Monday, 17 February 2025

"They Outnumber Us Ten To One!"

"We can't stop them!"

These two 28mm metal single-cast figures are produced by "Athena Miniatures" as part of their Apocalypse Survivors range, and are part of the eight-man squad found inside the Swindon-based company's AS11 British NBC set. Purchased as part of a much larger impulse buy whilst I was wandering around the stalls at "Warfare" 2024, these miniatures are based upon the disconcerting notion of Russia suddenly invading the United Kingdom following some great calamity - whether that be a nuclear strike, zombie incursion or some deadly extra-terrestrial attack.

Both models were undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, and drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then layered the soldiers' boots, gloves, gas masks and firearms with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. Lastly, the troopers' L98 A2 rifles and lenses were later treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider adding a little "Vallejo" Heavy Grey to parts of their semi-automatic weapons, as seen in the official photographs I was using for a colour guide. However, I felt this would just make them 'disappear' amidst the NBC suit, so decided to leave well enough alone. 

"Games Workshop" WIPs - This Primaris Space Marine has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I did however want to mark them out from their Soviet opponents, so took some inspiration from the pictures of the figures' ammunition pouches, and splodged these equipment bags with some round(ish) dollops of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna. This basic camouflage pattern - which I unashamedly borrowed from my days painting 15mm German Panzergrenadiers for "Flames Of War" - was later splashed with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before each area was highlighted back up with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

In addition to my latest "Invasion! 1999" reinforcements, I have also started working on a 28mm plastic Primaris Space Marine I was very kindly sent for free by the "eBay" shop "ibstock_tackle". Now, to be brutally honest I have little interest in Warhammer 40K these days. But did fancy testing out a colour scheme for the Dark Angels Chapter which I could then later possibly apply to some of Lion El'Jonson's warriors from the Horus Heresy.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two members of the Moscow Militia

Admittedly, according to "Games Workshop" lore the Loyalists of that era were all dressed in black armour. However, I've had enough of painting miniatures "Citadel" Abaddon Black recently, and can't shake the mental image of the First Legion always being adorned in their (modern day) green hue. Resultantly, I wanted to see if I could come up with a palette I could use for both timelines, and felt this particular miniature would make the perfect pilot piece.

Finally, I've somehow found my enthusiasm for my Napoleonic project also gaining ground once again, so have dived into a couple more figures from the RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets blister by "Wargames Foundry". I'm currently hoping to get a quartet of these marvellous Alan Perry sculpts finished before the end of the month, and perhaps then move on to some (more) French opponents, or perhaps the start of an Austrian Jäger unit..?

Saturday, 15 February 2025

"The Narodnoe Opolcheniye..."

"...Was a Russian militia that fought in the French invasion of Moscow in 1812."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The figure is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and has somewhat helped to re-enthuse me for my long-running Black Powder Age project on account of the infantryman's reasonably straightforward attire.

Being rather keen to follow this miniature's official paint-job as shown on the Newark-based manufacturer's website, I primed him using my usual mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, and had his trousers base layered with "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I then pigmented his winter jacket with plenty of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and thoroughly shaded both colours with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch for this particular process, I went back with some (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and dry-brushed the Russian's sleeves and the bottom of his greatcoat.

"The ape primitives are no match for my warriors."

All of the militia member's numerous straps, his belt, ammunition box, baggage and headwear were given a simple lick or two of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before tiny little details such as the man's buckle and hat decoration were carefully picked out with "Vallejo" Gunmetal. These tiny areas were later washed with a spot of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also used this combination for all the metal areas of the infantryman's musket. Finally, I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to the Russian's bushy beard, boots and any wooden elements of his firearm, and subsequently sploshed them all with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

I'm rather pleased with myself for (finally) finishing this particular model, as I intend to also use him as the human manifestation for my Russian Werebear in "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games". Despite the figure carrying a musket rather a heavy weapon (as described in the rule-book), I figured the firearm could simply be unloaded, so he could just swing it like a club until such time as the fellow successfully transforms into his far furrier (and much stronger) form.

"They will be crushed."

Alongside my second Napoleonic miniature of the year, I have completed two more 28mm metal models by "Black Tree Design". Available as DW510 - Armoured Sea Devil from their "Doctor Who" range, this pair of identical sculpts were initially undercoated with a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed using some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. 

I next tackled some of the details on the aquatic race's uniforms, and ornate 'samurai-like' helmets, along with the creatures' hand-weapons, using a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a dash (more) of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Lastly, the monsters' flesh was simply given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being shaded using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade...

Thursday, 13 February 2025

“Beachhead" Showcase 2025

"It feels like this exciting weekend sneaks up on us every year."

