"I Am Drathro, An L3 Robot."

"I am not immortal."

This hefty 45mm tall metal miniature of the "maintenance robot created by the sleepers to watch over them" on the planet Ravalox is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be bought as Code DW603 Drathro from the manufacturer's "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Built in the Andromeda Galaxy and “placed as guardian… in the underground Marb Station (part of UK Habitat)” the automaton appeared in Robert Holmes' September 1986 BBC Television story "The Mysterious Planet".

Somewhat roughly cast with a couple of jagged edges disfiguring its detail, the model was initially smoothed down in places, particularly around its pincer-like hands, with a humble nail file and primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. “The Immortal” was then painted “Citadel” Ironbreaker, shaded using some Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker.

"How is it that you were able to walk past my androids?"

Finally, I applied some additional “Citadel” Nuln Oil around Drathro’s waist so as to quite considerably darken it, and ‘picked out’ his torso markings with either “Vallerjo” xxxx or “Citadel” Abaddon Black. This is actually the second L3 robot I’ve painted, as I acquired one back in the Late Nineties when I believe the licensed range was owned by “Harlequin Miniatures”. However, I bemusingly based that towering figure upon an undersized 25mm circular base and ‘protected it’ using a thick gloss varnish which over time has somewhat ‘browned’ with age.

Sticking with “Black Tree Design" and their “Doctor Who” miniatures range, I have additionally completed the last two of ten automatons I plan to field as part of an Androzani Minor force. Available as Code DW518 Sharaz Jek Android (Code DW518) the figures were primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, vigorously dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and subsequently had their scruffy dark-coloured clothing shaded with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a last step, the pair’s submachine guns were pigmented using a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

"Beyond The Gates Of Antares" demonstration game: Algoryn verses Boromites on a lava planet

This past weekend I was also able to play a demonstration game of "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" at the “Warlord Games” Open Day in Nottingham, in order to reacquaint myself with the rules. Played on only a portion of a considerably-sized lava planet, I volunteered to take on a couple of Algoryn units using my beloved Boromites, and was resultantly handed a serious thrashing due to some disconcertingly underwhelming dice rolls. Indeed, I lost count just how many times my opponent apologised for my bad luck and shook his head at my lamentable fate in the hands of the gaming gods.

Fortunately, despite consistently defying the law of averages with some highly inept close combat fighting, I not only had a thoroughly enjoyable time, but learnt a few tactics regarding my stone-skinned extra-terrestrial miners which would ordinarily supposedly succeed nine times out of ten. Foremost was their apparent ability to charge into hand-to-hand combat, and, despite arriving a ‘bit blowy’ with an extra pin marker, still be able to ‘stick it’ to their far less resilient opponents due to an above average Leadership statistic…

"By Virtue Of My Authority As An Officer Of The Army Space Corps..."

"...I hereby claim this planet, its moons and satellites for the greater glory of the Sontaran Empire."

This 28mm metal Sontaran model is produced by “Black Tree Design" and can be bought from their "Doctor Who" range as code DW304 Linx The Sontaran. Forced "to make an emergency landing on Earth while on reconnaissance when his ship was attacked by a squadron of Rutan fighters, Jingo was created by Robert Holmes and made his BBC Television debut in the 1973 story "The Time Warrior".

The figure was initially undercoated with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, roughly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and heavily washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Irongron's ally then had his knee-pads, belt and neck armour base-coated with "Citadel" Ironbreaker, and subsequently shaded with (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"The Ion Age" WIPs - The troopers will slowly have their base layers 'picked out' before shading starts

Originally I had thought the Sontaran sculpt was just awkwardly handling his rheon carbine, and resultantly started to 'pick out' the weapon with "Vallejo" Dead White. However, I later felt the firearm looked better with just a straightforward "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil paint scheme. In addition, because I wanted the alien to look somewhat swarthy I shaded his "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone with some Strong Tone Quickshade by  "The Army Painter".

Moving over to my 15mm miniature collection, I am still painting up a few more Muster First Patrol troopers produced by "The Ion Age", and have set to work trying to complete a three-figure stand of ordinary soldiers before the end of the month. In addition, I have primed a trooper carrying a formidably long Charlatan IV 22mm Launcher, and the Medic model from the Prydian Infantry range's Muster First Patrol Command pack.

Boromite X-Launcher WIP - The Heavy Weapon Team has been based and primed

Ideally, in my mind at least, both of these 'special' figures should 'sit' upon a pair of small "Flames Of War" bases and be accompanied by an ordinary trooper. But with my completion of the aforementioned three-figure stand I'll actually have finally finished painting all of the basic Muster First Patrol figures which I own. Time to order more then clearly...

