"This Is A Story Of Long, Long Ago; When The World Was Just Beginning."

"Tumak!"

This metal model of Raquel Scotch is from “Antediluvian Miniatures” range of 28mm Adventurers. The sculpt is clearly based upon the character of Loana, a member of the Shell Tribe from the 1966 Fantasy-Adventure motion picture “One Million Years B.C.”.

Three adventurers battle Hairy Hominids at the Earth's core

The cave woman was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone. Her furs were painted using Heavy Sienna and her spear with “Citadel” Doombull Brown. Both of these areas, along with the savage's "Vallejo" Heavy Brown hair were then washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. The figure’s flint spear-point was painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Finally all of Loana's areas of skin were given a wash of watered-down Reikland Fleshshade.

Butch Davis WIP - This boxer's colour scheme will be very similar to that of George Foreman

In addition to finishing the third and last of my 'Lost World Adventurers' I have also once again started work on my backlog of partially painted "Chronoscope" figures by "Reaper Miniatures". This sculpt of Butch 'Killer' Davis has been either sat in a drawer or left discarded upon my painting table for quite a few years now and was bought as part of a number of science fiction figures I still hope to use for some games based upon "Gamma World"; "A wacky, wily game of postapocalyptic peril" by "Wizards Of The Coast".

"Well, If We're Not On Earth, Doc, Then Where The Hell Are We?"

"Ra, if your tribe and the others was joined together, you could defeat the Mahars."

This metal model of Shug McClure is from “Antediluvian Miniatures” range of 28mm Adventurers. The sculpt is clearly based upon the character of David Innes, a Victorian mining heir who finances the experimental “Iron Mole” in the 1976 Fantasy-Science Fiction film “At The Earth’s Core”.

Edgar Rice Burrough’s creation was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna. His trousers were painted using Charred Brown and his spear “Citadel” Doombull Brown. Both of these areas, along with his “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna waistcoat and hair were then washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. The figure’s shirt was painted using a combination of “Vallejo” White and the transparent acrylic Pale Grey. Finally the hero’s metallic spear tip was picked out with “Citadel” Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

Crossbowman WIP - This plastic model is becoming increasingly colourful

I’m still progressing my “Frostgrave” warband using “North Star Military Figures”, and hope to have my initial party of fortune hunters finished within the next few weeks. The additional pouches and equipment I’ve adorned my adventurers' with has somewhat slowed down my pace in getting them finished. But I’m finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel for this crossbowman...

Re-basing The Undead - Lots of damaged feet and legs have been repainted on these models

Lastly I’m continuing to try and give my considerable collection of old “Copplestone Castings” zombies a new lease on life by rebasing and (in some cases) repainting them. These three are from Code FW4 Plague Zombies, and are part of the company’s Future Wars Range. 

"Have You Met Miss Smith? She's My Best Friend."

"You must complete your mission for the Time Lords!"

This 28mm metal model of Plucky Assistant B is from code SKU: MINI 206 by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and makes for a wonderful proxy of Sarah Jane Smith, the popular plucky reporter who accompanied the Doctor during the 1976 British Science Fiction television program “Doctor Who And The Seeds of Doom”. The miniature was initially given an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and then had her denim jeans and top washed with “Citadel” Asurmen Blue. The assistant’s shoes and hair were painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

Having viewed several different paint schemes for her blouse, including some impressive looking plaid patterns, I eventually decided upon a nice simple “Vallejo” White base coat, which I then washed with some watered-down “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I had wanted to try and make the garment look a little greyer than I normally paint. But unfortunately the Shade didn’t pool or dry in some areas as well as in others, so the end result is disappointingly murky in places. Sarah Jane is something of a late Zomtober submission, as I’ll be using her as a ‘Survivor’ for my forthcoming remake of “Doctor Who And The Seeds of Doom” using the “Zombicide” rule-set.

Crossbowman WIP - This plastic model is absolutely covered in weapons, armour and equipment

This month as part of Mo’vember I’m trying to paint enough miniatures by “North Star Military Figures” to use as a warband for “Frostgrave”. My enthusiasm for this project has somewhat increased over the past few days as my “Thaw Of The Lich Lord” ‘Nickstarter’ expansion has arrived. As a result I’m trying to get my original selection of models painted as quickly as I can. Although I’m finding them all rather tough going, as the sculpts are all packed full of fiddly tiny details.

I have also been a little underwhelmed by the quality of the game’s official “Frostgrave Soldiers” twenty multi-part hard plastic 28mm figure boxed set. But have found my fervor for this particular Crossbowman renewed by both adding lots of extra bits and pieces to the original model and through giving the figure some additional heft as a result of supergluing some lead pieces to the underneath of its base; there’s just something about painting a weighty model which you just can’t beat in my humble opinion.