Seeing as this "ninth annual Beachhead event" was my first wargaming show of the new year, I found myself surprisingly excited as I drove down to the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) in Dorset. I'd actually missed the previous one, and had therefore largely forgotten my past disappointment with its lack of new vendors. Indeed, this time round I already knew some of the stores that were going to be attending, and was very eager to reacquaint myself with "Athena Miniatures" excellent range of Apocalypse Survivors.

What I hadn't forgotten though was the tabletop games expo's entry fee, especially as I paid for my ticket in advance, so I was quite keen to ensure that I obtained significantly more 'value for money' with this trip than I had twenty-four months earlier. Sadly, I must confess that I did not; albeit I did manage to stick around for more than a couple of hours - which is twice as long as I did last time.

A few of the Exhibition/Participation Games in the Main Hall

To be fair, the problem I encountered this time round though wasn't really the lack of 'fresh-faced' manufacturers trying to tempt me with their new wares. But rather surprisingly, a distinct lack of vendors full stop. According to their website, Beachhead didn't even house fifty vendors - a third less than that at Warfare 2024, so after approximately thirty minutes of walking around I'd actually toured the entire Main Hall, and began pouring through the colourful event guide looking for a non-existent second sales area.

Now obviously there is so much more to "Beachhead" these days than its vendor room, with the weekend also containing boardgames, tournaments, demonstration/participation games, workshops, card games and role-playing. In fact, its organiser Pete Valinski waxes quite lyrically about how the event has evolved "from a wargaming show into the tabletop extravaganza" I experienced, and I think therein lies the problem. I'm no longer its target audience, as I'm simply not interested in the majority of the services it now offers.

The stalls of Shiver by "Parable Games" and Zoontalis: Battle Royale by "Dice Heads"

However, having got the 'doom and gloom' out of my system, I'm pleased to say that there were still a number of things I did enjoy at the show - most notably picking up some more 28mm metal Post Apocalyptic Survivors, British Armed Forces and Russian NBC Troopers from John Caboche's aforementioned "Athena Miniatures". I've already been slowly painting up a number of this range's hand-sculpted figures since first encountering the company late last year, so it took quite a bit of will-power not to go completely mad and purchase the remaining figure sets I don't currently own.

Likewise, I was rather enthused when I suddenly spotted the fantastic looking Dead Man's Hand figures Butch And Sundance by "Great Escape Games". This pair of 28mm metal gunslingers completely caught me off-guard, and as a huge fan of George Roy Hill's 1969 American Western film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", they went straight into my 'shopping trolley'. Now admittedly, I've yet to buy the skirmish game which sees "bands of tough and wily Cowboys, stoic Lawmen, ruthless Outlaws and crazy Desperados fight for fame and respect in the Old West." But as these figures come with their statistic cards supplied, I thought they roguish outlaws would make a nice starter for ten if I do.

Some of the fully-painted "Age Of Sigmar" armies on display in the Tournament Area

My last purchase was definitely not what I was expecting, and was an owl-shaped incense burner from the "Into The Realm" Candle Company. This vendor appeared completely 'out of the blue' amidst a rather 'odd' collection of different entrepreneurs selling everything from canvas artwork through to Pokemon collectible cards, and caught my eye due to their creativeness in cleverly naming their wax melts to fit in with Fantasy RPG locations. Nonetheless, it was a somewhat strange place to find a craft stall, and frankly summed up how eclectic the range of goods for sale were at Beachhead overall...

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

"It All Began More Than A Century Ago..."

"...On a battlefield somewhere in the Old World."

"Hello Blood Bowl fans. We're delighted to be back with this surprise edition of Tuesday Night Football. I'm Jim Maddenberg, and alongside retired Elven Thrower Thom Grassyglade, I’ll be sharing with you all the latest gossip about Blood Bowl Sevens’ most recent signing - Reuben Redboots.”

“The Dwarf Blitzer has finally signed on the dotted line for amateur side, Bluebeard’s Bombardiers, and will be paid an impressive 80,000 copper pieces per season. However, seeing as the team is owned by wealthy gold mine owner Bruldrin Bluebeard the Third, I strongly doubt he'll be the most expensive player recruited by this burgeoning club.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Some early progress on the Dwarf Blitzer

“Oh absolutely Jim. This 28mm scale second-hand metal miniature was initially (re)primed with a double helping of “Vallejo” Heavy Blue, in order to completely cover the sculpt’s previous yellow and blue colour scheme. The dark-skinned Dwarf's boots, gloves and shoulder-pads were then treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before being patiently highlighted with a little more "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"All of the Blitzer's metal areas - such as his steel toe-caps, his knee-pads, face-guard, helmet spike, knuckle-dusters and numerous rivets -  were all 'picked out' with a dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, a spot of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and a generous splosh of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Lastly, the player's belt buckle was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, whilst his "Vallejo" Heavy Blue trousers, shirt and helmet were shaded in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and highlighted with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue."

