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| "Nothing must be allowed to interrupt them." |
This 28mm metal Cyberman model is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be bought as part of their "Doctor Who" boxed set DW1014 - Cyberman (7). Unlike the other miniatures in this set, this 'Cyber-Leader' does not appear to be available separately. "Hidden in the sewers beneath" London and intent upon utilising a megatron bomb in order to conquer the planet, this particular incarnation of the "race of cyborgs" were created by "Derrick Sherwin, from a story by Kit Pedler", for the November 1968 BBC Television story "The Invasion".
The silver giant was initially undercoated with a base-coat of "Citadel" Chaos Black. It was then treated to a double layer of Ironbreaker, shaded with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. As a last stage, I picked out the barrel of its "long range... more powerful gun" with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.
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| "Black Tree Design" "Doctor Who" WIPs - Vicki, Harry Sullivan and Kamelion |
With the basic beginning of a Cyber-invasion force complete, I have momentarily turned my attention to painting a few companions for my current Movie Doctor. Rather than 'stick to the script' however and prime Little Susan and Barbara 2150 A.D., I have simply turned to a few of the more readily accessible assistant figures in my "Black Tree Design" lead mountain.
Slightly embarrassingly, I originally thought the first of these companions was actually a sculpt of the Second Doctor's "young astrophysicist" Zoe Heriot, and accordingly treated her all-white attire to a wash of "Vallejo" Pale Grey and a dry-brush of Dead White. Only having done this did I realise that she is in fact a model of the First Doctor's "orphan from the 25th century" Vicki, and therefore requires a black dress with a suggestion of blue to it...
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| Dino-Rangers - The warriors still have plenty of detail left to 'pick out' upon their uniforms |
In addition to this "survivor of a spaceship crash on the planet Dido" I have started work on the Fourth Doctor's "Surgeon-Lieutenant" Harry Sullivan, as well as the Fifth Doctor's "shape-changing android" Kamelion. Like Vicki, both of these companions should prove pretty straightforward to complete and I have already got to the stage the Xeriphas robot simply needs his green-hued internal electronics to be 'picked out' before being ready for a varnish.
Finally, in order to help thwart my recently discovered remaining Caprican Legion models by "Nexus Miniatures", I have re-started work on three Dino-Rangers. These particular sculpts will make some excellent proxies as Colonial Warriors for a "Battlestar Galactica" skirmish game, albeit I was hoping to paint one up as Commander Adama in a blue version of the uniform. Sadly however, having done some 'Google-Fu' research, it would appear that "the spiritual leader of the surviving colonists" never wore such 'combat fatigues', and neither did the battlestar's executive officer Colonel Tigh.
Looking good dude. Liking the companions you have started. I don't know how you can keep track of whose who!
ReplyDeleteNice start to the Dino Rangers have you looked at some of the officers hasslefree do? Or perhaps the ARC crew by CD for Adama?
Thanks Simon. As I explain above, I do make the odd mistake having thought Vicki was Zoe; albeit I blame the "Black Tree Design" sculpting for that one ;-)
DeleteI have seen the "Hasslefree" and "CD" line, and am tempted, but I tend to try and stick to one range, and tbh, the "Nexus Miniatures" are rather large for 28mm imho too, so I don't know how well they'd mix. I may well have a look thought, once I've finished these guys up :-)
That is a good point they are that bit bigger.
DeleteIn fact the Dino Rangers are actually even larger than the Caprican Legion models :-o
DeleteCybermen with big guns, what's not to like? :)
ReplyDeleteCheers Michael, and a pleasure to see you again yesterday :-)
DeleteNice work on the cybermen and Dr who companions Simon. The Dino Rangers are looking good, just because Adama and Tigh never wore the uniforms in the TV series whats to stop you doing them
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. Great to see you (and Jez) yesterday, and I hope the day was very successful for you? Thanks for the Caprican Legion minis - hoping to get them all assembled, primed and based over the next few days. Sadly OCD prevents me from painting the Dino-Rangers in a blue palette, but I'm happy to use these three as 'faceless' warriors :-)
DeleteNice work on the Cyberman, and the companions , I get what you mean about that figure looking like Zoe, I think the only real difference would be the hairstyle (though I preferred Zoe in her silver catsuit tbh). The Harry fig look a little chubbier than I recall him in the series :-)
ReplyDeleteChameleon was never one of my favourites in the series (and the prop was rubbish too I believe), but the figure looks like it's actually one of the better black tree sculpts.
