"The Voltigeurs Were French Military Skirmish Units..."

"...Created in 1804 by Emperor Napoleon."

This 28mm scale metal model is manufactured by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their FN103 - Grenadiers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching set. The figure is one of eight identical Napoleonic French infantrymen sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and has proved surprisingly time-consuming due to its numerous colourful details.

"Skilled at sharpshooting", the soldier was first undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and had all of his leather straps, as well as trousers and shako covering, pigmented with a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then carefully applied some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey to his greatcoat, shaded it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later highlighted it back up with a little more "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - This second-hand Frodo Baggins is finally getting some love

I next 'picked out' the skirmisher's water bottle and strap with some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before plonking a little Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green on the Frenchman's epaulettes, lower plume and sword ribbon. Lastly, I dabbed a spot or two of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow onto his topmost pom-pom, and shaded it with a dash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

With the first 'recruit' of my tiny, four-figure Voltigeur unit completed, I have spent some time digging through my backlog of half-finished projects looking for something contrastingly different to work on. One such model I found is an old 28mm metal miniature of Frodo Baggins by "Games Workshop" which I believe I picked up second-hand from a wargames show many, many moons ago.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - More Alien Legionnaries getting ready to be recruited

The hobbit has clearly received some sort of paint-job from his previous owner, and ordinarily I would just give such a figure a quick lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to cover it over with. However, as this figure is so small, I thought some of its minute details were probably already in danger of being clogged up, so have decided to simply apply my own palette directly on it instead.

In addition, I have selected three more Alien Legionnaries by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" from my "7TV" collection to paint up as the Emperor Ming's minions from Mike Hodges' 1980 science fiction movie "Flash Gordon". As with the trio I've recently done, these miniatures had previously just been given a prime in "Vallejo" Heavy Red, so now need to have all their black straps, gold shoulder-pads and eye lenses properly 'picked out' before being tabletop ready...

"Guards, Halt."

"...Prisoners, follow me."

These three 28mm scale white metal models are produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately as Alien Legionary 1B and Alien Legionary 1C, or as part of their four-figure Alien Legionnaries set. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the miniatures are clearly strongly influenced by Danilo Donati's costume design for the Emperor Ming's minions seen in Mike Hodges' cult 1980 movie "Flash Gordon", and have rather embarrassingly been sat awaiting some attention on my painting table for a couple of years now.

Initially undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, the troopers were each given a positive drenching in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before being dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. The guards then had all of their leather straps and belts carefully 'traced out' with a little bit of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and their belt buckles/shoulder epaulettes subsequently were tackled using a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Hail Ming, hail! Ruler of the universe!"

Having previously decided to change the colour of the legionnaries' gloves with the models I did manage to finish about twenty-four months ago, I also picked these figures' hands out with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion. These garments, which hopefully now look as if they're made from a different material to their robes, were later shaded with a quick splash of "Vallejo" Carroburg Crimson.

I did consider applying some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to all the face-mask lenses and blaster rifles - even applying a metallic coat to one of the hand-weapons. But I soon settled upon sticking to my original plan of just dotting in the semi-circular eyes and shading them with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and making the guns pure Abaddon Black so as to better match the plain black film props.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Three French Napoleonic Line Artillerymen

With a little dent made in my backlog of Emperor Ming's minions - I clearly bought a fair few four-figure blisters of these fellows from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" in the past - I have started working on a team of Napoleonic French cannoneers by "Wargames Foundry". I wasn't actually planning on pigmenting any new purchases for this project until I'd finished working on a good dozen or so infantrymen I currently have lying about my hobby area.

However, I recently won a spate of auctions for several French cannons by "Wargames Foundry" on "eBay", so thought I better try and complete a couple of miniatures from their FN317 - Line Artillery In Campaign Dress set before they arrived. In addition, it should help me work out just how many men I want manning my field guns - as the set only contains seven actual artillerymen, and I will own eleven cannons - so at some point I'm going to need to purchase a couple more blisters even if I whittle down my crew size to just three or four models...

Miss Fantorical 2025 - An "Undercoat" Painting Pageant

Another twelve months have flown by and once again I have been asked to do a review of the "Fantorical" miniatures painting blog for the year just gone. As has become traditional, I have picked a miniature for each month and then picked an overall favourite. My choices are based on the paint job, the miniature itself, what I think is interesting and some other factors - such as quirkiness, and how unusual they are. Some months had some straight forward choices, whereas others proved to be a much harder decision with multiple models that would ordinarily have made a straightforward pick in a different month. Rules are rules though, and unfortunately some great painted miniatures therefore didn’t make it onto this list.

