Top Ten Miniatures Of 2023 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Another year has been and gone, and so as we all look forward to 2024, sing “Auld Lang Syne” and drink far too much. But first I’d like you to indulge me as I take a retrospective peek back at Simon's wonderful output of 2023. Yes, it’s that time again when 'Blax Kleric' throws the keys (and keyboard) to "Fantorical" over to me so I can lower the usually high standard of writing here, and he simultaneously raises the standard over on my own blog. Anyway having pawed over the past twelve months' posts, I’ve dragged my “Top Ten” favourite finished figures kicking and screaming back into the spotlight for one last hooray before they are consigned to the annuals of Fantorical history. So in no particular order (except rising from ten to one, of course) I give you my ten best figures by Simon for 2023…

No. 10 - Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator by "Papsikels Miniatures" - March 6th March

"So Off You Pop, Old Man."

"You Get A Prize, Honey."

This 28mm scale white metal figure is sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as SKU: MINI 1652 Temporal Traveller 15. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the model is clearly inspired by actor Ncuti Gatwa's fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor, as seen in some of the BBC promotional photographs publicising the upcoming new season of “Doctor Who”.

The miniature was primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. The Gallifreyan was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, before having his jacket buttons, hair, moustache, eyebrows and shoes 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I did strongly consider applying some thin stripes over the suit, and even gave one of the Timelord's sleeves a test run. But such a delicate touch is most definitely not my forte, so in the end I opted for a plainer, yet saner, all-blue costume.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - These Robomen are slowly having their clothing 'picked out'

I did however manage to apply a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to the Doctor's shirt, as well as a combination of Amethyst Rayne by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Druchii Violet to his tie. Lastly, I used some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna for the model's face and hands, shaded these in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and applied a few highlights with a smidgeon extra of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

Sticking with the science fiction television programme, I have dusted down seven 28mm metal Robomen, which have been loitering unloved inside a drawer for many a year. Indeed, I believe these particular figures pre-date "Black Tree Design" acquiring the range's licence, and hark back as far as 1996-1997, when I first started playing "Doctor Who: Invasion Earth" by "Harlequin Miniatures". Designed by Daniel Faulconbridge, this tabletop game attempted to recreate various scenarios from Terry Nation's broadcast storyline "The Dalek Invasion of Earth", and resultantly required me to paint several of Davros' Mark III Travel Machines.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - The Second Doctor, Vicki, the Ancient One, and a Dalek, all 'dusted down'

To be honest I still recall the feeling of dread this gave me having to first carefully 'pick out' all the Dalek shell's "hemispherical protrusions" black and then blob them with a light blue colour - so as to match their colour scheme during the First and Second Doctor's tenures. However, in an effort to circumnavigate this issue, I promptly bought these Robomen instead to use as the robotic Masters of Earth's minions and reduce the number of actual Daleks I needed. Sadly though, it would appear I never managed to pigment these figures, so felt it was high time to make amends and simultaneously earn me some much-needed bonus points at the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Overdue and Returns Library desk.

With the motley band consisting of just two alternative sculpts/poses, I plan to apply a variety of trouser and jacket colours to the Robomen in the hope of imbuing them with a bit more variety. In addition, their completion after so long, may well finally encourage me to assemble a few of the classic game's three-piece Dalek models, and possibly even hunt around for my copy of the "Doctor Who: Invasion Earth" rule-book...

"Iceman Right On Schedule, Sir."

"Hot diggity! A test for me at last!"

This 32mm scale translucent plastic model of Iceman was produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their "Marvel Zombies" stand-alone game using the "Zombicide" rule-set. One of the "Kickstarter" campaign's numerous exclusive figures, this particular incarnation of Bobby Drake's frosty alter-ego was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the May 2007 issue of "Marvel Zombies: Dead Days" by "Marvel Comics".

