"The Grenadier Battalions Were Kept In Army Reserve..."

"...And used in decisive moments as a breakthrough force or to stabilize the wavering line."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their AN026 German Grenadiers 1805-15 Marching set. The figure is one of eight identical Napoleonic Austrian infantrymen sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and didn't take quite as long to paint as I feared - once I'd worked out what colours I was going to apply to its considerable detail.

The model was primed using a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and washed with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade in order to help all its straps and creases stand out a bit. The elite infantryman's collar, cuffs, waist-band, helmet and turnbacks were given a lick of "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue and a splosh of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. This colour scheme followed that shown on the 'official' paint-job, and having done a meagre bit of research into the army's uniforms apparently suggests the unit originated in Lower Austria.

"If we are to divert the asteroid which is on a collision course with this planet."

Unlike my Austrian Fusiliers though, I decided against picking out one of the shoulder straps in a different colour - so as to suggest it was connected to the soldier's water bottle, and simply left it plain "Two Thin Coats" White Star. I did however, apply some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the drinking container itself, as well as use a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on the Grenadier's sabre hilt, scabbard tip, ammunition pouch and helmet plate.

Lastly I applied a little "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and Wyvern Green by "Two Thin Coats" to the model's plume - in line with the colours used on the "Wargames Foundry" website. These areas were subsequently shaded with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and Nuln Oil respectively. I did also momentarily contemplate trying to 'dot' the dark recesses of the eye sockets. But in the end felt that the figure looked good enough as it was, with his actual eyes overshadowed by his impressive helmet.

"We must warp out of orbit within thirty minutes." 

In addition to my latest Napoleonic test piece I have also completed two more medium asteroids by "Fat Dragon Games". This pair of sizeable space rocks are included in the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set, and were produced using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer before being super-glued onto a 60mm and 70mm round MDF base by "Warbases". 

The duo were primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and base-layered using "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. I then shaded the rocks in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and gave both the asteroids (and their bases) a much lighter dry-brush of Heavy Bluegrey. Finally, the models' stands were washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and flocked with a little 2mm tall Chilli Red static grass so I could also use them as scatter terrain for any future Moon/Mars surface battles too...

"Kirk, You Do This..."

"...You'll never sit in the captain's chair again."

This Terran D-3A Destroyer was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. The two-piece starship has been printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.1mm layer height in order to minimise any striation lines on the finished model.

Somewhat intriguingly, the 'kit' also comes with a rig STL, which allows you to produce a docking bay of sorts that supposedly lines up the spacecraft's single engine with the hull. However, I really didn't think the model required such a device - feeling you could easily align the two parts using just the naked eye, and indeed, when I did superglue the vessel together using the rig I found the engine to be slightly off-kilter from where I'd have plonked it if doing it manually.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Three Napoleonic German Grenadiers at various stages of completion

Once assembled, the miniature was undercoated using a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then patiently dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before 'picking out' the warp nacelle on its propulsion unit with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue.

Currently I'm planning to use all this range's starships for some homebrew "Star Trek" rules - based upon the Original Series and its subsequent movies, so must confess that this particular sculpt has left me a little bemused due to only having a single warp nacelle. For now I plan to use it as a proxy for the U.S.S. Excelsior under Captain Lawrence H. Styles' command, due to it being disconcertingly larger than the Frigate model which I'll be using for my Constitution-class substitutes. However, as "Fat Dragon Games" continue to produce more designs I may well change my mind...

"Hasbro" WIPs - The Hulkster is just doing up his bootlaces

With so simple a painting subject completed, I have unsurprisingly found plenty of time to make some more progress on a trio of 28mm metal Napoleonic Austrians by "Wargames Foundry". These identical figures from the Newark-based company's blister AN026 German Grenadiers 1805-15 Marching, are arguably showing their age in their casting. But should be reasonably quick to get tabletop ready, now I'm a bit more familiar with all the different details on them.

In addition, I have been lucky enough to acquire an STL scan of the old WWF Hulk Hogan action figure by "Hasbro", so have produced an approximate 40mm scale version using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer. As with the Andre the Giant miniature I own, the detail is rather soft, so I'm planning on just using a few base layers and washes to get the Hulkster ready for a "Wrestlemania III" rematch...

"As With All Efforts Of Humanity..."

"...War and conflict seemed to be an inevitable part of these endeavours beyond Earth."

