Thursday, 14 May 2026

Laketown

 I’ve been working on figures for Laketown from the Hobbit.

I liked the vibe of the costumes from The Hobbit film but had no desire to use the official figures for many reasons, including the fact all my other figures for the project were Vendel Miniatures.
I looked at art from a variety of sources for ideas and inspiration.
The figures , as of yesterday, looking really full of character.
A further view of the Laketown troops. I am pleased with the vibe which is Rus and Slav. I had a sprue of Vikings in 28mm which I built but abandoned as they were , unsurprisingly, too Viking for the project. 


I wanted something eastern with a variety of armour styles.

The famous JRR T illustrations. Ideas for watercraft perhaps…

Another interpretation of Laketown, I like the houses and bridge mechanics.
The figures just out of their respective ( and charming boxes) which are by Drabant Miniatures and are beautiful, crisp, flash free 28mm figures. Beautiful castings and a joy to work with.

I enjoy working on figures as l listen and look in on the Virtual Wargames Club on a Saturday. A cup of tea or coffee and inspiring company makes all the difference. Yesterday these arrived-


Looking forward to opening these and seeing how they will fit with buildings, coffee stirrers and other scenic items


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10 comments:

  1. Mark Cordone14 May 2026 at 16:52

    This looks very interesting. I've always liked the look of the Rus and early Russian armies, and eastern European troops in general. I've got alot of 1/72 plastic figures for the medieval through pike and shot eras I can work with. I think you may have inspired me to start yet another project....😁

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    1. Anonymous15 May 2026 at 06:43

      Delighted to have encouraged another project. Early or Medieval Russian armies would look great on the table…
      Alan Tradgardland

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  2. Springinsfeld14 May 2026 at 20:03

    What a great project. Excellent choice for Laketown . Ziterdes do some inexpensive foam buildings in their Laketown range. I've got a few to use for another scheme.

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    1. Anonymous15 May 2026 at 06:45

      Thanks for the comment and heads up. I’ve looked and most buildings seem to be out of stock. I will keep looking though. I do have some probably suitable buildings though.
      Alan Tradgardland

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  3. Suber14 May 2026 at 22:46

    This is quite an interesting choice, I'll love to see how this project unfolds

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    1. Anonymous15 May 2026 at 06:46

      Something a bit different. Me too.
      Alan Tradgardland

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  4. Mike15 May 2026 at 06:11

    Those figures are lovely but seem to be unavailable. Not sure if mentioned before but we also have a third age campaign ongoing. Arthandain Normans vs my Saxon Goblins.

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  5. Anonymous15 May 2026 at 06:48

    I tried to get some more but found the same. They were a fortunate find in the shed from ages ago when I first conceived this project. Sounds a fun campaign, do tell us more…
    Alan Tradgardland

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  6. Mike15 May 2026 at 11:21

    Well gather round and listen to my tail of woe. I had wanted to play a Middle Earth campaign for a while. And had gathered a reasonable force of 15mm Rohan. Unfortunately as is often the case with club campaigns the other forces had not been gathered or painted. I mentioned this to my oppo Sean who remarked that he had built a 25mm Arnor army in the 90s. This was complete and ready to go well painted and based on the Angus McBride MERP covers. I speedpainted a force of the Ragnarok Goblins and was ready to go. Dragon Rampant giving us many enjoyable games. Although the Goblins could just not win. The armoured knights being a tough nut to crack. Added my Hinchcliffe wargs still no joy. A balrog and some dwarven beserkers. Starting to get there but regularly defeated. Finally Ragnarok released Goblin archers. Although saddened to see they have the dreaded seperate hands!

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  7. Roger15 May 2026 at 19:49

    Interesting project Alan. Your miniatures are coming together nicely.

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