"Tiny Sparrows Are One Of The Most Common Birds In Northymbra..."

"...And can be found in towns and cities as well as the wild places."

This 28mm metal model of a Sparrow Warrior is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and along with its "integral metal base" can be purchased as Code BB28 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. Originally part of the County Durham-based company's 'Short But Deadly' pledge for their Free Lances kickstarter, Angus Quickbeak comes equipped with a one-handed weapon and light shield, as well as a sporran.

The "small passerine bird" was super-glued onto a 30mm plastic circular lipped base, and primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. His beautifully sculpted feathers were then washed using some Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter" and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

"Imperial Assault" WIPs - A Rebel Trooper, IG-88 and Dengar have had their bases layered

Primarily a seed-eater, the fearsome-looking fighter had its shield and sword pigmented with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and subsequently shaded with Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker, whilst his toes were 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Evidently a Scottish sparrow, I was momentarily tempted to tackle the short-tailed scavenger's Highland attire with a tartan of some kind, but soon opted for an all-red costume as I feared for my sasanach sanity. Resultantly, I painted his attire with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and then washed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I applied a tiny amount of both "Vallejo" Dead White and Pale Grey to the "generally social" bird's tassels.

"Imperial Assault" WIPs - A Stormtrooper, Gaarkhan and Chewbacca have had their bases layered

As a last step I originally painted the anthropomorphic animal's beak and tongue with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and Heavy Red. However, I felt the yellow actually made the figure somewhat resemble a duck, in my mind at least, so re-painted the area using some Charred Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

In total contrast to "Burrows And Badgers" I have found myself rather taken by a series of "Star Wars" postings over on the "28mm Victorian Warfare" blog by Michael Awdry. I've previously started working on some "Imperial Assault" models myself, hoping to game a few 'scum & villainy' tabletop skirmishes, so it didn't take much to encourage me to dig out a half-dozen partially-painted plastic figures and get to work on them...

"I've Seen The Future, And It's Copyright Cybus Industries."

"Chamber Six now open for human upgrading."

These three 43mm tall metal miniatures of some Cybus Industries metallic exoskeletons are from a private collection and not therefore commercially available. Luckily however, I was fortunate enough to be sent a quartet of the "monotonous cybernetic creatures" as a generous gift by Simon Quinton of "Brummie's Wargaming Blog", and have subsequently painted these particular models up to represent the silver giants as seen in the May 2006 BBC Television story "Rise Of The Cybermen". 

Prior to painting, each of the three-piece figures had their arms pinned to their shoulders using some metal wire, a spot of grey-stuff and a dollop of super-glue. Disconcertingly, I found that even this considered approach didn't work for one especially obstinate sculpt. So in the end I dabbed some additional fast-acting adhesive onto its hand and firmly tucked the limb alongside its leg. The pose looks a little awkward, and part of the Cyberman's outer thigh detail has been overshadowed, but at least the model shouldn't now fall apart during game-play.  

"Burrows & Badgers" WIPs - A Green Lizard and Toad Mage

All the parallel universe creations were initially treated to some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer before being given a double layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker. The cyborgs were subsequently washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. As a last touch, I darkened each of the Cybermens' joints with an application of "Citadel" Badab Black, so as to make their bright metallic panelled-pieces of armour stand out that much more.

Alongside my trio of emotionless humanoids, I have also made some significant progress on my "Burrows And Badgers" Green Lizard by "Oathsworn Miniatures". Initially I had been planning on simply leaving the cold-blooded reptile "Vallejo" Heavy Green, but have since applied a little Heavy Ochre to the warrior's feet and hands in order to yellow its limbs up enough for its black claws to be seen.

Boromite Work Gangers WIPs - The aliens needs all their armour to be layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre

In addition, I am working simultaneously on the Toad Mage, known as Grarrp Croaak for my warband. This particular "anthropomorphic animal metal miniature" has already been primed, washed and dry-brushed, and now simply needs all his staff and potions pouch to be 'picked out' before being finished. The detail on this model's dry, leathery skin is absolutely top-notch, so I'm planning on trying to highlight all its warty bumps as well.

Finally, I have once again found a little more hobby-time with which to continue working on the 500 points worth of Boromites I need to paint in order to deploy a Scouting Force for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". I've actually only got three of these Work Gangers armed with mass compactors left to finish, and have decided to use the figures to test out some different techniques I can employ in the future in order to help speed up my painting of these highly-detailed extra-terrestrial miners by "Warlord Games".

