"Crudely Built But Capable Of Taking Quite A Beating..."

"...The tank crushes and barrels its way around a battlefield."

These two 15mm scale Space Goblins' vehicles are sold by “Alternative Armies” and can be purchased as Pack Code IAF046 Infernus Tank - Malig Ball Tank from the company’s "The Ion Age" range. Supplied as a multi-piece metal and resin kit, they are armed with both Charon Fire Projectors, Maia Guns and also come with a 50mm resin scenic base.

However, once assembled each model was actually super-glued on to a large-sized plastic "Flames Of War" stand by “Battlefront Miniatures”, and subsequently primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black. They were then base-layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I did momentarily consider using "Vallejo" Heavy Red - as that seemed more in keeping with a Goblin force. But in the end decided to stick with the 'official' colour scheme instead; at least for these first two miniatures.

"It's two hull halves spinning while the centre remains stationary."

"Often deployed in support of Malig Tesserans", the assault rollers were drowned in “Citadel” Nuln Oil, before receiving a heavy dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I next splodged some heavily watered down "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna over their 'hull halves' and later pigmented the centre portion with pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

To be honest, the most difficult part of getting these quite hefty Infernus Tanks tabletop ready was attaching the two outer parts of the vehicle to their (stationary) middle. All of these pieces were made of cast resin and without any guide-markers or slots, it was rather hard to get each ensemble properly aligned with one another before the super-glue set fast. In the end both of the models were a little wonky, so I ended up using some green-stuff on their base to help balance them up for the human eye not to notice.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - The (backwards) Runner Drone and Female Retained Veteran

In addition to these formidable additions to my evil Shia Khan Legion, I have also begun work on a much smaller stand of infantry for my Prydian Army - largely inspired by a female Inquisitor adorned in power armour from the "Warhammer 40K" universe. Resultantly I am plan to plonk a Taranis (Jammer) Runner Drone alongside a Female Retained Veteran, and use the duo as another 'hero' base for my non-canon games of 15mm Horus Heresy.

Rather embarrassingly though, I've already noticed that I have permanently affixed the drone's mechanical legs back-to-front, so the pose's two headlights are now facing to its rear. This error on my behalf is incredibly annoying; albeit I strongly doubt it'll actually be noticeable to anyone who looks at the two-figure unit once its been fully painted, glued together, flocked and had static grass applied to it...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Crooked Dice" October 2026

Science Fiction figures once again completely dominated my past month's output

Things have definitely been somewhat off-target painting-wise over the past few months, so rather than try to focus upon a somewhat ad hoc collection of Undead/Survivor themed miniatures for the annual "Zomtober" challenge during October, I thought things might be a bit more productive if I once again simply concentrated upon my backlog of a single, individual company. Of course, where I can I do plan to pigment a grisly ghoul, ghost or zombie, but considering just how badly the last four weeks' output turned out to be, I think I'd rather apply my paintbrush to some figures which inspire me to get them tabletop ready rather than aimlessly 'flit' around my lead mountain looking for something to tie in to a specific event.

Such a decision will hopefully allow me to get enough models varnished and flocked in time for some games of "Adventures in Time & Television" before the end of the year - a self-made solo/co-operative ruleset based upon my M.I.S.S. system. I've recently had to update the core of these homebrew rules to accommodate some of the 15mm figures/vehicles I have completed from "Alternative Armies" The Ion Age range, so bringing them up to speed for 28mm battles shouldn't prove too difficult.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three of the four Alien Legionnaries I've recently found

Resultantly, I plan to predominantly work on a number of sculpts produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" in order to obtain a better understanding of what I need pick up from the manufacturer's stall whilst visiting the fairly imminent Wargames Association of Reading (WAR) annual wargames show Warfare. Initially, this'll focus upon more of Karl Perrotton's Alien Legionnaries, which will form the 'bulk' of the opposition for my game - and four of which I unexpectedly stumbled upon whilst having a bit of a rummage through my 'pile of potential'.

I have though also got my eye on some Nautican Warriors I recently purchased, which will give the 'randomly generated' villains a totally different aspect should they enter the contest. I am already working on a pilot piece for this evil underwater race, and will probably pick up their leader, Emporer Poseidus, along with a couple more packs of Nauticans when I attend the aforementioned show in the middle of November.

September 2026 - Crooked Dice Game Design Studio continues to extend their lead in my Top Five Manufacturers

By far the biggest disappointment of September was failing to even get the four Systemic Security miniatures by "Beast In The Broch" finished. Admittedly, the remaining two figures are reasonably close to completion. Yet I am now far behind working on the set's two leading characters: Alpha One (standing) and Alpha Two (advancing), and have vowed not to order the company's latest releases - along with another load of System Security units, until I have them done too.

