(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Big Mr Tong” April 2023

"From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum!"

Following the successful completion of another (exhausting) Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I usually find my enthusiasm for the hobby rather depleted during this month as a rule. However, the regular release of new and exciting STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the likes of "Big Mr Tong" on his "Patreon" subscription service means I'm still feeling pretty chipper about pigmenting another large-scale swathe of 3D printed figures.

Resultantly, I plan to focus upon some of the prolific sculptor's latest miniatures over the next four or so weeks, and finally start play-testing the homemade rule-set I want to use them with for an upcoming campaign. In addition, I still have a couple of 7.5cm Tank Hunter Gun Teams by "Battlefront Miniatures" to finish for my "Flames Of War" German D-Day Beach Defence Company, before plunging though a mass of "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus space marines. I had optimistically been hoping to be further along with these two long-standing projects, as once completed I was thinking of purchasing some of "Warlord Games" Thirty Years War Epic Battles models. However, I have now pushed that goal back and may well not pick any of the 'Black Powder' sprues up until I'm at "Salute"...

"It's like hitting them with tennis balls."

Happily, I haven't just spent the past few days planning what I'm going to paint for the foreseeable though. But have actually completed two more 10mm metal American medium tanks which used to sold by “Pendraken Miniatures” as Code A10 - Sherman M4A4, no skirts, 75mm gun. Initially primed with two layers of "Vallejo" USA Olive Drab, the armoured vehicles were subsequently washed with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" USA Olive Drab.

I then 'picked out' the tracks and wheels with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a double-helping of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before repainting their track/wheel mechanisms with (more) "Vallejo" USA Olive Drab and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Finally, I decided to apply a trio of Allied Stars to the M4 Shermans using some supplied by "Decal Details", as well as the titles "Vagabond" and "Kraut Killer" from their 10mm US Armour Names and Slogans sheet.

March 2023 - "Papsikels Miniatures" completely overhauls "Big Mr Tong"

Undoubtedly the impetus of the AHPC provided me with the motivation to progress an amazing number of models throughout March 2023. These predominantly consisted of numerous science-fiction related 3D prints by "Papsikels Miniatures", which saw the "Patreon" Subscription Service's popularity top my favourite manufacturer's chart. However, my determination to get 50-points worth of "Flames Of War" Germans on the tabletop also caused me to rattle through four Panzer IV tank kits by "Battlefront Miniatures". alongside a camouflaged 7.5cm Anti-Tank gun and supporting crew.

Doubtless, the sheer number of splendid sculpts produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" will undoubtedly see the range receive plenty of attention during the next few weeks. But, having cast my eye on some future dates for some "Horus Heresy" battles, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see "Games Workshop" making a strong impact upon my hobby too - especially once I've sated my current appetite gaming the Second World War...

"His Mind Focused On The Dread Imperial Troops..."

"...The killers without mercy, the soldier-fanatics of the Padishah Emperor."

These four 28mm scale Sardaukar were sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon David Lynch's vision of the Emperor's elite warriors as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Each figure was undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. The super-human soldiers' belts were then 'picked out using a little "Vallejo" Steel Blue, and their firearms with Gunmetal. Finally, each model was entirely 'drowned' in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and the Sardaukar's distinctive green face-visor realised using a combination of "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPs - This Yurneyan Golem Exofist Mask has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside the last of my Sardaukar for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have been progressing three more models produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" as part of their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". I actually produced four of the Yurneyan Golem Exofist Mask figures. But during the printing process one of them sadly lost an arm.

The miniatures are strongly influenced by the look of the Engineers from the Alien movie franchise, and are absolutely crammed full of fine detail as a result. Like the vast majority of the company's considerably-sized science fiction range I am planning on using them to try out my "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats", so have settled upon a somewhat simple, predominantly blue-grey paint-scheme for the "beneficent creators of sorts."

"Wizkids" WIPs - Sauron has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

In addition, I seem to have found myself caught up in the digital "fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, strategic card battler" known as "Marvel Snap" by "Second Dinner". This frighteningly addictive computer game has definitely got me highly enthused for super-heroes, so having had a rummage around my "Heroclix" backlog, I thought I'd put my passion to good use by pigmenting an old plastic figure of Doctor Karl Lykos' villainous alter-ego I've had gathering dust for many a year.

I'm hoping that by focusing upon this single miniature I will stave off any possibility of me abandoning my painting plans for this month and suddenly diving headlong down a rabbit hole crammed full of Marvel, DC Comics and other Indie comic book characters. Albeit, I have 3D printed a handful of "C27 Studio" sculpts, just in case I fancy tackling a few more of their 40mm scale metahumans...

"My Yeti Can Destroy You So Easily."

"Now listen, everyone. When the Yeti come for you, don't struggle."

