"God Be Praised. I Am Victorious."

"Let this be a lesson to all enemies of the Cross of Christ."

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

Sculpted wearing the suit of armour he wore whilst campaigning against the Ottoman Empire, the figure was primed using a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. The model was then carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red, before his helmet's eye-slits were patiently 'picked out' using a line or two of watered-down "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Forged In Battle" WIP - This Maus has been undercoated using "Vallejo" Surface Primer Brown & Heavy Brown

Dracula's sword hilt was simply pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the blade was initially base-layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, coated in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and finally highlighted with a rough dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

Having finished the first of several potential poses I have plannned for the Impaler using the "Wargames Atlantic" STL files, I have somewhat surprisingly started the annual ritual of assembling, basing and priming a myriad of miniatures for the somewhat imminent Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). To be honest I wasn't planning on participating this year, as I currently have so many half-completed projects littering my hobby desk that I felt dedicating a few months to clearing them would be a much more worthwhile option.

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

However, having been directly contacted by the event's organiser, Curt Campbell, I thought it would be rude to say "no", and so have committed to my usual target of 500 points by the end of its thirteen-week run. To this end, I have built, based and primed the mammoth 15mm resin Maus by "Forged In Battle" I recently bought from "Westwind Productions" at "Warfare" 2023, as I fancied something reasonably straightforward to start my AHPC entries with.

In addition, I've started assembling the first of twelve Black Numenoreans from "The Lord Of The Rings", which I purchased from "eBay". These 28mm 3D printed 'worshippers of the Darkness' are not officially licenced figures for the "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" by "Games Workshop". But having got sick of waiting for the Nottingham-based company to re-release their range of 'corrupted men' for my Barad-Dur army, I finally bit the bullet and bought some proxies instead...

"Hulk Hungry!!"

"Hulk have to eat! Hulk starving!"

This 32mm scale plastic model of an undead Hulk is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” and can be found inside the "Marvel Zombies: Core Box" for Zombicide. "A rampaging beast who becomes eager to eat human flesh", this particular incarnation of Bruce Banner's alter-ego was created by Mark Millar and Greg Land for the August 2005 issue of "Ultimate Fantastic Four" by "Marvel Comics".

Initially primed using "Vallejo" Escorpena Green, the miniature was sploshed with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green and enthusiastically dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Escorpena Green. His eyes were then picked out with "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily watered-down "Vallejo" Turquoise and two further dots of (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

Having broken into the Xavier Institute, an Undead Hulk tackles the Silver Surfer

At this stage I also applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Violet across the Hulk's torn trousers, shaded them with "Citadel" Druchii Violet, and dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Violet. I also took the opportunity to layer the exposured internal flesh of the "hungriest" Marvel Zombie, with a few licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. All of these areas would later be splodged with some thinned down "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

To try and blend all the gory wounds and putrification pustules covering the sculpt, I liberally applied "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson around them, and then carefully dry-brushed (more) "Vallejo" Escorpena Green over them. As a final touch these blood-soaked injuries, along with the monster's teeth, were treated to (even more) "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and the Contrast colour Flesh Tearers Red.

The Black Panther battles zombie versions of Iceman, the Silver Surfer and the Hulk

For the Hulk's base, I originally used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil for the rubble, and "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil for the twisted girder. Both of these elements were later dry-brushed with additional "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and Gunmetal as appropriate. The two somewhat fiddly to reach Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I,M.) helmets enjoyed a couple of base-coats of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Following a dry-brush of (more) Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats", all of these areas were given a serious spattering of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Flesh Tearers Red.

At this stage I had thought the figure finished. However, my latest bottle of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish had other ideas. Apparently consisting of "a new, quick drying formula" this product literally stripped away huge swathes of the "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, Escorpena Green and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red from the miniature, and continued to do so even after I repeatedly repainted the damage. Resultantly, I must have 'touched up' the model four or five times before it was at long last tabletop ready.

"The 95th Regiment Of Foot Was A New Formation In 1808..."

"...Having originated with the experimental Corps of Riflemen raised in 1800."