My fingers are most definitely crossed regarding my output over the next few weeks, as not only do I already have a load more 15mm "Alternative Armies" infantry en route, including enough Retained Knights to significantly 'fill out' my (not) Dark Angels contingent. But I am also awaiting many of the latest Submarine Crew sculpts from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". However, I do feel as if I will need to get a few actual games in to help maintain my hobby mojo as the shorter days start to draw in...

“You See, Doctor, You’re My Intellectual Equal."

"Almost. I have too few worthy opponents. When they’ve gone I always miss them.”

This 28mm scale white metal model is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as MINI 2388 Modern Moriarty. Sculpted by Ian Mountain, the figure is clearly heavily inspired by the late Roger Delgado's portrayal of the Master (1971–1973) in the BBC science fiction television series "Doctor Who".

As I've always felt this particular incarnation of the "Machiavellian time traveller" wore an off-black suit, I started out by priming the dastardly villain with a couple of layers of "Vallejo" German Grey and subsequently shading him in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then gave the Doctor's arch-nemesis a heavy dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" German Grey, before carefully picking out his shirt cuffs with a combination of "Vallejo" Dead White and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Raise your hands."

I did spend a while ruminating over the model's goatee beard and slightly receding hair as Delgado's was noticeably greying during his tenure - most notably with some blatantly white areas of facial hair. However, as the miniature was seemingly stroking one side of his beard I felt it would look a little odd to have a small tuft of white sticking out, so stuck with it just being "Citadel" Abaddon Black. This Citadel base colour was also used to make the fiend's shoes and gloves also stand out from his dark grey costume. Finally, I carefully applied a little "Vallejo" Neutral Grey to the edges of the figure's hairline, and blended it in with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and a smidgeon of Abaddon Black.

Alongside my latest "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" time traveller, I have also finished another model by "Beast In The Broch" too. This 32mm scale pewter cast miniature of Systemic Security 3 can be brought either individually as SKU: ALI05 or as part of the six-figure Systemic Units set SKU: PAK 07. Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel, I've painted the model up to resemble one of the System's guards as seen in the 1979 television episode of "Blake's Seven" entitled "Redemption".

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - These two Infernus Tanks are close to completion

The guard was undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and later shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then used plenty of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil on the chap's visor and chest area (front and back), before tackling some of his finer details - like pigmenting the communications bracelet in "Scale 75" Decayed Metal and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, his hand-weapon in "Vallejo" Dead White and Pale Grey, and the minion's front-facing tubing in "Two Thin Coats" Ethereal Green and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

Furthermore, I've managed to get most of the colours finished on two of the three 15mm Infernus Tanks by "Alternative Armies" which I'm currently working on. Unlike the third and final of these Malig Ball Tanks, this pair of rotund vehicles don't have their space goblin pilot peeking out from inside the deadly contraption, so should soon be ready for the tabletop...

"The Dark Angels' Terrible Secret Is This."

"During the Horus Heresy, some of their brethren were turned to the side of Chaos."

These three 15mm metal miniatures are from "The Ion Age" range by "Alternative Armies", and come from their IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie multi-figure set. Super-glued upon some wooden chop-sticks for more months (if not years) than I care to remember, I recently dusted them down and decided to paint them as part of my small collection of "Rogue Trader" era Dark Angels space marines.

For openers the trio were simply undercoated with a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Dark Green and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then gave each model a brusque dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Dark Green, before patiently picking out their Angis Rifles with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - These Infernus Tanks have been assembled, primed and shaded

As a final touch I carefully added a line of pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black to their visor slits, and also applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to any pouches I could spot. Having recently used my quite sizeable collection of "The Ion Age" figures and vehicles on the tabletop, I spotted I wasn't always quite as robust at spotting these leather-made additions to my Retained Knights, so I made doubly certain on this occasion to get the ammunition pouches properly pigmented.

Perhaps understandably, as I am currently rather taken with this splendidly-sculpted range I have started work on building and priming a squadron of three Infernus Tanks. These Malig Ball Tanks will finally provide my opposition with some vehicles, and hopefully encourage me to finally build up enough enemy units to properly challenge my Retained Knights and/or Muster of the Prydian Army.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - This Generator is ready for some washes and weathering

Unfortunately, my plans for this 'sudden turn to 15mm' has taken a bit of a backward step as I simply cannot find my box of unpainted miniatures by "Alternative Armies". I know inside it I have several nearly-finished figures, as well as an embarrassing truckload of models taken from several of "The Ion Age" armies. However, I have located my resin vehicle small-box - together with a plastic bag filled with a variety of the range's various special edition sculpts. So for now I have more than enough to be getting on with.

