"Its Name Means Bonnet De Courrier..."

 "...And it was used by the wagon and carriage drivers, to protect their heads and ears from rain."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be bought as part of their eight-figure FN137 - Late Fusiliers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoats And Assorted Headgear Marching blister. The miniatures are crafted by Michael and Alan Perry, with the majority of the sculpts shown wearing a Pokalem forage cap.

The infantryman was undercoated using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before his numerous leather straps were slowly layered with "Two Thin Coats" White Star. These areas were later 'weathered' with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Originally, the unit had been raised as Grenadiers of the Royal Guard of Holland in 1806."

I next applied some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey to the Frenchman's greatcoat, as well as dabbed at both his water bottle and trousers with Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The musket's butt and other wooden elements were treated to a lick or two of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and a splosh of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, the firearm's metal parts received a line of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I gave the weapon's bayonet a quick dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo Gunmetal to help it stand out, and carefully applied a combination of Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to the Fusilier's headwear. The hat was finished off with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. Whilst I doused the soldier's coat in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and carefully dry-brushed the garment with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three Soviet Cosmonauts' equipment is being 'picked out'

In addition to my latest Napoleonic Frenchman, I have also completed a second model taken from the blister FN175 - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching. This particular "Wargames Foundry" figure was largely pigmented using a similar palette to that of the Late Fusilier; albeit I did use my usual 'team-up' of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson on the model's epaulettes, bearskin tassel and grenadier emblem.

Furthermore, I've manage to put a brush-tip to the three remaining Soviet Cosmonauts I own by "Black Site Studios". Due to the very straightforward colour scheme I've selected for these Russian astronauts, the vast majority of the resin miniatures is actually now completed - leaving me with just their various weapons and equipment to finish off before they're tabletop ready...

"After Tracking A Launch From Deep Inside The U.S.S.R...."

 "...The United States and her allies downplayed the possibility that it was a lunar landing attempt."

This 32mm resin Russian Astronaut is produced by "Black Site Studios", and forms part of the Lunar Core Game pre-order I made with the American-based company way back in July 2021. These days the figure is available as either part of the five-figure set SKU: LNR6805BSS - Soviet Cosmonauts, or the manufacturer's current Two-Player Starter Box, and was painstakingly put together from an almost overwhelming number of tiny pieces which came inside the starter box.

Super-glued to a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand, as opposed to one of the bases which came with the kit, I gave the spaceman what I believe to be a "mass shotgun", and undercoated the ensemble with lots of "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet. The 'official' colour scheme repeatedly used within the skirmish game's rulebook strongly suggests that the Eastern Bloc's suits are actually predominantly pinkish-brown with red trim and blue gloves/boots.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two more Dutch Grenadiers are currently on the painting table

However, as I wanted a simple palette for my 'comrades' which wouldn't be too time-consuming to get on the tabletop, as well as being readily recognisable as Russian, I just splattered the astronaut with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and dry-brushed him with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet. I then 'picked out' the Soviet cosmonaut's helmet visor with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and later returned to this area using a combination of Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, the figure's firearm was given a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The illustration on the hand-weapon's item card suggested that part of it was also red. But having already used this colour on the astronaut (as well as using a red flock for my Martian/Moon basing) I thought this was probably overkill - so just left the entire shotgun metallic.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Blucher's horse has been layered in "Two Thin Coats" Carchardon Grey"

With so straightforward a second addition to my Lunar collection completed, I've found myself with more time to progress the remaining two Napoleonic figures I want to get finished before this month ends. Both identical sculpts come from the "Wargames Foundry" packet FN175 - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching, and should prove useful for both some Black Powder (lite) and Silver Bayonet.

Furthermore, now my latest (and probably last for quite some time) order from the Newwark-based company has arrived, I thought I'd also tackle a cavalry model - selecting Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher himself from the Prussian blister PN055A Field Marshall Blucher with Generals Gneisenau, Yorck and Kleist. I plan to place all my horsemen upon "Citadel" 40mm circular bases - as per The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game by "Games Workshop". This should mean that I can use the general both as an army commander, as well as simply fit him into a cavalry unit if the mood takes me...

"The Dutch Grenadiers..."

"...Were A French Imperial Guard Regiment During The Napoleonic Wars."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their identical eight-figure blister FN175 - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching. The company's Napoleonic French range was sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry, and I picked this set up in person when I was lucky enough to visit the manufacturer's store in Newark, late last year.

The "assault-specialist soldier" was originally primed using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before trousers and various leather straps were layered with "Two Thin Coats" White Star and later 'dirtied-up' with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to the miniature's winter-coat, as well as patiently began 'picking out' all the details around his waist - such as his drinking bottle, sword and ammunition pouch.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Three more Dutch Grenadiers at various stages of completion

Of particular note was the tassel tied around on the Dutch Grenadier's sword-hilt, which was going to be "Vallejo" Heavy Red. However, as I was simultaneously working on some Soviet Cosmonauts by "Black Site Studio" at the time, I ended up carefully tracing the detail out with a combination of "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson instead.