This 28mm scale metal model is 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 picked mine up directly from the Newark-based company when I visited their premises earlier this year.

The Napoleonic soldier was primed using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before having the majority of his famous uniform pigmented in Wyvern Green by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then moved on to the Greenjacket's water bottle with a smattering of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade, whilst carefully drawing some "Two Thin Coats" White Star over the model's bread-bag.

Some British Riflemen encounter a formation of French Fusiliers

I next selected a little "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade for the Rifleman's gunpowder horn, and sploshed both the container and aforementioned linen haversack with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This left me with just the infantryman's backpack and Baker Rifle, so I applied a basecoat of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey to the top of his knapsack, Gunmetal to his firearm 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, as well as some "Two Thin Coats" Wyvern Green and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the headdress itself. In addition, I carefully applied some slightly thinned-down "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the soldier's collar, shako, epaulettes and cuffs so as to tidy them up from where my brush-point had previously got a little careless with other colours.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These figures have been primed. shaded and dry-brushed

Following the completion of my fourth British Napoleonic figure, I have momentarily turned my attention to a pair of Federated Security Command figures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", which I rather embarassingly bought at Salute 2016, assembled/undercoated just as soon has I got home, and then plonked away in a drawer untouched for over seven years. Indeed, Karl Perrotton doesn't even sell them anymore, having agreed to move both his Future Freedom Fighters and Federated Security miniature ranges over to "Beast In The Broch" a couple of years later.

Despite being 'under cover' the two models were in surprisingly pretty poor condition, so I have re-primed them using a mixture of "Vallejo" Gloss Black/"Warlord Games" Pitch Black and "Vallejo" Heavy Red, before starting to shade and dry-brush them. I've strangely been inspired to paint the pair as a result of listening to the old "Big Finish" audio play "Blake's 7: Warship", which I probably haven't properly listened to since its release way back in January 2013...

"Bobby Is At The Xavier Institute When It Is Attacked..."

"...And arrives at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier with the other X-Men and Magneto."

This 32mm scale plastic model of an undead Bobby Drake is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” and can be found inside the "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion set for Zombicide. Unsuccessfully "sent back down to the surface to battle the zombies" by the Leader of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Resistance, this particular incarnation of Iceman was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the May 2007 issue of "Marvel Zombies: Dead Days" by "Marvel Comics".

Originally undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" White Surface Primer and their White Model Colour paint, the figure and his impressively sculpted skull-headed base were absolutely drenched in a torrent of Drakenhof Nightshade, before being given several patient dry-brushes of "Two Thin Coats" White Star using an old make-up brush. The founding X-Man's eyes were then picked out with (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily watered-down "Vallejo" Turquoise and two further dots of White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Wargames Atlantic" WIPs - These two Vlad the Impaler figures have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

For the final, gory touch, the brain-chomping zombie's mouth was splodged in "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red, dry-brushed with (even more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and subsequently bloodied back up with a dab or two of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I did consider adding some additional claret to other parts of the mutant-turned-walking dead comic book character - possibly even mixing some extra "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson in with the sculpt's base to better separate it from Bobby. But in the end I felt that less was probably more with this particular miniature.

Alongside this latest addition to my slowly growing collection of Zombicide gaming pieces, I have also managed to 3D print a couple of 28mm multi-part Vlad Dracul figures by "Wargames Atlantic" in "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin. These STL (Standard Triangle Language) files were clearly inspired by Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 movie "Bram Stoker's Dracula", and having read Peter Breau's excellent Weird War One comic "Mud And Madness", in which the Transylvanian Count is penned aiding the Kaiser's army, I thought the Eastern nobleman might make an eye-catching Commander for my own fantasy-based German WW1 contigent using "Xenos Rampant".

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Sons of Horus Space Marines have been assembled and primed

I did actually plan on pigmenting a third variant of the model, using some more of the surplus weapon arms which come with the digital product - such as a huge two-handed pike. However, for some reason my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer wasn't apparently too happy with the third torso on its build plate, so simply produced a flat puddle of semi-cured resin in its spot. Of course, this means I've now got an excuse to make another batch of body parts, and may well take up this opportunity to include some First World War hand-guns or rifles for the Impaler to hold.