"At First Glance, Karsus Doesn’t Seem Like Much."

"He's neither as durable as Garrek nor as deadly as Saek."

This 28mm scale multi-part "push-fit" model of Karsus The Chained is part of the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set sold by "Games Workshop", and can additionally be used as part of Garrek's Reavers unit for "Age Of Sigmar". "With a ranged attack and the ability to attack multiple fighters at once" this cruel warrior is "one of the warband’s most dangerous fighters" and "a key component to many Khorne Bloodbound strategies."

Primarily undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to help mask the model's vivid red plastic, the former slave's trousers, neck collar and leather wrist bracelet were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his thigh armour and shoulder plate, were both treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, Karsus' chains, which are made from the shackles he used "to choke his masters to death", as well as the "many-notched axe that has claimed countless skulls for Khorne" were given a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being shaded with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker.

Targor WIPs - The Khorne Bloodreaver just needs his flesh to be shaded and his many scars 'picked out'

The mortal fighter's belt, numerous straps, weapon handles and boots were 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. Whereas his bare flesh was pigmented using "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone with a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. As a final touch I used a thin, carefully drawn line of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to 'highlight' the killer's heavily scarred Chaotic Khorne symbol which had at some point been hacked across his torso.

As a last step, and in order to ensure the model matched  my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar", I painted its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Disconcertingly, because I steered away from the Nottingham-based company's official red-armoured paint scheme by replacing it with burnished brass, it was only at this point that I realised I hadn't used and "Vallejo" Heavy Red on the miniature at all; a colour which is ordinarily universally seen on all of the Blood God's butchers. However, hopefully such an oversight won't be all that noticeable when Karsus The Chained is on the tabletop with his fellow frenzied devotees...

Flat-Top WIPs - This heroic resin warrior has had all his metallic areas layered, shaded and dry-brushed

With just one of my Garrek's Reavers left to finish, it shouldn't come as any surprise to know that I have made some significant progress on my "Shadespire" miniature of Targor as well. To be honest, I've been avoiding painting this particular model as it's my least favourite of the Khorne Worshippers, on account of the sculpt's pose striking me as being a little too similar to that of Gorebeard himself. However, having persevered with the crazed bezerker's fiddly leather straps, stitches, skull trophy and leg armour, I am now in a position where he simply needs his mutilated flesh to be shaded/highlighted before being ready for a gloss varnish...

Having recently started re-watching some classic episodes from the animated television series produced by "Filmation" called "He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe", I was rather inspired and pleased to recently locate a copy of this Out Of Production (OOP) sculpt of Flat-Top from a private collector. A good likeness of the Heroic Warrior, Ram-Man, I've set to work trying to replicate the palette "Mattel" used for their action toy of "the human battering ram."

"So Father, Once More Earthmen Have Invaded Our Space."

"Surely now you will declare war upon the Earthmen?"

This 41mm-tall "pewter" model of a Draconian noble, as played by English actor Peter Birrel, is produced by “Warlord Games” and can be purchased as one of the three miniatures inside their "Draconians" boxed set. Based upon the reptilian humanoid Prince who accompanies the Third Doctor and General Williams to the Ogron homeworld, "the Draconians were Jon Pertwee's favourite monsters because their make-up was so realistic" and made their first appearance in Malcolm Hulke's February 1973 BBC television story "Frontier In Space".

Originally undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, the tall, pointy-eared extra-terrestrial's scaly skin was painted using some Heavy Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Whilst the aristocrat's sleeves were treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre" and some watered down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Draconian Soldier WIPs - The alien has had all his gold sashes roughly painted and shaded

I also 'picked out' the ruler's large gemstone with "Vallejo" Dead White, and applied a dollop of "Citadel" Ironbreaker over his imperial rings. These details were then shaded with Biel-Tan Green, or, in the case of one of his finger ornaments, Drakenhof Nightshade. His bright green crystal's chain was pigmented with a thin line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and an application of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

"Believing strongly in high morals and honour" the Draconians are somewhat identifiable by their elaborately detailed oriental-looking shoulder pads and golden flowing sashes. Unfortunately however, despite some extensive research into their on-screen costume, comic book illustrations and the "Warlord Games" studio paint-palette, as well as owning an 'official' figurine from "Eaglemoss Collections", I couldn't find a seemingly definitive colour scheme for all their finery.