Lastly, I've got some paint on the last of my entries for Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog. Originally I was planning to prime both of these 3D prints from the free Fallout: Wasteland Warfare - Print at Home - STL (Standard Triangle Language) Sampler Set released by "Modiphius Entertainment" in "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue. But then felt I might as well use the "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer as an undercoat for all the areas on the two generators I want to appear "Vallejo" Gunmetal...

"Do Not Fail The Empire."

"Operative, I have apportioned some experimental Dark Troopers to Tatooine for evaluation."

This 40mm scale model of a Phase-III Dark Trooper is produced by "Atomic Mass Games", and comes as part of the company's "Star Wars: Shatterpoint You Have Something I Want Squad Pack". Based upon "the last and most powerful dark trooper exoskeleton/droid", the exasperating sixteen-piece plastic miniature was eventually assembled using the instructions found on the Minnesota-based manufacturer's website, and glued to one of the tabletop game's 40mm circular bases.

However, due to one of the halves of the machine's left shoulder-pad tearing into two parts whilst I was cutting it from the sprue, this over-complicated 'nightmare' actually ended up taking just as long to put together as the first of Moff Gideon's minions I recently got tabletop ready. Indeed, I ended up having to (plastic) glue to the two damaged pieces together and subsequently file them down as flat as I could before I could properly continue with the rest of the Dark Trooper, and even then there's a very visible dent in the robot's shoulder if you know where to look.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - The three remaining Systemic Units

The Imperial droid was originally primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and later base-layered with "Vallejo" Glossy Black - which I hoped would do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to how the shiny black killer would appear. To break the overwhelming all-black palette though, I did 'pick out' all the figure's elbow, wrist, knee and elbow joints using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as it's E-450 "Arc Hammer" heavy blaster rifle. Finally I used a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion for the Dark Trooper's eyes and chest computer.

In addition to this disappointingly time-consuming project, I have continued to plug away at the three remaining Systemic Security models found inside the Systemic Units set by "Beast In The Broch". Due to still being rather taken by Terry Nation's cult "Blake's 7" science fiction television show, I should still be able to get the computer-controlled lackeys completed before the month's end. Albeit, I sadly doubt I'll have the time to pigment the set's Alpha One and Alpha Two as well.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - The OOP figure of Venus Bluegenes

Despite recently listening to some of the "2000 AD" full-cast audio of "Rogue Trooper: Welcome to Nu Earth" over on "Audible", I've still been rather struggling to truly get going with my restarted Rogue Trooper project of late - and not even the chance discovery of my previously purchased five Man E-Corp Unit by "Diehard Miniatures" to use as (not) Southerners. Resultantly, I felt it prudent to set aside Tim Prow's dynamically sculpted Krupps Corp unit blister models (which I was planning to use as Norts), and look elsewhere for inspiration.

Funnily enough, such a mojo maker soon presented itself in the guise of the now long OOP (Out Of Production) figure of Venus Bluegenes by "Wargames Foundry". Now ordinarily I don't like to mix my manufacturers for projects. But when I slapped the "so-called G.I. Doll" on a lipped base besides my aforementioned "Diehard Miniatures", the sculpt appeared to be similarly proportioned overall and only a touch taller - which arguably makes sense for a one woman killing machine who was a "genetically-modified warrior". Regardless, I've found my interest in the project reignited and now hope to get the "female clone soldier created by Milli-Com" finished 'toot sweet'...

"Force Level Three."

"Take this prisoner to elimination chamber two."

This 32mm scale pewter cast miniature of Systemic Security 1 is produced by "Beast In The Broch" and can be brought either individually as SKU: ALI03 or as part of the six-figure Systemic Units set SKU: PAK 07. Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel, I've painted the model up to resemble one of the System's guards as seen in the 1979 television episode of "Blake's Seven" entitled "Redemption".

One of the many foot-soldiers utilised by "a computer network which was the controlling authority of a highly advanced alien civilisation", the warden was in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and later shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out the man's visor and computerised chest plate using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - The System Security figure was painted from the inside out

I also eventually used these colours to pigment the parts of the guard's uniform which were apparently made of transparent plastic. On the small screen these elements made the cruel-hearted custodians of the System appear predominantly black. But I thought this would make the figure look rather odd-looking. In addition, I didn't think applying white to the areas - which is something I do when painting gossamer-wings etc, would work out either.

With the basics completed, I then took some time carefully 'picking out' the much smaller details on the figure - using the likes of "Scale 75" Decayed Metal and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade for the miniature's communications bracelet, and "Vallejo" Dead White and Pale Grey on his 'cattle prod' hand-weapon. Furthermore, I tried to follow the 'official' broadcast costume by carefully tracing along the villainous minion's front-facing tubing with a little "Two Thin Coats" Ethereal Green and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Nautican Warrior B, Heinous Husk, Modern Moriarty & Devil In Disguise

With the first of my Systemic Security models completed, I have finally started work on four new arrivals from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Unfortunately, the Royal Mail took quite a while to finally decide to deliver these chaps, so my enthusiasm for them took a bit of a knock by the time they did eventually turn up through the letter-box. However, having recently played a game of myco-operative homemade rule-set M.I.S.S. I suddenly found myself thinking how I could use them in an 'Adventures Through Time And Television' flavoured adaption largely just using Karl Perrotton's enormous range of miniatures.