January - Megalodon Dorsal Fin (Submerged) by "Loot Studios" - January 13th

This is such an interesting miniature. It is a 3D print of a shark fin cutting through some water, and as well as being a really nice miniature with some excellent water effects, it also conjures up some iconic images. Indeed, the music of John Williams just comes into my head when I see it. The paint scheme is simple. But I think the water has been painted especially nicely.

February -  Sundance by "Great Escape Games" - February 28th

Moving from 3D prints to an old school metal miniature we have a wild west figure that I thought was different and very charming. I have been tempted by Dead Man’s Hand for a while after playing a demo game at a wargames show, so maybe that is why I picked this particular miniature model. The painting is great, and you are drawn to the face as you always should be. I just really like this one and not a Stetson in sight!

March - Ned Kelly by "Great Escape Games" - March 12th

Now, I don’t really like to pick two miniatures from the same range, and certainly not one after the other, as variety and unusual choices are part of my picking process. However, sometimes things just work against that! This is a model of an iconic outlaw that I remember from a television show when I was young, and whose appearance is both unique and very different. His inclusion in a cowboy game was a great idea, and he just has so much to like about him from the painting, to the quirkiness and the nostalgia.

April - Moscow Militia by "Wargames Foundry" - April 18th

I do have a soft spot for Napoleonic miniatures as "The Silver Bayonet" is one of my favourite games at the moment. This one is slightly unusual in that the bright colours you would normally associate with the period are replaced with grey and brown - which I thought was very interesting. It is the painting on this one though that really grabbed my attention, especially the face. It looks absolutely amazing with superb eyes, and a truly stoic/determined expression that really appeals. Great painting on this one.

May - Retained Knight by "Alternative Armies" - May 30th

This was picked with a massive amount of personal bias as I just love the Blood Angels Space Marine Legion in the Horus Heresy era, and as these "Ion Age" miniatures were painted to represent them I was hooked straight away. We do though move from 28mm to 15mm in scale, and I have to say the detail picked out on this smaller sculpt is very impressive. Just look at the loin cloths and shoulder pads. But it is the gold armour of the hero that really stands out here. Massive personal bias but who cares!

June - Doop by "CoolMiniOrNot" - June 18th

Tough month this one, with some lovely miniatures to pick from and I went for one I had never heard of before! Why? Well, he just looks fun and I think that the vibrant green paint scheme just makes him really really pop. At first I thought it was slimer from Ghostbusters, so after reading the posting it made me go and look up this comic book character. Interesting little mini and really good painting.

July - Space Marine Praetor by "Games Workshop" - July 14th

Another tough pick as I really liked Abomination painted/posted during this month. But my love of the Horus Heresy just pipped him to the post with this monster of a space marine ("Games Workshop" does mess up scales a lot!) hero which was slightly converted from the plastic original. I think the Sons of Horus paint colour is excellent and he does look so cool.

August - Hungarian Officer by "Wargames Foundry" - August 21st

More Napoleonics you say? Yes, I reply. I can just hear the theme music to "Sharpe" as I type! This fella is a complete contrast to the previous Russian choice with bright colours and lots of golden bling - Much more like it! I think it is the unusual white and blue colours that I like about this one too, which look so good and make him stand out in my opinion.

September - Andre the Giant by "Hasbro" - September 4th

One of the reasons I enjoy browsing "Fantorical" is the unusual miniatures that you come across, and this one appeared from way out of left field. I don’t know much about wrestling. But I have heard of this gentleman - helped enormously by a memorable appearance in "The Princess Bride". So, a miniature based on an action figure? Interesting and very quirky. However, it is the painting on this one that won me over as the skin and face are just top notch. Excellent painting on full display here.

October - Killer Croc Thug by "Knight Models" - October 20th

I really like Batman and have a soft spot for the excellent sculpts of "Knight Models", so this one was always in contention. I think this is a good example of a photograph not doing full justice to a painted miniature as it looks so good in the green scaly flesh. As well as the excellent reptilian skin, the colour of the jeans is a particular standout for me as they look so good. All round just a nice sculpt and a nice paint job.

November - Plague Lord by "Mantic Games" - November 24th

A 10mm scale model of what appears to be a bit of a giant monstrosity on the battlefield. I just love the way these have all been painted. They all look so good in my opinion that I had to include one of the three posted on "Fantorical".

