about the figure

The figure represents a high ranked Greek Commander dressed in Spartan style. The sculptor is inspired by an original illustration of Christos Giannopoulos for Periscopio Publications “Thermopyles” April 2005.

box

The figure comes in 125 x 85 x 30 mm.standard Romeo Models light blue cardboard box. The front cover shows a photo of the figure painted by Italian master painter Danilo Cartacci from 3 different angles – front, back to show the cloak details and left angle to show the shield pattern. More photos of the painted figure by the artist can be seen here.

Inside the box, there is an A4 paper sheet including historical info and painting instructions for this figure. This document is represented in 2 languages; Italian and English. English text is prepared by Historicus Forma Associate Editor Costas Rodopoulos and text is translated to Italian by Riccardo Carrabino.

Parts are well protected between two slabs of thick white polyfoam and figure base is placed under the polyfoam not to damage the figure parts.

parts

The figure is sculpted by Italian master sculptor Maurizio Bruno and made up of 10 white metal parts. All parts are cast clean and crisp in very good details. I can say this is one of best castings I have ever seen with no visible seamlines, very crisp details and no excess metal to clean. The figure almost has no need for a clean up, filling or sanding, just prime and paint.

The main part is torso with legs. He wears a Spartan style bronze Muscle Cuirass made of two pieces of metal armor shaped in anatomical form to cover the wearer’s breast and back. The two parts of armor are attached with straps on both sides. Under his cuirass, he wears a short loosy tunic called Chiton and a Greek style armour belt with leather vertical straps. The breast and abdominal muscles on cuirass, folds on chiton, right shoulder-crosswise sword belt and folds on cloak covering the left shoulder are well defined. He has knee-length bronze Spartan Greaves, shin guards covering his calves and front-open leather sandals.

2 hair plaits in front, 3 hair plaits on the back and embroidered cloak pin are also well defined
Other parts are ;

Cloak : The large cloak is defined in very good folds. It makes a good fit to the main part with the two big holes facing the 2 big pins on the back of the figure.

Head : He wears a Corinthian type helmet based on the well-known statue of the Spartan warrior preserved in the Museum of Sparta in Greece. The cheek protectors are different than the usual Corinthian helmets . They are shaped as the head of a ram with curved horns. Animals with horns on helmets symbolized heroism and courage on the battlefield and also a sign that the ancestors of the warriors wearing such helmets were Gods. The facial details are well defined. Two holes on the top of helmet make the asssembly of the crest easier and good fit.

Crest : A distinctive lenghtwise crest showing the rank decorates the helmet. Small details on the crest holder are well represented. The 2 pins make a good fit top the holes on the helmet.

Right arm : Posed to raise his spear. Shoulder folds of chiton are well defined.

Right hand : Posed to grap the spear and a large bracelet covers the wrist. In my opinion, this part is the one showing the Romeo Models casting quality. The hand is cast around a copper wire in 8 cm.s lenght and this makes the grabbing perfect.

Shield : He carries a Hoplon, deeply dished, large bronze shield with an angled rim. Interior details of shield as Antilabe, handgrip cord near the edges and Porpax, metal arm band at center are well defined. Left forearm holding the shield is molded inside the shield.

The decorative motives on the boxart shield’s outer surface is the sign of Gorgon, the female demon who can turn her enemies into stone with her fiery look. More Greek shield desisgns can be found here.

Sword : Double edged short sword in leather scabbard.

Spearheads : Two spearheads (short and long) are supplied as the spear has points on both ends. Short one is used for the bottom and long one is for the top of spear.

Figure base : A round figure base with nice ground texture and small rocks.

conclusion

Another good addition to Romeo Models Greek Hoplite series. Besides the classical high quality casting, nice details, easy assembly and perfect fit ; my personal opinion; this one is the best cast of Romeo’s existing products.

Very Highly Recommended