"After Receiving Several Reports Of Missing Persons..."

"...The Raccoon City Police Department's special S.T.A.R.S. unit immediately began investigating the affair."

These three 28mm scale 3D printed pieces are available as part of the Resident Evil 2 - Board Game - 3D Wall sets - Set 1, 2 & Corner Set 1 by the "Pro Tech Painting" eBay store, and have been designed to be used with the "cooperative board game" produced by "Steamforged Games". The large wall measures 80mm in width and 35mm in height, whilst the short and corner walls measure 40mm in width and 35mm in height.

The brick walls were initially 'cleaned up' with both a nail file and sharp modelling knife, before being primed with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. They were then washed using a mixture of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade, and heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Warlord Games" WIP - The ACW soldiers have been based, primed and had some of their shoes 'picked out'

With about a third of my 3D printed scenery now completed, I have had an opportunity to turn my attention to "Warlord Games" and their seemingly triumphant announcement concerning the imminent release of "Epic Battles: American Civil War". Described by the Nottingham-based company as a game "based on the familiar award-winning Black Powder rules system, with a few period-flavour tweaks to cement the battles in the ideologies of American Civil War doctrines", this 15mm scale hard plastic affair certainly seems to have whipped up quite the furore within the historical wargaming world. Not least because it's hard plastic infantry are more akin to being 13mm in height and resultantly don't appear to blend well with other similarly-sized manufacturers.

Fortunately, apart from a brief dabble in ACW with some 15mm figures by "Peter Pig" I haven't ever really given this period much thought, so decided to purchase both the January 2021 issue of "Wargames Illustrated", in order to get my hands on a single sprue of "Warlord Games" models, as well as a second-hand copy of the old Black Powder background rule-book "Glory, Hallelujah" too. Currently, I'm rather undecided as to whether I want to try my hand at such a large scale project. so simply plan to see what all the fuss is about by painting a twenty-man unit or two.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - The "Frostgrave" Tribal archer is slowly having all his detail painted

I have though done a bit of research on the Confederate States force of my choice and decided to go with an Alabama regiment for now. These troops eventually went the way of all Robert Edward Lee's units by predominantly wearing grey uniforms. But before 1863 were known to fight in dark blue frock coats with black broad-brimmed hats - a palette which will help me somewhat break-up the monotony of endless grey shirts and trousers...

Lastly, I have made some in-roads into my Witch's warband for "Frostgrave" by finally setting aside some dedicated hobby time on the first of my party's two archers. There certainly is a lot of detail on the "North Star Military Figures" hard plastic Tribals, so I am definitely having to be patient as I slowly pick my way up the model pouch by feathered leg-band. Fortunately, the less powerful the fighter, the less adornments I gave them, so I'm hopeful that by the time my energy starts flagging, I'll have less tricky painting subjects before me.

"When You're Up To Your Neck In Slime And Lasers, That's Everything."

"He gave the order. We just did the shooting."

These three 28mm FedSec Troopers were previously manufactured by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and are from their out-of-production Federated Security Starter Set. However, these days both the miniatures, and several other 'dead-ringers' from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”, are available from "Beast in the Broch".

After pinning their separate heads to their torsos each figure was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and enthusiastically dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal. I then picked out their belt buckles and key chains with "Vallejo" Silver, and their hand-weapons with Gunmetal. All of these areas were later washed with two applications of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIP - The Punisher has had his pavement painted, shaded and dry-brushed

I painted each model's helmet trim with a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. This alternative to the now sadly out-of-production Thrakka Green is arguably a little darker in tone than its "Games Workshop" predecessor, but hopefully not too noticeably. As a final step I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red to the soldiers' visors and subsequently washed them with "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With the last of my built FedSec Troopers now finished, I have been able to spend some additional hobby time assembling the five miniatures needed to fill out the ten-model roster required for "Marvel: Crisis Protocol" by "Atomic Mass Games". I had been hoping to use the two Black Widow variants the skirmish game has already made available to its comic book fans, but sadly the rule-book doesn't allow for any line-up to contain two of the same character.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIP - Daredevil's broken baton has been pinned together and attached to his back

As a result I decided to try and pick a few more street-level powered super-heroes to compliment Natalia Alianovna "Natasha Romanoff" Romanova, so built the Punisher and Daredevil. Frank Castle's formidably-armed alter-ego was very easy to glue together. However, I had some major problems with the Man without Fear, not least due to the hard plastic figure arriving with his elongated baton snapped in half.