Shug McClure WIP - The miniature isn't too far away from gracing the tabletop

 Lastly I have been pottering away on my “Warlords Of Atlantis” mini-project, and have almost finished this cracking sculpt by “Antediluvian Miniatures”. Clearly inspired by the 1976 movie “At The Earth’s Core” and the actor Doug McClure, I hope to have Shug based and varnished very soon.

"Warlords Of Atlantis" - WIP - Part One

Warlords of Atlantis WIPs  - Once washed with Black Shade these models should be fairly straightforward to finish

Despite ‘Mo’vember 2015’ starting this week and my attention primarily turning to a number of heavily-bearded wizards, apprentices and soldiers for "Frostgrave", I have also decided to try and potter away on a number of figures made by “Antediluvian Miniatures” in order to try and replicate the 1978 British Science Fiction/Fantasy film “Warlords Of Atlantis”.

Distributed by Columbia Pictures, this 96 minute-long movie concerned two adventurers discovering the lost city of Atlantis and battling both the advanced civilization’s spear-wielding armored warriors, as well as an assortment of giant sea-monsters. “Antediluvian Miniatures” actually sell a very nice looking range of Crystal Palace-influenced resin and metal dinosaurs. But to begin with I thought I’d try and paint up a number of their Guardians of Lemuria. These cracking 28mm models are absolutely spot on for the motion picture’s Atlantean troopers and their leader, Atmir.

Atlantean Guardian WIPs - These deep-sea soldiers come in five different poses

As usual, when I approach painting a group of the same (or similar figures), I plan to concentrate on one or two test models first. Though on this occasion I’ve decided to also paint the Warlord of Lemuria as well. As a result I’ve painted the rifle-carrying soldiers’ plate armour with “Citadel” Ironbreaker” and their eyeless-helmets with Mithril Silver.

Doug McClure WIP - Early days yet for the American adventurer as I need to finish painting his flesh areas

I have also started to continue painting a couple of other figures by “Antediluvian Miniatures” which I began to work on a couple of months ago. Clearly inspired by the 1976 movie “At The Earth’s Core” and the 1966 'dinosaur flick' "One Million Years B.C." these wonderful sculpts of Doug McClure and Raquel Welch should hopefully be finished within the next few weeks.

"You Cannot Mesmerise Me! I'm British!"

"Oh, they're so excitable, like all foreigners."

This metal model of Professor Peter Cushion is from “Antediluvian Miniatures” range of 28mm Adventurers. The sculpt is seemingly based upon the character of Doctor Abner Perry, a somewhat stereotypical potty Victorian scientist who features in the 1976 Fantasy-Science Fiction film “At The Earth’s Core”.

The figure was initially undercoated with “Citadel” Abaddon Black and then dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal. I then painted the character’s shirt and sleeves with White before washing these areas with the some Pale Grey. In order to break up the predominantly monochrome colour scheme, I picked out the model’s umbrella handle with a combination of Charred Brown and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. I also applied a mixture of “Citadel” Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil to Peter’s waist chain and monocle. Finally the elderly adventurer’s hair and moustache were painted with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and more “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Frankenstein's Monster WIP - The creature's flesh has been completely repainted

Having finished applying the red and silver layers to my somewhat squat-looking Clayface “Heroclix” plastic figure, I’ve subsequently managed to wash the supervillain’s safe and steel girder with black ink, and the somewhat scenic brickwork with brown ink. In addition I have finally repainted this rather formidably-sized Frankenstein “Wizkids” miniature. The pre-painted figure actually had the creature’s obvious stitching ‘picked out’ in black. But when I attempted to replicate this painting technique, and even try to go one better by additionally colouring the stitches with brown, I found that the model simply looked a complete mess. As a result I have repainted all the monster’s skin areas and may now simply leave them alone having also reapplied a “Citadel” Nuln Oil wash.

Blackheart WIP - The Pirate King's face is finally close to completion

Lastly I have been persevering with my “Guild Ball” miniatures. These models have proved a real challenge, not least because my Blackheart model came unstuck during the painting process. Now however, I have finally started work on the Pirate King’s face, and just need to tidy up the Union Team captain’s eyes before I concentrate on his predominantly red cloak. I have also started applying the foundation layer to Rage’s white shirt and blood-spattered waist towel.

"If You Value Your Life... Stand Aside And Interfere No longer..."

"I am the Silver Samurai... To attack me is death!"

This 28mm plastic “Wizkids” model of the Silver Samurai is miniature number 51 from the “Heroclix” Marvel Universe range and is based upon the one-time Daredevil adversary, Kenuichio Harada, as created by Steve Gerber and Bob Brown in July 1974. The miniature was initially undercoated with an old pot of “Citadel” Mithril Silver before I applied a heavy wash of Nuln Oil across the entire figure. I then dry-brushed the Japanese mutant with more Mithril Silver before picking out the sun disc emblem upon his chest with “Vallejo” Heavy Red and the “Citadel” glaze Bloodletter.

