“Warfare" Showcase 2025

"Warfare is one of the largest [annual wargames show] in the country."

Having regretfully missed "Colours" a couple of months ago due to an unforgivable double-booking in my social calendar, I was thoroughly looking forward to visiting this year's annual "Warfare" wargaming show at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, and - apart from my SatNav inexplicably deciding to divert me off of the motorway and through central Basingstoke only to put me straight back onto the motorway I had just left (!?!) - I got to the venue with plenty of time before the event actually opened.

Indeed, the directions supplied on the Wargames Association of Reading (WAR) website were absolutely spot on, and I was quickly able to park, purchase a coffee and sit down in the warm without any stress of queuing. One thing which did irk me though was the incredibly short wrist band I was told I had to wear at all times. The damn thing barely fitted, and I noticed a few more corpulent comrades-in-arms having to have it stuck to their coats like a lengthy medal ribbon. Perhaps unsurprisingly mine soon started falling off my hand too, so eventually I just plonked it in my jacket's top pocket for safekeeping.

Some of the tempting figures and vehicles on display by "Spectre Miniatures" 

This year my plan was to most definitely have a thorough walk around before making any impulse buys, so after exchanging some pleasantries with Karl ("Crooked Dice Game Design Studio") and Leon ("Pendraken Miniatures"), I began making my way along the Main Hall. These days I always try to ensure I visit everyone by double-checking with the floorplan that you get upon entry. However, for some reason WAR weren't handing out these terribly useful pamphlets this year, so I simply kept walking around and around until I was absolutely certain I had seen everything - as well as double-checking the extremely colourful layout on their website.

One of the first traders to really catch my attention was "Spectre Miniatures", who had a couple of marvellous displays at their booth. I had been hoping that they had brought some "Lunar" blisters by "Black Site Studios" with them, as they're the U.K. stockist for the American company. But sadly they hadn't, so instead I ended up chatting to them about how many of the metal figures from their first "Kickstarter" in May 2014 were now highly sought after as the moulds had long gone - time for me to dig out my untouched sets from somewhere in the loft methinks.!!

The fantastic looking Dungeon Builder by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio"

I also spent some time contemplating the "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" Dungeon Builder - which frankly looked absolutely superb on their display stand. The big conundrum for me was whether to pick up some of the actual physical sets, or buy the STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from "My Mini Factory" for my 3D printer. In the end I plumbed for the second option as the ever prodigious Mister Perrotton explained he'd used both resin and PLA (Polylactic Acid) to produce the well-painted pieces before me.

Having promised myself no sudden purchases, I did wilt when it came to "The Dice Miners" who were selling an incredibly useful set of dice for "Magic The Gathering". Now admittedly, these aren't really dice you roll during the game. However, they are designed to remind players as to status changes to their Creatures attack/defence statistics when affected by an Enchantment or Instant cards, and seemed a little more eye-catching than the tiny cardboard tokens I ordinarily use.

"Tribal Conquest" by "Nervosa Games", and some MTG dice by "The Dice Miners"

One of the trends which was definitely noticeable was the number of 3D printers selling their wares across the two vendor halls. Whether it be an absolute ton of different Daleks from "Doctor Who", a plethora of prehistoric monsters or numerous armoured vehicles at all different scales, this production method is clearly fast becoming the 'in-thing' for many a wargamer. In fact, one of the hottest products I saw others carrying around were various bits of post-apocalyptic terrain for "Trench Crusade".

The biggest highlight of the show though, for me at least, was getting a quick game in of "Tribal Conquest" by "Nervosa Games" just before I departed. Now I really don't need to start learning a new skirmish game, or begin painting an entire fresh range of miniatures, so I was sort of hoping I wouldn't get too sucked into the fight. Unfortunately, that simply was not the case, as I quickly fell for the quirky mechanics employed during my fast-paced clash of Stone Age tribes, and delighted in whittling down my opponents with a flaming coconut or lightning bolt...

"The Heavy Cruiser Is One Of The Few Starfleet Ship Designs..."

"...To have more than two nacelles."

This Terran C-6 Heavy Cruiser 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 multi-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.

Quite interestingly the vessel also comes with a rig STL, which allows you to produce a docking bay of sorts that helps line up the spacecraft's rearmost engine with the hull. Unfortunately, I ended up originally placing my vessel's third warp nacelle back to front, so had to literally tear it off from its support to place it the right way round. Considering how quickly super-glue sets when using PLA this 'manoeuvre' caused quite a bit of damage to the 3D print, so I ended up attaching the piece in line with its fellow engines (as opposed to being a little behind them) so as to cover up my misdemeanour.