For now though, I've simply plonked some basic undercoats and base-colours on the company's Devil In Disguise, Heinous Husk, Modern Moriarty and Nautican Warrior B - with plans to get the quartet finished before the month is out if I can. This'll allow me to figure out what heroes, minions and villains I next need to get tabletop ready in order to play a game (or three) before October is full played out...

"But This Is A Fine Time To Test..."

 "...My newly acquired weapons."

This 140mm tall Inner Core was created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer and can be downloaded for free as part of the Sturmriese Axis Walker by "Warlord Games". Designed to be just one piece of the colossal-sized "Konlikt '47" death machine, I decided it would instead look rather good as an energy pylon on my "Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game" tabletop.

However, the original 3D print did look a little too bare for my liking so I thought I'd add some textured details to the scenic piece via some of the many decals gifted to me by “N-FX Game Design Studio” several years ago. These 'stickers' were sporadically placed here and there - most notably around the transmission tower's lower base in an effort to show that the invention had been occasionally updated and required plenty of air vents for its internal cooling mechanism.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - A trio of models from inside their Systemic Units set.

The entire ensemble was subsequently undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue, almost drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue. The pylon's dome was then treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. In fact, I actually ended up giving the entire 3D a very light dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal to help better highlight all its edges and features.

I next settled down to the task of patiently colouring many of its vents and details using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I really didn't need everything to contrast as I'm big believer in scenery predominantly sitting in the background of a game, and resultantly I didn't bother varnishing the 'Inner Core' either - so it would hopefully blend in better with some of the other pre-painted pieces I own.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - This Dark Trooper has been assembled, primed and base-coated

With the first of my entries completed for Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, I have begun pigmenting some of the figures found in the Systemic Units set by "Beast In The Broch". I'm hoping their predominantly black and silver colour scheme will mean they're pretty straightforward to get tabletop ready, so am currently just focusing on three of alien computer network's humanoid minions first.

In addition, after battling to (plastic) glue together another 40mm scale Phase-III Dark Trooper by "Atomic Mass Games", I'm delightfully in a position where I just need to paint the "Star Wars: Shatterpoint" multi-part droid. My difficulties in assembling these monstrosities is really starting to eat away at my enthusiasm for the models. But in an effort to maintain my interest in George Lucas' galaxy (far, far away), I have now dusted off a few "Star Wars: Legion" miniatures to add to my hobby queue...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Beast In The Broch" September 2026

Science Fiction figures dominated August's output

Due to something of an upturn in my productivity last month - predominantly due to a week working on a trio of "Blake's Seven" inspired sculpts from "Beast In The Broch", I thought I should probably maintain my focus for the next four weeks upon "the tentacled lovechild of games designer Graeme Dawson" as opposed to 'flitting off' after another range or three. Resultantly, I hope to paint the entire contents of the company's Systemic Units set throughout September and then be in a position to add some additional black-suited Systemic Security models to my next order with them.

In addition, I aim to finally finish off the first of my entries to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, and follow that up with a couple of other pieces I've 3D printed from the free Fallout: Wasteland Warfare - Print at Home - STL (Standard Triangle Language) Sampler Set released by "Modiphius Entertainment". These generators aren't anywhere near as large as the "Warlord Games" Sturmriese Axis Walker piece I'm currently working on. But should still be good for my upcoming games of Matt Forbeck's Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - Three of the models found inside their Systemic Units set.

I also haven't forgotten about 'slogging through' the rest of the 40mm scale multi-piece miniatures found inside the box of "Star Wars: Shatterpoint You Have Something I Want Squad Pack" I recently purchased. Admittedly these "Atomic Mass Games" sculpts are proving a bit of a time-consuming nightmare to assemble. Yet once (plastic) glued together, I believe they should be pretty-quick to polish off due to their largely black-coloured palette - especially the remaining Phase-III Dark Trooper and accompanying Death Trooper Escort.

Lastly, despite already owning a mini-mountain of untouched figures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", I have got some additional 'reinforcements' coming in following their latest release of heinous Temporal Travellers. Rather embarrassingly, I couldn't actually say which of the models from this range I don't own, due to my collection being stored away in a rather haphazard manner. However, as I'm currently watching at least one episode of classic "Doctor Who" daily, I'm hoping my enthusiasm for all things "timey wimey" will spur me on to getting a fair few of this backlog completed before the year is done.

