"For Others, The Great Crusade Ended Long Ago."

"For us, it will not cease until all the worlds of Mankind are united once more.."

These 6mm scale metal models of five Adeptus Astartes Terminators used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range, and were bought second-hand as part of a job lot from "eBay" at the start of this year. Disconcertingly, all of the figures had already been partially-painted, with all but two of them actually being dark blue in colour (presumably in preparation of becoming Ultramarines..?).

As a result my first task was to slap some "Vallejo" White over the quintet prior to properly pigmenting them with a couple of coats of Sun Yellow so as to mark them out as belonging to the Imperial Fists. Due to the sculpts being crisply cast I wasn't too worried about their details becoming overly soft with this approach, and was reasonably happy with the heavily-armoured space marines' definition once they'd been shaded in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sun Yellow.

"Outside the Legion, Horus' corruption spread to every organisation with which he had dealings."

Finally, all of the Terminators' storm bolters were treated to a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I did at this point consider also applying some “Vallejo” Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to their power-fists. However, having perused numerous illustrations of the Chapter's over-sized, armoured gauntlets I got the impression that they were predominantly yellow in colour, so left them alone. Perhaps in future I might use such a palette on a sergeant, lieutenant or captain to help mark them out on the battlefield..?

In addition to my latest "Epic" additions, I have also completed three more 15mm miniatures by “Alternative Armies”, which are sold as part of their "The Ion Age" range. All of the figures can be found inside IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie, and despite carrying Angis Rifles, have actually been painted to proxy some Sons Of Horus space marines from the "Warhammer 30K" universe.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These three Killbots have been weathered

The trio were initially undercoated with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, and heavily shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then dry-brushed them with (more) Sons Of Horus Green, before applying some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to their shoulder-pads, as well as the tops of their backpacks and firearms. All the miniatures' power units and rifles were later treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Lastly, I've been steadily progressing three Killbots by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" to use alongside their soon-to-be-released Corporate Wars range. I'm aiming to make these veteran automatons of yesteryear really show their age (and service to the United States of America) by being rather rusty, and rather badly beaten. Any excuse really to get the ever-reliable "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash out.

“The Deathwing Is The Elite First Company…”

“…Of The Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter.”

These 6mm scale metal models of five Adeptus Astartes terminators used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range, and were recently bought second-hand off of “eBay”. The sculpts had all previously been undercoated with a deep blue paint, however, as their details still appeared to be crisp, I figured their tactical dreadnought armour could withstand some more layers in order for me to field them as part of the Deathwing.

Resultantly, all of the miniatures were given a couple of coats of “Vallejo” White, before being shaded using some heavily-watered down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. They were then dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” White, before I treated their storm bolters to a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

A second-hand collection of non-official vessels for "Battlefleet Gothic"

With my latest submission to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) completed, I have spent some time sorting through a box of second-hand 1:20000 scale spaceships I found on one of the shelves of my local wargaming store. I did initially believe I had bought two official large-sized Imperial Fleets for “Battlefleet Gothic”. However, having subsequently scrutinised the vessels much more closely, they would appear to actually be 3D-printed resin models, as opposed to something historically produced by “Forge World” or “Games Workshop”.

Fortunately, the detail on these miniatures is absolutely insane, with the craft more than favourably matching up with their genuine cousins, such as the Space Marine Battlebarge or Strike Cruiser. Indeed, apart from the models’ material, it is only the complete absence of an Aquila anywhere on the vessels which really gives away that they’re not the genuine article. Perhaps therefore my only frustration with my thirty pound purchase is that I can’t locate who actually produces the models so I can potentially add to the fleets in the future.

"Battlefleet Gothic" WIPs - Several of the spaceships have snapped off their resin stands

Due to owning two identical spacefaring forces, I thought the best thing to do with them was to re-paint them as two different Space Marine Chapters – thus I could pit one against another (due to some misunderstanding) or combine the two against an even larger threat should I ever decide to expand my collection. To this end I have taken one of the smallest ships – a Nova Class Frigate, whose resin base had already snapped off, and started to paint it as a Dark Angels Chapter vessel.

