“Muffit Is The Name Of A Robotic Drone Created By Doctor Wilker.”

“The original, living Muffit is killed by falling debris in a major city on Caprica during the Cylon sneak attack.”

This 28mm scale white metal model of a mechanical “man’s best friend” is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as part of their two-figure blister SKU: DEAL 342 Robots 2. The sculpt is clearly strongly influenced by the robot dog Muffit, as played by "Evie the Chimp" in ABC television network’s 1978 science fiction series “Battlestar Galactica”.

The "prototype robotic daggit" was initially treated to a double-helping of ”Vallejo” Gunmetal, before being shaded in “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The miniature was then dry-brushed using (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal before having all of its fur ‘picked out’ with plenty of “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Ape just needs some shading

All of these areas were subsequently pigmented using a combination of “Citadel” Doombull Brown and Agrax Earthshade, and later delicately dry-brushed with (more) “Citadel” Doombull Brown. Finally, I picked out Muffit’s eyes with a couple of spots of “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

Sticking with “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”, but moving across to this month’s Monster May(hem) challenge over on Angry Piper’s “Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging” blog, I’ve also managed to both assemble and prime the five large(ish) models I’ve set aside for the event. These formidable-sized foes are currently in various stages of completion, with the company’s Giant Ape most capturing my limited hobby-time.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - A Titan, Strawman and Talos

To be honest however, this “mighty simian” was a good two-thirds finished already. However, a few missed areas of grey fur, some green-stuff work to fill in the odd gap, and the requirement to re-paint all of the gorilla’s bare flesh clearly previously put a major dampener on my enthusiasm for the model. Fortunately, having tackled the beast anew, I’ve managed to quickly overcome all of these minor obstacles and get the brute almost table-top ready.

The other resin creatures still need quite a bit of work. But have at least been drilled, pinned, green-stuffed and super-glued to the point where they’ve all received their first undercoat. I’ve also added a fifth miniature to my planned target tally for Monster May(hem), having realised that they’re all essentially straightforward dry-brush projects, with the two Titans and Talos even requiring the same weathered-bronze palettes…

“Currently The Largest Ironclad In British Service.”

“The term ironclad was coined in the mid-19th century for steam-propelled warships.”

This 1/1200th scale Sovereign class ironclad is produced by “Brigade Models” and can be purchased from their Great Britain range of Land Ironclads as product code VLI-101. The steel armour plated vehicle is 23mm x 40mm in size, and was super-glued onto a 40mm x 60mm plastic rectangle as per the Victorian Science Fiction Ground Combat game’s rule-set.

Sculpted by Tony Francis, the miniature was primed using “Vallejo” Earth, shaded with a blend of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and then dry-brushed using (more) “Vallejo” Earth. The vehicle’s two turrets and huge wheelhouse were treated to some “Vallejo” Heavy Green.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This robot has been blocked in and shaded

These areas were later washed with “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green, and delicately dry-brushed using a spot (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Green. Finally, having decided to ‘pick out’ the machine’s funnel with “Citadel” Abaddon Black, I applied some “Vallejo” Gunmetal to all its cannons, the funnel's pipes and half dozen machine guns, before later darkening them all down with a splash of “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Following the completion of one of my last submissions for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have managed to focus on one of the Robots recently purchased from “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. This sculpt carries an uncanny resemblance to the mechanical Muffit which featured in Glen A. Larson’s 1978 science fiction television series “Battlestar Galactica”, and due to a strong sense of nostalgia, has leapt to the very front of my painting queue.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Black Widow and Iron Man

In addition, I have made some more progress on a couple of plastic 40mm models taken from the Marvel United core box set by "CoolMiniOrNot". I’m actually hoping to have my Black Widow finished reasonably soon, as the figure has really caught my imagination - especially once I decided against painting her uniform with all the neon blue striping seen on the official box artwork in favour of a more classic colour scheme.

Likewise, I'm slowly plodding along with Iron Man, having settled on a “Vallejo” Sombre Grey thruster effect for his jet-boots' blasts. Just like Natasha Romanova's miniature, I have seen a few different palette choices applied to this area, and was originally going to go with flame. However, I thought that might clash with the gold and red colour scheme of Tony Stark's armoured suit, so eventually went with the self-same paints I've recently used on all the smoke plumes for my 1:285 scale plastic Elemental figures by “Catalyst Game Labs”.

