"Big. Covered In Fur. Strong."

"At the end of the Clone Wars, numerous Wookiees were slaughtered by the clone troopers."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's old four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Luckily, I managed to pick this one up second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, having actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago.

As with my previously pigmented miniature, the figure was primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from my other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and used the somewhat lighter Heavy Brown on his ammunition pouches. All of these areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat will be used as a vampire in "The Silver Bayonet"

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his two ryyk blades too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Warrior's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before 'picking out' his teeth using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

In addition to my penultimate Wookie I have managed to make some considerable progress on the whopping resin cast Giant Bat I recently dug back out from one of my cabinets. Produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", this 100mm tall model is one of four figures I intend to finish as part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Joe Bananas is having all of his detail 'picked out'

However, my plan to predominantly pigment the brute black has somewhat changed on account of the sculpt's noticeable detail. As a result I intend to turn the fiend into something resembling a brown bat, so I can (hopefully) better show-off all of its fur and wings, as well as it still having a pair of piercing red eyes staring out of a largely dark coloured face. Furthermore, I've already added some lighter brown highlights to the vampire's fur-covered body to help it contrast a bit more from that of its huge wings.

Lastly, I've made some nice in-roads on my classic Joe Bananas figure by "Citadel Miniatures". Dating back as far as 1985, this 'muscle' for the Judge Dredd villain Don Uggie Apelino is finally getting both the time and attention that he needs, and should hopefully be tabletop ready within the next few days. I did encounter a few problems trying to ascertain which parts of the hoodlum's tommy-gun were metal and wood. But have since worked these out - at least to my satisfaction anyway.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Forgotten Heroes June 2026

A trio of "Titan Forge" Death Dogs were completed for "Monster (Mayhem)"

Having at least managed a far better May than I have during the past couple of years, thanks largely to my participation in Angry Piper's "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on his "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I thought I'd dedicate some of this month's hobby time to visiting "Carrion Crow's Buffet" and helping Jez celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of "Forgotten Heroes" event. This is an annual affair I really enjoyed being involved in during its formative days, and resulted in the creation of many of my Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. predominantly using various "Wizkids" plastic pieces from their numerous "Heroclix" lines. 

In recent years though, I've not been quite so inspired to cobble a figure together using bits and pieces from various manufacturers due to what I want being available as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files, and so my interest (as well as my participation) has disappointingly waned. This time however, I thought I should go back to its roots, hack up a metal figure or two, and pin an ensemble together.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This 'Rick Sanchez' has been kit-bashed from a couple of figures

Fortunately, I already had just the very model in my collection, having chopped up the body of a Investigative Academic by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", stuck the company's Crackpot Inventor head on its shoulders, and added a Robo-Minion weapon accessory to use as a portal gun. This gave me a rather agreeable looking Rick Sanchez from the animated science fiction comedy franchise "Rick And Morty", and a solid start for "Forgotten Heroes" too.

Furthermore, I also thought I'd do a third drawer challenge for this month, even though I still had plenty to do on the "Citadel Miniatures" blister Don Uggie And His Ape Gang from May. Somewhat coincidentally, my random roll picked a drawer absolutely packed full of more of Karl Perrotton's figures, so I'm reasonably confident I should be able to both complete the gangsters I didn't finish last time, as well as polish off a fair few more miniatures from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as well.

May 2026 - "Modiphius Entertainment" finally enters the Top Five

The past four weeks certainly saw an odd mix of subjects being pigmented, with a couple of blasts from the past being treated to a lick of my brush simply because they brought back some nostalgic memories. Of particular note for this were the two Wookie Warriors by "Fantasy Flight Games" I got tabletop ready having purchased them on the spur of the moment second-hand. Now admittedly I don't have any current plans to play "Star Wars: Legion" any time soon. But I may well polish off the two remaining fur-covered rebels in the near future simply for completion's sake.

Indeed, this month may well see me 'finish off' a number of models I've been toying with over the past few weeks rather than plonk them away on a drawer for another day. Along with Don Uggie's minions and the aforementioned Wookies I have also got a rather sizeable Banderhobb by "Wizkids" to put the last touches too - something I'm especially keen to do so that the monster can participate in some of the games of "The Silver Bayonet" I have planned for the coming months...

"I Only Got One T'ing To Say To You, Dredd."

 "Nuts!"

