In October 2004, Jef Lauzon, my long-time friend and ancient opponent passed away. He was 56 years old, an age that I have reached. Jef moved to Halifax from Montreal at some point in the early 1980s. Years later, he'd say he moved to Nova Scotia, after voting "Oui" in the May 1980 Quebec Referendum. Jef liked to try to get a rise out of people and he told me this story a number of times after I moved to Quebec.
He was a fierce competitor. He wasn't above using Scotch to dull my wits in our WRG 5th and 6th edition ancient matches. From him, I learnt much about the game. He was the opponent that I never beat. I kept going back, despite the punishment. As in chess, one improves by playing against the best. I regret that I was never able to convert him to the 7th Edition rules. If I had, I might not be writing this particular post.
I received a call from his widow, Annette. The time had come to downsize the collection. She kept an army for herself, and both Dru and Chris, sons of his first marriage took the armies they wanted. Annette called to ask me I wanted Jef's Roman Army. I was surprised but pleased, that she thought of me and immediately said yes. It was an army that I fought countless times over the years and one which caused me constant heartache. It even contained a unit that I painted in the late 1970s.
Two boxes of figures arrived about a week later. Last month was time to take stock. The army was in storage since its arrival. One reason is that the majority of the figures were individually based. Jef liked the flexibility that it provided. I knew that it was going to take a while to redo. In addition to the Romans, there were Celtic Chariots; Indian and African Elephants: and Greek Cavalry and Infantry.
Each day I would soak a couple of units in water in order to soften the glue. Each evening I'd spend an hour or so, detaching the miniatures from their individual bases. The figures were then mounted for the WRG/DBX family of rules. Sometimes it seemed to be a hopeless struggle. I replaced numerous blades of my utility knife. I'd swear that it would have been easier to have used a hammer and chisel on some of the bases. But finally after three weeks, the job was done.
Step one is complete. I still have to use texture paint and flocking to complete the makeover, but I think the worst part of the job has been done.
List of Troops that were rebased:
Chariots on original 40mm wide bases were added to60mm Wide Elements. The Edges were built up |
Elephants Re-based |
I received a call from his widow, Annette. The time had come to downsize the collection. She kept an army for herself, and both Dru and Chris, sons of his first marriage took the armies they wanted. Annette called to ask me I wanted Jef's Roman Army. I was surprised but pleased, that she thought of me and immediately said yes. It was an army that I fought countless times over the years and one which caused me constant heartache. It even contained a unit that I painted in the late 1970s.
Example Romans After Debasing. |
Legionnaries in Centre are an example of my early paint job. My First Roman Army consisted of Airfix Plastics. We exchanged 24-man units. I know for certain that my painting skills have improved. |
Cavalry on the Right needs to be SoakedI didn't redo any of the Light Infantry or Horse |
Greek Phalanx on Double Ranked Elements |
List of Troops that were rebased:
| Nation | Type | DBX | Elements | Figures |
| Celts | MCh | Kn | 6 | 6 |
| Late Roman | SHC | Kn | 3 | 12 |
| Persan (Sassanid ) | El | El | 3 | 3 |
| Roman | HC | Cav | 8 | 24 |
| Roman | HC/MC | Cav | 13 | 39 |
| Roman | HI | Blades | 24 | 96 |
| Roman | LC | Lh | 20 | 40 |
| Roman | LHI | Aux | 8 | 32 |
| Roman | LI | Psiloi | 26 | 52 |
| Roman | LMI | Aux | 22 | 66 |
| Roman | LMI | Bw | 6 | 24 |
| Roman | MC | Cav | 5 | 15 |
| Roman | MCm | Cav | 2 | 6 |
| Successors | El | El | 5 | 5 |
| Successors | HC | Cav | 4 | 12 |
| Successors | HI | Pike | 11 | 44 |
| Successors | HI | Pike | 16 | 64 |
| Successors | HI/MI | Spear | 8 | 24 |
| Successors | HI/MI | Spear | 9 | 36 |
| Successors | HI/MI | Spear/Pike | 2 | 8 |
| Successors | LC | Lh | 17.5 | 35 |
| Successors | LI | Psiloi | 27 | 54 |
| Successors | LMI | Aux/War | 3 | 12 |
| Successors | MI | Bow | 6 | 24 |
| Totals: Elements/ Figures | 254.5 | 733 | ||