"The Wehrmacht Made Much Use Of Captured Enemy Vehicles..."

"Whenever and wherever they were suitable and available."

This 10mm metal Soviet four-wheeled armoured scout vehicle used to be sold by “Pendraken Miniatures” as SV53 - BA64 armoured car (2). But nowadays appears to be available as Code SVV34. This particular model was actually ordered as part of a large 'Battle Of Moscow" project I was working on approximately twelve years ago for "Blitzkrieg Commander", and was only recently discovered when I (once again) searched through my 1/150th scale backlog for some Early World War Two units.

Initially mistaken as a German Sd.Kfz 221, the 'jeep' was super-glued onto a 30X40mm plastic base, and given a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. Its "multi-faceted hull"  was then doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before being dry-brushed in (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I also 'picked out' its tyres with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and the reconnaissance vehicle's wheel trims in a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final step I pigmented the car's stowage using some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The Nazgûl or Ringwraiths first appeared in the Second Age, according to the Akallabêth in The Silmarillion."

Having had my error pointed out to me, I did originally consider simply repainting the entire model in 'Russian green' and then 'tucking it away' with the rest of the Soviet Early War forces I painted more than a decade ago. However, before I committed to this decision I thought I'd just check to see whether the Axis Powers ever captured any BA64s, and was delighted to discover that "his little Soviet-built armoured car was captured in quantity by the Germans and easily converted for their own use."

Unfortunately though, when I dug a little deeper it appeared that the Panzerspahwagen BA-64 was notably utilised by the decidedly disagreeable Das Reich 2nd SS-Panzer Grenadier Division during the Battle of Kursk in July 1943. This meant that their use was well past the time-frame I was using for my Operation Sealion Early War project, and also raised the currently contentious issue of fielding "an elite division of the Waffen-SS" on the tabletop. In the end, I decided to add the unit to my 'Battle of the Bulge' Late War campaign (hence the snow-flocked base), as Heinz Lammerding's division did fight in the Ardennes Offensive, and stick to applying just a pair of German crosses to its side from the WWII Hungary Bulgaria Romania Finland Turret Markings Crosses sheet by "Decal Details".

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These four French Fusiliers are patiently being progressed

Moving across to Zomtober, I thought I'd squeeze in a 28mm scale metal model of a Nazgul produced by "Games Workshop" before the challenge closes in a few days time. This previously-started second-hand figure had its prime smoothed out with an application of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being dry-brushed in “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drenched in “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The Ringwraith's armour and sword were later ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Whilst, the dead King’s armoured gloves and boots were given a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to suggest rusty weathering.

Alongside these miniatures, I have additionally managed to 'eek out' a bit more time on the final four figures from my Napoleonic French blister of Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". I'm hoping to get these soldiers completed "toot sweet", so I can spend November both increasing the company's number, as well as adding some additional regiments to the Emperor's army - such as the odd Chasseur and perhaps Old Guard Grenadier...

"During The War Of The Ring..."

"...The forces of Dol Guldur led three assaults upon Lórien and Thranduil's realm in Mirkwood,"

These two 28mm metal Castellans of Dol Guldur are produced by "Games Workshop", and can be bought as part of a three-figure blister from their Dark Powers of Dol Guldur miniatures range. "A concept which has only appeared in an adaptation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien", the miniatures are destined to proxy Black Númenóreans for my Barad Dur army - at least until the Nottingham-based company once again produce the "bitter adversaries of the Men of Gondor" for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game".

The second of my entries into this year's Zomtober challenge, the pair were given an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.  I then 'picked out' their belts with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, as well as applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the mindless spirits' ornate armour, swords and Morgul Blades.

"However, they were driven back each time by the power of Nenya, Galadriel’s Ring of Power."

These areas were subsequently drowned with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. To dirty the armour down somewhat and create a contrast between it and the warriors' hand-weapons, I gave all the Castellan's plates a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dash of Reikland Fleshshade.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

In addition to completing my second clamshell containing a trio of Castellans of Dol Guldur this year, I have also begun working in earnest on a number of Allied armoured vehicles for my 10mm World War Two projects using "Pendraken Miniatures". I've recently managed to play a fair few more land battles using various previously-painted tanks taken from the Middlesborough-based manufacturer's extensive range, and this has definitely enthused me to put a brush-tip to even more of their models.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This M36 Jackson has been assembled, primed, shaded and dry-brushed

However, it's also made me realise that in trying to field as many of the opposing forces' different weapons as possible, I've disconcertingly made their 'hodgepodge' armies somewhat short of their respective mainstay machines - such as the British Cruiser and German Panzer III/IV tank. As a result, I aim to 'bulk up' on these models next year so the much rarer Wunderwaffe are suitably scarce.