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Three upcoming Dwarf Blockers

"And according to a rare interview with a local newspaper reporter just this past weekend, Reuben Redboots isn't the only dwarf old Bluebeard has his eye on recruiting either, Thom. In fact rumour has it that the prosperous proprietor plans to bring in a trio of hard-hitting Blocker Lineman into the squad too..?"

"That certainly seems to be the case, Jim. This wall of heavily-bearded brutality should prove a tough nut to crack in the Blood Bowl Sevens' league, and give Redboots just the sort of protection the blitzer needs to lead his fellow dwarves to endless victories. For now though, the three unnamed individuals are simply at the early stage of having their basic kit fitted."

"Quite so, Thom. Fingers crossed it won't be too long before these beefy fellows are out on the field. For now though that brings this latest broadcast to a close. But please do join us again when we'll be taking a closer look at some of this rising club's other players..."

Sunday, 9 February 2025

3D Printing - "Station Forge" - Tarion Assault Squad

"Station Forge" WIPs - Three Tarion Assault Troopers primed, shaded and dry-brushed

All of these models were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and are available as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from "Station Forge" on "MyMiniFactory". The armoured aliens are part of a ten-figure multipart collection entitled Tarion Assault Squad which were released in December 2024, and have clearly been heartily inspired by a certain "young race of technologically-oriented beings from the Eastern Fringe" in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

This 32mm set was one of my main motivators for joining this particular creator, as I wanted to paint up a handful of different science-fiction based 'kill teams', and "Station Forge" seemed to readily scratch that itch rather quickly due to releasing "four main factions and bonus models" every month as part of their Tribe. As a result I already own a considerable amount of their other STL files, ranging from infantry, through to armoured suits and massive vehicles, so hope to get a fair few forces printed, assembled and made tabletop ready over the coming months.

"Station Forge" WIPs - A Tarion Officer assembled from the multi-piece STL collection

Producing these miniatures was also an absolute breeze due to all the bits and pieces coming pre-supported. This meant it really was just a case of picking the torsos, heads, arms and backpacks which I liked and slapping them on my build plate. The only failures I experienced were where I tucked up some of the larger hand-weapons into the centre of the plate, making it a little difficult for the resin to reach the odd support - and thus causing the part to disagreeably flatten. However, even these pieces are useable either by cutting away the spoilt parts or using them as base debris.

To begin with I thought I'd begin with a reasonably straightforward ensemble of Tarion holding what seems to be the squad's 'go to' firearm. However, I did include a couple of the other weapons released with the kit - most noticeably a long-barrelled gun which is somewhat reminiscent of the T'au Pathfinder's Rail Rifle. All of the figures went together perfectly with a dollop of super-glue here and there - even the team's leader, who 'halt stance' was created using a couple of individual arms, as opposed to the usual 'wishbone' sculpt with both hands already holding their blaster of choice.

"Station Forge" WIPs - Three (more) Tarion Assault Troopers primed, shaded and dry-brushed

The only extra detail I added was to one of the poses which was standing on a piece of terrain. For this particular individual I hooked out a plastic tyre from the NSPIoC05 - Implements of Carnage One sprue for "Gaslands" by "North Star Military Figures", and used that. Despite being a different scale to the extra-terrestrial, as it is actually designed to "customise your die-cast cars into instruments of death", the piece slotted underneath the trooper's foot perfectly.

Colour scheme wise I plan to go with a predominantly brown affair, something similar to the original T'au Sept Fire Warriors palette I recall from my youth, though not quite as ochre as that 'iconic hue which is worn across the Empire as a sort of dress uniform.' This should help me get a fairly significant-sized squad on the tabletop in a reasonable time, as well as help make the models a bit more interesting to pigment as opposed to the predominantly "Vallejo" Heavy Red or "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green I currently seem to be working with...

Thursday, 6 February 2025

"For The First Time In A Thousand Years..."

 "Britain has been invaded!"

This pair of 28mm metal models are produced by "Athena Miniatures" as part of their Apocalypse Survivors range, and are two of the eight similarly attired figures found inside the Swindon-based company's AS11 British NBC set. They were actually picked up as part of a much larger impulse buy whilst I was innocently perusing the stalls at "Warfare" 2024, and immediately grabbed my imagination due to being based upon the notion of the Soviet Union invading Blighty following some great calamity - whether that be a nuclear strike, zombie incursion or some deadly extra-terrestrial attack.

Both figures were primed with a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, and drowned in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then 'picked out' each trooper's boots, gloves, gas mask and firearm with a base coat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The soldiers' L98 A2 rifles and lenses were later treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. To be honest I was pretty tempted at this stage to leave them be. But as a final touch, I wanted something which would help mark the British troopers out from their similarly attired Russian opponents.

"Paratrooper landings have been reported throughout the country."