This 32mm resin miniature is produced by "Black Site Studios", and forms part of the Lunar Core Game pre-order I made with the American-based manufacturer way back in July 2021. These days the model is available as either part of the five-figure set SKU: LNR6809BSS - NASA Astronauts, or the manufacturer's current Two-Player Starter Box, and was put together using elements taken from the incredible number of hands, weapons and equipment pieces which came inside my old starter box.

Prior to painting, the "rocketeer" was super-glued to a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand, rather than one of the bases which came with the kit, and then armed according to the role I see him playing in a homebrew version of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games" which I'm planning. As I intend to have this particular chap wielding a two-handed heavy weapon (as per a Sapper), I gave him a big stonkingly heavy mining drill to hold.

"The field strength of the infantry increased..."

The miniature was primed with plenty of "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue, drenched in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue. I then applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to a piece of insulation material running along the edge of the astronaut's backpack. I had hoped this darker shade would help break up the monotony of the spaceman's palette a little bit. But disappointingly it's a little too close in hue to the predominant colour to make much of a difference - especially once they've both been washed with the same "Citadel" Colour Shade.

The model's large hand-tool was first 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and finally sploshed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, as I wanted to make it look a bit grimy, even rusty, I also dabbed some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on parts of it, and later gave it a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. The astronaut's helmet visor was simply coated with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, carefully layered with Gold, and finally washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"...Whilst a new drill book allowed for training for skirmishers in the line regiments."

Despite my renewed enthusiasm for all things "Lunar" rather surprisingly returning from out of the blue, I have also managed to complete another Napoleonic figure by "Wargames Foundry". Taken from their Austrian range's blister AN002 German Infantry Marching set, the 28mm scale metal model was undercoated using a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and shaded using some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

It was subsequently painted largely using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade,"Vallejo" Heavy Red, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, "Vallejo" Gunmetal, "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This soldier completes my task of getting four of the identical sculpts by the Perry Brothers tabletop ready, and means I can now field a tiny-sized unit of either Budweis or Leitmeritz volunteers for "Black Powder."

"The Klingon Empire Makes Use Of Several Classes Of Starships."

"The Bird-of-Prey is one of the most common Klingon ships."

This Kurgun F-3A Frigate was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. The single-piece spacecraft has been printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.1mm layer height in order to minimise any striation lines on the finished model.

The vessel was initially undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Green and shaded with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I then carefully dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, before 'picking out' its warp nacelles and (forward-facing) antimatter-based photon torpedo launcher with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

"The bloody loss at the battle of Austerlitz (1805) was the catalyst for change."

In addition to my latest acquisition for my (not) Klingon Defense Force, I have found the time to finish another Napoleonic figure by "Wargames Foundry". Taken from their Austrian range's blister AN002 German Infantry Marching set, the 28mm scale metal model was primed using a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and shaded using some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

I then applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the infantryman's collar, cuffs and waist-band - which apparently signifies that the unit originated in either Budweis or Leitmeritz. Furthermore, I 'picked out' one of the shoulder straps using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to show it belonged to the soldier's leather encased water bottle.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - One of four Austrian Grenadiers currently being progressed

Lastly I applied a little "Vallejo" Gold over a Heavy Sienna base layer to the bottom of the Austrian's sword scabbard and helmet plate. These areas were later shaded with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Of course the underside of the miniature's plume should also have been treated to a thin line of "Vallejo" Gold. But frankly this looks really difficult to achieve without making a considerable mess, so in the end I decided to settle for a straightforward, tabletop standard, and simply leave it pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

In between 'chipping away' at both my backlog of 3D printed starships and Austrian fusiliers though, I have also made a bit more progress on one of the figures from the "Wargames Foundry" blister AN026 German Grenadiers 1805-15 Marching too. I'm currently trying to tackle four of these identical sculpts simultaneously. However, as I need just one of these models for my Austrian "The Silver Bayonet" warband, I've been primarily focusing upon just a single miniature...

"The Conflict Lasted Seventy-Four Days..."

"...And ended with an Argentine surrender on 14 June, returning the islands to British control."

These five 10mm metal British soldiers are by "Pendraken Miniatures" and were bought as part of their Falklands British Army Pack whilst I was visiting "Colours" 2023. The 30mm x 40mm plastic base is comprised of a single figure from the following codes: FLB25 - Officers, with SLR/SMG/map, helmet, FLB26 - Radio Operators, helmet, and FLB24 - Standing, firing SMG, helmet.