Nonetheless I did use my usual 'team-up' of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson on the model's epaulettes, bearskin tassel and grenadier emblem. I was also planning on applying a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the actual grenade detail on the headpiece too. But the raised surface wasn't as clear or centrally-placed as my obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) would have liked, so I decided against tackling such a frustrating-looking extra.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Nick Fury is predominantly being painted from the base up

I had recently started plonking a few more 40mm scale plastic super-heroes by "CoolMiniOrNot" back into my painting queue in anticipation of receiving my Marvel United: Multiverse pledge (via Kickstarter). Sadly, the vast majority of my enthusiasm for such a project has been utterly obliterated by CMON's recent admission that they've inexplicably misplaced almost 400 orders - my own included - in China. So whilst the vast majority of the campaign's twenty-one thousand supporters have received their goodies, mine are still languishing on the other side of the planet in East Asia.

Ordinarily, such a massive disappointment would be the end of a painting plan, as I have plenty of other lead (or plastic, or resin) mountains to chip away at. However, on this occasion I still fancied ticking a few of Stan Lee's finest off of my list, so thought I'd give Nick Fury a lick or two of my brush-tip - albeit this particular sculpt features the reimagined leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. as created by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch for the 2002 limited series "The Ultimates", as opposed to the original, cigar-chomping Howling Commando.

"A Pie-Shaped Blue Cap With A Folding Neck-Flap..."

 "...The Pokalem could be fastened under the chin."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their eight-figure FN137 - Late Fusiliers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoats And Assorted Headgear Marching blister. The miniatures are crafted by Michael and Alan Perry, with the majority of the sculpts shown wearing a Pokalem forage cap.

The infantryman was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before his various leather straps were slowly layered with "Two Thin Coats" White Star. These areas were subsequently shaded with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Lots of detail yet to be picked out on these Dutch Grenadiers

I next applied some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey to the Frenchman's greatcoat, as well as dabbed at his water bottle with a smidgeon of Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The musket's butt and other wooden elements, as well as his pants, were treated to a brushstroke of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, the firearm's metal parts received a line or two of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Furthermore, I gave the weapon's bayonet a quick dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo Gunmetal to help it stand out, and carefully applied a combination of Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to the Fusilier's headwear. The hat was finished off with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. Whilst I doused the soldier's coat in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and carefully dry-brushed the garment with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPS - A quartet of British Late Line Infantrymen (Flank Company)

With my eyes already set upon how many more hobby hours I have remaining for this month, I have also been picking away at the tiny unit of Old Guard I want to field come October's end. This quartet will consist of figures taken from the blister FN175 - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry", and are actually proving rather time-consuming to progress despite me purposely purchasing the grognards wearing long coats.

In addition, I simply haven't been able to resist doing a little work on the four British Grenadiers I aim to get tabletop ready during November. These days I really like settling down with a miniature which has already been half-started in some manner or another, so I wanted to get some basic colours on a handful of these models from packet B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms - as well as pilot two different techniques for working my way up their white and red palette...

"On July 20, 1967 Alexei Levanov Became The First Man To Set Foot On The Moon..."

"...Securing a triumph for the CCCP and cementing Soviet Russia's place as the victor of the Space Race."

This 32mm resin Russian Astronaut is produced by "Black Site Studios", and forms part of the Lunar Core Game pre-order I made with the American-based company way back in July 2021. These days I believe the figure is available as either part of the five-figure set SKU: LNR6805BSS - Soviet Cosmonauts, or the manufacturer's current Two-Player Starter Box, and was patiently assembled from an almost overwhelming number of tiny pieces which come with the kit.

Permanently attached to a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand, I equipped the fellow with what appears to be an Avtomat Kalashnikova-47 rifle, and undercoated him with plenty of "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet. The 'official' paint scheme appears to show the Eastern Bloc spacesuits being a pinkish-brown in colour with red trim and blue gloves/boots. However, I wanted a simple palette for my guys which wouldn't be too time-consuming to get on the tabletop and could readily be recognised as being Russian.

"The reform of the Prussian army was begun by Gerhard von Scharnhorst."

Resultantly, the astronaut was sploshed in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and dry-brushed with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet. I then 'picked out' the spaceman's helmet visor with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and later returned to the area using a combination of Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally the figure's firearm was given a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I had planned on dabbing a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on some of the AK-47's wooden areas. But frankly the weapon was so tiny that I felt that leaving it well enough alone was a far saner option.

With the first of my five Soviet Cosmonaut's completed, I have found the time to push on my long-term Napoleonic project, and finish the last of the Prussian soldiers from blister PN063 Infantry in Peaked Cap Marching by "Wargames Foundry". As with all his identical comrades-in-arms, the 28mm metal figure was largely pigmented using "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, Stormy Blue, Heavy Red, Heavy Sienna, Gunmetal and a selection of "Citadel" Shades.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Four Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching

Somewhat disconcertingly I was recently contacted by "the home of 28mm wargaming miniatures" to be informed that some quite considerable price rises are to be brought in later this month. Upon hearing such news I have submitted a significantly sizeable order with them and begun re-evaluating my painting plans for the next few months as I'm soon to be swamped with all sorts of French, British, Prussian, Russian and Austrian soldiers.