Presumed to be residing at the Xavier Institute on Earth-2149 when the zombie plague first struck, the mutant superhero was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer White and the Spanish company's Model Colour White. He was then drowned in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before being slowly 'built back up' using multiple patient dry-brushes of White Star by Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats". Finally, the X-Man's eye sockets were given a dab of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and spotted with (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - These Silurians have been shaded and dry-brushed

Having completed my first entry for the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have moved on to four 28mm metal Silurian figures by "Black Tree Design". These "three-eyed land-dwellers" were actually bought from the Penzance-based manufacturer way back in July 2016, and were due to be part of a much larger Homo Reptilia force I started assembling some three years later for a "Doctor Who" aliens/monsters galactic conquest campaign using some homemade rules.

Disappointingly though, these particular models were never properly completed, and after so many years of being jostled together in a drawer, their original "Vallejo" Heavy Brown undercoat and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade wash required some much needed tender loving care (i.e. redoing). As a result, I've started them from scratch, and plan to enter them into the AHPC as a Children's Books Challenge Library bonus submission.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - These two 15mm hover-tanks are having their details 'picked out'

In addition, I have managed to make a little more progress on two partially-painted 15mm Black Adder Combat Lifters by “Alternative Armies” I recently discovered rather embarrassingly buried beneath a load of other long-forgotten miniatures on my painting table. Already primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red and shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, these two (not) Blood Angels chapter vehicles did admittedly need a little 'sprucing up'. But are now slowly having all their details 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

I've quite surprisingly uncovered a fair few more models from "The Ion Age" miniatures range at various stages of completion in a drawer, so have set aside a motley array of hover-bike riders, large-clawed robots and Prydian Army foot-soldiers to 'squeeze' in to my painting queue as and when time allows. Furthermore, there's a load of vehicles and giant automatons to be found too, so if the mood takes me I can well imagine a plethora of resin Mechs, (more) Combat Lifters and Battlesuits leapfrogging their way onto my tabletop over the coming few months...

"Once They Were Noble, Loyal, Effective And Ambitious."

"A true beacon of Imperial might and light."

This 15mm scale Black Adder Combat Lifter is sold by “Alternative Armies” and can be purchased as Pack Code IAF036C from the company’s "The Ion Age" range. Supplied as a multi-piece metal and resin vehicle, it is "armed with a Fretan Rail Gun in a turret mount", and is approximately 60mm long, 30mm wide and 25mm tall.

The model was super-glued to a large-sized plastic "Flames Of War" stand by “Battlefront Miniatures”, and was actually initially primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red as I planned to add it to my ongoing (not) Blood Angels army. However, having found that I owned three of the same kit following a rummage through my "Alternative Armies" backlog box, I decided to re-undercoat this 'tank' using a couple layers of "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Temporal Traveller is slowly being progressed

"The standard light ground vehicle for the Muster", the automobile was next completely drenched in “Citadel” Nuln Oil, before receiving a thorough dry-brush of (more) "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green using a soft-bristled make-up brush. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the Combat Lifter's flexible skirt, the odd entry-hatch and side panel/window, as well as a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the rear vents, front headlamp frames and giant gun.

To be honest I could easily have stopped at this stage. But wanted to add a little "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to at least a couple of panels to properly mark the model's palette out as being that of the traitorous Horus Lupercal's legion. To further emphasise this, I applied a couple of "Games Workshop" Sons Of Horus transfers onto the miniature's hull. Lastly, I 'picked out' a trio of lights using a dollop or two of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a wash of "Vallejo" Pale Grey.

"The Lord Of The Rings" WIPs - These Black Númenóreans have had their metal areas base-layered

With the opening (short) week of the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) already gone, I have started working on my first entry for the event's Challenge Library - which is where I plan to snatch many of the bonus points I'm going to need to achieve my annual 500-point target. My first port of call will be the New Acquisition's desk, so I thought I'd pigment one of my recently obtained Temporal Travellers from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". This marvellous sculpt has clearly been inspired by actor Ncuti Gatwa's new incarnation of "Doctor Who", so the figure seems doubly appropriate.

In addition, I've rather carelessly splodged some "Vallejo" Gunmetal on six of the twelve Black Númenóreans from "The Lord Of The Rings", which I somewhat impulsively bought from "eBay". These unofficial and unlicensed 3D printed figures should easily allow me to pass through the AHPC Library's Fantasy booth with a reasonably quick score, as well as provide my Barad-Dur force for the "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" by "Games Workshop" with some suitable-looking foot-soldiers...

