fitted in two parts around the head after I've painted the face.

Grrrr.......

 

[Peter Day]

This or something similar would make a terrific pose for a gladiator figure (Medieval Forge / Revolution / Mercury et al if you are reading this .... ). Many of the ones currently on the market - as nice as they are - tend to be a tad samey. As far as I know, one like this has never been done before, at least not in recent years and to the level of quality that we've come to expect.

View attachment 408430

- Steve

Good idea Steve.

 

[Moonraker]

At least it isn’t miniart Peter!

 

[Peter Day]

True Tim, though actually their Romans aren't at all bad.

 

[Stephen Hutchinson]

Morning Peter

You are getting bold with your choices with your current track record with ICM gladiators!

I guess any eye issues are mute with the grilled face cover of the helmet?

If this does survive assembly, it would be really cool to have an opponent on a blood and sand base, with a few scattered weapons and body parts!

Fingers crossed the assembly gets to paint.

With Storm Darcy, there isn't anywhere to go, so enjoy the lock in!

Have a good day with the paints and hopefully some good light too

Regards

Steve H

 

[Peter Day]

Morning Steve

I think I'm going to put this one back in the box for a while. I seem to have completely lost any drive to get on with painting it at the moment, perhaps anticipating too many problems - needs a spring day and a sunny outlook for making a start. I'll probably do a bit more bust-painting in the meantime. Very heavy snow here and a wonderful woodland walk yesterday. Bloomin' cold though.

 

[Nap]

Hi Peter

Looking at the picture of the prepped oara's all credit to you for getting it together

If you decide to put this on hold then at least it's all ready to paint !

Will you prime this before any paint ?

Keep warm ...sunny here !

Look forward to whatever is next

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Peter Day]

Hi Nap.

No, I don't use primer, so it's a question of faith in my filling. Definitely putting this on hold for now.

 

[Nap]

Hi Nap.

No, I don't use primer, so it's a question of faith in my filling. Definitely putting this on hold for now.

Looks good to me ...look forward to seeing this return ..,.when your ready!

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[DioramaArt]

This or something similar would make a terrific pose for a gladiator figure (Medieval Forge / Revolution / Mercury et al if you are reading this .... ). Many of the ones currently on the market - as nice as they are - tend to be a tad samey. As far as I know, one like this has never been done before, at least not in recent years and to the level of quality that we've come to expect.

View attachment 408430

- Steve

A much more dynamic pose than the ICM stock figure, I have this one for the stash and might attempt the conversion at some point.

Great work Peter, look forward to future updates on the painting process.

 

[Peter Day]

It certainly is a dynamic pose. I may even get around to painting it one day!