Obviously my first thought was to contact the internet store where I bought it from and arrange for a replacement. But having seen just how the frail weapon looked in the company's 'official' photographs, I actually saw the breakage as an opportunity to attach its 'weaker' elements to the blind vigilante's body and ensure the gaming piece was debatably better suited to handling on the tabletop than simply looking good on a shelf.

"Earlier This Year..."

"...A bizarre incident occurred in the Arklay Mountains, on the outskirts of an American suburb named Raccoon City."

These two 28mm scale 3D printed pieces are available as part of the Resident Evil 2 - Board Game - 3D Wall sets - Set 1 & Set 2 by the "Pro Tech Painting" eBay store, and have been designed to be used with the "cooperative board game" produced by "Steamforged Games". The large wall measures 80mm in width and 35mm in height, whilst the smaller wall measures 40mm in width and 35mm in height.

Both corrugated metal walls required some "final cleaning before painting" with a nail file and sharp modelling knife, before being undercoated with a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The scenic parts were then layered using some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before being shaded with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil and some sporadically-placed Agrax Earthshade.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - The two Black Widows are at similar stages

The walls were then dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and later treated to a smattering of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash in an effort to show how badly weathered some of the metal had become over time. Lastly, the pieces were given another heavy dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal in an effort to blend all the different shades and rust together.

With my latest additions to my Resident Evil 2 - Board Game completed, I have continued to work upon my two copies of the Black Widow sculpt which can be found in the "Marvel Crisis Protocol" Starter Set by "Atomic Mass Games". I plan to paint my additional figure (bought using "eBay") in Natasha Romanova's alternative all-white costume, and had been hoping to have one of these miniatures accompany my already painted Black Widow - Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. in my ten-hero roster.

"Star Wars: Legion" WIPs - Count Dooku, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia

Disappointingly however, having now read the expanded rule-book found only on the "Atomic Mass Games" website, it would appear that won't now be the case. I've always known I couldn't field two versions of Natasha on the actual tabletop, which frankly makes perfect sense to me, but it now appears I can only have one version of the Russian super-spy "behind the mask'" in my roster's line-up too. A situation which has admittedly somewhat dampened my enthusiasm for my little Romanova project.

Fortunately, Dave Stone over on the "Wargames Terrain Workshop" has kept me motivated with his seemingly endless array of Cantina clientele from "Star Wars". Indeed, I've been so impressed with his work that it has helped galvanise me into dusting down some of the many partially-painted models I own for "Star Wars: Legion" by "Fantasy Flight Games".

"Trapped In The Midst Of An Outbreak."

"You and your allies must work together to escape Raccoon City..."

These two 28mm scale 3D printed pieces are available as part of the Resident Evil 2 - Board Game - 3D Wall sets - Set 2 & Corner Set 1 by the "Pro Tech Painting" eBay store, and have been designed to be used with the "cooperative board game" produced by "Steamforged Games". The large wall measures 80mm in width and 35mm in height, whilst the corner wall measures 40mm in width and 35mm in height.

"...And uncover the truth behind the virus."

As advertised, the brick walls did require some quite significant "final cleaning before painting" with both a nail file and sharp modelling knife. They were then primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and subsequently shaded using a mixture of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally, the models were heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

Despite my best intentions this month to paint an entire Witch's warband for "Frostgrave", I've not really made that much progress on my hard plastic figures from the "Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" Tribals boxed set by "North Star Military Figures". One of the reasons for this has been that I rather fancied finishing off a metal miniature of a White Gorilla I have had lying around my painting table since the release of "Thaw Of The Lich Lord" five years ago.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - A White Gorilla and Tribal Warrior Archer

But, mainly due to my disappointment with the actual sculpt, I have found the 'wandering ape' quite a chore to pigment. On the surface, I thought the fang-toothed brute would prove quite a straightforward subject considering it is predominantly white with just its fleshy hands. feet, mouth and chest showing. However, a lot of the detail marvellously captured in the model's 'official paint-job' doesn't actually seem to be all that clear on the figure in front of me.

In addition, I fear I have once again succumbed to the trap of creating my own plastic miniatures by using one of "North Star Military Figures" excellent "Frostgrave" kits, as I have literally covered my Witch's tribal warriors in all manner of bracelets, pouches, hand-weapons and evil wooden face masks. All of these tiny details need 'picking out', shading and highlighting, and this is proving something of a time-consuming process for a project I initially anticipated being reasonably straightforward.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These three FedSec Troopers just need some tidying up

Luckily, my three remaining FedSec Troopers by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" continue to be a lot of fun to work on. The 'dead-ringers' for Supreme Commander Servalan's Terran Federation soldiers have now had all their "Vallejo" Heavy Red gas-mask visors and Heavy Khaki trim roughly layered in place, so simply need these areas to be tidied up before each figure can be appropriately shaded with a wash or two...