For now though, I really need to 'clear the decks' of all the vehicles I've recently purchased, including a number of American Shermans, M36 Jacksons and British Matilda infantry tanks. My aim is to get all these miniatures completed before the end of December, as I also have numerous armoured cars, motorcycles, infantry and commanders to pigment for the Operation Sealion/Battle of the Bulge projects as well...

"Nameless And With No Will Of Their Own..."

"...The Castellans of Dol Guldur are but one facet of the Cursed Tower’s sleepless malice who now serve Mordor."

This 28mm metal Castellan of Dol Guldur is produced by "Games Workshop", and can be bought as part of a three-figure blister from their Dark Powers of Dol Guldur miniatures range. "Faceless spirits that have fallen to the control of the Nazgul", I actually plan to use it as a Black Númenórean for my Barad Dur army having discovered that the Nottingham-based company no longer manufacture such figures for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game".

The first of my entries into this year's Zomtober challenge was originally given an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then, in contrast to how I have previously painted my Castellans, 'picked out' his belt with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The Mouth of Sauron has been primed, base-coated, shaded and dry-brushed

Furthermore, I layered the miniature's ornate armour, sword and Morgul Blade using some “Vallejo” Gunmetal, sploshed these with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and later dry-brushed these areas with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. In the past I've next applied a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to my ghostly warriors' armour plates, helmet, gloves and boots. But on this occasion I decided to apply some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to these various regions first before sploshing them with Reikland Fleshshade.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

Sticking with Zomtober, I have also made some progress on a couple more of the miniatures I aim to complete as part of this month's challenge - The Mouth of Sauron (Foot & Mounted) by "Games Workshop". These metal figures were bought second-hand many moons ago, and were seemingly made 'paint-ready' during one of the recent Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenges (AHPC) I've participated in. As a result, I'm hoping to power through "the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr" within the next week or so.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This King Tiger is slowly having its details 'picked out'

In addition, I've begun working in earnest on a vast array of different 10mm World War Two armoured vehicles by "Pendraken Miniatures" which I've bought at this year's Salute and Colours. Foremost amongst all the Shermans, Matildas and Humbers are a pair of seriously hefty Tiger II tanks, which are destined to join my Axis forces attempting "the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front."

Having perused the painted pictures on the manufacturer's website I believe this particular duo of Königstigers are sporting Henschel turrets, as rather frustratingly it doesn't actually say on the clamshell's packaging and there's a few variants of this particular Panzerkampfwagen design available in the range - an infuriating omission which sadly plagues quite a few of their shows' wares. Happily however, the multi-piece models were pretty simple to assemble, so have been quickly based, primed and base-coated...

"Russia Is Impelled Onward By Fatality."

"Her destiny is about to be accomplished."

This trio of 28mm scale metal models are sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their FN101 - Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching set. The figures are three of eight identical Napoleonic French soldiers sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry, and have been painted to suggest the line infantrymen are returning back to their homeland during the Retreat from Moscow - albeit I'll be using grass flock for all my basing for this project.

As I decided to predominantly pigment the miniatures using the 'official' palette shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, I undercoated the Fusiliers with a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel " Abaddon Black. I then applied either some "Two Thin Coats" White Star or "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to the Frenchmen's trousers, and (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star to their numerous leather straps. All these areas were later sploshed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The Horus Heresy occurred over ten thousand Terran years ago, a nearly unimaginable span of time."

With arguably the most daunting aspect of the soldiers completed, I applied the odd dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to each model's water bottle and chest strap, before layering their firearms with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. These details were shaded using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The miniatures' heavy greatcoats were treated to some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and very carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. Finally, I applied a dollop of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow to each Fusilier's pom-pom, doused them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and highlighted the ornamental balls with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow.

Alongside the latest additions to my slow-burning Napoleonic project, I have managed to finished a ninth 28mm plastic Horus Heresy Space Marine wearing MK VI armour. This "Games Workshop" traitor was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, "Vallejo" Gold, and Gunmetal, as well as lashings of "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade. Its completion means I just have the ten-man unit's Legion Vexilla bearer to go before the squad can take to the battlefields of the Thirty-First Millennium.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Castellans have been primed and base-layered

In addition I have made a start on some of the models I aim to complete as part of the annual Zomtober Challenge - namely a three-figure blister of Castellans of Dol Guldur by "Games Workshop". I actually painted up some of these 28mm metal miniatures earlier this year to represent a contingent of Black Númenóreans for my Barad Dur army, due to the Nottingham-based company no longer manufacturing the specific figures for their Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game.

