"The Rifles Wore A Distinctive 'Greenjacket' And Black Leatherwork."

"This was the first attempt at camouflage by the British Army."

These two 28mm scale metal models are sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased either as part of their identical eight-figure B081 Riflemen Advancing blister, or the Nottinghamshire-based company's B080 British Riflemen set. I actually found this pair miniatures whilst searching through a long-thought lost pile of lead, and am rather ashamed to say that they date back as far as my earliest days in the hobby, probably some twenty-three years ago.

Indeed, both Riflemen had clearly been previously-painted before (having been glued to two-pence pieces) and subsequently re-primed with most likely "Citadel" Skull White. Just why I decided to undercoat so darkly-coloured a unit with such a bright an acrylic is a bit bemusing, as it definitely caused me some issues when I initially decided to use "Vallejo" Dark Green for the British soldiers' uniform, and after repeated applications still found the white showing through.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - The two Riflemen were painted from the boots up

Ultimately, I therefore went with a "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer, and used a combination of Wyvern Green by "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" alongside plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil for the Greenjackets' attire - hopefully marking them out as 95th Rifles. I also pigmented their water bottles with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade, whilst selecting "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade for the models' bread-bags and gunpowder horns.

Focusing on all the miniatures' fiddly bits, I slowly worked my way up the two Riflemen, applying "Vallejo" Sombre Grey to their backpacks, Gunmetal to their Baker Rifles and Shako badge, and Heavy Sienna to the odd strap and firearm. All these areas were subsequently washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade as appropriate. As a final touch, I picked out the soldiers' scabbard and plume pin with a dab of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I'm not sure how historically correct such colours are, but they looked good on the figures shown on the "Wargames Foundry" website.

"The Eye of Horus is upon you as the Sons of Horus march to war!"

I had been hoping this brief, albeit rather detail intense, sojourn into my old Napoleonic backlog would scratch a very definite Battle of Waterloo itch I've recently acquired - mainly thanks to repeated watchings of "The Waterloo Collection" four-part DVD series by "BHTV". However, whilst I'm going to steer clear of a 1:1 28mm scale collection of Napoleon's final battle, I do intend to scramble around my two decades old backlog for some other models to see whether I can assemble two opposing skirmish forces. Plus, I also now plan to visit to a certain factory in East Stoke, near Newark, this September.

Lastly, I've managed to polish off yet another of my 28mm plastic Horus Heresy Space Marines by "Games Workshop". One of ten MK VI Legion Tactical Marines I aim to field as part of my core traitor force, the figure was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, "Vallejo" Gold and Gunmetal, with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade thrown in...

3D Printing - "Wargames Atlantic" Tribe

"Wargames Atlantic" WIPs - Three of the six N’Glonhgk Infantry currently being worked on

All of these miniatures were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and are available as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from "Wargames Atlantic" on "MyMiniFactory" under their "Atlantic Digital" umbrella. The figures are all from the company's "WW2 US Navy Landing Party", "Death Fields N’Glonhgk Infantry" and "82nd Airborne" releases.

To be honest, this is only the second Tribe on "MyMiniFactory" which I've ever followed, the other being a short-lived tenure with "Eli3D", and initially, I wasn't all that convinced by the rather range specific selection of extra heads, conversion parts and farm animals on offer. However, these somewhat haphazard objects were just the manufacturer getting started, and these days I actually regret not joining their subscription service sooner as I now need to purchase their excellent-looking Napoleonic Russians in Greatcoats, Victorian Policemen and German Treasure Hunters separately - amongst many other older sets.

"Wargames Atlantic" WIPs - These 82nd Airborne were all printed as single-piece figures

The N’Glonhgk Infantry are probably my favourite of their releases so far, and are actually the digital files which first made me decide to financially support their content. I don't admittedly own any of the Death Fields plastic kits, nor necessarily intend to in the future. But there was something about the frog-faced extra-terrestrials which cried out to me to buy them, and having recently acquired a copy of "Xenos Rampant" by "Osprey Publishing", I thought the bulky aliens would make for a marvellous science-fiction skirmish force à la "Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars!"