"Mantic Games" WIPs - These Plague Lords are having their blue armour 'picked out'

Happily, I don't think my error is too noticeable, even if you look underneath the spacecraft, and will either represent a prototype/refitted Heavy Cruiser, or perhaps a Federation-class dreadnought in my games. The mistake did though rather drastically dampen my enthusiasm for the range, and coupled with my recent preference for resin 3D printing over PLA, has caused my entire (not) "Star Trek" starship project to come to a rather abrupt halt - at least until now that is.

Like all of my other Terran vessels, 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' all three of the warp nacelles on its propulsion units with a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Talassar Blue.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - This Centurion has been base-layered, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside my U.S.S. Federation I have continued to dabble with a trio of 10mm scale Plague Lords by "Mantic Games". I'm still currently in two minds as to whether I will support the Nottingham-based manufacturer's "Epic Warpath" Campaign on "My Mini Factory". But these fun little STLs are certainly swaying me, and I hope to also pigment a couple of Enforcer and Asterian test pieces too before I need to come to a decision.

Lastly, I've finally assembled the Centurion in MKII power armour that comes inside the "Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Saturnine" boxed set by "Games Workshop". Frankly, this was an absolute nightmare (not of my making) to assemble, and in the end I had to resort to relocating the model's Servo-skull simply to provide the space marine's back standard with some much-needed stability...

"The British Infantry Was The Only Military Force..."

"...Not to suffer a major reverse at the hands of Napoleonic France."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Napoleonic British Grenadier is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms set. The miniature is one of eight identical soldiers sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry, and due to a combination of its somewhat complicated detail and predominantly white/red colour scheme has actually taken well over a year to finally complete.

The 'Redcoat' was undercoated using plenty of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before having his trousers and any straps pigmented in "Two Thin Coats" White Star. These areas were then shaded using some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade in an effort to 'weather' all the cloth and leatherwork.

"During the course of the wars against Napoleon, the British armed forces were expanded by subsequent Acts of Parliament."

I also wanted to have the model represent a British unit which had red facings in order to help keep my palette simple, so using my limited research chose to make the Grenadier a member of the 33rd "Wellington's Own" Regiment of Foot. This allowed me to paint the entirety of the model's jacket in "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and then wash his coat with (more) heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Furthermore I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade to the miniature's water bottle, and a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the soldier's bag. Lastly, I used a little "Vallejo" Neutral Grey on the miniature's blanket, and later darkened it down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Mantic Games" WIPs - A trio of Plague Lords at various stages of completion

With my tiny unit of British Grenadiers now completed for "Black Powder", I have temporarily moved on to a subject/genre hopefully far less time-consuming in the shape of three 10mm scale Plague Lords by "Mantic Games". The STL (Standard Triangle Language) file for the model was sent to me for free by the Nottingham-based manufacturer as part of their "Epic Warpath" Pre Campaign Bonus on "My Mini Factory", and may well form the start of a Plague army should I succumb to temptation and purchase "The Battle for Phrovox" All In Pledge.

For now though I simply want to see how the creature paints up, so have actually produced a trio of the sculpt in "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin using my Mars 5 3D Printer - including one which is a mirror image of the original pose. I must confess to being extremely impressed with how well the miniatures look, and hope to get both them, as well as some other test figures for the Enforcers and Asterians, before the "Epic Warpath" Campaign concludes in a couple of weeks time...

"The U.S. Space Program..."

 "...Grew out of the ashes of World War Two."

This 32mm NASA Astronaut is produced by "Black Site Studios" for their "Lunar" skirmish game, and was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer. The STL (Standard Triangle Language) file comes as part of the company's Two-Player Digital Starter Set and represents the American faction's commander. carrying a Markam S11 pistol.

The spaceman was super-glued onto a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand, primed using "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 in order to slightly break up the monotony of the rocketeer's palette a little bit.

"Fat Dragon Games" WIPs - This Terran C-6 Heavy Cruiser is slowly being shaded

The astronaut's hand-weapon was simply based coated with Citadel "Abaddon Black", layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and later washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his somewhat futuristically-shaped helmet visor was given a base layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. This area was subsequently treated to some "Vallejo" Gold, plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and a final lick of (more) "Vallejo" Gold.