Frustratingly, some ten months later this is still seemingly the case, so having decided against either paying twenty quid for a single official "Finecast" sculpt on "eBay" or 3D printing some "top quality" proxies, I have slapped some "Citadel" Abaddon Black and a base layer of "Vallejo" Gunmetal onto three more Castellans - with the plan of potentially buying a couple more packets in the near future to bolster up their overall number to twelve and maybe even 'using them in anger' for "Dragon Rampant...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Games Workshop" Zomtober 2023

"The Castellans of Dol Guldur are wraiths in the service of Sauron."

Considering just how badly last month's plan to paint plenty of "Warlord Games" ACW Epic Battles Black Powder figures went, courtesy of my sudden fixation to finally start working on a 28mm scale Napoleonic project, I thought for the next four weeks I'd endeavour to chip away at my backlog of Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game miniatures by "Games Workshop". This effort will also somewhat tie-in with the annual "Zomtober" challenge too, as I intend to 'fill out' my Barad Dur army with more Castellans of Dol Guldur (proxying the long OOP Black Númenóreans), some Nazgûl and the infamous Mouth of Sauron.

True, none of these old metal models immediately present themselves to most wargamers when they think of the classic, brain-hungry walking cadavers of modern-day pop culture. However, I've always thought of these J.R.R Tolkien creations as the mindless undead servants of the Necromancer, so they fit into the theme rather nicely in my books. Furthermore, they should prove reasonably straightforward to pigment, so won't prove too much of a distraction for my other ongoing projects - the aforementioned Napoleonics using "Wargames Foundry" and more 10mm World War Two tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures".

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The Ironjawz Zoggrok Anvilsmasha and Klonk the Squig

Alongside these figures I am also hoping to make a small contribution to Orktober too in the shape of Zoggrok Anvilsmasha. I was something of a fan of Age of Sigmar when "Games Workshop" first released it. But despite completing both a 1000-point Khorne and Nurgle force for the "fast-paced skirmish" game's second edition, I quickly fell out of love with the increasingly complicated rule-set. Recently though, I have liked some of the Nottingham-based company's plastic Ironjawz sculpts - most notably this famed Orruk ironsmith and his rockbrow squig, Klonk.

My current plan is to simply put my brush-tip to this pair and see where any remaining enthusiasm takes me should I get them finished - especially as I'm strongly considering going with the 'official' (and somewhat controversial) yellow armour palette. I also fancy some Weirdbrute Wrekkaz and Brute Ragerz, as well as some Orruk Ardboys, so might end up buying/building some of them up too for a small(ish) "Dragon Rampant" raiding force should the mood take me in that direction.

September 2023 - A steady month as far as my favourite companies are concerned

Despite my non-existent "Warlord Games" 15mm ACW output, I still feel the past month was pleasingly productive, mainly due to me finally getting over my initial disappointment with "Steel Fist Miniatures" quality/service and painting a handful of their excellent-looking Italian Wars Foot Knights. In addition, I managed to finish four "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonic infantrymen - which is the target I've set myself throughout this long-term, five-year project.

Future-wise, my quite considerable recent purchases from "Pendraken Miniatures" at Colours 2023, will doubtless result in a slew of 10mm tanks rolling off the factory floor during the next few weeks. Plus, alongside my Zomtober and Orktober contributions, I'm still aiming to stick to my Napoleonic goal too. Indeed, I've already got three French Fusiliers In Greatcoat Marching close to completion, and may well double that amount if I can find the time to tackle the next quartet of the Emperor's infantrymen too...

"Nine He Gave To Mortal Men..."

"...Proud and great, and so ensnared them."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Nazgul is produced by "Games Workshop", and these days can only be bought as part of the Nottingham-based manufacturer’s nine-piece resin Nazgûl boxed set. Luckily, I was able to purchase my 'dreaded ring-servant of the Dark Lord Sauron' separately at a wargaming show's second-hand stall several years ago.

The Ringwraith was quite embarrassingly still primed from when I had planned to enter it into last year's Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), so I simply smoothed this out with a single application of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then robustly dry-brushed the figure with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal before drenching it with “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

"Artisan Guild" WIP - This Giant Clay Golem is slowly having all its details 'picked out'

The Nazgul's armour and sword were ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. Finally, in order to better tie-in the palette with that of his master Sauron, I applied a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to the former King’s armoured gloves and boots.