The number of poses possible from this kit is impressively diverse, with the STLs containing five torsos, numerous heads, eight different weapon-carrying hand/arms and a variety of open-handed left limbs too. Furthermore, one of the beauties of 3D printing is that the figures can simply be 'mirrored' in "Chitubox" to essentially double the possibilities. Assembly was also very easy for my squad of intergalactic amphibians, with the various pieces of "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin forming a stunningly solid bond with one another when adhered using superglue.

"Wargames Atlantic" WIPs - The join of the heads to neck seemingly creates each model's hairline

Perhaps the most modeller-friendly set I've so far encountered though, are the miniatures from the 82nd Airborne Division, which have an option of being produced as a small team of single-piece soldiers. Obviously, even with a bit of pre-processing software jiggery-pokery this does mean the poses are pretty limited. However, it has meant that I've been able to print, base and prime a handful of "All-Americans" in quick succession - potentially as opposition to a Weird War Two invasion by the N’Glonhgk.

Lastly, I've taken the time to assemble and undercoat a group of sailors from the WW2 US Navy Landing Party kit. These figures come with the option of already being stood on puddles; something which makes basing them an absolute joy, and are presented with an array of M1-Garande rifle-carrying poses. I was a bit disappointed that there is no option to readily print the miniatures with the heads already in place upon the shoulders. But I suppose it does provide that additional variety option I've already harped on about, and means that later on I may well be able to add some helmets to the landing party too...

Final Few Posts Of July 2023 Posted On Wix Website

The final few postings of July 2023 are now up on the Wix website which replaced this blog a couple of years ago. These include a handful more 28mm "Doctor Who" monster figures by "Black Tree Design", another strip of 15mm ACW plastic Confederate infantry from "Warlord Games" Epic Battles range, and another 28mm Sons of Horus tactical Space Marine from my "Games Workshop Horus Heresy boxed set.

Furthermore, I'm continuing to grow my 10mm "Pendraken Miniatures" Early War project with an Axis Panzer III tank. I'm planning on featuring period of the Second World War in a Battle Report soon, along with another focusing upon my ongoing Battle of the Bulge campaign.

Lastly, I've even completed a bit of scenery for a future game of second edition "Frostgrave" by "Osprey Publishing". Please click the link below to pay me a visit and see all the updates for yourself.

https://www.fantoricalwargaming.com

"Florida Participated In The American Civil War..."

"...As a member of the Confederate States of America."

This frontline of ten 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers are produced by “Warlord Games” and came free on a sprue accompanying Issue 397 of "Wargames Illustrated". The soldiers are part of the Nottingham-based company's "Epic Battles: American Civil War" range, and complete the first of two stands I am to field representing the 1st Florida Infantry Regiment.

Due to my picking these figures back up after a good twelve-month sabbatical, I simply had to dust down their  "Citadel" Abaddon Black undercoat and patiently started picking away at all the strips’ numerous details from the ground up. This process started with an application of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to a few pairs of shoes - just to try and break up the otherwise monotonous black leather look of the miniatures' footwear.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - Three Autons awaiting a final "Citadel" wash or two

I subsequently did something similar with the models’ trousers too, as I didn't just want all of them to be marching in the same colour pants. This caused me to pigment several with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, a few others with Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or Heavy Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and a single Confederate with “Vallejo” Steel Grey and “Citadel” Drakenhof Nightshade.

For the soldiers’ jackets I exclusively went with a combination of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I wanted to keep the unit's colours as stereotypically Confederate as I could due to the "Warlord Games" booklet entitled "Black Powder Epic Battles American Civil War" mentioning that the Florida units wore straw hats. I thought such an eye-catching and colourful novelty would be more than enough to mark the regiment out on the tabletop, without my needing to spend extra time fiddling about with alternative palettes for their jackets.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These MK IV Space Marines have been primed in "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green

I also stuck to giving all the soldiers' Kepi hats a dash of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. But did mix up their blanket rolls a smidgeon with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Heavy Red or Heavy Blue. These areas were later sploshed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, Carroburg Crimson or Drakehnof Nightshade respectively. Finally their hands and faces were layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, shaded in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and later highlighted with extra dabs of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

With half my 1st Florida Infantry Regiment finished, I have taken a short break from the smaller scale sculpts in my backlog, and returned to some more "Doctor Who" figures by "Black Tree Design" - which whilst being a bit 'old school' in shape, are definitely a lot easier to put a brush-tip to than the Confederates. Furthermore, I have managed to get a couple of layers of "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green on some MK IV former Luna Wolves Space Marines by "Games Workshop". These traitors will make up a third ten-man unit of tactical infantrymen, and complete the core of my Warmaster's legion...