"Can You Survive The Horror?"

"Nail-biting decisions. Flesh-eating zombies."

This 28mm scale 3D printed piece is available as part of the Resident Evil 2 - Board Game - 3D Wall set - Set 1 by the "Pro Tech Painting" eBay store, and has been designed to be used with the "cooperative board game" produced by "Steamforged Games". The small wall measures 40mm in width and 35mm in height, and is one of four identically-sized pieces which come as part of the overall set.

As advertised, the brick wall did require some "final cleaning before painting" with both a nail file and sharp modelling knife. It was then primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and subsequently shaded using a mixture of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally, the model was heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three FedSec Troopers

With the test scenic piece completed, I have momentarily turned my attention to progressing the three remaining FedSec Troopers I have had sat upon my painting table for a few years now, and getting the black-suited soldiers at least primed with a couple of helpings of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I actually own a few more of these excellent figures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", but as they haven't yet even been based I have put them aside for a rainy day next year...

In addition, I have finally managed to assemble the metal Firebrand Warjack which comes with the Iron Star Alliance Starter Set for "Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika" by "Privateer Press". To be entirely honest, this hefty beast has been severely close to being lobbed across my hobby room on a number of occasions as it's been an incredible pain to put together, despite it containing no less than eleven pins.

"Privateer Press" WIP - The Warjack has been assembled, primed, layered, shaded and dry-brushed

The main problem has been the brute's sheer weight as it is cast entirely in metal, and as a result the suggestion its entire torso, arms, weapons and power-fins would easily be held aloft by super-glue alone is laughable. Indeed, I ended up re-pinning the Warjack's legs a couple of times after it became clear the burden was far too great for just a single piece of metal wire, some green-stuff and enough epoxy to turn me into an addict for life.

Ultimately, I have settled on a pose which takes a lot of stress off of the Firebrand's frighteningly fragile leg-joints, and placed a large portion of it onto his grounded Repulsor Shield. The overall look of the ensemble is arguably a far cry from the imposingly upright stance depicted in the 'official' Iron Star Alliance illustrations. But the miniature has so far withstood priming, layering, shading and a seriously rough 'dry-brushing' without falling apart again...

"You've Drawn Your New Weapon From The Armoury, I See."

"Good. Stay alert."

This 28mm model of a FedSec Heavy Trooper was previously produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and is from their out-of-production Federated Security Starter Set. However, these days both the miniature, and several other 'dead-ringers' from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”, are available from "Beast in the Broch".

The figure was originally treated to a double layer of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and thoroughly dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal so as to highlight the sculpt's detail. I then picked out his belt buckle, key chains, knee-pads and shoulder-pads with "Vallejo" Silver, and his formidably-sized two-handed firearm with Gunmetal. All of these areas were later washed with two generous helpings of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"All prisoners are being held in the main detention block."

I painted the model's helmet trim with a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. In the past I've used "Citadel" Thrakka Green as my shade of choice, but as that product has long been shelved by "Games Workshop", I made do with its modern-day alterative. To finish the Heavy Trooper I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red to both his visor and weapon's button, and subsequently washed these areas with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Carroburg Crimson respectively.

Alongside this particular miniature I have also completed a FedSec Trooper and two FedSec Commanders by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". However, rather than 'fit' the pair of officers with balaclava-wearing heads, I simply pinned a couple of normal gas-mask heads to their bodies. All three of the figures were primarily pigmented in precisely the same palette as their more 'bulky' black-suited colleague.

"Privateer Press" WIPs - These three Paladin Enforcers have been dry-brushed "Vallejo" Gunmetal

Sticking with Science Fiction, I have managed to move a little further forward on all five of the Paladins I plan to field as part of my Iron Star Alliance force for "Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika" by "Privateer Press". I was planning on putting these new 35mm scale models on hold until after I had finished assembling their terribly top-heavy Firebrand Warjack, but in the end I simply couldn't resist applying a brush-tip to them for at least a little while more.