“They Dig In And Dominate The Ground In Front Of Them…”

“…Pinning the enemy down so that the infantry can counterattack and wipe them out.”

These three plastic 15mm miniatures are produced by “Battlefront Miniatures” and can be found inside the company’s Code GE784 sMG34 Machine-gun Platoon blister for “Flames Of War”. The models consist of a choice of two different Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO), a Machine-gunner, Reloader and the Einheitsmaschinengewehr (Universal machine gun) itself.

Unlike my other “FoW” German soldiers however, the NCO was the only model I initially super-glued onto a wooden strip, as the other two infantrymen clearly needed to be in position upon their actual medium-sized base before I primed them all in “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII. In addition, I actually needed to cut away some of the ammunition feed so as to allow the Reloader to lie upon the ground at an angle so as to stop his feet jutting off the end – something which would really trigger my obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

"CoolNiniOrNot" WIPs - The Black Widow and Iron Man are slowly having their details picked out

All three of the models were shaded using “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII. Their details were then ‘picked out’ predominantly using “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, Gunmetal, Buff, German Camouflage Dark Green, Heavy Brown and a series of “Citadel” Shades. Lastly, I pigmented the sMG34 Machine-Gun using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

This week’s painting challenge, randomly chosen upon the turn of a playing card, is to pigment a single 40mm model, so I have been busy making some additional progress on my plastic Black Widow figure by "CoolMiniOrNot". I’ve actually found the chibi-like sculpt itself to be pretty straightforward, but can’t say the same about the Soviet spy’s pre-sculpted base.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These two robots have been primed and shaded

The detail on the Marvel United miniature’s stand itself is excellent, but my difficulty has come in trying to apply a steady band of slightly watered-down “Citadel” Abaddon Black around its rim – as in places this area almost completely merges into the smashed rubble. I simply can’t get the line of the base as straight as I would like, at least not without repeatedly having to tidy up the grey of the rubble, so may well end up having all the stands “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey instead.

Lastly, I’ve been working on a couple of the ten 28mm figures I found myself needing to finish for last week’s self-imposed task. My plan is actually to use this as an opportunity to finish off a load of partially-painted figures by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” which have been lingering in my queue for many a month. However, first-up will be a pair of recently arrived robots from their Heroes And Allies range…

"Plans For Invasion Are Nearing Completion."

"Nothing must be allowed to interrupt them."

This 28mm metal Cyberman model is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be bought as part of their "Doctor Who" boxed set DW1014 - Cyberman (7). Unlike the other miniatures in this set, this 'Cyber-Leader' does not appear to be available separately. "Hidden in the sewers beneath" London and intent upon utilising a megatron bomb in order to conquer the planet, this particular incarnation of the "race of cyborgs" were created by "Derrick Sherwin, from a story by Kit Pedler", for the November 1968 BBC Television story "The Invasion".

The silver giant was initially undercoated with a base-coat of "Citadel" Chaos Black. It was then treated to a double layer of Ironbreaker, shaded with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. As a last stage, I picked out the barrel of its "long range... more powerful gun" with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Black Tree Design" "Doctor Who" WIPs - Vicki, Harry Sullivan and Kamelion

With the basic beginning of a Cyber-invasion force complete, I have momentarily turned my attention to painting a few companions for my current Movie Doctor. Rather than 'stick to the script' however and prime Little Susan and Barbara 2150 A.D., I have simply turned to a few of the more readily accessible assistant figures in my "Black Tree Design" lead mountain.

Slightly embarrassingly, I originally thought the first of these companions was actually a sculpt of the Second Doctor's "young astrophysicist" Zoe Heriot, and accordingly treated her all-white attire to a wash of "Vallejo" Pale Grey and a dry-brush of Dead White. Only having done this did I realise that she is in fact a model of the First Doctor's "orphan from the 25th century" Vicki, and therefore requires a black dress with a suggestion of blue to it...

Dino-Rangers - The warriors still have plenty of detail left to 'pick out' upon their uniforms

In addition to this "survivor of a spaceship crash on the planet Dido" I have started work on the Fourth Doctor's "Surgeon-Lieutenant" Harry Sullivan, as well as the Fifth Doctor's "shape-changing android" Kamelion. Like Vicki, both of these companions should prove pretty straightforward to complete and I have already got to the stage the Xeriphas robot simply needs his green-hued internal electronics to be 'picked out' before being ready for a varnish.