With my latest submission for the AHPC completed I have made some more progress on the 80mm tall Giant Clay Golem (Kneeling) by "Artisan Guild" I plan to field as a 45-point unit for "Age Of Fantasy: Skirmish". This 3D printed monster has now had its impressive bulk layered, shaded and repeatedly dry-brushed with a handful of "Vallejo" primers/paints, and now predominantly just needs all its numerous runes to be carefully 'picked out' with the "Citadel" Contrast colour Flesh Tearer's Red.

"Nyverdale Tabletop" WIPs - These four B2 Droids have been primed, and shaded.

Alongside my Golemmar Gnomes' 'slow moving strider', I've started another small-scale project using some STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from "Nyverdale Tabletop" on "Cults". All of these "Star Wars" Super Battle Droids can be found for free inside Duncan's B2 Droids Collection (Fan Art) and probably demonstrate both the best, as well as worst, aspects of semi-professional 3D printing.

The figures themselves are absolutely excellent, with the set containing no less than  fifteen different B2 Droids. However, their pre-supported versions are all quite bizarrely placed face down onto the build plate, so suffer quite horribly from the pimple/acne effect of their struts. Admittedly, the fact the miniatures are so low to the ground does result in a fast print-time, yet this is debatably off-set by their rafts' significant footprints only allowing five models per batch. So with hindsight, I may well have been better off standing them upright and supplying them with my own supports using "Chitubox" Basic...

"Bound To The Unrelenting Will Of The Necromancer..."

"The Castellans of Dol Guldur are mindless spirits born out of malice." 

This trio of 28mm scale Castellans of Dol Guldur are produced by "Games Workshop", and can be bought as a three-figure blister from their Dark Powers of Dol Guldur miniatures range. Sculpted to be "formidable Minor Heroes" for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game", I actually plan to use them as Black Númenóreans for my Barad Dur army having discovered that the Nottingham-based company no longer manufacture specific figures based upon the "fallen group of Númenóreans descended from those who were loyal to the Númenórean Sceptre but in opposition to the Valar and relations with the Elves."

All of the metal "mindless spirits" frustratingly required some considerable cleaning prior to priming as their casting appeared to have resulted in some significant flash and spikey tags. They were then given a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, feverishly dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and had their belts lined with "Citadel" Doombull Brown. Each piece was subsequently drenched in “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

"Artisan Guild" WIP - This Giant Clay Golem has been primed, layered, shaded and dry-brushed

In addition, I picked out the miniatures' ornate armour, swords and any Morgul Blades using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. These areas were then dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. Finally, so as to better tie-in the palette with that of their master Sauron (which I painted last year), I applied a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to the ghostly warriors' armour plates, helmet, gloves and boots.

Alongside my latest submissions to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have been tentatively working on a rather large 3D print I made some months ago of a Giant Clay Golem (Kneeling) by "Artisan Guild". I've seen this impressive 80mm tall figure selling for a truly outrageous £38.99 on "eBay", so was rather pleased that I got the STL (Standard Triangle Language) file for free as part of the company's Arcanist Guilds "Patreon" subscription service back in October 2022.

3D Breed Miniatures WIP - These Saxons have had their legs/feet layered and shaded

Perhaps somewhat overcautiously, I decided to let the model stand for some weeks due to hearing the horror stories of similarly-sized miniatures splitting open some time after they were produced (and painted) due to trapped uncured resin causing issues inside of them. Touch wood, that now seems unlikely to happen with this piece, so I thought I'd get cracking on it, especially as it'll be my first Golemmar Gnomes unit for Age of Fantasy: Skirmish by "One Page Rules".

Lastly, I have found a little time to finally get some work done on my Battle of Hastings in 10mm using the STL files found inside the Hastings and Stamford Bridge Battles Pack by "3D Breed Miniatures". I'm already a bit behind schedule with this particular project, but having settled upon a fairly basic, tabletop standard for the tiny warriors (using Shades to do much of the heavy lifting as opposed to picking out all the minute details), I'm hopeful I can make up some time before the month concludes...

"This Is Ripley..."

"...Last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off."