Admittedly, all I have accomplished is finishing off the dry-brushes and shading for their bases, as well as given each Paladin a rough 'highlight' of "Vallejo" Gunmetal on their armour. Yet this little progress did encourage me to persevere with repeatedly reassembling, re-pinning, and regluing my Warjack to the point where it is now as solid a construct as I can achieve, and is ready for priming...

"Subcommander Cheney To All Units."

"This is a red alert. I repeat, this is a red alert. Electronic security reports intruders in Sector Three."

This 28mm metal model of a Federated Security Guard was produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and is from their out-of-production Federated Security Starter Set. Like the rest of the Security Guards in this (video-like) boxed set, the figure came with a choice of two heads including one with a balaclava, and is a ‘dead-ringer’ for one of the despicable black jump-suit wearing minions of the Terran Federation from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”.

The 'Subcommander' was initially given a double undercoat of “Citadel” Abaddon Black before being rather roughly dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal so as to highlight the soldier's excellent detail. I then picked out his belt buckle and key chains with "Vallejo" Silver and his Federation carbine rifle with Gunmetal. All of these areas were later washed with a double-helping of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Privateer Press" WIPs - These Paladins have been primed, layered and shaded

As I wanted this particular miniature to potentially represent the clean-shaven officer in charge of the security detail guarding the residence of the exiled former president Sarkoff, I did initially consider scraping the figure's bushy moustache off. But eventually decided it would perhaps be something of a shame to ruin such an eye-catching detail...

In addition to finally finishing a model which has rather embarrassingly sat amidst my collection for a good five years, I have assembled and started painting my long-awaited Paladins for "Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika" by "Privateer Press". These new 35mm models form part of the Iron Star Alliance hobby miniatures game starter set and seem to have been persistently delayed since I first pre-ordered them a couple of months ago.

"Privateer Press" WIPs - The Paladin Weaver and a Paladin Enforcer

The Command Group are still missing their partly-assembled Firebrand-class Warjack, as frankly they have proved something of a nightmare to put together on account of their chunky metal pieces and minimalist joints. Indeed, I very quickly found myself drilling, pinning and green-stuffing all but these elite shock troopers simplest of parts together in an effort to ensure they didn't fall apart once I began applying a brush-tip to them.

Of course, the figures couldn't have come at a worse time as I'm currently trying to clear an unhealthy backlog of my old projects rather than tackle a brand new one. But I'm hoping my plan to make them somewhat rather rusty, steel and iron-coloured space battle veterans as opposed to the bright yellow Paladins depicted on their box's cover art, will actually allow me to slowly progress the odd model over the coming months...

"I Used To Have Nothing."

"And then I got this. This job. This family. And I was better because of it."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found in the Marvel Crisis Protocol expansion box CP24 Hawkeye & Black Widow Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Assembled using sixteen separate pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the former KGB operative and dangerous assassin, leaping over a partially-damaged symbol of Hydra.

"Recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. by Clint Barton", the secret agent was first undercoated with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, enthusiastically dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then went back over her leg straps and gun holsters with some more "Citadel" Abaddon Black, to ensure the pair of leather attachments stood out ever-so slightly from the spy's roughly 'highlighted' costume.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The Black Widow was painted from the ground up

The Black Widow's automatic pistols and arm blasters were pigmented with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, whilst parts of her costume were 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Red. All of these parts were subsequently washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also went back to Natasha's armaments and gave them a delicate dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Gunmetal to help them have a bit more glint about them.

Romanoff's electroshock weapons on her wrists were undercoated "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, coated in Gold and then washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. "One of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most efficient agents", I painted the founding member of the [MCU] Avengers' hair with a mixture of "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before dry-brushing it with (more) "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - A Section Leader and Heavy Weapon Federated Trooper

With so much "Citadel" Nuln Oil on show I was rather keen to have some colour contrast occur with the Black Widow's base, so decided to paint the badly-damaged Hydra symbol with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before subsequently applying a coat of Brass over the terrorist organisation's fallen symbol. I then shaded the piece of debris with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and the odd dollop of "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide.

Having completed this particular incarnation of Natasha Romanoff I have made some more progress on my recently resurrected "Blake's Seven" project using "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" miniatures. These now sadly OOP Federated Security Troopers will make some welcome Section Leaders/Heavy Weapon for my ever-expanding forces of Supreme Commander of the Terran Federation, and hopefully start clearing some space in my sadly significant partially-painted backlog...

"We Are Venom!"

"Eyes! Lungs! Pancreas! So many snacks. So little time -- !"