The models were all originally super-glued onto a wooden painting stick, undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey. I then began the patient process of 'picking out' all their boots, hands, faces and weapons with a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before dabbing at the troopers' skin with a brush-tip covered in "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

"Klingon starships are known for their warrior culture and are primarily used for military purposes."

These areas were later shaded with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and highlighted back up with a smidgeon of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. The soldiers' guns were simply pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to any visible rifle butts and the odd rear-located ammunition, as well as some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and (heavily watered-down) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the officer's map.

Alongside the latest addition to my slowly growing "Germany 1985" project completed, I have managed to rattle off another Kurgun S-3 Scout spacecraft by "Fat Dragon Games". This vessel was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file as part of the "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Four Napoleonic German Grenadiers

The single-piece spacecraft was printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.1mm layer height, so as to minimise any striation lines on the finished miniature, and was largely painted in "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. However, the (not) Klingon ship was later carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and had its warp nacelle pigmented using a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

Lastly, I have not forgotten about my Napoleonic Austrian force using some of the fantastic 28mm metal figures by "Wargames Foundry", and resultantly have managed to get some basic layer colours on a quartet of identical models taken from their blister AN026 German Grenadiers 1805-15 Marching. The first of these miniatures completed will be destined for my Austrian "The Silver Bayonet" warband, as I need one to fill out my seven-man squad - albeit I'll be using the British rules as for some reason the basic rule book doesn't allow me to bring any Jaegers as Riflemen...

"Look At The Size Of The Giant."

 "Andre is seven foot five."

This 70mm tall model of André René Roussimoff was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, and is almost certainly based upon the old WWF Andre The Giant action figure by "Hasbro". Indeed, I actually ended up rescaling the original STL (Standard Triangle Language) file to 55% using "Chitubox" Basic in order to make the miniature more manageable, as well as (semi-successfully) help reduce the sculpt's poorly defined details and roughness.

The "inaugural inductee into the newly created WWF Hall of Fame" consisted of four separate pieces, and once assembled was plonked onto a "Citadel" 50mm circular plastic base. He was then primed with a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. As a final step for Andre's flesh, I subsequently applied a heavily-watered down wash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade over him, and later 'picked out' his fingers and face with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

"The USS Constellation (NCC-1017) was a 23rd century Federation Constitution-class starship."

The Eighth Wonder of the World's boots, wrestling attire, hair and eyebrows were treated to some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I did consider applying some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to Andre's hair and perhaps a dash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. But, all the photographs of him that I used showed him having very dark hair - so in the end I decided to stick with the colour scheme used for his action figure.

In addition to this highly nostalgic trip down memory lane, I have also finished painting a second Terran F-5A Frigate. The two-piece starship was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set.

"The ship completed three five-year missions."

The spacecraft was undercoated using "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then patiently dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before 'picking out' the warp nacelles on its two propulsion units with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue.

Unfortunately, another (much smaller) piece on the hot-plate at the time of the model's printing dramatically failed, and caused some of the plastic filament meant for it to slightly 'interfere' with the spacecraft's right flank. This caused the areas to look a little rough, so I decided to make them look like battle damage by dry-brushing them with a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black - similar to that seen on the Commodore Matthew Decker's U.S.S. Constellation in the 1967 "Star Trek" televised episode "The Doomsday Machine"... 

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Fat Dragon Games" September 2025

"The heroic captain and the intrepid doctor cross interstellar space to preserve our health!"

Due to my enthusiasm for all things 3D printed currently being rather high, I thought I'd indulge my passion for using the "Bambu Lab" A1 mini and spend the next four or so weeks focusing upon "Battlefront Valkyrie" by "Fat Dragon Games". Admittedly, I already have enough Terran and Kurgun starships to play a few "Star Trek" flavoured games using some old homebrew rules. But with "DriveThruRPG" recently having a sale on, I've also picked up quite a few more space vessels, as well as pieces of debris and assorted non-combatant craft too.

My plan is therefore to get some small skirmishes under my belt, and then simply build up two opposing fleets. One thing I am currently a little short of though is suitable terrain, so perhaps unsurprisingly, I have already finished painting a second medium asteroid by "Fat Dragon Games". This 50mm tall space rock is included in the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set, and was produced using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer.

