"Well This Is Not A Boat Accident!"

"It wasn't any propeller! It wasn't any coral reef! And it wasn't Jack the Ripper! It was a shark."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Shark Maw is manufactured by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGA415 from their “Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" range. "Rightly feared by sailors everywhere", this playing piece is sold along with a metal sculpt of a shark's fin dramatically cutting through the surface of the water.

The miniature was primed using "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, layered with Heavy Bluegrey, doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. I then applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red to its mouth and gums, and gave it a serious sploshing with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, I applied some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the big fish's triangular teeth and dirtied them up with some dashes of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Wargames Foundry" - These French Fusiliers have nearly had all of their details 'picked out'

With the actual painting completed, I subsequently turned my attention to the sculpt's base, which contained a few breaking waves swirling around its head. Unfortunately, these details weren't wide enough to completely fill out the plastic 40mm circular lipped stand I had super-glued the shark to, so I added some green-stuff and used the flat blade of a modelling knife to replicate the rest of the water's numerous crests,

Once the modelling putty had cured, I painted it with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, washed it with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I then increasingly added a little "Vallejo" White to my Heavy Blue, and lightly drew this combination over the surface's raised details. Eventually, I applied a final 'highlight' of pure "Vallejo" White to the waves' crests.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - Three primed Panzer 38(t) tanks awaiting a base-coat, shade and dry-brush

Alongside this impressive specimen of Carcharodon carcharias, I have made more progress on the trio of 28mm metal "Wargames Foundry" Fusiliers I am planning to use as the start of a Napoleonic French army. I really feel I've now got my painting approach right on these little fellows, and resultantly have been able to carefully 'pick out' all their greatcoats with reasonable ease - especially as my technique goes completely against the much-lauded 'inside out' method.

Lastly. motivated by all the 10mm World War Two models I bought from "Pendraken Miniatures" at the recent Colours 2023, as well as the need to field some Axis opposition to compete against my recently finished Crusader III tanks, I have assembled and primed three Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) models. Originally, these Czechoslovakian light armoured vehicles were simply going to be another addition to my Operation Sea Lion German invasion force. But having discovered they were fielded by the dictator Ion Antonescu too, I may well now apply some of the slightly greener “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII to them instead, as well as a few Romanian crosses...

"Soldiers! The Second Polish War Has Begun."

"Russia swore eternal alliance with France and war against England."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their FN101 - Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching set. The figure is one of eight identical Napoleonic French soldiers sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry, and has been painted to suggest the line infantryman is en route back to his homeland during the Retreat from Moscow - albeit I'll be using grass flock for all my basing for this project.

As I decided to predominantly pigment the miniature using the 'official' palette shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, I undercoated the Fusilier with a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel " Abaddon Black. I then applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to the Frenchman's trousers, before patiently 'picking out' all of his leather straps with some "Two Thin Coats" White Star, as well as a delicate splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Wargames Foundry" - These French Fusiliers are slowly having their details 'picked out'

I next applied the odd dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to the model's water bottle and chest strap. Once I had subsequently layered the soldier's firearm with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna I applied a shade of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to both of these areas. The figure's greatcoat was treated to some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and very carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. Finally, I applied a dollop of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow to the fellow's pom-pom, doused it with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and highlighted it with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow.

With my 'test piece' completed, I have started making some good progress on three more of the French Fusiliers. I do find anything Napoleonic rather intimidating to be honest, so these days tend to tackle the uniform's infamous white straps quite quickly, as the miniatures simply don't seem quite so daunting once these areas have been finished.

"He imagined himself at the Emperor’s side, fighting some great, last stand against an unknown foe."

In addition, I'm definitely saving quite some considerable time (and frustration) by not giving the entire model an overall wash and dry-brush of it's main colour until towards the end of my painting process. In the past, I've done this at the start, and then repeatedly been forced to tidy up the area whenever my brush-tip has inadvertently strayed whilst working on an adjoining area. Now, I need no longer grind my teeth trying to blend a second (or even third) shade over a small 'repair'. But rather just apply an admittedly much more careful dry-brush just the once.

Finally, 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...

Fornovo Was The First Major Pitched Battle Of The Italian Wars."