The Dominators WIPs - Early days yet 'picking out' the extra-terrestrials' trousers and rocky base

In the end I therefore decided upon a rather tabletop standard solution to my problem by simply applying some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and later Brass to these areas, before subsequently washing them with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Later I lightly drew some additional "Vallejo" Brass over the sculpt's ridges in order to highlight all the intricate patterns woven onto the costume's material. I did additionally consider applying some "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green to a couple of strips of cloth, as well as to the sides of the Prince's head, but having done this to the noble's flowing green robe I thought the model contained enough green already...

Perhaps unsurprisingly, now I've settled upon a paint scheme for my Draconians I have begun working on a few more of the race's miniatures in order to finish up enough figures for a tabletop appearance. Plus, with a mind to trying to clear away a few more of my "Salute" 2018 purchases, I have made some progress on my two formidable-looking "humanoids from Drahb" - the Dominators.

"They March Through The Woodlands Singing Songs..."

"...That tell how they have righted wrongs."

This 28mm "white metal model" of a Shrew Warrior is "supplied unpainted" by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and can be purchased as Code BB10 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. One of the more "abundant" races of beast in Northymbra, this small mole-like mammal comes equipped with a one-handed weapon and light shield, as well as heavy armour.

The "long-nosed mouse" actually comes supplied with its own "integral metal base", so was rather easily transfixed to a 30mm plastic circular lipped base with super-glue, before being under-coated using some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer. His fur was then layered with Black and dry-brushed Heavy Charcoal. A dab of Black was also used for the tiny fighter's nose and eyes.

Green Lizard WIPs - The exotic warrior's patinated bronze needs finishing

All of the "fiercely territorial" animal's plate armour, as well as its shield, helmet and sword were pigmented with two layers of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and washed with Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker, whilst its leather straps were simply treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Endowed with a 'voracious appetite', the non-rodent's tunic was 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also managed to get my brush-tip onto two pouches worn upon the diminutive warrior's waist, and resultantly gave them a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Heavy Red respectively. Finally both of these small bags were shaded using a smidgen (more) Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

Viridian Chigoe WIP - The multi-part plastic extra-terrestrial has been assembled and primed

Alongside my "tenacious, and short tempered" Shrew, I have also made some significant progress on the County Durham-based company's Green Lizard. Due to the reptile's exotic country of origin, I plan to colour his plate armour with some patinated bronze, as I thought the contrast between the discoloured metal and the cold-blooded creature's green scaly skin. However, I am still sorely tempted to additionally paint its head bright blue as in the official "Oathsworn Miniatures" paint job.

With an eye already on next month's "Wild West Exodus" mini-project, I have managed to assemble one of three multi-part plastic Viridian Chigoes for my Watchers posse. These miniatures, now manufactured by "Warcradle Studios", have proved incredibly frustrating to assemble due to their instructions having to be downloaded from their website as opposed to being found within the Viridian Clade Posse Set I bought at "Salute" 2018, and my discontent with their packaging has only increased since discovering I have super-glued a couple of the wrong pieces onto my figures...

"They All Keep Their Eyes On The Axe."

"They can't help it. That's when you sink the cutter in deep."

This 28mm scale "push-fit" model of Arnulf forms part of the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set manufactured by "Games Workshop", and can also be used to represent a "warrior of a murderous band of Khorne-worshippers, called Garrek's Reavers" in the Nottingham-based company's "Age Of Sigmar" tabletop wargame as well. Despite there being "not a great deal that’s noteworthy about Arnulf – even when he’s Inspired", this warrior is "useful for triggering Supports with your other fighters, holding objectives or being sacrificed to score certain objective cards or activate your Inspire condition."

Initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to help 'eradicate' the figure's vivid red-coloured plastic, the Khorne Worshipper's trousers and boots were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his leg armour, thigh plates, right arm-guard, torc and axe-blade were treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, the miniature's chains, helmet, blade and belt-buckle were given a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being washed with Nuln Oil.

"Khorne cares not from whence the blood flows."

The Blood Reaver's belt, leg straps and axe-handle were 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. Plus his loincloth and back spikes were given a double-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and subsequently a generous shade of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The maniac's flesh was created using "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and then a thin-line of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone across his scars. In addition I 'filled' the Chaos symbol burnt into his flesh with two helpings of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and pigmented the figure's fur-lined footwear with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and a splodge of "Citadel" Badab Black.