"The Second Wisconsin Infantry Regiment..."

"...Was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War."

These twenty 15mm scale metal Union soldiers are produced by “Warlord Games” and can be found inside their rather hefty "Epic Battles: American Civil War" The Iron Brigade boxed set, The stand consists of two five-figure Command strips, complete with officer and drummer, as well as two 'generic' five-model trooper strips, and was painted to represent part "of the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac."

Having watched a few unboxing videos about the size difference between these castings and the range's (slightly smaller) plastic miniatures, I decided to snip off all the Straw Hats' bayonets. This meant the top of the soldiers rifles were now roughly level in height with their polymer-based brothers-in-arms. Furthermore, I decided to pigment the command line already in situ on its 60 x 20mm rectangular base, and the others separately on wooden sticks.

"It suffered the largest number of casualties as a percentage of its total enlistment of any Union Army unit."

The soldiers were primed using a double-coat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then sploshed their trousers with "Vallejo" Steel Grey and their jackets in "Vallejo" Storm Blue. Both of these areas were subsequently shaded using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before I patiently 'picked out' their straps with a line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I also took this opportunity to dab their belt buckles and hat badges with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gold, and later a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

The drum's skin was given a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, whilst its straps (and the officer's gloves) were carefully teased out using a tiny amount of White. These details were eventually 'dirtied up' with a wash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The sword, odd metal cup and tops of the Iron Brigade's rifles were coated in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a spot of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Unfortunately, I did find these figures incredibly prone to chipping, no matter how careful I was, so despite the relative straightforwardness of their palette, I was forced to repeatedly return to the odd frock coat, satchel and sleeve to 'repair' some minor damage.

Perhaps the biggest disaster I faced with these models though, came when it was time to apply a couple of 15mm flags by “GMB Designs” to the ensemble, using the products ACW19 - Large Stars & Stripes/HQ Flags and ACW22 - Iron Brigade, Wisconsin Regiments, Gettysburg. These paper banners are admittedly a little big for the range. Yet as I like their bold, eye-catching effect on the tabletop, I'm perfectly willing to ignore their historical inaccuracy. However, unlike their plastic counterparts, there isn't a great deal of space on the two standard bearer's poles - due to them apparently being sculpted in contact with the troopers' hats and shoulders.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iceman is slowly being dry-brushed with "Two Thin Coats" White Star

This seems to have been a design-issue even for the official paint-jobs, as one flag always appears to be smack in the face of its carrier. I therefore thought I might be able to cut the shaft away from each figure to give my banners a bit more room. But one slice of my sharp modelling knife later and I was looking at a missing rod on my carpet floor. Resultantly, I ended up super-gluing the regiment's stars & stripes across the bearer's bonce on what little was left of his stick, so I could 'fix it' in place behind the officer's head.

With the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now underway. I have started working on my 32mm scale plastic Iceman for "Marvel Zombicide" by "CoolMiniOrNot". I always like to get an early entry in, as organiser Curt Campbell is very clear about disqualifying any participants who don't submit something within the events opening four weeks, and having previously put my brush-tip to Bobby Drake's brain-hungry zombie incarnation, I thought this version should prove a 'quick win'...

"Upgrade Your Titans..."

"...With these heavy weapon arms."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Titan is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as SKU: MINI 93 Titan B (Standing) from their Villains and Monsters range. Despite the multi-piece kit containing two separate arms, I decided to 'field' the mechanical monstrosity carrying a Trident and net taken from the company's metal Titan Weapon Arms (SKU: DEAL 85) instead.

