"The Nazgûl Re-emerged Around 1300 Of The Third Age..."

"... As Sauron at long last began to take shape after his defeat at the hands of the Last Alliance."

These two 28mm scale metal Nazgul are produced by "Games Workshop", and currently can only be bought as part of the Nottingham-based manufacturer’s nine-piece "resin cast" Nazgûl boxed set. Happily however, I was able to buy my "utterly enslaved" models separately at a wargaming show's second-hand stall many moons ago.

"It was around this time that the Witch-king established himself in Angmar."

Both Ringwraiths were rather embarrassingly still primed from when I had intended to enter them into the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) a few years back, so I simply smoothed these undercoats out with another application of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then enthusiastically dry-brushed each miniature with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal before drenching them with “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

“Fighting in the Ardennes had reached a degree of savagery unprecedented on the western front."

The Nazguls' armour and sword were ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. Finally, in order to better tie-in Sauron's two dreaded ring-servants with that of the Dark Lord himself, I applied a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to all of the Úlairi's armoured gloves and boots.

With the last of my Zomtober entries finished for this year, I have also found the time to add another two captured Soviet BA64 armoured cars to my 10mm German Battle of the Bulge army. These "Pendraken Miniatures" were super-glued onto a 30X40mm plastic base, and given a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. Each model was then doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed in (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and had their tyres pigmented with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These four French Fusiliers are now almost finished

The reconnaissance vehicles' wheel trims were later given a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst their stowage was made all the more visible using some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, I marked the seized Russian cars out as clearly belonging to the Axis Powers via a couple of German crosses being placed on each hull from the WWII Hungary Bulgaria Romania Finland Turret Markings Crosses sheet by "Decal Details".

Incredibly, I've also managed to make a little more progress on my current Napoleonic Wars project, by getting the majority of work completed on four French Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". These 28mm scale metal soldiers will form the backbone of the Emperor's La Grande Armée, and once tabletop ready should lead to the start of some small-scale skirmishes using "Xenos Rampant" by "Osprey Games" - at least for probably the next twelve months or so as I slowly try to add to my forces a few figures at a time...

"The Wehrmacht Made Much Use Of Captured Enemy Vehicles..."

"Whenever and wherever they were suitable and available."

This 10mm metal Soviet four-wheeled armoured scout vehicle used to be sold by “Pendraken Miniatures” as SV53 - BA64 armoured car (2). But nowadays appears to be available as Code SVV34. This particular model was actually ordered as part of a large 'Battle Of Moscow" project I was working on approximately twelve years ago for "Blitzkrieg Commander", and was only recently discovered when I (once again) searched through my 1/150th scale backlog for some Early World War Two units.

Initially mistaken as a German Sd.Kfz 221, the 'jeep' was super-glued onto a 30X40mm plastic base, and given a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. Its "multi-faceted hull"  was then doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before being dry-brushed in (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I also 'picked out' its tyres with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and the reconnaissance vehicle's wheel trims in a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final step I pigmented the car's stowage using some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The Nazgûl or Ringwraiths first appeared in the Second Age, according to the Akallabêth in The Silmarillion."

Having had my error pointed out to me, I did originally consider simply repainting the entire model in 'Russian green' and then 'tucking it away' with the rest of the Soviet Early War forces I painted more than a decade ago. However, before I committed to this decision I thought I'd just check to see whether the Axis Powers ever captured any BA64s, and was delighted to discover that "his little Soviet-built armoured car was captured in quantity by the Germans and easily converted for their own use."

Unfortunately though, when I dug a little deeper it appeared that the Panzerspahwagen BA-64 was notably utilised by the decidedly disagreeable Das Reich 2nd SS-Panzer Grenadier Division during the Battle of Kursk in July 1943. This meant that their use was well past the time-frame I was using for my Operation Sealion Early War project, and also raised the currently contentious issue of fielding "an elite division of the Waffen-SS" on the tabletop. In the end, I decided to add the unit to my 'Battle of the Bulge' Late War campaign (hence the snow-flocked base), as Heinz Lammerding's division did fight in the Ardennes Offensive, and stick to applying just a pair of German crosses to its side from the WWII Hungary Bulgaria Romania Finland Turret Markings Crosses sheet by "Decal Details".