Finally, in order to help thwart my recently discovered remaining Caprican Legion models by "Nexus Miniatures", I have re-started work on three Dino-Rangers. These particular sculpts will make some excellent proxies as Colonial Warriors for a "Battlestar Galactica" skirmish game, albeit I was hoping to paint one up as Commander Adama in a blue version of the uniform. Sadly however, having done some 'Google-Fu' research, it would appear that "the spiritual leader of the surviving colonists" never wore such 'combat fatigues', and neither did the battlestar's executive officer Colonel Tigh. 

"To Nurgle, Every Raddled Corpse Is A Welcoming Nursery..."

"...For wriggling maggots and cloying plague spores."

This 40mm tall Putrid Blightking is one of the five multi-piece plastic miniatures which can be built from the sprues found inside the “Games Workshop” Putrid Blightkings boxed set. However, as I had actually already used the legs I wanted for this figure on a previously painted "favoured mortal servant" of Nurgle, I actually took the somewhat expensive step of purchasing a second pair of limbs from a 'bitz' seller and subsequently 'stuck' a different torso upon them in order to help satisfactorily mask their similarities.

As a result of this 'Exalted Champion of Nurgle' wearing so much armour and chainmail I initially primed the model with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before brushing on a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey over it. The warrior was then shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey. The bloody desecrator's stained loincloth was treated to a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black, two thin coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red", some "Citadel" Nuln Oil" and a gentle dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Black Tree Design" "Doctor Who" WIPs - These Late Sixties Cybermen needs some detailing work 

With the basics finished, I began slowly working up the highly-detailed figure blessed by "the touch of Nurgle's insectoid messengers" and 'picked out' his pouch, skull trophy and brass symbol of the Plague God with a cacophony of colourful combinations, such as "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. A couple of splashes of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson were also thrown into the mix to give the impression of dried blood.

I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to both the Blightking's hand-axe, shield and shoulder-pad as a base-coat, and later treated the age-corroded areas to coat of "Vallejo" Brass, a wash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and some dabs of the "Citadel" Technical paint Nihilakh Oxide. These parts were all then later dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Brass so as to blend in the patina. In addition I decided to change the brute's ghastly green-hued face to a deep reddish one, as if the entire head was grotesquely swollen, so simply re-painted it with Vallejo" Heavy Red" and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"Nexus Miniatures" WIPs - These Caprican Legionnaires still have some armour plating to 'pick out'

Wanting to progress something a little less taxing than another Putrid Blightking, I have taken the opportunity to dig ever deeper into my recently discovered drawer of old "Black Tree Design" miniatures, and dry-brush some previously painted Cybermen. All of these figures come from one of the company's "Doctor Who: Invasion Earth" boxed sets, and are based upon the silver giants' tear-drop eyed version from the 1968 BBC Television story "The Invasion".

Lastly, sticking with a silver-coloured theme, I have also found some of my long-lost Caprican Legion models by "Nexus Miniatures". These armour-plated extra-terrestrials, which seem to be out of stock these days due to 'someone ordering a bunch', make great-looking Cylons and once finished should finally permit me to get a "Battlestar Galactica" skirmish game on the tabletop... 

"By Your Command."

 "All base ships are now in range to attack the colonies."

These three 28mm metal Caprican Legion Trooper miniatures are made by “Nexus Miniatures” and are from their “Superhero Dinosaur Zombie Apocalypse” range. The figures were bought as part of the manufacturer’s ‘By Your Command’ deal and come in multiple parts with two different heads and a choice of hand-weapons. They make for cracking Cylons, as seen in the 1978 Science fiction television series “Battlestar Galactica”.

"Our raiders are all destroyed. Apparently, it was not as big a surprise as we had hoped for."

 The robots were initially all undercoated with “Citadel” Abaddon Black and two of the Centurions then had their numerous armour plates painted with Ironbreaker. These areas were then washed with Nuln Oil before being roughly dry-brushed, using a number 2 “Winsor & Newton” brush, with more Ironbreaker. The Cylon’s sword/dagger scabbards were then painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Charred Brown and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

As I wanted the third model to represent the Commander Vulpa, from the two-parter “The Gun On Ice Planet Zero”, I gave the sculpt’s various areas of armour a coat of “Vallejo” Gold, as opposed to “Citadel” Ironbreaker, and then gave the Command Centurion a wash with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally I ‘dry-brushed’ these parts with more “Vallejo” Gold.

