"Captain, I See Something."

"Kelowitz, Lang, flank out. Lay down fire on co-ordinates Mister Spock gave you."

This 32mm scale resin model of a Human 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 Ensign was actually primed using a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Heavy Red. This was because I thought it would be easier to just base-layer the two distinct halves of the figure in its predominant colours. However, the "Citadel" Abaddon Black simply wouldn't stick to the miniature for some bizarre reason - even after a few coats, so in the end the model was given a complete lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and then had his boots/trousers pigmented in (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Modiphius Entertainment" WIPs - This Andorian Ensign is almost finished

The human's famous chest insignia was carefully 'picked out' using some "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst his Type-2 hand phaser was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently shaded with a splosh or two of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, as I wanted the model to represent O'Herlihy from the January 1967 televised episode "Arena", I applied some (additional) "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the miniature's hair.

Despite having completed my randomly rolled four-figure challenge for this month, I thought I might as well finish working on another of the "Star Trek" resin sprues found inside the drawer, so have been patiently working my way up an Andorian ensign too. Admittedly, there weren't any of the "warp-capable humanoid species from the moon Andoria" shown as being part of the U.S.S. Enterprise's crew in the Original Television Series. But I like to think that there some work aboard her in the background.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - These three Krupps Corp troopers have been primed in "Vallejo" German Grey

Lastly, I have managed to base and prime three of the models found inside the Krupps Corp unit blister I was lucky enough to buy at Salute 2026. This "explorer faction that have a long standing rivalry with the E-Corp agents" immediately captured my imagination as they are clearly inspired by the Norts from the "Rogue Trooper" comic book series in "2000 A.D.", and resultantly caused me to start planning a future battlefield based upon Nu Earth.

For now though I just want to get a small squad of these "Diehard Miniatures" sculpts painted, and then take it from there. I do believe I have some Genetic Infantrymen by "Mongoose Publishing" somewhere, and possibly some of the E-Corp agents mentioned in the Krupps Corp troopers' blurb. But with my long-term Napoleonic and American Civil War projects still on the go, I don't really want to leap into another genre with both feet...

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2024 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Well another year has come and gone, and as the clock creeps its way towards 2025 it’s time for me to give my assessment of Simon’s output for the year and pick my top ten miniatures from his consistently impressive output. So without further ado here my ten favourite miniatures of 2024.

No. 10 - Soviet Cosmonaut by "Black Site Studios" - November 21st

I’ve really enjoyed Simon’s posts about his combative astronauts, so much so that I had to go over and nose about “Black Site’s” website - though thankfully, I have resisted “pulling the trigger” so far! Yes the painting is deceptively simple on the face of it, with it being mostly just "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. But it’s this simplicity mixed with the painstakingly picked out details that made them really appeal to me. He has not gone mad trying to be overly clever with the painting, and as such the result works so well. I must also give a quick special mention to “Laika” the Cosmonaut dog, he’s just brilliant too!

No. 9 - Ultron by “CoolMiniOrNot” - July 15th

Despite never having played “Marvel United”, my love of all things “Marvel” does keep me avidly reading any posts I find with well painted figures for us “True believers” to enjoy. That’s exactly what we have here - a very well pigmented version of the Avengers bad guy Ultron. Once again though, at first glance it appears to be a simple paint job. But a closer inspection reveals several layers skilfully applied to give that sumptuous silver finish and red highlights. Indeed, this attention to detail is even carried over onto the base work!

No. 8 - Batmobile by “Mattel” - April 26th

Simon has been running a bit of a narrative commentary over the last couple of years linked to the “Gaslands” set of car combat rules, and has produced some awesome (and unusual) vehicles to take part in his games. However, this somewhat caricaturistic version of the 1989 Batmobile is my absolute favourite. The car itself fits the over the top theme of the game so well, and Simon’s additions are well thought out. Added to the simple black paintwork with its subtle red highlights - which hark back to the “Adam West” incarnation, and this is just perfection in my books.

No. 7 - Monica Rambeau by “Wizkids” - May 27th

Well there always seems to be at least one of the now legendary Heroclix figures by "Wizkids" in my yearly round up of Simon best, and this year you will be happy to learn is no different. Though I have to admit to being somewhat indifferent to Miss Rambeau’s exploits as “Captain Marvel” back in the eighties, I can very much appreciate a well painted figure, and this despite Simon’s own disappointment in his results is very much what I can see here. I have found overzealous paint application on the original figure to be a bit of a bugbear on many a “clix”. But the way he has worked around this problem to get the quality results he has is a testament to his and any painters skill.