This 28mm scale white metal model of Don Uggie Apelino was produced by “Citadel Miniatures” way back in 1985, and came as part of the three-figure blister JD 15 Don Uggie Apelino & The Ape Gang. Based upon the comic book character who first appeared inside Prog 39 of "2000 A.D.", the miniature for the "genetically modified ape who became a gangster" formed part of the company's classic "Judge Dredd" range.

The forty plus year old sculpt was initially primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green and had it's spats and cuffs picked out using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered down "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the head of the East Side Mega-Mafia's shoes, before shading his jacket and trousers with plenty of Nuln Oil. These articles of clothing were subsequently carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to try and bring out the pin-stripe effect which had clearly been patiently etched into the majority of the suit.

"They stank of death, and this stench lingered wherever they had been."

I next began 'chipping away' at all the little details on the model, using "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for the ape's flower, and Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats" with a little "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade for his banana. Don Uggie's flesh was simply base layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, washed with lots of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and later highlighted with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I applied some "Vallejo" Neutral Grey to the criminal's Fedora, sploshed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I also gave the figure's pistol a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and doused the hand-weapon with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil to significantly darken it down.

In addition to the first of hopefully four or five old school "Citadel Miniatures" I plan to pigment this month, I have successfully completed another entry into the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - All the well-sculpted fur on these Wookies has been finished

Found as part of the company's Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the Neutral Evil beast was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and was super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand. It was then predominantly painted using Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, I did pick its paws out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then continued to dry-brush this colour further up the animal's four legs to better blend it in with the Death Dog's fur.

Somewhat incredibly, despite all this work I've also managed to make a bit more progress on a quartet of models I recently swooped upon at Retrocave in Poole second-hand. The figures all come from the old "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" by “Fantasy Flight Games”, and were already assembled ready to paint - So I thought it'd be rude not to plonk them straight onto my hobby table...

"The White Costume Worn By Natasha Romanoff..."

"...Is a specialized suit designed for cold-weather environments and stealth in snowy landscapes."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff was made by “Atomic Mass Games” and could be found inside the original Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. However, I actually bought this particular miniature second-hand from "eBay" way back in  November 2020, so I could paint the Avenger up wearing her white suit as seen in the (2009-2010) four-issue miniseries "Black Widow: Deadly Origin" by Paul Cornell.

"A product of the infamous Red Room", the entire model was probably originally primed with a double-helping of either "Vallejo" White or it's "Citadel" alternative for that time. I then went over the entire costume using some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Nuln Oil in an attempt to create some shadows. To be honest this approach seemed to work reasonably well on her legs. But by the time I started applying my 'mix' to her arms and back the "Citadel" Nuln Oil had turned all sticky and goopy - Frustratingly a problem I repeatedly experience with this latest incarnation of the Shade.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - These old Wookies have all been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna

As a result, I ended up dry-brushing over the Russian's "sleek, white, tactical bodysuit" with some White Star by "Two Thin Coats". This managed to remove much of the mottled effect the "Citadel" Nuln Oil had caused on the figure. However, it also gave it a somewhat chalky look - which is precisely what I had been trying to avoid in the first place. With the Black Widow's stealth costume finished I quickly moved on to her leg straps and gun holster with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Lastly, Natasha's automatic pistol and zipper pull tab were pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst her electroshock wrist weapons, and circle-covered belt were initially layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being coated in Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The secret agent's famous hair was simply treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and final a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Citadel Miniatures" - All of the detail on Don Uggie is being 'picked out'

Having completed the third incarnation of Natasha Romanoff I now own for Marvel Crisis Protocol, I have settled down to working on all four miniatures from the old "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" by “Fantasy Flight Games”. I actually painted up this exact same set over seven years ago. But saw the preassembled models on sale for a reasonable price second-hand and simply couldn't past them up.

I'm also slowly making some progress on my old Don Uggie figure by "Citadel Miniatures". Now all the criminal's sleeves and spats have been 'picked out' I'm reasonably happy I know what colours to pigment the rest of the extraordinarily well-dressed Ape. In addition, I have made a tentative start on the gorilla's biggest enforcer Joe Bananas - albeit I am tempted to put the bruiser in a lavender suit as opposed to the tan one I originally envisaged him wearing...

"A Death Dog Is An Ugly Two-Headed Hound..."

"...That roams plains, and deserts."

This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service. Forming part of their Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the "Medium Monstrosity" was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and has rather embarrassingly been gathering dust on one of my hobby shelves for over a year.

Super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand, the figure was treated to a coat of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being base layered with Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats". It was then shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had its paws picked out with Abaddon Black. To be honest this was largely due to my difficulty in seeing just where its claws where on the model - and my increasing doubt that I could reach such tiny details with a brush-tip loaded with "Two Thin Coats" White Star with any sort of accuracy whatsoever.

