"Three Teenagers Encounter A Ghost..."

"...Who is in limbo until he retrieves his lost head."

This 28mm scale white metal model is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately as MINI 1339 Headless Ghost, or as part of their DEAL 376 Ghosts two-figure set. The miniature is sculpted by Andrew May and whilst clearly associated with the rest of the company's (not) "Scooby Doo" inspired villains, appears to have been influenced by the character of Malcolm from the 1959 British comedy horror film "The Headless Ghost".

Beheaded six hundred years in the past and condemned to wander about Ambrose Castle until his body and head are re-joined, the model was rather simply primed with "Vallejo" Dead White and washed with some heavily-watered down Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats". It was then very patiently dry-dry-brushed with some "Two Thin Coats" "White Star.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three "Scooby-Doo" inspired sculpts

I did consider 'picking out' the monster's pupils with some red as per the miniature's 'official paint-job'. But didn't really like the look of this extra detail, so left the eyes well alone. Furthermore, I also momentarily felt that the figure might benefit from some blood or gore around its point of decapitation. Yet this seemed to be a bit gratuitous for a spooky ghoul who was merely chasing after 'meddlesome kids', so I decided to give that a miss as well.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, in addition to this first of my spectral ghouls by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", I have begun plugging away at some more of their other "Scooby Doo" influenced sculpts. To be honest, I was sorely tempted to pigment them all in the same, no-nonsense fashion as my Headless Ghost. However, whilst I have seen someone online do just this - and mighty awesome they all looked too - I felt I wanted mine to stick closer to their animated incarcerations.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - My 'Rick Sanchez' kit-bash is having all of his details 'picked out'

This has actually proved a little harder than first anticipated on account of Andrew May adding a lot more detail to some of the models than was seen during the original Warner Brothers Entertainment cartoon shows. But with a bit of patience I believe I may well have come up with some palettes that will both nicely represent the classic 1969–1970 designs, and still proved reasonably straightforward to paint.

Lastly, I've made some much needed progress on my entry for Jez's "Forgotten Heroes" event over on his "Carrion Crow's Buffet" blog. I've finally managed to get all of the basic colours blocked in for my converted Rick Sanchez figure (using various bitz and miniatures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio") and basically now need to just tidy everything up before finishing off the mad scientist's lab-coat and hair... 

"He's The Freedom Fighter."

"A symbol of the Wookiee resistance, striking at the Empire from the Shadowlands."

This 32mm scale hard plastic miniature of a Wookie Leader used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's old four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Fortunately, I was lucky enough to pick this one up second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, having previously pigmented the exact same sculpt some seven years ago.

As with my first painted miniature, the figure was undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from my other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and then applied some rarely-used Beasty Brown on all of his numerous ammunition pouches. All of these areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Every great leader needs their own Wookiee."

I next simply applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the Wookie's bandoleer, and later patiently 'picked out' its ammunition clips, as well as the Rebel's Ryyk Blade and Kashyyyk Pistol with "Vallejo" Gunmetal. These parts were subsequently all washed with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Furthermore, I dabbed the Warrior's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon (more) of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before dabbing the odd gun-holster strap using a combination of "Vallejo" Beasty Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Alongside the last of my Wookies I have based and primed a trio of Spooks and Ghosts produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge. To be honest I initially thought that all of these monsters were 'inspired' by the Warner Brothers Entertainment franchise "Scooby Doo". However, having done some basic 'Google-Fu' it would seem that the likes of the Headless Ghost didn't surprisingly appear within the "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" television episodes as I had thought.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Sheet Ghost, Undead Astronaut and Prospector Ghost

In addition, the sculptor Andrew May has added so much more detail to the figures than was ever shown on the animated cartoon show. From a wargamer's perspective this certainly makes the likes of The Undead Astronaut and Prospector Ghost far more interesting to look at. But from a painter's point of view my plan to quickly rattle out a trio of straightforward paint-jobs, which largely just needed a basic undercoat, wash and dry-brush, has been significantly torpedoed in its tracks.