The 'conversion' actually required a surprising amount of drilling and filing so as to ensure a strong bond between the quite heavy hand-weapons and the figure's much lighter torso, as well as plenty of copper wire, green-stuff, and super-glue. Once assembled though, the large figure was quickly primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, layered with Bronze. positively drowned in “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Bronze.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three primed X-Commando figures

To help tie the miniature into the "living giant bronze statue" look I've used for Doctor Ulysses Argo’s other hefty robots, I then applied various amounts of “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide in between the model's numerous joints and ridges. These areas were later roughly blended back in with the rest of the Titan using a (third) dry-brush of “Vallejo” Bronze. At this stage, I also considered 'picking out' the robot gladiator's trident and net in "Vallejo" Gunmetal. However, I liked the notion of the enormous effigy appearing to be a metal sculpture which had miraculously come to life.

Delightfully, I have now found the third Titan I bought from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" back in June 2022, and spent some time swapping out its empty hands with those holding a large hammer and shield. This figure will be pigmented during the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, in order to collect some much-needed bonus points from the event's Library - as the archive's Rotunda Main Level contains a D.I.Y. section, where I can submit an entry (for an extra twenty points) that made me "glue our fingers together" - and this figure certainly did that.

"Alternative Armies" - This Black Adder Combat Lifter is slowly having its details 'picked out'

In addition, I've been busy assembling (and modifying) several more of the Lincolnshire-based company's X-Commandos, including a head-swap with one of the (Classic) Daughters of SHIVA to produce a Brigadier Winifred Bambera look-a-like. I've painted a few of these beret-wearing soldiers before as modern-day U.N.I.T. troopers, and plan to not only add some more firearm-waving infantrymen to their ranks. But also an Advanced Weapon Team, and a potential proxy for the spectacled Scientific Advisor Doctor Malcolm Taylor too - albeit he'll be a gun-toting grunt. 

Lastly, another rummage around my somewhat dust-covered shelves has revealed a trio of Black Adder Combat Lifters from "The Ion Age" by "Alternative Armies". All three of the resin vehicles are fitted with metal Fretan Rail Guns in their turret mounts, and had been originally primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Red. However, whilst I intend to continue this colour scheme with two of the models, I thought I'd re-undercoat one of them, and try turning it into something the Sons of Horus space marine chapter might deploy during the Horus Heresy...

"Prince Dracula! The Turks Are Falling Back!"

"They retreat! Sultan Mohammed is defeated!"

This 28mm scale Vlad Dracul is produced by "Wargames Atlantic" and can be downloaded for free as part of a multi-piece set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the Voivode of Wallachia seen in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 horror film "Bram Stoker's Dracula", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Sculpted wearing the Prince's iconic suit of Southern Carpathian armour, the figure was assembled and primed using a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Unfortunately, despite being desperately delicate with the warrior's lengthy spear whilst putting the blood-thirsty ruler together, it was at this point that disaster struck and I inadvertently snapped off the top of its shaft.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - The Midnight Surfer is slowly having his details 'picked out'

Cursing my awkwardness, I did initially consider trying to super-glue the two parts back together where they broke - something which can ordinarily be quite easily achieved where "Loctite" instant adhesive and "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin are concerned. However, I figured a stronger join might prevent future accidents - especially as the hand-weapon was intimidatingly long. So instead snipped the spear-tip off and filed down the pole in Dracul's hand.

Whilst this re-positioning did add to the weapon's wobbliness, it also allowed the blade's head to slightly snuggle into Vlad's hand, and create a much stabler connection. Following these repairs, the figure was shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and had its helmet's eye-slits 'picked out' using "Citadel" Abaddon Black. Unsurprisingly, the spear tip itself was pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whereas the shaft was treated to some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Iron Brigade troopers still require some detail work

Alongside my second 'Count Dracula' miniature, I have also started working on some dust-covered 28mm scale metal models originally manufactured by “Mongoose Publishing” as part of the company’s infamous 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. I'm hoping to clear a few of these "2000 A.D." comic book characters off of my painting desk before the start of the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), and decided to go with the Midnight Surfer first.

Finally, I've set about progressing a fourth five-man strip of Union soldiers by "Warlord Games". These particular 15mm Epic scale figures come from their "Epic Battles: American Civil War" range and represent the North's Iron Brigade. Sadly, the little metal infantrymen appear to chip incredibly easily, and resultantly require almost endless 'touch-ups', so my enthusiasm for a massive force of the Black Hats has significantly stalled during the past few months...