"Titan Forge Miniatures" WIPs - The two remaining Death Dogs

To try to blend in this 'botch job' with the rest of the model I dry-brushed all the lower legs with (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black in exactly the same way I do for my horses, and this hopefully provided the effect of the "Neutral Evil" animal limb colour increasingly becoming a wine-like red as the beast's fur became more prominent. Having much later viewed the 'official' "Dungeons & Dragons" illustration of a Death Dog I realised I needn't have worried, as the fiend clearly has black claws anyway.

Finally, I applied a little combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the two-headed monster's tongues, some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to its numerous teeth, and a spot of pure "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" to its four eyes. As a last touch I dabbed the miniature's noses with a healthy dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Don Uggie is having all this base layers applied

In addition to the first of my submissions for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I have perhaps unsurprisingly been busy working on the set's other two Death Dogs. These have taken me a little longer to progress on account of the animals been sculpted atop some rocky outcrops, but I should have them finished soon enough now I've settled upon a palette for them.

Furthermore, I've got a bit more done on my 1985 figure of Don Uggie by "Citadel Miniatures". I must admit that the amount of detail on the model, as well as the rest of his Ape Gang, has rather caught me off-guard. As a result I have decided to tackle them one by one rather than as a group, and therefore managed to work out what all the tiny areas on the Judge Dredd foe's pin-stripe suit are - e.g. buttons, flower, tie, and trademark banana...

"Andorians, Yes."

"I've been reading about them in the Vulcan database."

This 32mm scale resin model of an Andorian Male was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures: The Original Series Landing Party Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt can still be purchased from the company as either an individual STL (Standard Triangle Language) file, or as part of their Star Trek Adventures - Print At Home - TOS Landing Party Set.

The lower half of the "militaristic, blue-skinned" Ensign was originally primed using some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. However, the Base Colour simply wouldn't stick to the miniature for some bizarre reason - even after a few coats, so in the end the model was treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, which proved much more 'adhesive'. Only then did I pick out the alien's boots and trousers in (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Joe Bananas, Don Uggie Apelino and Fast Eeek

The Federation's famous chest insignia was carefully pigmented using some "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the Andorian's Type-2 hand phaser was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently shaded with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch I gave the model's flesh a coat of "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue and shaded it down with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

To be honest this turned out a little darker than I had envisaged so I highlighted the facial details and fingers with (more) "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue. I also applied some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the figure's hair, and subsequently darkened it down with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider dry-brushing this area with a tad more White Star by "Two Thin Coats". But in the end thought it looked good as it was.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb has essentially been repainted from scratch after six years

Having completed an extra model from last month's randomly rolled challenge, I thought I'd better get cracking on the motley crew I've based for May. I've actually got five of these classic "Citadel Miniatures" from 1985 on my painting table, and decided to undercoat Don Uggie & The Ape Gang all at the same time. I did look at some of their colour schemes from within the pages of the science fiction anthology comic book "2000 A.D." too. However, as the apes' suits seemed to change depending on the colourist, I decided to simply go with some schemes which I thought would help make them stand out on my "Judge Dredd" tabletop.

Furthermore, as I'm taking part in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I thought I'd better get cracking on an old Banderhobb I've had sat partially-painted in my hobby area for the past six years. As memory serves I gave up on this particular "large, Neutral Evil monstrosity" by "Wizkids" because I was struggling with doing his belly right, so this time round I have simplified what I what to do with the miniature and plan to focus on giving him lots of boils...

"We Know That England Is Crying For A Leader..."

"...And that leader has emerged in the person of the greatest Englishman that I have ever known..."

This 28mm metal miniature of Sir Oswald Moseley can be purchased, along with two bodyguards, as Code 403012203 from the "Warlord Games" German Army range, and represents the BUF leader at a time when "Adolf Hitler apparently had plans" for him should Great Britain fall. Described as being "dangerously charismatic", the Anglo-Irish aristocrat appears as a (veteran) Imperial Commander in the "Bolt Action" book "Campaign: Sea Lion", and is the first of my four weekly submissions for this year’s Mo’Vember Challenge.

Primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the Sixth Baronet of Ancoats was roughly highlighted with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and later washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Moseley's trousers were painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Dark Grey" and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst his arm-band was treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Garrek WIPs - Gorebeard just needs his axe to be shaded and 'ponytail' painted before being finished

Sadly I did subsequently somewhat struggle to 'pick out' the British Union of Fascists emblem on the one-time Conservative politician's sleeve, and having never seen a decal with such an insignia, eventually decided to 'flub' the issue by simply giving it a coat of "Vallejo" Dead White and then shading it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Admittedly, this 'botch-job' doesn't look anywhere near as impressive as the delicately-lined symbol clearly visible on the advertised "Warlord Games" official figure, but it did help me keep my sanity...

Having finished such a relatively enjoyable and straightforward paint-job, despite the contentious background of the character in question, I have made some significant progress on another of my Mo'Vember Challenge pieces, Garrek Gorebeard. This "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" plastic model really is proving to be a patience tester, on account of all his fiddly chains, armour, belts and less-than-helpful pose.

"Rumbleslam" WIPs - Waaarrrior, an Orc and Ronnie Salvage still need plenty of work

Fortunately, the surprise arrival of the "Rumbleslam" superstar, Waaarrrior, from my regular miniatures store "Dark Sphere" has not only given me something a little easier to paint, but also motivated me to actually finish off both the Orc Brawler and Grappler from the "TTCombat" product's starter box. Indeed, the sports game's "fan favourite", clearly influenced by the late James Brian Hellwig, has already got me thinking about re-enacting the Ultimate Warrior's pay-per-view main event match with "Macho Man" Randy Savage at Summerslam 1992, where the duo fought for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

I have still have a bit of work to do on my sculpt of the dwarf, Ronnie Salvage, yet hope over time to build up quite the stable of "Rumbleslam" figures who are based upon World Wrestling Federation, and World Championship Wrestling characters. Certainly "TTCombat" don't appear to be too shy in matching a plethora of superstars' likenesses to their miniatures, and that hopefully means in the future that I'll be able to re-play a number of my favourite bouts from the late Eighties and early Nineties...

"Beasts Of Nurgle Sometimes Feel Left Out Of The Fun..."

"...And so bound forth to join in whenever they can."

This 28mm scale "finely detailed resin cast kit" of a Beast of Nurgle is made by “Games Workshop”, comes as seven separate "Finecast" components, and (still) contains no instructions for assembly whatsoever. Luckily, I have already previously built two such 'truly horrendous aberrations' for my Nurgle Host, so was able to use my earlier models as a steer for the "Gale Force Nine" super-glue...

Having put my "embodiment of mindless decay" together and attached it to a 60mm circular plastic base, I primed it with a generous double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre before drowning it in "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The "mottled pallid slug" was then dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and had both it's claws and tusks painted in Iraqi Sand. These areas were subsequently also washed with Strong Tone Quickshade.

Garrek's Reavers WIPs - The bright red plastic miniatures have been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone

In order to make this particular Beast of Nurgle appear noticeably dissimilar in colour to its predecessors, I added some "Citadel" Druchii Violet and Drakenhof Nightshade to different areas of the creature's hide and tried to create the impression of bruised flesh. However, as I still wanted the "grotesquely misshapen" creature to somewhat tie into the rest of my "Age Of Sigmar" Rotbringers, I later 'picked out' some of its pimples with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

With this latest addition to my ever-expanding Tallyband of Nurgle finished, I have dived straight into the newest of "Games Workshop" releases based upon the eight Mortal Realms - "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire". An "action-packed combat game" set within the deadly ruins of a city which was once full "of wonder and magic", my desire to quickly assemble and prime Garrek's Reavers has been doubly motivated by the release of these renowned Bloodreavers' rules for "Age Of Sigmar"; a diabolical dual-use bonus if ever I saw one.

Garreck's Reavers WIPs - The bright red plastic bases have been primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black

Disconcertingly however, for a boxed game which boasts its suitability as a 'gateway game for beginners', I actually found a couple of the plastic Khorne miniatures far from "Easy To Build", on account of all their tiny, and oft-times potentially fragile, pieces. Indeed, there were a couple of times when I was either 'snipping' away the components from their sprues, or smoothing them down with a modelling knife/nail file, and felt the vividly red coloured material worryingly flex in my hands; something the sculpts' tiny chains appear particularly prone to do even when carefully handled.

Such issues also definitely made me feel that in difference to "Games Workshop" guidance, glue was an absolute necessity. Albeit, in all fairness the game's "comprehensive, easy to follow construction guide" did make the models' assembly a reasonably straightforward process once the pieces had been identified, separated and cleaned.

"Shipwreck Grew Up In The Shadow Of The Navy..."