I'm also not terribly sure just how many of these ghouls I can get tabletop ready over the next few weeks, as having searched through my backlog I actually found I own quite a few of these evil-doers. I did initially think that I might make good use of some of them with "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games". Albeit I'm now more inclined to simply pigment the Lincolnshire-based company's Meddling Kids set too, and devise a homebrew version of "The Silver Bayonet" which better utilises the flavour of the classic 1969-1970 cartoon series instead...

"Dwelling Underground In Deserted Cave Systems..."

"...These leathery predators using echolocation to track and target prey."

This 100mm tall resin cast model of a Giant Bat is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as MINI 1064 from their Beasts and Vermin range. Sculpted by Pedro Navarro, the miniature comes in three pieces, and has an impressive wingspan of 90mm. I had hope to initially include it as part of my contribution to the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. But now it'll form part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - as that's where it was headed back to before my dice roll.

Super-glued onto a plastic xxmm circular base, I first tackled the monster's rocky base by treating it to an undercoat of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, a shade of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. The flying mammal itself was then primed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna before being doused in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and being thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - This Wookie Warrior Leader just needs some additional washes

I also used this opportunity to patiently 'pick out' the Giant Bat's body with a highlight of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, as this would make its pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black face, ears and feet stand out just that little bit more. Furthermore, I carefully dolloped a couple of spots of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson over the creature's pupils to make it look a bit more vampiric - which is what I plan to use the brute for.

In addition I decided that the figure needed its large brown wings to be 'broken up' just a little more, so slowly traced out its claws with a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Unfortunately, the "Games Workshop" Shade went all blotchy on these areas (again), so I ultimately decided to make amends by dry-brushing some extra White Star by "Two Thin Coats" across the claws. To be honest I've experiencing this issue with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade quite often these days, and despite buying new pots the problem still seems to surface. Resultantly, I'm not a fan of the new formula at all and plan to move on to an alternative.

"Dragoon Miniatures" WIPs - Krillin, Chiaotzu and Piccolo

Alongside this right handful of a model, I have also managed to get some time working on the Wookie Warrior Leader I recently purchased whilst visiting "Retrocave" in Poole. Manufactured by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), this fur-covered figure has a lot more detail on him than the other members of his squad I've pigmented, so is taking a bit longer to get tabletop ready than I first anticipated.

Lastly, I've been binge-watching the early episodes of Japanese anime television series "Dragon Ball Z" and understandably got myself in the mood to game some Manga-style martial arts. Luckily, I stumbled upon "Dragoon Miniatures" Patreon, so have downloaded a fair few of their early STL (Standard Triangle Language) files as they cover the characters I'm currently familiar with. Unfortunately, their pre-supports haven't proved a great match for the suction taking place inside my resin vat, so these three models - Piccolo, Krillin and the tiny Chiaotzu, are the first combatants I plan to work on as they're the only ones to survive my initial print...

"Big. Covered In Fur. Strong."

"At the end of the Clone Wars, numerous Wookiees were slaughtered by the clone troopers."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's old four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Luckily, I managed to pick this one up second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, having actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago.

As with my previously pigmented miniature, the figure was primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from my other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and used the somewhat lighter Heavy Brown on his ammunition pouches. All of these areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat will be used as a vampire in "The Silver Bayonet"

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his two ryyk blades too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Warrior's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before 'picking out' his teeth using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

In addition to my penultimate Wookie I have managed to make some considerable progress on the whopping resin cast Giant Bat I recently dug back out from one of my cabinets. Produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", this 100mm tall model is one of four figures I intend to finish as part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Joe Bananas is having all of his detail 'picked out'

However, my plan to predominantly pigment the brute black has somewhat changed on account of the sculpt's noticeable detail. As a result I intend to turn the fiend into something resembling a brown bat, so I can (hopefully) better show-off all of its fur and wings, as well as it still having a pair of piercing red eyes staring out of a largely dark coloured face. Furthermore, I've already added some lighter brown highlights to the vampire's fur-covered body to help it contrast a bit more from that of its huge wings.

