I've got more Byzantine cataphracts than I thought...

 Many years ago Harry Pearson sent me a tin of figures containing 'JohnBee' figures. It's one of those 'must look at sometime' projects that was filed apart from a couple of photos. As a result of the last couple of 'S' Range posts I thought I'd look at the box again...

Found these...

Quick comparison and they're 'S' Range! Strangely, does seem to be minor variations across all of them as far as tail and helmet plumes go, don't know if these represent casting issues, more than one master used or updates during the lifespan of the figures - can never tell with Minifigs!

So checked the other cavalry figures. The cataphracts (mostly - see above!) have the 'typical' 'S' Range tail. the other figures don't.The last figure has to be JohnBee - smaller than the others, But look at that second figure.

So compared that Hun-type figure to the Assyrian 'S' Range horse archer... similar tail (not all the one piece figures seem to have the typical tail), similar head, rider a similar size. Differences horse body not as deep... that's it, really. So is this an early one piece 'S' Range figure of the 'Gaul or Hun horse archer? On balance I think it is closer to the 'S' Range figures than the JohnBee figures! But not certain.

 

So went to look at another one of the 'boxes-in-waiting' - 'S' Range Gauls. Found 6 'Gaul Lancers' in there, turns out they were one piece castings as well. Again, the known 'S' Range figure is a bit heftier than the '?' figure. So still haven't the faintest idea - has to be one of the two, balance of probabilities probably in favour of 'S' Range, but far from certain.

Ain't Minifigs wonderful!

The Byzantine 1 piece cavalry

 Found them!

As previously mentioned, looking a bit the worse for wear. I like the original paint scheme.

I have to admit though that I'm a bit concerned at how well the spears will survive any remedial work! About the only painting needed  would be the spears, stirrups and the arrows in the bow cases. Other than that, minor touching up paintwork. There should be another figure lying around somewhere.

Some Grant Byzantines

Not many of these, but beautifully painted...

A total of 21 archers including a standard bearer who's lost his standard.

Strangely these figures have nearly blue coloured bases like some of the Persians - no idea why.

5 more nicely painted figures.

The faces actually have character!

And finally a couple of Roman ballistae - 'normal' green bases.

One weird thing... list of followers seems to have gone from my blog again!

Hinchliffe Byzantine cavalry

Wandering through Liverpool back in the 70s I went into City Models thinking I'd buy some figures. They didn't have what I wanted so, instead of doing the sensible thing and visiting Doug's shop, I bought some Byzantine cavalry.

So for nearly 40 years this unit has been my entire Byzantine army.