These three 48mm tall metal Yeti were produced by “Warlord Games” as part of the Nottingham-based company's "special limited-time offer" Doctor Who: Web Of Fear set. Somewhat controversially given away for free with any orders of £75 or more, the blister also contained figures of Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart and Professor Travers, and was based upon Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln's February 1968 televised story "The Web Of Fear".

Having previously pigment a trio of the Great Intelligence's hairy automatons using a mixture of "Vallejo" and "Citadel" paints, I decided to make these particular miniatures stand out somewhat by solely using colours taken from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" range. Resultantly, the "cuddly but ferocious" models were primed using two layers of Scorched Earth, drenched in Battle Mud Wash, and dry-brushed with (more) Scorched Earth.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - Four Sardaukar awaiting a final heavy dry-brush and shade

Furthermore, I gave each of the "servitors" a light dusting of Dust Bowl, and then dabbed each furry monster's eyes with a little White Star. These areas were subsequently carefully coated with Skulker Yellow, shaded with plenty of Flesh Wash and ultimately brightened with an extra dab of Skulker Yellow. I also used a combination of White Star and Battle Mud Wash on the deadly machines' numerous sharp claws.

Alongside these latest submissions to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have managed to get most of the details 'picked out' on the last four Sardaukar troopers by "Big Mr Tong" I plan to enter into the event. This quartet of science fiction soldiers have had their belts, face visors and hand-weapons all base-layered and now simply need to have their protective suits dry-brushed in "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal before being drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPs - Two primed Proto Keeler G and a Xeno Brood Sentry

Lastly, I've set about 3D printing and priming three more "Alien" related 32mm scale figures by "Papsikels Miniatures". The first are two copies of Proto Keeler G, whose STL (Standard Triangle Language) file I was given for free as part of their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". I actually created a pair of this "Alien: Covenant" inspired xenomorph due to one of its hind legs miscasting on both occasions. There's clearly a slight problem with the this area's supports failing, so I've strengthend the offending limbs with a couple of skulls by "Encounter Terrain".

The last model is the mighty Xeno Brood Sentry, which just about sits snugly upon a "Citadel" plastic 60mm circular base. This STL can also be found inside the PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon" and has already been heavily dry-brushed with Scorched Earth by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" in order to tie it in with my previously painted Cheetah Aliens.

"Why Have You Brought Me Here?"

"You forced me to come here and set things straight... personally."

This quartet of 28mm scale Sardaukar were sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon David Lynch's vision of the "elite military force of the Padishah Emperor" as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

The models were undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and enthusiastically dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. Their belts were then 'picked out using a thin line of "Vallejo" Steel Blue, and their lasguns with Gunmetal. As a final touch, each figure was unsympathetically sloshed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil (so as to recreate the smoky black appearance of their survival suits as seen on the Big Screen) and their distinctive green face-visor fabricated using a combination of "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These three Yeti are just having their claws 'picked out'

I still have another four more Sardaukar to finish for the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). But I plan to take a short sojourn from them for a little while. However, one of the things which has impressed me so much with these figures, or rather the "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin, is how well they take superglue whenever a small piece snaps off. This unit's commander suffered just such a fate with his weapon, and I did think I'd have to reprint him. Surprisingly though, a small amount of superglue did the job instead, and despite the small contact point the model has subsequently survived both a heavy dry-brushing, as well as frequent handling.

To break up the "Big Mr Tong" factory process I've successfully developed for the AHPC, I've turned my attention upon the trio of Yeti I recently received as a freebie from "Warlord Games". These 48mm tall metal "Doctor Who" figures have proved interesting test pieces for "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" range, especially when it comes to the colour White Star.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These Castellans Of Dol Guldur have been primed and dry-brushed

I've actually changed my technique for pigmenting these classic monsters, having learnt some valuable lessons from when I previously tackled three of them, by applying the paint straight over the entirety of the killer robots' claws without worrying about hitting their black paws. This has helped me see each sculpt's detail much clearer once they were treated to some Battle Mud Wash. But has resulted in all the miniatures getting their previously finished fur splattered in micro-dots of White Star - Which disappointing means I'm going to need to tidy their torsos up again before they are complete.

Lastly, with my eye firmly fixed upon the AHPC World Cinema Bonus Round, I have set to work on a blister of Castellans of Dol Guldur by "Games Workshop". These "formidable Minor Heroes" will actually be used as proxy Black Numenorean Warriors for my Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Barad-Dur army as the Nottingham-based company strangely no longer seem to sell them. In addition, they'll tie-in rather nicely as representing a Silver Screen production which was filmed "elsewhere in the world from where you live now."

"My Mommy Always Said There Were No Monsters."

"But there are."

These three 32mm scale Cheetah Aliens are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as part of a six-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription November 2022 release - Aliens Verses Skull Hunters 2.. Based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly xenomorphs, the figures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Originally, I had thought about making the cult classic monsters a dark yellow to try and tie them in from being spawned out of some hapless big cats. But this seemed to be too great a variance to the predominantly black, oily coloured killers shown on the Silver Screen. Fortuitously, I then spotted a statue of a xenomorph crouched on all fours which H.R. Giger had exhibited at the opening of the Austrian Ars Electronica institute in 2013.