As I was planning on using this model as my U.S.A. force's leader, I thought I'd take advantage of his differently designed helmet by applying a couple of brush-tips full of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" across its top, and subsequently shading the area with some heavily watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This probably wouldn't be the best of ideas in an actual fire-fight on the moon's surface. However, it should certainly make the gaming piece visible on the tabletop.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This British Grenadier is being painted from the boots up

Alongside my latest "Lunar" miniature I have also been working on a Terran C-6 Heavy Cruiser by "Fat Dragon Games". Created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer this multi-piece starship caused me a few issues whilst initially assembling it - due to user error - so has been sat gathering dust for while with nothing but a "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey undercoat covering it.

In addition, I am close to completing the last of my tiny, four-man unit of British Grenadiers using figures taken from the "Wargames Foundry" blister B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms. This remaining model still has a few details which require 'picking out' and shading. But now I've had my enthusiasm for all things Black Powder re-energised by Mike Lambo's solitaire wargame "Battles Of Napoleonic Europe", should be finished soon enough...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Black Site Studios" November 2025

"Pits rival crews of astronauts against one another as they struggle for control over the precious resources of Earth's moon."

With my "Elegoo" Mars 5 3D printer currently churning out all manner of miniatures using water washable resin, I felt it might be prudent to continue painting a load of "Lunar" models by "Black Site Studios" for the next four weeks, rather than move on to another project instead. In fact, I've even gone so far as to dig out the resin cast/plastic kits I bought from the America-based manufacturer's UK stockist "Spectre Miniatures" in November 2024 - so fully intend to have some members of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), a handful of R.O.C Taikonauts, and a fair few Freelancers before the month is finished.

In addition, I'm hoping to get elbow-deep in Trench Crusade by getting a good dozen or so STL (Standard Triangle Language) files printed/pigmented by "Trench Stench" ready for the tabletop. I don't admittedly know a lot about the different factions for during this skirmish game's alternate World War One timeline. But having subscribed to the company's Tribe on My Mini Factory, I have already acquired enough sculpts to field two noticeably distinct factions.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three astronauts have been undercoated and shaded

Furthermore, I couldn't resist the recent "Penance 1914" Kickstarter campaign by "Westfalia Publishing", which consists of plenty more "32mm Weird War Miniatures for Games in Nomansland." Amongst all the numerous Sisters of Mercy, Nomansland Crusaders, and Macabees are some Wild West-flavoured Gunslingers and Desperados which will quickly find themselves on my Mars 5 3D printer's plate just as soon as I receive my pledge.

Lastly, I have not forgotten I'm a bit behind with my Napoleonic project plans for the year, so fully intend to complete not only the one remaining British Grenadier I have partly-pigmented. But also at least four more Austrian fusiliers. To help spur me on with this particular target using "Wargames Foundry" figures, I have purchased a copy of Mike Lambo's "Battles of Napoleonic Europe: A Solitaire Wargame", and fully intend to play out some of its scenarios using my 28mm metal miniatures using my old Hexon - Hex Terrain by "Kallistra Limited".

October 2025 - No change with "Wargames Foundry" still in top spot

Despite something of a spurt towards the end of last month, there is no doubt that I didn't produce anywhere near as many freshly-painted models during October as I had hoped. However, I did manage to 'kick-start' my previously abandoned plans for my "Lunar" backlog - even if by doing so I actually ended up producing more miniatures than I actually had when I first fell for the range back in September 2024.

I also intend to visit the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in a couple of weeks time for "Warfare 2025", and will undoubtedly end up purchasing (as well as potentially pigmenting) a few surprise items from that event. In fact, as far as my hobby mojo goes, nothing can beat a good, inspiring wargaming show to ramp up my enthusiasm to do a fair few lengthy hobby sessions - especially if the subject matter is one which I've only just discovered - such as last year's Apocalypse Survivors by "Athena Miniatures"...

"Tribal Nations Warbands Will Centre Around A Core Of Mohawk And Seneca Infantry...

"...Backed by packs of wild beasts acting as fast strike forces."

This pair of 28mm metal miniatures were produced 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. The animals actually came with circular MDF bases. However, as with the rest of my models for this wargame, I soon super-glued them upon plastic 32mm round bases instead.

The two canines were both primed using a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. I then gave all the legs, bellies, throats and maws a few heavy brushstrokes of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, shaded these areas with plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and subsequently dry-brushed them with (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Trench Stench" WIPs - Three Dirt Knights at various stages of completion

So brusque a technique obviously created a strong contrast between the animals' upper and lower bodies, so I carefully dry-brushed the regions where the two colours clashed with some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. I also went back afterwards with some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and touched up these parts to hopefully blend all the differently hued fur together even more.