"The XVIth Legion Has Always Had A Reputation For Aggression..."

"...And employing swift overwhelming shock assaults against enemy forces."

This 28mm plastic miniature of a Space Marine is produced by "Games Workshop" and is one of the forty MK VI Legion Tactical Marines found inside the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set. The multi-piece figure has been assembled to form part of a (second) ten-man strong tactical squad for my five-hundred-point Sons of Horus traitor force and comes armed with a standard Boltgun.

Siding with the traitorous Warmaster, the figure was originally undercoated with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, before being heavily shaded with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Sons Of Horus Green. Following on from this I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to his helmet's beak area, Bolter, chain bayonet, backpack, and the joints of his Corvus Armour.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The "Vallejo" Gold areas have been finished on these Space Marines

The Adeptus Astartes' .75 caliber weapon and parts of his rear-mounted power unit were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Furthermore, I gave the miniature's right shoulder-pad a single coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before applying some "Vallejo" Gold and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to it. These areas were later highlighted using some additional touches of "Vallejo" Gold along the edges and rivets.

As with all my Sons of Horus I lastly applied some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal to the figure's eye lenses. These were subsequently given a lick of "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red respectively and tidied up with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I also applied a couple of the many decals found on the "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus Legion transfer sheet onto the model's bare shoulder-pad and leg.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - These three Autons have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I've still got a few more Space Marines from this particular unit to finish, and have been using them to establish whether there's an easier (or at least quicker) method to pigment them. One of my biggest frustrations with the Sons of Horus palette I'm using is the fact that I am constantly having to return to each figure's armour to tidy it up having inadvertently caught it with my brush-tip whilst doing another area. This has proved particularly true when it comes to dry-brushing the "Vallejo" Gold shoulder-pad - which invariably flicks tiny metallic specks everywhere.

Lastly, having had a good scrounge around my "Black Tree Design" backlog, I have discovered three more 'possessed' shop window dummies from their "Doctor Who" range. To be honest I'm not sure all (if any of) these particular 28mm metal figures come from their DW1013 - Autons boxed set, as their 'weathered' condition suggested they were a bit older than that, so I probably bought them as individual pieces - most likely when they were actually being sold by Dean Edwards' "Harlequin Miniatures" in the early Nineties...

"What Is A Nestene?"

"A Nestene is a ruthlessly aggressive intelligent alien life form."

These 28mm scale metal models are sold by “Black Tree Design", and can be purchased either as part of their DW1013 - Autons boxed set, or (potentially) individually  as DW313 - Auton Dummy Firing from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "The living plastic foot-soldiers of a formless entity known as the Nestene Consciousness", the plastic shop-window mannequins first appeared in Robert Holmes' January 1970 BBC Television story "Spearhead From Space".

Originally primed with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, the "soldiers" were doused in "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. The Autons' belt-buckles and hand-gun barrels were then 'picked out' using some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and their neckerchiefs layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. All of these areas were later shaded using a little "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This strip of Florida "Straw Hats" are almost finished

The extra-terrestrials' hands and faces were treated to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone before being washed with some quite heavily watered-down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Finally, their fingers, ears, nose, mouth and eye ridges were 'highlighted' with some additional thin lines of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone so as to better bring out each sculpt's disconcerting 'vacant-staring' facial detail.

Alongside my latest "Doctor Who" additions, I have been steadily plodding away at a couple of stands of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers by "Warlord Games". This somewhat ragtag-looking unit will form part of a Florida "Straw Hats" infantry regiment, and are really helping me develop a painting technique which should assist in getting many more of the ten-man strips fully-painted before me American Civil War mojo evaporates.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This Confederate Command Unit has been worked on for two hours

Resultantly, I've been basically fighting my way along a line which I had previously started pigmenting last year, whilst simultaneously starting work on the Rebels' command strip using any lessons learnt. The battle with this older plastic formation has definitely been a hard one, as I've found myself repeatedly having to go back and tidy up areas I'd already finished due to mishap after brush-tip mishap - most noticeably on the soldiers' jackets.