Lastly, I've made some nice in-roads on my classic Joe Bananas figure by "Citadel Miniatures". Dating back as far as 1985, this 'muscle' for the Judge Dredd villain Don Uggie Apelino is finally getting both the time and attention that he needs, and should hopefully be tabletop ready within the next few days. I did encounter a few problems trying to ascertain which parts of the hoodlum's tommy-gun were metal and wood. But have since worked these out - at least to my satisfaction anyway.

"Banderhobbs Were Enigmatic Monsters Of Shadow And Flesh..."

"...That seemingly hailed from the Shadowfell."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Banderhobb is currently available from "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. However, I actually bought mine from "Tritex Games" back in January 2020 when the figure was first released as an Uncommon, Large-sized pre-painted figure from the American company's "Icons of the Realms: Volo's And Mordenkainen's Foes" set.

"Known for capturing targets at random", the model was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green. The 'humongous creature' was then drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and had the majority of its spots 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - These two Wookie Warriors are getting their details 'picked out'

The model's bulbous gullet was pigmented in "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The somewhat emotionless monster's sharp teeth and claws were subsequently patiently picked out using a little White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and a dollop or three of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help weather them down a bit.

As a final touch I initially painted the Banderhobb's large eyes with some additional Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats". However, despite this being in line with all the official pictures I found of the creature online, I didn't like it, so decided to go with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson instead. These orbs were later treated to some extra "Vallejo" Heavy Red around the miniature's pupils to try and highlight them up a bit.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat has been primed and base-coated

With this somewhat late entry for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog finally finished, I have been busy beavering away on the last two Wookie Warriors I recently purchased whilst visiting Poole. Produced by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), these fur-covered figures have definitely rekindled something of an interest in "Star Wars: Legion" in me. So I may well see if I can't add a few more of the range's models to my painting queue in the near future.

Lastly, I've begun working on some miniatures for my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - which contains, amongst other models, plenty of sculpts sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Resultantly, and with a mind half on "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", I thought I'd work on their multi-piece 100mm tall resin cast Giant Bat...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Forgotten Heroes June 2026

A trio of "Titan Forge" Death Dogs were completed for "Monster (Mayhem)"

Having at least managed a far better May than I have during the past couple of years, thanks largely to my participation in Angry Piper's "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on his "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I thought I'd dedicate some of this month's hobby time to visiting "Carrion Crow's Buffet" and helping Jez celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of "Forgotten Heroes" event. This is an annual affair I really enjoyed being involved in during its formative days, and resulted in the creation of many of my Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. predominantly using various "Wizkids" plastic pieces from their numerous "Heroclix" lines. 

In recent years though, I've not been quite so inspired to cobble a figure together using bits and pieces from various manufacturers due to what I want being available as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files, and so my interest (as well as my participation) has disappointingly waned. This time however, I thought I should go back to its roots, hack up a metal figure or two, and pin an ensemble together.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This 'Rick Sanchez' has been kit-bashed from a couple of figures

Fortunately, I already had just the very model in my collection, having chopped up the body of a Investigative Academic by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", stuck the company's Crackpot Inventor head on its shoulders, and added a Robo-Minion weapon accessory to use as a portal gun. This gave me a rather agreeable looking Rick Sanchez from the animated science fiction comedy franchise "Rick And Morty", and a solid start for "Forgotten Heroes" too.

Furthermore, I also thought I'd do a third drawer challenge for this month, even though I still had plenty to do on the "Citadel Miniatures" blister Don Uggie And His Ape Gang from May. Somewhat coincidentally, my random roll picked a drawer absolutely packed full of more of Karl Perrotton's figures, so I'm reasonably confident I should be able to both complete the gangsters I didn't finish last time, as well as polish off a fair few more miniatures from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as well.

May 2026 - "Modiphius Entertainment" finally enters the Top Five

The past four weeks certainly saw an odd mix of subjects being pigmented, with a couple of blasts from the past being treated to a lick of my brush simply because they brought back some nostalgic memories. Of particular note for this were the two Wookie Warriors by "Fantasy Flight Games" I got tabletop ready having purchased them on the spur of the moment second-hand. Now admittedly I don't have any current plans to play "Star Wars: Legion" any time soon. But I may well polish off the two remaining fur-covered rebels in the near future simply for completion's sake.