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These four French Fusiliers are patiently being progressed

Moving across to Zomtober, I thought I'd squeeze in a 28mm scale metal model of a Nazgul produced by "Games Workshop" before the challenge closes in a few days time. This previously-started second-hand figure had its prime smoothed out with an application of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being dry-brushed in “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drenched in “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The Ringwraith's armour and sword were later ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Whilst, the dead King’s armoured gloves and boots were given a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to suggest rusty weathering.

Alongside these miniatures, I have additionally managed to 'eek out' a bit more time on the final four figures from my Napoleonic French blister of Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". I'm hoping to get these soldiers completed "toot sweet", so I can spend November both increasing the company's number, as well as adding some additional regiments to the Emperor's army - such as the odd Chasseur and perhaps Old Guard Grenadier...

"What Is It You Seek?"

"Two snakes. Coming together. Facing each other. But they're one."

This 28mm scale Aztec Style Serpent Statue is produced by "Wargames Terrain Workshop" and is one of several statues to be found in their resin cast scenery range. Rather embarrassingly I've actually owned four of these 75mm tall carvings for quite a few years now, and only recently decided to finish this particular effigy for "Frostgrave" whilst listening to Robert E. Howard's "Conan the Cimmerian Barbarian: The Complete Weird Tales Omnibus".

Feeling that the idol might be something which originated deep within the borders of the snake-obsessed Stygia - perhaps in supplication to the Hyborian Age kingdom's god Set, or the sorcerers Thulsa Doom and Thoth-Amon, the model was super-glued onto a 65mm "Citadel" plastic circular base. It was then treated to a few coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed in (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey.

"If you were on the battlefield, and a King Tiger appeared, you found an excuse and you left"

With the basics completed I next 'picked out' all the serpent statue's metal banding with a base-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before treating all these areas to a combination of Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also applied plenty of "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand to the idol's sacrificial skulls, shaded them in both "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Carroburg Crimson, and finally highlighted the grisly trophies in (more) "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and (plain) White. As a final touch I applied some additional highlights to the metallic areas with a little extra "Vallejo" Gold.

Sticking with snow-based models, I have managed to add a third 10mm metal Königstiger tank by “Pendraken Miniatures” to my Axis Late Winter army, which can be purchased as Code GRV21 Tiger II, Henschel turret from their extensive collection of German World War Two armoured vehicles. Rather awkwardly, I accidentally ordered this particular multi-part kit as part of a larger order in May of this year, so was keen to get it pigmented as soon as I realised my blunder - having previously purchased an identical pair at Salute 50 just a month earlier.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These four Frenchmen are having their details 'picked out'

The King Tiger was double coated in "Citadel" Adeptus Battlegrey, doused with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed using some (more) Adeptus Battlegrey. The models' tracks were painted in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, layered using "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also added a little colour to its visible shovel and tow cable using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, or "Vallejo Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade as appropriate. The large tank was completed 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.

Lastly, I have found a little time to get cracking on the final four figures from my Napoleonic French blister of Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". These line infantrymen have been gathering a little dust over the past couple of weeks as I've been temporarily distracted with my commitment to Zomtober. However, with a trio of "Games Workshop" Nazgul already close to completion for that annual event's final submission, I felt I had a chance to make a little more progress on this particular quartet.

"Little Is Detailed About Black Panther’s Life..."

"...Before the zombie plague arrived on Earth-2149."

This 32mm scale plastic model of T'Challa is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” and can be found in the Original Marvel Zombies starter set for Zombicide. "Captured by Giant-Man before his transformation and used as foodstock", this particular incarnation of the Black Panther was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the January 2006 issue of "Marvel Zombies" by "Marvel Comics".

