"Our Father, Who Art In Heaven..."

"Hallowed be thy name."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Praying Mouse is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures" and was part of the company's "Burrows & Badgers: Furs & Feathers" Kickstarter way back in July 2017. Known as 'Pious' Tom, the Mouse Monk, the figure was originally given away for free during the crowdfunding campaign to any "Pick'n'Mix" or "All In" backers. However, it has since become available to buy as part of the North East English company's "Burrows & Badgers" range on their website.

Due to the sculpt being knelt in prayer, I recall initially being somewhat tempted to plonk the small rodent onto one of the thin-lipped 40mm plastic circular bases I regularly use for my objective markers. However, in the end I superglued the tiny animal onto a lipped 30mm round base instead, and set about priming them with a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. The monk's robe was then shaded using a far amount of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before being roughly dry-brushed in (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"There's nowhere to run!"

Having studied the mouse's 'official paint-job', I next applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the critter's hood. This area was later highlighted with a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. The monk's hands, feet and tail were simply layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and subsequently treated to some additional lines of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone along its fingers and toes.

For the figure's face, I decided to try something a little different (and definitely much quicker), by simply giving the area a rough dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone over a Heavy Sienna base-coat. The entire head was then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and lightened with a much softer dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. Finally, the closed eye slits were just darkened with a streak of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, whereas the creature's fingernails and claws were given a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and darkened down with (even more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The Volgs are coming down everywhere!"

In addition to my impulse paint-job - having only discovered the partially-painted model in a drawer the day before I finished pigmenting it - I have also completed the last two 28mm metal single-cast British NBC soldiers produced by "Athena Miniatures" I bought at "Warfare" 2024. Largely finished using lots of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, the troopers' semi-automatic L98 A2 rifles and lenses were treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

I also splattered their ammunition pouches with some round(ish) dollops of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna, before drenching their equipment bags with a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This basic camouflage pattern - which I've previously used whilst painting my 15mm German Panzergrenadiers for "Flames Of War" - was subsequently highlighted back up with some extra splodges of (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

"I Am A Mole..."

"...And I live in a hole."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Mole-in-a-Hole is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures" and was part of the company's "Burrows & Badgers: Great & Small" Kickstarter. Unfortunately, I do not believe the figure is currently available to buy on their website, but I was lucky enough to be sent one for free as part of my 'All-In' pledge.

The tiny fellow was initially undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before having his fur painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Dark Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then 'picked out' all of the small mammal's long fingernails with a little "Vallejo" White, and washed them with plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - George Taylor, General Ursus and Cornelius

For the mole's clothing I wanted to use something quite bright, so decided to apply "Vallejo" Heavy Blue on to its long-sleeved shirt and Heavy Red over its scarf. Both of these areas were subsequently dirtied up using a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, I did later go back to the animal's top and lightly dry-brushed the sleeves with a little (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue in order to bring out a bit more of the sculpt's detail.

The cute creature's mining hat was simply given a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and plenty of Nuln Oil. Whilst his strap was carefully traced with a thin line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Lastly, I used a smidgen of "Vallejo" White and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade to try and emulate the melting wax of the mole's candle, and gave the flame a quick(ish) lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, Heavy Orange and Heavy Red.

Simian Minions WIPS - Zira, Ape armed with man-catcher, and Ape armed with baton

Alongside my impulse paint-job I have also managed to complete the second of twelve dedicated painting sessions for my twenty-four hour 'Paint An Entire Project" Challenge using "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" models. This time round I thought I'd focus on getting one of my Albion Rocket Corporation (ARC) astronauts nearly completed, as well as make some more progress on a packet Simian Minions.

I estimated that it would probably take me anywhere up to four sessions to get my "Planet Of The Apes" proxies for Taylor, Landon and Dodge finished, and I don't think I'm too far behind that schedule with the first of my cosmonauts close to completion. In addition, I've managed to make some fair in-roads into my project's other main characters, particularly General Ursus - whose stud-covered costume now simply needs a dark wash and tidy...