Indeed, this month may well see me 'finish off' a number of models I've been toying with over the past few weeks rather than plonk them away on a drawer for another day. Along with Don Uggie's minions and the aforementioned Wookies I have also got a rather sizeable Banderhobb by "Wizkids" to put the last touches too - something I'm especially keen to do so that the monster can participate in some of the games of "The Silver Bayonet" I have planned for the coming months...

"Death Dog Saliva Carries A Foul Disease..."

"...That causes a victim’s flesh to slowly rot off the bone."

This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was printed as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the manufacturer's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service. Forming part of their Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the "neutral evil" creature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and has rather embarrassingly been gathering dust on one of my hobby shelves for over a year.

Permanently attached to a plastic 40mm circular stand, the sculpt was treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being coated in "Two Thin Coats" Berzerker Red and washed with lots of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As I couldn't really make out where its claws were, the hound's four paws were simply picked out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then had its lower legs dry-brushed with more of the colour so as to better blend them in with the rest of the model.

"A Wookiee warrior without a ryyk blade is a webweaver without fangs."

In addition, I applied a little smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the two-headed monster's tongues, some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to its numerous teeth, and a spot of pure "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" to its four eyes. Finally, I gave the miniature's noses a healthy dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Alongside the last of my Death Dogs, at least for now, I have also completed a second Wookie by "Fantasy Flight Games". Standing 47mm tall and made of hard plastic, the figure comes from the company's "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" and was picked up both second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - This piece is being base layered to try out a number of paint schemes

The figure model was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. His ammunition pouches were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the rebel's two ryyk blade and parts of his ammunition belts were given a dose of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadle" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I've base-layered a piece of science fiction scenery by "Death X Tiles" from their fairly recent Starship Mini Set. Created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer, the entranceway has been given a lick of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, "Gunmetal Blue" and "Gunmetal" to see if I like any of the colours - or a mix of the colours. I plan to pigment quite a sizeable layout using the tiles over the next few months and what a palette that is fairly easy and quick to complete, as well as something which won't overshadow my miniatures.

"Go, I Will. Good Relations With The Wookiees, I Have."

 "Wookiees stand out in a crowd."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Bought second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, I actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago. But thought it might be a good move to double the number of "People of the Trees" I could field.

As with my previously pigmented miniatures, the figure was originally undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from the other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and used the somewhat lighter Heavy Brown on his two ammunition pouches. These areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - Three more Wookie Warriors currently on my painting table

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his bowcaster too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Rebel's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have continued to plod along with the other three remaining Wookie Warriors from this boxed set - using similar palettes. In particular, I have been busy playing 'catch-up' with the group's impressively posed Leader, which had largely sat untouched in my basing tin whilst I completed my 'test model' for the squad.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb just needs his spots and boils to be 'picked out'

In addition though, I've also managed to get much further on the reasonably large Banderhobb model by "Wizkids" I have been working on for over six years. This frightful "giant bipedal toad" will be another of my entries in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, and may well prove an interesting alternative model for a Troll when it comes to my future games of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Publishing".

To be honest the biggest issue I've always suffered when facing this creature is how I'm going to patiently dollop all of its numerous skin boils. But having now got to the stage where I've needed to tackle this, I have realised that a lot of the lumps and bumps can simply be left green, and I only really need to add some extra colour to the most obvious of spots rather than all of them - this very much being a case of less is more...

"I Only Got One T'ing To Say To You, Dredd."

 "Nuts!"

This 28mm scale white metal model of Don Uggie Apelino was produced by “Citadel Miniatures” way back in 1985, and came as part of the three-figure blister JD 15 Don Uggie Apelino & The Ape Gang. Based upon the comic book character who first appeared inside Prog 39 of "2000 A.D.", the miniature for the "genetically modified ape who became a gangster" formed part of the company's classic "Judge Dredd" range.

The forty plus year old sculpt was initially primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green and had it's spats and cuffs picked out using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered down "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the head of the East Side Mega-Mafia's shoes, before shading his jacket and trousers with plenty of Nuln Oil. These articles of clothing were subsequently carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to try and bring out the pin-stripe effect which had clearly been patiently etched into the majority of the suit.