"See the target, shoot the target is his philosophy."

This 28mm metal miniature of Shipwreck is from a private collection and thus not commercially available. Fortunately however, I was lucky enough to be able to acquire a spare casting of the "Chief Petty Officer" and subsequently chose to paint him in a palette similar to how the Machinist's carded action figure appeared in 1985.

Originally primed with a double helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the Gunners Mate later had his trousers painted with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and his shirt Heavy Bluegrey. Both of these areas were then washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. In addition, I picked out the M-16 qualified expert's belt buckles with a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Slitheen WIPs - The aliens have had their claws, toes and teeth 'picked out'

Shipwreck's s firearm was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Boltmetal Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his sailor's hat was initially layered with some "Vallejo" White and once dry, shaded with Pale Grey. Finally, the character's pet parrot named Polly, was predominantly painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Unlike the action figure's feathered companion I did add a little "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre to the bird's feet and beak to help break up its mono-tone palette.

Sticking with the colour green, I have managed to make some excellent progress on my three formidably-clawed extra-terrestrial criminals from the planet Raxacoricofallapatorian. Produced by "Warlord Games" for their "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" tabletop miniature game, these Slitheen have proved a real joy to paint, and now only need the application of some brown washes, a spot of dry-brushing and a little tidying up to be finished.

Beast Of Nurgle WIPs - The creature has been dry-brushed, and had several washed applied to it

Having recently completed my Host of Nurgle's second Herald of Nurgle, I have also found time aplenty to start building up the 'bruised banana' look of my force's third Beast Of Nurgle. These horrendous aberrations still only cost 60 points in "The General's Handbook 2017" and resultantly continue to be one of my favourite "Games Workshop" units for "Age Of Sigmar".

Indeed, I'm sorely tempted to purchase another three of the "Finecast" sculpts in order to bring my 'Warhammer Fantasy' herd up to full-strength. For now though, I have been haphazardly applying plenty of purple and blue inks across the slimy monster's hide, and bestowed upon it a horribly poisonous "Citadel" Abaddon Black "stomach-churning" tongue, with which to playfully lick its ill-fated prey... 

"Mu-Scan Follows By Encoded Psignal."

"Retrieval now indicates a 98% co-incidence with forty-seven previous raids in the Aphis Sector (102)."

This 28mm metal model of a Necron Raider was sold by "Games Workshop" as Necron Warrior 5 (Code 9947011000205) and mercilessly 'chopped up' by Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame, so as to provide some of his other figures with cybernetic limbs. Fortunately, its remains have since been very kindly gifted to me, and resultantly become the second of three Necron-themed objective markers I plan to accompany my 'Oldhammer 40K' Necron Kill Team.

Having initially been super-glued to a thin 40mm base, and dramatically posed with the aid of some "Gale Force Nine" Grey Stuff, the supposedly long-deceased robot was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered with Ironbreaker. The skeletal automaton was then washed with Nuln Oil, roughly dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker, liberally treated to a coating of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and finally given a second dry-brush of Ironbreaker.

"Dungeons & Dragons" WIPs - A Half-Elf Sorcerer, a Gnome Infiltrator and a Lizardman Warrior

A similar technique was applied to the Necron's Gauss Flayer using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. Although the weapon's tip was actually painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Lastly, so as to imbue the defunct "spine-chilling" machine with an Egyptian aura, the raider's collar was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, Vallejo "Heavy Blue" and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade", as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

In addition to my Necron objective/spawn marker I have also begun painting three of the five adventurers I plan to use for my "Expedition To The Barrier Peaks" campaign. These wonderfully animated, yet sadly 'Out Of Production' "Dungeons & Dragons" miniatures were made by "Wizards Of The Coast", and predominantly come from the company's discontinued "Chainmail" range.

Nemesis The Warlock WIPs - The "2000 A.D." comic book character is slowly being progressed

As I plan to actually use "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games" to play this old "D&D" module with, rather than the fantasy tabletop role-playing game by Gary Gygax, I thought a broad range of heroes and races would really help test out many of the rule-set's numerous traits, abilities and weapons. As a result I am currently painting a Gnome Infiltrator (with repeating crossbow), a Half-Elf Sorcerer, and a Lizardman Warrior...