No. 6 - Marshal Ney by “Warlord Games” - September 9th

I have long had an interest in the wars of Napoleon - mainly through historical fiction more than the gaming side of things - so Simon’s Napoleonic efforts are always a joy to behold. There is a lot of love that goes into each paintjob, and it shows through in the end results. This representation of the “First Prince de la Moskowa” is no different. The colours are as always spot on, and the attention to detail is top notch too. As for the painting? Well after all the relevant colours were in place, Simon "treated it to a zealous amount of Citadel Agrax Earthshade, before dry-brushing with Vallejo Heavy Brown to hopefully tie the colours all together” and, spoiler alert, it did! Top work.

No. 5 - Supernatural Investigator by “North Star Military Figures” - September 23rd

I love it when a figure designed to go with one game can be swapped over to a different game entirely, and that’s what’s happened here as this chap, the “Monster hunter” from "The Silver Bayonet" will also be serving his time amongst Simon's Napoleonic ranks. As usual, the painting is sublime and I especially love the contrast of the "Vallejo" Heavy Red scarf next to the "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue of his long coat.

No. 4 - Ruthless Lieutenant by “Crooked Dice Design Studio” - January 15th

Well it was pretty obvious from the moment miniatures started appearing on Simon’s blog from the iconic 1980 version of “Flash Gordon” that at least one of them was going to make my list for this year. Though they were all rather wonderful, there was just something about his painting of this (not) General Kala that put her slightly above the rest. Maybe it was the black (he does do black so very well), I don’t know, but I can almost hear her shouting “Dispatch War Rocket Ajax, to bring back his body!”.

No. 3 - Commander Kuro by “Crooked Dice Design Studio” - August 12th

I’m a bit of a “toy fanatic” ('Big Kid' in other terms), and like nothing better than sourcing or making 28mm representations of my favourite toys from childhood. So it’s nice to know I have a kindred spirit in Simon, - especially when he’s posting inspiring stuff like this small scale incarnation of the “Action Force” villain known as the Black Major. Now I’m not going to wax lyrical about how well he paints any figures dressed in black (I say it every year, because it’s true!). But suffice to say the painting is excellent, and I was especially impressed by the “five o’clock shadow” the figure is sporting.

No. 2 - Howard Quartz by “Warlord Games” - March 31st

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for the "ABC Warriors" and anything associated with them. So when this outstanding version of the boss of a trio of former/future members of the team appeared on Simon's blog, he certainly had me sitting up and paying attention. The lovely neat brushwork and attention to detail brought the erstwhile ten percent human leader of Ro-Busters very much to life.

No. 1 - Skeletal Spaceman by “Diehard Miniatures” - December 25th

So what has made it to the top of the tree this year? Well Simon left it pretty late to do his finest work by not posting this till Christmas Day. This outstanding undead astronaut is a really nice figure, but it’s the pure 'tour de force' in painting the skeleton that really lifts it to new heights. The actual bone work is expertly tinted and is a perfect contrast to the “grubby” white of his spacesuit. This isn't easy to do, and a closer look reveals subtle aquamarine tones that also add interest without distracting from the piece as a whole. Just really impressive work I love this.

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So that’s it another year of wonderful miniatures condensed into a few lines by yours truly… Well obviously not! There are so many other outstanding posts well worth a re-read (or first read if you missed them), that my advice is grab a brew and a mince pie so you can scroll back to January, and revel in Simon's excellent painting and prose!

Here’s wishing you all a very happy new year. Whether you be gaming or painting here’s hoping you get the results you hope for. I’ll now hand back the reins to Simon, and thank him for letting me loose upon his blog.

Cheers Roger.

N.B. You can visit Roger's excellent wargaming blog and see his excellent output here:

"Rantings From Under The Wargames Table"

"From The Depths Of Space..."

 "...An incredibly ancient vessel drifts slowly towards the Imperium Of Mankind."

This 30mm tall white metal casting of an undead astronaut is produced by "Diehard Miniatures" and can be bought as part of the company's five-figure SKU: UDTP069 Skeletal Spacemen Unit 1 set. "Rising from the fallen, the wastelands, the forgotten battlefields and the hulks in orbit," this particular model has been rather embarrassingly sat languishing half-painted in one of my drawers for over five years, having originally been purchased for "Zomtober" 2019.