The model's skull trophy was originally given a coat of "Vallejo" Dead White, before being muddied and bloodied with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. It was then 'bleached' with a light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Dead White. Finally, in order to ensure the model matched my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar", I painted its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Rangers Of Middle-Earth WIPs - Three of "The Lord Of The Rings" boxed set's plastic miniatures

My version of Arnulf differs quite substantially from that of the official "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" paint-scheme, as I disliked both their studio's red armour and helmet, as well as their stony-coloured spikes rising from his back. Spookily, I actually decided upon making my model's chaotic blessing red because I inadvertently rubbed the "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone undercoat covering the protruding barbs off during my handling of the figure. This led to the bare red plastic clearly showing on the miniature and I rather liked the contrast it created with the Khorne warrior's paler flesh.

Sticking with "Games Workshop", the wargaming developer has recently caught my eye with its efforts to once again support its range of miniatures for "The Lord Of The Rings". I was a big fan of this strategy battle game many years ago, and having seen their re-release of the Champions Of The Shire, alongside both the Gundabad Orc Warband and Nazgûl of Dol Guldur Collection, I have tentatively placed a handful of plastic Rangers of Middle-Earth into my painting queue...

"I'm The Doctor, By The Way. What's Your Name?"

"Go and have your lovely beans on toast."

This 35mm-tall "pewter" model of the Ninth Doctor as played by Christopher Eccleston, is produced by “Warlord Games” and forms part of the five-miniature strong "Ninth Doctor And Companions" boxed set. Deciding "to leave the role after just one series", the Lancashire-born actor "was voted Most Popular Actor at the 2005 National Television Awards for his portrayal of the Doctor", and made his debut as the travelling Time Lord in the March 2005 BBC television story "Rose".

Initially primed using some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer, the Gallifreyan's shoes, trousers and leather jacket were subsequently painted in Black, and dry-brushed with Heavy Charcoal. In order to break up the time traveller's monotonous colour scheme, I then re-painted his shoes Black, and washed his trousers with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The figure's half-hidden top was 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and more "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

The Master confronts the Ninth, Tenth and Twelfth Doctor, as well as K-9

I used watered-down "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade for Doctor Who's skin, as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil for his hair. Finally, having managed to 'highlight' his sonic screwdriver using some Ironbreaker, I dabbed the electronic device's head with a small splodge of "Vallejo" Dead White and shaded it using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

Disconcertingly, for such a relatively straightforward miniature, this particular sculpt was somewhat time-consuming due to my desire to try and desperately avoid giving it a pair of doe-like eyes. As a result I kept slowly cutting into the "Vallejo" Black surrounding his eyeballs with Heavy Skintone until I was convinced I could get no closer without spoiling the outline. In addition, whilst protecting the model with "Coat d'arms" Gloss Varnish I discovered that despite using a 'proper primer' for a change, part of the paint on the figure's left arm completely came away; necessitating my having to re-pigment that particular area.

The Master WIPs - Roger Delgado, Derek Jacobi and Anthony Ainley

Sticking with Time Lords, I've recently purchased the "Big Finish" audio drama boxed set "Only The Good" which stars Derek Jacobi as The War Master. These "four brand-new full-cast adventures featuring the Master’s exploits in the Time War" have perhaps unsurprisingly inspired me to dig out my previously started "Warlord Games" model of Professor Yana, and get to work on the sculpt's waistcoat.

In addition, I have begun doing a little more work to two of the renegade time traveller's earlier incarnations, as played by Roger Delgado and Anthony Ainley. Both of these figures come from the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" expansion set "I Am The Master", and having been primed using some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer, have had their all-black costumes dry-brushed with Heavy Charcoal.

"You Are Inferior."

"Man will be reborn as Cyberman, but you will perish under maximum deletion."

This 43mm tall metal miniature of a Cybus Industries metallic exoskeleton is from a private collection and thus not commercially available. Fortunately though, I was lucky enough to be sent a quartet of the "monotonous cybernetic creatures" as a fabulous gift by Simon Quinton of "Brummie's Wargaming Blog", and have painted this particular model up as a Cyber-Leader.

Prior to priming, the three piece figure had his arms pinned to his shoulders using some wire, and was subsequently super-glued upon a normal 25mm circular plastic base. To be honest it actually took me quite a while to decide which stand to use for the 'upgraded human', as I wasn't sure with which ranges/genres the unique sculpt would fit in with.