Finally, having recently finished both Torquemada and some Terminators, I have started work on their "fire-breathing demonic alien" opponent, "Nemesis The Warlock". This plastic "Wizkids" pre-painted miniature has been sat gathering dust in my painting queue for a couple of months now, but having spent a little time on the "2000 A.D." comic book character, I am already halfway through painting all of his battle armour.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Forgotten Heroes" June 2017

Mister Freeze Lackey WIPs - The goons have all had their jumpers layered, ready for washing

This month's randomly themed attempt to try and reduce my 'ever so slightly dwindling' collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures has been rather waylaid as a result of the announcement by Dick Garrison and Carrion Crow that "Forgotten Heroes" is back for its second year. Collated on the 'official' "Forgotten Heroes" website, this particular challenge specifically encourages bloggers to create/convert "an existing figure into a costumed superhero or villain" of their choice, "from any source (be that Comic’s, TV, Film, Adverts, Toy lines, Novels basically anywhere you can think of)."

Last year, I rather optimistically attempted to complete a number of well-meaning conversions, but sadly only managed to finish my Imperator Furiosa and Vampire By Night; the latter actually being a simple "Horrorclix" repaint. This time round I plan to simply finish what I started, and have thus begun working (once again) on five “Heroclix” Lackey miniatures I have previously 'converted' using a dollop of grey stuff, into some of Mister Freeze's bobble-hat wearing goons.

Necron Raider WIPs - The "merciless killers" have all been primed "Citadel" Ironbreaker

In addition to "Forgotten Heroes" I also plan on polishing off the remaining Second Edition "Warhammer 40K" Necron Raiders I began painting a little over four weeks ago. This 'Oldhammer 40K' mini-project has somewhat stalled recently as a result of the generosity of a pair of stalwart wargamers substantially increasing the number of Gauss-Flayer Gun-carrying miniatures I own, and I have therefore spent some extra time on these wonderful gifts cleaning, priming and basing them, so as to do them the justice they deserve.

Of particular note, Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame has kindly not only sent me a few extra "merciless killers", but also a very much appreciated Limited Edition Skulz Necron Examination Table to use as an objective marker. Whilst, amongst several other most welcome miniatures from the "dystopian science fantasy universe", Steve from "The Game Cupboard" posted me several more Necron Raiders including a complete "machine-like" Immortal armed with a Gauss Blaster...   

Xorn Ravager WIPS - The "outsiders from the Elemental Plane of Earth" have been undercoated

Finally, my recent purchase of the "Dungeon & Dragon" module "Expedition To The Barrier Peaks" by "TSR Hobbies Inc" has enthused me to start rummaging through my collection of pre-painted "Wizkids" Dungeons & Dragons miniatures. As I plan on playing the out-of-print 1980 "playing aid" using "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games", rather than Gary Gygax's famous rule-set, I am currently developing an opening scenario which will see the Grand Duchy of Geoff's "doughiest henchmen" first encounter the strange "gated cave" which mysteriously disgorges "monsters... at random intervals."

I already have some suitably appropriate miniatures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" to use as vegepygmies, but also thought the adventure would be a good excuse to re-base and prime some plastic Xorn Ravagers that have long languished in my painting queue unattended. As a result, all three of the "outsiders from the Elemental Plane of Earth" have been undercoated "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and now are simply awaiting a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil before I pick out their teeth, claws and eyes.

"Daleks Do Not Take Orders."

"But you have no weapons! No defenses! No plan!"

These three 28mm scale models of a Dalek are produced by “Warlord Games” and can be assembled from the plastic sprues found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Created by Terry Nation (and Raymond Cusick) in 1963, this particular variant of the Kaled's Mark III travel machine is based upon their Time War shell and first appeared in the April 2005 BBC Television series story "Dalek".

As I have already finished my force's Patrol Leader and three Daleks, these particular new additions will now provide me with enough Skaro mutants to field the three Dalek recruitment cards needed for the rule-set's opening scenario "A Meeting Of Metal"; an introductory six turn battle which sees the Daleks and Cybermen fighting over the scattered cargo of a crashed space freighter. 

"We would destroy the Cybermen with one Dalek!"

Having super-glued the 'Metaltrons' onto 40mm lipped circular stands, the miniatures were initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna before being treated to a double coat of Brass. I then generously washed all three models with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and gave them a heavy dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Brass. 

With the 'easy phase' finished, I subsequently picked out each of the Master Race's eye stalks, control arms and multi-range variable power destructors with a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. In addition, the Daleks' audio scanners were 'picked out' with "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey, whilst the pepper pots' fenders were painted with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Destroyed Dalek WIPs - The objective marker has been primed, washed, and dry-brushed 

Despite having yet to play "Doctor Who: Exterminate!", I am already somewhat keen to build up my Dalek faction to four Recruitment cards. This will enable me to then use Davros' pitiless creations as the attackers in the rule-book's second scenario, "Ship Of Death", where they'll be attempting to thwart the Cyber-Leader from launching a powerful starship which "will end the war."