“The Life-size Recumbent Effigy Was First Found In The Tombs Of Royalty…”

"...And then spread to the nobility."

This 34mm long resin model of a Mouse-oleum – The Tomb Of The Mouse Lord is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures” and can be purchased as part of their “Burrows & Badgers” range. The small(ish) scenic piece was part of a handful of miniatures I picked up from the company’s stall whilst at “Salute” 2019, and has been super-glued onto one of the 50mm circular bases I predominantly use for my objectives markers.

The effigy was initially undercoated using two coats of the old “Citadel” Layer paint Charadon Granite and subsequently heavily washed with Nuln Oil. It was then simply dry-brushed using more Charadon Granite. As a final touch I later mixed some “Vallejo” White in with the “Citadel” Charadon Granite and very lightly dry-brushed this combination over the entire model so to help highlight its excellent detail. 

My Daemonic host prepares to advance supposedly safe in the knowledge that the Nurglings will protect them

Sticking with science fiction-based wargaming, I have also managed to play my first 'proper' game of "Warhammer 40K" by "Games Workshop", fielding a 736-point strong Khorne/Nurgle Chaos force against a similarly costed unit of Ultramarines, who were additionally aided by a pair of formidably tough robotic combat walkers. The ensuing battle for an ancient relic upon a planet increasingly lost to the plague-ridden sores of the Plague God and bleeding iconography of the Blood God was understandably bloody, but despite being unable to finish the game to its conclusion due to time constraints, it reaffirmed in my mind just how very much I am currently enjoying this "newest edition of everybody's favourite wargame" as the fight is never seemingly over whilst playing it until the 'fat lady sings'.

This ability to suffer serious set-backs yet still entertain the hope of ultimate victory proved itself time and again during this game, especially in its early stages when I unwisely utilised my Nurglings' "Mischief Makers" ability to place them just 9" away from my enemy's deployment zone. Seemingly shielding a rock-solid core of twenty Bloodletters and twenty Plaguebearers behind their tiny chittering bodies, I felt confident the "Gleeful Castoffs" would keep my opponent busy up for a couple of turns at least and give my larger daemons ample time to advance within reach of their foes.

The Armiger Helverin and Knight Errant start firing upon the Bloodletters and Plaguebearers

Enter an Armiger Helverin, supposedly the "lightest class of Imperial Knight combat walker", and its raking firepower, and my 'delaying tactic' was spread like so much mulch all over the ground with the roll of a fistful of dice. Such a disheartening loss at the very start of the fight left my entire centre wide open to the guns of a towering Knight Errant and my initially terrifying Bloodletter formation began to slowly get whittled away before my very eyes.

Fortunately, despite my opening set-back I was still able to push my main units up the table towards Khorne's Bleeding Icon (which was being used merely as an immobile terrain feature), whilst a pair of Beasts of Nurgle bounded along my left flank to take control of a small stargate which had been identified as the battlefield's one and only valuable relic. However, ominously spread out in front of my warhost ready for the second turn's Shooting phase, was an incredible amount of the Emperor's firepower, including a Primaris Lieutenant who almost glued himself alongside the reassuringly solid form of his force's smaller "fast-moving weapons platform, as well as the rest of the Ultramarines, which assembled before my Beasts of Nurgle.

The Bloodletters, Beasts of Nurgle and Plaguebearers fail their charges 

I can only give thanks to the Dice Gods that my Chaos daemons weren't completely eradicated in the subsequent hail of bullets that followed, especially after both my Bloodletters and Plaguebearers failed their charges. My Plaguesword-carrying warriors at least had their "Disgustingly Resilient" ability to help them soak up all the wounds which were riddling their ranks, but my liver-coloured "Slaughter-Kin" were increasingly finding their 5+ Invulnerability Save for being "Daemonic" wasn't enough protection when caught out in the open before the tender mercies of an Imperial Knight's weaponry.