This 50mm tall hard plastic figure of Eddie Brock's alter-ego is produced by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found in the Marvel Crisis Protocol expansion box CP09 Venom. Assembled using thirteen separate pieces, not including its stand, the model depicts the Klyntar symbiote striding forwards across a piece of concrete rubble.

The miniature was initially primed using two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, mercilessly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then set to work patiently 'picking out' all the lines of the disgraced journalist's spider-symbol with a couple of coats of watered-down "Vallejo" White.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Black Widow is slowly having her red and metallic areas 'picked out'

To be honest, despite the model's formidable size and the raised detail of his torso's emblem, I was rather put off by the complexity of the symbiote's veiny motiff. I find drawing anything even closely resembling a straight line extremely difficult with a paint-brush, and the thought of patiently tracing across the anti-hero with my tip had already resulted in the miniature being repeatedly side-lined in the past.

Luckily however, it suddenly occurred to me that I could 'cheat' by applying a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil over the bothersome pattern, and use the shade's pooling effect to help me better work out the actual lines. I then applied some additional "Citadel" Abaddon Black over any stray areas of "Vallejo" White which the "Citadel" Nuln Oil hadn't completely masked. The end result turned out a little darker than I'd have liked but resulted in a significantly saner painting process.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The two Black Widow sculpts are slowly being progressed

As some final touches, I used a combination of "Vallejo" Squid Pink and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for Venom's curling tongue, as well as some "Vallejo" White and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his razor-sharp teeth. Brock's pre-modelled circular base was layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

With Spider-Man's arch-nemesis finished, I have focused my attention upon the three sculpts I own of the Black Widow. Two of these are identical, as I wanted to pigment the Russian spy in both her classic all-black and all-white costumes. Whilst the third shows Natasha Romanova sporting an updated look which arguably seems more suited to her adventures within the Marvel Cinematic Universe than those within the printed page of a comic book.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Frostgrave" December 2020

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - Three Infantrymen for my "Frostgrave" Witch's warband

Usually at this time of the year I am hastily prepping and priming a multitude of miniatures ready for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), and as a result subsequently end up with a painting desk brimming over with all manner of unfinished genres, scales and materials three months later. Indeed, due to some of the constraints of the event, most notably only being allowed to submit figures solely pigmented during the challenge, I tend to find myself hastily purchasing all myriad of 'simple to paint' pieces simply so I can attain my annual target of 500 points (approximately 100 x 28mm models). 

On this occasion however, I'll be doing something a little bit different, and rather than participate in another AHPC, I'll instead try to reduce my ever-increasing mountain of assorted models by embarking upon my own personal Partially-Painted Pledge. I've actually tried to complete this endeavour a few times before, predominantly alongside the AHPC, and unsurprisingly never managed to attain my goal of completing a hundred figures I've previously started working on within the allotted four months.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three Federated Security Troopers

Things should work out a little differently this time though as I have already earmarked a number of ill-fated projects for renewal. To begin with I aim to paint both the Witch's warband I've recently assembled using the "Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" hard plastic Tribals boxed set by "North Star Military Figures" and a number of other long-forgotten "Frostgrave" models I have either prepped, primed, layered or almost finished in the past.

I've yet to actually play a game using Joseph A. McCullough's Second Edition rules, but as a motivator I hope to get in some small test games using the various miniatures I finish over the coming months. In addition, having already assembled a pair of Archers, and now a trio of Infantrymen, it shouldn't be too long before I'm able to field two fully-fit wizard parties, and actually try out a few of the rule-book's numerous scenarios.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIP - Natasha Romanova's brown straps and holster are slowly being 'picked out'

I have also started digging out the numerous figures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" I've never finished in an effort to conclude both my "Blake's Seven" and "Planet Of The Apes" projects. Long-time sufferers of this blog will know I have played quite a few recent games using Servalan's black-suited goons and some homebrew rules, so I have immediately set about 'picking out' all the metal areas on a handful of the company's now OOP Federated Security Troopers.

Lastly, I am planning on slowly ploughing through my collection of "Marvel Crisis Protocol" models by "Atomic Mass Games". The company has just published an insane-looking release schedule for early 2021, which could seriously overwhelm my painting queue if I don't crack on with pigmenting my already unhealthy backlog of super-heroes and villains.

"The Bizarre Insect-Eating Vermilepus."

"He's a real nowhere man, sitting in his nowhere land..."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Vermilepus is sold by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as part of their Alien Pets deal. The animal is only 18mm tall and is designed to be used with the company's other "Colony 87" sci-fi civilian miniatures "for any RPGs and tabletop wargames."