Unfortunately however, one of my remaining "easy-fit plastic" Dalek models simply refused to go together, and resultantly has become an early casualty of their war with the Cybermen. This change of fortune for the figure in question though does not mean it won't see any tabletop action, as I have simply glued it to a 40mm thin-lipped circular stand in order to use it as an objective marker.

Necron Raider Objective WIPs - The partially destroyed robot has been thoroughly rusted

I actually seem to be on something of a 'run' of painting distressed robots and broken automatons, as I've also been progressing a second partially destroyed "Games Workshop" Necron Raider at the same time. This old Second Edition "Warhammer 40K" miniature has lost both its legs, and is seemingly defunct. But one can never tell with the "race of mechanical warriors" and it may well be, should the vignette be utilised as a 'spawn marker', that it is simply the first of the Necrontyr's creations to reach the surface...

"Explorators Report... Status Priority Red."

"Fate has delivered into our hands the remains of one of the enemy raiders."

This 28mm metal model of a Necron Raider was produced back in 1997 by "Games Workshop" and is one of five mechanical warriors which were included in the "Warhammer 40K" race's boxed set. Previously mutilated in order to provide some other figures with cybernetic limbs, this formidable sculpt was very generously gifted to me by Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame, and has resultantly become the first of three Necron-themed objective markers I have planned to accompany my small-sized 'Oldhammer 40K' Necron raiding party. 

Having first been super-glued to a thin 40mm base, and appropriately angled with the aid of some "Gale Force Nine" Grey Stuff, the defunct automaton was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered with Ironbreaker. The skeletal robot was then washed with Nuln Oil, roughly dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker, liberally treated to a coating of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and finally given a second dry-brush of Ironbreaker.

Ultron-14 WIPs - The robot has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

A similar technique was applied to the Necron warrior's Gauss Flayer using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash; albeit the weapon's tip was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. As a last touch, so as to imbue the distressed machine with an Egyptian aura, the robot's detailed collar was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, Vallejo "Heavy Blue" and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade", as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Sticking with the metallic robot theme, I have started work on an Ultron-14 "Heroclix" model I found whilst scrambling through my pre-painted "Wizkids" collection for some odds and ends to send Steve from "The Game Cupboard". I've painted up a previous incarnation of the Avengers' nemesis before, but felt this upgraded variant, capable of "Thermal Targeting", would make a welcome addition to my ever-growing horde of insane comic book automatons.

Time War Daleks WIPS - The Kaleds have had their eye-stalks, sensors, weapons and plungers all 'picked out'

For now I have simply primed the model with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and started building up the artificial intelligence's adamantium outer armour with a combination of Nuln oil and patiently dry-brushed Ironbreaker. However, before Ultron-14 is finished I hope to have 'picked out' his red optical sensors and darkly foreboding skull-like maw.

Finally, I have finished all the layers needed on three more of my "Warlord Games" Daleks, and now simply need to apply a variety of washes over the Kaled Mark III travel machines to finish them. As a result I'm hoping to get these models varnished and flocked over the next few days, and finally settle down to play "A Meeting Of Metal"; the opening scenario to the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game."

"This Is Not War. This Is Pest Control."

"I am Dalek Sec, leader of the Cult of Skaro."

This 28mm scale plastic model of Dalek Sec is produced by “Warlord Games” and is one of the twelve Kaled Mark III travel machines found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Conceived by Terry Nation and designed by Raymond Cusick in 1963, this particular sculpt is based upon the warrior race's Time War shell, which first appeared in the April 2005 BBC Television series story "Dalek".

As I plan to use the genetically engineered mutant in order to play the game's introductory scenario "A Meeting Of Metal", and resultantly required an individual-looking figure to represent my force's Dalek Leader, I decided to paint him using the palette of Dalek Sec. "Known for being given the capability to think beyond the normal scope of a conventional Dalek", this particular pitiless alien commanded the Cult of Skaro, and initially featured in the July 2006 episode "Army Of Ghosts".

Clockwork Androids WIPs - The repair robots have all been based and undercoated

Originally primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, this survivor of the Last Great Time War was subsequently dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out his eye stalk, control arm and multi-range variable power destructor with a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, and his audio scanners with "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey quick drying transparent acrylic. As a final touch, I then used some more "Citadel" Abaddon Black to make the former commander of the Seventh Incursion Squad's fender stand out from the rest of the predominantly black model.