Described as being cursed to "follow the bidding of their new master the Tech Mancer", I recall undercoating the poor fellow with plenty of "Vallejo" White and shading him with some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade - as I planned on the characterful sculpt representing a former NASA employee who had bitten the dust whilst exploring the Moon (or something). The rocketeer was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" White, and had the handle to his large fire-axe 'picked out' using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Resistance is useless!"

Because I really wanted the vast majority of the spacesuit to remain white, I decided to solely focus upon dabbling with a few little bits and pieces of the astronaut's equipment instead. Resultantly, I applied a "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer to the skeleton's axe-head and coiled tubing, before giving them a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson" on the Spaceman's oxygen tank, whilst opting for "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade for a secondary flask attached to his back.

Lastly, I took my time in dirtying up the walking cadaver, with a little "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, so as to hopefully suggest putrefaction. Furthermore, I plonked a dollop or two of Games Workshop's Contrast Paint Flesh Tearer's Red into all the visible holes and tears found on the miniature, and subsequently dropped some Carroburg Crimson into them too, so the Shade could spill out and down the wound.

"Or I will rend thee in the gobberwarts with my blurglecruncheon, see if I don't!"

In addition to this impulse paint-job, I have completed a seventh 28mm scale Vulgorn Guard by "Lost Heresy Miniatures". The miniature was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, and due to some major issues concerning the tension of my resin tank's FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene), or rather lack of, emerged with a malformed left glove. Fortunately, despite my extremely limited ability with Green Stuff, I was able to salvage the model by successfully sculpting on the missing part.

This (not) "Hitchhiker's Of The Galaxy" model was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" German Grey and Gunmetal, with a significant splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his rectangular-shaped gun. I also applied a little "Vallejo" Heavy Fleshshade to the extra-terrestrial's nose, and later sploshed it with some "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green - a union I plan to use for many a goblin/greenskin in future I can assure you...

"Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini Was An Italian Dictator..."

"...Who founded and led the National Fascist Party."

This 28mm multi-part plastic miniature was assembled using various parts taken from the Italian Army & Blackshirts sprue produced by "Warlord Games", and can be found inside a number of their boxed kits such as SKU: 402015801. However, my model was assembled from a free sprue the Nottingham-based manufacturer kindly sent me as part of a much larger "Bolt Action" order, and could well become the start of an Italian army for "the ultimate World War II tabletop miniatures game" next year.

With this potential project in mind, I thought I'd probably best start with my force's Officer, and having perused the various pieces available to me, felt that I could a fair representation of the "Duce of the Italian Social Republic" himself. Indeed, not only did the sprue appear to contain a 'spot on' head. But it also included the country's famous "Che vuoi?" hand gesture too.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - Four of the eight British NBC troopers currently being progressed

Once assembled, the figure was primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then tried to take inspiration from the uniform plates which feature inside the "Armies Of Italy and the Axis" guidebook by "Osprey Publishing", by picking out Mussolini's water bottle, pistol holder, and odd leather strap with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. These items were later washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

I also applied a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil" to Benito's pistol and shovel, as well as a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the emblem on his felt fez. In reality I believe this symbol was a large gold-on-red eagle. However, the sculpt appeared to simply be a rectangle, so I just carefully followed the detail's edges with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, rather than try to do anything particularly fanciful.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - After a few shades and dry-brushes, this undead astronaut's bones are finished 

Having completed this rather impulsive ensemble, I have settled down to progressing all eight British Squaddies dressed in Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) sold by "Athena Miniatures". This unit is still in its early stages. But I'm happy with the miniatures' palette, and even plan to do some camouflage upon their ammunition grab bags - as per some 'official' photographs I've seen.

In addition, I've stumbled upon a 30mm metal undead astronaut by "Diehard Miniatures", which I apparently first put a brush-tip to just over five years ago. These sorts of long abandoned projects are just what my current Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge is all about, so as I'm in a moon-themed mood anyway, I thought I'd finally get the ghoulish rocketeer completed. Plus, I understand you can only buy the mode as part of the manufacturer's Skeletal Spacemen Unit 1 set - so presumably his four comrades-in-death are lurking around my backlog pile somewhere too...

"The Bizarre Insect-Eating Vermilepus."

"He's a real nowhere man, sitting in his nowhere land..."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Vermilepus is sold by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as part of their Alien Pets deal. The animal is only 18mm tall and is designed to be used with the company's other "Colony 87" sci-fi civilian miniatures "for any RPGs and tabletop wargames."