"The French won the engagement and Charles VIII was able to march his army out of Italy."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 04 - Foot Knights, and has been painted up to represent one of the soldiers fighting on behalf of the grand coalition assembled against the King of France.

Apparently based upon "a very interesting [set of] armour now in the Wallace Collection in London", I primed the model with a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black, before treating it to a layer of Doom Death Black from Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats" range. I then began patiently 'picking out' all the armour's trim using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and subsequently followed this up with some Gold.

"The Panther is often believed to be the best German tank of the Second World War."

Once this somewhat time-consuming process was completed, I gave all the ornate decoration a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and tidied up any errant brushstrokes with either (more) "Two Thin Coats" Doom Death Black or "Citadel" Abbadon Black. I also repeatedly pondered whether the face bars down the front of the Knight's burgonet closed helmet would be so lavishly embellished. But having sought inspiration looking at some photographs of Sir Richard Wallace's "extensive collection" I decided that it may well have been.

Lastly, I picked out the majority of the figure's large, two-handed Zweihander sword with some "Two Thin Coats" Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. Part of the blade was then dry-brushed with (more) Sir Coates Silver, before I rather simply (and probably historically inaccurately) marked the man out as being part of the Holy League by pigmenting his feather plumes with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Some French Fusiliers at various stages of completion

Along with this latest addition to my burgeoning Italian Wars project, I have also finished two more 10mm metal German Panzerkampfwagen V Panther tanks by “Pendraken Miniatures”. I picked this particular pair up at Colours 2023, and predominantly painted them using an old OOP pot of "Citadel" Adeptus Battlegrey, some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

In addition, I've been slowly working my way along a line of eight Napoleonic Frenchmen by "Wargames Foundry". I'm still getting acquainted with these old Perry-crafted Fusiliers in Greatcoat Marching, so resultantly have been pottering about with all their leather straps as part of a batch painting process. However, now these have been roughly layered, I'll probably focus upon just one or two of the infantrymen as 'test pieces' for my colour scheme.

"Bears Are Typically Peaceful Creatures."

"But they can become unstoppable behemoths if aggravated or threatened."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Bear is produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and can be purchased as SKU: MINI 1062 from their Fantasy range. The animal, which was painted in just a single hobby session, is actually an impressive 55mm in length, and resultantly was super-glued onto a plastic "Citadel" 50mm circular base.

The miniature was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being heartily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then drowned in plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and treated to a second, much more delicate, dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. Lastly, I finished the  beast's basics off by applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to its claws and dirtied them up with a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The war began when Ludovico Sforza, then Regent of Milan, encouraged Charles VIII of France to invade Italy,"

The model's snout and eyebrows were given a careful lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. These areas were then 'feathered-in' alongside the surrounding darker fur with a little bit of "Citadel" Abaddon Black being stippled along their edges. The bear's mouth and tongue were 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey and Heavy Red respectively. Both of these areas were later sploshed with plenty of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, the figure's teeth were dotted in "Two Thin Coats" White Star and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Alongside my first completed "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" model of the year, I have also got another 28mm metal Foot Knight by "Steel Fist Miniatures" tabletop ready. As with my other combatants of the Italian Wars 1494-1538, the armoured warrior can be purchased from either the company's Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal, or as Code REN 03 - Foot Knights, and is by far my least favourite of Oliver James' sculpts due to its bare helmet, and oddly posed gigantic sword.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This Tiger II tank has been assembled, primed and shaded

As with some of my other Renaissance Frenchmen, the miniature was primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered in Sir Coates Silver by "Two Thin Coats". It was then treated to a dousing in Duncan Rhodes' Oblivion Black, before the armour and blade were given a thorough dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver. To mark the Knight out as being one of the King of France's fighters, I carefully applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and Drakenhof Nightshade to his pants (which are partially visible from the rear).

Lastly, understandably inspired by the bag full of 10mm World War Two tanks I bought from "Pendraken Miniatures" at the recent Colours 2023 wargaming show, I have assembled, base-coated and washed a pair of metal Tiger II armoured vehicles for my Battle of the Bulge campaign. I actually purchased these rather heavy models at Salute 2023, and are just one of several of the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's blisters I currently have simultaneously being progressed on my painting table...