Eight of the Bloodletters fell before the combined firepower of the Intercessor's Lieutenant and the "Questor Imperialis in High Gothic", utterly breaking the backbone of my once mighty close quarter combatants, and making it clear that the Blood God had probably been less than impressed with their decision to charge the solitary Ultramarine Officer stood atop a pile of ruins, rather than the nearby 'ancient battlesuit'. Certainly I wasn't looking forward to an impossible Morale phase as it even the bravest of Khorne's foot soldiers would surely flee from such a beating..?

Bloodletters swarm the Lieutenant, whilst the Beasts of Nurgle get stomped upon by the Imperial Knight

A single roll of the dice later and 'reality had blinked'. Not only had my Bloodletter's "Daemonic Icon" ensured that "no models flee", but it had bolstered my horde with five freshly-resurrected "Slaughter-Kin". Suddenly, the Lieutenant's position looked far less survivable, whilst my Plaguebearers and Beasts of Nurgle both finally made it into contact with their respective foes. Sadly, time was against us to finish the conflict, so the game's final act was to see the hulking Imperial Knight, quite possibly incensed by suffering a wound courtesy of "Smite", squashing one of my 'enthusiastic monsters who love to play' with its feet...

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2018 - An "Undercoat" Personal Choice

Happy New Year to all "Fantorical" readers! Well after stepping into the breach last year to do a Top Ten for this blog last year, I have been asked to repeat it for 2018 despite Roger being back. So apologies to Roger for duplicating his efforts, but hopefully I have chosen some different models to him...

This blog is a great source of inspiration to me, helps spur me on to paint my own models and has seen me having to invest in quite a bit of storage in order to house my own growing collection. However, as well as looking at the wonderful minis on "Fantorical", I have also found the website to be a great signpost to dip into the efforts of other bloggers, like the wonderful “Tail Feathers” World of Mice and Mystics miniatures on the "Da Gobbos Grotto".

I will be honest with Simon's prolific output this year it was actually hard to pick just ten models, so it became a bit of family effort. This then is the Undercoat Top Ten of 2018...

No. 10 - Nurglings by "Games Workshop" - August 27th

This may be a surprise choice as these are little models representing daemons of Nurgle, the plague god. However, despite their small size, they are amazing sculpts and the paint job is also just amazing, resulting in a miniature that I want. I want these Nurglings so much!!!

No. 9 - Chaos Chosen by "Games Workshop" - September 17th

A chaos champion playing fantasy football that has bags of detail. The paint job picks out the detail superbly while staying true to the evil theme of the forces of chaos. The skin is well done and the metallics look great. I really like this a lot.

No. 8 - Hydro Man by "Wizkids" - June 13th

This blog has a knack of introducing comic book characters I have never heard of and this chap is no exception. This has a great paint job. The face is well done, but the star is the water effects which I think are stunning. Another model I wouldn’t mind owning!

No. 7 - Slisssk The Adder and Shrew Warrior by "Oathsworn Miniatures" - May 12th/21st

We stumbled across the incredible "Burrows & Badgers" range of miniatures at Salute. I love nearly all these fantastic sculpts and there were plenty to choose from as the warband was painted over several months. As a result, I cheated and chose two to represent one choice. The little shrew looks so characterful he had to be selected, but so too did the adder, whose armour and scales are just amazing. A great "range of anthropomorphic animal miniatures" really brought to life.

No. 6 - Destroyer by "Wizkids" - February 6th

A comic book character who I did know about! But only because he was in the movie "Thor"! Simon has a great technique for painting metal, and is far more patient about it than me. His dry-brushing, highlighting and “polishing” (as he calls it!) is really top notch and this sculpt captures that perfectly. There were plenty of other examples but this one was the best for me.

No. 5 - Arnulf by "Games Workshop" - May 18th

This Reaver of Khorne, from Games Workshop’s "Age of Sigmar" setting, is essentially a blood thirsty barbarian charging into battle, whose excellent skin tones really stood out for me. I also liked the way Simon didn't copy the traditional red of the followers of the Blood God, but used a more original colour scheme that still captured the character perfectly. Very nice indeed.

No. 4 - Demon Bunny by "Wizkids" Heroclix - July 13th

A blood soaked giant rabbit. Need I say more! Great paint job that is so full of character!!