I therefore splodged the models' ammunition pouches with some round(ish) dollops of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna. This basic camouflage pattern - which I unashamedly borrowed from my days painting 15mm German Panzergrenadiers for "Flames Of War" - was later sploshed with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before each area was highlighted back up with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

Alongside my British NBC soldiers, I have also begun work on a blister of Napoleonic infantrymen by "Wargames Foundry". I had intended to pigment at least a quartet of miniatures from this manufacturer's almost exhaustingly extensive range every month. However, a few difficult sculpts, such as my recently completed Prussian Officer and a still unfinished British Grenadier, has seriously dented my enthusiasm for the long-term project.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - The first of eight Napoleonic Moscow Militia

I therefore felt I needed to get the momentum going again with some reasonably straightforward models, and spotted a set of eight heavily-bearded Russians from the packet RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets. Sculpted by Alan Perry, I feel these Narodnoe Opolcheniye should be quite quick to get tabletop ready on account of their clothing predominantly consisting of just winter coats and the odd, colourfully-dyed sash.

Furthermore, the first model I have chosen to paint will also be used as the human incarnation of my (Russian) Werebear for "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games". The fellow is the only one in the set not to have a bayonet attached to the top of his musket, so even if I later decide to 'fill out' my Russian warband with some more irregular troops, he should still stand out 'loud and proud'....

Monday, 3 February 2025

"Sauvix Was The Leader Of Elite Group One."

"He was killed when Bulic sprayed him with hexachromite gas."

This 28mm metal model of an armoured Sea Devil is produced by "Black Tree Design" and can be bought as DW513 - Sauvix from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Revived from suspended animation by the Silurian leader Icthar", the sculpt is clearly based upon the commander of Sea Devil Elite Group One as seen in Johnny Byrne's 1984 television story "Warriors Of The Deep".

Primed with a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the miniature was dry-brushed in "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and shaded using some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Parts of the figure's uniform, along with the Aquatic Silurian's hand-weapon, were then 'picked out' using a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a splash of (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - Four more British NBC Troopers

The Sea Devil's flesh was simply treated to a brush-tip full of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being washed in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, I gave the monster's somewhat complicated-looking samurai-flavoured headwear a few strokes of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a bit of a dousing in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

In addition to "the only Sea Devil named in the television series", I have also been busily progressing a quartet of 28mm metal British NBC Troopers by "Athena Miniatures". These Apocalypse Survivors would be pretty straightforward to pigment if not for their camouflage-patterned ammunition pouches, so I'm currently just patiently working my way through the three-colour scheme. Once this is completed, the rest of the models shouldn't take too long to get tabletop ready.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - A MK IV Space Marine with Legion Vexilla

I'm actually rather keen to get these soldiers finished 'toot sweet' on account of the wargaming show "Beachhead" 2025 only being a week away, and my plan to purchase several more products from the Swindon-based manufacturer whilst I'm there. Indeed, I could well be tempted to 'dip my toe' into the company's Franco-Prussian Wars 1870-71 range too - a conflict I have long fancied having a dabble with.

I'm also still plugging away on another MK IV wearing Space Marine from the long out of production (OOP) Betrayal At Calth boxed set by "Games Workshop". Equipped with a Legion Vexilla (Legion Standard), this particular traitor from the Horus Heresy will doubtless prove a rather time-consuming project on account of all the detail 'plastered' over him. However, as I'm now pretty familiar with how I like to paint Maximus Armour, I'm pretty confident my somewhat dwindling enthusiasm for this genre will still see me through to finishing him before the month plays out...

Saturday, 1 February 2025

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge” [III/IV] February 2025

"We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh."

As I'm now half-way through my Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge (PPPP), and I'm quite a considerable distance behind where I had hoped to be when it comes to pigmenting my backlog, I thought I'd spend this month working my way through a number of old 28mm metal "Doctor Who" models by "Black Tree Design" I recently encountered whilst sorting through a few hobby drawers. In reality, I've already managed to get a good handful of these former "Harlequin Miniatures" sculpts tabletop ready during the past few weeks. But in scratching around the odd figure tray here and plastic box there, I have discovered a load more classic monsters which are just begging to be finished.

Furthermore, my 'Two-For-One' purchasing/printing policy for any future wargaming pieces I want to buy/produce is also on rocky ground, thanks largely to my encountering the STL (Standard Triangle Language) files creator "Loot Studios". This company absolutely bowled me over with their fantastic looking "Forgotten Beasts" science-fiction subscription, and resultantly I have been busily printing out a whole host of deep-sea creatures, anthropomorphic dinosaurs and primeval monsters."

"Our reputation speaks for itself, sir."

