"If It Gets Off This Planet."

"It'll kill everything."

These 10mm scale metal Xenomorphs are produced by “Pendraken Miniatures” as code SFC5 Small Creature from their Alien Creatures range, and come in a pack of ten single-pose sculpts. Somewhat disconcertingly though, the models are actually 15mm in height from base to tail-tip, so seemingly fit in far better with other figures from that larger scale rather than anything else found inside the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's 'Old Science Fiction' range.  

The critters definitely seem to show H.R. Giger’s creations during the early stages of their transition from Chest-burster to adult drone, so in August 2021 I simply pigmented them as smaller versions of the dark grey/black "endoparasitoid extra-terrestrial species" depicted on the Silver Screen. This time round though I was tempted to change their palette to the much lighter, almost white-coloured hue seen in Ridley Scott's 2017 film "Alien: Covenant".

"London Is Only Thirty Minutes Away!"

However, as I was planning on just adding these miniatures to my current horde of Xenomorphs, I eventually decided to stick with their 'original' colour, and subsequently undercoated them with a couple of lashings of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The models were then dry-brushed using "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and treated to a double-helping of "Citadel" Nuln Oil so as to tie them in with the rest of their brethren.

One change I did make though was to create two bases of four figures each, in order to represent a pack of the predators rushing at their prey, as opposed to just plonking them in pairs upon the small plastic "Flames Of War" stands by "Battlefront Miniatures" I have used in the past. This was done purely to add an extra element to my homemade rules, and increase the chances that the young Xenomorphs' opposition could potentially get swamped by the rambunctious infants - and resultantly be torn to bloody shreds by them.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Austrian Jaeger is having all his details 'picked out'

In addition to my latest Alien reinforcements, I have completed another of my Soviet invaders by "Athena Miniatures". Taken from my third AS12 Russian NBC four-figure set, this 28mm metal model was painted using “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII , "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

Finally, I have started to turn my attention to an Austrian Light Infantryman from the "Wargames Foundry" blister AN038 Jaegers 1805-15 Running. This will be a test piece so I can work out how best to tackle all the soldier's straps, cuffs and collars, before moving on to paint at least another three identical figures to form a tiny unit (for "Black Powder")...

"Remaining In Moscow For Five Weeks..."

"Napoleon awaited a peace proposal that never materialized."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The figure is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and is based upon a 'typical' member of the nation's civilian population who played a "crucial, though indirect, role in Napoleon's defeat in Russia."

The chap was primed using a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and had his trousers pigmented with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Neutral Grey. I then gave his winter jacket a healthy lick of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, and thoroughly shaded the coat with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch for this particular process, I went back with some (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and dry-brushed the Russian's sleeves and the bottom of his greatcoat.

"As early November arrived, snowfall and frost complicated the retreat."

All of the militia member's numerous straps, his ammunition box, baggage and headwear were treated to some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, whilst his waist sash was 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I also took this opportunity to apply a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the man's water bottle, musket and hat decoration. These areas were were later washed with a spot of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With a quartet of these particular Napoleonic Russians now finished , I have also found the time to put together an MDF movement tray for them by "Warbases". Admittedly, the four-figure stand will only represent a tiny unit on my "Black Powder" battlefield. But it does mean that I should still be able to play some games of the "Warlord Games" rule-set in the near future.

"You just said the company is coming for it." 

In addition, I've completed another three 10mm metal endoparasitoid extra-terrestrials by "Pendraken Miniatures", which I recently stumbled upon whilst searching through some plastic containers. These models can be purchased from the company's old Science Fiction range as SFC1 Medium creature, type 1, or as part of their SFC-AP Alien Creatures Army Pack.

Due to my wanting these sculpts to replicated the dog-like Xenomorphs seen in David Fincher's 1992 movie "Aliens 3", they were predominantly painted using "Vallejo" Charred Brown and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Albeit, I also applied a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the domes of their heads as well...

"Why Do We Have To Kill It?"

 "It'll kill them all."

These three 10mm metal endoparasitoid extra-terrestrials are by "Pendraken Miniatures" and can be purchased from their old Science Fiction range as SFC1 Medium creature, type 1. I actually bought these many years ago as part of their SFC-AP Alien Creatures Army Pack, and, due to their quite alarming size, thought they'd mix in very well with my large swarm of 15mm "Ground Zero Games" Xenomorphs which I assembled way back in 2014.

However, rather than just pigment them predominantly in black, I thought I'd tap into the sculpts' dog-like pose, and replicate the brown palette used for the canine-formed killer in David Fincher's 1992 movie "Aliens 3". I also figured I'd plonk all three of the models onto a single Medium "Flames Of War" base by "Battlefront Miniatures", so as to hopefully imbue them with the feel of a hunting pack.

"You try and stop us Volgans taking your food, eh..?"

The figures were undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Charred Brown and Leather Brown Surface Primer, and subsequently base-layered in (pure) Charred Brown. I then heavily washed the trio using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Unfortunately, as seems to happen a lot with my metal models these days, I found that the "Games Workshop" Shade somehow disintegrated certain areas of my prime/base coat, so resultantly I had to rather annoyingly go back and redo the aforementioned processes once (or even twice) more, simply to ensure that the Aliens had a lick of paint all over them.