Sticking with "Salute" purchases, I have managed to find the time to base and prime six "Doctor Who" Clockwork Androids. These repair robots are sold by "Warlord Games" in boxes of three single-cast metal miniatures, and are all "dressed as [18th Century] French courtiers and wearing ball masks". The detail on these figures is frightening in places, with lots of buttons and retractable repair tools on show. However, even simply just super-gluing the 'male' models onto their bases made me blanch on occasion due to the sculpts' fragile ankles; which worryingly appear inclined to bend whenever the automatons need to be handled for painting...  

Herald Of Khorne WIP - The Chaos Hero has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

Lastly, I have also found the time to finally assemble this month's addition to my "Age Of Sigmar" Nurgle Host, a Herald of Khorne. This seven-part "finely detailed resin kit" by "Games Workshop" should hopefully help give my force's 'allied' Khorne contingent a bit more 'bite' as the Chaos Hero will actually allow my unit of Bloodletters to immediately pile in and attack after him.

This "Citadel Finecast" miniature has taken a little while to get on my painting table as it came without instructions, and whilst the limbs were simple to super-glue in place, it was a lot more difficult identifying how to attach all the skulls trailing from his hip to the ground, without doing some research on the internet; something which I find a little annoying considering the model costs £15 and comes with a large 'bendy' Blade of Blood...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - 'Oldhammer 40K' May 2017

Necron Raiders WIP - The robots have been primed and washed, and the Scarabs based

This month's randomly themed attempt to try and reduce my overwhelming collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures will see me painting up a handful of old Second Edition "Warhammer 40K" Necron Raiders and a couple of accompanying Scarabs. I actually recall picking these models up second-hand at a car boot sale in Aldershot quite a few years ago, and believe I also still own the figure which came attached to the front cover of Issue 217 of "White Dwarf"; albeit I don't seem to be able to currently find that particular 'freebie' within my lead pile...

With the rumoured imminent arrival by "Games Workshop" of Eighth Edition "Warhammer 40k" I have no intention of using these "merciless killers" for any gaming in the company's "dystopian science fantasy universe". But did think that the all-metal miniatures would prove to be interesting proxies for a faction of the Robot Army which continuously fights to rule Mega-City One's Undercity in "Judge Dredd".

Overseer WIPs - The Boromite Commander has had his armour, equipment and wiring finished

Indeed, these "Oldhammer 40K" sculpts contain some incredibly Egyptian-themed detail, and along with their green Gauss-Flayer Guns, should make a colourful change from the usual all-silver palette I usually apply to my automatons. In addition they should give me plenty of opportunity to use the Robot rules in "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games".  

My preoccupation with this "Citadel" project will not, however, blind me to my need to continue working on my 500-point Boromite Scouting Force for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". Indeed, alongside my Overseer I have started assembling, basing and priming more miniatures from a second box of Boromite Gang Fighters.

Boromite Gang Fighter WIP - The majority of these alien miners have had their armour started

Ordinarily, I don't tend to try and paint my figures in batches or an assembly line. But, as my goal is to paint up twenty of the heavily-armed panhuman miners by the end of May, I thought I would once again try my hand at the (somewhat arduous) technique and see how I got on with ten of the plasma carbine-carrying soldiers. It is the Seventh Age of humankind after-all...

With the majority of my Cybermen painted for "Doctor Who: Exterminate!", I have begun assembling the six "genocidal warriors" I need to field two Dalek Patrol recruitment cards. These plastic multi-part models have proved rather troublesome to assemble, and there's a definite knack to ensuring the front-facing panel fits in-between the two side pieces.

Dalek WIPs - The "powerful armoured fighting machine" has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

I certainly found it prudent not to completely follow the instructions found within the "Guide To The Time Vortex" by leaving the flank pieces slightly ajar from one another until after I had 'popped' in the central panel over the Time War Dalek's eye stalk. Fortunately though, what the twenty-four pamphlet does provide is a relatively straightforward painting guide to help get these "creatures of hate" onto the tabletop fast.

Admittedly I don't think drenching "the whole miniature with Strong Tone ink wash" should be the penultimate stage of the process, especially when a couple of the earlier phases include 'picking out' the "eye stalk rings and lights with White". But the "Vallejo" Brass 'dry-brush' has certainly helped bring out all the detail on what appears to be a genuinely "highly detailed" plastic miniature.