I do like those Colonial warriors, shame you can't get Adama and Tygh, I'd want a Sheeba, Cassiopia and Athena, myself, but that probably speeks volumes about me! ;-)
Cheers Roger.
Cheers Roger. The Harry figure is a little stockier than Vicki's mini, but I think its a nice sculpt. Its almost as if they started sculpting him in his pale brown overcoat, and then decided to turn it into his blue blazer instead - hence the thickness of his clothing. Kamelion is definitely one of the better detailed "Black Tree Design" minis, imho.
DeleteI too would like to see some more additions to the not-"BSG" range. But I think "Nexus Miniatures" are looking elsewhere for their inspiration these days, so doubt they'll materialise any time soon. Indeed, the Caprican Legion models seem to be forever out of stock, and its only thanks to Dave that I've sourced some more of them.
All looking good, Simon. Sorry for the silence this past week. I'm having serious computer problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bryan, and no worries. I thought perhaps your router issues had returned.
DeleteThe cyberman is well done, but does look more "cute" than the warlord sculpts. I still like it though and I imagine your cyber legion is quite big now. My poor Dr Who knowledge means I have no idea who those companions are! I am sure you will make them look good though. The colonial warriors look nice, but I may be committing sacrilege here by saying i liked the reboot series! Can't wait for your next Dr Who preview as seeing the Quarks at Salute has left me wanting more!
ReplyDeleteCheers Undercoat. The "Black Tree Design" Cybermen do look rather cute don't they. I'm hoping to get a few of the assistants finished over the next few weeks, so plenty of opportunity to get acquainted with the Doctor's companions' backgrounds during those posts :-)
DeleteYes you are committing sacrilege by talking about the classic "BSG" in that way :-) I hope to have the Quarks primed and ready for my next "Warlord Who Wednesday" posting :-)
The Black Tree Cybermen have a certain charm all of their own Simon, and the rest of the range look rather interesting as well - quite a few of the characters would fit seamlessly into other gaming genres :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dave's comment about Adama's uniform - just because he didn't APPEAR in blue fatigues doesn't mean he doesn't have them ;-)
Thanks Greg. I've a slew of "Black Tree Design" miniatures on the go currently, so expect plenty of postings about them over the next few weeks. I'm afraid OCD simply means I won't be painting a Dino Ranger blue any time soon ;-)
DeleteA bit of a surprise post, as I was kind of expecting a 'post-Salute' one. But bearing in mind that ypu probably have a fair backlog of figures to show, not entirely unexpected.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see you at Salute on Saturday, Simon, and glad you had a good (if tiring) day. And impeccably dressed as always!
Cheers Jez. My "Salute" Loot posting is today, so I had some time to base and prime a few of the minis I bought. Plus prep the ones I want to use for my "Warlord Who Wednesday" article.
DeleteIt was good to see you too, my friend :-)
The cyberman doesn't look quite as threatening as he should imo, but he usable enough and I wouldn't be the one to take the mick out of him!
ReplyDeleteI've followed the various Doctor who lines as ythey came out years ago with the idea of using the companions as civilians for other games (the price was a bit off-putting though).
I admire your dedication to the Dr. Who genre, and your knowledge of it!
Thanks Joe. Lots of "Doctor Who" stuff to come over the next few weeks (if not months) as I try and work my way through my backlog of minis :-)
DeleteCyber Leader looks like he means business. Just hope he doesn't plan to take that long barreled gun into confined spaces where it might end up an impediment.
ReplyDeleteColonial pilots were such a cool uniform. I almost purchased one, helmet included some time ago. Looking forward to seeing these get finished.
Cheers Dai. I’m hoping to give the Cyber-Leader some actual Cybermen soon, and get them on the tabletop. I too was a bit fan of the Colonial Warrior/Pilot uniform. I can see why you almost purchased such a costume :-)
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