This 32mm scale figure of Silvia Dela Torres is sculpted by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". Clearly based upon Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley from the "Aliens" science-fiction horror franchise, the model was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Having decided to use the sculpt as a test piece for "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" paint range, I took inspiration from the character's appearance in the 2014 survival horror video game developed by Creative Assembly entitled "Alien: Isolation" and primed my (not) Ripley with some Cold Corpse Blue. The model was then shaded using Oblivion Black Wash and dry-brushed with (more) Cold Corpse Blue.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These Castellans of Dol Guldur have been dry-brushed and tinted

With the main bulk of the figure pigmented, I slowly worked my way up by applying Scorched Earth and Battle Mud Wash to her boots, as well as Doom Death Black to the feisty officer's belt, zipper and wrist-bands. The fastener, buckle, belt studs and tracker device were subsequently 'picked out' using a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. I also applied a little White Star and a short time later, some Battle Mud Wash, to the woman's vest.

Finally, I gave all Silvia Dela Torres' areas of flesh a base layer of Dwarven Skin, treated them to a splash of Flesh Wash, and then highlighted them back up with (more) Dwarven Skin. I also 'picked out' her lips with a smidgeon of Sanguine Scarlet and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before giving her hair a coat of Cuirass Leather and sploshing it with Battle Mud Wash. Ordinarily, I would usually go back and dry-brush such wavy locks with more Cuirass Leather. However, on this occasion I rather liked the dark, dank look so left it alone.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - All the gold has been finished on these Spirit Jaguars

Alongside my seventh 3D print by "Papsikels Miniatures" I have also made more inroads on my Castellans of Dol Guldur by "Games Workshop". I have finally finished base coating, shading, highlighting and tinting all the single cast metal miniatures' rather extravagantly-styled armour. So now just need to tidy up their flowing  cloaks and 'pick out' their leather belts in brown (in order to slightly break-up the predominantly "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Abaddon Black colour scheme).

In addition, I've gone back to the "Warlord Games" Inca: Sapa Warlord on Spirit Jaguar boxed set which I recently opened, and dug out the other three resin 'big cats' found inside. With a bit of priming, layering, shading and dry-brushing I've managed to now have all four Jaguars up to the same painting stage, so from now on intend to pigment the pack as a quartet. I'm using a different technique on their ornate gold armour than I usually use, having shaded them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and subsequently used "Vallejo" Silver as a final highlight...

"It'll Breed. You'll Die."

"Everyone in the company. Will Die."

These three 32mm scale Cheetah Aliens are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as part of a six-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription November 2022 release - Aliens Verses Skull Hunters 2. Based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly xenomorphs, the figures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Inspired by a statue of a xenomorph crouched on all fours which H.R. Giger had exhibited at the opening of the Austrian Ars Electronica institute in 2013, the trio of death-dealing extra-terrestrials were undercoated in Doom Death Black by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and dry-brushed with Scorched Earth. I then drowned them all with Oblivion Black Wash to help make their base layer decidedly dark.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These Castellans Of Dol Guldur have had all their metal areas 'picked out'

I next (re)dry-brushed the models with (more) Scorched Earth, before applying a light highlight of Dust Bowl across all the prominent raised areas. Finally, to help blend all the different browns together, I sploshed Battle Mud Wash all over the trio with great gusto. This left me just needing to 'pick out' all the aliens' metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, as well as apply a coat of Doom Death Black (and later "Coat D'arms" Gloss Varnish) across their foreheads.

One of the things which did concern me about these particular three sculpts was both the fragility of some of the figures' contact points upon their "Citadel" 60mm oval bases, as well as some large open (and arguably therefore boring) areas on their stands. Resultantly, I snuck a few 3D skulls by "Encounter Terrain" under the odd claw, as well as created the odd 'brain pile'. These were pigmented using White Star, Battle Mud Wash and some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This Spirit Jaguar has had its gold armour layered and washed

Alongside these latest submissions to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have continued to make some progress upon my first batch of Castellans of Dol Guldur by "Games Workshop". Perhaps somewhat naively I had hoped that these predominantly cloaked figures would be a reasonably quick little project (as I own half a dozen of them). But each figure is actually packed full of elaborate detail, whether it be simply their ornate armour, swords, daggers or belt buckles.

Somewhat less fiddly to put a brush-tip to, at least at this early stage, is the resin Spirit Jaguar by "Warlord Games" I recently chose to pigment after randomly selecting it from a set of twelve figure-filled drawers. I'm using the miniature to test out a new technique for bright gold, using a "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade wash and "Vallejo" Silver dry-brush. Currently, things are looking good, even after I realised that I hadn't needed to be meticulously neat with my "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna base coat for the gold armour as I'll be making a mess with my dry-brushing anyway...

"Why Have You Brought Me Here?"

"You forced me to come here and set things straight... personally."