"Few Can Forget His Automated Argonauts..."

"...Marching up the steps of the British Museum."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Titan is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as SKU: MINI 93 Titan B (Standing) from their Villains and Monsters range. The kit comes in three parts, including two separate arms. However, as I wanted this particular robot to be carrying a sword and shield, I gave it the appropriate limbs from the company's marvellous Titan Weapon Arms (SKU: DEAL 85) instead.

Having assembled my 'infamous mechanical monster' with some copper wire, green-stuff, and super-glue, the large figure was primed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and later base-coated in Bronze. According to the "7TV" ruleset, this metallic minion is part of Doctor Ulysses Argo’s nefarious criminal arsenal. But, having already painted a pair of unarmed Titans last year, I decided to maintain the heavily-weathered palette I'd used on those - which was inspired by the "living giant bronze statue" seen in Don Chaffey’s 1963 film “Jason And The Argonauts”.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Titan has been weathered with “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide

Resultantly, the miniature was shaded using plenty of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before being dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Bronze. Finally, I applied various amounts of “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide in between its numerous joints and ridges. These areas were later roughly blended back in with the rest of the fearsome figure using a (third) dry-brush of “Vallejo” Bronze. I also considered 'picking out' the robot's sword blade (and potentially round shield) in a steel-colour. However, I liked the notion of the grim-faced golem appearing to be a metal sculpture which had simply sprung to life.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have also made some significant progress on a second Titan I have found in my dust-covered backlog. This model is armed with a gladiator-like trident/net combination, and should soon be fully-pigmented in the same well-weathered fashion. Disconcertingly though, I do appear to have bought a third model, presumably equipped with hammer and shield. But having had a good rummage around my more accessible storage areas, I've failed to find hide nor hair of the blessed sculpt.

"Wargames Atlantic" WIPs - These Vlad Dracul figures are slowly having their details 'picked out'

Alongside my somewhat sudden foray into my pile of potential by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", I have also busied myself working on some more Vlad Dracul miniatures produced by "Wargames Atlantic". Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, I'm currently toying with the notion of somehow using these multi-piece kits as a Transylvanian force for some Weird War One wargaming - probably as an ally of the German Kaiser.

For now though, I've just been having some fun following actor Gary Oldman's blood-soaked shenanigans as the vampire in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 horror film "Bram Stoker's Dracula" - even if the actor's spear-head didn't snap off in the movie like mine did whilst priming the fellow. The manufacturer is currently producing an awful lot of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files to supplement their plastic Great War range, so I anticipate having many more of their figures on my painting table come the start of the new year...

"Larger And Fiercer Than Ordinary Wolves..."

"...They have been trained in warfare tactics and enable Orr’ug archers to shoot arrows with precision."

This 28mm scale Orr'ugs Wolf is produced by "Artisan Guild" and can be downloaded for free as part of a multi-piece set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service, or alternatively bought via "MyMiniFactory" as part of the company's Nomad Orr'ugs range. The second of four different poses available, this impressive thick-coated steppe wolf is 83mm from nose to tail, and was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Permanently attached to a "Citadel" 50mm plastic circular base, the miniature was undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before being treated to some random applications of Sombre Grey and German Grey. The fearsome beast was then drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and had all its detail 'brought back to life' via a simple make-up brush loaded with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, Sombre Grey or German Grey.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Titan is slowly being weathered

To better blend the different coloured areas together, I also took the time to allow the "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to slightly 'snag' the edges of the animal's Sombre Grey hide, and likewise let the Sombre Grey dry-brush occasionally drift over the German Grey areas too. Finally, I 'picked out' the beast's eyes using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and dabbed White Star by "Two Thin Coats" over all its teeth and claws. These parts were later dirtied up with a splodge or five of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

With my latest Orr'ugs Wolf finished, I've continued to busy myself with a number of 28mm scale figures produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Some of these models, such as two partially-pigmented resin Titans, have rather embarrassingly been sat on my hobby desk for more months (if not years) than I care to remember. But have suddenly re-caught my imagination enough to warrant a serious dusting down with a make-up brush.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Four more 28mm metal figures primed for the AHPC

I actually finished a pair of these 45mm high "bronze behemoths" way back in March 2022, along with their even larger 'boss' Talos. However, despite buying two more of the miniatures, along with some separate Weapon Arms, I never got around to getting them tabletop ready until now. Resultantly, the giant robots have been cleaned-up, dry-brushed in "Vallejo" Bronze and weathered with “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide. Once completed I fully intend to search out my mechanical Argonauts, and possibly bring an end to a project which has disappointingly sat dormant for many a moon.