"The Shield Wall is gone."

The disconcerting looking sculpture was a deep, dark brown with a solid black forehead, so once I had super-glued my miniatures onto some "Citadel" 60mm oval bases, I immediately primed them in Doom Death Black by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats". I next gave my half dozen models a thorough dry-brush of Scorched Earth and shaded them all with Oblivion Black Wash to help make their base layer look very dark indeed.

I then more delicately (re)dry-brushed the models with (more) Scorched Earth, before applying a light highlight of Dust Bowl across all the prominent raised areas. Finally, to help better blend this all together, I gave the fearsome fiends an absolute drowning in Battle Mud Wash. This just left me needing to 'pick out' all the aliens' metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, as well as apply a coat of Doom Death Black (and later "Coat D'arms" Gloss Varnish) across their foreheads.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPs - Silvia Dela Torres is slowly having her details 'picked out'

Alongside my latest entry for the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have also finished/submitted (yet) another 28mm scale Sardaukar sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" which I produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer. Based upon David Lynch's 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniature was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, Steel Blue, Gunmetal, "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

Lastly, and returning back to both "Papsikels Miniatures" and their (not) "Alien" franchise figures, I have almost finished pigmenting space crew maintenance worker Silvia Dela Torres. This 32mm sculpt should bag me a bonus 20-points in the AHPC, as she'll make an excellent proxy for actress Sigourney Weaver when entered in the event's Casting Couch category...

"Those Other Robots Aren't Any Friendlier Than Doctor Frankenstein's Monster."

"Think there are any more?"

These four 28mm scale Sentry Robots were sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon Hans Reinhardt's security forces aboard the U.S.S. Cygnus in Gary Nelson’s 1979 American science fiction film “The Black Hole", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Responsible for capturing Frank McCrae's crew and turning them into "Humanoids", the automatons were primed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. They were then thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red, and had all their eyes and blasters layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black." These areas were later ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal” and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

"At an appointed time Baron Harkonnen will return to Arrakis and launch a sneak attack on House Atreides."

Finally, to help illustrate that these particular Sentry Robots were part of Maximillian's "crack squad", I applied a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer to one of the panels on the back of their heads, before treating the area to a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal” and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Luckily, this intricate detail is very clear on the "Big Mr Tong" sculpts I 3D printed (as opposed to the ones I bought from “Twisted Pinnacle 3D” on "Etsy", so it wasn't as difficult a task as I initially feared.

Alongside my latest entry for the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have also finished/submitted another 28mm scale Sardaukar sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" which I produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer. Based upon David Lynch's vision of the "elite military force" as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniature was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, Steel Blue, Gunmetal, "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPs - Silvia Dela Torres has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Lastly, I've made some progress on my first 32mm 3D printed sculpt by "Papsikels Miniatures". Space crew maintenance worker Silvia Dela Torres bears a striking resemblance to Ellen Ripley from the "Alien" franchise, so I thought she would make a good start to (yet) another project focusing upon the numerous science fiction characters made famous through "Twentieth Century Studios" movies.

In addition, the figure should gain me an extra 20 points for the AHPC as part of its film studio-based bonus rounds. I wasn't intending to utilise this element of the event. But having almost inadvertently obtained similar rewards for painting Science Fiction and (then) Eighties-based figures, it seemed rude not to; especially as these 'pick me ups' will allow me to attain my target tally of 500-points all the quicker...

"I Want Fifty Legions Of Sardaukar On Arrakis At Once!"

"This is genocide... The deliberate and systematic destruction of all life on Arrakis."

These four 28mm scale Sardaukar were sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon David Lynch's vision of the Emperor's elite warriors as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

The models were primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. Their belts were then 'picked out using a thin line of "Vallejo" Steel Blue, and their lasguns with Gunmetal. As a final touch, each figure was mercilessly marinated in "Citadel" Nuln Oil (so as to recreate the smoky black appearance of their survival suits as seen on the Silver Screen) and their distinctive green face-visor fabricated using a combination of "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - These Sentry Robots are ready for their metallics to be applied

Alongside my third submission for the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have managed to progress another five-figure batch of Big Mr Tong's 28mm scale Sentry Robots. I've actually painted ten of these miniatures before, back when I didn't own a 3D printer, yet unlike the ones I bought from “Twisted Pinnacle 3D” on "Etsy", none of the hand-weapons broke off the models during their clean-up.

As a result I wanted to make the quintet stand out a little bit from the others, so looked to Gary Nelson’s 1979 American science fiction film “The Black Hole” for inspiration, and found it with Hans Reinhardt's scathing criticism of Maximillian's security forces following Doctor Kate McCrae's rescue from the Cygnus' Hospital - "Your crack unit, outwitted and outfought by some Earth robot and that antique from storage!"