Colonial Pilot WIPs - Once the warriors' trousers are finished, their brown jackets will be painted next

 I actually own six more of these characterful Caprican Legion Troopers. But having based and primed them, I don’t now plan on painting them until after the beginning of the Sixth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge later this month. I have though instead continued painting the three ‘Colonial Warriors’ I started working on a short while ago. These miniatures, code NXDT Dino-Rangers (Helios, Galicia & Joey). have all been converted using the D-Ranger Helmets from code NX-16. 

"It's Accelerating. How Long Before A Medical Team Arrives?"

"Good grief! It wasn't like that an hour ago."

This 28mm metal model of a Failed Experiment Minion is from code SKU: 26 and is made by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. The figure is one of several similar miniatures I am currently progressing in order to represent some of the hapless staff of botanist Harrison Chase, from the 1976 British Science Fiction television serial "Doctor Who And The Seeds Of Doom". 

Having first pinned and superglued a Human ‘Hard Hat’ Minion Head to the torso, as well as a Failed Experiment Arm to his sleeve, I gave the 'doomed' Chase Manor Security Guard an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Blue. I then picked out the ‘infected’ plant-zombie’s zipper and name badge clipper with “Citadel” Iron Breaker before washing both these metallic areas and the chap’s headwear and jumpsuit with Nuln Oil. The goon’s tendril was painted using a combination of Vallejo “Heavy Grey”, Heavy Red, “Citadel” Thrakka Green and Carroburg Crimson, and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. This heavily-suckered vegetable growth was then dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Heavy Grey. The former human’s flesh was painted predominantly using Heavy Skintone and some watered down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. Although for the 'infected' hand and part of his face I used Vallejo “Heavy Grey” and "Citadel" Thrakka Green.

A.S.P. Trooper WIPs - The Gold Centurion's armour will be be muted by a Strong Tone Quickshade wash

In addition I've been working my way through my growing collection of "Nexus Miniatures" and been concentrating on some of the company's A.S.P. Trooper models. These sculpts are wonderfully reminiscent of the Cylons from the 1978 American Science Fiction television series "Battlestar Galactica". I've a number of such figures already undercoated, ready for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. But as I had already started to paint a few of the robots up, in both silver and gold armour, I thought I would use them as test pieces. I have even started to try and finish another of the first of my 'faceless' Colonial Warriors using a converted NX15 (D-Ranger Codenamed Joey) torso and one of the D-Ranger Helmets from code NX16.

Dust Tactics WIPS - These three models have been gathering dust for many months

Finally, as my long-awaited and highly-anticipated Second Wave of miniatures from the "Dust: Operation Babylon" kickstarter has finally arrived, I have started to recommence work on a small number of my "Dust Tactics" models, starting with these Allied Grim Reapers.

"The Avengers Don't Get To Negotiate On Behalf Of Mutantkind."

"To me, my X-Men."

This 28mm metal miniature of the F.O.N. Operative (Psychic Hero) is made by “Nexus Miniatures” and is model NX01 from their “Superhero Dinosaur Zombie Apocalypse” range. The figure, sculpted by Ian Mountain, comes in two pieces and with the Visor head from NX03 Extra F.O.N. Heads Set, makes a wonderful proxy for the “Marvel Worldwide” mutant super-hero Cyclops.

The leader of the X-Men was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Blue and then washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I then picked out his boots, knee-pads, belt and shoulder-pads with “Vallejo” Heavy Goldbrown, before applying the “Citadel” Shade Reikland Flesh to these areas. Finally his belt buckle and visor were painted using a combination of “Citadel” Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

A.S.P. Trooper WIPs - The officer may well now jump to the head of my painting queue

Carrying on with my “Nexus Miniatures” obsession, I’ve continued to progress some of the company’s A.S.P. Trooper models from their By Your Command deal. Having looked at a few ‘stills’ of the Cylons from the 1978 science fiction television series “Battlestar Galactica” I’ve realized that I’ve painted the robots with far more metallic silver armour than their small screen counterparts, so have re-painted my first batch of humanity’s greatest foes. In addition I’ve discovered that one of the models I own is actually an A.S.P. Officer with a pistol, so I have duly started applying a brown undercoat on his armour so as to later paint him gold.