Lastly, I have managed to find some time to base and undercoat a Boromite team with X-Launcher for my "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" skirmish force. It really is early days yet for this heavy weapon team addition by "Warlord Games", as I'm currently planning on predominantly just expanding my extra-terrestrial mining army with some extra squad members rather than an entirely new unit. However, this portable magnetic launcher not only hurls explosive missiles or bombs at my opponents but, if I spend the points, can also propel some special munitions packages such as Arc, Blur, Scramble, and Scoot.

"You Are An Enemy Of The Human Race. I Must Destroy You."

"Please do not resist. I do not wish to cause you unnecessary pain."

This 28mm metal figure of Professor Jeremiah P. Kettlewell's experimental prototype robot K1 is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be purchased as Code DW411 - Robot from the company's "Doctor Who" miniatures range. The National Institute for Advanced Scientific Research's automaton was made from a "living metal" and made its debut in the December 1974 BBC Television story "Robot". 

The figure was initially undercoated with two layers of “Citadel” Abaddon Black and subsequently painted using Ironbreaker. The humanoid-shaped machine was then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil before being dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. At this point I found myself in something of a quandary as actor Michael Kilgarriff's burdensome costume does have some red markings visible on it, especially those banding the robot's brain pan.

My Boromites launch a brave attack upon the Algoryn forces who are cowering behind some sandstone buildings

Unfortunately, having spent some time trying to delicately 'draw in' the prototype's detail, I settled upon simply colouring the (giant) robot's hard-to-reach head segments with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, then left its shoulder stripes for potentially another day. As a last touch though I did go back and darkened some of the experimental machine's joints with a second application of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Having taken fifteen months to finally complete my 500-point Boromite Scouting Force, I was rather pleased to get the extra-terrestrial miners on the tabletop over the past weekend, and see what "Warlord Games" rule-set for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" was really like. My initial thoughts were rather positive as I played a very simple firefight between one of my Gang Fighter Squads and an Algoryn Infantry Unit using a version of the Nottingham-based company's free Quick Start Rules. 

The 'thin red line' remains despite some noble assaults by my Boromite Overseer and my mass compactors

Despite being five models apiece I believe my Boromites were somewhat more expensive than my opponent's group, and this advantage tellingly told in the straightforward firefight to come, as the red-armoured villains were mercilessly obliterated. However, things were to prove decidedly different in our main contest when we fought across a 3' x 3' desert moon with our full forces. In particular, my foe's cheesy choice to deploy an Algoryn Avenger Attack Skimmer to what I had thought was a friendly foot-soldier only fight gave me plenty to worry about, most notably the vehicle unit's Multiple Order Dice (MOD) which permitted it to both move and fire twice per turn...

In addition the dice gods were definitely not favouring my rocky monsters' thirst for close combat action, as my leader's formidable tractor maul failed to drill through the armour of my weakling opponents as expected. Indeed, even the scything ability of my Gang Fighters' mass compactors only finally chopped down the frustratingly resilient Algoryn Command Squad after the battle was already effectively lost. Still, the Algoryn Prosperate's steadfastness before the might of the Boromites shall not go unpunished for long, and a rematch is already well and truly planned for the near future...

"The Xon Poets Claimed That The Boromites Were Set To Wandering The Stars..."

"...Ever in search of their ancient home and that one day they would return to it."

This 28mm metal Boromite Ganger is produced by "Warlord Games" and forms part of the Nottingham-based company's Boromite Work Gang boxed set for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares"; a "science-fiction tabletop wargame written by 40k author Rick Priestley, that pitches technologically advanced human civilisations into a conflict for the undiscovered systems that lie through the gates." Sold "unassembled and unpainted" this "genetically-engineered" miner is the last of five miniatures I required in order for me to field a 123-point costing Work Gang armed with Mass Compactors and Implosion Grenades, and concludes my fifteen month long project to complete a 500-point Scouting Force.

Originally primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the extra-terrestrial was shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then had some "Vallejo" Black painted over all its weaponry, ammunition packs and hip-flask. The Ganger's metallic areas, including its firearm's nozzle, were subsequently treated to a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, whilst its Mass Compactor had its main body slightly corroded with a light touch of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash.

Boromite 500-Point Scouting Force

The power lighting on the Boromite's weapon was 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, plus his pouch was painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and a splash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Lastly, the figure's yellow(ish) armour, his numerous "multi-functional nanite receptor nodes" and cumbersome tool's distortion compensator were all layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and washed with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Alongside this particular unit armed with mining tools I have previously painted two five-model squads of (standard) Gang Fighters, all equipped with Mag Guns and Plasma Grenades, as well as an Overseer Squad complete with Spotter Drone, with which to command my Boromite Army. In addition, I've spent some of my force's points supplementing the infantry units with some "Army Options" such as "Block! - The Order Dice drawn from the bag is returned and another random dice is drawn", "Well Prepared - If you take any single re-roll you can add plus one to the value tested against", and "Superior Shard - At the start of the turn you can remove one of your opponent's order Dice from the dice bag. This means your opponent will have to fight without one of his dice this turn."