In addition, I have also continued to prepare more of the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer's models for the annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). These figures are a mixture of old and new sculpts, and cover a range of genres like "Doctor Who", "Flash Gordon" and Martial Artists. I'm really hoping to get a good portion of this backlog done over the next three months - albeit for now, all of them have simply been based and primed ready for the AHPC's start on the 21st December...

"All Quarks Report To Flying Saucer."

"All Quarks R-E-P-O-R-T!"

These three 28mm scale metal models are produced by “Black Tree Design" and can be purchased as Code DW211 Quark from the Penzance-based company’s "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Described as being "able to use their guns to kill directly, stun, electrocute, communicate and to power up objects", the robots made their first appearance in Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln's August 1968 BBC Black & White Television story "The Dominators".

Originally, I did contemplate pigmenting this trio of automatons a little differently to the pair I've previously put a brush-tip to, so as to mark them out as the brutal rebel Quarks who would break away from their Dominator masters and attempt to invade the Earth in 1968 (as per the "TV Comic" story "Invasion of the Quarks"). However, as they were already well on their way to completion, following an unsuccessful attempt to get them on the tabletop last year, I eventually decided to stick with the predominantly silver colour scheme I had previously used.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - Two of the seven Robo-Men primed in preparation for the AHPC

Resultantly, each figure was pulled from one of my many hobby drawers, dusted down, and checked for any chips or other signs of wear or tear I might need to 'touch up'. The miniatures had previously (probably) been primed using "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer and then given a coat or two of “Citadel” Ironbreaker. They had all also been shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker to help bring out the rather soft-looking detail on their rough casts.

To better tie them in with their two predecessors I used some "Citadel Nuln Oil" to both darken down their internal areas around each sculpt's folding arms, and 'cover' the odd smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gunmetal I applied to 'mask' any unsightly dinks or paint splatters - which they'd presumably received whilst stood in my painting queue at some point. In order to tie this all together, I also gave their rectangular bodies a delicate dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"Black Tree Design" WIP - One of four identical Silurian sculpts re-undercoated for the AHPC

The tiny rectangular areas beneath the Quarks' sensory hemispheres were 'picked out' using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Whilst I used some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal for each robots' sensors for “detecting changes in heat, light and motion”. These triangles were later shaded with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and lightly dabbed with (more) "Scalecolor" Speed Metal so as to imply tiny nodules on each area. Finally, I painted the models' directional crystal beam transmitters "Vallejo" White, washed them with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" White, so they would look a little crystalline.

With these somewhat diminutively-sized figures finished, I have additionally 'hooked out' seven "Black Tree Design" Robo-Men and a quartet of Silurians from the same drawer. The Daleks' "wholly obedient slaves" come in two similar poses, and were immediately earmarked for the upcoming Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). As for the reptilian humanoids, these had previously been primed and shaded, so I did briefly consider working on them now. However, all four miniatures had areas where their metal surface was once again showing though, so I've simply re-undercoated them in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and set them aside for the AHPC too...

"The Mighty, Thick-Coated Steppe Wolves..."

"...Have been inseparable hunting companions of the Orr’ug tribes since time immemorial."