Lastly, I've primed another trio of 28mm MK IV former Luna Wolves Space Marines by "Games Workshop". These traitors were assembled using the sprues found in the now sadly Out Of Production (OOP) "The Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth" boardgame, and once completed will help form a third tactical infantry unit for my Sons of Horus legion. I really am finding myself to be increasingly enthused to complete this project, so aim to properly knuckle down next month in order to quickly get the Warmaster's renegades battling across the world of Isstvan III.

"Nothing Could Be Heard."

"But the infernal din of their discharge."

This 15mm scale plastic Confederate Artillery piece is produced by “Warlord Games” and is from the Nottingham-based company's "Epic Battles: American Civil War" range. One of four identical grey-coloured sprues I bought via "eBay" way back in January 2022, the large gun and figures were originally going to be painted separately on wooden sticks.

However, having found that technique incredibly time-consuming, the entire ensemble was eventually permanently attached to its square stand using plastic glue, and primed with a couple of coats of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. I then focused upon the cannon's wooden carriage and wheels with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, as well as plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help 'dirty it up'. Finally, the artillery piece itself was 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Bronze and (more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Sons of Horus Space Marines have been assembled and primed

Owing to my desire to tie this particular cannon in with my Florida regiment, I painted the majority of the four crewmen using a combination of "Vallejo" Sombrey Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did though want to mix their attire up a little bit, so put a pair of the Johnny Rebs in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade trousers. I also took this opportunity to pigment any broad-rimmed bonnets (or rather Straw Hats) with a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow, before sploshing them with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

With my basic Confederate force now complete (at least for now), I have managed to undercoat some more 28mm MK IV former Luna Wolves Space Marines by "Games Workshop". To be honest, I was somewhat in two minds as to whether I was going to work on this particular scale much more this year, due to my interest in the much smaller Adeptus Astartes figures found inside the "Warhammer: The Horus Heresy Legions Imperialis" box set - which "Games Workshop" have been struggling to put on shops' shelves for the past few months.

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

Luckily though, this lengthy delay, combined with a hefty price tag, has completely eroded my interest in another project set within the "fictional galaxy-spanning civil war", so rather than painstakingly working my way through an eye-watering 223 8mm tall plastic miniatures, I aim to simply push on with pigmenting a third ten-man unit of tactical infantrymen for my heroic-sized Traitor army instead. Indeed, I'm hoping to get this sizeable formation finished before the end of December, and finally get some games of "The Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness" under my belt.

In addition to slapping a pot of "Citadel" Sons of Horus Green all over the place, I've found a little hobby time to continue my current 'love affair' with "Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game" by "CoolMiniOrNot". Admittedly, my Undead Iceman actually comes from the game's "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion set. But that hasn't stopped me from wanting to get Bobby Drake's brain-chomping alter-ego tabletop ready in a hurry...

"The Laputian Robot Troopers Are Primitive Automatons."

"The first robot seen in the film is revealed to have fallen from Laputa, which is found by the military."

This 28mm scale Laputian Robot Trooper was sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a five-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the giant mechanical bodyguards depicted in Hayao Miyazaki's 1986 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Designed to "protect and serve the Laputian royal bloodline at all costs", the 107mm tall figure was initially undercoated in a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna, before being base-layered in Decayed Metal by "Scale 75". It was then mercilessly drowned in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and brusquely dry-brushed with (more) "Scale 75" Decayed Metal so as to highlight its "extremely strong, dark armour." I also took the opportunity to 'pick out' its "bean-shaped" face plate with a combination of "Vallejo" Brass and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Zombie Hulk still needs a tidy up and his base finishing

Finally, the Heavenly Trooper's crest of the Laputian royal family was dabbed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red and washed with a tiny amount of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Having completed the test piece for this force, I may well now work on the printing supports for the remaining four STL files in "Chitubox" Basic, so I can 'field' a five-figure strong squad for my ongoing Robot Space Wars project using many of the other automaton-based miniatures released by "Big Mr Tong".