Luckily, a lot of this pain hasn't been too noticeable on the officer-led strip, though I am still two hours in on its paint-job, and probably only halfway there. However, the decision to undercoat them "Vallejo" Sombre Grey - the colour of their jackets - has definitely helped, and I reckon I can save some additional time by painting the odd pair of shoes brown after I've finished their trousers next time around. Furthermore, I have splurged out on a box of "Artis Opus" Series M brushes, which should make carefully 'picking out' each trooper's webbing with "Citadel" Abaddon Black a bit easier...

"Please Do Not Cry Out."

"It is important that I am not found here."

This 28mm metal miniature of the "undercover agent disguised as a Dum and placed on board Storm Mine 4" is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be bought as DW417 - Robot of Death from the manufacturer's "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "A unique Kaldor android", D-84 was played by Gregory de Polnay and appeared in Chris Boucher's January 1977 BBC Television story "The Robots Of Death".

One of several identical sculpts which I own, I decided to pigment this particular figure as Ander Poul's android partner so I could essentially use it as a single Strength Point marker for my Movie Doctor "Xenos Rampant" Command Unit - with the plan being the Time Lord is accompanied by a collection of companions/allies when at full strength. As a result the figure was primed in "Citadel" Chaos Black, and subsequently dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"In many respects, Florida remains the forgotten state of the Confederacy."

This approach allowed me to much more readily see all the detailed stripes on the model which I needed to then 'pick out' using a thin line of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I also used the dry-brush to 'fudge' some of the areas where I felt either the casting or my skill with a paint-brush weren't up to 'picking out' some of the character's super-tiny stripes - such as robot's glove cuffs. As a final touch, I dry-brushed some secret agent's hair with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and sploshed the entire figure in plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Alongside D-84 I have also completed ten 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers by “Warlord Games” which came free on a sprue accompanying Issue 397 of "Wargames Illustrated" way back in January 2021. This is actually the first of four lines of infantrymen I aim to complete so as to form a small Florida-raised foot Regiment, complete with instantly recognisable straw hats - created using "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre/"Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - This Vogan is slowly having his detail 'picked out'

In the main I used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil for the soldiers’ trousers, and "Vallejo" Sombre Grey with (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil for their jackets and Kepi hats. I gave their blanket rolls a dash of "Vallejo" Heavy Red or White Star by "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats", and splashed these with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson or Agrax Earthshade respectively. Finally, their hands and faces were layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, shaded in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and later highlighted with extra dabs of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

Heading back to the world of "Doctor Who" and "Xenos Rampant", I've started work on a five-figure squad of Vogans - the arch-enemies of the Cybermen. Famous for residing on a planet made predominantly of gold, I have been experimenting on one miniature to see whether I can quickly create the illusion of their black uniforms which were detailed in gold thread. Somewhat disappointingly, I don't think a double application of "Citadel" Nuln Oil over a "Vallejo" Gold basecoat has done the job, as it looks more metallic than black. So I may well go back in with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black lines to thin down the gold stripes...

"A Few Panzer III Ausf.E Saw Combat In Poland In 1939."

"They were used in the invasion of Holland, Belgium and France in May 1940."

This 10mm metal German Panzerkampfwagen III tank used to sold by “Pendraken Miniatures” as Code GR196 - Panzer III E/F 37mm Gun. But nowadays appears to have been superseded by a more detailed product under Code GRV6 - Panzer III Ausf. E/F, 37mm Gun. Rather embarrassingly, I probably bought this tiny model as part of a huge 'Battle Of Moscow" project some twelve years ago to use with an old version of "Blitzkrieg Commander", and only recently discovered it whilst searching through my dusty backlog for any Early World War Two units.