December - Bat Sentry by "Wizkids" - December 12th

"Heroclix" miniatures are sometimes a bit ropey when it comes to the sculpt and the material. However, this one looks excellent and I thought it was actually produced by "Knight Models" at first. This is a lovely looking model that has been painted so well Just an overall great combination of miniature and paint job.

Well, that is my top 12. My overall favourite is……

The unusual and quirky and exceptionally well painted Andre the Giant by "Hasbro"! Just very different and so well done.

I am sure my choices were not always the same as yours so feel free to say what your favourites of 2025 were and may your pile of unpainted miniatures reduce in 2026!

“The Reason I Beat The Austrians Is..."

"...They did not know the value of five minutes."

This quartet of 28mm scale metal models are produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their AN002 German Infantry Marching set. The figures are four of eight identical Napoleonic Austrian infantrymen sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry found in the blister, and proved a little bit annoying due to a few casting flaws cropping up post priming.

The models were undercoated using a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black base coat, before having their famous white jackets and trousers treated to a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The infantrymen's collars, cuffs and waist-bands were then given a fine line of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and splash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson - a uniform scheme which apparently suggests that the unit originated in either Budweis or Leitmeritz.

"If you start to take Vienna - Take Vienna."

I next decided to pigment all of their water bottle shoulder straps using a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Admittedly, according to my various pieces of reference material, this piece of leather was probably silver-grey in colour. But frankly I decided to use it for one of my many short-cuts, and simply picked it out to be the same colour as the hip-flask itself.

Lastly I applied a little "Vallejo" Gold over a Heavy Sienna base layer to the bottom of all the Austrian's sword scabbards, and their helmet plates. These areas were subsequently shaded with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I once again contemplated applying some "Vallejo" Gold to the underside of each fusilier's plume - something I hadn't done on my previously painted soldiers. However, this still struck me as an incredibly fiddly enterprise - particularly as I'd now need to go back and do it to the others - so I figured I'd just leave well enough alone.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - This Power Armoured Trooper has been heavily converted to carry a flamer

With another four Austrian infantrymen completed, I'm delighted to say that I've already finished my Napoleonic target for the month, and given my Coalition Army for "Black Powder" the option of fielding two tiny units of Francis I of Austria's fusiliers, or a much more likely single, small (eight-figure) unit. I do also own blister AN014 Late German Infantry Marching which I would like to get tabletop ready at some point this year. So plan to employ all of the 'dodges' I learnt from this set with them too - as essentially its exactly the same figure, just wearing different headgear.

Despite recently spending many a precious hobby hour on my Napoleonic miniatures, I have still managed to convert one of my remaining upscaled 3D prints of a Power Armoured Trooper by "Big Mr Tong" for "Fallout: Factions", and slap some early base layers on the 42mm tall brute too. This chap will be the Leader/Champion of my Brotherhood of Steel squad, and has had his laser rifle upgraded to a flamer using a few plastic parts taken from some "Games Workshop" Warhammer 40k sprues...

"The Brotherhood Of Steel Is A Post-War Technology-Focused Paramilitary Order..."

"...With chapters operating across the territory of the former United States of America."

These three 28mm scale Power Armoured Troopers are sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the Brotherhood of Steel's "high-protection Power Armour" as depicted in the "Fallout" franchise, the trio of miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer.

However, as I wanted to use these particular figures with "Fallout: Factions" by "Modiphius Entertainment", I decided to significantly upscale the sculpts using "Chitubox" Basic. Ordinarily this meant simply enlarging the models to be approximately 32mm in height by making them 108.41% bigger. Something I repeatedly refer to as 'Arnie size' - using the eye-level and dimensions of the Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator STL by "Papsikels Miniatures" as a guide.' However, as these miniatures had slotta tabs, and should be a good head taller than normal folk, I had to be a bit more creative in my mathematics.

"It was founded by rogue U.S. Army officer Captain Roger Maxson shortly after the Great War."

Fortunately, "Modiphius Entertainment" do provide a height chart on their website for many of their "Fallout" figures, so I was easily able to ascertain the Brotherhood Of Steel should be 42mm tall. Taking into account the size of each model's slotta tab, this meant I needed to upscale each isolationist up to a total of 45.10mm or rather by 122.74%. In addition, I decided to 3D print them out using medium supports - simply to ensure they survived any suction issues my resin vat might cause - and whilst such thick supports did cause a few pockmarks on the odd miniature once removed, I figured they could easily be 'written off' as dents in their armour.