Alongside my Laputian Robot, I've also managed to make more progress on my Zombie Hulk by "CoolMiniOrNot". Originally, I had rather naively planned on haphazardly pigmenting my way through the "Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game" core box until I had four finished super-heroes, a few Zombie Heroes (!?!), and some bystanders to rescue. However, as it turns out, the rules for playing the non-undead metahumans are actually contained in the "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion, so my aspirations have somewhat changed to accommodate some of the plastic models from that box too.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two Russian soldiers, a French Chasseur and British Rifleman

Disconcertingly though, considering that the base set contains a whopping eighty-seven 28mm miniatures on its own, this move somewhat significantly raises the overall figure count of the project - especially as I actually own all the cooperative board game's Kickstarter exclusive miniatures too, and will doubtless fancy slipping the odd one or ten into my already overcrowded painting schedule from time to time. Resultantly, I'm simply going to try to stick to just four heroes, an equal number of zombie foes and bystanders, as well as a smattering of the game's basic walking dead. This should give me enough to play a series of small scenarios in the new year, and additionally encourage me to apply my brush-tip to even more of the comic book characters as my campaign continues.

Luckily, my current obsession with "Zombicide" has not completely eroded my enthusiasm for my long-running Napoleonic Wars project, and I've still made some noticeable in-roads on my current quartet of "Wargames Foundry" miniatures over the past few days. I've obviously got quite a bit of work left to do on the two Russian infantrymen. But I'm pretty sure a focused session or two should see the British and French troopers 'tabletop' ready - which is lucky really as I have a load of models taken from blister FN103 - Grenadiers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching now based, ready to be added to the Emperor's Grande Armée... 

"Instead Of Being Called Private Soldiers, Every Man..."

"...from the colonel in charge of the entire battalion to the newest recruit – called themselves Riflemen."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased either as part of their B080 British Riflemen set. The Newark-based company didn't actually have this blister on their shelves when I visited their premises earlier in the year. However, the top chap behind the counter disappeared into the nearby casting room, and quite quickly returned with a plastic bag containing my sought after assortment.

Having previously learnt a valuable lesson in giving my Riflemen a dark undercoat, the officer was primed using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black. I then applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to the soldier's trouser turn-ups and sploshed them with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before applying a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to the rest of his pants and drowning them in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This ACW Artillery crew are close to having all their details 'picked out'

The figure's red sash was simply traced out with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, whilst any gold areas, such as his whistle and sabre's hilt were treated to some "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The miniature's famous coloured jacket and shako plume was 'picked out' using "Wyvern Green" by "Two Thin Coats", and later shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Due to wanting the coat's fur to be a different brown to the man's turn-ups, I applied a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to these areas.

To finish my foot commander off, I gave the officer's shirt a smidgeon of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and dirtied this up with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I tidied up the model's collar, cuffs and shako with pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and gave his sabre a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch I highlighted the sword's blade edge with a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Zombie Hulk is being 'bloodied up'

Alongside my latest Napoleonic infantryman, I have been making some steady progress on a third 15mm plastic four-figure cannon crew for Epic Battles: American Civil War by "Warlord Games". Having previously pigmented the big gun, I am patiently applying my brush-tip to each Johnny Reb in turn, and decided to mark the unit out as belonging to the 1st Florida Regiment by giving two of the cannoneers noticeable straw hats.

Lastly, I've managed to spend a little more time on my Zombie Hulk by "CoolMiniOrNot" - a project which has suddenly completely captured my imagination, courtesy of playing some games of "Zombicide" using the Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance expansion set. This version of the rules allows players to actually be the mutant super-heroes who are caught inside Professor Xavier Institute when the apocalypse strikes, rather than the brain-hungry, super-powered cadavers found inside the base game. Resultantly, I intend to paint a mixture of the plastic models from both boxes for a future Zombicide campaign.

“Warfare" Showcase 2023

Warfare 2023 - Trade stands, Tournaments, Demonstration and Participation games, and Bring and Buy.' 