"Napoleonic Russia Was To The Rest Of Europe..."

"...A military and geographical puzzle."

This trio of 28mm scale metal models are sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN023 Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching set. The blister consists of eight similar-looking Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry, with all of the miniatures depicted wearing heavy clothing to protect them from the Patriotic War's deadly winter. 

Due to my previous decision to paint the infantrymen using the 'official' palette shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, I primed them all using a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, before predominantly using a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black on their shoes and leggings, as well as their knapsacks, sabres and cartridge belts. One of the figures did have their coat open at the waist, so I decided to pigment him with white leggings (using White Star by "Two Thin Coats") and a "Vallejo" Heavy Green jacket. Both of these areas were later splashed with some heavily watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green respectively.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This Panther G tank has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I must confess that the ordinarily off-putting white leather straps of the Napoleonic era were surprisingly quick to 'pick out' using "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a dash "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Indeed, I even managed to complete the Russians' fiddly sword tassels with the same colour combination at the same time, before applying a little "Vallejo" Gold to all the scabbards' tips, and shako straps. I also gave all the models' greatcoats a positive drowning with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and then carefully dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

As part of my final sweep I applied a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to each model's tin water bottle and musket barrel, and subsequently used "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on the rest of their rifles. Unlike my 'pilot' Russian piece, all of these sculpts didn't appear to be wearing gloves. But they did have scarfs, so I treated these knitted garments with a coat of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - These Foot Knights have primed, base coated and washed

Sticking with winter warfare, albeit two hundred plus years in the future, I have managed to assemble, base, prime, shade and dry-brush a pair of 10mm metal Panther G tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures", which I recently picked up from their stall at Colours 2023. These impressively hefty and detailed armoured vehicles are destined for my Battle of the Bulge campaign, and should provide the Axis forces with some additional firepower when they confront the three Canadian Sherman Fireflies I'm also currently progressing.

I've also managed to get my paint-brush on some more of the 28mm metal Foot Knights I recently received from "Steel Fist Miniatures". I'm hoping to start using a handful of these figures from the company's Italian Wars range next month, in some basic skirmishes using "Lion Rampant" by "Osprey Publishing", so am presently plenty enthused to get half a dozen more of the heavily-protected combatants completed in short order...

“Warhammer World" Showcase 2023

"Browse the retail stores, including an extensive range of Forge World and Black Library."

Recently I had the opportunity to once again visit "the home of the Warhammer hobby" in Nottingham, having not been to Games Workshop's global headquarters and visitor centre since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, with the exception of the odd "Lord of the Rings" and "Horus Heresy" miniature, I haven't really found myself doing much with their model ranges, so was rather hoping that their 'free-to-view' displays, dioramas and exhibits would inspire me to dip my toe back into the worlds of Age of Sigmar and/or Warhammer 40,000.

The giant cuddly Nurgling and large posters found in the lobby

Disconcertingly, my first impression concerning the self-proclaimed "haven for collectors and gamers from across the globe" wasn't great as a massive early morning queue stood between me and the main doors. A couple of people around me were vocally moaning about having to wait in line, with some even complaining that those at the head of the queue were clearly having to pay in order to go in. This seemed incredibly odd, as no event had been advertised, and the website clearly stated that "the ultimate destination for Warhammer fans" didn't charge for entry.

The displays showcasing the Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar and Lord of the Rings systems

Having impatiently shuffled further forward it seemed clear that the hold up was due to a till being placed close to the entranceway, and those needing to pay for either an unknown event or perhaps entry into the Exhibition Centre, were blocking anyone else from getting past them. To make matters worse, the chap at the counter was having a right old natter with each customer instead of simply taking their money and moving them on. So in the end, a number of us simply pressed forward and eventually squeezed past the line requiring a ticket who were completely filling up the double doorway.

A smattering of the incredibly well-painted displays next to the Store

Happily however, once inside, the lobby was almost completely empty - apart from a large cuddly Nurgling, which seriously looked like a lot of fun to punch smack in the mush. Resultantly, I was able to take my time pouring over an astonishingly good diorama of a Kharadron Overlords sky-city , an incredible clash between the Ultramarines and Necrons, and the cataclysmic Battle of the Pelennor Fields, as well as enjoy the plethora of giant illustrations running the length of the adjoining stairway up to the store.