Freeborn Feral Squad WIPs - The warriors have been re-primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue

Despite taking so long to complete this core force, I already aim to expand my Boromites into a 750-point Skirmish Force by adding some support options, such as a Support Team with X-Launcher (which can fire munitions such as Scrambler, Arc, Blur, Scoot, Net and Grip) or a more straightforward Support Team equipped with a Mag Light. Alternatively, I rather like the look of some of the alien miners' mounted units, and believe a three-model strong Rock Rider Squad would attract a lot of attention on the tabletop for fear of their "Rapid Sprint" special ability outflanking an opponent's army.

Beforehand however, I rather fancy exploring another of the factions fighting within Antarean space, in the form of the Freeborn. These great "merchants and travellers" should provide an entirely new set of challenges to the yellow and grey of the Boromites, and a humble Feral Squad requires only six miniatures to be completed before I can field a simple 100-point unit for some rule-set familiarisation fun...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Strontium Dog" August 2018

The Stix Brothers WIPs - The "ice-hearted killers" have been primed and are slowly having their details painted

This month's themed attempt to try and reduce my sadly, ever-growing collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures will focus upon a selection of recently arrived figures manufactured by "Warlord Games" as part of their "Strontium Dog" range. "Defined by legendary comic creators John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra" within the pages of the British anthology comic "2000 A.D.", this "skirmish tabletop battle game for two or more players" focuses upon mutated Search/Destroy agents and their "dangerous universe full of outlaws, pirates and corruption."

Fortunately, I was able to have a good preview the rulebook a few weeks before the "Strontium Dog: The Good the Bad and the Mutie" starter game was released, and was therefore rather 'encouraged' to purchase both "the classic confrontation between... Johnny Alpha & Wulf Sternhammer and the infamous Max Bubba’s gang", as well as my favourite Search/ Destroy agents, the Stix Brothers. Resultantly, I thought I actually paint up the comic strip's two main protagonists, alongside arguably their most memorable mutant nemesis' from the town called Stixville on the planet Freedonia.

Neophyte Hybrid Kill Team WIPs - The Genestealer cultists have been assembled and undercoated

For now I've simply managed to prime the first three of the "ice-hearted killers who affect the look of gunfighters from Earth’s Old West", and begin 'picking out' their boots, holsters, straps, gloved hands and firearms. Because "nobody is sure how many Stixes there are" there is always the potential to purchase more of these hopefully straightforward-to-paint figures, but with the Nottingham-based company already offering so many other of the comic's characters, from the Weerdz to Darkus' Howlers, I doubt I'll be tempted to do so for some time yet...

In addition, "Games Workshop" have released their latest incarnation of "Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team", which contains an assortment of their hard plastic multi-part miniatures, including a posse of Devoted Sons. I've loved the look of these Neophyte Hybrids ever since the possibility of a Genestealer Cult was first raised within the pages of "White Dwarf", so simply couldn't resist the opportunity to own a handful of the figures without the need (or expense) of buying a battleforce or bundle.

Boromite Work Ganger WIPs - The alien just needs some of his rocky skin to be shaded

The boxed set comes with enough models for a complete Kill Team, so I have set to work assembling and undercoating my merciless band's leader, Yorl Krauss, and a cult icon carrier already. I'm really hoping to get the makings of these faithfuls ones finished rather quickly, as the Writhing Shadow Tyranid starter set has already been announced and that means potentially building a second team of "multi-limbed monstrosities... armed with rending claws and scything talons" in the near future.

Of course, so many new projects means I've been desperately attempting to finish off some of my older ones, such as my 500-point Boromite Scouting Force for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares”. This final extra-terrestrial miner still needs a portion of his stony skin shaded and his facial features 'highlighted', but should soon bring to an end a somewhat grinding, oft-times frustratingly slow, year-long challenge.

“The Aforementioned Rimmer, To Whit, Me, Attended Inspection Parade."

"He was totally naked except for a pair of mock-leather driving gloves and some blue swimming goggles."

This 28mm miniature of Barry was made by "Y.F.T. Design Studio" and forms part of the company's limited release 'Scarlet Midget' - Cosplay Away Team. Very much a ‘look-a-like’ for Chris Barrie’s character in the "British science fiction situation comedy Red Dwarf", the second class technician was initially primed using two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, subsequently washed with “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green.