In the end, I also decided to give the Xenomorphs a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Charred Brown, simply to completely ensure that no metal was still peeking through my paint-job. In addition, I applied a couple of brush-tips of "Citadel" Abaddon Black across each extra-terrestrial's dome-shaped head, to help make them stand out all the more on the battlefield.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three figures from the Galactic Explorers 1 pack

Alongside these pieces, I have also finished work on another of my Soviet invaders by "Athena Miniatures". Taken from my third AS12 Russian NBC four-figure set, this 28mm metal model was largely painted using  “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Though I did pick out any wooden areas/buttons using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, I've purchased, assembled and primed the entire quartet from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" recent released Galactic Explorers 1. This was most definitely an impulse buy, as I wanted some extra figures to help 'bulk out' an order, and felt they would be rather straightforward to get tabletop ready. Plus, as a big fan of Dean Parisot's satirical science fiction comedy film "Galaxy Quest", they were impossible to resist...

"Although The French Ultimately Captured Moscow."

"They could not hold the city in the face of a looming winter."

This 28mm scale metal model is manufactured by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The miniature is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry, and is based upon the peasants who relentlessly pursued "Napoleon’s battered forces" during the winter of 1812.

Originally undercoated using a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the figure's trousers and rolled-up blanket were treated to a combination of "Two Thin Coats" Dungeon Stone Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I next applied plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Green to the chap's jacket, and drowned the garment with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. It was then carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Three of the ten Austrian Jaegers purchased off "eBay" last year

I subsequently gave the Russian's rifle butt, axe-handle, hair and somewhat bushy beard a touch of "Vallejo" Sienna, before darkening all these areas down with a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. At this point I also spotted that the fellow was actually wearing a glove on one of his hands, so promptly pigmented the 'mitten' with a lick of Dungeon Stone Grey by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With the latest addition to my Moscow Militia completed, I have started turning my attention towards a quartet of Austrian Light Infantrymen which I managed to buy from "eBay" in October last year. All of the identical-looking models are from the "Wargames Foundry" blister AN038 Jaegers 1805-15 Running, and due to their somewhat dynamic pose come with separate firearms.

"Alternative Armies"WIPs - A Trio of Retained Knights destined to become (not) Dark Angels

I actually managed to snag ten of these second-hand miniatures, and only paid an extra pound more than the current cost of the Newark-based company's eight-figure packet. However, I presently just have plans for four of Jaegers - to act as a screen for an upcoming Austrian force I've recently based, so the other half-dozen have been plonked into one of my many infamous hobby drawers for another day.

Furthermore, I've discovered a trio of long-forgotten 15mm metal models from IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie by "Alternative Armies", whilst sorting through some of my smaller scale backlog. These guys were instantly super-glued onto some wooden chop-sticks, and are destined to be the start a (not) Dark Angels infantry force using many of the sculpts from this particular "The Ion Age" range pack...

"The Origins Of The Robots Employed By The Imperium..."

"...Harken back to the earliest days of Human technology."

This stand of three 15mm miniatures by "Alternative Armies" comes from their "The Ion Age" code IAF081 Taranis Runner Drones, and consists of two Field Repair Drones and a single Transmission Jammer Drone. The sculpts are designed to be used with the company’s “Patrol Angis” rule-set, and provide additional support for the heavily armoured Taranis Tank. However, I’ve both based and painted mine so they can be used as a (proxy) unit of (close combat) Imperial Robots for a home-brew game I've somewhat loosely based within the early Warhammer 30k/40k universe.

Due to wanting this particular trio to form part of my (not) Crimson Fists force, the models were initially primed using a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and subsequently base-layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I then carefully pigmented their mechanical legs and arms with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before absolutely drowning each model in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The figures' limbs were later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"He is our shield and our protector!"

At this stage I was actually somewhat tempted to leave the basic colour scheme alone. However, as these particular robots were supposed to form part of "a Second Founding Successor Chapter of the Imperial Fists Legion", I thought I'd make that a bit more noticeable by applying some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the Field Repair Drones' claws. This would (hopefully) tie them in with the Crimson Fists, and also mark them out as the deadly hand-to-hand combatants I was planning to use them as.

As a final touch, I decided to patiently 'pick out' all their optic sensors using either Skulker Yellow or Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats". These areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade or Biel-Tan Green as appropriate. I also used a smidgeon of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to create the illusion that all three mechanical monstrosities had head-lamps.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - (Yet) Another member of the Moscow Militia being progressed

In addition to my current obsession with proxying "The Ion Age" range for my own nefarious designs, I am continuing to work on more 28mm Napoleonic Russians by “Wargames Foundry" - namely from their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets blister. Last year I disappointingly fell badly short of my goal to paint at least forty-eight of their Black Powder miniatures (working on the plan of painting just four a month), so am absolutely determined to get back on schedule for a similar roadmap throughout 2025.