Having rather enjoyed my trip to the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre last year, it seemed rude not to make the hour-long journey back to the venue for "Warfare" 2023 - especially as for once I had actually made something of a mental list as to what I specifically wanted to purchase. In addition, I took the time to read the Wargames Association of Reading's entry information beforehand, so quite easily found myself approaching Farnborough airport's Gate F without too much hassle from my iPhone's sometimes senile satellite navigation service.

The stalls for "Red3 Miniatures" and "Void Scar Miniatures"

One thing which did perplex me though was the sudden trend by my local wargaming shows to charge a tenner for entry to their events. I suppose many will argue this is a perfectly reasonable price considering the current financial climate. However, I always compare the increasing costs of a show (including petrol, time and food/drinks) with postage costs, and couldn't help but give a slight frown as I handed over my dosh. Having quibbled about the toll though, I must say that entry was very smooth, even if I was somewhat disorientated by the club's decision to push all foot traffic straight through to the Main Hall, as opposed to last year where I'm pretty sure direct access to the Discover Hall was also permitted.

Some of the demonstration and participation games in the Main Hall

After a short(ish) stop in the refreshment's area, where I was able to exchange a few pleasantries with the always amiable Karl Perrotton of "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", I quite methodically starting making my way along the different vendors - starting with "Tiger Miniatures" and the aforementioned co-creator of "7TV" - who had fortuitously managed to relocate his incredible range of film/telly inspired figures into the space set aside for the sadly absent "Plastic Soldier Company" at the very last minute. I was also able to quickly visit the "Warlord Games" stall, which frankly was far too cramped for my liking, and had little room for more than a couple of potential punters to peruse their wares.

"Rok Miniatures" incredible range of small scale science-fiction and fantasy models

Quite frustratingly, I had made a particular beeline for this booth as online the Nottingham-based manufacturer had a 50% off sale on their entire "Mythic Americas" range and I was planning to pick up some reinforcements for my Aztecs force. However, the pricing on the boxes was set at their normal full price, and it was only after I had left the show that I discovered "Warlord Games" were matching all their offer prices on the web. At the time I had contemplated asking whether this the case with the company's staff at their till. But due to my impatience at the queue I decided to leave it until later, and then, like a complete muppet, I never managed to make my way back to raise the question - an unsuccessful return trip which also caused me to forget to pick up some additions to my Epic Battles: American Civil War project too.

Cloudships of Mars Revisited, Operation Barbarossa and the Battle of Domstadtl

One of the benefits of scoping out the vendors in the Main Hall first though was that once finished, I was immediately confronted by a number of truly inspirational demonstration and participation games. Several of these caught my attention, such as the South London Warlords' "Cloudships of Mars Revisited", Bread & Beef's "Battle of Domstadtl (which used flat miniatures) and an Operation Barbarossa pitched battle. Such projects really got me enthused for all sorts of future scales/genres/campaigns, and doubtless encouraged me to spend a tad more than I had anticipated at "Pendraken Miniatures" - having decided to branch out my collection of 10mm World War Two models into British and Soviet Modern War (1980's) too.

"Pendraken Miniatures" took the lion's share of my money this year, courtesy of some Modern War Army Packs

Quite possibly my favourite purchase of the day however, was a bargain find on the Bring and Buy stall, which consisted of a complete Rural Fields and Fences boxed set by "Gale Force Nine" for "Flames Of War". I already own one such pre-painted kit and can now double the amount of farming terrain on my Epic Scale American Civil War battlefield. There were a few other train-related pieces from this scenic range avaliable on the giant gathering of second-hand tables. But none seemed to offer the value for money I thought this particular sale did.

Tribal Conquest by "Nervosa Games" and some of the 3D Prints by "Culverin Models"

My final buy came with "Culverin Models", who sell some cracking 3D prints of armoured vehicles, fortifications and giant robots. I'm particularly indebted to their owner, who in the past has very kindly supplied me with a few free STL (Standard Triangle Language) files to see whether they can be readily produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer rather than PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament. I couldn't help but notice a wonderful looking Iron Pig Utility Tractor on his stall, so scooped one up to go with another variation of the Boar Troop Carrier model I'm currently painting up for a Weird War One project.