D-Ranger WIPs - What with the By Your Command deal, I thought my Colonial Warriors needed some reinforcements.

 Finally, I thought I’d prepare and convert three more Colonial Warriors from my collection, using the D-Ranger Helmets from NX16. In addition I’ve take the extended right arm of NX15 (D-Ranger Codenamed Joey) and cut off his gun hand before reattaching it at a different angle. I have also bent the arm down in order to bring it a bit closer to the Viper pilot’s side.

"You Dirty, Rotten Crasoneys! Come Back Here And Fight!"

"The computers get more complicated every yahren."

This 28mm metal miniature of the D-Ranger codenamed Joey is made by “Nexus Miniatures” and is model NX15 from their “Superhero Dinosaur Zombie Apocalypse” range. The figure, sculpted by Martin Buck, comes in two pieces and makes a wonderful proxy for Lieutenant Boomer, as played by Herbert Jefferson Junior in both the 1978 Science fiction television series “Battlestar Galactica” and its ‘spin-off’ “Galactica 1980”.

The Colonial Warrior was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Brown before his jacket was painted using Heavy Sienna. The model’s shoulder-pads and boots were then given a coat of Charred Brown. Finally his jacket’s buttons and belt buckle were picked out with Gold. Both of these areas were then washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition I also painted one of the future Battlestar Executive Officer’s belt straps with a combination of “Vallejo” Gold and Strong Tone Quickshade as my TV show reference material depicted the character stowing a handful of large ammunition rounds by his holster. As the metallic colour would break up the somewhat monotonously black mid-drift of the miniature I thought just painting one such area in this way should make the ‘bullets’ stand out.

X-Men WIPs - With Cyclops almost finished I'll be starting work on two more heroic mutants

Sticking with my “Nexus Miniatures” lead mountain I am close to finishing my cyclopean Psychic Hero F.O.N. Operative having tidied up his blue jumpsuit and picked out his flesh areas. The leader of my ‘X-Men’ now just needs a black wash over his suit to significantly darken it, and his visor painted. In order to keep ‘Scott Summers’ company I have pinned together two team-mates for him using the company’s Beastly Hero body as a base for both. As I wanted one of my ‘Marvel Zombies Universe’ survivors to represent the blue furry Hank McCoy I used my Wolfman spare head and bent the model’s arms up a little in order to create a more hunched beast-like appearance. As the figure himself will be blue-skinned I plan to reverse the colour scheme of ‘Cyclops’, so his jumpsuit will be predominantly yellow. For my third F.O.N. Operative I’ve simply pinned the normal head to the torso and undercoated the model brown, as I plan to have this ‘Wolverine’ wearing a tan and black uniform.

Re-basing The Undead - "Copplestone Castings" Future Wars Code FW4 Plague Zombies

In addition I’ve managed to rebase, and in some cases re-paint, three more of my old “Copplestone Castings” zombies. I have a fair few more of these to get ready as I plan on using them as opposition for my Mutant Surivivors in “Zombicide” by “Guillotine Games”.

"Ten Thousand Light Years From Nowhere, Our Planet Shot To Pieces, People Starving, And I'm Gonna Get Us In Trouble?

"Lord, I'll do anything you ask tomorrow... just don't call an alert tonight!"

This 28mm metal miniature of the D-Ranger codenamed Galicia is made by “Nexus Miniatures” and is model NX14 from their “Superhero Dinosaur Zombie Apocalypse” range. The figure comes in two pieces and makes a cracking proxy for Lieutenant Starbuck, as played by Dirk Benedict in the 1978 Science fiction television series “Battlestar Galactica”.

The Colonial Serviceman was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Brown before his jacket was painted using Heavy Sienna. The model’s shoulder-pads and boots were then given a coat of Charred Brown. Finally his jacket’s buttons and shirt collar were picked out with Gold. All of these areas were then washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. As with my Captain Apollo model I also painted one of the starfighter pilot's belt straps, as well as his belt buckle, with a combination of “Vallejo” Gold and Strong Tone Quickshade as my TV show reference material depicted the character stowing a handful of large ammunition rounds by his holster. As the metallic colour would break up the somewhat monotonously black mid-drift of the miniature I thought just painting one such area in this way should make the ‘bullets’ stand out. Finally I used an old OOP pot of the "Citadel" Foundation paint Calthan Brown with more Strong Tone Quickshade for Starbuck's hair.