As a final step I dotted the two Wolves' eyes and noses with some pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and traced out their forward-facing fangs with a combination of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This actually made the pair look a bit toothless to me. So I quickly went back with my brush-tip and ensured that each miniature was sporting a few more teeth than appeared to have been sculpted on them.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - A NASA Astronaut and two (more) Soviet Cosmonauts

In addition to the last of my Tribal Nations Wolves I have started working on earnest on five Dirt Knights by "Trench Stench" I recently produced on my "Elegoo" Mars 5 3D printer. For once I'm actually hoping that a factory line approach will actually pay some dividends for me, so I'm hoping to get all of the 'Crusader Knights' finished in good time before I start pigmenting the Trench Crusader unit's leader - a rather impressive Mechanised Gunslinger Lieutenant.

Furthermore, I simply can't seem to stop building more astronauts by "Black Site Studios". Despite now arguably owning more than enough Soviets and NASA spacemen than I need, I've picked up a few more 3D prints I found in my 'pile of potential' and converted them using some more of the leftover bitz I own from the American company's 2021 "Lunar" Core Boxed Set...

"Often Favouring Rugged And Ugly Looking Equipment..."

 "...The Soviets have shown themselves to be excellent Lunar inhabitants."

This 32mm Soviet Cosmonaut is produced by "Black Site Studios" for their "Lunar" skirmish game, and was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer. The STL (Standard Triangle Language) file comes as part of the company's Two-Player Digital Starter Set and was actually upscaled a little bit due to the sculpt appearing somewhat smaller than the cast resin Russian astronauts I already own.

The Cosmonaut was super-glued onto a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand and primed in "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet. It was then covered in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, dry-brushed with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet and had his face-plate initially layered with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black.  This helmet visor was subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three NASA Astronauts have had their basic work finished

Lastly, the figure's small geology hammer and large briefcase were given a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The metal attaché case was later given a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal to help bring out some of its finer details. I'm not entirely sure what could be contained in such a carryall - as this piece of equipment appears to be unique to the digital product, and there's no card for it in the Lunar Core Game I bought in July 2021. As a result I probably use the model to represent a Soviet Doctor with all their medical equipment locked away safely inside.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have also been working on more of my NASA reinforcements as well, as I'd ideally like each opposing side to consist of eight or so miniatures. These particular astronauts are all 3D printed from the Two-Player Digital Starter Set too, although a couple of them have been quite heavily converted using pieces taken from my "Lunar" bitz box. Of particular note I spotted that I now owned an STL for a more advanced-looking American space suit, which will now be worn by the faction's overall commander - reducing the cast resin character I've previously pigmented down to a Junior Officer.

"Trench Stench" WIPs - These Dirt Knights have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

In addition, I've rather suddenly found myself being absolutely bowled over by the digital sculpts of "Trench Stench", who rather delightfully "make Trench Crusade compatible miniatures." To begin with I've produced a five-man strong squad of their free to download Dirt Knight STL. Admittedly, whilst the product does carry the "Trench Crusade" tagline it doesn't seem to be a specific unit for the "skirmish-scale tabletop miniatures game set in a horrifying alternate timeline of WW1." However, the quintet could easily be used to represent a band of Crusader Knights - especially as the lore claims that "there are thousands of different crusader Orders from across Christendom."

As a result I have simply 'mirrored' the odd single-pose sculpt to provide the warband with a little variety, and aim to give them a fairly straightforward rusty armour look, with drab brown leather garments to tie in with their Dirt Knight title. In the near future I also plan to give them a Mechanised Gunslinger Lieutenant as a leader, having been sent this STL file as another freebie...

"The Main British Heavy Machine Gun Used In The Falklands War..."

"...Was the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a 7.62mm weapon."

These eight 10mm white metal British soldiers are by "Pendraken Miniatures" and were bought as part of their Falklands British Army Pack whilst I was visiting "Colours" 2023. Each 30mm x 40mm plastic base consists of two gunners and two loaders from the blister FLB28 - GPMG team, prone, helmet (5 teams) and were painted after I'd super-glued the four pairings onto their respective rectangular stands. 

The models were all primed 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 'picking out' the troopers' skin with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade." These areas of flesh were later highlighted back up with a dab (more) of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

"The British invested all the money and energy it could raise into the Napoleonic Wars."

The soldiers' GPMGs and accompanying ammunition belts were simply pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also applied a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to some of the soldiers' waist pouches, just to slightly break up the monotony of their predominantly 'dirty green' attire.