August 2026 - Crooked Dice Game Design Studio extends their lead in my Top Five Manufacturers

As aforementioned, I owe a significant debt to "Beast In The Broch" for helping me shrug off a serious 'funk' before August came to a close. Indeed, without the manufacturer's marvellous FedSec Command 2 Set I'd almost certainly be looking at an output which frighteningly would have been even less than the dismal showing seen in July. Happily though, that situation was soon averted, and along with a couple more Beastmen 3 by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" I was able to attain a much more acceptable tally.

Whether my excitement for the six figures found inside Graeme's Systemic Units set will have a similar effect upon my mojo remains to be seen. But I do have a fair few partially-painted projects sat lurking around my hobby desk presently - in which case any one of them may well be 'picked up' upon a whim and finished within the span of a dedicated session or two, including a number of "Star Trek" and "Judge Dredd" miniatures I still need to complete from my momentarily postponed randomly selected plastic drawer challenge...

"The Albians Have Always Known The Penalty For Insurrection."

"Now they must pay the cost."

This 28mm scale lead free pewter model of FedSec Star Commander (male) is produced by "Beast In The Broch" and can be brought either individually as SKU: FED16 or as part of the five-figure FedSec Command 2 set SKU: PAK08. Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel, I've painted the miniature up to ever so slightly resemble Federation Space Major Provine as played by actor Paul Shelley in the 1979 television episode of "Blake's Seven" entitled "Countdown".

"In charge of the personnel on Albian", the officer was primed using plenty of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out his uniform's rank insignia, as well as a few of the items found upon his utility belt and one thigh, using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - The Krupps Corp Troopers will be painted up as (not) Norts

Sticking with the 'new' colour scheme I recently employed for my other two FedSec Commander's hand-weapon, I subsequently gave Provine's standard issue carbine a lick of "Scale 75" Decayed Metal and shaded it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. As a final touch I also gave the man's hair a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, washed it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and later dry-brushed it with a bit more "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

With my FedSec Command 2 set now completed, I have turned my attention to working on a trio of Krupps Corp unit blister models I bought from "Diehard Miniatures" whilst at this year's "Salute". I've been busy looking at various pieces of coloured artwork depicting the Norts from the "Rogue Trooper" comic book series in "2000 A.D." as a palette guide - as that's what I intend to use them as, and decided to go with the somewhat blue-uniformed citizens of the Greater Nordland seen in artist Dave Gibbons' classic "Rogue Trooper: Total War" splash page.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This Sturmriese Axis Walker piece just needs a few washes and dry-brushes

In the long term I'm planning on fielding a ten-man group of (not) Norts for my battles upon Nu-Earth, so will need to pick up a few more copies of Tim Prow's Klutner Krupps Trooper to bulk it out. But for now I'm going to largely focus upon the Vulf Krupps Trooper - as despite not having a black domed helmet, I think the sculpt will make a good proxy for the deadly elite Nort marksman Morgen. This figure will also help me work out which paints I should use for all of the soldiers' notable details such as eye lenses, breathing tubes, oxygen tank and uniform insignia.

Lastly, I've been busy working on the uppermost dome of my first entry into Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog. This enormous 3D printed part from the "Warlord Games" Sturmriese Axis Walker was actually designed to be used with the Nottingham-based manufacturer's "tabletop wargame of heroes, horrors, monsters, and mechs" - "Konlikt '47". But instead I'm aiming on using it as an energy pylon for some games of Matt Forbeck's Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game...

"A Man's Life Is At Stake, Sir."

"You served a full tour with Space Commander Travis, didn't you?"

This 28mm scale lead free pewter model of FedSec Star Commander (female) is manufactured by "Beast In The Broch" and can be brought either individually as SKU: FED17 or as part of the five-figure FedSec Command 2 set SKU: PAK08. Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel, I've painted the miniature up to (somewhat) resemble Major Thania as played by actress Victoria Fairbrother in the 1979 television episode of "Blake's Seven" entitled "Trial".

Appointed as Travis’ "defence attorney during his trial", the Federation officer was primed using a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out her uniform's rank insignia, as well as a few of the items found upon her utility belt, using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Most of them lead primitive lives..." 

Sticking with the colour scheme I used for recently for my FedSec Base Commander's hand-weapon, I applied a basecoat of "Scale 75" Decayed Metal all over Thania's standard issue carbine and subsequently washed it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, as I wanted the woman's hair to resemble that seen on the small screen, I gave it a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and later darkened it down with two helpings of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, as I wanted this area to retain its slightly 'slick' look, I refrained from dry-brushing it with any more "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna - even though there was enough detail on the model to be highlighted.

Alongside this latest addition to my growing "Blake's Seven" collection, I have also pigmented another 28mm scale white metal model produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. This miniature can either be bought as Beastman 3B, or as part of their DEAL 397 Beastman 3 four-figure set. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, this is by far my favourite pose of the bunch, and was undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"...Untouched by the light of modern civilization."