Once super-glued upon 40mm circular plastic bases, each model was undercoated in "Scale75" Thrash Metal, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Scale75" Thrash Metal. I then carefully 'picked out' all of their visible elbow, knee and shoulder joints, as well as their breathing tubes with a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black. Lastly, I sporadically applied some Extreme Rust Wash by "Mig Productions" to various parts of each soldier's heavy armour to represent its weathered condition, and gave their laser rifles a good few more sploshes of "Citadel" Nuln Oil to truly darken them down.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two of the Voltigeurs in Greatcoat Marching on my painting desk

With "Fallout: Factions" in mind, these three completed miniatures will form the core of my 250-point Brotherhood Of Steel squad - as they'll be used to represent some simple Knights (Grunts) at 60 points each. However, I still need to field a Paladin (Leader/Champion) to finish the group off, so intend to convert one of my remaining 3D prints to carry a flamer using plastic parts taken from some old "Games Workshop" Warhammer 40k sprues. Currently, I only own the "Fallout: Factions - Welcome To Nuka-World!" quickstart rules. So I won't be using the full rules for my early playthroughs. But they should suffice to let me get a good feel for the flow of the game. 

Having obviously spent a fair amount of my recent hobby time focusing upon "Fallout", I am pleased to say though that I still haven't lost focus on my current Napoleonic Black Powder long-term project, and have actually begun the painstaking task of supplying my Grande Armée with some much-needed reinforcements - initially a tiny unit of four Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". This should then be followed by another quartet of Late Fusiliers In Greatcoats And Assorted Headgear Marching to make that a small unit (of eight figures), before settling down to pigment a handful of Light Infantry Carabiniers In Campaign Dress And Colpacks Marching...

"Sauron Is A Fearsome Mutated Pterodactyl."

"Look on me, ye humans, and despair!"

This 40mm scale model of Sauron is manufactured by "CoolMiniOrNot", and was unlocked during the company's highly successful April 2021 Kickstarter for "Marvel United: X-Men" when it achieved an incredible $5,988,089 in funding. "The alter ego of physician Dr. Karl Lykos", the energy vampire was created by Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, and made his first appearance in the September 1969 issue of "The X-Men by "Marvel Comics".

Primed using plenty of Ethereal Green from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" paint range, the super-villain was shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) Ethereal Green. I then 'picked out' his mouth using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before highlighting his tongue (so as to better 'mark out' it out) with some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These two Austrian infantrymen are almost finished

The notorious "enemy of the X-Men" subsequently had his mesmerising eyes dolloped with a splodge of "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" White Star, and plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet plastered over Lykos' trousers. This garment was later shaded using "Citadel" Druchii Violet, and given a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Violet. Lastly, I applied some "Vallejo" Neutral Grey over the figure's pre-sculpted base, sploshed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and highlighted its rocky crags with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey.

Along with my latest addition to my roster of models I plan to use with the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game, I have also been dutifully plodding away at the remaining four Austrian fusiliers I wish to add to my Coalition army for "Black Powder". These figures all come from the blister AN002 German Infantry Marching by "Wargames Foundry", and will double the strength of my current unit from tiny to small (using my home-rules for unit size).

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - A trio of Beastmen in the early stages of being painted

In addition, I've also been dabbling with a quartet of Beastmen by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" which I believe I picked up when the company first released their 7TV Dracula Feature Pack. I'm not particularly planning to use them for Karl Perrotton's skirmish rule-set, but rather "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games" - utilising them as either Cultists or perhaps even Ghouls.

I would though like to get quite a few of this manufacturer's backlog cleared from my drawers over the next couple of months - as I do seem to have collected quite a mountain of their metal models. So hopefully I can get this particular foursome tabletop ready "toot sweet", and then move on to several of their Alien Legionaries which I recently stumbled upon whilst searching through a wooden cabinet...

"Sam Will Give You A Ride."

"Just tell him where to go, and he'll go.”

This decidedly diminutive 28mm scale metal model of Samwise Gamgee was produced by "Games Workshop", and could be bought as part of the two figure Frodo & Sam In Orc Armour blister from the Nottingham-based company's "The Lord Of The Rings" range. Now OOP (Out Of Production), I actually picked this miniature up from a wargaming show's second-hand stall many years ago, and have been meaning to get around to painting him ever since.