Some of the painted figures found on the incredibly enticing Warhammer 40K Starter Set table.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the day though, besides some of the truly outrageous pricing, was the lack of stock on show in the Warhammer World Store. I had fully expected to see "the full range of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warhammer 40,000 and Middle-earth models" on their shelves. But instead saw just a smattering of boxes for each game system which frustratingly resembled the stock displays you'll see at countless second-party stores on numerous high streets.

A handful of the insanely expensive Forge World models

Instead, a great deal of shop space had clearly been allocated to the company's "Leviathan" launch box, and the various Warhammer 40k 10th Edition starter sets. These different options to play Games Workshop's "complete revision of the game you know and love" seemed to be everywhere, and definitely produced an almost palpable pressure on any visitor to at least buy the "Getting Started With Warhammer 40000" magazine. Indeed, I spent a good portion of my time ogling at the game's Ultimate Starter Set, whose wonderfully-painted contents had been placed upon a tempting tabletop, and actually came incredibly close to buying one.

Some more of the marvellously pigmented miniatures in the store

Equally as encouraging to leap into the Warhammer hobby with both feet, were the floor's terrific cabinets absolutely packed full of beautifully pigmented miniatures. I seemed to stand for an eternity looking at all the various models, and strangely started to feel almost morally obliged to purchase at least a small box of figures in recognition of the mouth-watering sculpts on show. Luckily, the idea of paying the full recommended retail price (RRP) on anything to hand, including the Warhammer World exclusives, was enough to keep my wallet firmly in my pocket.

Even more of the marvellously pigmented miniatures in the store

Lastly, I strayed over to the Forge World Store, with the intention of picking up a trio of Ruinstorm Daemon Brutes to 'aid' my traitorous Sons Of Horus Space Marines. All of the "highly detailed resin" kits on show were truly jaw-dropping, especially the huge vehicles. But none were as impressive as some of the staggering prices being asked for these models. In particular, my daemons were a whopping thirty quid each, which coupled with Samus - Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm, wouldn't see me receive much change from two hundred pounds. This meant that the only place in Warhammer World which would eventually see me part with any money would be Bugman's Bar...

"The Great Intelligence Is Back..."

"...And its robot Yeti are roaming the streets and the underground tunnels."

These three 28mm metal Yeti were produced by “Warlord Games” as part of the Nottingham-based company's "special limited-time offer" Doctor Who: Web Of Fear set. The blister also contained a kneeling figure of Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart, as well as Professor Travers, and were provided for free with any orders of £75 or more. However, they are now long Out Of Production (OOP), so I recently ended up buying this particular collection of miniatures second-hand.

Based upon the furry robots from Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln's February 1968 televised story "The Web Of Fear", the trio were all undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and 'drowned' in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. They were then all dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being treated to a light dusting of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, the classic monsters' eyes were picked out with "Vallejo" White, Sun Yellow, "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and an additional highlight of "Vallejo" Sun Yellow.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Four French Napoleonic Fusiliers being slowly progressed

With my 'blast from the past' completed, I have been pottering about on a quartet of Fusiliers in Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". These identical sculpts will form the backbone of my initial Napoleonic French force using the "Xenos Rampant" ruleset by "Osprey Publishing" (as a unit of Light Infantry), and were originally going to all be pigmented wearing plain white trousers - as per their 'official' colour scheme on the trader's website.

However, to be honest the casting/sculpting on these figures is a little 'rough around the edges where each soldier's legs meet the underside of their knee-length jackets. As a result I started to really struggle when it came to painting a reasonably straight line between the different areas. Having 'battled' with two sculpts and plenty of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" I therefore decided that the other models would be wearing different coloured trousers - and was rather delighted to see from my reference plates that the Fusiliers did wear brown or blue pants from time to time.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This 10mm Sherman Firefly tank has been primed, shaded & dry-brushed

Sticking with historical stuff, I have also been making some progress on a unit of Allied Sherman Fireflies for my Battle of the Bulge campaign. These 10mm medium tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures" were originally simply going to form part of my British force. But having spotted (and subsequently purchased) some WWII Commonwealth Markings and Flag decals from Leon's stall at Colours 2023, I thought I'd try to make them stand out a little more on the tabletop by turning them into the Second Canadian Armoured Brigade instead.