The entire model was initially treated to a double coat of "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being given an enthusiastic dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. The Avenger's necklace was then 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and then completely soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final step though, New Wakanda's leader had his eyes 'spotted' with a couple of drops of White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - A pair of Sheman tanks slowly having their tracks and details 'picked out'

Originally, I was planning on taking a very simple approach to the Hero Miniature's base, with a simple layer or two of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. However, having seen all the branches, leaves and small stones littering it, I decided to spend a bit more time on it so as to help make it 'pop' a little more. Resultantly, I also applied a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown across all the groundwork surrounding T'Challa's wooden log, and later gave both areas a healthy dose of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

To bring out all the sculpt's incredible details, I gave the tree stump a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and then the entire ensemble a delicate passing with some (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I carefully traced/base-coated all the vines and leaves dotted about with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Green and (more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This BA-64 armoured car is being painted as one captured by the Germans

With my latest Zomtober entry finished, and a couple of 4x6 foot cloth gaming mats apparently winging their way to me from "Deep Cut Studios", I have also managed to spend some time progressing a significant number of 10mm vehicles I own by "Pendraken Miniatures" - most notably a pair of the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's Sherman models which I believe I picked up from one of this year's wargaming shows for my ever evolving Battle of the Bulge campaign.

Additionally though, I have also made some significant in-roads on a host of decade-old Soviet four-wheeled armoured scout cars, which I originally thought were German Sd.Kfz 221 vehicles. Having mistaken the trio of BA-64s I had aimed to simply add them to my Operation Sealion invasion force. However, having had my error pointed out to me and already almost finished painting them, they're now going to be added to my Axis Ardennes Offensive Army, to represent a reconnaissance unit of the despicable SS Division Das Reich - which are known to have used the captured Russian cars at Kursk in July 1943, so might have retained some of them following their redeployment back West afterwards..?

"The Mouth Of Sauron Was A Living Man."

"His true name had been forgotten, even by himself."

This 28mm scale metal model of "the herald and messenger of Sauron" is produced by "Games Workshop", and can be bought as part of a two figure set from the Nottingham-based company's "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" range. Somewhat embarrassingly however, I purchased this particular sculpt separately at a wargaming show's second-hand stall many moons ago, and didn't even need to assemble it.

The fourth of my entries for this year's Zomtober challenge, the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr was given an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, enthusiastically dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then 'picked out' his belt with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before layering the miniature's armour, formidable-looking face-grill and two-handed sword in “Vallejo” Gunmetal.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Black Panther is slowly having his base colours applied

These metallic areas were subsequently drowned in “Citadel” Nuln Oil and carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. I next 'picked out' the devoted servant of Sauron's sharpened teeth with a few dabs of White Star by "Two Thin Coats", and his partially-visible chin with a smear of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. Finally, to slightly 'bloody up' the fangs and flesh I applied a little "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to them.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

With the potential leader of my Mordor "Lord of the Rings" army completed, at least as a foot figure, I was planning on pigmenting some Nazgul for the rest of Zomtober. However, that cunning idea has been somewhat thrown into disarray by the unexpected arrival of my Devourer Pledge for the Marvel Zombies Kickstarter by "CoolMiniOrNot". This huge addition to the "Zombicide" boardgame apparently contains no less than 87 models (or rather "game pieces) in its core box alone. So having bought the expansions too, I thought I'd best start cracking on with some of its contents.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Zombie Hulk has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Intriguingly, the base game actually sees the players cooperatively "control ravenous Zombie Heroes against the last remaining living Super Heroes", so I thought I'd start with something reasonably large and straightforward, such as the set's undead Incredible Hulk. I plan to follow the palette I used on my Marvel United Hulk last year, and then add plenty of flesh-rotting decay to Bruce Banner's grotesquely green alter-ego.

This clearly will be a lengthy endeavour, so I may well also use the models I paint for some simple tabletop games using some homemade rules. To that end I thought I'd grab one of the surviving heroes to paint too - in the shape of the Black Panther. The boxed set also comes with a dozen Bystanders, so to maintain something of a theme I may well try to squeeze both Betty Ross (Hulk's former wife) and Okoye (the head of Wakandan armed forces) into the mix too before the month is out...

"Operation Sea Lion" 10mm Battle Report II: Britain Verses Germany

GERMAN TANKS ATTEMPT A LANDING ALONG THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to quickly play through a campaign utilising my painted 10mm World War Two Early War models by "Pendraken Miniatures", and took place upon a 48" x 48" "Deep Cut Studio" playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of pre-painted "Escenografia Epsilon" scenic pieces previously sold through the Middlesbrough-based company at Warfare 2021, but now sadly out of production.