Despite the figure already having some sort of black undercoat on it, courtesy of its former owner, I decided to dust it down and give it an additional lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The "loyal companion" was then layered with Thrash Metal by "Scale 75", shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and very lightly dry-brushed with (more) "Scale 75" Thrash Metal.

"We are the Uruk-hai: we do not stop the fight for night or day, for fair weather or for storm."

I next began 'picking out' all of the sculpt's fur leggings, sword scabbard, belt and cloth under garments with either "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, Heavy Sienna, and Beasty Brown, before treating them to a splosh of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, the heavily-disguised Hobbit's numerous leather straps, and thick gloves were simply layered in "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Alongside Samwise the Brave, I have also finished work on another 28mm scale Uruk-hai armed with a crossbow. This metal "Games Workshop" miniature had already been primed "Citadel" Abaddon Black from an earlier attempt to make it tabletop ready, so I simply gave the model's armour and hand-weapon a lick of "Scale 75" Decayed Metal, Thrash Metal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Austrian Infantryman is being painted from the boots up

I achieved the colour of the Orc's bare flesh by using "Vallejo" Heavy Red with a "Citadel” Devlan Mud wash, and carefully applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on the creature's shoes, loincloth, hair, gloves, straps, belt, pouches and crossbow. As a last step, I treated the brute’s knife sheath to a little “Vallejo” Heavy Brown and highlighted his teeth in White. Both of these areas were later washed with (more) “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

With this month's big push towards progressing my Napoleonic Black Powder forces still foremost in my mind, I have begun plugging away at the predominantly white uniforms of four Austrian infantrymen by "Wargames Foundry". I've already pigmented a quartet of these 28mm scale metal from the company's AN002 German Infantry Marching blister in the past to create a tiny unit for my Coalition army, and plan to use this miniatures to double its strength so I can field a small unit instead... 

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge” [III/IV] February 2026

Last month's output was largely dominated by "Games Workshop" and "Wargames Foundry"

Sadly there can be little doubt then when compared to some of my past January outputs, the last four weeks have proved pretty disappointing productivity wise. Indeed, I didn't manage to pigment even half of what I achieved just a couple of years ago in 2023. Having said that though, a lot of time was lost due to a slow start, and currently my enthusiasm for the hobby is so strong - especially for "Wargames Foundry" and their Napoleonic range, that I fully expect to make up some ground throughout February.

In addition, I've temporarily postponed a couple of new projects I had begun to 'scratch away' at, in favour of firmly focusing upon my Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge (PPPP) and making far more in-roads towards my target tally for that. Last year I managed to finally finish 246 points worth of semi-completed figures, and was planning to better that this time round. However, having just past my personal challenge's half-way stage, I've only got 119 points tabletop ready - so have set aside my plans for Napoleonic cavalry and cannon units (some of which have literally just arrived through my letter box), and swapped them out for a sizeable selection of already-based Austrian Fusiliers, Moscow Militiamen and Frenchmen marching in greatcoats.

"In military operations, hours determine success and campaigns."

To get things off with something of a bang I have finally managed to get a coat of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish on an eighth skirmisher I have had loitering around my painting desk for quite some while. Found inside the “Wargames Foundry" blister FN054 - Light Infantry Chasseurs Advancing, the miniature Frenchman was undercoated using a little "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before having his uniform/cuffs layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

The soldier's various leather straps were treated to some White Star by "Two Thin Coats", before being 'weathered' with some watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Furthermore, I 'picked out' all of his extra details, using colours such as as "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green for the man's epaulettes and sabre-briquet ribbons, "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil on his bedroll, and "Two Thin Coats" White, Skulker Yellow, and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade for the Frenchman's helmet plume.

January 2026 - "Blood Bowl", Napoleonic Soldiers and Super-Heroes dominate the current chart

Alongside my burgeoning Black Powder collection, I am also planning on working through a number of primed "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" models I've had lurking in a drawer beside me for many a month. Whether this encourages to return to the company's skirmish ruleset "7TV" I don't know. But there's a good chance many of the figures will make an appearance on my "Silver Bayonet" tabletop as I primarily use Karl Perrotton's miniatures for any encounters my warband might have with wandering monsters, the Undead or musket-carrying bandits.