No. 3 - Yeti by "Black Tree Design" - December 10th

Well it wouldn’t be "Fantorical" without "Doctor Who". This classic Patrick Troughton baddie looks great. The fur is so well done and it just begs to be in a unit and on the tabletop. Simon’s techniques for picking out fur and hair are really, really good and this is a great example.

No. 2 - Wendigo by "Wizkids" - February 8th

I had never heard of this "Marvel Worldwide" comic book character before, but had to pay attention when I saw him. The sculpt is very dynamic and he really stands out because he is pure white. White is such a difficult colour to paint, well in my opinion at least, and the shading on this model is very subtle, very clean and precise, so this super-villain was always going to be high up the list.

No. 1 - Polar Bear by "Copplestone Castings" - March 22nd

This is a great sculpt and what makes it stand out is the realistic painting of it. It looks great in the photograph, but even better in real life. Simple, but so effective. This model really stood out for me.

Well that concludes my Top Ten and the reasons behind them. Happy New Year to all the readers of “Fantorical”.

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2018 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Well the year is nearly at an end and so it’s that time again, when both Simon and myself hand over the reins of our respective blogs to each other. This means that I get at least one piece of quality writing (actually it’s two this year) on my blog, and Simon gets to moan at me for picking the wrong figures from his prestigious output for the year. However to quote Eric Morecombe - “I’m picking all the right figures, but not necessarily in the right order!”. Anyway this is always a joy to do, even if Simon has it much easier than me as he doesn’t have anywhere near as many posts to sort through over on my blog!

Right, well, before I get into the list, I’ll just clarify a few of the ground rules, figures are only eligible for the list if they were completed in 2018, no “works in progress” allowed, and vehicles or pieces of scenery can also count for list entries, So now that’s sorted on with the Top Ten itself…

No. 10 - Demon Bunny by "Wizkids – July 13th

One of the great things about Simon’s blog is that you really don’t know what you are going to get, and this amazing find from the “Wizkids” “HorrorClix” figure range is a great example of that. Re-painted to represent the “Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog” of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” fame, this wonderfully horrific looking “lupus” was as wonderful as it was terrifying!

No. 9 - Darkmantle by "Wizkids" - February 16th

Another “Wizids” figure at number nine, this time from their “Dungeons and Dragons miniatures game”. This wonderfully weird creature was given a remarkably simple paint-job by Simon, yet that doesn’t detract from the gruesomely great result. It instantly reminded me of “The Mire Beast” from the classic “Doctor Who” Dalek story “The Chase”, and became one of those “I’ll get one of those myself one day figures”. Sadly however, that day has not yet arrived, but if anyone has one going spare?

No. 8 - Arnulf by "Games Workshop" - May 18th

Though I make it no secret that I am neither a "Games Workshop" fanboy, nor someone who will be dipping their toe into the expensive “Age of Sigmar” pool, I have to admit that they do produce some truly awesome miniatures now and again. Arnulf and the rest of the miniatures Simon painted up from “Garrek’s Reavers” were all pretty awe inspiring, and would make a great band of Barbarians for pretty much any game, especially as a fantastic bunch of "Frostgrave" mercenaries. Ultimately though I chose Arnulf as my favourite as the painting of his flesh is just so right, along with his well suited metallic coloured weapons and helmet. A cracking figure!

No. 7 - Orange Adder Combat Lifter by "The Ion Age" - October 12th

All the 15mm “Ion Age” figures and vehicles Simon has produced over the last year are worthy of inclusion here so it was after much “to’ing & fro’ing” that I finally decided upon this particular model. I think what swung it for me in the end was the wonderful “Crimson Fists” Space Marine chapter inspired colour scheme. Painted to the usual high standard this is going to look mighty impressive on the battlefield.

No. 6 - The Master by "Warlord Games" - July 25th

I have said it before, Simon excels at painting black! He’s also pretty good at painting “Doctor Who” characters too. So this 32mm version of Roger Delgado’s version of the classic villain was always going to be in the running for this years “Top Ten”. As always the colour match is absolutely spot on with even the grey at the actor’s temples exemplary, and the painting itself seamlessly accurate. Painting black is hard (well it is for me anyway), but Simon makes it look easy, and that’s the real skill.