Resultantly, on paper I should have at least sixteen new additions battlefield ready by the end of this month, and unfortunately at this present time I can only boast of three. To try and make up this ground, I now intend to focus on just coalition soldiers for the next few weeks, and probably wade through some of the Emperor's Frenchmen in May. I'm also going to focus on four-figure tiny units, so I don't get too bored with repeatedly putting my brush-tip to the same old cuffs and straps - something which quickly drains my enthusiasm for the period full-stop...

"Unlike Regular Army Regiments..."

"...The Opolcheniye was composed of civilian volunteers."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be bought as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The miniature is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and is based upon the peasant masses who historically would rise up "in response to foreign invasions or internal turmoil."

Initially eager to follow this figure's official paint-job as per the Newark-based manufacturer's website, I primed him with a double dose of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and subsequently applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to his trousers. I then applied plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Green to the fellow's winter jacket, and gave the lower half a splosh or two of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Another member of the Moscow Militia on the painting table

However, I wasn't terribly impressed with how the Shade looked, so after a moment's hesitation, I decided to give the coat a good dose of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade instead. This seemed to work much better, and I finished the garment off with a well-placed dry-brushed of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to help bring out its folds. I also took the opportunity at this time to carefully trace out the Russian's waist sash with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and darkened it down using some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

For the Militiaman's bedroll I used some "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue, and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his musket (and bayonet) were treated to either a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or Gunmetal depending if the part was supposed to be wood or metal. These areas were later drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil as appropriate.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - Early days on a pair of Retained Knights

The biggest issue I had with this figure was working out where the chap's moustache actually was on his face, as at first I thought the model's detail actually showed him to have a beard (despite what "Wargames Foundry) painted photograph showed. In the end though, after a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade over "Vallejo" Heavy Skintome, I finally saw where it was, and thus applied a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the soldier's "lampshade".

Alongside my 'big' Napoleonic project push this month, I'm also keen to add some reinforcements to my collection of pigmented "Alternative Armies" 15mm miniatures. Taken from their "The Ion Age" range, I've decided to add a character base to my (not) Blood Angels force, using a figure taken from blister IAFL01 Hackett and Tasker, and one from IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie. To be honest, this will probably be the first of quite few models to come over the following few weeks, as a quick trip into my garage recently revealed a shoe-sized cardboard box packed full of more vehicles, robots and buildings by the Scotland-based company...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Wargames Foundry" April 2025

"During the Napoleonic era, bears primarily appear in historical contexts as symbols in art and political cartoons."

With my self-imposed Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge (PPPP) now over, and a number of old half-finished figures tabletop ready as a result, I thought I'd spend this month once again ploughing on with my rather large collection of unpainted 28mm metal Napoleonic figures by "Wargames Foundry". To be honest I'm already quite a way behind with my Black Powder goals for this year, as I've only completed two of the twelve miniatures I promised myself I'd have done at this point in 2025, so dedicating at least four weeks worth of hobby-time to some flintlock-bearing fusiliers should be a good way of getting the long-term project back on track.

To begin with I'm planning on pigmenting at least enough Moscow Militia with Muskets to field a small unit of Narodnoe Opolcheniye (four models), and add them to my Coalition forces. I was actually rather naughty this past October on "eBay" as I splurged on a twenty-eight man Russian Infantry battalion auction I spotted, so really need to start making some in-roads into these Alan Perry sculpts sooner rather than later.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - This trio of Taranis Runner Drones are almost finished

I'm also blatantly aware that apart from a few 95th Rifles and accompanying officer, my consortium of Napoleon Bonaparte's enemies isn't at all flush of British miniatures. Much of this deficit is largely due to how badly intimidated I am by the formidable palette needed for Redcoats, and an aversion to anything tartan. However, I think I may well now have some basic colour schemes which will help 'get me over this hump', and allow me to get a fair few of King George III's men battle ready.

Furthermore, I still hope to tinker with some of the remaining 15mm science fiction figures I didn't quite finish for my PPPP. These all came from The Ion Age range by "Alternative Armies", and shouldn't take too long to add to my already quite significant (not) Rogue Trader armies. Indeed, I'm actually tempted to dig out a few more of these old(ish) models to help fill out some of my different forces' more specialist units - particularly their characters.

March 2025 - Two new entries have stormed up into the leaderboard

Historically, the last four or so weeks have always been one of my most productive times and this year was absolutely no exception. A good deal of this success was undoubtedly due to my sudden descent into the Dead Man's Hand range of Wild West gunslingers by "Great Escape Games", and determination to work through some more Russian NBC Troopers by "Athena Miniatures" - albeit not anywhere near as many as I had intended. The big surprise though was the blister-load of "Pendraken Miniatures" 10mm Falklands British soldiers I patiently picked away at over time, and I'm rather hoping I can do something similar with the rest of the Army Pack for this month too.

What will be interesting is whether or not my productivity will now nosedive, seeing as I didn't participate in the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), and so shouldn't be suffering from any gaming fatigue. Annually, this waning interest in 'applying a brush tip to a model' is always a big disappointment to me, so I am keen to avoid such lethargy this time round, and maybe get a few battles in to help fuel my enthusiasm for the various projects I want to progress...