"The Mouth Of Sauron Is One Of The Gúrzyul."

"Mortal servants of Sauron whom he made ageless through dark arts during the Second Age."

This 28mm scale metal model of an "unwholesome being [who] speaks for 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 my already-assembled miniature at a wargaming show's second-hand stall many years ago, and since then it's sat neglected in a drawer gathering dust.

Originally a long-abandoned entry for a past Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), the "tall, evil man who wore black robes and a black, lofty helm" was re-primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, brusquely dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then 'picked out' the rider's belt and sword scabbard with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before layering both the horse and man's armour, the face-grill and two-handed sword in “Vallejo” Gunmetal.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three MK VI Space Marines are at various stages of completion

All of these metallic areas were subsequently sploshed in “Citadel” Nuln Oil and carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. To mark out the stallion's armour though I gave the plates a lick of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and subsequently highlighted their edges with (another) dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I also attempted to pick out some stitch-work on the odd piece of cloth with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, as seen on the "official" paint-job. However, I really didn't like the way my ham-fisted effort turned out, so soon reworked the areas using "Citadel "Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I 'picked out' the sharpened teeth of the "renegade who came of the race of those that are named the Black Númenóreans" with a few dollops of White Star by "Two Thin Coats", and his partially-visible chin with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. To complete the somewhat gory look the Mouth of Sauron sported in the 2003 movie "The Return of the King", I later 'bloodied these up' with a dash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This ACW Artillery crew are slowly having their details 'picked out'

Encouraged by the release of the Daemons of the Ruinstorm rules by "Games Workshop" for "The Horus Heresy", I have also managed to make a little headway on some Sons of Horus models which have been impatiently lurking on one of the edges of my painting table. Two of the 28mm figures were assembled from the plastic sprues found inside the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set. Whilst the Traitor Esoterist Consul was bought from "Forge World" in March and seems to have taken an age for me to assemble once I've washed the resin pieces.

Lastly, I've purposely set aside some time this month to finish the third and final 15mm Confederate Artillery piece by “Warlord Games” I built for my initial foray into Epic Battles: American Civil War. I'm planning on making short work of this large gun and crew as I'd also like to finish a metal command stand of Union Iron Brigade before November's end, and resultantly focus upon some other infantry companies for the North before the year concludes...

"It’s The Rockbrow Squig Klonk!"

"Being repeatedly battered over the head is the only source of relief for this little beast."

This 28mm scale multi-part plastic model of "the legendary Anvil Squig" is produced by "Games Workshop", and can be found inside their Orruk Warclans: Zoggrok Anvilsmasha kit for "Age Of Sigmar". The "simplest form of Greenskin life" was reasonably simple to assemble, but I did decide to place mine upon a larger "Citadel" circular base as I felt the 25mm round stand which accompanied it was far too small.

The miniature was initially primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, drowned in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. I then patiently picked out all its prominent scales using a couple of applications of slightly watered-down "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before dry-brushing it's hardened brow with some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and sploshing it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - This Laputian Robot has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

The crotchety critter's large teeth were simply 'picked out' using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the figure's tail-collar was pigmented with a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dotted Klonk's super-tiny eyes with a dab or two of Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats".

With my first "Age Of Sigmar" model finished in four years, I have rather impulsively 3D-printed a giant Laputian Robot Trooper by "Big Mr Tong", which has been inspired by the "primitive automatons that appear in the Studio Ghibli film Laputa: Castle in the Sky." The sculptor has actually produced the Heavenly Trooper in a variety of poses, so I may well work on a handful more at some point in the future - as the basic STL (Standard Triangle Language) file is easy enough to support using "Chitubox" Basic despite its intimidating size.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two Russian soldiers, a French Chasseur and British Rifleman

Lastly, I've managed to make some more progress on my current Napoleonic Wars project by 'nibbling away' at a quartet of miniatures by "Wargames Foundry". The plan is to 'soldier through' my backlog of Russian, British and French troopers in a somewhat piecemeal fashion, whilst working on other subjects. But once one of the figures is close to completion then I'll focus upon it until its done, and subsequently add a fresh infantryman to the 'fab foursome.'