The miniature was initially undercoated using "Vallejo" Heavy Violet, before being soaked in "Citadel" Druchii Violet and dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Violet. I then set about pigmenting its feathery throat and chest with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, but this proved surprisingly difficult and time-consuming as I couldn't quite make out where the plumes actually started just beneath it's head.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The Black Widow and Venom

As a final touch I decided to 'spot' the long-eared extra-terrestrial's eyes with a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, and shade them using a little "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. All in all, I found the Vermilepus a really frustrating model to pigment, and actually went through other two colour schemes before settling upon this predominantly dark one. In addition, I quickly realised that my basing had completely covered over the overly-long claws of the alien, adding an extra layer of frustration to what should have been a straightforward paint-job. 

Speaking of perplexing projects, I have persevered with the white spider markings on my Venom by "Atomic Mass Games" for a couple more hours, trying to follow the emblem's super-soft detail with my brush-tip. Luckily, the idea to wash the motif's thin wavy lines with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil has really helped me follow the sculpt's edges enormously, but I'm still not particularly happy with the wobbliness of the final result.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIP - The Bounty Hunter has been assembled, pinned and primed

Fortunately, I'm finding the Black Widow figure from the "Marvel Crisis Protocol" Core Set much more fun to work on, even though I'm attempting to paint Natasha Romanova in her alternative all-white costume. Indeed, I've already completed the miniature's detailed base and started slowly 'picking out' all the super-spy's various straps with "Citadel" Abaddon Black...

Lastly, I was rather pleased to receive a small consignment of models from "Diehard Miniatures" following their recent Black Friday Bounty Hunters webstore offer, Of particular interest was their excellent multi-part metal sculpt of a Brando-Elite fugitive recovery agent, who, having been assembled, pinned and primed, has gone straight onto my painting table for some tender loving care.

"Somehow, Over The Centuries..."

"...At least one strain evolved to produce rats the size of cats."

These (additional) three 28mm scale metal models of some Giant Rats are produced by “North Star Military Figures” and can be purchased as code FGV309 - Boar & Giant Rats from their “Frostgrave" Range. According to Joseph A. McCullough's lore for Felstad, these large rodents "scavenged what food they could" in the frozen city, "including potions and other magic items."

The trio were originally undercoated "Citadel" Abaddon Black, mercilessly dry-brushed "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Their limbs, tails, ears and noses were then painted using a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before being dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - The Vermilepus has gone through three different paint schemes

I subsequently spent a little time 'feathering' the join between the Giant Rats' furry hides and limbs with some additional "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and 'picked out' their sharp front teeth using a combination of "Vallejo" White and Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". Finally I dotted the vermins' evil eyes with a spot of "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

Having completed the last of my Giant Rats for "Frostgrave", I have partly turned my attention back to the remaining miniatures I haven't yet finished from the Alien Pets blister by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Unfortunately, the Vermilepus has proved particularly frustrating due to my dislike for the colour schemes I have chosen.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The Black Widow's base has been finished

Initially I had intended to pigment the "bizarre insect-eating" extra-terrestrial in the light green palette used by the 'official' paint-job, but I wasn't at all happy with how this appeared 'in the flesh'. As a result, thinking the little critter looked a lot like a little elephant, I thought I'd give it light grey skin instead. However, following some dry-brushing, this too didn't turn out quite as well as I thought...  

Alongside this 'dithering' though, I have managed to complete the base-work on the two different sculpts of the Black Widow I currently own for "Marvel Crisis Protocol" by "Atomic Mass Games". These were a lot of fun, with the more MCU-based incarnation of Natasha Romanova giving me an opportunity to once again dabble with the "Citadel" Technical Paint Nihilakh Oxide.

"Anyone Can Win A Fight When The Odds Are Easy!"

"It's when the going's tough -- When there seems to be no chance -- That's when it counts!"

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Spider-Man is produced by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found inside the company's Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box. Assembled using ten separate pieces, not including its stand, the model depicts Peter Parker's alter-ego standing atop a piece of exposed steel girder.

The miniature was initially primed using two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. I then 'picked out' the Web-slinger's legs and torso with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Venom and two Black Widows

In order to tackle Spider-Man's pre-modelled circular stand, the street pavement was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. It was subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey using a make-up brush, and additionally 'dirtied up' around the debris with some splashes of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

I painted the steel beam Web-head's feet are clinging to by giving it a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, shading the girder with Nuln Oil and later Reikland Fleshshade, before carefully dry-brushing the lump of metal with (more) Ironbreaker. As a final touch I applied some dabs of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash into some of the nooks and crannies.