The spikey-haired brute was then splashed with plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before I slapped his loincloth with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and (more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. As with all my previous Beastmen I did momentarily consider dry-brushing the figure's animal fur with a bit more "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to brighten it up a bit. However, as I wanted to use all of these models as cave-dwelling savages for "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games" (using the Cultist or maybe Ghoul rules), I felt they should all be suitably dirty.

Finally, I used some "Citadel" Rakarth Flesh and Agrax Earthshade on the chap's murderous-looking animal bone, dry-brushed it with a bit more Rakarth Flesh, and lastly added a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Dead White to it. I also carefully traced a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal along the metal ring sticking out from the cudgel's bottom, as well as across the highly ornate belt he was wearing, and darkened these areas down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil...

"You're About To Face Off With The Dark Troopers."

"You had your hands full with one."

This 40mm scale model of a Phase-III Dark Trooper is produced by "Atomic Mass Games", and comes as part of the company's "Star Wars: Shatterpoint You Have Something I Want Squad Pack". Based upon the "elite, experimental third-generation battle droid manufactured by the Imperial Department of Military Research", the infuriatingly overcomplicated sixteen-piece plastic miniature was eventually assembled using the instructions found on the Minnesota-based manufacturer's website, and glued to one of the tabletop game's 40mm circular bases.

To be honest, this figure actually seemed to take longer to (plastic) glue together than it did to paint, and on several occasions was close to being shelved when one of its tiny parts inadvertently slipped from my grasp and ended up temporarily lost on my floor. Just why the sculpt needed to be so 'over-designed' I have no idea. But all my enthusiasm for the remaining three Imperial infantry units found inside the box has been almost irretrievably destroyed.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - These two FedSec Commanders are almost finished

"The black and silver-plated droid" was initially primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently base-layered with "Vallejo" Glossy Black. I did momentarily toy with the idea of giving the model a delicate dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal too - in an attempt to highlight the miniature. However, in the end I thought the oils and greases caused by my handling of the Dark Trooper tabletop would, over time, also provide a suitable effect.

To break the overwhelming all-black palette though, I decided to 'pick out' all the figure's elbow, wrist, knee and elbow joints using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as the robot's E-450 "Arc Hammer" heavy blaster rifle. Finally I used a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion for the deadly droid's eyes and chest computer.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This scenic piece has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside this surprisingly time-consuming project, I have also continued plugging away at the two remaining officers from the FedSec Command 2 set by "Beast In The Broch". As I'm currently in something of a major "Blake's 7" mood I was actually hoping to make a start on the company's Systemic Units set this month too. Yet now I find myself needing to really focus just upon these (not) Federation officers if I'm going to get the trio finished before August is done.

Lastly, I've managed to get some basic layers of paint upon my first entry into Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog. This 3D printed part from the "Warlord Games" Sturmriese Axis Walker was meant to be used for "Konlikt '47". But instead I'm aiming on using it as an energy pylon for some games of Matt Forbeck's Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game...

"Ready Launchers Three And Seventeen."

"Fire."

This 28mm scale lead free pewter model of FedSec Base Commander is manufactured by "Beast In The Broch" and can be brought either individually as SKU: FED18 or as part of the five-figure FedSec Command 2 set SKU: PAK08. Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel, the miniature is clearly inspired by the one-eyed Quute as played by actor Christopher Neame in the 1981 television episode of "Blake's Seven" entitled "Traitor".

"A colonel in the Federation force on Helotrix", the senior officer was primed using a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out all his uniform's rather lavish rank insignia using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This piece of Sturmriese Axis Walker has had several stickers added to it

Ordinarily I would also use these colours to 'pick out' the Federation's standard issue carbine. However, as I wanted to make a break from all the black and silver already on show, I decided to pigment the hand-weapon using a basecoat of "Scale 75" Decayed Metal and subsequently wash it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This seemed to be a much better match for the on-screen colour scheme too.

With the first of my FedSec Command Team completed, I have once again turned my attention to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, and started work on a rather large piece of a Sturmriese Axis Walker for "Konlikt '47" I printed using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer many moons ago. The "Warlord Games" STL (Standard Triangle Language) is just piece of a rather complicated looking "colossal Rift-tech construct" and frankly put me right off producing any more parts. But I did think it looked rather good as some sort of energy pylon.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - This Dark Trooper has been assembled, primed and base-coated

Indeed, my recent purchase of the "Secret Wars" expansion book for the "Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game" has put me in need of just such an objective/scenic piece, so I thought now was the ideal time to get it painted. However, it did (understandably) look a little bare for my purposes, so I dipped into my slowly-dwindling collection of 3D decals given to me by “N-FX Game Design Studio”, and 'spruced' it up a bit first.