"In the 22nd century, Nausicaan pirates built cargo bases into asteroids."

The space rock was super-glued onto a 60mm round MDF base by "Warbases", and painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, "Citadel" Nuln Oil and "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. In addition, I gave its stand a serious sprinkling of 2mm tall Chilli Red flock, as I also plan to use the piece as scatter terrain for some future 'moon-based' battles using the "Lunar" 32mm resin miniatures I've previously pigmented by "Black Site Studios".

Furthermore, I'm really hoping to get at least another quartet of 28mm Napoleonic Austrians finished. This ongoing project using "Wargames Foundry" figures has badly fallen behind schedule in recent months, so I need to push on with it in the background - and felt sticking with some more of Emperor Francis I's soldiers would make my progress a little bit easier. However, I have found a handful of previously started models in my backlog, consisting of British and Frenchmen, so may well try to crowbar these into the painting queue whenever possible.

August 2025 - Last month's Napoleonic push sees "Wargames Foundry" return to the table

Sadly, the last few weeks have not been anywhere near as fruitful as I had hoped - at least on paper. I did manage to hit my (now monthly) goal of completing four Napoleonic Austrians, and also a flotilla of simple-looking starships. However, I also spent some considerable time working on various bits of 3D printed terrain - something I rarely do, and which I don't actually count when working out my overall productivity. So I've achieved a little bit more than the numbers give me credit for.

Somewhat frustratingly, I don't see this situation changing any time soon either, as I'm now rather committed to printing and painting a sizeable Anglo-Saxon village which can be used for "Pillage" by "Victrix Limited" (as well as "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games" at a stretch). Although I have pulled out the rest of my 10mm Falklands British Army Pack models by "Pendraken Miniatures", with a view to getting the majority of them ready for battle - and being so tiny they're rather straightforward to paint in large(ish) numbers...

"The British Government Dispatched A Naval Task Force..."

"...To engage the Argentine Navy and Air Force before making an amphibious assault."

These five 10mm metal British soldiers are by "Pendraken Miniatures" and were bought as part of their Falklands British Army Pack whilst I was visiting "Colours" 2023. The 30mm x 40mm plastic base is comprised of a single figure from the following codes: FLB20 - Advancing with SLR, helmet, FLB21 - Advancing under fire, helmet, FLB22 - Kneeling, firing SLR, helmet, FLB23 - Standing, firing SLR, helmet, and FLB24 - Standing, firing SMG, helmet.

The models were all originally super-glued onto a wooden painting stick, undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey. I then began the patient process of 'picking out' all their boots, hands, faces and weapons with a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before dabbing at the troopers' skin with a brush-tip covered in "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

"The numerous languages spoken by the Austrian army made communication at all levels problematic."

These areas were later shaded with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and highlighted back up with a smidgeon of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. The soldiers' guns were simply pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Lastly, I applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to any visible rifle butts and the odd rear-located ammunition.

With the latest addition to my slowly growing "Germany 1985" project finished - which is based upon the old Commodore 64 computer game by "Strategic Simulations Incorporated" - I have also just about squeezed in the fourth of this month's planned Napoleonic figures by "Wargames Foundry". Taken from their Austrian range's blister AN002 German Infantry Marching set, the 28mm scale metal model was primed using a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and shaded using some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"An asteroid was a type of planetary body that was generally smaller than a planetoid."

It was subsequently predominantly painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade,"Vallejo" Heavy Red, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, "Vallejo" Gunmetal, "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I've still got another half dozen of this self-same sculpt by the Perry Brothers to get tabletop ready, and aim to break the back of this task over the next four or so weeks - creating a small-sized unit of either Budweis or Leitmeritz volunteers for "Black Powder."

In addition, I've somehow completed a final entry for Dave Stone's Season of Scenery Challenge in the guise of a medium asteroid by "Fat Dragon Games". This 50mm tall space rock is included in the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set, and was produced using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer. Super-glued to a 60mm round MDF base by "Warbases", it was essentially painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, "Citadel" Nuln Oil and "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before having a sprinkling of 2mm tall Chilli Red flock added to its base so I can also use it as scatter terrain for any future 'moon-based' battles.

"From His Imperial Capital Of Vienna..."

 "... Kaiser Francis I of Austria presided over the many territories..."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their AN002 German Infantry Marching set. The figure is one of eight identical Napoleonic Austrian infantrymen sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and took a bit longer than I anticipated to paint due to some annoying casting flaws.