"They stank of death, and this stench lingered wherever they had been."

I next began 'chipping away' at all the little details on the model, using "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for the ape's flower, and Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats" with a little "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade for his banana. Don Uggie's flesh was simply base layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, washed with lots of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and later highlighted with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I applied some "Vallejo" Neutral Grey to the criminal's Fedora, sploshed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I also gave the figure's pistol a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and doused the hand-weapon with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil to significantly darken it down.

In addition to the first of hopefully four or five old school "Citadel Miniatures" I plan to pigment this month, I have successfully completed another entry into the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - All the well-sculpted fur on these Wookies has been finished

Found as part of the company's Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the Neutral Evil beast was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and was super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand. It was then predominantly painted using Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, I did pick its paws out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then continued to dry-brush this colour further up the animal's four legs to better blend it in with the Death Dog's fur.

Somewhat incredibly, despite all this work I've also managed to make a bit more progress on a quartet of models I recently swooped upon at Retrocave in Poole second-hand. The figures all come from the old "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" by “Fantasy Flight Games”, and were already assembled ready to paint - So I thought it'd be rude not to plonk them straight onto my hobby table...

"The White Costume Worn By Natasha Romanoff..."

"...Is a specialized suit designed for cold-weather environments and stealth in snowy landscapes."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff was made by “Atomic Mass Games” and could be found inside the original Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. However, I actually bought this particular miniature second-hand from "eBay" way back in  November 2020, so I could paint the Avenger up wearing her white suit as seen in the (2009-2010) four-issue miniseries "Black Widow: Deadly Origin" by Paul Cornell.

"A product of the infamous Red Room", the entire model was probably originally primed with a double-helping of either "Vallejo" White or it's "Citadel" alternative for that time. I then went over the entire costume using some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Nuln Oil in an attempt to create some shadows. To be honest this approach seemed to work reasonably well on her legs. But by the time I started applying my 'mix' to her arms and back the "Citadel" Nuln Oil had turned all sticky and goopy - Frustratingly a problem I repeatedly experience with this latest incarnation of the Shade.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - These old Wookies have all been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna

As a result, I ended up dry-brushing over the Russian's "sleek, white, tactical bodysuit" with some White Star by "Two Thin Coats". This managed to remove much of the mottled effect the "Citadel" Nuln Oil had caused on the figure. However, it also gave it a somewhat chalky look - which is precisely what I had been trying to avoid in the first place. With the Black Widow's stealth costume finished I quickly moved on to her leg straps and gun holster with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Lastly, Natasha's automatic pistol and zipper pull tab were pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst her electroshock wrist weapons, and circle-covered belt were initially layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being coated in Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The secret agent's famous hair was simply treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and final a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Citadel Miniatures" - All of the detail on Don Uggie is being 'picked out'

Having completed the third incarnation of Natasha Romanoff I now own for Marvel Crisis Protocol, I have settled down to working on all four miniatures from the old "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" by “Fantasy Flight Games”. I actually painted up this exact same set over seven years ago. But saw the preassembled models on sale for a reasonable price second-hand and simply couldn't past them up.

I'm also slowly making some progress on my old Don Uggie figure by "Citadel Miniatures". Now all the criminal's sleeves and spats have been 'picked out' I'm reasonably happy I know what colours to pigment the rest of the extraordinarily well-dressed Ape. In addition, I have made a tentative start on the gorilla's biggest enforcer Joe Bananas - albeit I am tempted to put the bruiser in a lavender suit as opposed to the tan one I originally envisaged him wearing...

"A Death Dog Is An Ugly Two-Headed Hound..."

"...That roams plains, and deserts."

This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service. Forming part of their Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the "Medium Monstrosity" was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and has rather embarrassingly been gathering dust on one of my hobby shelves for over a year.

Super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand, the figure was treated to a coat of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being base layered with Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats". It was then shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had its paws picked out with Abaddon Black. To be honest this was largely due to my difficulty in seeing just where its claws where on the model - and my increasing doubt that I could reach such tiny details with a brush-tip loaded with "Two Thin Coats" White Star with any sort of accuracy whatsoever.