Lieutenant Boomer WIP - The Colonial Warrior simply needs a final wash of Brown Ink before being varnished

Sticking with my increasingly growing collection of “Nexus Miniatures” I have also almost finished putting the final touches on the last of my D-Ranger models, Codenamed Joey. I really have thoroughly enjoyed painting these wonderfully characterful sculpts up, and as a result have acquired a second set, along with a couple of D-Ranger Helmet sprues, in order to provide me with additional ‘nameless’ Colonial Warriors.

I've even found the time to make a little more progress on the first of several F.O.N. Operative miniatures I plan to paint up as alternative super-heroes. This cyclopean leader, complete with 'classic' yellow and blue attire, will head a party of super-powered "zombicide" survivors as they battle to stay alive within the "Marvel Zombies Universe".

Cylons WIP - Early days yet for these robots but once I've decided which bits will be armour they should get moving

In addition I thought it was about time to purchase some opposition for my "smoker of fumerellos", so have picked up these rather nice-looking A.S.P. Troopers as part of the company's By Your Command deal. It's actually taken me a little while to get these 'not-Cylons' prepared for painting, as not only do the miniatures come with two sets of heads but also a variety of weapons; all of which I decided should be pinned together as opposed to just being super-glued.

"Do You Take Milk And Sugar?

"The song is ending. But the story never ends."

This 28mm metal miniature of Ood Sigma was essentially built using one of the models from the now OOP Unarmed Minions ‘blister’ by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and one of the company’s Squid Man heads from Code SKU: Head 02 Alien Minions Heads. The translator orb was created by threading a piece of thin metal wire through a small jewelry bead and into the extraterrestrial’s facial tentacles. This personal assistant to Klineman Halpen, the Manager of Ood Operations, first appeared in the April 2008 television episode of “Doctor Who” entitled “Planet Of The Ood”.

At the time I started painting this patient Ood, I was also painting several other blue overalled minions, so despite Sigma’s small screen counterpart wearing dark blue attire, I decided to undercoat him with an old pot of “Citadel” Astronomican Grey” and wash it with the Badab Black. The alien’s translator orb was simply painted with “Vallejo” White and Pale Grey. Whilst I used my usual flesh combination of Heavy Fleshtone and watered-down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade for his head.

Yeti WIPs - Plenty of dry-brushing yet to be done

Interestingly “Ainsty Castings” now sell this unconverted miniature, complete with three alien heads as Code AM1008 Technician Crew, Alien Heads. So I’ve ordered some more to create a simple (and worryingly armed) pack of angry red-eyed Ood…

Sticking with the “Doctor Who” theme I have finally finished undercoating and washing six Yeti produced by “Black Tree Design” which I originally started some time ago. I’ve actually decided to paint two of the Great Intelligence’s robots a somewhat darker brown, simply to help break up the somewhat monotonous colour scheme of the group once they’re finished and added to my other hairy horde.

Sci-Fi WIPs - A bit of gold paint on 'Starbuck' and 'Boomer' should see them almost finished

 Finally I’ve pretty much finished both of my remaining D-Rangers by “Nexus Miniatures” and started to see how well “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre works by experimenting with it on one of the manufacturer’s retro sci-fi miniatures, a Psychic Hero F.O.N. Operative.

"You're Fidgeting Around Like A Daggit On A Sunspot."

"When these fires reach hyper-combustion, the whole planet's gonna blow!"

This 28mm metal miniature of the D-Ranger codenamed Helios is made by “Nexus Miniatures” and is model NX13 from their “Superhero Dinosaur Zombie Apocalypse” range. The figure comes in two pieces and makes a wonderful proxy for Captain Apollo, as played by Richard Hatch in the 1978 Science fiction television series “Battlestar Galactica”.

The Colonial Warrior was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Brown before his jacket was painted using Heavy Sienna. The model’s shoulder-pads and boots were then given a coat of Charred Brown. Finally his jacket’s buttons and shirt collar were picked out with Gold. All of these areas were then washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition I also painted one of the captain’s belt straps with a combination of “Vallejo” Gold and Strong Tone Quickshade as my TV show reference material depicted the character stowing a handful of large ammunition rounds by his holster. As the metallic colour would break up the somewhat monotonously black mid-drift of the miniature I thought just painting one such area in this way should make the ‘bullets’ stand out.