This 28mm scale Orr'ugs Wolf is produced by "Artisan Guild" and can be downloaded for free as part of a multi-piece set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. One of four different poses, this impressive specimen of Canis lupus is 80mm from nose to tail, and was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Initially superglued onto a "Citadel" 50mm plastic circular base, the miniature was primed using some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before being sporadically splodged with Sombre Grey and German Grey. The furry brute was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had all its incredible detail highlighted using a make-up brush appropriately packed with plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, Sombre Grey and German Grey.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iceman, Cyclops and Colossus have all been primed

I did at this stage also attempt to blend the different coloured areas together by allowing the "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to 'catch' the edges of the wolf's predominantly Sombre Grey areas, and likewise letting the Sombre Grey dry-brush drift over the German Grey parts. Lastly, I 'picked out' the beast's eyes using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and patiently applied some White Star by "Two Thin Coats" to all its teeth and claws. These were later dirtied up with a dousing of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Having finished with my first Orr'ugs Wolf, I've found some time to undercoat a handful more of the plastic models found inside the "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion set for Zombicide. These marvellous “CoolMiniOrNot” figures feature three of my favourite mutant super-heroes, and are hopefully the start of a determined effort to pigment my way through the entire "cooperative board game" over the next twelve months.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Girl Saturday and three Temporal Travellers

Finally, I have received and immediately based a quartet of "Doctor Who" flavoured 28mm metal figures made by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Girl Saturday and Temporal Travellers Four, Fourteen and Fifteen are probably destined to wait until the annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) has started towards the end of December. However, I may not be able to resist the temptation to paint at least one of them in honour of the science fiction television series' sixtieth anniversary.

Surprisingly, my brush-tip hasn't touched many of the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer's miniatures during this year. But considering just how many of their X-Commandos, Mounted Simians, Claws Of Shiva and Lizard Nazi Soldiers I'm currently dusting down, I reckon a fair few will now be headed for the tabletop over the next sixteen or so weeks...

"I Was An Instrument Of The Service."

"So if I'm guilty of murder, of mass murder, then so are all of you!"

This 28mm scale Federated Security Command figure was sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". But is now available as SKU: FED02 Psychotic Renegade from "A Beast In The Broch". The sculpt is clearly inspired by actor Brian Croucher's vicious incarnation of Space Commander Travis, during the second season of the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”.

The miniature was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black. It was then roughly dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal, before being drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. To slightly break up this incredibly dark colour scheme though, I subsequently applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the model's boots, cybernetic eye-patch and belt.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Four Uranian Royal Guards primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Red

In addition I 'picked out' flesh of the "career officer in the Federation military" with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, splodged his hand-blaster with a dollop of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and carefully traced out the soldier's chest insignia using a line of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. Lastly, Travis' hair was given a layer of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and darkened with a liberal wash of (more) “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Sticking with both "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and classic sci-fi, I have dug out the four figures which make up the Lincolnshire-based company's Uranian Royal Guard for the upcoming Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). This quartet were one of several 'add ons' unlocked during the March 2022 "Rick Rhodes And The Pirates of Luna City" Kickstarter, and will hopefully be the start of a focused push to get as many of my rewards painted from that campaign as possible over the next few months.

"The Lord Of The Rings" WIPs - Three Black Numenoreans undercoated with "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black

Heavily influenced by both Mike Hodges' 1980 movie "Flash Gordon" and Universal Pictures' 1936 superhero serial film, this project is doubtless going to cause me to get neck-deep assembling an (Arborian) Marsh Beast, a horde of Mechanical Men, a Uranian Death Ray and even a huge resin Rocket Ship. Plus I aim to 'field' plenty of Forest Fighters, Uranian Troopers, Otherworldly Guards, lion-headed Shieldmasters and Alien Legionnaries if time (and enthusiasm) allows.

Furthermore, I've continued basing more of the twelve Black Numenoreans from "The Lord Of The Rings", which I recently purchased from "eBay". Despite first appearances, these 28mm 3D printed 'cruel oppressors over the more primitive Men of Middle-Earth' are not officially licenced figures for the "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" by "Games Workshop". But should still serve as suitable-looking proxies for the "fallen group of Númenóreans" in my Barad-Dur army...

3D Printing - Replacing The Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) Sheet

My twelve-month old FEP film is badly scratched, scuffed and starting to crack

Recently I've noticed that the number of failures with my trusty Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer have started to increase. In my experience during the past twelve months, this issue usually boils down to the "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin getting too cold (during late night sessions), the build plate being unlevel/overloaded (preventing the resin from flowing into the gaps between each exposure), or the models having insufficient supports.