With "Beachhead" 2025 literally just around the corner, this means I really need to get some more models on the battlefield, before any big buying splurge at the Bournemouth-held show completely swamps my hobby table with numerous new shiny goodies - something all too possible considering that I aim to at least get a few more figures from "Athena Miniatures" and their hand-crafted Apocalypse Survivors range. To make matters even more pressing, I've discovered that Paul Hicks is releasing a new range of fantasy Orcs and Elves at the end of the month, and frankly I just know I'm going to be picking up some of these nostalgia-laced figures just as soon as I can.

Lastly, despite my best efforts (when not completely distracted by other genres/ranges) I still have a few Sons of Horus models to finish for my 500-point strong traitor force. I therefore thought it would make a great start to February to get another MK IV wearing Adeptus Astartes from the "Games Workshop" Betrayal At Calth completed. Rather embarrassingly, I've been working on this particular ten-man squad since last Summer, so would really like to see the back of it so I can focus on some of the army's characters instead.

January 2025 - "Black Tree Design" takes an early lead, just as they did last year

The miniature was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Vallejo" Gold, and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Although I also applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the fellow's knee-joints, elbow-joints, right shoulder-pad, backpack and Bolter. This left me needing to simply treat the odd breathing tube and firearm part to a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst also plonking a spot of "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red into the Space Marine's eye slits.

With one of the lowest productivity scores recorded for a January since I first started keeping a tally of my output over a decade ago, it's hard not to view the past few weeks as a major let-down - especially as without my aforementioned last-minute obsession with "Black Tree Design" it would be significantly lower. My hope for this month though is to actually start getting some more games in (and post a few Battle Reports too), as this always help instil me with a sense of passion and purpose for a painting project...

Thursday, 30 January 2025

"Revive The Warriors."

"The warriors have survived."

This 28mm metal model is produced by "Black Tree Design" and can be bought as DW510 - Armoured Sea Devil from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Awoken in 2084 A.D. by a group of Silurians who believed peace with humanity was impossible", the figure is clearly based upon the "amphibious Earth reptiles" seen in Johnny Byrne's 1984 television story "Warriors Of The Deep".

Undercoated with a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the "fascinating deep sea species" was subsequently dry-brushed using some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and sploshed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Some of the details on the shock trooper's uniform, along with the creature's hand-weapon, were then 'picked out' using a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a dash (more) of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Nothing seems to touch them. Nothing. Over."

The Sea Devil's flesh was simply given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being shaded using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, despite the sculpt not quite matching the monster's samurai-looking helmet as it appeared on the small screen, it's ornate headwear was carefully treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Alongside my Peter Davison foe, I have also completed a fifth of Omega's blob-like minions from Bob Baker and Dave Martin's 1972 television story "The Three Doctors". This 28mm metal model also comes from the Penzance-based company's "Doctor Range" by "Black Tree Design" and is available as DW336 - Gell Guard. The figure was initially primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Orange, washed in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and randomly dry-brushed using a little "Vallejo" Gold and Gunmetal.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Another Sons of Horus space marine having his details 'picked out'

It was then given a couple of coats of watered-down "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red in an effort to capture their somewhat metallic-looking blistered costume. The Gell Guard's large singular eye was pigmented using "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion, and later shaded with a little "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, its pincer claw received a brush-tip full of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and a dash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Following on from these time-travelling terrors, I've managed to make some quite considerable progress on another of my Sons Of Horus traitor space marines by "Games Workshop". I was hoping to have this particular 28mm multi-part plastic fellow finished much earlier into this month. But disappointingly, it now looks like I'll still be painting a number of Horus Lupercal's dark-hearted followers well into February too...

Monday, 27 January 2025

"More Of A Legend Than A Living, Breathing Creature."

"The Megalodon is known only by often disregarded tales told by the few who survived their attacks."

This 32mm scale Megalodon Shark Tail was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin both on a Mars 3 Pro and Mars 5 3D Printer, and is available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from "Loot Studios" as part of their "Forgotten Beasts" Sci-Fi Subscription bundle. 97mm tall and 95mm in length, the miniature actually comes in two separate pieces, with the 'Splash' needing to be printed on its own.

Once super-glued together, I plonked the ensemble onto a 65mm plastic circular base, and slowly began adding plenty of ripples on the stand's bare surface using Green Stuff. I created the waves by slowing circling the putty with a modelling knife, and repeatedly digging the blade into it so as to cause various swirls. The entire area was then given a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, and drowned in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

"We're under attack from all sides. Weapons are useless."

I then repeatedly used a make-up blusher brush loaded with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to patiently catch all the numerous ridges sculpted onto the Splash. This paint was increasingly lightened by my adding a little bit more "Vallejo" White to the mix with each passing, and once I was happy with the overall look of blue-tinged waves, I applied some pure White to the spray's very edges.