This quartet of 28mm scale Sardaukar were 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 David Lynch's vision of the "elite military force of the Padishah Emperor" as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

The models were undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and enthusiastically dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. Their belts were then 'picked out using a thin line of "Vallejo" Steel Blue, and their lasguns with Gunmetal. As a final touch, each figure was unsympathetically sloshed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil (so as to recreate the smoky black appearance of their survival suits as seen on the Big Screen) and their distinctive green face-visor fabricated using a combination of "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These three Yeti are just having their claws 'picked out'

I still have another four more Sardaukar to finish for the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). But I plan to take a short sojourn from them for a little while. However, one of the things which has impressed me so much with these figures, or rather the "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin, is how well they take superglue whenever a small piece snaps off. This unit's commander suffered just such a fate with his weapon, and I did think I'd have to reprint him. Surprisingly though, a small amount of superglue did the job instead, and despite the small contact point the model has subsequently survived both a heavy dry-brushing, as well as frequent handling.

To break up the "Big Mr Tong" factory process I've successfully developed for the AHPC, I've turned my attention upon the trio of Yeti I recently received as a freebie from "Warlord Games". These 48mm tall metal "Doctor Who" figures have proved interesting test pieces for "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" range, especially when it comes to the colour White Star.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These Castellans Of Dol Guldur have been primed and dry-brushed

I've actually changed my technique for pigmenting these classic monsters, having learnt some valuable lessons from when I previously tackled three of them, by applying the paint straight over the entirety of the killer robots' claws without worrying about hitting their black paws. This has helped me see each sculpt's detail much clearer once they were treated to some Battle Mud Wash. But has resulted in all the miniatures getting their previously finished fur splattered in micro-dots of White Star - Which disappointing means I'm going to need to tidy their torsos up again before they are complete.

Lastly, with my eye firmly fixed upon the AHPC World Cinema Bonus Round, I have set to work on a blister of Castellans of Dol Guldur by "Games Workshop". These "formidable Minor Heroes" will actually be used as proxy Black Numenorean Warriors for my Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Barad-Dur army as the Nottingham-based company strangely no longer seem to sell them. In addition, they'll tie-in rather nicely as representing a Silver Screen production which was filmed "elsewhere in the world from where you live now."

"It Is The Thirty-First Millennium."

'Under the leadership of the Immortal Emperor, the Imperium of Man has stretched out across the galaxy.'

This 28mm plastic miniature of a Space Marine is by "Games Workshop" and comes from the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set by "Games Workshop". The multi-part figure has been assembled wearing MK VI armour and will form part of a (second) ten-man strong tactical squad for my five-hundred-point Sons of Horus traitor force.

Considered to be "one of the larger Legions of the Legio Astartes", the model was initially primed with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, before being heavily washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Sons Of Horus Green. I also applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to one of his shoulder-pads, his grenades, Bolter, chain bayonet, backpack, helmet, and the joints of his Corvus Armour.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Three primed Nazgul dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal

The Space Marine's power tubes, "anti-personnel ballistic weapon", and equipment were later treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then gave the miniature's right shoulder-pad a single coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before applying some "Vallejo" Gold and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to it. These areas were later highlighted using some additional touches of "Vallejo" Gold along the edges, iconography and rivets.

As with all my Sons of Horus I lastly applied some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal to the figure's eye lenses. These were subsequently given a lick of "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red respectively and tidied up with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I also applied a couple of the many decals found on the "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus Legion transfer sheet onto the model's bare shoulder-pad and lower leg.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - Four Cybermen layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal

With the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now underway, I have started focusing a fair amount of my hobby time solely upon the miniatures I want to enter into the event. Quite embarrassingly, some of these 28mm scale sculpts, such as a contingent of Nazgul by "Games Workshop" for their "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game", were originally primed for last year's competition, so I've put several of them towards the front of my queue this time around...

In addition, I have started the push towards pigmenting a large number of 3D printed models by "Big Mr Tong", starting with a squad of five Cybermen. These "Doctor Who" monsters should be reasonably quick to complete considering that some simple dry-brushing will carry the lion's share of the work. So I'm hoping to have them finished within the next few days...

“Shape-Shifting Aliens From Outer Space!”

"The Skarasen will destroy you all!"

This 40mm resin miniature of a Zygon was sculpted by Nikola Stankovic and 3D printed by "Encounter Terrain". The figure is based upon Steven Moffat's modern-day interpretation of the extra-terrestrials from his November 2013 "Doctor Who" anniversary special  "The Day of the Doctor", and was resultantly painted using a much more 'pink' palette. 