In order to slightly break up the model’s somewhat monotonous palette, I ‘picked out’ Arnold’s shoes in “Vallejo” Black Green and strongly considered using the same darker paint for his hat too. In the end though I simply settled for shading his footwear with some (more) “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green and applied a little Ironbreaker to the hologram’s ‘H’.

"Lister to Red Dwarf. We have in our midst a complete smegpot!"

With Rimmer finished, I have also applied myself to completing another of my Work Gang Boromites by “Warlord Games”. This particular extra-terrestrial miner will actually lead my latest unit for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares” and actually proved something of an experiment from the oft-times tedious technique I’ve been previously applying upon this specific genre of miniatures.

Ordinarily, I have been priming my Boromites with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, and then washing them with “Citadel” Nuln Oil so as to better see all the detail on the sculpts. This initially seemed like a ‘cunning plan’ as this combination of layer and shade is the one I use to pigment all of the aliens’ rocky hides, and resultantly gave me the opportunity to complete a good two-thirds of each figure with a really simple process very early on in the painting process.

"Borom itself vanished into the Antarean collapse at the end of the Second Age..."

Unfortunately however, in subsequently having to ‘pick out’ all of the models’ intricately detailed, as well as occasionally hard-to-reach, armour with “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade, I usually end up having to ‘clean up’ much of the grey ‘skin’ areas later on, essentially re-doing the vast majority of it and ‘wasting’ a considerable amount of time. With this figure I therefore undercoated the entire miniature in “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre and only concentrated upon painting his stony flesh until the end.

Disappointingly, because this Work Gang Leader was so much more detailed than his brethren and carried his Mass Compactor in a rather unorthodox manner, it soon became evident that the figure was always going to be a rather long-winded paint-job, so any hope of comparing my ‘new’ approach to his colleagues was never going to really work. All I can say though is that having painted another Boromite using my old technique since, I’ve a feeling I’ll be using the “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre undercoats for any future additions to my 500 point Scouting Force…

"Legions Of Doombots Pursue Doom's Maniacal Plans."

"Some are more deadly than others..."

This 38mm tall “Wizkids” model of Doombot 3095 is miniature number 106 from the Secret Invasion Marvel Comics "Heroclix" range and was once also available as part of the New Jersey-based company's Fantastic Four 2010 Starter Set. Created by Doctor Doom to act as robot soldiers, and "often equipped with weapons such as laser rifles", these Servo-Guards "were programmed to recognise any enemy", as well as "protect the people of Latveria."

The plastic figure's original pink pre-paint was 'masked' using two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and had it's boots, gloves and pants 'picked out' with Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. I then applied some a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil to the defence droid's firearm and head. These areas were later dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker so as to try and bring out the sculpt's somewhat soft detail.

Hiss, Cuss & Silent Weerd WIPs - The three Search/Destroy agents have been built, based and primed

The Doombot's face was painted using some "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and a 'highlight' of some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to brighten up its cheek areas and nose. Finally, the automaton had his purple armour shaded with "Citadel" Druchii Violet.

Maintaining my momentum for the "Strontium Dog Starter Game: The Good, the Bad and the Mutie" by "Warlord Games", I have assembled, based and primed the three metal miniatures which can be found within The Weerds expansion box. Consisting of Cuss, Hiss and Silent, who "fought alongside Johnny Alpha during the first mutant war", I actually experienced a couple of frustrating problems with these miniatures.

Boromite Work Ganger WIPs - The alien miner still needs a lot of attention

The sculpts themselves are fine, but Cuss and Silent each lost one of their hand-weapons within seconds of my opening their blister. Upon close inspection the pair of miniatures both seemingly suffered with some terribly crumbly metal, and resultantly I have had to drill, pin and super-glue their blasters back into place...

Finally, I have actually been persevering with one of the last models I need to complete in order to finally field my 500-point Scouting Force for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares”. This remaining rocky-skinned miner still needs all his weaponry, ammunition packs and hip-flask to be pigmented, along with his impressive Mass Compactor, but I'm confident I should be able to get the Work Ganger completed within the next few days.

The Boromite Guilds Are All That They Have Of A Home..."

"...For long ago the Boromites spread to the ends of the Antarean universe."

This 28mm metal Boromite Work Ganger is manufactured by "Warlord Games" and comes as part of the Boromite Work Gang boxed set for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". "Supplied unassembled and unpainted" this extra-terrestrial miner is the third of five miniatures I require in order for me to field a 123-point Reflex Armour-wearing unit armed with Mass Compactors and Implosion Grenades.

Initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the figure was washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then had a layer of Chaos Black applied over all its weaponry, ammunition packs and hip-flask. The alien's metallic areas, including its firearm's nozzle, were subsequently treated to a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, whilst its pouch was painted using a mix of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Heavy Red and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Johnny Alpha & Wulf Sternhammer WIPs - The Search/Destroy agents have been primed

The Boromite's Mass Compactor had its hand-grips and main body slightly corroded with a light touch of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash and I 'picked out' the weapon's power lighting with "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Finally, the model's yellow(ish) armour, his "separate multi-functional nanite receptor nodes" and mining tool's distortion compensator were all coloured by heavily washing a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre with some "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Supposedly "released this Saturday & available in your local gaming stores" I'm already discovering my "inner mutant" by assembling Johnny Alpha, Wulf Sternhammer and Gronk from the "Strontium Dog Starter Game: The Good, the Bad and the Mutie" by "Warlord Games". These "central heroes" from the "2000 A.D." comic book series look very crisp metal sculpts indeed, and are accompanied within the box by an MDF flat-packed seven-piece Solar Farm scenery set made from MDF by Sarissa Precision.

The Stix Brothers & Gronk WIPs - All the models have been undercoated

Along with the obligatory rule-book, cards and tokens, the "great value" starter set also contains models of the infamous outlaws responsible for Wulf's death in Prog 465, "the notorious Max Bubba and four of his gang – Impetigo Jones, Brute Mosely, Skull and Low-Down O’Phee." However, rather than assemble them I've decided to start on my favourite Search/ Destroy agency contractors instead, the infamous Stix brothers.

Coming "from an unknown number of apparently identical mutants" these "ice-hearted killers" who "affect the look of gunfighters from Earth’s Old West" appear as if artist Carlos Ezquerra has somehow managed to actually pencil them in white metal, and arrived bundled alongside their Character card, Armoury cards (Gas Bomb and Frag Bomb) and Chicanery card (Stone Cold)...

"No Silicon Heaven? Preposterous! Where Would All The Calculators Go?"

"I haven't been this embarrassed since I was loosening my adjustment screws..."

"Cast in White Metal", this 28mm miniature of Kry-10 was made by "Y.F.T. Design" and forms part of the company's limited release 'Scarlet Midget' - Cosplay Away Team. Clearly a "lookalike" for Robert Llewellyn's character in the "British science fiction situation comedy Red Dwarf", the Series III mechanoid was initially primed using some "Vallejo" Black and subsequently dry-brushed with Gunmetal Grey.

The robot butler 's groin socket, hand-held cleaning device and central circular chest panel were then 'picked out' using "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before the figure was entirely washed with Nuln Oil. The automaton's hands and cube-shaped head were later pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Wildfyre & Dibber WIPs - The two alter-ego "Red Sector" characters have simply been based and primed

As a last touch Kryten's head was additionally given a careful, light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone in order to try and bring out some of its angular details. I did momentarily consider basing the miniature on a science-fiction themed stand, but in the end went with my age-old mix of "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade so it would fit in with the vast majority of my other finished figures.

With the first of my four Grant-Naylor influenced "clean-up crew" completed, I have actually set about assembling a couple more figures from the "Nexus Miniatures" range to add to my painting queue. Sculpted by Carl Stoelzel these two "instantly recognisable cosplay sci-fi comedy" characters are Arnold 'Ace' Wildfyre and D. Wayne 'Rocky' Dibber.

Boromite Work Gang Leader WIPs - The alien miner still needs his detailed Mass Compactor painted

However, its clear that the Space Adventurers make excellent-looking doppelgangers for Ace Rimmer and the dorky alter-ego of the Cat, Duane Dibbley. I'm especially pleased to get my hands on Arnold, as the sculpt's original planned pose proved somewhat problematic prior to casting on account of him holding a firing pistol in his right hand. I understand the hand-weapon proved too difficult to successfully cast, so was delayed in order for the model's stance to be altered and the gun removed.

Finally I am currently working on a Boromite Work Gang Leader for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares” by “Warlord Games”. I actually had to purchase this particular figure separately from the Nottingham-based manufacturer having lost the original one from my boxed set, and then recently discovered the AWOL alien miner during a big clear up. Despite this though, I had decided to stick to painting my replacement miniature in order to establish whether using a "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre undercoat will make the time-consuming piece quicker to paint...

"Although Such Beasts Are Rare, You May See Lizards..."

"...Marmots, and even such strange creatures as armadillos and the platypus."

This 28mm metal model of a Green Lizard is sold by “Oathsworn Miniatures" and can be purchased as Code BB13 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. Originally part of the manufacturer's first "anthro animal miniatures" kickstarter, Bassk uz' Drasst comes equipped with a one-handed weapon and is sculpted wearing light armour.

The "squamate reptile" was super-glued onto a 30mm plastic circular lipped base, and primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Green. His wonderfully detailed scaly skin was then heavily shaded using some Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter" and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green.