Unlike many of the armoured vehicles I've recently been putting my brush too, these Fireflies are the company's latest designs, and are absolutely packed full of detail. Ordinarily, I really do like to predominantly just basecoat, shade and dry-brush my tanks in order to quickly get them on tabletop. But it seems such a shame to rush these particular Shermans, that I plan to 'pick out' the odd shovel and fire-axe on their hulls, before calling them finished...

"Pierre De Rohan..."

"...Came from a famous French family who had fought their king's wars for many years."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 01 - Foot Knights, and whilst not specifically named as the "close advisor of Kings Louis XI , Charles VIII and Louis XII" was painted with Pierre de Rohan in mind.

The "Marshal of France since at least 1475", the multi-part model proved slightly cumbersome to assemble before painting, due to the caster's belief that the figure's massive number of helmet plumes would apparently stay attached with just the smallest of nodules fixing it in place. Considering just how heavy the panaches were I decided a much safer option was to file down the 'underwhelming peg' and pin the collection of feathers in place with wire.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - Three more Foot Knights currently on the painting table

Only once this ensemble had been super-glued together and given an appropriately long time to harden, did I dare apply a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to "the youngest of the Rohan-Guéméné family." This was then followed up by a combination of Sir Coates Silver from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before the armour and blade were given a thorough dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver .

I did initially consider colouring de Rohan's plumes in an elaborate mixture of white and blues. However, having perused the marvellously sculpted feathers, the headdress appeared a little too fiddly for me to easily 'pick out' the odd area with a brush-tip, so I ultimately decided to go with an all "Vallejo" Heavy Blue palette. This was subsequently shaded with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and later carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This 10mm Sherman Firefly tank has been primed and shaded

With the recent arrival of eight Foot Knights Attacking from "Steel Fist Miniatures", along with my two missing models from my first order, I've found my mojo for this skirmish-sized Italian Wars project to have bounded back with great aplomb. So perhaps unsurprisingly, I have made some steady progress on some more combatants in the Battle of Fornovo, with several other figures impatiently waiting in the wings.

In addition, spurned on by my recent purchases at the "Pendraken Miniatures" stall at Colours 2023, most notably some Canadian armoured decals, I have also been busy putting a brush to some of the last 10mm Allied World War Two tanks I previously picked up off of Leon whilst visiting Salute 2023. These three M4A4 Sherman Fireflies still have some work to go. But with a dedicated session or two should soon be busy representing the Second Canadian Armoured Brigade for Late War (Winter) campaign.

“Colours" Showcase 2023

"Yes! We are on for Colours 23."

With my pleasant memories of last year's show at Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire, still firmly ensconced in my mind, it would arguably have been rather remiss of me to have failed to attend this year's "Colours" by Newbury & Reading Wargaming Society'. Sure, my previous journey to the site's Car Park 4 was a chaotic nightmare. But having learnt my lesson to check the show's website beforehand for directions, I felt reasonably confident that I'd be able to make the ninety minute long journey with far fewer frustrations than last time.

A view or two of the First Floor, including the "Lard Zone"

Disconcertingly though, my Sat Nav had other ideas, insisting that I enter the market town from the wrong direction and resultantly forcing me to slowly fight my way through some seriously heavy Saturday morning traffic. To make matters worse, it also repeatedly attempted to take me to the main entrance at the western side of the venue, so ultimately ended up being binned in favour of my memory from twelve months ago. This eventually saw me through safely enough, however, the complete lack of signs along the route was not helpful, and would certainly have been greatly appreciated.

Some of the demonstration/participation games put on by "Two Fat Lardies"

To mix things up a bit this time round, I decided to 'hit' the First Floor traders first. This choice turned out to be a good one too, as the large spacious area wasn't particularly busy, so I was able to mooch about the stalls relatively freely. Quite possibly the highlight of this initial 'scouting trip' was "Scarab Miniatures", who were selling some truly fantastic looking 28mm metal Great War figures for a mere 'pound a pop'. As such, I could quite easily have walked away with a significantly heavy bag load full of Austrians and French. Luckily, it was a little too early in the day to 'hit the trigger' quite yet, so I moved on before my wallet had a chance to inadvertently fly open.