No. 5 - Hybrid by "Wizkids" - January 30th

Simon’s almost encyclopedic knowledge of super-heroes and super-villains stands him in good stead on many occasions, allowing him to pick up and enhance many an obscure character from “comic book history”. “Jimmy Marks” meant nothing to me until he appeared on "Fantorical" as Hybrid, but fortunately Simon accompanied the excellent paintwork he’d applied to the figure with a great little bit of background too. These little insights are always a pleasure to read and go to prove that he really knows his stuff. What struck me most though was what a great job he’d done on the figure!

No. 4 - Astronaut Action Man by "Ground Zero Games" – December 17th

15mm figures is something I have stayed right away from this year, whilst Simon on the other hand has produced some beautiful “little fellows” with the wonderful “Ion Age” figures very nearly making it onto this list themselves. It was however when he started showcasing these stunning Astronaut figures as part of his “Race to the Moon” Action Man project that he really outdid himself, with some top notch painting on both the figures and vehicles. I even warmed to his idea of basing them on “green flocked” bases once I’d seen them.

No. 3 - Mei-Lin Mayfair by "Statuesque Miniatures" - August 31st

Okay, so I’ve established that Simon can do black, but he is equally at home with white! This gorgeous figure by "Statuesque Miniatures" has been given this treatment to perfection. He intends to use her as a stand in for Major Mira Killian from “Ghost in the Shell” and should look mighty impressive on the table, especially surrounded by the rest of his “Killer Fembots”. Many of Simon's miniatures are deceptively monochrome, but this is not to say that the paintwork is basic or simple, layer after layer is built up producing a well-rounded finish, it’s just like good movie music, when it works you don’t realise it’s there!

No. 2 - Mandrels by "Black Tree Design" December 28th

Simon has painted a lot of "Doctor Who" miniatures this year (and I do mean a lot!), taking figures from both “Black Tree Design” and “Warlord Games” ranges. To be honest, the 32mm offerings from “Warlord Games” are the better representations, but I do have a soft spot for the 28mm figures “Black Tree” produce. As a result I was having a tough time deciding between “Kettlewells Robot” or one of the excellent “Sontarans” to add to this list when just before the deadline up popped these marvellous alien beasties from one of the all-time great stories “The Nightmare of Eden”. The colours are, as always, perfectly true to the originals, the details are spot-on, and the shading is absolutely first rate. Some of the best figures Simon has produced in my opinion.

No. 1 - Garrp Croaak by "Oathsworn Miniatures" - June 18th

So I hear you ask if they were so good, what has made it to the top of Simon's painting tree this year? Well the funny thing is each time I have done one of these “Top Ten’s” I wrangle and debate about what is going to be in it and what position they will take. Yet every year I know what will be number one as soon as I begin looking back through Simon's posts (if not sooner). This year was no different as the second I saw this 'so ugly he’s cute' little toad mage I knew he would top this year’s pile. In fact all of the figures Simon has painted from this range could have been in this list but I’ve tried to limit myself. The painting and colours are subtle and perfect, and his trademark gloss finish works so well with this chap, I could go on and wax lyrical regarding the subtle shading on his throat and the perfect colour used on his “bone staff”, but the truth is I just love everything about him. Just a truly great miniature, and that’s why he’s number one in my book.

So that’s it for another year, the votes are in (well mine are anyway and they are the only ones that count!). You may not agree with all (or any) of my choices but these are my personal favourites. Obviously, you will have your own (they are wrong, but what can you do!). As always I’ll finish by saying a huge thank you to Simon for letting me play “fast and loose” with his baby, and I will now give control back into the hands it is safest with. Here’s to another great year's painting and modelling on the pages of “Fantorical” in 2019.

A very happy New Year to you all, Cheers Roger.

And don't forget to check out Blax The Kleric's Top Ten of 2018 over on "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table"

"I'm The Dandy Highwayman..."

"...Who you're too scared to mention."

