"Captain, I See Something."

"Kelowitz, Lang, flank out. Lay down fire on co-ordinates Mister Spock gave you."

This 32mm scale resin model of a Human Male was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures The Original Series Landing Party Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt can still be purchased from the company as either an individual STL (Standard Triangle Language) file, or as part of their Star Trek Adventures - Print At Home - TOS Landing Party Set.

The Ensign was actually primed using a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Heavy Red. This was because I thought it would be easier to just base-layer the two distinct halves of the figure in its predominant colours. However, the "Citadel" Abaddon Black simply wouldn't stick to the miniature for some bizarre reason - even after a few coats, so in the end the model was given a complete lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and then had his boots/trousers pigmented in (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - This Andorian Ensign is almost finished

The human's famous chest insignia was carefully 'picked out' using some "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst his Type-2 hand phaser was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently shaded with a splosh or two of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, as I wanted the model to represent O'Herlihy from the January 1967 televised episode "Arena", I applied some (additional) "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the miniature's hair.

Despite having completed my randomly rolled four-figure challenge for this month, I thought I might as well finish working on another of the "Star Trek" resin sprues found inside the drawer, so have been patiently working my way up an Andorian ensign too. Admittedly, there weren't any of the "warp-capable humanoid species from the moon Andoria" shown as being part of the U.S.S. Enterprise's crew in the Original Television Series. But I like to think that there some work aboard her in the background.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - These three Krupps Corp troopers have been primed in "Vallejo" German Grey

Lastly, I have managed to base and prime three of the models found inside the Krupps Corp unit blister I was lucky enough to buy at Salute 2026. This "explorer faction that have a long standing rivalry with the E-Corp agents" immediately captured my imagination as they are clearly inspired by the Norts from the "Rogue Trooper" comic book series in "2000 A.D.", and resultantly caused me to start planning a future battlefield based upon Nu Earth.

For now though I just want to get a small squad of these "Diehard Miniatures" sculpts painted, and then take it from there. I do believe I have some Genetic Infantrymen by "Mongoose Publishing" somewhere, and possibly some of the E-Corp agents mentioned in the Krupps Corp troopers' blurb. But with my long-term Napoleonic and American Civil War projects still on the go, I don't really want to leap into another genre with both feet...

"The Trial Never Ends."

"I'm extraordinarily selfish. But it has served me so well in the past."

This 32mm scale resin model of Q was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures Iconic Villains Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt, featuring an excellent likeness of actor John de Lancie, can still be purchased from the company as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their Print At Home range.

The "extra-dimensional being of unknown origin" was originally undercoated in "Vallejo" Heavy Red, drenched with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and then heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. His shirt and robe's sleeves were then carefully 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before I used a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his ornate neck-chain.

"Modiphius Entertainment" - These two Red Shirts have been assembled, primed and base-layered

I next pigmented the so-called judge's gloves with some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Red too. But later felt this made them blend in with the rest of Q's attire. As a result I went in and applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to just the inside of the super-being's sleeves, and subsequently used a little trusty "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion on his gloves. This area was shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before I carefully lined the upper fingers with a tad more "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion.

With the enigmatic Q completed I was planning on finishing off the range's Sulu figure. However, I quickly realised that I had either misplaced or run out of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre - which I had previously used on the figure's shirt. As a result I simply grabbed a couple of sprues from the Star Trek Adventures Iconic Landing Party Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" I own, and assembled a pair of ultimately doomed Red Shirts.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - It's early days yet on these four Napoleonic French Carabiniers

This actually proved a little bit more difficult than I planned as the resin cast miniatures were multi-part and didn't seem to take to super-glue very well at all. In the end I had to use a little ball of green-stuff to hold the limbs in place whilst the adhesive dried, and so by the time my Human and Andorian were ready to be painted, my order of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre off of "eBay" had also arrived.

In addition to feeding my current "Star Trek" fix, I have based, primed and begun putting a rough base layer on a quartet of Napoleonic Frenchmen from blister FN062 - Light Infantry Carabiniers In Campaign Dress And Colpacks Marching by "Wargames Foundry". Like a fool I actually thought from just looking at them from the front that these would be quite simple (and therefore quick) to get tabletop ready. However, the sheer amount of detail sculpted onto their rears is flabberghasting, and will doubtless cause me a few headache-filled hobby sessions trying to work out what colour each piece of kit is...