"Burrows & Badgers" WIPs - The Sparrow Warrior Angus Quickbeak and a Green Lizard

In fact, at one point I even considered placing him on the larger-sized lipped bases I use for my "Frostgrave" miniatures and using him as some sort of a magic-born metallic construct. Ultimately however, I decided to go with a base which would let me potentially use the figure as a Cyber-giant alongside my "Black Tree Design" "Doctor Who" models, as well as the majority of my "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and "Heroclix" models. In addition I wouldn't be at all surprised if the towering silver giant didn't make an appearance in my long-delayed "Expedition To Barrier Peaks" "Dungeons & Dragons" campaign as a futuristic robot enforcer...   

The Cyberman was initially undercoated with a base-coat of "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer and later given a double layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker. It was then washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. As a final touch, I picked out the automaton's famous head handlebars with some "Vallejo" Black in order to 'designate' it as a Cyber-leader, and darkened its joints with an application of "Citadel" Badab Black.

Chigoe Beta WIP - The Viridian extra-terrestrial has been assembled, based and under-coated

Moving across to this month's themed mini-project, I have been busy trying to progress both a Sparrow Warrior and a Green Lizard for my "Burrows And Badgers" warband. Both of these "Oathsworn Miniatures" are absolutely packed full of detail, and are proving great fun to paint with all their tiny weapons, pouches, armour plates and straps. Sadly, those anticipating a tartan apparel for Angus Quickbeak will be sorely disappointed as I plan to simply pigment his raiment red as opposed to any complicated criss-crossed pattern.

I'm also slowly assembling, basing and priming the Viridian Clade models I want to paint in earnest next month as part of a "Wild West Exodus" push. This plastic Chigoe Beta comes as a rather fiddly thirteen piece kit, and required me to print out its assembly instructions from off the "Warcradle Studios" website in order to ensure I had put it together correctly...

"Once Hissing Sid, An Evil Snake, Kept The Woodland Folk Awake..."

"...In fear and trembling every night, in case he gave someone a bite."

This 28mm metal model of Slisssk The Adder is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and was part of the company's recent "Rogues And Vagabonds" Kickstarter. Disappointingly, the figure isn't currently available to buy on their website, but I was lucky enough to pick him up, labelled as an Adder Warrior, at "Salute" 2018.

Due to the deadly serpent wearing heavy armour the figure was inititally primed "Citadel" Chaos Black and subsequently coated with two layers of Ironbreaker. He was then washed with Nuln Oil, before being dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker.

Shrew Warrior WIPs - The tiny fighter has had his shield, sword, armour and helmet 'picked out'

The venomous snake's flesh was carefully painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and the numerous leather straps tying his protective plate sheets to his slithering body were 'picked out' with "Heavy Sienna". Both of these areas were then washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

I did strongly consider applying some sort of typical dark-coloured reptilian pattern over the carnivore's skin, but as so little was showing I decided against such a move. As a last step however, I dabbed some "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre over the poisonous Adder's glaring eyes, and in order to hopefully make them really stand out I didn't subsequently shade them as I ordinarily do.

Karsus The Chained WIPs - The Khorne warrior has had his infamous hand-weapon finished

With the first of my nefarious Northymbran wrongdoers done, I've already set about applying some pigments to my warband's second mischievous malefactor, a Shrew Warrior. This wonderfully characterful sculpt has really caught my imagination, and I'm already considering utilising a tiny garrison of these diminutive fighters as the protectors of the Squire of Shrewsbury...

Despite having such fun with this range of anthropomorphic animals, I am somehow still managing to also maintain my focus upon the remaining plastic miniatures I need to complete so as to field "Garrek's Reavers" for "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire". Having finished all the fiddly belt buckles, straps and brass armour on Karsus The Chained, I am hoping to have the "Game Workshop" Khorne worshipper completed before too much longer.

"The Genesis Ark Must Be Protected Above All Else."

"Time Lord science will restore Dalek supremacy."

This 38mm tall resin sculpt of "a Time Lord prison ship from the Last Great Time" is produced by “Warlord Games” and can be found inside the "Maximum Extermination!" expansion set from their "Into The Time Vortex" range. "Slightly larger and similar in shape to a Dalek casing, the Ark was dimensionally transcendental" and made its first appearance at the very end of the July 2006 BBC Television story “Army Of Ghosts”.

Having based the Genesis Ark upon one of the 40mm thin-lipped circular bases I use for the vast majority of my objective markers, I primed the model with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and subsequently applied two layers of Brass over the entire miniature. I then treated the piece of Gallifreyan technology to a heavy wash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and roughly dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo Brass.