“The story so far… It is September 1940 and having defeated France, the German Army have launched an amphibious assault upon Britain. Deployed from Le Havre, a small Axis strike force have already successfully taken the shores of Portsmouth, and now the Fuhrer has turned his attention to the nearby shingle beach of Gosport. Desperate to fend off the invasion, General Sir Alan Brooke has flooded the area of Stoke's Bay with Crusader II tanks - The Battle for Alverstoke has begun..."

THE TABLETOP - STOKE'S BAY IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

The Germans started in the water, just before the southern shoreline. Consisting of a unit of four Panzers, a mixture of Panzer III and IV tanks, three Panzer IIs and four Panzerjägers, the Axis spearhead was poised to strike as far north as it could. In response, the British assembled three Crusader II tanks (west), a trio of Vickers VI tanks, two Matilda II tanks, and three (more) Crusader II tanks (east). All these armoured vehicles would rush south, destroying any enemy targets they encountered.

The tabletop was populated with a small number of bunkers to represent Browndown, and a collection of buildings and houses to portray Alverstoke and Anglesey. There were five strategic objectives evenly located across the battlefield. These were randomly valued from one to five points and would not be revealed until after the battle had ended. To win an objective an army must have at least one unopposed tank alongside it by the end of the eighth turn. In addition, no enemy tanks were allowed to come within an inch of an opponent's armoured vehicle - except to contest an objective. This was to ensure we played a 'shooting game' as opposed to just having all the tanks pile into one another.

SOME OF THE BUILDINGS DEPICTING BROWNDOWN, ALVERSTOKE AND ANGLESEY

The opening turns saw both forces attempt to outmanoeuvre one another and 'snatch' as many objectives as they could. The Panzers trundled their way to 'capture' Objective Four, whilst the Panzer II, III and IV tanks all moved towards the central objective in Alverstoke. The Panzerjägers rumbled past Objective Five, fixing their anti=tank guns upon anything which emerged from the direction of Anglesey.

Determined to keep the Axis Forces as close to the shoreline as possible, the British forces swept south, The Crusader II tanks (west) took Objective One, and began firing upon the oncoming Panzer III and Panzer IVs. The Vickers VI tanks sought the cover of Alverstoke's buildings, waiting for the much slower Matilda IIs to catch them up. Lastly, the Crusader II tanks (east) decided to bravely pass through Anglesey and rely upon their armour to outfight the Panzerjäger line.

AS THE PANZER II TANKS REACH THE SHORE, THE BRISTISH CRUSADERS POUNCE

Unfortunately, the German invaders decided now was the time to open fire with their guns. The whole Abteilung of Panzerjägers blazed away with their PaK 38(t) guns and left just a single Crusader II (east) standing south of Anglesey. The Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks took aim at the Crusader II tanks (west) which had previously fired upon them and blew one Cruiser up. It was disconcertingly first blood to the Third Reich.

Holding their nerve the sole-surviving Crusader II tank (east) returned fire upon the Panzerjägers, but without any result. Happily however, the same could not be said for the survivability of the Panzer II tanks approaching Alverstoke - two of which were blown up by the Matilda II tanks. Furthermore, the Crusader II tanks (west) managed to knock out the Panzer III, clearly blunting the Axis invasion's spearhead.

THE GERMAN PANZERS CAPTURE AN OBJECTIVE NEAR THE SHORELINE

Realising that their front line was in danger of irreparably breaking, the Panzers moved north past Objective Four to give the Crusader II tanks (west) something else to shoot at than the Panzer IVs. The lone Panzer II managed to secure Objective Two, and took shelter behind a building, effectively giving the Germans the centre of the battlefield. This 'advantage' was built upon by the Panzerjägers destroying the last of the Crusader II tanks (east) and the Panzer IVs blowing up another Crusader II tank (west).

It was clear that the British would need to reorganise to take account of their increasing losses, so the sole Crusader II tank (west) moved further west to take up a position overlooking the highly vulnerable Panzers. The Vickers VI tanks and Matilda IIs trundled south-east towards the Panzerjägers.