"Displacer Beasts Used Their Innate Magic To Bend Light..."

"...Making them appear to be between one foot to three feet from their actual positions."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Displacer Beast is produced by "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. Based upon the large cat-like creature found inside the very first edition of the Monster Manual, I believe I bought this model on a whim having seen (and rather enjoyed) Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley's 2023 fantasy film "Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves".

Occasionally described as a panther with six legs and a pair of tentacles sprouting from its shoulders, the miniature was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The entire carnivorous creature was then repeatedly dry-brushed (and later simply brushed in some areas) with "Vallejo" Imperial Blue, before being soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"There is no beating these troops, in spite of their generals."

I next 'picked out' the Displacer Beast's fangs with some dabs of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and subsequently followed this up by applying a little "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey to the inside of the big cat's ears, as well as some "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" onto his pupils. These areas were later shaded using "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Reikland Fleshshade as appropriate.

Finally, I gave the monster's sharp, thorny pads a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and darkened the tiny spikes down with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted to show off the tentacle barbs - which are apparently deadly "enough to punch through pure steel armour, I gave them a rough dry-brush of (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats" to help highlight their piercing points.

"Impossible n'est pas français"

Alongside my latest addition to my "Dungeons & Dragons" menagerie I have (finally) completed the two 28mm scale metal models manufactured by “Wargames Foundry" that I needed to field a tiny unit of Napoleonic skirmishers for my games of "Black Powder". The pair can be purchased as part of their FN103 - Grenadiers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching set and having been undercoated "Citadel" Abaddon Black, were largely pigmented using "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, plenty of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and a load of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Created in 1804 by Emperor Napoleon", the soldiers' water bottles and straps were picked out in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, whilst the Frenchmen's epaulettes, lower plumes and sword ribbons were dabbed with a little Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Lastly, I gave the duo's topmost pom-poms some "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded them with a dash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

“Salute" Showcase 2026

The doors apparently opened fifteen minutes early - Something I was very grateful for

As I hadn't been able to attend "Europe’s largest wargaming convention" for the past few years, I figured that it was about time to once again travel up to the London ExCel, and once again savour the delights of the South London Warlords' annual show. Indeed, I was so determined to make the event that I actually arrived there with plenty of time to spare (and queue), so spent the first half an hour there rifling through their "legendary and exclusive Goodie Bag" whilst I waited for the venue's doors to open.

Ordinarily, I tackle shows as huge as this one by simply turning right at the door and making my way along the vendors situated up against the building's wall. However, such was the excitement of my travelling companion that I was immediately dragged to the "Archon Studio" stand right near the centre of the hall, and unwittingly exposed to their overwhelming stock of "Starcraft" and "Trench Crusade" miniatures.

Two of the chaps at the "Star Lion Forge" stall

Now having watched numerous "YouTube" videos on both rule systems and their ranges I had a little idea of what to expect whilst perusing the absolutely crammed shelves. Yet I still felt somewhat helplessly compelled to pick up the Polish company's "Starcraft" Two Player Starter Set Founders Edition and take it to the till, even though it was a whopping twenty quid more than I had previously been told it sold for. In fact, perhaps the biggest disappointment of the show was that all of the different boxed sets and expansions for this game that I could see them selling were more than the full-price advertised on their webstore - e.g. I also almost picked up the Protoss Starter Set, which is currently on pre-order for £79 with a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of £99. At the show "Archon Studio" were charging £100 per box.

The large "Konflikt '47" table at the "Warlord Games" stall

Admittedly, I was ultimately able to walk away from Salute with a big box of miniatures in my hand, as well as not pay international postage and packaging. But frankly this added expense put a bit of a dampener on things for me, and gave me a bit of a mind-funk for the rest of the show - especially as Swedish-based "Free League Publishing" also appeared to be doing a similar sort of thing by disappointingly charging a fiver more for their Alien Role-Playing Game Starter Set than if I ordered it online.