The Ninth Doctor & Draconian WIPs - Both the Time Lord and Nobleman are almost completed

In order to make the prison's supporting struts stand out a bit more, I additionally shaded these areas using a combination of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and Strong Tone Quickshade. Later I 'picked out' the extra-terrestrial jail's numerous buttons using either "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, or "Vallejo" Dead White with some watered-down "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Sticking with 'Nu-Who' I've started painting both the Nottingham-based company's sculpt of the Ninth Doctor, as well as the Mid-Seventeenth Century "highwayman known as the Knightmare." Christopher Ecclestone's miniature is a stunning likeness of the Lancashire-born actor, and has perhaps unsurprisingly proved rather straightforward to progress considering that his shoes, trousers and jacket are all black.

Ashildr & Draconian WIPs - The immortal Highwayman has a lot of work left to do

Obviously I've attempted to break-up such monotony by dry-brushing both the Time Lord's trousers and somewhat battered leather top with some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and subsequently only shaded the trousers with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Ashildr's far more flamboyant attire, complete with thigh-length boots, frilly ruffs and the faintest of face masks will be a little more time-consuming. But as I have no intention, for my sanity's sake, to replicate the official "Warlord Games" multi-patterned shirt, "The Woman Who Lived" should still be completed in good time.

Finally, I have been persevering with a Draconian Noble and finally settled upon a simple solution to all the different golden garments the reptilian extra-terrestrial wears. An application of "Vallejo" Brass followed by a wash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade seems to provide plenty of depth and shadow, whilst a light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Brass brings out enough detail to show there are different shimmering accessories overlapping one another. I might yet shade a couple of the areas with some "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, but for now I plan to leave the regal alien as is...

"The First Kill Is The Greatest."

"That first arc of hot blood through the air."

This 28mm scale "push-fit, red plastic" miniature of Blooded Saek forms part of the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set produced by "Games Workshop", and can also be used to represent a "warrior of a murderous band of Khorne-worshippers, called Garrek's Reavers" in the Nottingham-based company's "Age Of Sigmar" tabletop wargame as well. Having "lost himself entirely to the red rage of Khorne" and therefore "only able to speak bestial growls and blood-chilling screams", this warrior "is an essential fighter" for the Blood Reavers warband, whose "great axe excels at killing fighters".

Primarily undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to help mask the model's vivid red plastic, the deadly juggernaut's trousers were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his leg armour and belly plate, were both treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, Saek's chains and double-axe blades were given a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being shaded with Nuln Oil.

Garrek's Reavers WIPs - The final two warriors of the warband

The mortal fighter's belt, numerous straps, and wrist-guard were 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. Plus his loincloth and cloth pouch were given a double-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and subsequently a healthy splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The berserker's dark skin was created using Doombull Brown, a thin-line of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone across his many scars, and an application of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade over all these areas.

The miniature's skull mask was originally given a coat of "Vallejo" Dead White, before being washed with Pale Grey. It was then 'bloodied' using a combination of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and the glaze Bloodletter. Finally, in order to ensure themodel fitted in with my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar", I painted its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also highlighted a tiny tentacle rising from out of the ground using a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

Foamasi WIPs - The alien has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Having recently attended the Portsmouth Comic-Con at the city's Guildhall recently, I was rather pleased to spend a few minutes chatting to the truly generous David Bulbeck. The actor "appeared in several Doctor Who episodes" in the Early Eighties, including "The Leisure Hive" in which he played one of my favourite Tom Baker monsters, a Foamasi.

As a result I have located my "Black Tree Design" model of the 'stocky, reptilian humanoid', and rather enthusiastically based, primed, shaded and dry-brushed the figure already using "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I now simply need to paint the alien's three clawed hands and red eyes for the radiation resistant extra-terrestrial to be finished....

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Burrows And Badgers" May 2018

"Burrows & Badgers" WIPs - Toad Mage, Dandy Highwayfox and Green Lizard

This month's themed effort to try and reduce my overwhelming collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures will be dedicated to the six "Oathsworn Miniatures" I require in order to field my first warband for the company's "Burrows And Badgers" skirmish game. In addition, it'll be my first committed push to actually paint all the figures I bought at this year's "Salute" before I re-attend the ExCel convention centre at Custom House in twelve months time...