Dandy Highwayfox WIPs - The cunning criminal has had his coat and red fur layered

Despite presumably being based upon the European 'lacerta viridis', which can be found "across European mid-latitudes from Slovenia and eastern Austria to as far east as the Black Sea coasts of Ukraine and Turkey", I rather fancied my insect-eater as having travelled from a far hotter climate such as central Mexico, and resultantly decided to give him a more Mesoamerican feel. His armour plates were therefore coated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, subsequently coloured with a combination of Brass and Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter", and then finally aged with a small application of "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide.

I did contemplate making the lizard's sword bronze too, but ultimately decided a seasoned warrior would soon swap such a weapon for one fashioned from finest steel instead. In addition, I had also chosen to partially follow the official "Oathsworn Miniatures" paint-scheme by covering the warrior's hands and feet with some "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre. This pigment would arguably make it difficult to discern from anything gold-coloured which the model was holding.

Boromite Work Ganger WIP - The alien miner still needs his rocky hide to be shaded

As a final phase I 'picked out' all the long-tailed reptile's leather straps with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and treated them to a wash of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". At this point I was momentarily tempted to apply some light blue to the figure's face. However, I felt such a strongly contrasting colour would distract the eye away from the flecks of verdigris on the fighter's armour.

With my fourth "Burrows And Badgers" miniature finished, I have additionally made a bit more headway on the last few Boromite Work Gangers I need so as to finally field a 500-point Scouting Force for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares”. These “Warlord Games” extra-terrestrial miners are absolutely covered from head-to-toe in highly detailed bits of equipment, sensors and armour, so are taking me an incredibly long time to paint using my 'black-lining' method. Still, the end may finally be in sight...

"I Am The Foamasi Government."

"I am an ambassador. To interdict my departure would be an act of war."

This 28mm metal Foamasi figure is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be purchased as Code DW436 from the company's "Doctor Who" miniatures range. “A race of stocky, reptilian humanoids”, these aliens “were involved in a twenty minute war with the Argolin, during which they attacked Argolis with 20,000 missiles” and made their debut in the August 1980 BBC Television story "The Leisure Hive". 

The figure was first primed with two coats of “Vallejo” Heavy Green, generously shaded with “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green and dry-brushed using some (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Green. It then had it’s eyes carefully ‘picked out’ with a couple of spots of Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, before its claws received a layer of “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

Dandy Highwayfox WIPs - The furry footpad has had his breeches and leather waistcoat layered and washed

Setting aside my three-claw handed extra-terrestrial, I have been making some sound progress upon the last of my current batch of “Burrows And Badgers” models. This strikingly tall Dandy Highwayfox was sculpted by “Oathsworn Miniatures” as part of their successful “Fur And Feathers” kickstarter, and was one of my (many) impulse buys during “Salute” 2018.

Named Dead-Eye Jack during the creative project’s funding drive, I’ve decided to try and stick as close as possible to the robber’s ‘official’ paint-job, and resultantly have spent some time working my up his torso utilising some of my lesser used “Vallejo” paints in the process, such as USA Olive Drab, Black Green and Dark Vermilion. I’ve still got some way to go on my warband’s charismatic leader, but hope to have the dastardly fox finished before the week is done.

Boromite Work Ganger WIP - The alien miner still needs a number of pieces of his armour to be 'picked out'

A far less straightforward proposition has been the first of three Boromites I need to complete in order to finally field a 500-point Scouting Force for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares” by “Warlord Games”. Rather embarrassingly, I have actually been persevering with this particular project for an entire year, and only recently have found myself once again inspired to try and ‘grind’ the remaining rocky-skinned miners out with my paint-brush.

Fortunately, the Nottingham-based manufacturer is currently providing plenty of inspiration for their "war-torn universe" wargame, courtesy of the Virai's imminent release. This "long-forgotten threat introduces a new range of exquisite science fiction models" alongside a new campaign supplement which will actually allow me to field a combined Freeborn/Boromite Privateer force on the tabletop...

"I've Seen The Future, And It's Copyright Cybus Industries."

"Chamber Six now open for human upgrading."

These three 43mm tall metal miniatures of some Cybus Industries metallic exoskeletons are from a private collection and not therefore commercially available. Luckily however, I was fortunate enough to be sent a quartet of the "monotonous cybernetic creatures" as a generous gift by Simon Quinton of "Brummie's Wargaming Blog", and have subsequently painted these particular models up to represent the silver giants as seen in the May 2006 BBC Television story "Rise Of The Cybermen". 

Prior to painting, each of the three-piece figures had their arms pinned to their shoulders using some metal wire, a spot of grey-stuff and a dollop of super-glue. Disconcertingly, I found that even this considered approach didn't work for one especially obstinate sculpt. So in the end I dabbed some additional fast-acting adhesive onto its hand and firmly tucked the limb alongside its leg. The pose looks a little awkward, and part of the Cyberman's outer thigh detail has been overshadowed, but at least the model shouldn't now fall apart during game-play.  