The armoured vehicle was treated to a couple of coats "Vallejo" Neutral Grey - which 'closely' matches the Out Of Production (OOP) "Citadel" Foundation paint I use for my Winter War Axis forces, and was doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. It was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, before having the tank's wheels/tracks treated to a combination of Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This Confederate Command unit are slowly having their jackets 'blocked out'

In the past I've actually tried to pretty much mirror the paint scheme previously used on my decade-old Winter War tanks. However, on those Panzer IIIs I seem to have simply painted the chassis behind the tracks in plain black. I didn't think this looked all that good to be honest, as it was clearly an attempt 'back in the day' to save myself some work. Resultantly, this time round I stuck with the "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil look. and added a single German cross onto the hull using a transfer taken from the WWII German Insignia and Swastika sheet by "Decal Details".

With my latest Axis Panzerkampfwagen completed, I've taken the possibly dangerous step of starting work on a third strip of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers, despite having yet to finish two other 'identical' infantry lines by “Warlord Games”. I have done this to see whether the lessons learnt from putting a brush-tip to the first of my Florida "Straw Hats" would help quicken the inevitable slog needing to paint around a thousand 15mm troopers (plus horse, riders and cannon) will entail.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - Three Autons awaiting a final "Citadel" wash or two

Currently, the Command unit has taken just over an hour to pigment, including them all being primed in their jacket's "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. I have though discovered that it's probably best to do their trousers first, before 'picking out' the odd person's brown shoes, as their footwear at such a small scale is super-fiddly to 'get right first time'. I'm reasonably hopeful however, that as I continue to get used to the sculpts' quite considerable detail, I should be able to finish ten-men within three hours hobby-time; quite possibly allowing me to focus on a strip per week amongst other projects.

Moving over to science-fiction, I've found my desire to paint more "Doctor Who" related models as high as ever too, so have been busy pottering about three (additional) Autons by “Black Tree Design". These 28mm metal miniatures will enable me to field a full five-figure unit (probably for "Xenos Rampant") once finished, and will probably then encourage me to get cracking on some other monsters from the company's supposedly defunct range...

"There Have Been Reports Of A Well..."

"...Somewhere in the city, that grants visions of the future."

This 28mm scale plastic Well is produced by "Wizkids" as part of their "Deep Cuts Miniatures high-definitions collection" and came both assembled, as well as already primed. The scenic piece is supposed to be used with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game by "Paizo Incorporated". But I bought it so as to play the opening scenario in Joseph A. McCullough's second edition of "Frostgrave", entitled "The Well Of Dreams And Sorrows".

The model was initially attached to a "Citadel" 50mm circular base, undercoated with a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and enthusiastically splashed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then dry-brushed the stonework with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before adding some sporadic splotches of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green as a straightforward weathering technique. These areas were later given another, much lighter dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - Two dry-brushed Panzer IV tanks and a Panzer II tank

For the well's water I first applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded it with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. I next carefully dry-brushed the surface with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and then slowly added some White Star from "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" range to my mixture, before patiently dry-brushing that over the water. Eventually, I gave the pool a super-light dry-brush of pure White Star.

The wooden beams and bucket were simply plastered in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dry=brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I did something similar with the rope, using "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, for the well's metal pieces I applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black basecoat, and then gave them a splosh of Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Confederate soldiers just need some flesh and hats to be 'picked out'

In addition to my "Frostgrave" scenery, I've managed to make some further progress on a trio of long-forgotten 10mm German tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures" for my Early World War Two project. Due to my painting techniques for such 'small' armoured vehicles being reasonably straightforward these Panzers should be finished quite soon, and finally give me enough Axis firepower for a small battle.

I have also managed to continue working on a strip of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers produced by “Warlord Games” I recently returned to after some months delay. I'm definitely starting to work out how best to pigment these little fellows in the future, and may well now employ a "Vallejo" Sombre Grey undercoat on future infantry lines as this appears to be the most prevalent colour. Furthermore, as I have to always tidy up my brushwork on the trooper's grey jackets with "Citadel" Abaddon Black anyway due to catching my tip on their straps and rifles, I can hopefully save some time by just having to do this during the early stages when there's less already painted areas to potentially partially ruin...

"The Panther Was Intended To Counter The Soviet T-34 Medium Tank..."

"...And to replace the Panzer III and Panzer IV."

These two 10mm metal German Panzerkampfwagen V Panther tanks were bought together as a pair within a single clamshell from “Pendraken Miniatures” at Salute 50, and were simply labelled as a Panther G (armoured vehicles). Destined for my Battle of the Bulge campaign, the weighty models each consisted of a separate hull, turret, gun and pair of tracks.