THE PANZERJAGERS OPEN UP AS THE BRITISH TANKS ADVANCE SOUTH

Confident they already held a strong line of offence, and relying upon their armour, the Panzer IVs sped north, whilst the Panzerjägers opened up upon the Matilda II tanks. This time though the King's armoured vehicles took the beating and continued onwards. Such an awesome display of 'Dunkirk spirit' clearly inspired the Crusader II (west) to annihilate one of the four Panzers south of Browndown. Whilst the Matilda IIs returned fire and destroyed a pair of Panzerjägers. Adding insult to injury, the Vickers VI light tanks' Besa machine guns somehow managed to score a couple of hits on one of the Panzer IVs.

With the battle heading towards it final phase the Germans decided to take what land they could and resultantly the Panzers retreated back south to hold Objective Four. Providing plenty of covering fire, the Panzer IV tanks blazed away at both the Crusader II tank (west) and the impudent Vickers VI armoured vehicles. But not a single shot penetrated the British. Indeed, the Matilda II tanks also remained untouched following another salvo from the usually deadly Panzerjägers.

BOTH ARMIES START TO TAKE A SERIOUSLY HARD POUNDING

Perhaps feeling the tide of the confrontation might be turning in the Allies favour, the Crusader II tank (west) trundled south using Browndown's fortifications as cover so it could keep the Panzers in sight. Meanwhile, another burst of Besa machine guns sensationally saw a Panzer IV go out of action, and the Matilda II tanks destroyed a third Panzerjäger. The Axis forces might have the positions, but their losses were now close to being unsustainable.

Seizing the initiative for the first time, the Crusader II tank (west) grabbed Objective One, and stoically watched as both the Vickers VI and Matilda II tanks swung about to challenge the Panzer II holding Objective Two. In direct response the Panzer IV headed north-west to contest Objective One, and the Panzer II tank unsuccessfully fired upon the approaching Vickers VI tanks. Finally, the Panzerjäger managed to strike one of the Matilda IIs. But such was the thickness of the Infantry Tank Mark II's 78mm front glacis, that no actual damage was caused.

THE BRITISH TANKS ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE GERMAN INVASION FORCE INTO THE SEA

In a last burst of action, the Panzer IV contested Objective One and the single Panzerjäger withdrew to seize Objective Five. Astoundingly, the Panzer II tank managed to use its 2 cm cannon to destroy a Vickers VI tank. This meant that although the British armoured unit still contested Objective Two, the building between them and the Panzer II thwarted any line of sight to attack. In desperation therefore, the Matilda II tanks fired a last salvo at the Panzerjäger holding Objective Five and stunningly blew it up.

This meant that just a single objective was neither contested or void, and saw the somewhat mauled Panzers obtain a single Victory Point for holding Objective Four. The Battle for Alverstoke belonged to the Germans, and the Axis forces now had two footholds on the English mainland...

"During The War Of The Ring..."

"...The forces of Dol Guldur led three assaults upon Lórien and Thranduil's realm in Mirkwood,"

These two 28mm metal Castellans of Dol Guldur are produced by "Games Workshop", and can be bought as part of a three-figure blister from their Dark Powers of Dol Guldur miniatures range. "A concept which has only appeared in an adaptation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien", the miniatures are destined to proxy Black Númenóreans for my Barad Dur army - at least until the Nottingham-based company once again produce the "bitter adversaries of the Men of Gondor" for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game".

The second of my entries into this year's Zomtober challenge, the pair were given an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.  I then 'picked out' their belts with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, as well as applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the mindless spirits' ornate armour, swords and Morgul Blades.

"However, they were driven back each time by the power of Nenya, Galadriel’s Ring of Power."

These areas were subsequently drowned with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. To dirty the armour down somewhat and create a contrast between it and the warriors' hand-weapons, I gave all the Castellan's plates a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dash of Reikland Fleshshade.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

In addition to completing my second clamshell containing a trio of Castellans of Dol Guldur this year, I have also begun working in earnest on a number of Allied armoured vehicles for my 10mm World War Two projects using "Pendraken Miniatures". I've recently managed to play a fair few more land battles using various previously-painted tanks taken from the Middlesborough-based manufacturer's extensive range, and this has definitely enthused me to put a brush-tip to even more of their models.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This M36 Jackson has been assembled, primed, shaded and dry-brushed

However, it's also made me realise that in trying to field as many of the opposing forces' different weapons as possible, I've disconcertingly made their 'hodgepodge' armies somewhat short of their respective mainstay machines - such as the British Cruiser and German Panzer III/IV tank. As a result, I aim to 'bulk up' on these models next year so the much rarer Wunderwaffe are suitably scarce.

