“Okay, Hoagy – Let’s Hit ‘Em Low!”

"Yup! The stogie's right, Sam!"

This 28mm metal model of Hoagy can be bought either from the “Wargames Foundry” “2000 A.D.” character range as Stock Code AD071, or from “Warmonger Miniatures”, and is based upon Sam Slade’s “dozy droid” companion. Created by John Wagner and Ian Gibson for the multi-issue story “Day Of The Droids”, the kit-built “imbecilic robot” would go on to hinder “Robo-Hunter” in many of Slade’s most memorable cases and made his first appearance in Prog 152 [February 16th 1980].

Disappointingly somewhat larger in size than his actual comic book counterpart, I was initially rather undecided as to which colour the robo-sidekick should be. Kevin Dallimore’s wonderfully vibrant green version on the “Wargames Foundry” website appeared a very persuasive palette, especially when I saw the cover illustration of Prog 259, which seemingly rendered Hoagy in a similar hue. However, having done a bit more research, it quickly became clear that the robot was predominantly ‘inked’ on the printed page a metallic blue with large yellow eyes; and I resultantly primed my miniature using some “Vallejo” Gunmetal Blue.

Torquemada WIPs - The Grand Master has had all his armour's tiny details 'picked out'

The figure was then washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Gunmetal Blue. This ultimately was a bit of a time-consuming process, as the acrylic paint tends to turn noticeably silver in colour as it wears thin on the brush, so I had to keep stopping to recharge my “Windsor and Newton” and dab the white synthetic bristles dry.

Once finished, I turned my attention to carefully ‘picking’ out the droid’s two eyes with “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand and shaded them with some watered-down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. As a final touch, I dotted both orbs with Abaddon Black, and then highlighted around these areas with “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand in order to try and draw the casual observer’s eye towards Hoagy’s face. The robot assistant’s nameplate was layered using “Citadel” Abaddon Black and then painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

Gang Fighter Leader WIPs - The Boromite has had all his reflex armour finally base-coated

Sticking with the “2000 A.D.” comic book theme, I have finally found the time to focus upon the final figure I currently have planned for my "Nemesis The Warlock" mini-project. Purchased at “Salute” 2016, I had intended to simply ‘pick out’ Tomás de Torquemada’s sword and leave his resplendent red armour alone. However, the “Wargames Foundry” sculpt is so good, it seemed a pity not to try and ‘pick out’ most of the Grand Master’s various hydraulic attachments.

Lastly, I have returned to my Boromites by “Warlord Games”. I’m admittedly playing catch-up with this particular project, but hope to get my first unit of five Gang Fighters posted up soon, and then get cracking on the second so I can finally begin playing some “Beyond The Gates Of Antares”.