With the base completed, I next turned my attention to the tail fin and primed it with plenty of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, before shading the T-shaped print with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The Megalodon was subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and later had all its injuries washed with a little "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, it was given a second dry-brush of (even more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and a lick of Neutral Grey.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - This Armoured Sea Devil is having all its detail 'picked out'

In addition, I have also completed two more 28mm metal models produced by "Black Tree Design" from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Available as DW336 - Gell Guard and DW347 - Gell Guard II, these figures are apparently based upon the "shapeless lumpy-globule-like creatures" seen in Bob Baker and Dave Martin's 1972 television story "The Three Doctors", and were predominantly pigmented using "Vallejo" Heavy Orange, Gold, Gunmetal and the "Citadel" Contrast colour Flesh Tearers Red.

With my interest in the BBC Science Fiction show's classic monsters disconcertingly increasing in strength, I've also begun working on an Armoured Sea Devil from Peter Davison's tenure as the Fifth Doctor. Like the Gell Guards I've previously finished, I had primed and based a significant number of these sculpts for last year's Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), so hope to patiently plod my way through them over the next few weeks...

Monday, 20 January 2025

"Holy Moses! What's That?"

"They seem to be springing out all over the place."

These two 28mm metal models are produced by "Black Tree Design" and are available as DW336 - Gell Guard and DW347 - Gell Guard II from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Blob-like creatures which Omega made while trapped in a Black Hole domain made of anti-matter", these figures are clearly based upon the "shapeless lumpy-globule-like creatures" seen in Bob Baker and Dave Martin's 1972 television story "The Three Doctors".

Primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Orange, the duo were washed in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and sporadically dry-brushed using a little "Vallejo" Gold and Gunmetal. They were then treated to some watered-down "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red in an effort to capture their somewhat metallic-looking blistered costume. Unfortunately, a single layer of the Contrast paint didn't provide enough of an even coverage over the details though, so I eventually ended up giving the renegade Time Lord's minions a second 'going over.'

"Fire at will!"

This did make the monsters a little more red than I had intended. But at least seemed to have gotten the job done - at least until I applied some "Vallejo" Matt Varnish to each model, and disconcertingly watched much of the "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red evaporate under my brush..!?! In an effort to thwart this problem, I combined a quantity of the "Citadel" Contrast colour with some "Vallejo" Matt Varnish, and tried to seal my paint-job a second time. Sadly, this didn't really either...

As a result I slapped some 'pure' "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red over each Gell Guard, and only when that was well and truly dry, did I carefully apply a tiny amount of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish to the figures blob by blob. After a fair few touch-ups, this process finally seemed to work, and despite having some Doctor Who creatures which were far rosier than I had anticipated, I was subsequently able to apply some "Vallejo" Gloss Varnish to them without any further problems.

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

Lastly, I gave each large cyclopean eye a lick or two of "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion, and later shaded them all with a splash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. This combination worked so well that I decided to then use "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson on the underlings' pincer-clawed hands too - simply so the fearsome limb which can shoot explosives, stood out a bit more from the rest of Omega's simple servants.

Alongside my Jon Pertwee era monsters I have some slight in-roads on the last of my "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus traitor space marines. I've let myself get a little distracted from this month's goal to complete these "Horus Heresy" traitors, so have plonked the trio 'front-and-centre' in my painting queue and hope to get at least a couple of them completed within the next week or so...

Friday, 17 January 2025

"The Weapon Is Ours..."

"...And safe because it guards itself."

This 28mm scale metal Supreme Commander was bought from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" way back at "Salute" 2016. But is now available as SKU: FED01 from "Beast In The Broch". Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the miniature is clearly inspired by actress Jacqueline Pearce's unforgettable portrayal of Servalan during the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven” - even going so far as to wear the character's costume from the 1979 episode "Weapon".

Having already painted a figure of the "principal villain" before wearing an all-white dress, I was somewhat loathe to do so again. So instead decided to opt for a "Vallejo" Heavy Red undercoat, before sploshing her with plenty of "Citadel" Carroburg. The "powerful figure in the Terran Federation" was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and had her skin 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - This Gell Guard has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I also applied a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal" over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black layer on to the Supreme Commander's carbine pistol, as well as her elaborate neck collar. This part of the costume actually consisted of thin wire. However, as with the cloth's gossamer waist and sleeves, I thought a much more solid colour would suffice for my sanity's sake. The metallic areas were later shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Finally I tackled the miniature's face, and decided to go with some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue eye make-up and Heavy Red lipstick. Unfortunately, the raised detail on one side of the sculpt's head wasn't quite as pronounced as I would've liked, so ultimately I ended up painting in Servalan's instantly recognisable close-cropped haircut, as opposed to being able to simply allow my brush-tip to follow any contours on the figure.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Three Italian Infantrymen have been assembled and undercoated

Sticking with metal miniatures I've owned for a few years, I have dug out five Gell Guards by "Black Tree Design" which I had initially planned to pigment during last year's Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). These "Doctor Who" monster from the anti-matter universe were bought way back in September 2020, and have rather embarrassingly been suffering at the bottom of my grit-tin for the past thirteen or so months. Resultantly, I figured it was high time I slapped some colours on them and tried to hint at the 'bubble-wrap' costumes which they wore during the televised story "The Three Doctors".