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - Three Retained Knights all ready for shading

This has caused me to start 'picking out' the metallic panel on the back of their heads in preparation for pigmenting them with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and somewhat awkwardly designating them as part of Maximillian's aforementioned elite force, This detail is actually visible on all the Sentry Robots seen in the film (along with some side plates) but was something I never bothered to pick out on my original ten figures,

Lastly, a clumsy spill (or rather splodge) of "Vallejo" Heavy Red has given me some considerable incentive to finish three (more) 15mm Retained Knights by “Alternative Armies”. In the past I've completed quite a few of these 'beaky' sculpts from the company's "The Ion Age" range to use as proxy space marines, so having had my accident, I quickly dusted down a trio of previously-started (not) Blood Angels, and put what paint I could save to immediate good use...

"Instruct All Regenerated Cybermen To Evacuate The Ship."

"You will return to Cybercontrol and inform main fleet of our intention."

These four 28mm scale Cybermen were sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon Eric Saward's incarnation of the Mondasians as first seen in his March 1982 "Doctor Who" story "Earthshock", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Having been washed, cured and then removed from their supports (applied through "Chitubox" Basic following each figure being rotated at a thirty degree angle), the silver giants were undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and given a double-helping of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. The models were then washed using "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and treated to a combination of "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red on their hand-weapons’ power cylinders.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - Four of ten Sardaukar which have been primed and dry-brushed

Somewhat disappointingly, these miniatures are only half the number of "Big Mr Tong" sculpts I had intended to enter into the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge for its opening week, Luckily, I have provided myself with some leeway in my overall schedule of submissions so as to achieve my target of 500 points (approximately one hundred 28mm figures). But it certainly hasn't been the flying start I was hoping for.

As a result I aim to knuckle down over the next few days and pigment ten of the prolific Patreon-based sculptor's Sardaukar models (from David Lynch's 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune"), replicating the simple palette I devised on a test model late last month. This should help me get somewhat back on track, and provide me with a little 'wriggle room' when it comes to old/new model ranges or rule-sets unexpectedly distracting from my main focus.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Three Yeti which now need their eyes and claws 'picking out'

One such 'interruption' has definitely been "Warlord Games" announcement that their soon to be deleted "Doctor Who" range was having a "Last Chance Clearance" sale, with all their metal sets suddenly being sold at half-price. I had actually convinced myself that I had bought all the miniatures I wanted from their "End Of Time" offer - having repeatedly pillaged the Nottingham-based company's Mythic Americas collection in order to qualify for the free figures I wanted.

However, this latest deal prompted me to 'pick up' several more Mire, Movellans, Headless Monks, Ogrons, Tetraps and even a Pyrovile to help bolster my forces, and additionally grant me access to a second set of free Yeti. These 48mm tall robots were an absolute joy to paint in the past, and this time round will be pigmented predominantly using colours taken from the "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" range so as to bring a little contrast to my formidably-sized furry 'sixsome.'

"You're Doomed! You're All Doomed!"

"I'm a messenger of God. You're doomed if you stay here!"

This 40mm scale resin figure of Jason was sculpted by Nikola Stankovic and 3D printed for me by "Encounter Terrain". The miniature's STL (Standard Triangle Language) file is available under the creator Splunjohnny on "Cults" website and was clearly inspired by Sean S. Cunningham's 1980 American slasher film "Friday The 13th".

"Depicted as a non-verbal, indestructible, machete-wielding mass murderer" Voorhees was undercoated with a double helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before having his trousers treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Stormy Blue and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The homicidal maniac's jumper was then pigmented with "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and a splash of Carroburg Crimson to suggest it was somewhat blood-soaked from a previous kill.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - 3D printed/primed Sardaukar and a Sentry Robot

I tidied up Jason's shirt and boots with a little more "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and applied plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to his tattered jacket. This garment was later shaded using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. In addition, I gave his machete a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Ordinarily I would then go back and dry-brush the actual blade with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. However, I wanted to keep the hand-weapon dull-looking, to tie-in with the 'undead' look, so didn't bother on this occasion. Instead I applied some "Vallejo" White to the villain's infamous hockey face-mask, and found myself rather perturbed by how 'chalky' it had become, despite watering it down. As a result, I turned to White Star from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" range, and once that had dried, dirtied it up with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - 3D printed/primed Sardaukar and a Sentry Robot

Finally, I 'picked out' the raised stripes on the sculpt's headwear with some lines of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and a dash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I also gave the monster's hands, head and neck a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and wash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. I did consider bloodying these areas up a bit with some (more) "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. But chose to simply leave them be, and stuck with the bare hands even after I spotted plenty of pictures of the silver screen slayer wearing black gloves.