More demonstration/participation games put on by "Two Fat Lardies"

Enjoyably, I next encountered the "Lard Zone" which had previously seen a lot of success at "Salute" 2023. Run by "Two Fat Lardies", this space had several of the company's games running, so I spent a short while thoroughly enjoying the different tables, genres and rule-sets on display. In addition, I was able to have a good look at the scenic wares of "The Last Valley", "F4 Freddie Terra Firma" and "Last Man, Last Bullet" - the latter of which had a number of World War One trench-works and Black Powder-era earthworks at various scales. A number of these seemed rather suitable for the American Civil War as well, so we ended up nattering for ten minutes about fortifications during this conflict, such as those at the Battle of Fredericksburg,

Plenty of scenic pieces on show by "The Last Valley, "Last Man, Last Bullet" & "F4 Freddie Terra Firma"

Following on from these visits, I ascended to the Second Floor and joined the jostle along the length of the show's Bring and Buy sale. To be honest, I found this one of the few disappointing aspects of this year's "Colours", as there simply wasn't a great deal to catch my interest due to it largely consisting of boxes full of painted miniatures. Doubtless many a visitor interested in such purchases scooped up a bargain or two. But for me there was a distinct lack of bare metal or plastic.

Some of the demonstration/participation games put on by the Society of Ancients

Instead, I busied myself looking at the different demonstration/participation games filling up the floor. A number of these caught my eye, most notably a 6mm battle being shown by the Society of Ancients for their intriguing "Mortem Et Gloriam" (MeG) rules. This biblical battle looked good and I was rather impressed when one of the members highlighted that the much larger sized tabletops surrounding me were all using the same game - just in different scales. Bemusingly though, I was then handed over to another fellow who seemingly felt the best way to sell me on the "multi-award-winning ancients wargames rules" was by quickly 'putting me in my place' for daring to even suggest that "Xenos Rampant" could be used to play some Napoleonic skirmishes - something I'm currently working towards.

A selection of models from "Gringo 40's" Vietnam range

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I therefore decided to promptly leave the area utterly uninvested in MeG, and instead briefly made my way around the other pitched battles before moving down to the Ground Floor.  This was absolutely bustling with activity, with several stalls momentarily capturing my attention. Of particular note was "Gringo 40's", whose range of Vietnam War and Napoleonics had me drooling over their display cabinets.

A selection of models from "Gringo 40's" Napoleonic range

Ultimately however, I only succumbed to the usual suspects of "Warlord Games" and "Pendraken Miniatures" - who managed to ensnare me with a 15mm all-metal Siege Mortar Battery for Black Powder Epic Battles: American Civil War, and a ton of 10mm World War armoured vehicles respectively. Indeed, I felt a bit guilty just buying from two manufacturers who I regularly purchase from online, rather than from one of the numerous 'cottage industry' companies present at the show. But in the end, I decided to simply support my current hobby projects, rather than 'dip my toe' in yet another period or genre...

“Wargames Foundry" Showcase 2023

"Welcome to the home of 28mm wargaming miniatures!"

Thanks to discovering an embarrassingly large stash of twenty-year-old "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonic blisters recently, and acknowledging that if I was ever going to own the fully-painted masses of 28mm brightly-coloured voltigeurs, grenadiers and riflemen I have always wanted, I would need to do it now, I decided to make the four-hour trip up Newark to visit the manufacturer's premises for the first time. The venue is surprisingly hard to find if relying upon a Sat Nav as it's tucked away alongside an old church, and somewhat disconcertingly requires a drive along a single lane dirt road with a death-defying sheer drop on the passenger's side.

The first few shelves of painted miniatures to assault the senses as you enter "Wargames Foundry"

Happily however, the staff were very helpful providing me with precise instructions when I called them for assistance, and even courteously came out to check if I was alright following me abandoning my vehicle alongside a nearby building. The entranceway is actually quite surreal with its bright blue door and cream-painted brick walls. But once inside the astonishingly large property is absolutely crammed full of wonderful-looking display cabinets and an almost endless sea of packed blister racks - covering every single range the company produce.

