“The Griffin Was Originally Classified As A Heavy BattleMech.”

“Combining tremendous speed and firepower in one frame the Griffin briefly dominated in this role.”

This 1:285 scale pre-assembled plastic model of a Griffin is made by “Catalyst Game Labs” and currently can only be found together with the Wolverine, in the company’s BattleTech: Beginner Box. There are actually numerous ‘official’ Regimental Paint Schemes for the Kallon Industries manufactured mech. However, as I plan to employ this particular sculpt as a Japanese Mitsubishi class War Walker for an upcoming Weird War Two campaign using some homemade rules, I decided to go with a predominantly yellow palette.

“Combining good striking power, endurance and speed” the 40mm tall figure was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Japanese Uniform WWII, shaded in “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade, and dry-brushed using (more) “Vallejo” Japanese Uniform WWII. As I wanted the machine to somewhat represent the look of the Empire’s old carrier-based fighter, the Zero, I then ‘picked out’ the machine’s knees and shoulder-pads using a combination of “Vallejo” Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. These areas were later carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Luftwaffe Camouflage Green.

"Each Flesh Hound is larger than a fully armoured Space Marine."

The Griffin’s cockpit windows and hands were pigmented in “Citadel” Abaddon Black”, whilst it’s right-handed Fusion Particle Projector Cannon (PPC), drum-mounted Delta Dart LRM-10 launcher and elbow joints were ‘picked out’ with a little “Vallejo” Gunmetal and a splash of “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Finally, I took two war flags of the Imperial Japanese Army and applied the Rising Sun transfers by “Decal Details” to the top of the mech’s shoulder-pads.

With the first of three Japanese Weird War Two walkers I currently have planned finished, I’ve found enough time to also complete a second base of 6mm scale Flesh Hounds, which used to be produced by "Games Workshop" for their tabletop wargame "Epic". These tiny chaotic beasts of Khorne were primed using two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, washed using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and delicately dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Their back spines and head crests were then ‘picked out’ using some “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"Tangent Miniatures" WIPs - The Enemy Commander has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

In addition, I’ve started work on the second of my Weekly Challenges, randomly chosen via a deck of playing cards. This time round I’ve got to paint a single 28mm model, so thought it might be a good opportunity to ‘crack-on’ with another science fiction figure by “Tangent Miniatures”.

Due to my already completing The Enemy from their Space Warriors range, I decided to base and prime The Enemy Commander. As with the (not) Rodan I’ve previously pigmented, this sculpt is heavily-influenced by Nick Castle’s 1984 American space opera film “The Last Starfighter”, and should make an excellent stand-in for the alien leader, Lord Kril…