In addition, I've been battling the first of two Dark Troopers I recently bought as part of the You Have Something I Want Squad Pack for "Star Wars: Shatterpoint". This 40mm scale multipart plastic Imperial super-soldier by "Atomic Mass Games" took forever to assemble due to its overcomplicated design and incredibly fiddly small parts - the number of times I had to hunt around the floor on my knees looking for a tiny piece I'd dropped whilst trying to glue it to a similarly-sized part almost fried my poor brain. Luckily though, I have managed to persevere and finally get the first of the box's four figures ready for some paint...

"They're In The Woods, You Know."

"Always there."

This 28mm scale white metal model is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately as Beastman 3D, or as part of their DEAL 397 Beastman 3 four-figure set. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, I must admit to particularly disliking the pose of this miniature, as well as the patches of furry hair covering the savage's chest and forearms - something which arguably appears all the more bizarre-looking when seen on the 'official' light-skinned paint-job.

Resultantly, I decided to prime mine with a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and splosh him with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then went back with some highlights of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna on the brute's facial features and fingers. This palette definitely helped mask the aforementioned details I found disagreeable without me having to resort to filing them off - which is something I did actually consider.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - These FedSec Commanders have had their basic flesh layers applied

The model's loincloth was pigmented with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade so it would tie in with the rest of his group. I also used this choice of colour on the band for the chap's tooth necklace. As with all my previous Beastmen I did consider dry-brushing the miniature's animal fur with a bit more "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to highlight it up a bit. However, as I wanted to use this model as cave-dwelling savage for "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games" (using the Cultist or maybe Ghoul rules), I felt he'd probably be extremely dirty, so left the piece of 'clothing' alone.

Lastly, I used some "Citadel" Rakarth Flesh and Agrax Earthshade on the brute's skull-smashing animal bone, dry-brushed the hand-weapon with a tad more Rakarth Flesh, and lastly added a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Dead White to it. I also carefully traced a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal along the metal ring sticking out from the horrific-looking cudgel's bottom, and darkened it down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - These Krupps Corp Troopers have been base-layered over their initial prime

With the third of my four Beastmen finally finished I have continued to make some progress on the three officers from the FedSec Command 2 set I recently acquired from "Beast In The Broch". Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel there's a lot more detail on these predominantly black clad Federation officers than I first thought, and that has given me an opportunity to break up their dark uniforms with a little bit more "Vallejo" Gunmetal - whether it be a pair of grenades or some sort of high-tech analyser.

In addition I've returned to the three Krupps Corp unit blister models I bought from "Diehard Miniatures" whilst at this year's "Salute". As I plan to use the miniatures to represent the Norts from the "Rogue Trooper" comic book series in "2000 A.D.", I was never really happy with their "Vallejo" German Grey undercoat as it looked far too dark to the almost blue-suited villains I remember from my youth. Then recently I spotted a digitally coloured version of artist Dave Gibbons' Rogue Trooper: Total War splash page on the "Rebellion Publishing" website, and realised this was precisely the colour scheme I had in my 'Mind's Eye'. Resultantly, I've base-layered my trio of 'pilot pieces' with some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey to use for their chemsuits main colour instead...

"One Ship Against An Entire Fleet?"

"That's a helluva plan B!"

This multi-part 32mm scale resin model of a Female Human was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures: Next Generation Away Team 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 - TNG Away Team Set.

The 'commonplace little creature' was initially undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and roughly dry-brushed with "Vallejo"Heavy Charcoal, before I 'picked out' her phaser and tricorder using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then applied a little "Vallejo" Turquoise to the miniature's uppermost uniform to mark her out as belonging to Starfleet's science/medical division. This area was later shaded with a little "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before being dry-brushed with a smidgeon more "Vallejo" Turquoise.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - Three more members of the Away Team readying themselves for teleportation

The Ensign's Federation insignia was carefully traced out using a dollop of "Vallejo" Gold and later washed with a little "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, I eventually went with some "Citadel" Doombull Brown for the figure's hair, darkened it down with plenty of Agrax Earthshade, and tried to highlight it back up with a delicate dry-brush of (more) Doombull Brown.

I did strongly consider giving the rest of the model's uniform a thorough drowning in "Citadel" Nuln Oil - which is something I do for a lot of my predominantly black-costumed miniatures. However, these days I find that the "Vallejo" Matt Varnish I regularly use to protect my paint-jobs dries a little sticky, and this inevitably attracts oils from my fingers as a result. This handling tends to therefore act as a 'natural way' to highlight the figure - so I simply left it alone with its original "Citadel" Abaddon Black prime and "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal dry-brush.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - A trio of FedSec Commanders

In addition to this first member of my "Star Trek: The Next Generation" landing party, I have also been dutifully progressing three more 'crewmen' for that era. Once completed this consignment should bring last month's randomly-selected drawer challenge to a conclusion and allow me to focus on the four remaining 28mm metal models I have to get tabletop ready from blister JD 15 Don Uggie Apelino & The Ape Gang by "Citadel Miniatures".  