In addition, I have drilled out the rest of the broken stem from its underbelly – which was easier said than done – and superglued one of the widgets produced for the new “Dropzone Commander” flying stands in its place. Once I’ve finished pigmenting the Frigate, I then intend to paint the widget “Citadel” Abaddon Black, so it should become partially lost from sight when the spaceship is being used on my Deep Space “Hotz” mat…

“Terminators Are Space Marine Veterans…”

“…who have earned the right to wear Tactical Dreadnought Armour, better known as Terminator Armour.”

These 6mm scale plastic models of five Adeptus Astartes terminators used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range, and were predominantly found inside my original box of “Space Marine” from 1991. However, I’m pretty sure the elite, First Company veterans were actually acquired second-hand, as some were already primed on the sprue with a thick, black paint, and there weren’t any space marines wearing tactical dreadnought armour in the starter set I owned.

Due to these miniatures’ disconcerting undercoat, I decided to make them a squad of Black Templar terminators, as I feared what soft detail there already was on the sculpts would diminish even more following much more paint being applied to them. This effectively meant all I needed to do was just give them a lick or two of watered-down “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before ‘picking out’ any noticeable details.

"Fortuitously... the German defences were even weaker in this sector of the beach."

The diminutive figures’ shoulder-pads were all treated to a simple layer of “Vallejo” White and a dash of Pale Grey. Whilst, all of their storm bolters were treated to a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I did consider applying some “Vallejo” White to their power-fists too, however, I thought this might then just merge the over-sized, armoured gauntlets into their shoulder-pads.

In addition to my latest Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) submission, I have also completed four more plastic 15mm miniatures by “Battlefront Miniatures”. Found inside the company’s “Hit The Beach” starter set for “Flames Of War”, these figures form another of the MG34 and K98 Rifle teams I require for my German Beach Defence Company’s second Panzergrenadier Platoon.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These ACW Confederates have had their trousers and shoes layered

As with all my other “FoW” German soldiers, the models 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.

Lastly, with the arrival of my pre-ordered Epic 15mm British Infantry Brigade by “Warlord Games” just around the corner, I have continued practicing my approach to the Nottingham-based company’s plastic strips of infantry by working on another of my (spare) American Civil War stands. I’ve now settled on painting the soldiers’ trousers first over a “Citadel” Abaddon Black prime, and then selectively ‘picking out’ their shoes before working on the much more complicated details of their torsos etc…

“It’s Me! It’s Walter!”

“Walter is a good wobot… Walter loves humans… Weally he do.”

This 28mm scale metal model of Walter The Wobot was produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. The now long out of production (OOP) figure was originally part of the company’s Justice Department release as Code MGP10217, but was later made available by “Warlord Games” as blister Code JD20161.

“Originally a robo-servant at the Grand Hall of Justice”, the multi-piece figure was originally primed in “Vallejo” Gunmetal. However, having read up on Judge Dredd’s house robot, it became clear that the droid with a speech impediment was grey in colour. As a result, the miniature was re-primed using a coat of "Scalecolor" Thrash Metal.

"Power Fists smash the enemy at close quarters, and Autocannons and Heavy Bolters cut them down at range."

Walter was then washed him with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed with (more) "Scalecolor" Thrash Metal, and had his large video screen pigmented with a combination of “Citadel” Nuln Oil and (later) Ardcoat gloss varnish. I also 'picked out' his supposed "I'm Walter Try Me" sign using some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. In an effort to make the wording a bit more legible I later returned to it with a further, delicate application of (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red.

Alongside this entry into both the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) and Dave Stone’s Paint What You’ve Got Challenge, I have also painted another couple of 6mm Conqueror Robots from the long OOP Epic range by "Games Workshop". These two miniatures were painted to represent the Ultramarines and Imperial Fists space marine chapters, so were predominantly pigmented in either a permutation of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, or "Vallejo" Sun Yellow and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - These Panzergrenadiers have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

As with the other “hulking automations with limited scope for tactical manoeuvres” the pair’s Lascannons and Heavy Bolters were later picked out with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, rather than simply pigment the barrel of the Ultramarines’ “formidable Laser Weapon”, I ended up applying paint across the entire “favourite anti-tank weapon of the Astra Militarum.”