Alongside these heavy weapon teams for my "Germany 1985" project, I have also managed to get a third 28mm scale metal Napoleonic British Grenadier tabletop ready too. Taken from the “Wargames Foundry". blister B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms, the figure was predominantly pigmented using a combination of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Both of these colours were subsequently sploshed with some watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to add a little shadow here and there.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These NASA Astronauts have been shaded using "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade 

In addition I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade to the figure's water bottle, and a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the Redcoat's bag. Lastly, I used a little "Vallejo" Neutral Grey on the miniature's blanket, and some Gold on his shako plate. These areas were then darkened down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade respectively.

Obviously, so time-consuming a model has meant that I've somewhat struggled to get much more done on the trio of NASA astronauts I recently assembled using some (failed) 3D printed models from the "Lunar" Two-Player Digital Starter Set by "Black Site Studios", and a handful of cast resin bitz I had left over from the company's original 2021 Core Game box. I'm hoping to still get these miniatures finished before the end of the month. But if not, then I'm currently considering simply rolling the project on into November - as I seem to have really caught the 'moon surface battle bug' presently...

"Now Known As The First Country To Land A Man On The Moon..."

 "...The Soviet Union developed a proud and complex relationship with space travel."

This pair of 32mm Soviet Cosmonauts are produced by "Black Site Studios" for their "Lunar" skirmish game, and was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer. The STL (Standard Triangle Language) file comes as part of the company's Two-Player Digital Starter Set and were actually upscaled by 1% and 2% due to the sculpts appearing somewhat smaller than the cast resin Eastern Bloc astronauts I already own. 

Indeed, the entire set came as something of a major disappointment to me, as rather than provide me with six multi-piece rocketeers (three NASA and three Russian) - similar to the bitz found on their five-figure sprue SKU: LNR6805BSS - Soviet Cosmonauts, it instead just provided me with three fully-posed miniatures instead. As a result, having noticed that the model's air-tank was noticeably shorter than his physical comrades-in-arms (despite him being stood on a rocky base), I enlarged the STL on "Chitubox" Basic and mirrored one of the spacemen to provide a little more variety.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - This trio of NASA Astronauts have been primed in "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue 

The Cosmonauts were first super-glued onto a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand and undercoated with plenty of "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet. They were then both drenched in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, dry-brushed with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet and had their face-plates/mass shotguns layered in "Citadel" Abaddon Black.  The Soviet's helmet visors were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, each figures' firearm was given a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The hand-drawn illustration on the hand-weapon's item card for "Lunar" shows part of the gun also being red. Yet having already used this colour on the astronaut (as well as using a red flock for my Martian/Moon basing) I thought this was probably overkill - so just left the shotguns metallic.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Napoleonic British Grenadier is being progressed from the boots up

Alongside my latest Russian reinforcements, I have also started working on three more NASA astronauts too. Just like the Soviets, this trio of spacemen come from the Two-Player Digital Starter Set. However, they were created on my old Mars 3 Pro 3D printer and suffered a few failures - which has resulted in two of them receiving some additional cast resin hands/equipment and bitz that came with the original Lunar Core Game way back in July 2021.

In addition, the end is now most definitely in sight with the (tiny) four-figure British Grenadier unit I want to field for my Napoleonic "Black Powder" games. I've still got a few more details to pick out on these soldiers taken from the "Wargames Foundry" blister B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms. But I should still manage to get the quartet fully-painted before my personal deadline expires at the end of the month...

"This Immensely Large Black Wolf Seems As Big As A Horse."

"It has fiery eyes, a thick coat of fur, and spikes crowning the top of its spine."

This 28mm scale Orr'ugs Wolf is produced by "Artisan Guild" and was downloaded for free as part of a multi-piece set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. One of four different poses, this impressive sculpt was originally 80mm from nose to tail, but has actually been reduced in scale down to 'just' 45mm in "Chitubox" Basic to see whether it would work as a Dark Wolf for "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games".  

Initially I actually 3D printed four versions of the animal, ranging from 30mm, 35mm, 40mm and 45mm for a friend, so they could see which size they wanted to fit onto a 25mm circular base. In the end they went for the 40mm miniature, whereas I liked the notion of a larger beast sitting upon a 30mm circular stand. I still have a couple more wolves from "Warlord Games" Mythic Americas range to paint - to use as Dark Wolf proxies. However, I much prefer these figures in both size and detail, so may well print out another dozen or so at some point to use instead.

"The Kingdom of Great Britain (later the United Kingdom) was the most constant of France's enemies."

Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer, the 'wandering monster' was primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and dry-brushed with plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before being lightly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. The brute's eyes, teeth and claws were patiently picked out using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and later washed with some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson or Agrax Earthshade as appropriate.

