"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...