My revised intention is to stringently put a brush-tip to at least four Napoleonic figures per month for the foreseeable future. This might seem a small number compared to some wargamers who rattle off regiments of 24 or 32 infantrymen in a week or so. But to someone who regularly only completes 10-15 miniatures a month, that's actually quite a significant portion of my hobby time. Leading this charge, and frankly being crammed into an already rather optimistically overloaded October, will be a quartet of soldiers from FN175 - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching...

"So Passes Denethor..."

 "...Son of Ecthelion."

This 28mm scale metal model of Denethor was produced by "Games Workshop", and could be purchased in a single figure blister from the company's "The Lord Of The Rings" range. Nowadays, the OOP (Out Of Production) sculpt has seemingly been replaced by a finely detailed resin "expert kit", so I'm grateful I actually picked my old miniature up from a wargaming show's second-hand stall many years ago.

The Steward of Gondor was undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before having his cloak roughly shadowed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then base-layered his chain mail in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, splashed the meshed armour with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal to help bring out all the small metal rings linked together.

"The backwardness of Prussia was revealed by the disaster of 1806."

"A man of great will, foresight, and strength, but also overconfident", the ruler's leather belt was treated to a thin line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, whilst I 'picked out' his belt buckle and sword hilt with "Vallejo" Gold. Both of these areas were later doused in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help darken them down. I also carefully traced my brush tip across all of Denethor's fur lining with plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before dousing it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and finally highlighting it with a careful dry-brush of (more) Vallejo Heavy Bluegrey.

As I hoped to make the hair of "the first son and third child of Ecthelion II" stand out a little from all this grey, I covered it in "Two Thin Coats" White Star and an application of the "Citadel" Contrast paint Black Templar. I next dry-brushed it in (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats", darkened it down with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and lastly gave a a second highlight with some (extra) patiently placed "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - This Shoggoth has been primed, base-layered and shaded

Despite Denethor actually taking quite a bit longer to get tabletop ready than I had initially thought - as I had hoped he was just a predominantly black-palette project - I have completed a seventh Napoleonic Prussian soldier from the set PN063 Infantry in Peaked Cap Marching by "Wargames Foundry". As with all his identical comrades-in-arms, the 28mm metal figure was largely pigmented using "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, Stormy Blue, Heavy Red, Heavy Sienna, Gunmetal and a selection of "Citadel" Shades.

Furthermore, whilst digging around an especially long-forgotten box of miniatures, I stumbled across a part-resin part-metal Shoggoth by "North Star Military Figures", which I thought might be good for "The Silver Bayonet" rule-set. I actually believe I bought this little set way back in 2018, when I physically visited their premises in Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham. So it's probably high time I got some paint on the brute regardless...

"The Pokalem Was Introduced In 1812..."

"...And replaced the bonnet de police."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their eight-figure FN137 - Late Fusiliers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoats And Assorted Headgear Marching blister. The miniatures are crafted by Michael and Alan Perry, with the majority of the sculpts shown wearing a Pokalem forage cap.

The Frenchman was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before his trousers and painfully numerous leather straps were patiently 'picked out' with "Two Thin Coats" White Star. These areas were subsequently shaded with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Four Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching

I then pigmented the soldier's greatcoat with some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and water bottle in Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The musket's butt and other wooden elements were treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Before its metal parts received a line or two of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

In addition, I gave the model's bayonet a quick dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo Gunmetal to help it stand out, and carefully applied a combination of Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to the Fusilier's headwear. Having scoured a few examples of the Pokalem I soon became aware that the hat was ordinarily covered in red braid-work and bore the regimental number or élite company badge. Happily, in my mind at least, none of this intricate detail was actually present on the figure itself - nor any of its comrades-in-arms - so for time and sanity's sake, I simply stuck to the forage cap being blue and finished it off with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. Lastly, I doused the man's coat in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and quite meticulously dry-brushed the garment with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

"Black Site Studios" WIPS - Three Soviet Cosmonauts

With my latest long-term Napoleonic project combatant completed, I've turned my attention towards pigmenting another tiny unit of French soldiers, this time using a quartet of models plucked from the Nottingham-based manufacturer's FN175 - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadiers In Greatcoat Marching blister. I still remember plucking these guys off of the rack whilst visiting "Wargames Foundry" this time last year, and smugly believing they'd prove a 'quick win' to paint as they were wearing long coats. You can therefore imagine my dismay to discover that around the back of the sculpts - which I couldn't see at the time - they are still festooned with plenty of straps, as well as the necessary leatherwork to hold their bayonet scabbard and sabre-briquet.

To help soften this blow, and provide me with something significantly simpler to put my brush-tip to, I have also dabbled a bit more with the five Soviet Cosmonauts I own by "Black Site Studios". I've now managed to get the majority of the Russian astronauts' metallics completed, and hope to have those just carrying firearms finished within a short(ish) while...