For now though, I've managed to just get some basic "Citadel" Abaddon Black base-coats on my two Russians in oilskin covered shakos - which has caused me to consider priming them black in future rather than "Vallejo" Heavy Brown - and some of the numerous straps upon the Rifleman and Chasseur. Hopefully, this process will help make the sheer mountain of 28mm metal models I require for this five-year Black Powder plan far less intimidating; something which has definitely put me off in the past when I've tried to tackle the subject using "Warlord Games", "Perry Miniatures" and "Victrix Miniatures" boxed sets.

"On 24th June 1812, The First Wave Of The Grande Armée..."

"...Crossed the Niemen from the Duchy of Warsaw into Russia."

These three 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 as some of the beleaguered line infantrymen returning to their homeland following the Emperor's embarrassing Retreat from Moscow.

The trio were initially primed with a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel " Abaddon Black. before having their trousers painted using either "Two Thin Coats" White Star or "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. In addition, I tackled all of the Frenchmen's white straps with a few lines of (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats". All of these areas were subsequently shaded using some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Drakenhof Nightshade as appropriate.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This British Rifleman Officer is slowly having all his details 'picked out'

With debatably the most off-putting and challenging element of the miniatures completed, I applied the odd splodge of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to each trooper's water bottle and chest strap, before layering their firearms with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Gunmetal. These details were also shaded using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, apart from the metallic parts, which received a liberal drowning in Nuln Oil. The figures' greatcoats were treated to some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and very carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. Lastly, I applied a blob 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.

With the first phase of fifteen Napoleonic soldiers now completed - allowing me to field two opposing 24-point forces for "Xenos Rampant" by "Osprey Games" using single model units, I have perhaps unsurprisingly already started working in earnest on the next stage of this long-term project. In essence I intend to simply double-up the figure count for each unit, including the French Chasseur contingent - which currently sits outside the Emperor's main force and actually take's the Grande Armee up to 28-points in total.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The Mouth of Sauron awaits a heavy wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil

However, I do plan to add a few extra embellishments where I can, and thought that 'fielding' an Officer from the blister B080 British Riflemen, would give me the opportunity for the Third Coalition to be lead by a 'proper' Commander, as opposed to just a blonde-haired sharpshooter. Furthermore, I rather fancy adding some Grenadiers and Voltigeurs to Bonaparte's infantry, so its core contains plenty more of its famous Nineteenth-Century Imperial flavour - Albeit, I have since realised that despite wearing greatcoats, some French skirmishers I bought earlier this year off of the "Wargames Foundry" website, are still sporting the time-consuming and fiddly briquet sabres I had hoped to avoid pigmenting. 

Finally, despite this year's annual Zomtober challenge now being well and truly over, I thought I would still finish off my partially-painted Mouth of Sauron (Mounted) by "Games Workshop". This seriously hefty, all-metal horse and rider is fortunately predominantly black, so I'm hoping the model won't prove too much of a distraction from this month's main focus upon Napoleonic soldiers...

"Originally Chasseurs, Or Chasseurs A Pied (“On Foot”), Were Light-Infantry Regiments."

“Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.”

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and these days can be purchased as part of the identical eight-figure FN054 - Light Infantry Chasseurs Advancing blister. However, I actually found this miniature in a packet of ten Perry Twin sculpts labelled Chasseurs In Campaign Dress Advancing, whilst searching through a long-thought lost pile of lead, and am rather ashamed to say that it dates back as far as my earliest days in the hobby - probably some twenty-three years ago.

