08-08-2006, 05:17 PM
Ave, Fabius!
At Legio VI VPF (CA, USA), where the Newstead is our preferred model cuirass, we use individual split pins to hold the girth hoops in place. This page gives an idea of how the cuirass is donned and secured:
http://www.legionsix.org/DonningNewstead.htm
My own split pins are of thinner metal than Arik's, and are a little easier to push into place.
A problem is that the pins can work loose and get lost. Some of us also tie the split pins to a long leather lace attached to the cuirass, but they can and do work themselves free from the lace, and the lace can get in the way when you're trying to push them through the girth loops. So most of us are just resigned to occasionally losing split pins and carry a bunch of spares to every event. Since split pins are evidently pretty common finds at Roman military sites, the Romans seem to have experienced the same problem.
A few of us have considered using a single leather lace running down through the girth loops, but the idea of a single metal rod down the front of the cuirass is a new one for me. Does it restrict the compression of the girth plates in any way, and make it tougher for you to bend over?
From your avatar image, your cuirass looks very nice! Did you make your own Newstead cuirass, or if not, who made it for you? Do you have any larger pictures? We're very proud of our Newsteads at Legio VI, and are curious about any other group that uses them.
At Legio VI VPF (CA, USA), where the Newstead is our preferred model cuirass, we use individual split pins to hold the girth hoops in place. This page gives an idea of how the cuirass is donned and secured:
http://www.legionsix.org/DonningNewstead.htm
My own split pins are of thinner metal than Arik's, and are a little easier to push into place.
A problem is that the pins can work loose and get lost. Some of us also tie the split pins to a long leather lace attached to the cuirass, but they can and do work themselves free from the lace, and the lace can get in the way when you're trying to push them through the girth loops. So most of us are just resigned to occasionally losing split pins and carry a bunch of spares to every event. Since split pins are evidently pretty common finds at Roman military sites, the Romans seem to have experienced the same problem.
A few of us have considered using a single leather lace running down through the girth loops, but the idea of a single metal rod down the front of the cuirass is a new one for me. Does it restrict the compression of the girth plates in any way, and make it tougher for you to bend over?
From your avatar image, your cuirass looks very nice! Did you make your own Newstead cuirass, or if not, who made it for you? Do you have any larger pictures? We're very proud of our Newsteads at Legio VI, and are curious about any other group that uses them.
T. Flavius Crispus / David S. Michaels
Centurio Pilus Prior,
Legio VI VPF
CA, USA
"Oderint dum probent."
Tiberius
Centurio Pilus Prior,
Legio VI VPF
CA, USA
"Oderint dum probent."
Tiberius