The model was initially primed with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. It was then enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, before being washed with some heavily watered down "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, I applied a second, much lighter dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone over the entire miniature, and 'picked out' both its eyes and teeth with a little White.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Three (more) Sons of Horus primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Sticking with science fiction, I have also been busy highlighting five more Space Marines from the now OOP (Out Of Production) Burning Of Prospero boxed game by "Games Workshop". Like the rest of my ten-man Tactical Squad, these multi-part figures have been assembled wearing MK III armour, and will take to the battlefield as part of three planned Sons of Horus infantry units for the Horus Heresy.

I really need to get cracking on with these figures, as I've now received the MK IV Heads Upgrade Set by "Forge World" for a third planned unit of Sons of Horus models. These resin heads should really add some extra 'badness' to the plastic miniatures I've dug out of my Betrayal At Calth boxed set, and mark them out on the tabletop as being particularly loyal to the Warmaster Horus Lupercal.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Two Warg Riders slowly having their mounts painted

In addition, I have made some more progress on three Warg Riders I plan to add to my 500-point Barad-Dur army for the "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game", This cavalry unit really is quite basic in composition, wielding just some throwing spears and swords. But are proving a lot of fun to pigment as the wolves' fur is rather two-tone in colour with its mixture of dark grey legs/head and light brown pelt.

Alongside these savage scouts I have also 'picked up' the Fighting Uruk-hai Warrior Command Pack from "Games Workshop" to add some resilience to my Isengard force in the form of a Banner-bearer. This battle-flag will provide Saruman the White's "Orc-folk" with "a single re-roll to friendly models who are involved in a Fight within three inches", and should make my already formidable Bezerkers even more fearsome.

"Sauron Is The Enemy Of The Free Peoples Of Middle-Earth..."

"...And the Lord of the Rings."

This 28mm scale metal model of the dark lord Sauron is produced by "Games Workshop", and these days can only be bought as a multi-piece resin miniature alongside "the prone forms of Elendil and Isildur" in a boxed set. Happily, I was able to purchase my hefty, 68mm tall "most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth" separately at a wargaming show's second-hand stall many moons ago, I don't recall if I needed to assemble/pin the 'brute', but I did need to apply some green-stuff to an annoying gap between the sculpt's pointing arm and its shoulder.

The entire ensemble was initially primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, layered using plenty of "Scale 75" Thrash Metal, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then dry-brushed "the greatest subversive Maia" with (more) "Scale 75" Thrash Metal, before washing its plate armour in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. These areas were 'highlighted' using a (third) dry-brush of "Scale 75" Thrash Metal. In addition, I pigmented the "One Ring to rule them all" with some "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These Wargs have simply been assembled and base-coated

Due to wanting the figure's giant mace to stand out from his intricate armour, I decided to simply apply some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the weapon, drown it in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later dry-brush it in (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I finished Sauron by carefully dry-brushing a little "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal over his already "Citadel" Abaddon Black cloak, and then blending the two colours together with a copious amount of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With the leader of my Barad-Dur army for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" completed, I thought I'd better turn my attention to providing its "Hero of Legend" with some actual troops. Considering that the "second Dark Lord" already costs 400 points on his own, I realised that I only had a 100 points left for my starting force, so decided I had best build up just a couple of cheap units so I could at least field a reasonably-sized force on the tabletop.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Four Killbots at various stages of completion

To that end I dug out a long-forgotten box of plastic Warg Riders and glued three of together. Comprising of one armed with a sword and shield, and two carrying throwing spears, this cavalry unit would provide Sauron with some fast-moving minions, as well as plenty of points leftover for a dozen or so Orc Warriors. In addition, the "gigantic, evil wolves" would nicely contribute towards the 100 points I currently want to paint as part of my Isengard reinforcements.

Lastly, I've been steadily progressing four more Killbots by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" to use alongside their Corporate Wars range. Having now gratefully received all my miniatures from the company's latest Kickstarter, I'm rather inspired to get these rusty, American automatons finished and subsequently get cracking on some of the new "retro white metal cyberpunk and street fighting miniatures" I now own...

"These Hulking Metal Skeletons..."

"...Are often crudely disguised as humans."

These two 28mm scale metal Killbots are produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", and can be bought individually as Killbot C and Killbot D, or as part of the four-figure deal - SKU: DEAL 347. Strongly reminiscent of a Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 from the "Terminator" science fiction franchise, I actually plan to use them as long-serving (near future) robots designed by the American Military to support the government's troopers in the "Corporate Wars".