The model was primed using a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" White Star as I thought this would actually help speed up the process. Unfortunately, this actually proved a bit of a mistake, as the soldier has so much detail on it which required a "Citadel" Abaddon Black base coat, that it took what seemed like an eternity to 'pick it all out'. Needless to say for my latest batch of Napoleonic Austrians I have gone with a black undercoat.

"...Which made up his vast eastern European Empire."

The infantryman's collar, cuffs and waist-band were given a fine line of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and splash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. This colour scheme followed that shown on the 'official' paint-job, and having done a meagre bit of research into the army's uniforms apparently suggests the unit originated in either Budweis or Leitmeritz.

I also took this opportunity to pigment one of the shoulder straps using a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In many of the pictures I looked at as reference material, this piece of leather was actually a silver-grey in colour, and appeared to connect to the chap's hip-carried water bottle. However, as one of my many short-cuts had that piece of kit simply being splodged in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna - including its strap - I thought it would be best to use the same colour throughout.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three NASA Astronauts just need some washes and a tidy up

Lastly I applied a little "Vallejo" Gold over a Heavy Sienna base layer to the bottom of the Austrian's sword scabbard, and his helmet plate. This was later shaded with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I did contemplate applying some "Vallejo" Gold to the underside of the fusilier's plume. But that looked like an incredibly fiddly enterprise, which I thought may well drive me insane - though I may well go back and add this detail to the entire eight-man unit once they rest of the models are finished.

In addition to my Napoleonic test piece I have also dusted down the three remaining 32mm resin miniatures produced by "Black Site Studios" I last worked on way back in December 2024. I purchased the trio of NASA Astronauts as part of the American-based company's 2021 Lunar Core Game pre-order, and whilst I fell out of love with the project after I paid for some models which weren't actually in stock - and they couldn't tell me exactly when they were likely to next cast them - I have since seen that they now sell most of the range as 3D printing STL (Standard Triangle Language) files, which negates both the high postage costs and delivery times that were previously frustrating me.

"An Anglo-Saxon Haystack Was A Structure Of Mown Grass..."

"...Called a rick or hay-rick, used to store winter fodder for livestock."

This 32mm scale model of a (small) Anglo-Saxon Haystack was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer, and is available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from the "Last Sword Miniatures" webstore. Measuring an impressive 100mm in height and approximately 50mm in width, the piece of scenery was super-glued onto a 70mm circular MDF base by "Warbases". I also drilled three holes into the base just in case there was still any uncured resin inside the hollow print, which could allow any lingering fumes to properly vent.

As I want to use the piece for both "Pillage" and "The Silver Bayonet", I decided to paint it using the same basic palette as I use for my 28mm metal Strawbears by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. Resultantly, the model was primed using a couple of coats of “Vallejo” Dark Yellow and liberally drenched in “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. It was then heavily dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Dark Yellow and a little (lighter-coloured) Buff. The haystack's pole was simply given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, darkened down using a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and finally highlighted back up with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"In Star Trek, asteroids are used for bases, penal colonies like Rura Penthe, and strategic locations."

With my cheeky little entry into Dave Stone's Season of Scenery Challenge completed, I have also finished another pair of asteroids by "Fat Dragon Games" which are included in the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. Both of these small 'floating rocks' were created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and as with the previous two I've pigmented I decided to put them on some 40mm round MDF bases by "Warbases" rather than use the tiny, arrow-headed ones they come with.

Each asteroid was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and later layered using "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. I then shaded the miniatures in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and later gave them (and their bases) a much lighter dry-brush of Heavy Bluegrey. As a final step, the models' stands were washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and sprinkled with a little 2mm tall Chilli Red flock around the bottom - thereby allowing me to use them as scatter terrain for any future 'moon-based' battles as well.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Four Napoleonic Austrian Infantrymen

Setting aside my foray into scenery, I've also been making some progress on my burgeoning Napoleonic Austrian force using some 28mm metal figures by "Wargames Foundry". Originally, I had been planning to simply paint just enough soldiers to provide me with a warband for "The Silver Bayonet". But having patiently begun picking my way up a fusilier from the blister AN002 German Infantry Marching, I thought I might simply just pigment a quartet of the packet's identical sculpts instead.