"Tangent Miniatures" WIPs - Ford and Fiesta Focus, Artemis McGown, and Austin Allergro

With Spider-Man finished, I have spent some time undercoating the "Marvel Worldwide" tabletop game's two different sculpts of the Black Widow, and made a little more headway on the somewhat complicated white web markings criss-crossing around Venom's muscular chest. I'll be pigmenting the two different incarnations of Natasha Romanova in decidedly different palettes, with the intention of potentially pairing the two up against one another in a narrative campaign; something easily done as the current Black Widow in the comic books is a clone of the dead original Russian spy.

Lastly, I have based and primed some more of the Cosmic Travellers by "Tangent Miniatures". These figures are clearly inspired by the 1981 BBC television adaptation of Douglas Adams's "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", but for my own sanity's sake I intend to have them all wearing some rather plain looking attire rather than all the tweed, stripes and checker-patterns colourfully-captured on the costumes seen on the small screen...

"Giant Rats Are Usually Encountered In Small Packs..."

"...Which have been known to overwhelm weak or wounded adventurers."

These three 28mm scale metal models of some Giant Rats are manufactured by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGV309 - Boar & Giant Rats from their “Frostgrave" Range. According to Joseph A. McCullough's lore for the Frozen City these "rats were one of the few species that did manage to survive the freezing of the city" by "hiding in some part of the ancient sewer system."

The trio were initially primed "Citadel" Abaddon Black, heavily dry-brushed "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal so as to bring out their furry detail, and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then painted all of their limbs, tails, ears and noses with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before delicately dry-brushed all the deadly rodents' fleshy parts using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - The Giant Rats have been primed and dry-brushed

With the bulk of the cat-sized beasts completed, I spent a little time 'feathering' the join between their dark hides and their limbs with some additional "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and 'picked out' their sharp front teeth using a mixture of "Vallejo" White and Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". As a last touch I spotted the Giant Rats' tiny malevolent eyes with a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

Despite having completed this particular packet of scavengers for wintry Felstad, I still don't actually have enough miniatures to populate my tabletop should I roll especially poorly on the Random Encounter Table for "Frostgrave", for the fanged critters can appear as a horde of four 'Pack Hunters' if the dice gods prove particularly uncharitable. As a result I have started work on another trio of the foul fiends...

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Spider-Man has been base-layered and shaded

To ensure I don't spend the entirety of my precious hobby time pigmenting Giant Rats, I have however, also made some significant progress on the Spider-Man figure found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Set by "Atomic Mass Games". Having previously painted a "Heroclix" model of the web-slinger, I've stuck to my trusted recipe of using "Vallejo" Heavy Red and a wash of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to do most of the hard work on the crime-fighter's webbed costume.

The "Atomic Mass Games" miniature is though somewhat greater in size than the "Wizkids" sculpt, so I plan to subsequently lighten the red up with a careful dry-brush or two. In addition, I am currently assembling the super-hero skirmish game's two hard plastic models of the Black Widow, with the intention of doing one in Natasha Romanova's white uniform.

"Many Believe This Nickname Comes From Their Distinctive Headgear..."

"...When in fact it derives from jibes by the Colonial Police."

This 28mm scale metal model of a 'Shellhead' is sold by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either individually or as part of their Security Troopers four-figure deal. Dedicated to protecting "our law-abiding citizens... within the spaceport’s zenfield" the figure is designed to be used with the company's other "Colony 87" sci-fi civilian miniatures "for any RPGs and tabletop wargames."

The kneeling guard was originally undercoated using two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and enthusiastically dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. His only visible metal knee-pad, digital information pad, and canister lid were then 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before all of these parts were drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - These three Giant Rats now need to be 'tidied up'

The trooper's face plate and side-arm were initially treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and, along with his mask's breathing holes, given a coat of Brass. Due to wanting this particular model to slightly stand out from the rest of the squad, I additionally 'picked out' his pistol's holster and leg straps with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

All of these areas were later shaded using a combination of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". As a final touch I delicately dry-brushed the model's pitted face-plate with several sweeps of "Vallejo" Brass, simply to catch the raised detail of the helmet's pitted mesh.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - These two Tribal Archers have been assembled and primed

With all four members of my Security Troopers unit for Dave Stone's latest (Unity) Community Challenge now completed, I have been able to spend some extra time pigmenting the first three of six Giant Rats by "North Star Military Figures" for "Frostgrave" Second Edition. All of these rodents' "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey flesh has now been shaded and dry-brushed, so the trio of the black-furred pests simply need their fur 'touching up' before being essentially finished.