Able to "traverse rough terrain better than the Tiger I", the duo were both treated to a double coat of "Citadel" Adeptus Battlegrey which I luckily found hidden amongst my dust-covered collection of Out of Production (OOP) paints. I then gave them a generous dousing in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before dry-brushing them with (more) Adeptus Battlegrey.

"The Panzer I's design history can be traced to the British Carden Loyd tankette."

The Panthers' tracks (both in situ around the wheels and the spares located on the sides of the hull) were 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, base-coated using "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Furthermore, due to the sheer size of the sculpts, I felt able to easily 'pick out' the odd visible shovel using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade for the shaft. The medium tanks were finished courtesy of some transfers taken from both "Decal Details" DEC-GR-100 WWII German Insignia and Swastika, and RU-108 Russian 10/12mm armour numbers sheets.

Along with my two "best German tank[s] of the Second World War" I have also completed a second 10mm metal Panzerkampfwagen I armoured vehicle for my burgeoning Early World War Two project. These models used to sold by “Pendraken Miniatures” as Code GR186 - Panzer Ib. But nowadays appears to have been superseded by a much more detailed product under Code GRV3 - Panzer I, Ausf. B.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Confederate soldiers have had their jackets roughly layered

The two-piece sculpt was primed with a lick of "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer, before receiving two applications of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and being sploshed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. It was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, before the 'light tank/tankette produced in the 1930s' had its wheels/tracks treated to a a little Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Lastly, I've been patiently working my way along a strip of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers produced by “Warlord Games”. Initially, I had been trying to work on each of the "Epic Battles: American Civil War" infantrymen individually, but that has proved an increasingly tiresome and tedious technique. Resultantly, I'm now attempting to paint their uniforms from the inside out, having done their shoes and trousers first. This seems to be working, as I can easily tidy up the predominantly grey jackets with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black before applying a shade of Nuln Oil over them...

"You Have Only Seen The Autons."

"Crude weapons with a single offensive function."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Black Tree Design", and can be purchased as part of the DW1013 - Autons boxed set from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Animated by the Nestene Consciousness as soldiers", the artificial beings first appeared in Robert Holmes' January 1970 BBC Television story "Spearhead From Space".

The life-sized plastic dummy was undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, drenched in "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. The Auton's belt-buckle and hand-gun barrel were then 'picked out' using some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and its neckerchief with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. Both of these areas were later shaded using a little "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - Two Panzer IV tanks and a Panzer II tank

The sliver of Nestene intelligence's hands and face were treated to a layer or two of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone before being washed with some quite heavily watered-down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Finally, its fingers, ears, nose, mouth and eye ridges were 'highlighted' with some additional lines of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

Alongside my Auton, I've managed to make some progress on a trio of 10mm German tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures" for my Early World War Two project. These quite sizeable metal models were found whilst I was recently clearing out my loft, and are somewhat old sculpts now as they date back to the company's 2011 catalogue - having been the leftovers from my decade-old Operation Barbarossa project.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Confederate soldiers have had their shoes and trousers 'picked out'

The Panzer III E/F 37mm gun, Panzer IV F2 and Panzer IVD short 75mm have all been undercoated using "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer and given a couple of licks of the water-based acrylic paint company's Neutral Grey. Despite being few in number, at least until I purchase some of newer models, they should still provide the Axis Forces with some reasonably effective firepower for the campaign's first few battles, especially once supported with a contingent of Panzerjager I tank hunters.

Finally, I have dabbled on a second long-abandoned strip of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers produced by “Warlord Games” which came free on a sprue accompanying Issue 393 of "Wargames Illustrated". Due to the "Epic Battles: American Civil War" game basing two infantry lines per base, I thought I'd try to pigment a pair simultaneously and am slowly 'getting there' with the troopers' various shoe and trouser colours...

"The Sons Of Horus Are Close-Up Killers..."

"...Who enjoy a good charge as much as any frothing World Eater or exsanguinating Blood Angel."

This 28mm plastic miniature of a Space Marine is by "Games Workshop" and comes from the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set. The multi-part figure has been assembled wearing MK VI armour and will form part of a (second) ten-man strong tactical squad for my five-hundred-point Sons of Horus traitor force.