Indeed, I'm hoping to actually play a few games of "Black Powder" by "Warlord Games" with my 'entire' Napoleonic collection once these Austrian infantrymen are tabletop ready, and use them as a tiny unit for my (Second/Third) Coalition army. This change of direction has definitely given my project a bit of much-needed momentum, having recently lost some of my enthusiasm 'battling' to complete an Hungarian Officer, and has actually caused me to get a handful of German Grenadiers undercoated too, ready to take the fusiliers' place in my painting queue when the time arrives...

"These Are The Voyages Of The Starship Enterprise..."

"Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds..." 

This Terran F-5A Frigate was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. The two-piece starship has been printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.1mm layer height in order to minimise any striation lines on the finished model.

Once assembled, the spacecraft was undercoated using a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then patiently dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before 'picking out' the warp nacelles on its two propulsion units with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue.

"...To seek out new life and new civilizations..."

Due to the basic 'look' of the vessel, and the fact that I plan to use these models for some homebrew "Star Trek" shenanigans as opposed to playing "Battlefront Valkyrie" itself, I thought this particular miniature would make an excellent proxy for Captain James T. Kirk's U.S.S. Enterprise. In addition, I've also started working on some of the asteroids which "Fat Dragon Games" include in their aforementioned Starter Set.

These first two lumps of space rock are from their selection of small asteroids, and just like my Terran F-5A Frigate, were created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer. Somewhat disconcertingly though, the debris doesn't sit upon the stands used by the game's starships, and instead has a (disconcertingly small) circular stand moulded onto the sculpt's bottom. Furthermore, it has an 'arrowhead' pointing out of its base so it can be moved in a specific direction during any "epic fleet battles."

"...To boldly go where no man has gone before!"

As I really didn't like this overall look I decided to snip off the pointer and glue my asteroids to some 40mm round MDF bases produced by "Warbases". I then 'smoothed' down the angle of the remaining plastic stand with a bit of Green Stuff, and gave it a good covering of grit (and PVA glue). Once dry, the entire assemble was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and later layered using "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

I then shaded the rocks in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and gave both the asteroids (and their bases) a much lighter dry-brush of Heavy Bluegrey. Finally, the models' stands were washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil so as to tie them in with the Moon/Mars surface palette I use for my "Lunar" miniatures by "Black Site Studios". This final stage also gave me the somewhat controversial notion to add a little 2mm tall Chilli Red flock around the bottom of the debris too, so I could also use them as scatter terrain for any future 'land-based' battles too...

"Hungarian Soldiers Played A Significant Role In The Austrian Army..."

"...During the Napoleonic Wars, forming a substantial part of their forces."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their AN007 Hungarian Infantry Command set. The figure is one of eight Napoleonic Austrian soldiers sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and actually proved a bit of a challenge to get finished due to some poor casting flaws on it.

Furthermore, I really struggled to find much in the way of help when it came to reference material regarding the back of the officer's uniform - so the miniature was predominantly pigmented using just the the Newark-based company's website as my palette guide. And as a result I'm not sure how entirely accurate the chap's colour scheme is - albeit I did temporarily forget my promise to myself not to get bogged down in buttons, collars and cuffs too much, and ended up 'picking out' a fair amount of the man's gold braid.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Some of the early stages painting my Hungarian Officer

The model was undercoated using a couple of licks of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and subsequently had his boots (and other areas which needed to remain dark) layered with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to his trousers - presumably marking the soldier out as being Hungarian, and his tassels, flamboyant waist sash, helmet and sword hilt with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gold. These metallic areas were later hit with a wee bit of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Having scoured around for a suitable-looking light blue I gave the Officer's collar and cuffs a line or two of "Vallejo" Verdigris, and darkened it down with (more) "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. This made parts of the clothing a bit too 'black' for my liking, so I soon went back with a smidgeon more "Vallejo" Verdigris to catch some of the raised details. I also took this opportunity to use some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil on the fellow's blade, as well as a bit of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his pistol holster.

"They are armed with disruptor arrays and magnetic pulse weapons."

Alongside the latest addition to my meagre Napoleonic Austrian warband for "The Silver Bayonet", I have also managed to rattle off two more Kurgun S-3 Scout spacecraft by "Fat Dragon Games". These vessels were created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file as part of the "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set.

The single-piece spacecraft were printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.1mm layer height in order to minimise any striation lines on the finished miniatures, and were predominantly painted in "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. However, the (not) Klingon ships were then carefully dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and had their warp nacelles pigmented using a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

"Soon After Humans Discovered The System..."