With the start of the Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now less than a day away, I have spent some considerable time 3D printing, basing and priming more of the 28mm scale figures I hope to pigment during the event. In addition to expanding my collection of Sardaukar troopers by "Big Mr Tong", I have also produced some extra Sentry Robots to help bolster up the automatons bought from "Twisted Pinnacle 3D" (via "Etsy") I painted earlier this year...

"Germany’s Air Force And Navy Could Do Little To Resist Invasion."

"The defence of ‘Fortress Europe’ would therefore fall squarely onto the shoulders of the army."

These four plastic 15mm miniatures are sold by “Battlefront Miniatures” and can be found inside the company’s “Hit The Beach” starter set for “Flames Of War”. The figures consist of a non-commissioned officer (NCO), and three riflemen. Together they form the sixth and final base of MG34 and K98 Rifle teams I require for my second (maximum-strength) German Panzergrenadier Platoon.

As with all my other “FoW” German soldiers, the figures were initially super-glued onto wooden strips, before being primed in “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, shaded using “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII. Their details were then ‘picked out’ predominantly using “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, Gunmetal, Buff, German Camouflage Dark Green, Heavy Brown and a series of “Citadel” Shades.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - Three Cybermen and a Sardaukar trooper primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black

In addition, the Panzergrenadiers' rifle tops, the NCO's submachine gun, and water flask stoppers were given a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Whilst the camouflaged helmet covering was treated to some “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna. The headwear was then washed with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before being highlighted back up with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, of Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

Alongside my "Flames Of War" project I have also been busy 3D printing, basing and priming a large number of 28mm scale figures for the imminent Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. This year I plan to achieve my annual goal of 500-points by simply pigmenting approximately one hundred models, and not become distracted/obsessed by the any of the event's side challenges, so resultantly I've chosen my miniatures with a bit more thought than in the past.

Some of the Warhammer display models for "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" and "Warhammer 40K

First and foremost this means that the majority of the sculpts will be pretty straightforward to get finished, predominantly just requiring a shade and subsequent dry-brush over their undercoat. I've also broken the next three months down into weekly targets, with a number of science fiction figures crafted by "Big Mr Tong" being front and centre first in order to see whether my goals are achievable.

In addition, I hope to clear a few half-started projects I still have left lying around my painting table, and recently sought some inspiration as to potential colour schemes by visiting the Warhammer store in Portsmouth. This trip was particularly valuable as it gave me some ideas as to possible palettes for a number of partially-painted Warg Riders I own. I want to field a party of these giant wolves as part of my Isengard Army for the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game. Sticking with all things "Games Workshop" I was also impressed with some (dirty) white and red Warhammer 40k scenery I spotted - which got me thinking about the large number of such plastic kits I own that are still on their sprues...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge” December 2022

"Shortly after the Interex campaign the Luna Wolves became the Sons of Horus."

This month's optimistic intention to reduce my ‘peak of potential’ will be marvellously molded by Curt Campbell’s Thirteenth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), or rather my mad dash to clear my painting desk before the event starts on December 21st. First up will be the remaining Sons of Horus space marines I need to finish so I can field a 500-points traitor legion for "The Horus Heresy" by "Games Workshop".

Fortunately, I've already built, painted and even flocked a large proportion of these multi-part plastic figures. But over the next few weeks I still need to quite heavily focus upon the thirty-one-model force's third tactical contingent comprising of ten Blackshields - warriors who have entirely denounced their parent Legion,

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - A Sardaukar, Cyberman, member of the Village Militia and Dalek

To mix things up, I'm using several old "Forge World" resin kits I've had lying around since I last visited the Nottingham-based dedicated specialist's booth at "Salute" several years ago, alongside the pieces found inside the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set. So, each member of this pariah formation will contain elements taken from various armour variants (e.g. helmets, insignia-marked shoulder-pads etc), as well as extra equipment and weaponry.

In conjunction with this aim, I'll also be prepping many of the numerous miniatures I want to pigment during the forthcoming AHPC. I'm actually planning on ignoring all its side-quests this year, and simply focusing on completing approximately one hundred 28mm figures instead. A good portion of these models will be 3D printed sculpts taken from my "Patreon" subscription of "Big Mr Tong". But I also have plans for a contingent of Golemmar Gnomes by "Artisan Guild", which I hope to use (as Halflings) for "One Page Rules" Age Of Fantasy: Skirmish ruleset.

November 2022 - A renewed interest in "Doctor Who" has seen "Warlord Games" gain some ground

As far as the past four weeks' progress is concerned, I have enjoyed my most productive November since I first started recording my output some nine years ago. Indeed, I’ve now almost painted as much during the past eleven months as I did the entirety of last year. Much of this success has undoubtedly been due to my fascination with 3D printing the 28mm figures of “Big Mr Tong”. But I’ve also surprisingly rekindled my interest in the “Doctor Who” range of metal miniatures produced by “Warlord Games” due to the Nottingham-based manufacturer announcing the line’s imminent end, and resultantly offering a myriad of free exclusive models whenever an online order attains a certain price point.