I have also assembled, based and primed the first two new members for my Witches warband using parts taken from the excellent "Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" hard plastic Tribals boxed set. These two archers cost 75 gold coins each, and come armed with a bow, quiver, dagger and light armour (wooden tribal mask). They're obviously going to be a bit cold wandering the streets of Felstad with so much exposed flesh, so I like to think their magician concocted an invigorating potion of warmth or some such before they agreed to accompany him on the mission...

"Millions Flocked To The Colony."

"The rich and the powerful, the ambitious and the desperate."

These two 28mm scale metal models of a pair of Security Troopers are sold by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either individually or as part of the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer's Security Troopers four-figure deal. Dedicated to protecting "our law-abiding citizens... within the spaceport’s zenfield" these 'Shellheads' are designed to be used with the company's other "Colony 87" sci-fi civilian miniatures "for any RPGs and tabletop wargames."

Both guards were originally undercoated using two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and thoroughly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. Their metal knee-pads and automatic weapons were then 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before all of these areas were drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Spider-Man's base has now been finished

Each trooper's face plate was treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Dark Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, whilst their side-arms and breathing valves were given a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. The pistols and mask apparatus were subsequently pigmented using a little "Vallejo" Brass and shaded with Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

With my Security Troopers unit for Dave Stone's latest (Unity) Community Challenge three-quarters finished, I have continued to work on the Spider-Man figure found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Set by "Atomic Mass Games". The hard plastic model's base has taken a little longer than I anticipated as my plan for it to contain a simple-looking steel girder didn't look quite right, until after I decided to dirty it up and apply some additional weathering effects upon it.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - These three Giant Rats have had their flesh areas base-coated

Lastly, I've managed to make some small progress on three Giant Rats by "North Star Military Figures" for "Frostgrave" Second Edition. I've yet to shade the rodents' "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey limbs, ears and noses with some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, but have been somewhat inspired to get these finished having found a further trio of the black-furred pests in my embarrassingly large backlog of metal miniatures.

I also want to get these animals fully-painted so I can settle down to concentrate on the eight plastic dark-skinned natives I have now successfully assembled from the "Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" plastic Tribals boxed set. These multi-part feathered warriors will completely the soldiers I finished for my initial Witch's warband, and hopefully let me search Felstad for its exotic treasures with a more thematic force...

"Colony 87 Had Grown In Power Over The Decades."

"It was now the most important centre for trade, industry, science and arts in the sector."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Security Trooper is sold by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either individually or as part of their Security Troopers four-figure deal. Dedicated to protecting "our law-abiding citizens... within the spaceport’s zenfield" the "shellhead" is designed to be used with the company's other "Colony 87" sci-fi civilian miniatures "for any RPGs and tabletop wargames."

The guard was originally undercoated using two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and thoroughly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. His metal knee-pads and automatic weapon were then 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before all of these areas were drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Spider-Man is slowly having his elaborate base painted

The trooper's face plate and side-arm were initially treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and subsequently, along with his mask's breathing holes, given a coat of Brass. I later shaded these areas with a splash of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter", and carefully dry-brushed the model's face-plate with a couple of brushstrokes of "Vallejo" Brass.

Having finished the first of my miniatures for Dave Stone's latest (Unity) Community Challenge, I've also found some hobby time to make a little progress on the Spider-Man figure found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Set by "Atomic Mass Games". The super-hero's rather cluttered base is now mostly finished, so I should soon be able to start working on Peter Parker's actual alter-ego...

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - These three rats have had their bases dry-brushed and shaded

Finally, with the arrival of my "Frostgrave" Second Edition, I have been rummaging around my unpainted collection of official sculpts by "North Star Military Figures", whilst waiting for the plastic glue on my latest additions to my Witch's warband to dry. I actually plan on assembling my new recruits from the "Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" plastic Tribals boxed set, but such an undertaking will require a little patience as I carefully put together my hardy warriors for the tabletop.

As a result I thought I'd get myself in the mood by pigmenting a trio of giants rats from the rule-set's original release. These three rodents have been sat loitering upon my painting table for a good few years, so hopefully they'll be finished in good time. ready to confront any hapless treasure seeker foolish enough to believe they can walk the streets of wintry Felstad unmolested...