Some of the classic Genestealer Cultists and large scale ACW on display

Furthermore, I was somewhat astonished to see a few well-laid out gaming tables in the venue, which apparently can be hired out to customers who want to play a game or two at the Carriage Court. Having found my bearings, I made my way to the farthest room on my right and began casually mooching at the absolutely fabulous collection of fully-pigmented 'Oldhammer' miniatures on show. These were gorgeously painted, and incredibly nostalgic to an old gaming grognard like me, with some truly classic Genestealer Cultists from Warhammer 40,ooo catching my eye - including a throned Patriarch and accompanying limousines.

The company's old OOP "2000 A.D." range of figures including Judge Dredd & Rogue Trooper

Alongside these 'blasts from the past' I also spotted the company's old range of "2000 AD" related characters, and some astoundingly large American Civil War figures (possibly 40mm), which considering my current obsession with ACW Epic Battles Black Powder by "Warlord Games" immediately caught my imagination. Indeed, there were quite a few potential distractions for the wargamer not completely committed to their current cause/s, especially once I started actually scouring all the marvellous models on sale in their allotted ranges and spied such notable periods as the Great War, the Franco Prussian War and even the Elizabethan era.

Some of the truly tempting genres and painted figures currently on sale

Ultimately though, I managed to resist temptation and eventually made my way through the various rooms until I reached the Napoleonic blisters. This area was still showing signs of hosting the very recent "Bring Out Your Lead" annual gaming event, with all the racks being enveloped in plastic wrapping for protection whilst they had been stored away. This initially made looking at the models I was interested in a bit difficult. But a quick word with the staff soon saw a pair of scissors being produced to cut down the temporary barriers, and I was left to pick out a modest number of French, Austrian, German and Bavarian blisters.

Just some of the painted "Wargames Foundry" Roman range of models

I was also hoping to pick up a pack of British Riflemen, which included an officer and some nicely dynamic 'sharpshooters' in a variety of poses. Sadly though, I simply couldn't see it amongst the myriad of Highlanders and Line infantrymen, so had a word with the staff to find out when it would next be in stock. A few minutes later, the incredibly amiable chap behind the desk came back from the casters with my sought after soldiers in a little plastic bag. I thought this was excellent service and has definitely guaranteed a return visit next year - once I've pigmented my my current purchases...

"Francesco Had A Career As A Condottiero..."

 "...Acting as Venice's commander from 1489 to 1498."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 05 - Foot Knights, and whilst not specifically named as the Marquess of Mantua, was painted with Francesco II Gonzaga in mind.

"Regarded as the finest knight in Italy", the multi-part model was super-glued together and given a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, followed by a combination of Sir Coates Silver from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The armour and blade were then given a dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver before receiving two more 'drownings' of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. This was because Francesco appeared to always be wearing black armour in his portrait pictures, and whilst I didn't want to go that way with this particular sculpt, I did want to make his suit appear a little darker than normal.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These Russians are slowly having their details 'picked out'

Due to selecting this particular miniature to represent "the commander-in-chief of the army of the Italian League in the Battle of Fornovo", I 'picked out' his barely visible moustache with a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and splosh of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before applying plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to his skirt - a colour which would starkly contrast with the predominantly blue palette I am planning for their French opposition. In addition, I did a little research on the Marquess of Mantua's flag for this historical period, and decided to represent its red cross with four black dragons on a white background with his helmet's plumes.

Resultantly, the various feathered hackles were painted using White Star and some heavily watered-down Carcharodon Grey by "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats", pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and "Vallejo" Heavy Red with plenty of the "Citadel" Shade Carroburg Crimson. As a final touch I dabbed a little "Vallejo" Gold" and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade over the pommel of Francesco's sword.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Three Yeti from "Doctor Who" which have been based and primed

With the second of my Battle of Fornovo combatants completed, I have focused much more of my hobby time upon some more of the 28mm Russian Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching by "Wargames Foundry" I want to field as part of my Third Coalition force. These soldiers will initially form up alongside a pair of already finished British 95th Riflemen for some skirmish games of "Xenos Rampant". At least they will once I complete the handful of Napoleon's French Fusiliers I intend to field as their early opposition.