The Frenchman was originally primed using a combination of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before rather roughly pigmenting his uniform and cuffs with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, I then 'picked out' the soldier's numerous leather straps using a couple of layers of  White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and 'muddied' these areas up a little with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two Russians, a British Rifleman and French Chasseur

With arguably the biggest hurdle of the Chasseur overcome, I began patiently applying a little "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green to his epaulettes and sabre-briquet ribbon, "Vallejo" Gold to parts of the trooper's sword and pure "Citadel" Abbadon Black to his cartridge pouch. In addition I painted the miniature's back-pack and gun-stock with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and his bedroll in "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Trying to follow the official paint scheme on the Newark-based company's website to the letter, I gave model's shako covering a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and sploshed it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Plus dolloped the figure's plume with "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow, darkened it with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and re-lightened it with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow. As a last touch, I carefully dry-brushed the main uniform with some extra "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to bring out some of the sculpt's details.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Klonk the squig is slowly being progressed

Sticking with my Napoleonic project I have also made some progress on four more Nineteenth Century soldiers by "Wargames Foundry", including a second French Chasseur. This quartet's purpose is essentially to help me start doubling up the figures within each of my planned squads for "Xenos Rampant" by "Osprey Games". Though I might occasionally use a few of them as (more) "single model units" in order to play some 30 point or even 36 point skirmish games.

Furthermore, I've finally knuckled down to getting some serious paint on my 28mm multi-piece plastic Klonk by "Games Workshop". I had hoped to paint the squig alongside its master, Zoggrok Anvilsmasha, last month. But simply ran out of time, courtesy of my sudden distraction with the Nottingham-based company's "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" range. Considering how reasonably straightforward the model is though, I now aim to get the legendary Ironjawz smith's pet finished within the next few hobby sessions...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Wargames Foundry" November 2023

"Napoleon defeated the allied Russo-Austrian army at Austerlitz, effectively ending the Third Coalition."

Having had an enjoyably successful Zomtober Challenge last month, predominantly focusing upon the Undead servants of the Dark Lord Sauron from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", I thought I'd turn to something historically based for the next few weeks and finally get my burgeoning collection of 28mm Napoleonic figures by "Wargames Foundry" into a state where I can at least play a small game of "Xenos Rampant" by "Osprey Games". My initial aim has always been to get enough soldiers painted up to where each miniature can represent a single unit, and resultantly field two twenty-four point forces against one another.

I've actually already achieved this with an unlikely Third Coalition army consisting of two British Riflemen models (acting as Commander and a second Elite Infantry unit), plus four Russian Infantrymen (representing Light Infantry with Assault Doctrine - bayonets). However, I haven't managed to keep apace with my plans for the opposing French forces, as up until now, I only had four French Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching completed (amounting to four units of Light Infantry with Assault Doctrine - bayonets).

"By the mid-18th century, the French Army used the term fusiliers to designate ordinary line infantry."

Happily however, I have now finished a fifth soldier, with the Perry Twins' sculpt being predominantly pigmented using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, Heavy Sienna, Sombre Grey, "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade. This has left me needing to crack on with just three more figures from the blister FN101 and I'll be able to then try out a low model count game of "Xenos Rampant" on a 3x3 foot table - possibly even using the ruleset's National Traits. 

In addition, I'd also like to make some major in-roads in this long-term project's second phase, where I essentially try to double the miniatures in each unit. For the Third Coalition force this will simply mean applying a brush to the remaining four Russians in the Newark-based manufacturer's RN023 - Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching pack, and another figure from their B081 - Riflemen Advancing blister. I will though, be taking this opportunity to paint the officer from my recently-acquired B080 - British Riflemen bag, so as to make the army's Commander properly stand out.

October 2023 - "Pendraken Miniatures" is reaching for the Top Spot over "Papsikel's Miniatures"

With the third best October under my belt in ten years of hobbying, I'm really hoping to build upon this productivity over the next thirty days. Admittedly, much of this success was due to my predominantly black-coloured Castellans and Nazgul from the "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" by "Games Workshop". However, I also managed to pigment many an armoured vehicle from the 10mm World War Two range of "Pendraken Miniatures" - and my enthusiasm for this small scale has not diminished.

Furthermore, I plan to push through a good dozen or so of my aforementioned "Wargames Foundry" backlog, which should then allow me to play a couple of games using them - something which always seems to spur me on to greater heights. I've also recently received many a good STL from the various 3D Printing Companies I support on Patreon, such as "Big Mr Tong", "Papsikels Miniatures" and the Poland-based "Puppets War", so I wouldn't be at all surprised to see some of these resin models jump the painting queue too...