Furthermore, I simply couldn't resist assembling some more 28mm plastic World War Two Italians using some of the Italian Army & Blackshirts sprues "Warlord Games" have kindly been sending me, along with my recent orders. For now, I've simply settled upon a basic five-figure squad. But hope to expand upon this meagre "Bolt Action" force throughout the year whenever the opportunity arises... 

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2024 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Well another year has come and gone, and as the clock creeps its way towards 2025 it’s time for me to give my assessment of Simon’s output for the year and pick my top ten miniatures from his consistently impressive output. So without further ado here my ten favourite miniatures of 2024.

No. 10 - Soviet Cosmonaut by "Black Site Studios" - November 21st

I’ve really enjoyed Simon’s posts about his combative astronauts, so much so that I had to go over and nose about “Black Site’s” website - though thankfully, I have resisted “pulling the trigger” so far! Yes the painting is deceptively simple on the face of it, with it being mostly just "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. But it’s this simplicity mixed with the painstakingly picked out details that made them really appeal to me. He has not gone mad trying to be overly clever with the painting, and as such the result works so well. I must also give a quick special mention to “Laika” the Cosmonaut dog, he’s just brilliant too!

No. 9 - Ultron by “CoolMiniOrNot” - July 15th

Despite never having played “Marvel United”, my love of all things “Marvel” does keep me avidly reading any posts I find with well painted figures for us “True believers” to enjoy. That’s exactly what we have here - a very well pigmented version of the Avengers bad guy Ultron. Once again though, at first glance it appears to be a simple paint job. But a closer inspection reveals several layers skilfully applied to give that sumptuous silver finish and red highlights. Indeed, this attention to detail is even carried over onto the base work!

No. 8 - Batmobile by “Mattel” - April 26th

Simon has been running a bit of a narrative commentary over the last couple of years linked to the “Gaslands” set of car combat rules, and has produced some awesome (and unusual) vehicles to take part in his games. However, this somewhat caricaturistic version of the 1989 Batmobile is my absolute favourite. The car itself fits the over the top theme of the game so well, and Simon’s additions are well thought out. Added to the simple black paintwork with its subtle red highlights - which hark back to the “Adam West” incarnation, and this is just perfection in my books.

No. 7 - Monica Rambeau by “Wizkids” - May 27th

Well there always seems to be at least one of the now legendary Heroclix figures by "Wizkids" in my yearly round up of Simon best, and this year you will be happy to learn is no different. Though I have to admit to being somewhat indifferent to Miss Rambeau’s exploits as “Captain Marvel” back in the eighties, I can very much appreciate a well painted figure, and this despite Simon’s own disappointment in his results is very much what I can see here. I have found overzealous paint application on the original figure to be a bit of a bugbear on many a “clix”. But the way he has worked around this problem to get the quality results he has is a testament to his and any painters skill.

No. 6 - Marshal Ney by “Warlord Games” - September 9th

I have long had an interest in the wars of Napoleon - mainly through historical fiction more than the gaming side of things - so Simon’s Napoleonic efforts are always a joy to behold. There is a lot of love that goes into each paintjob, and it shows through in the end results. This representation of the “First Prince de la Moskowa” is no different. The colours are as always spot on, and the attention to detail is top notch too. As for the painting? Well after all the relevant colours were in place, Simon "treated it to a zealous amount of Citadel Agrax Earthshade, before dry-brushing with Vallejo Heavy Brown to hopefully tie the colours all together” and, spoiler alert, it did! Top work.

No. 5 - Supernatural Investigator by “North Star Military Figures” - September 23rd

I love it when a figure designed to go with one game can be swapped over to a different game entirely, and that’s what’s happened here as this chap, the “Monster hunter” from "The Silver Bayonet" will also be serving his time amongst Simon's Napoleonic ranks. As usual, the painting is sublime and I especially love the contrast of the "Vallejo" Heavy Red scarf next to the "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue of his long coat.

No. 4 - Ruthless Lieutenant by “Crooked Dice Design Studio” - January 15th

Well it was pretty obvious from the moment miniatures started appearing on Simon’s blog from the iconic 1980 version of “Flash Gordon” that at least one of them was going to make my list for this year. Though they were all rather wonderful, there was just something about his painting of this (not) General Kala that put her slightly above the rest. Maybe it was the black (he does do black so very well), I don’t know, but I can almost hear her shouting “Dispatch War Rocket Ajax, to bring back his body!”.