The miniature was initially undercoated using "Vallejo" Heavy Violet, before being soaked in "Citadel" Druchii Violet and dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Violet. I then set about pigmenting its feathery throat and chest with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, but this proved surprisingly difficult and time-consuming as I couldn't quite make out where the plumes actually started just beneath it's head.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The Black Widow and Venom

As a final touch I decided to 'spot' the long-eared extra-terrestrial's eyes with a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, and shade them using a little "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. All in all, I found the Vermilepus a really frustrating model to pigment, and actually went through other two colour schemes before settling upon this predominantly dark one. In addition, I quickly realised that my basing had completely covered over the overly-long claws of the alien, adding an extra layer of frustration to what should have been a straightforward paint-job. 

Speaking of perplexing projects, I have persevered with the white spider markings on my Venom by "Atomic Mass Games" for a couple more hours, trying to follow the emblem's super-soft detail with my brush-tip. Luckily, the idea to wash the motif's thin wavy lines with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil has really helped me follow the sculpt's edges enormously, but I'm still not particularly happy with the wobbliness of the final result.

"Diehard Miniatures" WIP - The Bounty Hunter has been assembled, pinned and primed

Fortunately, I'm finding the Black Widow figure from the "Marvel Crisis Protocol" Core Set much more fun to work on, even though I'm attempting to paint Natasha Romanova in her alternative all-white costume. Indeed, I've already completed the miniature's detailed base and started slowly 'picking out' all the super-spy's various straps with "Citadel" Abaddon Black...

Lastly, I was rather pleased to receive a small consignment of models from "Diehard Miniatures" following their recent Black Friday Bounty Hunters webstore offer, Of particular interest was their excellent multi-part metal sculpt of a Brando-Elite fugitive recovery agent, who, having been assembled, pinned and primed, has gone straight onto my painting table for some tender loving care.

“Cringe, You Pitiful Human Worms!”

"You... And unsuspecting millions... shall perish!"

These eight 28mm scale plastic “Wizkids” models of an Ultron Drone are all miniature number 015 from the "Marvel" Age Of Ultron "Heroclix" range, and represent some of the numerous basically-programmed replica robots the adamantium armoured super-villain Ultron has created during his various attempts to destroy the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Capable of creating an overwhelming “robotic swarm” around an adversary, these bio-synthezoids were initially bought in bulk from “Ebay” as a potential quick-scoring entry for the Ninth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, but ended up being sidelined in favour of some Dire Wraiths…

Following the semi-patient removal of each figure from their ‘clicky-base’, the automatons were super-glued onto 25mm circular stands, and roughly undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black so as to predominantly ‘cover-up’ their bright silver pre-paint. I then applied a double-coat of Ironbreaker to all eight models, before enthusiastically washing the horde in Nuln Oil, and later dry-brushing them with (more) Ironbreaker. 

"My sensors are locked on target!"

With the basics completed, I turned my attention to ‘picking out’ each Ultron Drone’s small internal nuclear furnace, which is visible through their eye-slits and mouth. This was actually quite easily done in the main, using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson. However, having reviewed the official “Wizkids” colour scheme, I quickly spotted that their paint-job showed the red hot energy source glowing through the front of the robot’s jawline too.

Honing my “Windsor & Newton” University Series 233 000 brush-tip to a particularly fine point, I therefore attempted to ‘dab in’ this extra detail, but quickly discovered that any noticeable trace of a gap between the metal machine’s forward-facing rectangular choppers was long-gone. As a result my additional ‘dollop’ of “Vallejo” Heavy Red looked decidedly odd, so I swiftly set about ‘correcting’ all eight of the replicas with a dash of “Citadel” Ironbreaker and splash of Nuln Oil…

"Diehard Miniatures" WIPs - This Skeletal Spaceman has been primed, washed, and had his axe picked out

Recently I've been pointed in the direction of "Diehard Miniatures", and as a result thought I'd pick up a parcel of metal miniatures to potentially submit for "Zomtober" 2019. One such figure is an awesome-looking undead astronaut from the company's Skeletal Spacemen collection, which I thought I might paint as a predominantly white-suited luckless NASA cosmonaut.

To be honest this particular range has really sparked my imagination, so I'm hoping to build up quite the brain-munching horde over the next few months. In addition, I've purchased some of their colourful Chaos characters too, which are enjoyably reminiscent of the worlds of "2000 A.D.", "Star Wars" and some other science fiction-flavoured genres.