"Titan Forge Miniatures" WIPs - The two remaining Death Dogs

To try to blend in this 'botch job' with the rest of the model I dry-brushed all the lower legs with (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black in exactly the same way I do for my horses, and this hopefully provided the effect of the "Neutral Evil" animal limb colour increasingly becoming a wine-like red as the beast's fur became more prominent. Having much later viewed the 'official' "Dungeons & Dragons" illustration of a Death Dog I realised I needn't have worried, as the fiend clearly has black claws anyway.

Finally, I applied a little combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the two-headed monster's tongues, some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to its numerous teeth, and a spot of pure "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" to its four eyes. As a last touch I dabbed the miniature's noses with a healthy dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Don Uggie is having all this base layers applied

In addition to the first of my submissions for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I have perhaps unsurprisingly been busy working on the set's other two Death Dogs. These have taken me a little longer to progress on account of the animals been sculpted atop some rocky outcrops, but I should have them finished soon enough now I've settled upon a palette for them.

Furthermore, I've got a bit more done on my 1985 figure of Don Uggie by "Citadel Miniatures". I must admit that the amount of detail on the model, as well as the rest of his Ape Gang, has rather caught me off-guard. As a result I have decided to tackle them one by one rather than as a group, and therefore managed to work out what all the tiny areas on the Judge Dredd foe's pin-stripe suit are - e.g. buttons, flower, tie, and trademark banana...

"Andorians, Yes."

"I've been reading about them in the Vulcan database."

This 32mm scale resin model of an Andorian Male was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures: The Original Series Landing Party Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt can still be purchased from the company as either an individual STL (Standard Triangle Language) file, or as part of their Star Trek Adventures - Print At Home - TOS Landing Party Set.

The lower half of the "militaristic, blue-skinned" Ensign was originally primed using some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. However, the Base Colour simply wouldn't stick to the miniature for some bizarre reason - even after a few coats, so in the end the model was treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, which proved much more 'adhesive'. Only then did I pick out the alien's boots and trousers in (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Joe Bananas, Don Uggie Apelino and Fast Eeek

The Federation's famous chest insignia was carefully pigmented using some "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the Andorian's Type-2 hand phaser was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently shaded with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch I gave the model's flesh a coat of "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue and shaded it down with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

To be honest this turned out a little darker than I had envisaged so I highlighted the facial details and fingers with (more) "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue. I also applied some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the figure's hair, and subsequently darkened it down with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider dry-brushing this area with a tad more White Star by "Two Thin Coats". But in the end thought it looked good as it was.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb has essentially been repainted from scratch after six years

Having completed an extra model from last month's randomly rolled challenge, I thought I'd better get cracking on the motley crew I've based for May. I've actually got five of these classic "Citadel Miniatures" from 1985 on my painting table, and decided to undercoat Don Uggie & The Ape Gang all at the same time. I did look at some of their colour schemes from within the pages of the science fiction anthology comic book "2000 A.D." too. However, as the apes' suits seemed to change depending on the colourist, I decided to simply go with some schemes which I thought would help make them stand out on my "Judge Dredd" tabletop.

Furthermore, as I'm taking part in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I thought I'd better get cracking on an old Banderhobb I've had sat partially-painted in my hobby area for the past six years. As memory serves I gave up on this particular "large, Neutral Evil monstrosity" by "Wizkids" because I was struggling with doing his belly right, so this time round I have simplified what I what to do with the miniature and plan to focus on giving him lots of boils...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Monster May(hem) 2026

"Modiphius Entertainment" surprisingly made a big return throughout April 2026

Despite managing to complete my personal randomly drawn drawer challenge last month, my overall output was still a bit lower than what I had both expected or hoped. As a result I thought I'd accept Angry Piper's invitation to join his annual "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on the "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, and finally finish a few of the larger models I have had just sat on one side away from my painting area for the past few years.

In addition, I thought I'd do a second drawer challenge, and this time initially appeared to be knee deep in old "Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War" models from the rather controversial 2012 "Mongoose Publishing" Kickstarter - fourteen years has still not calmed my fury over this campaign. However, I also spied a plastic bag containing the classic 28mm metal figures Don Uggie Apelino and his Ape Gang by "Citadel Miniatures".