This 40mm tall metal model of a Dandy Highway-Fox is sold by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and can be bought as Code BB69 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. Originally part of the County Durham-based company's "Fur And Feathers" kickstarter, Dead-Eye Jack comes equipped with a formidable-looking pistol.

The hefty omnivorous mammal was super-glued onto a 40mm plastic circular lipped base, and primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Black Green. I then washed the cunning creature's long scoundrel coat with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and 'picked out' his long boots, holster, leather straps and Tricorn hat using some "Vallejo" Black.

"Stand and deliver!"

The dashing rogue's breeches were pigmented with "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, his coat's underside with Heavy Sienna and his leather waistcoat with Charred Brown. All of these areas were subsequently treated to a wash of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". In addition I 'highlighted' a couple of buttons with "Vallejo" Brass.

As I wanted this miniature to particularly stand-out on the table-top as a result of being my warband's leader, I used the rather vivid "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion for his fur, dampened it down with a splash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and then brought back some of its reddish colour with a hearty dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion.

"Heroclix" Solomon Grundy WIPs - The undead criminal is slowly being transformed into three ice zombies

Once this was finished, I slowly started drawing "Vallejo" Dead White over the fox's tail and nose in order to increasingly build up the animal's distinctive pelage. Lastly, I used the combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil to paint the majority of the bold bandit's firing piece, belt buckle and cocked hat pins.

With my "Burrows And Badgers" warband now complete, I have had more time to progress the 'converted' "Heroclix" pieces I am submitting for this year's "Forgotten Heroes" challenge. Having initially intended to work on five Solomon Grundy "Wizkids" miniatures, I've actually since decided to scale down my plans and simply produce three ice zombies for Mister Freeze to use as mindless minions. Not only does this total make the mini-project far more manageable, but it also means Victor Fries' ordinary goons won't be out-numbered by the more specialist, heavy-hitters; a far more realistic ratio in my mind.

"So Timid Toad, His Eyes A-Popping..."

"...Into the woodland night went hopping."

This 23mm tall metal model of a Toad Mage is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and can be purchased as Code BB66 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. Originally part of the County Durham-based company's "Fur And Feathers" kickstarter, Grarrp Croaak comes equipped with a Mage's Focus and Mage's Pouch.

The short-legged frog was super-glued onto a 30mm plastic circular lipped base, and primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki. His "dry, leathery skin" and "large bumps covering the parotoid glands" were then washed using some Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter" and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki.

70mm x 70mm x 42mm MDF WIPs - The "N-FX Game Design Studio" three-dimensional decals are self-adhesive

"Often viewed with suspicion or even outright hostility" due to it being a Magic User, the tailless amphibian had its bone staff painted with "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, and both his leather bindings, as well as his satchel, 'picked out' with Heavy Sienna. All of these areas were subsequently shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, before the skeletal stave was treated to a light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand.

Initially, I had pigmented the Mage's feather charms using some "Vallejo" Turquoise, but felt the deep blue was a little too incongruous with the rest of the creature's muted palette. As a result I settled upon a combination of Heavy Red and Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". In addition I also considered applying a green ink over the Toad's 'warty' skin in order to help differentiate it from the rest of his body. In the end though, having returned to some of the wildlife photographs I'd been using as a colour guide, I simply settled upon a second application of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade over the bumpy areas.   

70mm x 70mm x 42mm MDF WIPs - Primed "Vallejo" Black, the building fits nicely inside the next-sized box

With my "Burrows And Badgers" warband now almost complete, I've spent a short period of my hobby-time assembling some simple MDF boxes sold by Tepic2000 on "Ebay". This biggish project should see me create a few straightforward sci-fi buildings to use as a Cyber-City for the "Warlord Games" rule-set "Doctor Who: Exterminate". The smaller of these planned buildings will not only be able to be stored inside some of the larger ones (to help save on storage), but will also be used to store my cards, dice, rules etc...

The first box is just a humble 70mm x 70mm x 42mm square affair which I have glued together, and stuck some three-dimensional decals on in order to 'space it up'. The decals are by "N-FX Game Design Studio", and should provide plenty of sci-fi detail once I've painted the piece silver and weathered it a bit.