In addition to my horror-themed 'test piece', I have also completed a second 28mm scale metal by “Wargames Foundry". Taken from their B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms set, the Napoleonic British soldier was predominantly pigmented using a combination of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Both of these colours were subsequently sploshed with some watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to add a little shadow here and there.

"Knight Models" WIPs - Batman's base topper along with Peacemaker and Eagly

I also applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade to the figure's water bottle, and a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the Redcoat's bag. Lastly, I used a little "Vallejo" Neutral Grey on the miniature's blanket, and some Gold on his shako plate. These areas were then darkened down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade respectively.

I've also been busy working on some more of the STLs provided by "Knight Models" as part of their "Batman Miniatures Game" Gotham Lord Tribe pledge on "My Mini Factory". Some of these models come on some incredibly detailed base toppers, so currently I'm slowly working my way through one for the Dark Knight himself, along with Peacemaker and his sidekick Eagly...

"I Will Enjoy Feasting On Your Bones!"

 "Bein' a reptile man ain't pretty."

This 35mm scale miniature of Killer Croc Thug is produced by "Knight Models" for their "Batman Miniature Game", and was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer. The STL (Standard Triangle Language) file was part of the company's Gotham Lord Tribe pledge in September 2025 on "My Mini Factory", and also came with a base topper and 40mm lipped base (which was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer).

Sculpted to depict Waylon Jones' scaly alter-ego in an intimidating, no-nonsense pose, the figure was primed using a couple of layers of White Star by "Two Thin Coats", and had his shoes, belt and braces 'picked out' with a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The super-villain's trousers were then given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before being sploshed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade in an effort to make them look like faded blue jeans.

"Black Site Studio" WIPs - These three Soviet Cosmonauts just need some shades and a tidy up

Killer Croc's flesh was first base coated with some "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, and later shaded using "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green and Agrax Earthshade. His scales were subsequently carefully dry-brushed with a little (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey. I also took this opportunity to patiently dot all the buckles on his braces using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, his vest was simply 'dirtied up' with some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Staying with 3D prints, I have managed to get a bit more work done on a trio of Soviet Cosmonauts recently produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer. To be honest these particular figures have taken a lot longer than anticipated after initially pigmenting them all in "Vallejo" Heavy Red, as opposed to the "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet I used on their comrades-in-arms last year.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Still quite a bit of work needed on these remaining British Grenadiers

Obviously this meant I had to repaint all three sculpts from scratch as the red hue was noticeably different from that of my other Russians. However, as my colour scheme for these communist moon men is very straightforward they shouldn't take too much longer - and as I have a handful more NASA Astronauts printed too, I'm hoping to get at least half a dozen of these "Black Site Studio" STLs tabletop ready before the end of the month.

Lastly, I'm still 'soldiering on' with a few more British Grenadiers from the "Wargames Foundry" blister B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms. My enthusiasm for the Newark-based manufacturer's Napoleonic range has taken a little dent due to my planned trip up to their store being cancelled at the last minute by the facility experiencing electrical issues - and therefore having no lighting. I had been hoping to pick up a few more reinforcements for Wellington's Redcoats to help strengthen my resolve to get at least four of the fiddly soldiers finished. But I'll now have to wait until I make either a journey to East Stoke next year, or they hold a Christmas sale...

"The Red Coat Has Been The Iconic Symbol Of British Soldiery For Centuries..."

"...And even to this day remains an enduring part of the ceremonial dress of many British Army units."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their B041 Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms set. The figure is one of eight identical Napoleonic British soldiers sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and ultimately proved a real time-consuming challenge for me as I slowly worked out what colours I was going to apply to its considerable detail.

The miniature was primed using a couple of licks of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and then had his boots, helmet and equipment all base-layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. With hindsight this was a bit of a mistake, as it seemingly took forever to 'pick out' all these details, and then go back and tidy up the white trousers etc. So in future I'll probably just undercoat the remaining Redcoats with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"In 2268, an asteroid threatened to collide with the planet Amerind." 

I also made the decision to pick a British unit who had red facings to help keep my palette a little simpler, and using my limited research chose to make the Grenadier a member of the 33rd "Wellington's Own" Regiment of Foot. This allowed me to pigment the entirety of the model's jacket in "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and then wash both the coat and trousers with some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

I next applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Drakehnof Nightshade to the figure's water bottle, and a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the chap's bag. In addition, I used a little "Vallejo" Neutral Grey on the miniature's blanket, and later darkened it down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three "Lunar" 3D prints just need their equipment to be 'picked out'

In addition to my latest Napoleonic test piece I have also completed the last of my medium asteroids by "Fat Dragon Games". This serious chunk of 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 before being super-glued onto a 70mm round MDF base by "Warbases". 