With the AHPC starting in approximately three weeks’ time I have little doubt that even more science fiction sculpts by “Big Mr Tong” will be ready for the tabletop, and hopefully they should be accompanied by an equally impressive number of “Games Workshop” Sons of Horus Space Marines for “The Horus Heresy”, as well as the remaining 15mm “Battlefront Miniatures” German Panzergrenadiers I need to complete for my “Flames Of War” force. I am though, still busy perusing all the fascinating miniatures available via the various companies on “Patreon”, so wouldn’t be at all surprised if another one of those didn’t suddenly catch my eye…

This posting and many others can now be viewed on the main "Fantorical" website.

“Scooby Doobie Doooo!”

"Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?"

This 28mm scale model of Scooby Doo was sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of the Mystery Inc. set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the leading canine character from "Hanna-Barbera Productions" 1969 cartoon television series, the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Created by Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, and Iwao Takamoto, the figure was undercoated in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I then painted on some of the Great Dane's spots using a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - A Sardaukar, a Cyberman and a Village Militia Officer

Scooby Doo's collar was carefully 'picked out' using some "Vallejo" Steel Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, whilst I applied a little "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the dog's tiny nameplate. Finally, I treated the model's nose and closed mouth to a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before highlighting the miniature's marvellously detailed face with some additional thin lines of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

Sticking with "Big Mr Tong", I have started 3D printing, basing and priming many more of his figures in preparation of this year's Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. Event number Thirteen is already less than a calendar month away from starting, and so as to overcome some of my frustrations at last year's awarding of bonus points (or rather lack of), I've decided to achieve my five-hundred-point target by simply knuckling down and pigmenting a hundred 28mm models during its three-month duration.

"Anvil Digital Forge" WIPs - A Corporate Security Force operative

In addition, I've picked up one of the Corporate Security Force operatives I received from "Anvil Digital Forge" as part of their Patreon programme, and started applying a predominantly blue, black and silver palette across the pilot piece. I was originally planning on adopting a colour scheme more in line with the Judges of Mega-City One (and still may well do so). But I thought I'd try something a bit more 'realistic' first.

To be honest. I'm not yet convinced about all the 'silver' metal, so do plan to 'pick out' the officer's belt/pouches in brown, and the two large cartridges at the back in red. I'll also be applying either some "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade or Agrax Earthshade to the policeman's armour plates to help differentiate them from his chunky firearm. "Anvil Industries" are really churning out some great sculpts for this digital arm of their company, so I want to establish a fairly quick approach to these miniatures before I get swamped with all their awesome-looking STLs.

“When You Cross Swords With A Sardaukar, You Know It.”

"I have promised the Baron five legions of my Sardaukar terror troops."

This 28mm scale Sardaukar was sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon David Lynch's vision of the Emperor's elite warriors as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

The model was undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. The super-human soldier's belt was then 'picked out using a little "Vallejo" Steel Blue, and his firearm with Gunmetal. Finally, the entire figure was 'drowned' in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and the Sardaukar's distinctive green face-visor realised using a combination of "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning,

"A small force will follow through and under your instructions subdue survivors."

Alongside my test-piece I have managed to complete two more of Big Mr Tong's 28mm scale Cybermen too. Like so many of the sculptor's miniatures these are freely available to members of his "Patreon" and are based upon Eric Saward's incarnation of the travelling Time Lord's archenemies as first seen in the March 1982 "Doctor Who" story "Earthshock".

Just like the three Mondasians I've previously pigmented, these two models were primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and given a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. They were then shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before I applied a combination of "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red to the visible power cylinders on each of their hand-weapons.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - Three 15mm plastic 'D-Day' German Panzergrenadiers

Lastly, I have managed to get all the flesh finished on what I hope to be the final four German Infantrymen I need for my 50-point "Flames Of War" German Beach Defence Company. I actually find this part of the 15mm plastic soldiers the most difficult and time-consuming aspect, as the individual fingers are understandably super-tiny to highlight. However, now I'm on to simply layering and washing their backpacks, rifles and equipment, I hope to get them tabletop ready reasonably soon.

In addition, I have shaded the first of four Panzer IV Tanks I aim to tackle once I've finished my second German Panzergrenadier Platoon. This quartet of heavily armoured vehicles have been patiently waiting for me ever since I primed them in "Vallejo" Dark Yellow a few months ago. So, my plan is to practice my brush techniques on one of them whilst I work through the crews of two 7.5cm Tank-Hunter Teams I also need to fill out my Late War force.

"Schmitter. Like The Rest Of Them. Burned To A Crisp."

"I only got a glimpse of it, but it's big and shaggy."