No. 3 - Commander Kuro by “Crooked Dice Design Studio” - August 12th

I’m a bit of a “toy fanatic” ('Big Kid' in other terms), and like nothing better than sourcing or making 28mm representations of my favourite toys from childhood. So it’s nice to know I have a kindred spirit in Simon, - especially when he’s posting inspiring stuff like this small scale incarnation of the “Action Force” villain known as the Black Major. Now I’m not going to wax lyrical about how well he paints any figures dressed in black (I say it every year, because it’s true!). But suffice to say the painting is excellent, and I was especially impressed by the “five o’clock shadow” the figure is sporting.

No. 2 - Howard Quartz by “Warlord Games” - March 31st

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for the "ABC Warriors" and anything associated with them. So when this outstanding version of the boss of a trio of former/future members of the team appeared on Simon's blog, he certainly had me sitting up and paying attention. The lovely neat brushwork and attention to detail brought the erstwhile ten percent human leader of Ro-Busters very much to life.

No. 1 - Skeletal Spaceman by “Diehard Miniatures” - December 25th

So what has made it to the top of the tree this year? Well Simon left it pretty late to do his finest work by not posting this till Christmas Day. This outstanding undead astronaut is a really nice figure, but it’s the pure 'tour de force' in painting the skeleton that really lifts it to new heights. The actual bone work is expertly tinted and is a perfect contrast to the “grubby” white of his spacesuit. This isn't easy to do, and a closer look reveals subtle aquamarine tones that also add interest without distracting from the piece as a whole. Just really impressive work I love this.

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So that’s it another year of wonderful miniatures condensed into a few lines by yours truly… Well obviously not! There are so many other outstanding posts well worth a re-read (or first read if you missed them), that my advice is grab a brew and a mince pie so you can scroll back to January, and revel in Simon's excellent painting and prose!

Here’s wishing you all a very happy new year. Whether you be gaming or painting here’s hoping you get the results you hope for. I’ll now hand back the reins to Simon, and thank him for letting me loose upon his blog.

Cheers Roger.

N.B. You can visit Roger's excellent wargaming blog and see his excellent output here:

"Rantings From Under The Wargames Table"

Thursday, 9 January 2025

"It's A Megalodon."

"It's circling back."

This 32mm scale Megalodon Dorsal Fin (Submerged) was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, and is available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from "Loot Studios" as part of their "Forgotten Beasts" Sci-Fi Subscription bundle. 50mm tall and 80mm in length, the miniature actually comes in two separate pieces, with the 'Splash' needing to be printed on its own.

I was initially tempted to plonk the ensemble onto a "Citadel" circular stand. But then decided that one of the Nottingham-based company's plastic 52mm x 90mm oval bases would greatly reduce the amount of waves I would need to create in Green Stuff, as well as add to the overall dynamic of the giant fin cutting straight through the water at a serious rate of knots. Resultantly, I super-glued the huge spray down, and once I'd finished painstaking 'cutting in' plenty of ripples on the putty with a modelling knife, gave the entire piece a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and a splosh of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - A converted Retained Knight Commander with Octa Power Sword

I then repeatedly just added a little bit more "Vallejo" White to the mix, and used a make-up blusher brush to patiently lighten all the numerous ridges sculpted onto the Splash. Once I was happy with the waves pigmentation, I picked up a much smaller make-up brush, and applied some pure "Vallejo" White to the very edges of the spray.

With the larger piece completed, I next turned my attention to the fin and primed it with a combination of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and Sombre Grey, before shading the triangular print with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The Megalodon was subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and later had all its injuries washed with a little "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, it was given a second dry-brush of (even more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and a last lick of Neutral Grey.

"Wizkids" WIPs - S.T.R.I.P.E. is having all his red armour 'picked out'

Alongside this opening trip to "a strange, different reality, where the moon intercepted the gigantic meteor that would bring extinction to all dinosaurs", I have also been working on a 28mm metal model by "Alternative Armies" which I first bought and converted approximately four years ago. This Retained Knight Commander with Octa Power Sword was given a pair of plastic "Games Workshop" Blood Angel wings so I could better use it as a Sanguinius proxy for my 15mm Horus Heresy project using "The Ion Age" range - and once the base colours/washes were applied has disconcertingly just sat in a drawer until now.

I've also 'dug out' an age-old "Heroclix" sculpt of S.T.R.I.P.E. by "Wizkids". This supposedly "super rare" 28mm scale plastic figure has previously been cut off of its flying stand and been potentially pigmented in "Citadel" Leadbelcher to cover its pre-paint-job, before being set aside for a rainy day. So I figured I apply some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to Pat Dugan's armoured suit, and see whether that motivates me to finally finish the Star-Spangled Kid's side-kick...