I’m all in on the Roman Imperial period. This diorama is a frontier encounter between a small native fort and roman forces. Initially it was Germanic, as I’m still learning though I wanted to try my hand at creating as many different shields as possible so you will see some Gaul, Celtic, Dacian, etc. influences mixed into the fight.
For the numbers:
- It measures 45 cm x 60 cm (18”x24” for us in the US)
- Total of 285 figures
- Figures come from 32 different sets
- The sets came from 9 different manufactures, Hat, Orion, Italeri, Linera-A, Strelets, Mars, Red Box, Zvezda and some really old Esci figures. The difference in the quality of their molding was staggering!
- Of the 285 figures, there are 147 unique poses. I haven’t figured out a way to set up a Roman battle line without ever repeating figures, but with the different sets I was usually able to go at least 5 guys before having one repeat. As for Rome’s enemies, there are only 12 duplicates on the model (each with different paint jobs).
One of my favorite past times is looking at the pictures of all your amazing creations! I hope you enjoy what I’ve put together. I created the diorama in the form of a brief story….
Thanks!
Dave
Pushing further into enemy territory, the Roman Legion comes across a small Germanic fort. The Tribune, the lead commander of the Roman forces, sent in an ambassador to demand their immediate surrender. Now waiting for their Chief to come and bend the knee, he and his lead Centurion discuss their next move.
The Germanic Chief leaves no doubt in showing his reply, they will fight!
From an elevated position, Roman archers begin to rain down a volley of fire upon the fort. The heavier scorpion is brought up to aid in the battle.
Germanic archers answers in kind and begin to shower the invading Romans with deadly fire.
The Germanic tribesmen come out to meet the Romans in full battle, pressing the line in a fight for survival.
As the Roman line begins to faulter at one point, horns are sounded to send in the reserve and strengthen it.
Inspired by the image of their emperor and encouragement from their Centurion, the reinforcements march in just in time. They only need to hold on long enough for the trap to be sprung…
Hidden in the woods, another Centurion orders the signal to be sounded to unleash the surprise attack on the Germanic flank.
Marching in testudo’s to protect from the hail of enemy arrows, the Romans move to the weakened Germanic flank to crush them from behind.
Hopelessly outnumbered, the few remaining tribesman rush in to try and defend the rear, as despair sets in realizing the battle is lost.
I hope you enjoyed!