This 28mm scale Lava Creature is sold by "Lost Heresy Miniatures" and can be downloaded as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from "MyMiniFactory" along with some round-shaped eggs. Sculpted by Bill Thornhill, the figure is strongly influenced by the Horta from Gene L. Coon's 1967 "Star Trek" television story "The Devil In The Dark" and was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

"A sentient non-humanoid silicon cycle life form native to the planet Janus VI", the model was primed using a double helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and then sporadically splodged with "Citadel" Doombull Brown whilst its undercoat was still wet. The alien was then thoroughly drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and had its lava-like ridges carefully 'picked out' in "Vallejo" White.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - Three 15mm plastic 'D-Day' German Panzergrenadiers

These areas were subsequently treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Sun Yellow and later, Heavy Orange, before being shaded in both "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Agrax Earthshade. Finally, the mother Horta's ridges were daubed in (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Orange with a badly battered brush-tip and darkened down thanks to some additional "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

To be honest this model was a bit of a monster to print, as despite its STL file coming pre-supported, I didn't think the weak-looking struts would allow the miniature to survive the process and would 'tear away' from the build plate onto the FEP (i.e. the bottom of the resin tank). As a result, I initially placed an unsupported version of the creature directly onto the build plate and then watched the solid(ish) sculpt then shatter into a handful of pieces post-print when I tried to remove it with a metal scrapper. The second time round I used Bill's pre-supports, and despite my reservations (as I've had more "Lost Heresy Miniatures" fail than any other manufacturer) the figure printed out perfectly.

"Big Mr. Tong" WIPs - A Sardaukar trooper, Shaggy Rogers and Scooby Doo

With the first of what will probably be a long line of "Star Trek" inspired 3D prints painted, I have made some more inroads into my 50-point German Beach Defence Company for "Flames Of War" and am now just four 15mm plastic infantrymen away from completing my second German Panzergrenadier Platoon. Once these are finished, I can eagerly move on to the 7.5cm Tank-Hunter Platoon and Panzer IV Tanks I need to successfully fill out my sizeable force.

Lastly, I've been busy printing a seemingly endless number of 28mm scale figures taken from the formidably extensive range of models produced by "Big Mr. Tong" for his Patreon subscribers. Foremost of these are Shaggy Rogers and Scooby Doo from Mystery Inc. However, I have also started in earnest my plans for some bizarre battles between numerous science fiction film/television franchises by preparing a test Sardaukar trooper, which has clearly been inspired by the emperor's elite warriors depicted in David Lynch's 1984 movie "Dune"...

"Let Them Try And Deal With The Banshee."

"She would be their doom..."

This 28mm scale Banshee is one of the "twenty six detailed and fully assembled miniatures in coloured plastic" found inside the "Dungeon Saga: The Dwarf King`s Quest" boxed game by "Mantic Games", and is sculpted to represent the "restless spirit of Elshara". Bound by the Necromancer Mortibris to the confines of an underground room "dominated by a huge stone pillar", the spirit is the four heroes' main adversary in the rule-set's third adventure "Restless Guardian".

Undercoated with a double-layer of "Vallejo" Dead White, I actually decided to step away from the Undead creature's 'official' all-blue palette and instead rather mercenarily used the figure as a test-piece for an upcoming "Games Workshop" Nighthaunt faction for "Age Of Sigmar". Resultantly, she was shaded using some "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green and dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Dead White.

Goliath WIPs - The ganger is slowly being painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Ironbreaker

Finally, as I wanted the Banshee's unruly flowing hair to stand out somewhat from the rest of her ethereal form I subsequently washed it with a spot of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshade and Agrax Earthshade, before trying to 'blend' these areas in with even more delicate "Vallejo" Dead White dry-brushing. The model's square cobbled stand was treated to a combination of "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade so as to better fit in with all my other basing, but I'm not convinced it really works all that well to be honest and may therefore re-base all my "Dungeon Saga" figures for "Kings Of War" should I ever decide to use them for that mass combat tabletop game.

With a few more "Mantic Games" Undead figures just needing to be varnished and flocked before being posted, I have turned my attention towards pigmenting the first of my Goliaths for a huge “Necromunda” project I plan to take through until the end of the year. I've already had a delivery of more MDF scenery from "Blotz" to go with the few pieces of their "28mm scale sci-fi style wall sections” I purchased at "Colours", and hope to quite quickly get a number of these structures painted in order to represent the corridors of Arrakis.

Goliaths WIPs - Baron Harkonnen, Feyd-Rautha and Glossu Rabban have all been assembled and primed

I'm probably one of the few who thoroughly enjoys repeated viewings of David Lynch's 1984 American epic science fiction film “Dune”, and therefore thought that setting my "underworld of corrosion" on Frank Herbert's desert planet would be a great way of blending two passions together. For now I'm simply going to focus on painting my "hulking brutes" up as House Harkonnen, so have decided upon a predominantly black and metal colour scheme, with some flashes of blue for the basic troops and perhaps a little red for their leader Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, as well as champions Glossu Rabban and Feyd-Rautha. 