"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...

"At Dredgard Ridge I Opened The Throats Of Three Duardin..."

"...With a single swing."

This 28mm scale multi-part "push-fit" model of Targor is from the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set sold by "Games Workshop", and can additionally be used as part of Garrek's Reavers unit for "Age Of Sigmar". Behaving "very similarly to Arnulf", apart from becoming "a little more powerful when inspired" the bloodthirsty warrior is actually "a recent addition to the warband, choosing to walk the path of skulls rather than being slowly tortured to death like the rest of his conquered tribe."

Initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone so as to cover the plastic model's vivid red colouring, the Bloodreaver's trousers, pony-tail and leather wrist bracelet were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his leg armour and gut protector were both treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, Targor's axe and large knife were treated to a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being shaded with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker.

"Blinded by battle madness and lost to the exultant sensations of combat..."

The Khorne-worshipper's leg-straps, broad belt and axe-handle were painted with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. I also managed to get my paint-brush tip onto the trophy skull swinging at his waist, and resultantly applied some "Vallejo" Dead White, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade to the grisly prize.

In order to create the murderous cannibal's bare, self-mutilated flesh, I applied another coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone over all his skin areas, and subsequently splashed them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. As a final touch I used a thin, carefully drawn line of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to 'highlight' the manic's scars and carefully filled the Chaotic Khorne symbol across his chest with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Toad Mage WIPs - The magic user simply needs some washes to be added to his "dry, leathery skin"

Alongside ensuring the model matched  my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar" by pigmenting its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, I also treated his leather loin-cloth and hair band to a pairing of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Similarly, I gave my model's painful-looking shoulder-blade spikes a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and then shaded both them and the surrounding areas of flesh with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

With my Garrek's Reavers warband for "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" now finally complete after a staggering eight months, I've been able to increase the amount of hobby-time I spend upon my "Burrows & Badgers" models. Cast by "Oathsworn Miniatures", this Toad Mage will be my six-figure strong party's magic user, and actually, now I've re-visited his staff's feathers, just needs some additional washes upon his "dry, leathery skin" before being gloss varnished...

"Tiny Sparrows Are One Of The Most Common Birds In Northymbra..."

"...And can be found in towns and cities as well as the wild places."

This 28mm metal model of a Sparrow Warrior is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and along with its "integral metal base" can be purchased as Code BB28 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. Originally part of the County Durham-based company's 'Short But Deadly' pledge for their Free Lances kickstarter, Angus Quickbeak comes equipped with a one-handed weapon and light shield, as well as a sporran.

The "small passerine bird" was super-glued onto a 30mm plastic circular lipped base, and primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. His beautifully sculpted feathers were then washed using some Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter" and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

"Imperial Assault" WIPs - A Rebel Trooper, IG-88 and Dengar have had their bases layered

Primarily a seed-eater, the fearsome-looking fighter had its shield and sword pigmented with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and subsequently shaded with Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker, whilst his toes were 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Evidently a Scottish sparrow, I was momentarily tempted to tackle the short-tailed scavenger's Highland attire with a tartan of some kind, but soon opted for an all-red costume as I feared for my sasanach sanity. Resultantly, I painted his attire with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and then washed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I applied a tiny amount of both "Vallejo" Dead White and Pale Grey to the "generally social" bird's tassels.

"Imperial Assault" WIPs - A Stormtrooper, Gaarkhan and Chewbacca have had their bases layered

As a last step I originally painted the anthropomorphic animal's beak and tongue with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and Heavy Red. However, I felt the yellow actually made the figure somewhat resemble a duck, in my mind at least, so re-painted the area using some Charred Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

In total contrast to "Burrows And Badgers" I have found myself rather taken by a series of "Star Wars" postings over on the "28mm Victorian Warfare" blog by Michael Awdry. I've previously started working on some "Imperial Assault" models myself, hoping to game a few 'scum & villainy' tabletop skirmishes, so it didn't take much to encourage me to dig out a half-dozen partially-painted plastic figures and get to work on them...