"Step into a cataclysmic struggle that will decide the fate of humanity’s soul…"

Admittedly these particular "rare, vintage" sculpts date back even further in time than my aforementioned collection of Matthew Sprange miniatures, all the way back to 1985 when Bryan Ansell's company released them in a blister as part of their "2000 A.D." Judge Dredd range . However not only should the set still fit in size-wise with my current painted Judge Dredd collection, but I seem to somehow own three copies of Fast Eeek. So 'he' will provide Don Uggie with some much needed multiple minions, along with the larger 'muscle' of Joe Bananas.

Furthermore, I have completed a third 32mm scale Bomb Coffin by "Trench Stench". As with the first couple of Sarcophagus Mines I recently completed, this model was downloaded for free as part of their three-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's "Patreon" subscription service; albeit having read the "Warbands of Trench Crusade" rulebook a force of Heretic Troopers is limited to only two such 'upgrades'.

April 2026 - No change at the top after a rather lack-lustre month's productivity

Forming part of their Ghosts of the Nomansland range for the "tabletop skirmish wargame that pits the forces of Mankind against the fiends of Hell", and produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, the miniature was predominantly pigmented using "Vallejo" Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade over a "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna undercoat. Although I did I use White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green for the sculpt's spooky spectral flames.

Whilst the last four weeks wasn't the worst April I've recorded, it wasn't anywhere near as productive as I thought I was going to be, so I'm hoping that a plethora of big, scary monsters will help shake off this 'hobby funk' and see me rattle off a fair few miniatures. In particular I want to get at least another tiny unit of Napoleonic French by "Wargames Foundry" completed, as well as successfully make a start on the American Civil War models by "Perry Miniatures" I managed to assemble and prime last month. Plus, there's a big collection of unpainted scenery pieces currently loitering my hobby desk which need polishing off before they can be used for some actual games...

"Captain, I See Something."

"Kelowitz, Lang, flank out. Lay down fire on co-ordinates Mister Spock gave you."

This 32mm scale resin model of a Human Male was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures: The Original Series Landing Party Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt can still be purchased from the company as either an individual STL (Standard Triangle Language) file, or as part of their Star Trek Adventures - Print At Home - TOS Landing Party Set.

The Ensign was actually primed using a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Heavy Red. This was because I thought it would be easier to just base-layer the two distinct halves of the figure in its predominant colours. However, the "Citadel" Abaddon Black simply wouldn't stick to the miniature for some bizarre reason - even after a few coats, so in the end the model was given a complete lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and then had his boots/trousers pigmented in (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - This Andorian Ensign is almost finished

The human's famous chest insignia was carefully 'picked out' using some "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst his Type-2 hand phaser was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently shaded with a splosh or two of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, as I wanted the model to represent O'Herlihy from the January 1967 televised episode "Arena", I applied some (additional) "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the miniature's hair.

Despite having completed my randomly rolled four-figure challenge for this month, I thought I might as well finish working on another of the "Star Trek" resin sprues found inside the drawer, so have been patiently working my way up an Andorian ensign too. Admittedly, there weren't any of the "warp-capable humanoid species from the moon Andoria" shown as being part of the U.S.S. Enterprise's crew in the Original Television Series. But I like to think that there some work aboard her in the background.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - These three Krupps Corp troopers have been primed in "Vallejo" German Grey

Lastly, I have managed to base and prime three of the models found inside the Krupps Corp unit blister I was lucky enough to buy at Salute 2026. This "explorer faction that have a long standing rivalry with the E-Corp agents" immediately captured my imagination as they are clearly inspired by the Norts from the "Rogue Trooper" comic book series in "2000 A.D.", and resultantly caused me to start planning a future battlefield based upon Nu Earth.

For now though I just want to get a small squad of these "Diehard Miniatures" sculpts painted, and then take it from there. I do believe I have some Genetic Infantrymen by "Mongoose Publishing" somewhere, and possibly some of the E-Corp agents mentioned in the Krupps Corp troopers' blurb. But with my long-term Napoleonic and American Civil War projects still on the go, I don't really want to leap into another genre with both feet...