"Burrows & Badgers" WIPs - A Green Lizard and Toad Mage

All the parallel universe creations were initially treated to some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer before being given a double layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker. The cyborgs were subsequently washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. As a last touch, I darkened each of the Cybermens' joints with an application of "Citadel" Badab Black, so as to make their bright metallic panelled-pieces of armour stand out that much more.

Alongside my trio of emotionless humanoids, I have also made some significant progress on my "Burrows And Badgers" Green Lizard by "Oathsworn Miniatures". Initially I had been planning on simply leaving the cold-blooded reptile "Vallejo" Heavy Green, but have since applied a little Heavy Ochre to the warrior's feet and hands in order to yellow its limbs up enough for its black claws to be seen.

Boromite Work Gangers WIPs - The aliens needs all their armour to be layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre

In addition, I am working simultaneously on the Toad Mage, known as Grarrp Croaak for my warband. This particular "anthropomorphic animal metal miniature" has already been primed, washed and dry-brushed, and now simply needs all his staff and potions pouch to be 'picked out' before being finished. The detail on this model's dry, leathery skin is absolutely top-notch, so I'm planning on trying to highlight all its warty bumps as well.

Finally, I have once again found a little more hobby-time with which to continue working on the 500 points worth of Boromites I need to paint in order to deploy a Scouting Force for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". I've actually only got three of these Work Gangers armed with mass compactors left to finish, and have decided to use the figures to test out some different techniques I can employ in the future in order to help speed up my painting of these highly-detailed extra-terrestrial miners by "Warlord Games".

"Boromite Work Gangs Are Armed With Mass Compactors..."

"...Which are extremely powerful at short ranges..."

This 28mm metal Boromite Ganger is made by "Warlord Games" and forms part of the Boromite Work Gang boxed set for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". "Supplied unassembled and unpainted" this "genetically-engineered" miner is the second of five miniatures I require in order for me to field a 123-point costing Work Gang armed with Mass Compactors, Implosion Grenades and a Mag Pistol.

Originally primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the partially-knelt panhuman morph was shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then had some Chaos Black painted over all its weaponry, ammunition pack and hip-flask. The Ganger's metallic areas, including its firearm's nozzle, were subsequently treated to a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, whilst its Mass Compactor had its hand-grips and main body slightly corroded with a light touch of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash.

"Harlequin Miniatures" Kroton WIPs - The two crystalline creatures need their heads finishing

The power lighting on the Boromite's weapon was 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, plus his pouch was painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and a splash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Lastly, the figure's yellow(ish) armour, his numerous "multi-functional nanite receptor nodes" and cumbersome tool's distortion compensator were all layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and washed with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

With just three more "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" miniatures left to finish, I have momentarily turned my attention back to some of the old "Doctor Who" models I recently discovered during a large clear out of my lead mountain. Quite possibly cast by "Harlequin Miniatures" as opposed to "Black Tree Design" in the Mid-Nineties, I did initially think I only owned a single model of the crystalline race from the planet Krosi-Aspai-Core.

"Trust in your hatred for the mutant and the heretic, brothers."

However, I've since discovered a second Kroton figure within my horde which rather interestingly does not have the "predatory quasi-organic tellurium based crystal" creatures' airline sculpted on it. Bizarrely though, both versions of the "semi-sentient armoured crystalline beings" are listed as Code DW212 on the internet, with a second variant entitled Kroton Armed available as Code DW214. Whatever the story, instead of painting them all metal as originally planned, I thought I'd try something a little different by making their 'frosted' heads white with a subtle blue hue.

Finally, having recently re-gritted and flocked part of my old Black Templars for "Warhammer 40K", I have gone back and done precisely the same thing to the rest of my Crusader Squad, including their Sword Brother and a couple of Heavy Weapon options; a rocket launcher and flamer. I've yet to work out just how many points this force costs using the statistics in the "Index: Imperium 1" supplement, but hope to have enough to at least put up some form of opposition against my Chaos Daemons...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Boromite Work Gang" March 2018

Boromite Work Gangers WIPs - The alien miners have an incredible amount of armour

This month's themed attempt to try and reduce my potentially insurmountable collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures is to simply focus upon a unit of five Boromite Work Gangers which I desperately need to finish in order to finally complete my 500 point Scouting Force. I've been occasionally beavering away at these "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" sculpts for a few months now, and actually managed to complete the squad's first figure at the end of January. However, since then I haven't really found the motivation to get the other "Warlord Games" models tabletop ready...

