Sunday 20 December 2015

The Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge 2015 - WIP - Week One

"Heroclix" WIPs - Daredevil should soon be finished. But as for the detailed incredible Hulks...
With the Sixth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now (finally) underway, I’ve started applying some paint to the first of my planned submissions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the quantity of “Wizkids” models I (re)paint, the first figures on my painting table are three “Heroclix” sculpts, which once complete should not only provide me with my ‘Tip to the Croupier’. But should also give me my entry into the Nostalgia Themed Bonus Round.

I have already tidied up the all-red costume of my ‘Man Without Fear’ by applying a second layer of “Vallejo” Heavy Red to the super-hero’s undercoat, and black-lined the areas around his mask and baton. All Daredevil really requires now is a strong red wash, and some work on his flesh and he’ll be ready for a trip across the Pond as my ‘Curtgeld’.
"Frostgrave" WIPs - The Ice Toad and Medium Construct need a little tidying up before being washed
I don’t however think my two versions of the Hulk will be quite so easy to paint. Having started work on their bases and (imminently purple) trousers, I’ve discovered just how painstakingly well-sculpted the brutes are as the artisan who fashioned these figures has clearly gone to town making their torn garments fantastically irregular and shredded. Certainly it’s going to take some time to pick out with a paintbrush all their little jagged areas of ripped cloth… I do however have a back-up plan though if the deadline for the Themed Bonus Round gets too close; six not-Cylon models by “Nexus Miniatures”.

In addition to my main priorities I hope, over the next week or so, to apply some paint on a handful of the “Frostgrave” animals and constructs I currently own, and get some points on the table for one of my Side-Challenges. I don’t now plan to order any more models from “North Star Military Models” until the New Year, as my ‘Secret Santa’ has arrived from that very company and I don’t want to risk already owning whatever figures are contained within my gift. It really is early days yet for these sculpts, with the Ice Toad proving especially time consuming on account of its long slender fingers and toes.
Brave And The Bold WIPs - These futuristic versions of the Flash and Batman carry big guns 
 Finally an impulse ‘Black Friday’ purchase has arrived from Poland in the shape of some plastic “Puppets Of War” science fiction superheroes. I’m hoping I can use this heavily-armoured futuristic Batman and the Flash to take on some of the “Prodos Games” armed zombies I bought whilst at “Salute” earlier this year…

22 comments:

  1. There is a lot going on. It all looks good, but remember to pace yourself. But a very strong start.

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    1. Cheers Clint. Wise words indeed. If I can get half of my intended submissions finished then I should achieve my 500pt tally, and have posted up plenty of eye-candy over the next three months.

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  2. That's a good start, Simon. Those sci-fi superheroes look very impressive. I'll be checking out the Puppets of War website now.

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    1. Thanks Bryan. The superheroes are a set of heads, and I then ordered a few of the different body types they sell. Postage is reasonably quick, especially as they're in Poland. If you simply want a couple of things (e.g. just a set of heads), then email me and I'll include it in my post-Christmas order; as they've a few more things I rather fancy painting :-)

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  3. And we're off! some nice stuff on your table Simon and best of luck.

    Cheers Roger

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    1. Cheers Roger. Three months of painting mayhem hopefully awaits and Daredevil is already now just waiting for a coat of varnish before I finish off his basing. I've also got a fair few bits of partially-painted stuff from the year on the go too, so plenty of figures to keep me busy :-)

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  4. Good luck with taking on the challenge! :)

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    1. Thanks PulpCitizen, just 500pts of painted minis to go :-)

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  5. I enjoy re-painting HeroClix. Are you adapting superheroes for ZOMBICIDE?

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    1. Absolutely. I've already got a number of old "Copplestone Castings" ready for some "Marvel Zombies" action, as well as to use with the "7TV" ruleset. I've already posted up some "Zombicide" BatReps using superheroes if you have a look towards the bottom of this list here: http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Zombicide

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  6. I've got that same Hulk. It is a great figure - I haven't tried repainting it yet though.

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    1. I'm currently just trying to paint the green Hulk's trousers, Natholeon. They're a bit difficult not only to reach with a paint brush, but rather zig-zagged and torn. Time-consuming work but as I only have two to do, I'm hoping my enthusiasm will see my through. Plus as you say, it is a cracking figure - my fave Hulk by a long way :-)

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  7. Right then, we're off! Now where are all those pulp figures that need painting?

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    1. Indeed we are Sir Michael. If you're looking for some "Pulp Figures" which need doing then I have a hundred or so in front of me ;-)

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  8. Great start Bk! All the best for finishing them on time. Those rather 40k looking superheroes look interesting.

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    1. Thanks Bob. The "Puppets Of War" Sci-Fi certainly caught my eye too... especially when I realised they'd rather nicely fit in with all the "Warzone" zombies I have yet to assemble.

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  9. Go Blaxx go, the wierd and wonderful enters the arean of the AHP Challenge - good luck!

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    1. Cheers Joe. Much appreciated. Loads of "weird and wonderful" to be posted I assure you :-)

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  10. A nice start, Simon. I too have had issues with torn clothing on a Heroclix figure, who will be seen before the end of my Ghost busters project. Luckily, as with the Hulks, it is a larger figure, so that makes it slightly easier.

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    1. Thanks Jez. Certainly intricate torn clothing does not suit my black lining painting technique. But I shall persevere and I look forward to seeing your Ghostbusters posting :-)

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  11. Great start! Batman and Flash and zombies sounds good! Merry Christmas dude!

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    1. Cheers Simon, and a very merry Christmas to you too!

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