Some of the "Dropzone" franchise goodies on show by "TTCombat"

Happily, despite this quibble there was plenty to see and enjoy at Salute 53, with a number of new manufacturers (at least to me) cropping up all over the place. Furthermore, when I could make my way through the sometimes almost suffocating crowd and physically step up to the front of a stall it was clear just how excited many of these small businesses were to actually be at the event - such as "Star Lion Forge" who enthusiastically showed me all their miniatures for "Aether Punk 28" and "Hypespace".

A few of the goodies on display by "Mammoth Factory" and "Anvil Industry"

Of course, the show's stalwarts were also out in force, with "Warlord Games" showing off some of their fantastic models for "Konflikt '47". Their display table featuring all manner of mechs and zombies was a real treat for the eyes, and certainly seemed to be generating quite a buzz. Likewise, "TTCombat" brought back a lot of memories of when "Dropzone Commander" was first launched at the London ExCel several years ago. This game's universe appears to have been greatly expanded, and I was particularly intrigued by a 28mm incarnation of it sitting upon a tiny tabletop.

Just some of the models on sale by "Tabletop 3D Printing Services"

Similarly as tempting were the number of companies I ordinarily associate with producing STL (Standard Triangle Language) files on "My Mini Factory" actually selling physical products. I own a fair few figures sculpted by both "Mammoth Factory" and "Anvil Industry" (or rather "Anvil Digital Forge"), so was rather surprised to see both manufacturers present with lots to models boxed up ready for customers to just pick up and walk away with.

Some of the figures on show by "Warp Miniatures" and "Crow Industries"

Ultimately though, I simply didn't spend as much as I was anticipating (and had saved up for). Yes, I did succumb to "Archon Studio" and their rather hefty "StarCraft: Two Player Starter Set Founders Edition". But such a large (and frankly heavy) purchase right at the very start of the show meant I had little cash for much else, and so nibbled away at stalls such as "Diehard Miniatures" and "Sarissa Precision" until I decided in the early afternoon that enough was enough...

"Enterprise Is Cleared For Launch."

"Hailing frequencies open, sir."

This 32mm scale resin model of Lieutenant Uhura was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures Original Series Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt, featuring an excellent likeness of actress Nichelle Nichols, can still be purchased from the company as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their Print At Home range.

The Bridge Officer was initially primed using a layer or two of "Vallejo" Heavy Red before having her uniform shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. This clothing was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red, before it's iconic insignia and Nyota's rank wrist stripes were carefully 'picked out' using a little "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"This is not merely a fight for survival."

I next painted Uhura's boots and hair with pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to her legs, hands and face. As I wanted to suggest that the linguistics specialist was wearing tights, I gave her legs a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst the rest of the woman's flesh was treated to some Agrax Earthshade. Finally, I dotted Nyota's earpiece and Type-2 hand phaser with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and darkened the devices down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

In addition to Lieutenant Uhura I have also completed a second 32mm scale Bomb Coffin by "Trench Stench". As with the first Sarcophagus Mine I recently completed, this model was downloaded for free as part of their three-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's "Patreon" subscription service.

"Perry Miniatures" WIPs - These four confederate soldiers have had all their different areas 'boxed'

Forming part of their Ghosts of the Nomansland range for "Trench Crusade", and produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, the miniature was predominantly pigmented using "Vallejo" Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade over a "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna undercoat. In addition I used White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green for the sculpt's spooky spectral flames.

Despite all these 'distractions', I haven't forgotten about the first four Confederate soldiers from my recently acquired the American Civil War - Battle in a Box starter set either, and have managed to spend a little time on the "Perry Miniatures" 'boxing off' all their different coloured areas. This process has certainly made me rethink my technique for future American Civil War combatants - as they're all going to be primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black from now on...

Heretic Troopers..."

"...Can be encased in suits of thick armour that have been filled with explosives."

This 32mm scale Bomb Coffin is produced by "Trench Stench" and was downloaded for free as part of their three-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's "Patreon" subscription service. Forming part of their Ghosts of the Nomansland range for "Trench Crusade", the Sarcophagus Mine was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer.