D-Rangers WIPs - Both Joey and Galicia are close to completion

 Sticking with my collection of “Nexus Miniatures” I have managed to make some considerable headway on these two other D-Ranger models, Codenamed Galicia and Joey. These sculpts are absolutely full of character and I’ll probably pick up another set along with a couple of D-Ranger Helmet sprues to provide me with additional ‘nameless’ Colonial Warriors.

American Agents WIPs - Early days yet but the truth is out there...

 In addition I have also started work on these two American Agents. Having only undercoated Sculder and Mulley and ‘boxed off’ their separate areas with black I still have a lot to work to do in order to get them finished. However these sculpts are significantly slighter in size than the D-Rangers, so shouldn’t be that time-consuming to complete. I have also managed to drill and pin the manufacturer’s Visor head to this cracking sculpt of a Psychic Hero F.O.N. Operative and given my ‘Cyclops’ a blue undercoat.

"You've Upstaged Me For The Last Time, Batman. Time To Bring Down The Curtain."

"You know what I'd have given for a death scene like this? Too bad I won't get to... read the notices."

This 28mm plastic “Wizkids” model of (the second) Clayface is miniature number 9 from the Batman Alpha DC Comics “Heroclix” range. The treasure hunter who originally immersed himself in a mysterious radioactive pool of protoplasm in a cave first appeared in the December 1961 issue of “Detective Comics” and was created by Sheldon Moldoff and Bill Finger.

initially given an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna before being washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. The supervillain’s safe and steel girder were painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal Grey and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Matt Hagen’s eyes were initially picked out with some “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre before being washed with Strong Tone Quickshade and then highlighted with a dab of more “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre.

"Heroclix" WIPs - A black wash has been applied to Mister Freeze, whilst the others need some detailing

Whilst working on evil shape-shifter I have also been paying a little attention to these “Wizkids” models of Mister Freeze, Rasputin and Cyborg. I’m especially grateful to Roger over on the “Rantings From Under The Wargames Table” blog for the ‘Mad Monk’, who once finished should be able to provide my Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) miniatures some much needed opposition.

Battlestar Galactica WIPs - Apollo just needs his buttons, collar and weaponry being picked out in gold

Finally I have almost complete the first of my three D-Rangers by “Nexus Miniatures”. I simply need to paint Captain Apollo’s buttons and belt with gold for the Battlestar Galactica” Colonial Warrior to be finished, and as a result have already started to build up some layers of this wonderful representation of Lieutenant Starbuck.

"Why Can't You Just Die?"

"Ah. Fortune smiles. Another day of wine and roses. Or, in your case, beer and pizza!"

This 28mm plastic “Wizkids” model of Two-Face is miniature number 21 from the Batman Alpha DC Comics “Heroclix” range. The disfigured district attorney for Gotham City first appeared in the August 1942 issue of “Detective Comics” and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.

Because the model’s pre-paint was actually overly thick I avoided undercoating the figure and instead applied a layer of “Citadel” Abaddon Black and “Vallejo” White over his two-piece suit and shoes. In order to make life simple for me I painted his usually monotone tie with “Heavy Blue” and then washed it with “Citadel” Asurmen Blue. For Harvey Dent’s disfigured face and hand, I used a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally for the crime lord’s hair I applied “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and Heavy Bluegrey and washed them with more Strong Tone Quickshade and “Citadel” Nuln oil respectively.

Captain Apollo WIP - Once the face is completed, he will only need some inking and gold buckles highlighted

Whilst waiting for the former ally of Batman’s flocked base to dry, I have been paying some considerable attention to this first of three D-Rangers by “Nexus Miniatures”. This somewhat large 28mm metal miniature will make a fine stand-in for Captain Apollo of “Battlestar Galactica” fame.

OMAC WIP - One of the easiest "Heroclix" miniatures I've painted

In addition, as I’m somewhat eager to build up a sizeable Brother Eye cyborg force of “Heroclix” figures, I’ve also almost finished my test OMAC “Wizkids” robot. An extremely simple miniature to paint, I’ve undercoated, washed and then dry-brushed the ‘cape-killer’ with metallic blue, and now need just pick out a few details before he’s finished.