Lastly, I've managed to make a little more headway on the three officers from the FedSec Command 2 set I recently bought from "Beast In The Broch". I do like the extra chunky feel to these particular sculpts, as it makes 'picking out' all the detail on them a lot easier than the arguably less-well cast "Star Trek" figures - which despite being 32mm in scale, appear far more realistically proportioned, and are resultantly far more difficult to work on...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Beast In The Broch" August 2026

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" once again dominated my (meagre) output for July 2026

After last month's rather dismissal effort to paint up another quartet of my 32mm scale resin cast figures by "Modiphius Entertainment" for their Star Trek Adventures Tabletop RPG, as well as zero contributions to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, I thought I'd take a break from challenges for the next four weeks and simply pigment whatever takes my fancy. As a result, I have ordered (and duly received) a number of "Blake's Seven" inspired sculpts from "Beast In The Broch" and plan to slap as much paint on them as I can muster.

First up will be the three officers from the company's FedSec Command 2 set. "Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel and cast in lead free pewter", I actually feel that these particular figures are probably a little too 'chunky' for some of the range's other models. But that hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for getting the likes of Terran Federation officers Major Thania, Colonel Quute and Major Provine onto my tabletop.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - The three figures found inside FedSec Command 2 set.

Likewise it would be great if I could manage to get some of the miniatures finished from the manufacturer's Systemic Units set too. Clearly based upon "The System" which was responsible for building the Liberator, these figures arguably appear a little more slender to the eye than their Federation counter-parts - despite also being "digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel".

Furthermore, I'd really like to play 'catch-up' with the aforementioned "Star Trek" models I failed to get finished in July. I only managed to get one crew-woman from the science fiction franchise's Original Series done, so would like to make some headway with my plan to get a landing party based on the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D too. Most of these miniatures' uniforms are predominantly black, so fingers crossed I can a few of them ready for varnishing over the coming weeks.

July 2026 - Crooked Dice Game Design Studio finally takes the lead in my Top Five Manufacturers

With this 'backlog' in mind, I haven't forgotten about the remaining figures I've yet to complete from blister JD 15 Don Uggie Apelino & The Ape Gang by "Citadel Miniatures". To be fair, I have been trying to 'pick away' at these classic sculpts for some time. However, I always seem to get distracted by my latest new arrivals (or interest), and subsequently end up pushing them back down the queue.

To make matters worse, my enthusiasm for "Star Wars" appears to have attained fresh heights as a result of my playing the card game "Star Wars: Unlimited" by Fantasy Flight Games. This addiction has rather curiously caused me to purchase a couple of "Star Wars: Shatterpoint" boxes - to add as non-canon adversaries of my previously painted Count Dooku. So I'd very much like to get them assembled, primed and pigmented before the coming month is concluded too...

"The Vulcan Science Directorate..."

"...Was the head scientific authority of the Vulcan High Command."

This 32mm scale resin model of a Vulcan Female 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 "warp-capable humanoid species from the planet Vulcan" was initially undercoated in "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, and had her boots 'picked out' with a little pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then attempted to give the impression of the Ensign wearing dark-coloured tights by applying a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil to her legs.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - This "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" Ensign is almost finished

Unfortunately, this technique didn't seem to work as well on the Vulcan's much paler limbs as it had done on Lieutenant Uhura's far darker legs, so I soon decided to give the areas a second layer of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I gave the figure's hands and face a lick of Reikland Fleshshade, before carefully tracing out the model's fingers and face with some extra "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

To show the miniature came from Starfleet's science division I gave her uniform a good coat or two of "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue, shaded it with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and later dry-brushed the dress with (more) "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue. To be honest I wasn't all that impressed with the final result of this colour combination. But didn't really want to repaint the Vulcan with a red miniskirt as I felt the highly logical alien race probably wouldn't be part of the U.S.S. Enterprise's security division.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Two Beastmen and a Deep Sea Diver Ghost

Sticking with "Star Trek" and "Modiphius Entertainment" I have also been working on a female scientist from the company's Away Team boxed set. This resin cast model will be the first of my Twenty-Fourth Century Federation figures, and will hopefully lead to me fielding enough miniatures for Captain Jean-Luc Picard to lead against both the already painted Borg and Romulans.

Lastly, I've not forgotten the number of "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" sculpts I have populating my hobby desk. As a result I have managed to 'pick away' at both the two remaining Beastmen I need to get finished, alongside their (not) "Scooby-Doo" Deep Sea Diver Ghost...