For now though, I really need to 'clear the decks' of all the vehicles I've recently purchased, including a number of American Shermans, M36 Jacksons and British Matilda infantry tanks. My aim is to get all these miniatures completed before the end of December, as I also have numerous armoured cars, motorcycles, infantry and commanders to pigment for the Operation Sealion/Battle of the Bulge projects as well...

"The Tiger II Is A German Heavy Tank Of The Second World War."

"The final official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B, often shortened to Tiger B."

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

First used in combat by the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion during the Allied invasion of Normandy, the King Tigers were treated to a double coat of "Citadel" Adeptus Battlegrey, a generous dousing in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and an enthusiastic dry-brush of (more) Adeptus Battlegrey. The models' tracks were 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, base-coated using "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Games Workshop" WIPS - A very roughly layered MK IV Space Marine Sergeant

Due to the sheer size of the sculpts, I also felt able to easily 'pick out' the odd visible shovel and tow cable using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, or "Vallejo Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade as appropriate. The large 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 Königstiger tanks I have also made some progress on the first of my ten MK IV Space Marines by "Games Workshop". This 28mm hard plastic figure will be the sergeant of my third Sons of Horus tactical squad for "The Horus Heresy", and is being used as a test piece to pilot a change in my painting technique where I don't apply a shade to their armour until I've finished 'picking out' all their detail.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - Three Foot Knights awaiting their details to be 'picked out'

Ordinarily, I perform this phase straight after base-coating the "towering, transhuman warrior" and then follow it up with a rough dry-brush. However, with such highly-detailed sculpts I repeatedly find myself having to later tidy up the armour because my brush-tip has inadvertently strayed - or in the case of "Vallejo" Gold, tiny metallic flakes have attached themselves to other areas of the model despite me being super-careful whenever I use the acrylic colour.

Lastly, I have managed to advance a few more of my Foot Knights by "Steel Fist Miniatures" for my meagre-sized Italian Wars project. I must confess my drive for this Fifteenth-Century endeavour has been badly knocked by Simon Chick's decision to (temporarily) close the company, as I did have some plans to extend my forces beyond the heavily armoured infantrymen I currently own, and tend to find a constant stream of new releases/purchases a cracking motivator to main my hobby momentum...

"Originally Known As The Českomoravská Kolben-Daněk LT vz. 38."

"The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) was a tank designed during the 1930s."

These three 10mm metal models were bought in a single clamshell from the “Pendraken Miniatures” stall at Colours 2023, and are available separately as Product Code GRV19 - Panzer 38t. The two-piece tanks were originally just going to be added to my Operation Sealion German invasion force. However, having spotted that the Romanians fielded fifty of them in 1943, I thought I'd use this information as an excuse to paint them a little differently from my usual predominantly "Vallejo" Neutral Grey palette.

Obviously, this decision somewhat skews the timeline for my ongoing annexation of the United Kingdom campaign - which is set in September 1940. But considering that Romanian didn't officially join the Axis powers until November 1940 anyway, it isn't the only anachronism I've created. Besides the attempted occupation of Southern England is fictious anyway, and the inclusion of Ion Antonescu's military forces would allow me some wriggle room for a number of mid-war Allied armoured vehicles I'd also like to similarly squeeze into the offensive.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This French Chasseur is slowly having all his white straps 'picked out'

Resultantly, the Czechoslovakian-designed tanks were undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black. To mark them out as Romanian, the models were then base-coated with two layers of “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII. Lastly, I applied a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to their partially-covered tracks.