To help me have a break from all the white straps of the early Nineteenth Century uniforms, I've also assembled and primed (using a mixture of "Vallejo" Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna) three large metal Yeti by "Warlord Games". These 28mm scale classic monsters from the "Doctor Who" science fiction television series are now sadly OOP (out of production) since the Nottingham-based company lost the licence. But I was recently lucky enough to snag a trio of the models second-hand, so have wasted no time in getting them ready for my brush-tip...

“Warlord Games Open Day" Showcase 2023

"The ever-popular Warlord Games Open Day makes its triumphant return for 2023."

As I hadn't ventured up to "Warlord Games" Headquarters in Nottingham since it moved to its new site at Finch Close in 2020, I decided to attend this year's "traditional annual Open Day and partake in John Stallard's "celebration of our great hobby". The new venue certainly looked much more spacious than the company's previous collection of outhouses and side buildings, but to be honest I did miss the opportunity to visit "North Star Military Figures" first whilst waiting for the event to start.

Some of the gaming tables featuring World War Two "Bolt Action" and Napoleonic "Black Powder"

Furthermore, despite a couple of large canopies being erected outside in the front car park to 'house' a series of excellent-looking participation games, I still thought there wasn't much room to move about in - especially once all two hundred plus attendees had arrived. This 'press of people' vying for a natter with their favourite YouTuber, rules writer or games designer was doubtless a testament to the popularity of the show. However, a couple of times I simply put products I was planning to buy back on their respective racks in the sales area because I couldn't see a way through to everything I wanted to 'pick up' and so thought I'd try again later on.

The huge Culloden 1746 participation table using "Black Powder"

Minor quibbles aside, the tables on display were absolutely first-rate, and once I'd been given my goodie bag, complete with a superb 28mm metal Desmond Doss Open Day Figure, some paints, a '0' size paintbrush and much appreciated US Marine Corps plastic sprue, I sought inspiration at a rather comfortably-sized Napoleonic Black Powder table and later, an awe-inspiringly large ACW Epic Battles 'feast for the eyes'. Both these layouts and subsequent chat with the chaps behind them, immediately got me enthusiastically thinking about my own similarly-themed projects - which is just the sort of buzz I like to get from such shows.

The American Civil War and 'Pike & Shotte' Epic Battle boards

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the day though was bumping into wargames author, Roger Gerrish, and spending a good half an hour chatting about his upcoming plans for Konflikt '47, all things Star Trek and visiting various historical battlefields. I had already managed to exchange a few words with the likes of Chris Peach (now of "The Painting Phase" fame) and Stuart Mack (from "Miniature Realms Studios"). But Roger's knowledge of numerous rulesets, the challenges of working on an officially licenced "Doctor Who" game, and the current hobby obsession with Weird War One was thoroughly entertaining.

A selection of the "2000 A.D." related miniatures "Warlord Games" are due to release

Likewise, the highly-anticipated tour of "Warlord Games" was an experience simply not to be missed, and proved an incredibly enjoyable ninety minutes of talking with some of the industry's leading designers, sculptors, painters, and manufacturers. In addition, I was able to see some of the upcoming miniatures planned for release over the next twelve months, and this included a look at all the A.B.C. Warriors figures taken straight from the pages of the British science fiction anthology comic "2000 A.D."

Some of "Warlord Games" 28mm ranges - American Civil War, Slaine and Doctor Who

Cast in Warlord Resin Plus, it was made clear to us just how difficult and expensive it would be to produce such large war robots in either resin or metal, courtesy of some enlightening demonstrations from each of the respective departments. I really was flabbergasted by how speedily efficient the Siocast machines were, especially when compared to the two-three day long process it takes for the company to produce its resin vehicles. Moreover, by the end of the day I'd been given a crisply-detailed 28mm Skull Sword Champion and US Marine as examples of just how this "new formulation differs from the current Warlord Resin" - as well as a 28mm metal Robin Hood from the highly informative and entertaining Peter Hely...