"The Trial Never Ends."

"I'm extraordinarily selfish. But it has served me so well in the past."

This 32mm scale resin model of Q was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures Iconic Villains Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt, featuring an excellent likeness of actor John de Lancie, can still be purchased from the company as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their Print At Home range.

The "extra-dimensional being of unknown origin" was originally undercoated in "Vallejo" Heavy Red, drenched with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and then heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. His shirt and robe's sleeves were then carefully 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before I used a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his ornate neck-chain.

"Modiphius Entertainment" - These two Red Shirts have been assembled, primed and base-layered

I next pigmented the so-called judge's gloves with some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Red too. But later felt this made them blend in with the rest of Q's attire. As a result I went in and applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to just the inside of the super-being's sleeves, and subsequently used a little trusty "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion on his gloves. This area was shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before I carefully lined the upper fingers with a tad more "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion.

With the enigmatic Q completed I was planning on finishing off the range's Sulu figure. However, I quickly realised that I had either misplaced or run out of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre - which I had previously used on the figure's shirt. As a result I simply grabbed a couple of sprues from the Star Trek Adventures Iconic Landing Party Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" I own, and assembled a pair of ultimately doomed Red Shirts.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - It's early days yet on these four Napoleonic French Carabiniers

This actually proved a little bit more difficult than I planned as the resin cast miniatures were multi-part and didn't seem to take to super-glue very well at all. In the end I had to use a little ball of green-stuff to hold the limbs in place whilst the adhesive dried, and so by the time my Human and Andorian were ready to be painted, my order of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre off of "eBay" had also arrived.

In addition to feeding my current "Star Trek" fix, I have based, primed and begun putting a rough base layer on a quartet of Napoleonic Frenchmen from blister FN062 - Light Infantry Carabiniers In Campaign Dress And Colpacks Marching by "Wargames Foundry". Like a fool I actually thought from just looking at them from the front that these would be quite simple (and therefore quick) to get tabletop ready. However, the sheer amount of detail sculpted onto their rears is flabberghasting, and will doubtless cause me a few headache-filled hobby sessions trying to work out what colour each piece of kit is...

"Displacer Beasts Used Their Innate Magic To Bend Light..."

"...Making them appear to be between one foot to three feet from their actual positions."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Displacer Beast is produced by "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. Based upon the large cat-like creature found inside the very first edition of the Monster Manual, I believe I bought this model on a whim having seen (and rather enjoyed) Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley's 2023 fantasy film "Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves".

Occasionally described as a panther with six legs and a pair of tentacles sprouting from its shoulders, the miniature was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The entire carnivorous creature was then repeatedly dry-brushed (and later simply brushed in some areas) with "Vallejo" Imperial Blue, before being soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"There is no beating these troops, in spite of their generals."

I next 'picked out' the Displacer Beast's fangs with some dabs of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and subsequently followed this up by applying a little "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey to the inside of the big cat's ears, as well as some "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" onto his pupils. These areas were later shaded using "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Reikland Fleshshade as appropriate.

Finally, I gave the monster's sharp, thorny pads a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and darkened the tiny spikes down with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted to show off the tentacle barbs - which are apparently deadly "enough to punch through pure steel armour, I gave them a rough dry-brush of (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats" to help highlight their piercing points.

"Impossible n'est pas français"

Alongside my latest addition to my "Dungeons & Dragons" menagerie I have (finally) completed the two 28mm scale metal models manufactured by “Wargames Foundry" that I needed to field a tiny unit of Napoleonic skirmishers for my games of "Black Powder". The pair can be purchased as part of their FN103 - Grenadiers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching set and having been undercoated "Citadel" Abaddon Black, were largely pigmented using "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, plenty of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and a load of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Created in 1804 by Emperor Napoleon", the soldiers' water bottles and straps were picked out in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, whilst the Frenchmen's epaulettes, lower plumes and sword ribbons were dabbed with a little Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Lastly, I gave the duo's topmost pom-poms some "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded them with a dash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.