Disappointingly, these Panzer 38(t)s aren't quite finished as I'm still waiting on "Pendraken Miniatures" to send me some WWII German Early War Markings + Bulgaria/Romania/Hungary [1/285] decals. Originally I had placed some transfers taken from the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's WWII Hungary Bulgaria Romania Finland Turret Markings Crosses sheet. However, the Cross of Michael looked far too big when attached to the rear of each tank, so having waited overnight, I decided to remove it - ultimately scrapping each model down to its bare metal to do so. These areas have since been 'successfully' repaired and should be 'covered' by a more suitably-sized red, yellow and blue roundel in the future. I might even replace the tiny German crosses on the turrets if the mood takes me.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Three (more) French Fusiliers and a lone (test piece) Chasseur

In addition to increasing the size of my already impressive collection of 10mm World War Two tanks, I have made more progress on ten 28mm metal light infantrymen from an old "Wargames Foundry" blister labelled Code FN54 - Chasseurs In Campaign Dress Advancing. All of these Napoleonic Frenchmen have now been rather clumsily base-coated and had a very rough (boundary) line of "Citadel" Abaddon Black placed around their sabre-briquets, cartridge pouches and back-packs.

Having subsequently daubed all their numerous leather straps with some "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and shockingly spent seven hours in total pigmenting the 'hunters', I have now singled out a lone pilot piece to push on with. Furthermore, I've plonked the figure alongside three spare Fusiliers In Greatcoats, so I can focus on a much more manageable and infinitely less off-putting quartet...

"Nameless And With No Will Of Their Own..."

"...The Castellans of Dol Guldur are but one facet of the Cursed Tower’s sleepless malice who now serve Mordor."

This 28mm metal Castellan of Dol Guldur is produced by "Games Workshop", and can be bought as part of a three-figure blister from their Dark Powers of Dol Guldur miniatures range. "Faceless spirits that have fallen to the control of the Nazgul", I actually plan to use it as a Black Númenórean for my Barad Dur army having discovered that the Nottingham-based company no longer manufacture such figures for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game".

The first of my entries into this year's Zomtober challenge was originally given an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then, in contrast to how I have previously painted my Castellans, 'picked out' his belt with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The Mouth of Sauron has been primed, base-coated, shaded and dry-brushed

Furthermore, I layered the miniature's ornate armour, sword and Morgul Blade using some “Vallejo” Gunmetal, sploshed these with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and later dry-brushed these areas with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. In the past I've next applied a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to my ghostly warriors' armour plates, helmet, gloves and boots. But on this occasion I decided to apply some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to these various regions first before sploshing them with Reikland Fleshshade.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

Sticking with Zomtober, I have also made some progress on a couple more of the miniatures I aim to complete as part of this month's challenge - The Mouth of Sauron (Foot & Mounted) by "Games Workshop". These metal figures were bought second-hand many moons ago, and were seemingly made 'paint-ready' during one of the recent Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenges (AHPC) I've participated in. As a result, I'm hoping to power through "the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr" within the next week or so.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This King Tiger is slowly having its details 'picked out'

In addition, I've begun working in earnest on a vast array of different 10mm World War Two armoured vehicles by "Pendraken Miniatures" which I've bought at this year's Salute and Colours. Foremost amongst all the Shermans, Matildas and Humbers are a pair of seriously hefty Tiger II tanks, which are destined to join my Axis forces attempting "the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front."

Having perused the painted pictures on the manufacturer's website I believe this particular duo of Königstigers are sporting Henschel turrets, as rather frustratingly it doesn't actually say on the clamshell's packaging and there's a few variants of this particular Panzerkampfwagen design available in the range - an infuriating omission which sadly plagues quite a few of their shows' wares. Happily however, the multi-piece models were pretty simple to assemble, so have been quickly based, primed and base-coated...

"Russia Is Impelled Onward By Fatality."

"Her destiny is about to be accomplished."

This trio of 28mm scale metal models are sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their FN101 - Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching set. The figures are three of eight identical Napoleonic French soldiers sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry, and have been painted to suggest the line infantrymen are returning back to their 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 miniatures using the 'official' palette shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, I undercoated the Fusiliers with a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel " Abaddon Black. I then applied either some "Two Thin Coats" White Star or "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to the Frenchmen's trousers, and (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star to their numerous leather straps. All these areas were later sploshed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The Horus Heresy occurred over ten thousand Terran years ago, a nearly unimaginable span of time."