Currently I have assembled all three of my gang's central characters, and dished out a number of the rule-sets' status weapons amongst them. This means my corpulent planetary governor will wield a power hammer and Plasma combi-stubber, his sadistic eldest nephew a two-handed 'Krumper' rivet cannon, and the ruthless Feyd a Renderizer. Of course, the "Games Workshop" models themselves require some 'willing suspension of disbelief' to resemble the noble family I have in my mind, but if this project grows any legs then I may well dive into my bitz box and possibly produce some more appropriate-looking figures in the future...

"Colours" Loot 2018

"Wizkids" Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. alongside the likes of the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man

This past Saturday I was lucky enough to make the trip to Newbury Racecourse and attend the annual Newbury & Reading Wargames Club’s show “Colours”. To be honest I haven’t been that impressed with this event since it was reduced in length to a single day a few years ago, but having come away with a motley collection of models and scenery pieces, including the obligatory ‘I never would have expected to buy that’ goody bag, I feel this was probably the best one I’ve experienced for some considerable time.

In addition, there seemed to be far more games being played on the two upper stories that I was interested in perusing than I can recall too, with an “Infinity” tournament proving to be particularly eye-catching, if not off-putting, with all the numerous colourful tokens being required in order to record each (predominantly unpainted) figure’s status. Sadly, for those anticipating a review of these wonderfully-adorned tabletops I won’t be providing any coverage here. However, one of the highlights of the day was briefly meeting up with fellow blogger Tamsin Piper, and she has done a first-rate job of detailing seemingly every battlefield present at the show on her excellent website “Wargaming Girl”.

"Doctor Who" WIPs - Romana, the Fourth Doctor & K-9, and Harry Sullivan 

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who pays even a passing attention to my wargaming habits to know that I’m a big fan of ‘Wizkids” and their pre-painted “Heroclix” range. These plastic ‘clicky’ super-heroes and dastardly villains have been about for many years and I’ve re-painted more than my fair share of them to use with such notable systems as “7TV” and “Mutants And Death Ray Guns”. Resultantly, when I stumbled upon a stall containing a shoe box of some of the New Jersey-based manufacturer’s earliest figures for ‘50p a pop’ I had a darn good rummage and picked up both the entire Fantastic Four, as well as my favourite “DC Comics” Silver Age comic book character, the Blue Beetle.

Now admittedly I already own these miniatures and have actually re-painted the vast majority too. But recently I’ve found myself yearning to play a few games of “Heroclix” using the system’s somewhat simple 2002 “Clobberin’ Time” rules, and Reed Richard’s quartet would allow me to do that rather nicely. In addition, I was later lucky enough to ‘pick up’ the ‘out of production’ “Hellboy And The B.P.R.D.” Action Pack from the show’s Bring & Buy area; a boxed set I’ve previously only partly-collected and re-painted as individual models.

"Epic" Khorne Army - Just the smallest of smatterings, as the plastic container was crammed full of tiny figures 

Equally as popular a genre with me as super-heroes is currently “Doctor Who”, so there was no way I was going to resist grabbing a set of the Fourth Doctor And Companions from “Warlord Games”. Featuring “medical officer” Harry Sullivan, “the noble savage” Leela, both incarnations of Romanadvoratrelundar and K-9, as well as Tom Baker’s instantly recognisable scarf-wearing time traveller, I’ve already popped all the models onto bases and given them a quick undercoat.

Perhaps somewhat bizarrely, I also succumbed to temptation at “Lesley’s Bits Box” by purchasing a plastic container full of “Epic” scale Khorne miniatures by “Games Workshop” for a tenner. It’s recently occurred to me that I’ve been firmly focusing upon 28mm sized figures for a considerably long time, much to the detriment of all the other scales I’ve collected, so thought a momentary future flurry with 6mm science fiction might make a pleasant change of pace.

"Blotz" Sci-Fi Style Wall Sections WIPs - The MDF pieces come in numerous pieces to add to their detail

Lastly, and by far my most enthusiastic ‘grab’, was from the excellent people at “Blotz”. I’ve been considering going all in for some “Necromunda” scenery ever since I latched on to the idea of blending it with Frank Herbert’s “Dune” universe and painting some Goliaths up as if they were from House Harkonnen. Many of the gangs arguably lend themselves to such an idea with the Escher (Bene Geserets), Delaque (Guild) and Van Saar (Fremen), as well as the Cadian Astra Militarum (Atreides), all appearing reasonably similar in looks to their ‘silver screen’ counterparts.

Impressively, the marvellous “selection of 28mm scale sci-fi style wall sections” “Blotz” produce in MDF was the final piece to my jigsaw, and should quite quickly help me progress a campaign set upon a nice three-dimensional Arrakis spice refinery using the “Necromunda” floor plans as a base. Somewhat foolishly, I only picked up a few of their pillars and walls at “Colours”, but have since ordered more along with some of their “terrain suitable for use with 6mm games such as Epic…”