Well, I think this might be becoming a period for me. In a previous posting I mentioned that I was painting a freebie sprue of plastic landsknechts that had come with Wargames Illustrated, just for a spot of fun.
However, I’ve become more and more entranced with them, bought a full box which I have started painting too, and now I have just put in an order for even more of them. So this is starting to look official now!
The fun part is dreaming up colourful schemes for each figure, the zanier the better. This does make it a slower job than mass-painting a regiment of uniformed Napoleonic troops. But it sure keeps the interest alive, with each figure being a one-off.
Someone did tell me I should replace Warlord’s lances with 8cm broom bristles, as they are too short and too ‘spear-pointed’. But I think it would be very difficult to cut the existing lances away from the arm holding them. And I’m not too worried about accuracy, to be honest. I know absolutely nothing about this period, so if these figures just have the right feel, that’s enough for me.
I’m using my new method of painting, consisting of GW Wraithbone spray undercoat, GW Contrast paints, Army Painter Quickshade, and then a final Vallejo matt undercoat over all non-metallic areas.
One thing I did wonder is if the guys wearing front-plates should also be painted with back-plates under their cross-straps, instead of the cloth undershirts I have given them? For example, see the chap in green-and-yellow second from the left (click on the image to have a closer look).
As for basing, rules and so on, I have no idea yet. This is a case of nice figures coming along well ahead of any thoughts as to what to do with them!
Anyway, if you like landsknechts, keep watching this space …
DRESSING THE LINES 
They are absolutely brilliant. I’d go for shortened pikes everytime! One, on the tabletop they are a potential hazard and in reality I think most would have shortened them after the first March! Great post- love this period!
With a bit more freedom at alert level 2 I have started gaming again, currently using early 16th Century Polish. No Landsknechts in my part particular army but it’s a great period.
They’re looking great Roly, and as far as I’m aware you’ve painted the backs correctly.