Anthropomorphic animals have not previously been a genre of the hobby I've contemplated, but the opportunity to collect both a free miniature and the Scenario: Mouse-Hunt if I bought the tabletop rule-book whilst at the South London Warlords show was too good an opportunity to refuse. The "Oathsworn Miniatures" stall also had a terrific display of models, so as the manufacturers had already sold out of pre-made warbands I simply bought (more than) enough blisters with which to compile my own.

"Burrows & Badgers" WIPs - Sparrow Warrior and Shrew Warrior

Obviously it is still early days for my 'nefarious' force to be battle ready, but I have already worked out my 350 pennies worth of miscreants, and set about basing/priming the dirty half-dozen. For starters, I plan to use the impressively large and pistol-toting Dandy Highwayfox as my gang's leader, Watership Dick, and a bloated Toad Mage as my Morglyn's Fiery Blast firing magic-user.

Filling out my cast of roguish players will be a tiny Shrew Warrior, a wonderfully-feathered Sparrow Warrior, and a particularly venomous Adder Warrior; which doesn't yet appear to be purchasable on the company's website due to being part of their recent "Rogues And Vagabonds" Kickstarter. With the exception of the heavily-armoured poisonous snake (sixty-one Northymbran pennies well spent methinks), these fighters will all be armed with a one-handed weapon and light shield.

Arnulf WIPs - The Blood Reaver now needs just his steel helmet and hand weapons to be finished

One of the highlights of the game is the ability to additionally recruit beasts who "live in far off lands and are only rarely seen..." To that end I have 'splashed out' on a Green Lizard armed with a one-handed weapon and wearing some light armour. I hope to paint the reptile's plate protection in bronze with a patina, to show its deepest dark South American roots.

For those interested in a full review of "Burrows & Badgers" then I'd strong recommend popping over to Simon Quiton's excellent website, "Brummie's Wargaming Blog", where he gives a detailed overview of the game and its extensive range of miniatures.  

Alongside these suitably scaly and furry fiends, I also still need to finish off my remaining Garrek's Reavers for "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire". I've still got a couple of the "Games Workshop" Blood Reavers left to paint, but have been making some excellent progress on Arnulf recently so hope to soon have the Khorne Worshippers ready for both the "action-packed combat game", as well as "Age Of Sigmar".

"If You Move A Muscle, You Will Be Destroyed."

"This whole domain is now keyed to my biological rhythms."

This 34mm tall metal miniature of the Master is manufactured by “Warlord Games” and can be found in the "I Am The Master" boxed set from their "Into The Time Vortex" range. "Horribly disfigured" and on his last regeneration, this particular grisly-looking incarnation of the renegade Time Lord used the source of the Traken Union's power to help him merge with the body of Consul Tremas in the January 1981 BBC Television story “The Keeper Of Traken”.

The figure was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Black surface primer, and treated to a layer of Black. It was then heavily dry-brushed with Heavy Charcoal before being washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The evil villain was subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and had some of this tattered clothing additionally highlighted with some "German Grey".

The Genesis Ark WIPs - The Time Lord Prison Ship has been primed, layered, shaded and dry-brushed

The Master's decomposing hands and face were carefully 'picked out' with a combination of "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. His 'lifeless' eyes were 'dotted in' using dabs of "Vallejo" White and more Strong Tone Quickshade, whilst his energy pistol was treated to a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

Impressively bringing two Fate Tokens to the table in the Nottingham-based company's "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" rule-set, this "Unique" single model faction, is able to withstand "Wounds (2)" as well as 'equip' the "You Will Obey Me" Adventure Card for free. This means that "once per turn" the Master "may attempt to hypnotise" any enemy character (except Special Characters or Incorporeals) within 6", and even if he fails to take control of them, they can still be "Shocked."

Draconian WIPs - The regal aliens have had some of their details layered

Alongside the two remaining Cult of Skaro Daleks I have recently started painting, I have also begun work on a piece of appropriate resin scenery for them to protect. The Genesis Ark comes as part of the "Maximum Extermination!" expansion set, and having based it upon one of the 40mm thin-lipped circular bases I use for objective markers I have been loyally layering it in between some of my other mini-projects.

Finally, having sat somewhat unloved on my painting table for a while, I have finally started properly progressing two of my Draconians. I've actually found the tremendous detail on these Noble sculpts a little intimidating (especially that on their back), but now armed with the relevant reference material I hope to finish this pair of reptilian humanoids reasonably quickly...