Both single-cast models were originally primed with a double layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey before being shaded in "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I then applied a dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the miniatures, making sure to especially 'hit' their armour plating, limbs and head, so as to suggest some significant weathering had taken place on those areas.

"Each one absolutely will not stop until its programmed target has been terminated."

I continued to 'distress' the automatons by drenching them in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and sporadically dabbed their joints in "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. Once applied, it was clear that I had really made quite a mess of the Killbots, so I blended everything together with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey. This was somewhat delicately done as I wanted to ensure that some of the previously-used "Vallejo" Gunmetal still shone through so as to the pair a slight metallic sheen.

Lastly, I 'picked out' the robots' firearms with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed the weapons using "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded them in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also dotted their eyes with a little "Scalecolor" Speed Metal, and then dabbed these areas with a smidgeon of the "Citadel" Contrast colour Flesh Tearers Red. To mark the virtually indestructible soldiers out as being American, I applied a single Allied Star decal to one of each figure's shoulder-pads.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Sauron's armour has been base-coated, shaded, dry-brushed and washed

Alongside these two Killbots I have also been making some progress on my Sauron miniature for the Middle Earth: Strategy Battle Game by "Games Workshop". Costing an impressive 400 points, this second-hand metal monster will eventually command my Barad-Dur forces. But for now is simply being painted up for a rather fun 'What If?' narrative scenario where the Dark Lord single-handedly confronts the treacherous Saruman the White.

In addition though, I have started assembling a trio of Warg Riders to provide my 500 point Isengard army with some reinforcements, as well as ordered a Uruk-Hai standard banner. Along with a couple more Bezerkers, these models will add another 100 points to my force, as well as give the emissary of the Valar both some much needed mobile cavalry and a flag around which my formidably ferocious "Orc-folk" can rally around whilst in the midst of battle...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "The Lord Of The Rings" September 2022

"A new power is rising. Its victory is at hand."

This month's effort to chip away at my rather large backlog of metal, plastic and resin models will primarily focus upon the completion of an additional 100 points for my Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game Isengard army. To be honest, I already have enough spare "Games Workshop" figures to complete this task in my collection, having previously painted a sizeable amount of Uruk-hai from the Nottingham-based manufacturer’s old "The Lord Of The Rings" range many moons ago.

However, whilst these extra Bezerkers, crossbow-carrying Uruk-hai and sword-welding "Orc-folk" will doubtless prove useful on the tabletop. They are a bit of a hodge-podge. So I'm hoping to bring a bit more cohesiveness to these 'new recruits' by expanding their numbers into viable, standalone units (which I can then swap in and out of different battles/scenarios) rather than just fielding the odd Orc with a bow here and shieldless Uruk-Hai there. I may even manage to finally pigment some Warg Riders having found a long-forgotten box of the cavalry models.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Sauron has been primed, roughly layered and shaded

Furthermore, I thought it might be fun to work on some of the rule-set's more recognisable miniatures, possibly with a view to creating either a Barad-dûr, Angmar, Mordor, or Moria force. To that end I have started working on an old metal figure of Sauron, which I picked up second-hand quite a few years ago. This monster costs a whopping 400 points in-game, but can be used as an unlikely ally for my Isengard army, and would therefore allow me to plonk 1000 points of 'Evil' onto my tabletop should I ever need to.

Hopefully, I can get quite a few battles in over the next few weeks too, and become reacquainted with both how the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game plays in general and all the little nuances of Saruman's swarthy soldiers. To that end, I'm actually planning on running a few playthroughs against an understrength Gondor force I once painted, as well as any 'opposing' figures I can complete this month - such as what if Sauron single-handedly attacked Isengard as he didn't trust the treacherous White Wizard to keep up his end of their bargain..?

August 2022 - The popularity of 3D printing makes it mark with "Twisted Pinnacle"

There can be little argument that the past four weeks have been disappointing as far as hobby output is concerned. In fact, its been my least productive August in seven years, and would have actually been a lot worse if it wasn't for "Twisted Pinnacle" and their excellent 3D prints of the Sentry Robots from the 1979 science fiction movie "The Black Hole". My Horus Heresy project by "Games Workshop" also badly stalled, to the point where I really need to get a 'wiggle on' if I going to field a 500 point Sons of Horus traitor army any time soon. 

Fortunately, my enthusiasm for the hobby has been rekindled with a sudden return of interest in the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game. This alone should encourage me to increase my prolificness over the next few weeks. However, I also have a few other small-scale projects planned, utilising miniatures from "Crooked Dice Game Design Company", "Battlefield Miniatures" and "Alternative Armies", which should cement my monthly aspirations...