The piece was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, base-layered using "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and gave the asteroid (and its base) a much lighter dry-brush of Heavy Bluegrey. Finally, the model's stand was washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and flocked with a little 2mm tall Chilli Red static grass so I could also use it as scatter terrain for any future Moon/Mars surface battles too...

“Warlord Games" Showcase 2025

"Our HQ deep in the heart of wargaming’s spiritual home, Nottingham."

Having missed the last couple of Open Days at "Warlord Games" Headquarters in Nottingham, I thought a basic trip up to the manufacturer's store in Finch Close, Lenton was probably a bit overdue - especially as they've recently released their (new) Konflikt '47 Starter Set and I was curious to see what this latest edition contained. Happily, there was plenty of miniatures, as well as a fantastic tabletop featuring "the tabletop wargame of heroes, horrors, monsters, and mechs" on display in the shop, so I soon busied myself looking at all the different sculpts and factions.

Some of the models on display by Paul Sawyer and Craig Butler

The first thing to catch my eye though was the late great Paul Sawyer's British Airborne force. This purely historical army for "Bolt Action" was incredibly well painted, and packed full of some great looking characters - most notably a flamethrower who was clearly not taking any prisoners whatsoever. In addition, I was rather taken with the way Paul's prone soldiers appeared, as rather than just lying flat upon their stomachs, these guys still maintained the illusion of motion by wriggling about with their heads (and in some cases hands) up.

Next up was a truly terrifying collection of Axis men and monstrosities by Craig Butler. Admittedly, I first thought these gas-mask wearing soldiers and werewolves were Soviets due to the bright red palette colour choice used on their lapels, gloves and stockings. But it quickly became clear that they were all under the thrall of the mysterious Green Vault. I've previously pigmented a pack of "West Wind Productions" Secrets Of The Reich Jager Werewolves, so was incredibly taken with the sheer bulky size of three Schreckwulfen which were surrounding Sturmbannfuhrer Grauler.

"Konflikt '47 is the tabletop wargame of heroes, horrors, monsters, and mechs, putting you in command of the nightmarish struggle for supremacy."

My attention was also drawn to how well the new sculpts for Konflikt '47 tied in with the range's older units. I'm pretty sure I own an assortment of unpainted Schwertruppen troopers and Nachtjager myself, so was delighted to see "Warlord Games" showcasing such units too. Furthermore, a trio of Spinne Light Panzermechs reminded me that my 'pile of potential' probably housed a few more old vehicle kits than I cared to recollect - which should almost certainly be either opened or dusted down before I embark on any new purchases.

Some of the Winter Campaign American Forces on show at "Warlord Games" HQ

The last couple of collections to inspire me were a pair of winter U.S. armies. Snow-covered armour and support vehicles hold a strange place in my hobby-heart, as I really enjoy seeing the stark contrast between the bright white snow and the much more drab, darker colours of the soldiers' uniforms etc. Alongside Connor Hind's historical force, was a much more bloody affair featuring some US Firefly Jump Infantry, and a truly gore-splattered Kodiak Close Assault Walker.

"Warlord Games" Konflikt '47 display table

Finally, I had a good mooch at the store's aforementioned awesome Konflikt '47 display table. I was particularly keen to examine the Firefly Airborne Infantry on show as I have recently managed to pick up a copy of "Wargames Illustrated" #454, and it came with a sprue of the fast-flying Yanks. The layout really captured my imagination, and significantly fuelled my enthusiasm for the alternative universe World War Two game. Indeed, I hope to dig out a fair few of my older models from the loft to paint with my Americans once I have assembled them from the 28mm plastic sprue...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Black Site Studios" October 2025

"The peaceful dreams of Mankind bridging the stars was short lived."

As I have recently restarted 3D printing a number of models for "Lunar" by "Black Site Studios" - having finally finished painting all the resin cast miniatures I bought from them over four years ago, I thought I'd spend this coming month getting enough spacemen tabletop ready to actually have a game using "The Silver Bayonet" ruleset and some homebrew additions. Ideally, I'd therefore like to get at least three or four NASA Astronauts and Soviet Cosmonauts completed, as well as maybe even finally start assembling/pigmenting a number of Japanese and Chinese 'rocketeers' I purchased via UK stockist "Spectre Miniatures" in November 2024.