Admittedly, part of my reluctance to tackle these extra-terrestrial miners is due to their incredibly time-consuming detail, but the recent loss of their leader (who most probably fell into my bin unobserved) has meant that I simply couldn't face painting them until I had obtained a suitable replacement. Now that has been done, along with a few extra personnel, I plan to have the "genetically engineered" workforce varnished, flocked and fighting for their survival within the next few weeks.

Putrid Blightking WIPs - The warrior has yet to have his bronze weaponry weathered and dry-brushed

Of course that doesn't mean I'll be turning my gaze away from the remaining Putrid Blightkings I require in order to field a five-strong unit of the "enormous, bloated warriors", nor the four tiny Nurglings I plan to use as wound markers for some of my larger "Age Of Sigmar" Chaos models. I want these miniatures to be finished sooner rather than later in order to be able to field a 'genuine' 1,000 point Nurgle Host and then begin work building up the strength of my Khorne forces.

There's also a lot of new models on the horizon for this rule-set too, with the Daughters Of Khaine army looking set to include harpies (Khinerai Heartrenders) and serpent-bellied warriors (Melusai Blood Sisters); all of which are going to be nearly impossible to resist purchasing. Plus I've been sat upon a boxed set of Kharadron Overlords for far too long, so its time to start thinking about working on a sky-fleet of iron-clad warriors, all "aboard fantastical machines of war armed with powerful aetheric weapons."

"Since its founding, the Black Templars have campaigned on a never-ending crusade."

Finally, I couldn't help but notice that the Nottingham-based company are about to embark upon a new subscription service involving "Warhammer 40K" which appears similar to their 2002 "Battle Games in Middle-Earth fortnightly magazine (published by "De Agostini"). As seems to be the way with all these offers "Warhammer Conquest" thus includes a number of deliveries per month "with minis and gifts included with each issue." Of particular interest to me though is the prospect that the publication will teach me how to play Warhammer 40,000 "in bite-size chunks"; something I enjoyed doing when learning their "Lord Of The Rings" tabletop rule-set almost two decades ago.

Hopefully this investment will help me finally get some use out of the "Dark Imperium" boxed set I bought last year, as it has already encouraged me to seek out my old Black Templars and re-grit/flock them. Admittedly, these members of the "second Founding chapter derived from the Imperial Fists" are on smaller bases than the Adeptus Astartes stand upon these days, but the models date back to a time when I 'protected' my figures using PVA glue as opposed to varnish, so I didn't want to risk needing to repaint any of them if I damaged one whilst re-basing them...

"Work Gangs Carry Weaponry Adapted From Mining Machinery..."

"...A kind of compression device called a mass compactor."

This 28mm metal Boromite Ganger is manufactured by "Warlord Games" and comes as part of the Boromite Work Gang boxed set for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". "Supplied unassembled and unpainted" this extra-terrestrial miner is the first of five miniatures I require in order for me to field a 123-point Reflex Armour-wearing Work Gang armed with Mass Compactors and Implosion Grenades.

Initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the figure was washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then had a layer of Chaos Black applied over all its weaponry, ammunition packs and hip-flask. The alien's metallic areas, including its firearm's nozzle, were subsequently treated to a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, whilst its Mass Compactor had its hand-grips and main body slightly corroded with a light touch of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. Finally I 'picked out' the weapon's power lighting (and visor lenses) with "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

Hybrid WIPs - Jimmy Marks has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

The Boromite's pouch was painted using a mix of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, Heavy Red and "Citadel" Abaddon Black. This reddish brown was then washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Lastly, the model's yellow(ish) armour, his "separate multi-functional nanite receptor nodes" and mining tool's distortion compensator were carefully coloured by heavily washing a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre with some "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

With my latest "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" figure finished, I have turned my attention back to another of my plastic "Heroclix" models by "Wizkids". Having so recently finished four Dire Wraiths, I thought I'd spend a little time progressing the half-human, half-dire wraith Hybrid, known as James "Jimmy" Marks. Significantly pinker in colour than his father, this super-villain has already been primed, washed and dry-brushed, and is now ready for some detailing...  

Wight WIP - The supernatural creature has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

Lastly, I somewhat fallen foul of a desire to play some sort of mass-battle game, and resultantly have turned to "Kings Of War" by "Mantic Games" to 'scratch' this particular 'itch.' Unsurprisingly one of the first things I have done is purchase the second edition of the "mass-battle fantasy wargame" rule-book and been rather encouraged to see just how few miniatures it takes to actually field a tabletop worthy army.

To begin with I am therefore going to paint-up an Undead force, requiring just a regiment of Wights in order to 'unlock' two troops and either a war engine, monster or hero. The beauty of selecting the "once mighty warrior kings" is that they are large infantry, so I only require just three models in order to create a fully-fledged regiment; as opposed to twenty skeletons, ghouls or zombies...