The underside of my Resin Tank showing the wear and tear upon my FEP Sheet

However, the fact I was simply getting shapeless splodges where my miniatures should have been, especially when the figures were positioned close to the centre of my build plate, made me think it was probably down to my Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) Sheet finally 'giving up the ghost'. This non-stick transparent film stretches across the bottom of a 3D Printer's resin tank, and needs to be scratch-free so as to best ensure successful prints. It's replacement is arguably one of the scariest pieces of maintenance a user must carry out, so I thought some might appreciate a guide as to how I do it.

To begin with I simply wanted to ensure my current FEP sheet was as clean as possible so I could visually check it over for faults. To do this I used the Mars 3 Pro tank clean function to create a thin film of cured resin on the bottom of my resin tank and then simply peeled it off. This operation not only showed that the FEP was so badly scratched in places that they had created non-transparent, smudge-covered areas. But that the plastic was actually cracking in places too. These faults didn't come as much of a surprise though, as it's probably been close to a year since I last changed it - having really struggled to complete the task the first time round.

My Resin Vat with its four large corner screws removed

With my mind made up I unfastened my resin vat and set about freeing the FEP film from its bottom by removing the four large screws which sit in the rectangular-shaped tank's corners. I currently use a sheet from the "Elegoo" Five Piece Release Liner Film PFA for the Mars Series LCD 3D Printer as it can supposedly last up to "50% longer than the regular version of release film." I don't know about that, but this last piece has been merrily mullered over the last twelve months without too many woes so definitely has stood the test of time.

My Resin Vat with its ten medium-sized screws removed

I also utilise a set of hex screwdrivers by "Engineer", which come in the required sizes of 2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm. In addition, the kit contains a useful 1.5mm head too, which is great for piercing the new FEP whenever a screw struggles to penetrate its surface. These are so much better than the Allen keys which come with the 3D printer, and make disassembling/reassembling the resin vat so much easier - albeit I do like to still use the Allen Keys at the end to really tighten up screws.

With the four main screws sorted, it's time to remove the ten (slightly smaller) screws which fix the squash in place. This should then allow you to completely remove the FEP sheet and its two-piece metal frame from the bottom of the resin tank, before tackling the fourteen (even smaller) screws keeping the structure together. Once this has been completed you can now separate the film from its mounting and replace it with a fresh one.

My FEP Film after I've removed the fourteen small screws and separated the Squash.

Peel the protective film off of the new FEP sheet and place it over the squash allowing a little 'give' in the tension. This 'give' has caused some considerable consternation in the past as "Elegoo" themselves recommend deploying a 50x35x5mm piece of foam underneath the FEP film - a clearly useful item which doesn't come supplied with the 3D printer. I however, simply use 32 playing cards as my spacer, having picked up the tip from a fellow hobbyist. Whatever you use, ensure the FEP sheet is carefully placed between the two-piece metal frame and fasten the smallest screws back in position.

My new FEP Sheet being screwed in place over my 'spacer' and then cut to size

This is where the aforementioned 1.5mm hex head I bought can come in useful, as you're twisting the screws straight through the FEP film - something which is almost impossible to accomplish if you're just using the Allen keys supplied. So whenever I struggle, I just pop the 1.5mm hex head through the hole first and then fasten the screw. With the fourteen screws now in place, it's time to carefully trim the excess FEP sheet flat against the frame with a sharp modelling knife.

Next up is to attach the entire squash back to the bottom of the resin tank using the ten medium-sized screws. This is probably the most dangerous part of the process as sometimes I find the screwdriver can occasionally fail to push the screw straight through the FEP and resultantly its head will flail towards the pristinely taut sheet threatening to pierce or badly scratch it before you've even printed a single miniature. This part does produce a highly satisfying popping sound though, whenever a screw successfully penetrates the sheet. Lastly, fix the four corner screws back in position and the resin tank is once again fully assembled and ready to be filled for 3D printing.