Able to resist "the red mist of battle", the model was initially primed with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, before being heavily washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Sons Of Horus Green. I also applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to one of his shoulder-pads, his grenades, Bolter, chain bayonet, backpack, helmet, and the joints of his Corvus Armour.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - These two Panther G tanks just need some washes and decals

The Space Marine's power tubes, "anti-personnel ballistic weapon", and equipment were later treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then gave the miniature's right shoulder-pad a single coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before applying some "Vallejo" Gold and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to it. These areas were later highlighted using some additional touches of "Vallejo" Gold along the edges and rivets.

As with all my Sons of Horus I lastly applied some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal to the figure's eye lenses. These were subsequently given a lick of "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red respectively and tidied up with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I also applied a couple of the many decals found on the "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus Legion transfer sheet onto the model's bare shoulder-pad and lower leg.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Confederate soldiers are having their pants 'picked out'

In addition, I've almost finished a couple of German Panther G tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures" I want to add to my Ardennes Offensive project. These 10mm metal models are seriously hefty beasts, and actually contain some considerable detail on their hulls. As a result I'm spending a bit more time on them than I usually do on such small-scaled sculpts. and picked out the spades strapped to the armoured vehicles' sides, as well as their extra tracks.

Lastly, I have returned to along abandoned strip of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers produced by “Warlord Games” which came free on a sprue accompanying Issue 393 of "Wargames Illustrated". Released as part of the Nottingham-based company's "Epic Battles: American Civil War" game for its Black Powder rule-set, this is one of (just) four ten-man lines I currently intend to pigment as a Florida infantry regiment, so many will be depicted wearing straw hats.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Pendraken Miniatures” July 2023

"The bad visibility to prevent flying, which Hitler had so earnestly desired, was repeated day after day."

Despite a noticeable drop in my mojo over the past thirty days, I have still decided to take the unprecedented step of maintaining my focus upon "Pendraken Miniatures" 10mm range of Second World War models for a third month. Admittedly, I have recently found myself getting a little tired of base-coating, shading and then dry-brushing a seemingly endless line of armoured vehicles. But with the very real prospect of finally being able to play some (non-Winter) Early War tank battles now on the horizon, I think I can still find the enthusiasm for one final dive into my 1:160 scale backlog.

With this goal in mind, I have therefore already finished the last three of six 10mm metal British Crusader II tanks I somewhat erroneously bought from “Pendraken Miniatures” at Salute 50, thinking I could use them for my Battle of the Bulge Allied contingent. Due to their quite considerable size, the trio were individually super-glued to plastic 40mm x 60mm rectangular stands and undercoated using "Vallejo" Leather Brown primer.

"The Crusader proved prone to catch fire when hit,"

They were then layered with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Russian Uniform WW2, before being doused in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Russian Uniform WW2. In addition, I also 'picked out' their predominantly covered tank tracks and Besa machine guns with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before slapping a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil over the metal plates.

Finally I placed a Union Jack transfer by "Decal Details" on both sides of each hull to proudly declare them as being British. This move is clearly far from being historically accurate. However, I may well use them for some fictitious Operation Sea Lion or Very British Civil War battles in the future, and therefore possibly apply some Commonwealth insignia to a few additional tanks to specifically mark them out as Canadian or New Zealand owned armoured vehicles.

June 2023 - "Pendraken Miniatures" establishes a strong mid-position in my Top Five table

Disconcertingly, my enthusiasm for the hobby definitely took a bit of a battering during the past month, predominantly because I stared at one 10mm tank too many. In fact, if not for the unexpected arrival of my Marvel Zombies: Galactus The Devourer expansion set by “CoolMiniOrNot” – which really whetted my appetite for pigmenting some straightforward 32mm scale figures, I dread to think just how few models I’d actually have finished in June.

Fortunately, such lethargy appears to have now left me, and having sorted through a few old plastic bags and received some significant new arrivals, my passion for my two “Pendraken Miniatures” projects is back. Furthermore, I suddenly seem to have rekindled my interest in “Doctor Who”, which may well lead to all sorts of weird and wonderful extra-terrestrials receiving an unexpected coat of paint…