Lastly, I'm still very much in the mood for producing various items of scenery with my "Bambu Lab" A1 Mini, and am quietly working away in the background on some of the terrific terrain I received as free STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from "Steamforged Games" as part of their Warmachine 3D: Gravediggers release in April 2025. I've also got a bit of a backlog building courtesy of "Saucermen Studios" and their "Beyond The Trenches Of Despair" Kickstarter. So expect to see a fair few Whether ruined walls, trench systems, bunkers, towers and concrete barricades appearing over the coming months.

"Fickle Madame Victory Remained Firmly Out Of Reach For Everybody."

"This battle was a draw."

"Hello Blood Bowl fans, and welcome to another mind-blowing broadcast of Friday Night Football. I'm Jim Maddenberg and along with Elf playing legend-turned-commentator Thom Grassyglade, I’ll be bringing you all the biggest rumours circulating around our favourite amateur incarnation of Fantasy Football.”

“Once again, much of this programme's focus sits with Bluebeard's Bombardiers, who have forked out an impressive 140,000 copper pieces for the dynamic duo of Beggerlug Christmas and Uthaek Mudshaper - Two Dwarf Blocker Linemen who really mean business."

"Mutual exhaustion led to a truce being called, and the leaders of both sides attempted to parley."

"You're spot on there, Jim. This pair of 28mm scale second-hand metal miniatures were undercoated in “Vallejo” Heavy Blue, and subsequently had their trousers, padded shirts and helmets washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. The Dwarves' boots were then 'picked out' "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before their steel toe-caps, and other bits of armour were treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Sticking with the club's colour scheme, both Christmas and Mudshaper's gloves and shoulder-pads were later pigmented with "Vallejo" Heavy Red, given a liberal splosh of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and a carefully placed highlight or two of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Lastly, Beggerlug's famous beard had a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star daubed all over his facial hair, as well as a dash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil."

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The beginnings of the Dumbledune Daisies; a Dwarf Blocker and Blitzer

"Marvellous stuff, Thom. But these welcome additions to Bruldrin Bluebeard the Third's impressive team roster isn't the only news of the hour, is it..? I understand that a third Dwarf team has announced its intention to compete locally, and they're the Dumbledune Daisies. Just before this transmission terminates, can you give our viewers any insights into this latest Blood Bowl Sevens squad..?"

"For now we just know that their manager is head-hunting as many Troll Slayers and Blitzers as the rules permit for an amateur side, and the players will apparently be sporting dark green uniforms with white helmets. Furthermore, there's a lot of gossip that they intend to plaster their faces with yellow paint just prior to kick-off..!!"

"You Haven't Got A House Anymore, Savage!"

 "A stray shell from a tank blew it apart."

This 28mm metal single-cast model is produced by "Athena Miniatures" as part of their Apocalypse Survivors range, and comes as part of their AS04 Survivors Set 4. Bought as part of a much larger impulse buy whilst I was wandering around the stalls at "Warfare" 2024, this assortment of four-figures are based upon the perturbing premise that Russia has suddenly invaded the United Kingdom following some great calamity - whether that be a nuclear strike, zombie incursion or some deadly extra-terrestrial attack.

The young boy was undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and had his trousers pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I then layered the child's hooded jacket with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, shaded the garment with plenty of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and very carefully dry-brushed it with a little (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to help pick out all its truly tiny details.

"Men are moved by two levers only: fear and self interest."

The final steps consisted of me painting the figure's rather large backpack in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade - which is almost the size of the nipper himself - as well as patiently applying a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshtone over his face and hands. To be honest I did consider giving the kid some gloves. But I thought the sculpt's pose better suggested he had slightly frost-bitten bare hands.

Alongside my diminutive Apocalypse Survivor I have (perhaps unsurprisingly) completed two more 28mm scale metal models made by “Wargames Foundry". Sold these days as FN054 - Light Infantry Chasseurs Advancing, the pair of Napoleonic Frenchman were primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then had their uniform/cuffs covered in a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These Guard Lancers have been primed in the main colour of their horses

The soldiers' numerous (and genuinely terrifying) leather straps were treated to some White Star by "Two Thin Coats", before being 'muddied' up with a bit of watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, I worked my way through all of the skirmishers' various details, using colours such as as "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green on their epaulettes and sabre-briquet ribbons, "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil on their bedrolls, and "Two Thin Coats" White, Skulker Yellow, and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade on the miniatures' helmet plumes.