Alongside these figures I would also like to get some more of the various sized asteroids produced by "Fat Dragon Games" done. Now admittedly, these space rocks were sculpted to float about the galaxy for the company's (not) "Star Trek" starship battle game "Battlefront Valkyrie". But having decided to 3D print a number of them out using a "Bambu Lab" A1 mini and subsequently super-glue them to some 3mm thick MDF stands by "Warbases", I thought they'd also make excellent terrain pieces for the Moon's (or at least Mars') surface too.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three Soviet Cosmonauts have been shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson

Sticking with the theme of taking scenic items and repurposing them for conflicts in outer space, I've dug out three bags of Shell Holes by "Magnetic Displays". Designed to populate a battlefield, I intentionally bought them to use as impact craters on the moon, and plan to use them as difficult terrain - which will need to be jumped over entirely if the astronaut doesn't want to be slowed down - for my homebrew rules.

Lastly, I perhaps rather ambitiously aim to continue ploughing through my vast backlog of "Wargames Foundry" miniatures and get at least another four Napoleonic soldiers ready for some "Black Powder" or "The Silver Bayonet". I'm particularly keen to get a quartet of British infantrymen ready for a matt varnish, as I seem to have been 'picking away' at the contents of the Newark-based manufacturer's Late Line Infantry Flank Company Shouldered Arms blister for more months than I care to remember.

September 2025 - "Wargames Foundry" surprisingly takes to the top spot

On paper, September showed just a small improvement over my previous period's productivity, and was therefore rather disappointing in some ways. However, quite astonishingly I did manage to polish off half a dozen Napoleonic Austrians, and get another eight ready for my brush-tip when the time arrives. This really was quite a shock to be honest, as I always find the heavily detailed Perry sculpts to really eat into my limited hobby time. My (limited) success with the range though has meant that "Black Tree Design" have at long last been toppled from the top spot as my favourite company of 2025 - for now at least.

As to the future, I would have thought "Knight Models" monthly release through "My Mini Factory" for their "Batman Miniatures Game" will certainly begin to make itself felt on my hobby table. I've still got a long way to go to finish all thirty-one figures included in their opening file for Tribes, and have since received thirteen more on top of that...

"The Right Stuff..?"

 "That's what they used to be called."

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 just over four years ago in July 2021. However, the model is currently available as either part of the five-figure set SKU: LNR6809BSS - NASA Astronauts, or the manufacturer's Two-Player Starter Box, and was assembled using elements taken from the numerous hands, weapons and equipment pieces which came inside my old starter box.

Prior to painting, the spaceman was super-glued onto a "Citadel" 30mm circular stand, rather than one of the bases which came with the kit, and then equipped him with a large monkey wrench, as well as what I initially thought was a storage container. As I actually plan to use this range for a homebrew version of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", I thought I could simply paint his box white, and 'turn him' into a Doctor - and indeed, that is still my plan for the chap. But I have since seen the game's Item Card "Explosive Charge", which suggests the device he's carrying is disconcertingly meant to be a bomb.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These three Soviet Cosmonauts have been primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red

The miniature was undercoated with a couple of licks 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 so as to potentially break up the monotony of the rocketeer's palette a little bit. This didn't turn out half as well as I had hoped though, due to the colour's hue being a little too close to the predominant colour to stand out - especially once they'd both been sploshed with the same "Citadel" Colour Shade.

The American's hand-weapon was simply based coated with Citadel "Abaddon Black", layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and later washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. For his medical kit, I gave both the box and its straps a few applications of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and subsequently shaded the entire area with some heavily watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also added a Red Cross emblem onto it so as to better mark the figure out as a medic - a task easier said than done as the decal was rather old and frustratingly came in two separate parts: the plain white circle and the red cross.

"Knight Models" WIPs - Killer Croc just needs a dry-brush and some tidying up before being finished

Perhaps unsurprisingly as I'm in something of a "Lunar" mood, I have 3D printed, based and primed three (more) Soviet Cosmonauts on my "Elegoo" Mars 5 in Water Washable Resin. I managed to pick up these STL (Standard Triangle Language) files at a reduced price in December last year, and frankly don't think much of them at all due to their being no customisation options, as well as them being somewhat smaller than the company's resin cast models.

Far more impressive have been all the "Batman Miniatures Game" figures I have received from "Knight Models" as part of my Gotham Lord Tribe on "My Mini Factory". In particular, I've really been enjoying pigmenting their Killer Croc Thug sculpt, and hope to have Waylon Jones' scale-covered alter-ego tabletop ready within the next few days...