"...A race of aliens known as the Kurgun appeared..."

This Kurgun S-3 Scout was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. The single-piece spacecraft has been printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.1mm layer height in order to minimise any striation lines on the finished model.

The vessel was initially undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Green and shaded with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I then carefully dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, before 'picking out' its warp nacelle with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

 "...Claiming the system and all its ancient artefacts as their own."

Having completed the first of my (not) Klingon Forces, I had the time to finish another two of "Fat Dragon Games" Terran S-4 Scouts. As with my Kurgun vessel, both these (not) Federation starships were also created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set.

The models were primed using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. They were then patiently dry-brushed with a little (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before having their warp nacelles treated to a base layer of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and later a line or two of "Citadel" Talassar Blue.

"Last Sword Miniatures" WIPs - The roof to this granary is almost finished

Sticking with 3D printed PLA, I've also managed to make a bit more progress on the first of four Anglo-Saxon Granaries I rather enthusiastically made recently. Sculpted by "Last Sword Miniatures" I'm hoping these buildings will form the core of a Middle Age village I can use for "Pillage" by "Victrix Games", as well as a low-tech settlement for some games of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games".

I actually own a fair few pieces of scenery from this particular Spanish manufacturer - as I joined their Patreon subscription service a few months ago. As a result I have also printed off a set of three different-sized haystacks (in "Elegoo" Water-Washable Resin), and am currently just waiting on the release of a rather large-looking Anglo-Saxon Great Hall to act as my table's centre-piece...

"Deep In The Distant Valkyrie Star System..."

"...The remains of an ancient and powerful alien civilization have been discovered."

This Terran S-4 Scout was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and can be purchased as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of the company's "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. The single-piece starship has been printed using a 0.2mm nozzle, with a 0.12mm layer height in order to minimise any striation lines on the finished model.

The spacecraft was initially undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then carefully dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before 'picking out' its warp nacelles with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue.

"Last Sword Miniatures" WIPs - An Anglo-Saxon Granary

To be honest I was a little tempted to begin adding a few more colours to the vessel, as despite its small size, there's a fair few panels to be seen on its hull. However, my plan is to paint up a fair-sized fleet of these Terran starships, and I didn't want to bog down my enthusiasm for the project with tiny details nobody was ever going to see once they were on the tabletop. Indeed, I've bought quite a few of the range's cruisers, frigates, destroyers, cargo carriers, space stations and asteroids, so certainly don't want to dally too long on one specific miniature - especially when I plan to eventually field a few squadrons of Scout ships.

With such a simple paint-job completed, I have had plenty of time to print, superglue and prime the first of four Anglo-Saxon Granaries I own by "Last Sword Miniatures". Whilst I don't currently own a physical copy of "Pillage" by "Victrix Games", it does seem highly likely that I'll be getting in a few games within the next few months, so I thought I had best make a start on building a reasonably-sized Middle Age settlement to use as a suitable battlefield.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - A Napoleonic Austrian Grenadier, an Officer, and an Infantryman

The STL files for both the granary and its thatched roof have been printed out separately using "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and then super-glued together for ease. Just like my Terran S-4 Scout I am not planning on doing too detailed a job on a piece of scenery as I always think terrain should blend into the background of a game, and leave the miniatures to catch the eye. But I do intend to apply some basic washes and dry-brushes to the building once the base layers are finished.

In addition, I've also managed to get a little further along with the three 28mm metal Napoleonic soldiers by "Wargames Foundry" I want to add to my Austrian warband for "The Silver Bayonet". This has admittedly been slow going, as I've really struggled not to get distracted by all the fabulous-looking scenery I can now 3D print using my A1 Mini. However, I have consoled myself with the aforementioned granaries by rationalising that I can always use them to represent a minor farm or small settlement for some Napoleonic shenanigans too... 

"Wolves Hold Significant Cultural And Spiritual Importance..."

"...In many Native American tribes."

This 28mm metal model used to be sold by "Warlord Games" as part of their Mythic Americas range, and could be found inside the Nottingham-based company's five-figure Tribal Nations Wolves boxed set. However, as I plan to use the miniature to represent a Dark Wolf in "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", I decided to go with a predominantly black palette, as opposed to the much lighter one found on the sculpt's 'official' packaging.