With just a final Chasseur to finish in order to create a small unit of smoothbore musket-carrying Frenchmen, I have also (finally) made a start on this year's phase of my Napoleonic "Black Powder" project by assembling (and priming) a pair of cavalrymen from the Newark-based company's old FN275 French Imperial Guard Lancers In Campaign Dress. For the next twelve months I'm aiming to get at least a handful of tiny horse (two models) units completed, alongside a handful of cannon, so plan to get the duo tabletop ready in quick order...

"I Am The Curse Of The Impure."

 "Garell had found a firing angle that allowed him to cover a large part of the zone..."

These two 28mm metal models were produced by "Rackham" in the late Nineties, and could be bought from the French company's "Confrontation" range as blister Griffin Thallions 2. Rather embarrassingly I've actually owned this pair since they were first released, and despite the odd attempt to get them tabletop ready, never actually succeeded until now.

In order to rid myself of their previous half-hearted paint-jobs, the surprisingly hefty miniatures received a solid base-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, a generous dousing in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and an enthusiastic dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I then carefully 'carved out' all of their armour/chains using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before applying a little "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to any visible scabbards or religious icons.

"...Thus protecting his minelayer companion while he set the explosives."

I next gave their inner clothing a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and immediately darkened it down - as I liked the idea of these guys being assassins of some kind - with a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I did something similar with their pistols and holsters too, 'picking out' the two different areas with "Vallejo" Beasty Brown and Heavy Brown, and subsequently sploshing them both with (more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

I did however want to stick to the Griffin Thallions' 'official' colour scheme where I could, so decided to apply a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to their gloves, as well as a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green on their cravats. As a final touch I carefully dabbed "Two Thin Coats" White Star on their face masks, and later shaded them with a tiny amount of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Rackham" WIPs - These three Griffin Templars have had their missing shields replaced

With these rather old models completed, and my interest in both "Rackham" and "Confrontation" somewhat piqued, I have started work on a trio of Griffin Templars. As with my Thallions, I bought these three figures shortly after they came out. But appear to have lost their separate shields along the way.

Despite a bit of a rummage through various boxes and drawers, I simply can't find these missing pieces, so have decided to add some (slightly larger) Templar-themed shields by "Station Forge" I recently 3D printed as part of their Solaris Infantry [Legacy] set instead. Doubtless, having now super-glued them permanently in place I'll find the blessed parts in the next place I look - probably alongside the Wolfen of Yllia miniatures I know I purchased alongside them. However, with my enthusiasm for the range strong I didn't want to dilly-dally and risk losing interest in them...

"Miles Morales’ Spider Powers..."

 "...are significantly different from his counterparts in other dimensions."

This 40mm scale model of Miles Gonzalo Morales was produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and was released during the company's highly successful February 2020 Kickstarter for "Marvel United" when it achieved a whopping $2,866,168 in funding. Based upon  Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli's "modern reimagining of the popular character" Spider-Man for "Marvel Comics", the figure can be found inside the boardgame's "Enter The Spider-Verse" expansion set.

"Hailing from an alternate world in which Peter Parker sacrificed his life to protect the city", the figure was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and then had all of the webbing covering his costume (very) patiently picked out with a line of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. In addition, the Afro–Puerto Rican teenager's fingers and chest emblem were also treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, before the entire miniature was given a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"During the Crusades, a heretical band of Templars dared defy the Almighty, unleashing the forces of Hell upon the Earth."

Spider-Man's eyes were carefully base-coated with "Two Thin Coats" White Star, shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and subsequently highlighted back up with (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats". The model's rubble-strewn base was largely treated to a combination "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst the dislodged drain was pigmented with "Vallejo" Gunmetal, "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade.

Alongside Miles Morales, I have also finished working on a second Concrete Defence Wall which was created using some "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on an A1 Mini 3D Printer. Produced by "Saucermen Studios" as part of their "Beyond The Trenches Of Despair" Kickstarter, the scenic piece was undercoated using "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, base layered with a coat of the somewhat darker Sombre Grey and covered in of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Frenchman is close to completion

I then dry-brushed all the concrete with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, before giving both the numerous spikes and crosses a base-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. These areas were later 'picked out' with a little "Vallejo" Gold, and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Finally, I am pushing on with a sixth 28mm scale metal model from the “Wargames Foundry" pack FN054 - Light Infantry Chasseurs Advancing. I've got every intention of getting eight of these Napoleonic French skirmishers tabletop ready by the end of the month - if not sooner - as I fully intend to work on some cavalry units by the Newark-based manufacturer for the majority of this year...