Super-glued onto a plastic 30mm circular stand, the figure was primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, base-coated with Bronze, and shaded using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. It was then lightly dry-brushed with a little (more) "Vallejo" Bronze, before I set about 'picking out' all of the various flames rising up around the casket's base using some White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Displacer Beast has been primed, and had its based worked on

To be honest I did initially consider pigmenting this area just using "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and some "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as I thought they were supposed to be the trails of smoke pouring out of the coffin's bottom as its internal fuse sparked away. However, having done some research I felt that the fire was probably more likely to be some sort of unholy, spectral energy which was helping to lift the deadly sarcophagus across the battlefield towards its enemies. As a resultant, I simply washed the flames with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, and carefully caught its edges with a smidgeon (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

With the first of my Trench Crusade force completed, I have been busy working on another model I pulled out of the plastic drawer I recently randomly chose for this month's main painting project. Unlike the other figures I selected though, this particular sculpt was from "Wizkids" Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures range for "Dungeons & Dragons", and would make a welcome addition to my ever-growing wandering monster menagerie.

"Perry Miniatures" WIPs - These four Confederate soldiers have had their shoes blocked in

For now I've only managed to permanently plonk the Displacer Beast upon a "Games Workshop" 50mm round base, prime the "monstrous predator" with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and finish dry-brushing the large rock its standing upon. But I should be able to get the "Lawful evil" creature completed reasonably quickly whilst working on some of my more time-consuming models during the next couple of weeks.

Lastly, I have managed to get the 'groundwork' completed on the first four Confederate soldiers I have assembled from my recently acquired the American Civil War - Battle in a Box starter set by "Perry Miniatures". My plan is slowly 'pick away' at this quartet area by area over the coming month whenever the opportunity arises, and, much like my ongoing Napoleonic project using "Wargames Foundry", get five to six Tiny (four-figure strong) units completed for each side before settling down to some basic battles of "Black Powder"...

"I Will Not Be President Of A Ruined Empire!"

"There are no women like me. I am unique."

This 28mm scale piece of scenery is comprised of the Desert Shrine Scatter Terrain by "CobraMode" and the 1:21 scale resin miniature of The Leader by "Totters Yard Customs". The sanctum was created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer, whilst the 'statue' was very kindly gifted to me by its manufacturer to use on this project due to it failing their rigorous quality control standards - Not that I could see anything wrong with it myself.

Having been super-glued on a 120mm x 90mm oval MDF base by "Warbases", the altar was primed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to help bring out all the sculpt's marvellous details. I then set to work aging the piece by 'picking out' all of the dirt which had accumulated around it with a combination of "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and Agrax Earthshade. I also added a bit more colour to the piece by applying some "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the two bowls located near the central plinth.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - Q, Sulu and Uhura

In order to make the statue appear a bit battered by the ages, I decided to initially give it a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Bronze, shade it with "Agrax Earthshade", and highlight it back up with a patient dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Bronze. I next carefully applied some streaks of the "Citadel" Technical Paint Nihilakh Oxide to its numerous folds, and later blended these areas in with (even more) "Vallejo" Bronze.

Finally the model and its stand were drilled, and pinned together using a little (too much) super-glue, green-stuff and an old drill bit. Obviously the more eagle-eyed will doubtless guess that this piece of scenery is destined for my "Blake's 7" tabletop as part of the President's Garden on Earth - where doubtless in the near future the likes of Roj Blake, Avon, Jenna and Vila will encounter Servalan, Space Commander Travis and a whole host of Federation troopers.

"Perry Miniatures" WIPs - Four Confederate soldiers assembled and primed

Sticking with Science Fiction I have also managed to get a little work done on three "Star Trek" miniatures by "Modiphius Entertainment" as part of my monthly random drawer challenge. I'd actually already started pigmenting this trio a few years ago, so I am hoping the likes of Uhura, Sulu and the ever enigmatic Q won't actually take all that long to complete.

Furthermore, I've taken a bit of a plunge by picking up the American Civil War - Battle in a Box starter set by "Perry Miniatures", and assembled four of its Confederate soldiers. This purchase was almost solely influenced by a recent rewatching of the 2020 American television miniseries "Grant", and will almost certainly be something of a slow-burn project over the coming months...