 Peter Cushion WIP - This elderly gent just needs a few grey hairs to be added

Having completed the former bodyguard of the Viper, I have made quite a bit of progress on my “Antediluvian Miniatures” adventurer, Peter Cushion. The elderly doctor simply needs his grey hair and tie painted and washed before he’ll be ready for varnishing and basing.

I have also managed to paint a few more areas on several other “Heroclix” miniatures I have littering my tabletop. I’ve now finished my Robotman’s red chest cables as well as the hero’s blue neuro-electric converter-amplifier and as a result I now just need to tidy up the automaton’s torso and pick out his eyes. In addition I’ve carefully painted up this very softly-sculpted figure of Two-Face, to the point where I really simply need to concentrate upon the disfigured hoodlum’s head before he too is finished.

Two-Face WIP - The model's incredibly thick pre-paint has meant his original two-tone tie is now plain blue

 Finally I have turned my attention back to the numerous “Horrorclix” models I once started painting towards the beginning of 2015 as part of a “Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense” project. This "Indy Clix" miniature of Grigori Rasputin has already had his black gown’s chest emblem ‘picked out’ with blue and gold, so I have been building up the flesh undercoat on the mad monk’s bald head and arms. 

"Let's Break Out The Grown-Up Toys."

"I died before. It was boring, so I stood up."

This 28mm plastic “Wizkids” model of Moon Knight is miniature number 26 from the “Heroclix” Marvel Critical Mass range and is based upon the street-level vigilante, Marc Spector, as created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin in August 1975. The miniature was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” White before I applied a heavy wash of Pale Grey over the entire figure. Once this transparent acrylic was dry, I then dry-brushed the ‘Fist of Khonshu’ with more White. The former-mercenary’s face mask is actually as equally as white as the rest of his costume. But as it’s predominantly coloured black in the comic books, as a result of the shadow the superhero’s cowl causes, I thought I’d replicate the effect by painting it with some “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

The schizophrenic crime-fighter’s nunchaku and crescent moon chest emblem were picked out using some “Citadel” Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. In addition, in order to slightly break up the all-white monotony of the Moon God’s agent, I painted his throwing disc with Vallejo Gold before applying a wash of “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade to the weapon.

Robotman WIP - The superhero probably needs a third coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Red on his torso cabling

 Having found my painting ‘mojo’ temporarily disabled as a result of trying to recently paint some of the uninspiring “Guild Ball” miniatures by “Steamforged Games Ltd”, I’ve decided to spend August ‘clearing my decks’ and finishing off a number of past projects which have sat idly upon the edge of my worktable for the past few months. Unsurprisingly the vast majority of these figures are “Heroclix” superhero-based models, so to get things started I have finally managed to finish off the flesh highlights on my Silver Samurai and obtain a some nice deep red coverage on the Japanese flag emblem which dominates his shining chest armour.

I have also managed to start building up the “Vallejo” Heavy Red on the cables of my Robotman. I actually thought this leading member of “DC Comics” Doom Patrol would be a relatively straight forward figure to paint. But some of the sculpting of these cables is a little soft and hard to reach, especially under Clifford Steele’s arms.

Peter Cushion WIP - The elderly gentleman essentially just needs his flesh and grey hair to be completed

Finally I have been slowly progressing my adventurers by “Antediluvian Miniatures”. Professor Peter Cushion is rather close to completion in all honesty. Whilst Shug McClure shouldn’t be all that far behind him, now I’ve finished painting his dark brown trousers and ‘boxed off’ most of the explorer’s details with “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"Chewie, We're Home."

"Never tell me the odds."

This 28mm plastic model of General Solo is made by “Wizards Of The Coast” and is model 15 from the Master Of The Force expansion for the manufacturer’s Star Wars Miniatures Game. In order to ‘cover-up’ the miniature’s pre-paint scheme I initially undercoated the entire figure with a layer of “Vallejo” White and then painted his trousers with Charred Brown. I then washed this area with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

"The Force Awakens"

Han’s shirt was initially undercoated with a couple of thinned down coats of “Vallejo” White before I ‘inked’ it with some watered-down Strong Tone Quickshade in order to create some dirty shading. His flesh was painted with a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. I then added some highlights with more “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone. Finally the aging Rebel’s hair was created using an initial application of “Heavy Bluegrey” followed by a wash of “Citadel” Nuln Oil, a dry-brush of more “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and finally some White highlights.

At the Earth's core WIPs - Just some basic undercoats with some charcoal shading on 'Peter Cushion'

These three terrifically charismatic 28mm metal miniatures from “Antediluvian Miniatures” have been quickly prepped, based and undercoated. Obviously the two male models are clearly inspired by the 1976 movie “At The Earth’s Core” starring Doug McClure and Peter Cushing. Whilst the fur-clad female is Raquel Welch from the 1966 'dinosaur flick' "One Million Years B.C." The company also do a smashing range of ‘Crystal Palace Dinosaurs’; all essential purchases once I’ve completed the company’s adventurers.