The animal was primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, vigorously dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then gave its legs, belly, throat and maw a few solid brushstrokes of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, shaded these areas with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and subsequently dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo"  Heavy Sienna.

Repainted Tribal Nations Wolves with a much lighter blue-grey coat of fur

Bitterly disappointed with the outcome, I next decided to blend the two contrasting areas with a lot more dry-brushing using both "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and Heavy Sienna, and focused on significantly reducing the amount of brown which was on show. Frustratingly, this didn't really improve the 'look' of the model either - largely due to the miniature's disconcertingly soft details, so in the end I also gave the wolf a serious sploshing of (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

To be honest by this point I had frankly lost the will to live with the miniature. However, a stellar suggestion by Ray Rousell of "Don't Throw A One" fame, gave me the idea to try a couple of alternative colours as a highlight, and see whether I could 'catch' what scant fur ridges were sculpted onto the beast. Resultantly, I initially applied some "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue across the animal's back, upper legs and tail, and then later 'caught' these areas with a few brisk strokes of "Vallejo" Neutral Gray.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - An Austrian Infantryman, Grenadier and Office

This process definitely gave the wolf some of the depth I had been grasping for, so having scooped up the two (not) Dark Wolves I previously pigmented last week, I also gave them exactly the same treatment too. Lastly, I patiently 'picked out' the model's fangs with a combination of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and simply dotted its nose and eyes with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Despite my irritations with the now OOP (Out Of Production) "Warlord Games" miniature, I have managed to make a little more progress on the three 28mm metal Napoleonic soldiers by "Wargames Foundry" I want to add to my Austrian warband for "The Silver Bayonet". It really is still early days on the trio. However, having been inspired by the figures, I've actually based and started undercoating the rest of the contents from blisters AN026 German Grenadiers 1805-15 Marching, and AN002 German Infantry Marching too...

"Today Is A Good Day To Die…"

"...For the enemy crew!"

These two Terran Light Cruisers were created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer, and are available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "Fat Dragon Games" as part of their "Battlefront Valkyrie" Starter Set. The two starships are exactly the same file. But one was printed using a 0.4mm nozzle, and the other a 0.2mm Hotend, in order to show the difference in striation lines on the finished model.

The space vessel is specifically "optimized for printing on FDM printers and print without supports", and was actually one of the main motivators for me to purchase an A1 Mini. In fact, I have previously tried to print these miniatures on my "Elegoo" Mars 5 resin printer using Water Washable Resin, and whilst the Terran craft came out alright, several broke apart as I fought with a wallpaper scraper to remove them from my build plate [n.b. It was probably a big mistake to print them flat onto the plate without supports].

"Immerse yourself in the universe of massive space combat without breaking the bank!"

Clearly inspired by Gene Roddenberry's science fiction media franchise, both Light Cruisers were primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, shaded in copious amounts of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. This process really helped draw the eye to the layer lines in the filament created by the larger (much less precise) 0.4mm nozzle, and whilst I don't think it looks too out of place on the starship's saucer section. The marks definitely cause a lot of detail to be lost when it comes to the rectangular panels on the sides of the vessel's hull.

As a result I decided to simply use the less agreeable-looking Terran spaceship as a test piece for my (not) Ferederation fleet's colour scheme, and 'picked out' its warp nacelles, some top section and its bridge with a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The aft warp coils were then treated to a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue, whilst the forward ones were given a lick of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red. I didn't however like the look of the red though, so eventually repainted these areas using the aforementioned "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue instead.

"Austria suffered significant defeats at battles like Marengo, Ulm, and Austerlitz, leading to territorial concessions."

I next applied a smidgeon of "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the bridge nodule, and later dabbed it with a spot of "Vallejo" Pale Grey. Finally, I gave the two rectangular top sections a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and a splosh of "Carroburg Crimson". This palette certainly made the vessel stand out somewhat. But having looked at "Fat Dragon Games" 'official' colour schemes for the range, it was clear that anything red was being used for the (opposing) Kurgun spacecraft, so I dropped it (and the white bridge) for the more refined Terran Light Cruiser.

With such straightforward paint-jobs completed, I have also managed to finish a fourth 28mm scale metal Napoleonic Austrian by “Wargames Foundry". Found inside blister AN038 Jaegers 1805-15 Running, the marksman was sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry, and was predominantly pigmented using "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Two Thin Coats" Wyvern Green and "Citadel" Nuln Oil...