"Of All Of The Small Winged-Fairies..."

"...Pixies are the most frequently encountered."

This 28mm scale metal miniature of a Pixie is sold by “North Star Military Figures", and is one of the five models which can be found inside their blister TSB022 - Pixies for The Silver Bayonet. I recently picked this set up whilst at "Warfare 2025", as they feature in the original rulebook's bestiary, and I'm rather keen to own figures (in some fashion or another) for all the monsters it covers.

The tiny, mischievous sprite was primed using "Vallejo" Beasty Brown, and had its leggings shaded with a little "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The little prankster's top was then treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Both the trousers and top were subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Beasty Brown or Heavy Red as appropriate.

"The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue."

The miniature's flesh was patiently picked out in "Vallejo" Escorpena Green and sploshed with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Whilst its gnome-like hat was simply given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, washed in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. At this stage I was also "umming and ahing" as to whether to give the wee fellow a white beard, eyebrows and hair curl as per the 'official' paint-job, or simply leave these details with just a covering of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

The model's wings actually gave me a bit of a pause for thought, as originally I was thinking about using one of my Scale Color Metallic pigments by "Scale75" on them. However, in the end I decided that I'd just give them a coat of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, douse them in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later dry-brush the areas with (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats". This very straightforward approach appears to have turned out rather well, and gave me an excuse to keep the Pixie's facial hair plain black so it didn't clash with its supposedly gossamer wings.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - These Power Armoured Troopers have been base-layered and shaded

In addition to the first of my unhelpful fairies I have also completed a fifth 28mm scale metal model from the “Wargames Foundry" pack FN054 - Light Infantry Chasseurs Advancing. This Napoleonic Frenchmen was predominantly pigmented using "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and is hopefully the first of four identical sculpts I plan to use so as to double my French force's skirmisher line.

Lastly, I've made a bit more progress on my five freshly 3D printed Power Armoured Troopers by "Big Mr Tong". These somewhat upscaled STL (Standard Triangle Language) files have been based-coated in "Scale75" Thrash Metal and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil in order to help me better see all the details of the sculpts - as well as remove the odd support I missed having removed them from my resin vat. And stand approximately 42mm tall so they 'fit in' with the official figures produced by "Modiphius Entertainment" for "Fallout: Wasteland Warfare"...

"Bah! Everywhere It Is The Same!"

"I live in a world too small for me!"

This 40mm scale model of Benjamin Jacob "Ben" Grimm was produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and was released during the company's highly successful April 2021 Kickstarter for "Marvel United: X-Men" when it achieved an incredible $5,988,089 in funding. Based upon Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's human mutate for "Marvel Comics", the figure can be found inside the boardgame's "Fantastic Four" expansion set.

Produced in a light blue hard plastic, the Thing was primed using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. His "flexible, rock-like hide" was then patiently dry-brushed using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone in order to really pick out all of the super-hero's chitinous plates.

"Saucerman Studios" WIPs - This Concrete Defence Wall is almost finished

Admittedly, this didn't make Ben look as orange as he has been depicted in the comic books. However, having previously pigmented a 28mm plastic "Heroclix" model of Aunt Petunia's favourite nephew almost twelve years ago - predominantly using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Orange and some rather uncontrollable Umber Shade, I wanted Grimm to look much more earth-coloured on this occasion.

As a penultimate step I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to the miniature's shorts, shaded this area with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and later carefully dry-brushed the clothing with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. Lastly, I 'picked out' the exceptionally skilled pilot's eyes and mouth with some White Star by "Two Thin Coats", and applied a little "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help better show his individual teeth.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - These three Power Armoured Troopers have been primed and base-coated

With my latest "CoolMiniOrNot" figure finished, and now ready for some games of the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game, I have also found the time to make some progress on a second, and significantly longer, Concrete Defence Wall by "Saucermen Studios" for my Trench Crusade tabletop. I've actually now produced a few barricades from this set using "Bambu Lab" Matt White PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer, so hope to work my way through them all as the weeks go by.

I've also found the time to upscale five Power Armoured Troopers by "Big Mr Tong" on "Citubox" Basic in order to sate a sudden interest in "Fallout" - which has largely been caused by the PC Game "Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7" currently running an event to tie-in with the American post-apocalyptic drama television series. Created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer, these models are now 42mm in height, so as to match the size of the 'official' Brotherhood of Steel models produced by "Modiphius Entertainment" for "Fallout: Wasteland Warfare"...