With arguably the most daunting aspect of the soldiers completed, I applied the odd dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to each model's water bottle and chest strap, before layering their firearms with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. These details were shaded using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The miniatures' heavy greatcoats were 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 each Fusilier's pom-pom, doused them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and highlighted the ornamental balls with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow.

Alongside the latest additions to my slow-burning Napoleonic project, I have managed to finished a ninth 28mm plastic Horus Heresy Space Marine wearing MK VI armour. This "Games Workshop" traitor was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, "Vallejo" Gold, and Gunmetal, as well as lashings of "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade. Its completion means I just have the ten-man unit's Legion Vexilla bearer to go before the squad can take to the battlefields of the Thirty-First Millennium.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Castellans have been primed and base-layered

In addition I have made a start on some of the models I aim to complete as part of the annual Zomtober Challenge - namely a three-figure blister of Castellans of Dol Guldur by "Games Workshop". I actually painted up some of these 28mm metal miniatures earlier this year to represent a contingent of Black Númenóreans for my Barad Dur army, due to the Nottingham-based company no longer manufacturing the specific figures for their Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game.

Frustratingly, some ten months later this is still seemingly the case, so having decided against either paying twenty quid for a single official "Finecast" sculpt on "eBay" or 3D printing some "top quality" proxies, I have slapped some "Citadel" Abaddon Black and a base layer of "Vallejo" Gunmetal onto three more Castellans - with the plan of potentially buying a couple more packets in the near future to bolster up their overall number to twelve and maybe even 'using them in anger' for "Dragon Rampant...

"The Sherman Firefly Was A Medium Tank..."

"...Used by the United Kingdom and some armoured formations of other Allies in the Second World War."

These three 10mm metal models by “Pendraken Miniatures” were bought as part of a cheeky order in May and are Product Code BRV25 - M4A4 Sherman 'Firefly' 17pdr, no skirts. Consisting of a separate hull, gun turret and pair of tracks, the trio were originally simply going to form part of the British contingent for my ongoing Battle of the Bulge campaign. However, having discovered that the Second Canadian Armoured Brigade famously used them "in Northwestern Europe", I decided to 'decal them' with the D-Day veterans in mind.

All of the tanks were therefore individually super-glued onto plastic 40mm x 60mm rectangular stands and undercoated using "Vallejo" Leather Brown primer.. 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. I also 'picked out' their predominantly covered tank tracks using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before later returning to the hull with a smidgeon extra of "Vallejo" Russian Uniform WW2.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These Chasseurs have been primed and "shoddily" base-layered

Alongside my latest Late Second World War Winter additions, I have dusted down and based ten 28mm metal light infantrymen from an old "Wargames Foundry" blister labelled Code FN54 - Chasseurs In Campaign Dress Advancing. These Napoleonic French figures are all exactly the same and were discovered in my loft during a rummage through a horde of seriously dirty packets which horrifyingly dated back to over two decades ago - when I very first started painting in earnest.

Having recently pigmented a few of the Nottinghamshire-based company's Nineteenth-Century British Riflemen, Russian infantrymen and French Fusiliers, I thought the miniatures would make a nice subject with which to try batch-painting an entire unit. Now admittedly, the different colours ordinarily needed for such a vibrantly uniformed soldier might make such a challenge ludicrous - especially as I really struggle to paint more than three figures simultaneously as it is.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - The soldiers' sabre-briquets are slowly being 'picked out'

However, the beauty of these particular models being in Campaign Dress means, at least according to the official "Wargames Foundry" palette and a uniform plate I found depicting their attire at the Battle of Quatre-Bras, that the Chasseurs will predominantly just need to be pigmented blue. Indeed, even their trousers and tunic's turnbacks appear to have been cobalt in colour, leaving me with a fair few less headaches than I'd normally encounter applying my brush to a light infantryman from the Black Powder period.

Resultantly, all the miniatures have been cleaned up with a modelling knife, super-glued to some plastic circular 25mm bases, and undercoated using a combination of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black. With these preparatory measures done I have also started to apply a couple of layers of slightly watered-down "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to the ten-model unit, with the hopes of getting them all completed before the month is out...