In addition, I’m continuing to work away at my backlog of “Battlefront Miniatures”, and have decided to extend my time working away on these 15mm plastic figures for the entirely of my fourth AHPC painting block. This is so I can hopefully get a few more stands of Grenadiers finished for my “Flames Of War” force German Beach Defence Force, as well as add some camouflage marking to the four-model strong Panzer IV Tank Company I built and primed last week...

“A Sergeant Is An Astartes Non-commissioned Officer…”

“…Who commands a squad composed of ten Space Marines.”

These 6mm scale plastic models of five space marines used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range, and were discovered whilst I was clearing out my original box of “Space Marines” from 1991. In addition, I’ve added a few pre-primed ‘beaky’ marine sculpts which I believe I was lucky enough to receive second-hand many moons ago.

As all of the miniatures were already pigmented in some shape or form, courtesy of my figures from “Space Marines” having suffered an attempt at the Ultramarines’ colour scheme back in my youth, I figured I would struggle to re-paint the soft(ish) sculpts in any other Chapter than the Black Templars. So resultantly, they were all undercoated (once again) with a couple of coats of some watered-down “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"For Russ and the Allfather!"

Once dry, all the space marines’ shoulder-pads were treated to a double-coat of “Vallejo” White and Pale Grey, whilst their bolters were given a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I then settled upon picking out the stand’s sergeant by applying a little “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade to his hair, “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to his face, and (more) “Vallejo” White and Pale Grey to his Powerfist. I even managed to spot the hardened veteran’s tiny cybernetic eye with some “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Alongside this base, I have also completed ten Assault Adeptus Astartes from the Space Wolves Chapter. These close combat specialists were undercoated in two layers of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, shaded with “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey. I was momentarily tempted to paint the space marines’ shoulder-pads yellow, but in the end simply settled upon using a little “Vallejo” Gunmetal” and “Citadel” Nuln Oil on their chainswords and bolt pistols.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Ro-Jaws has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Setting aside my latest contributions to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have been working on some long-neglected models by “Wargames Foundry” as part of Dave Stone’s Paint What You’ve Got Challenge. I thought I’d base this small(ish) project upon a handful of characters found within the pages of the British comic book “2000 A.D.”, so one of the figures is that of the automaton, Ro-Jaws.

I actually first encountered this “municipal sewage robot” whilst reading Ro-Busters in “Starlord”, but these days will forever associate him as part of Nemesis the Warlock’s line-up of A.B.C. Warriors. Sculpted by Tim Prow, I’m using the model as a test piece to see how well Emerald Alchemy by “Scalecolor” works as a metallic paint…

“The Dark Angels Are Considered The Most Powerful…”

“…And secretive of the Loyalist Space Marine Chapters.”

These 6mm scale plastic models of a Conqueror Robot, Rhino, and five Assault Adeptus Astartes all used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range. However, I was fortunate enough to obtain the vast majority of them either when the Nottingham-based company first released its “Space Marines” boxed set in 1991, or via the second-hand market.

In the past I painted “my finest warriors” as Black Templars due to the softy-detailed miniatures having already been primed in a thick black paint by their previous owner/s. However, both the Robot and Assault Space Marines were actually untouched, so along with a previously-primed black Rhino, I applied a couple of coats “Vallejo” Dark Green across all the models.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - Walter The Wobot

Next, I splashed plenty of “Citadel” Nuln Oil over the entire ensemble and later dry-brushed them all with (more) “Vallejo” Dark Green. I then ‘picked out’ all the tiny figures’ chainswords, bolters, lascanon, heavy bolters and numerous objects on the transporter with a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Finally, I dotted the eyes of the Robot with a little “Vallejo” Heavy Red, shaded them with “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, and subsequently highlighted the pupils with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red. I did consider potentially painting some of the Dark Angels’ weapons in red, but ultimately decided that I’d leave such finicky brushwork to any Chapters which would otherwise potentially clash with the First Legion’s colour scheme – such as the Salamanders; where I intend to give them black shoulder-pads.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - These Panzergrenadiers have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside my latest contribution to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have been working on a sculpt of Walter The Wobot by “Mongoose Publishing” for Dave Stone’s Paint What You’ve Got Challenge. This 28mm metal figure was part of the manufacturer’s long-running “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game” Kickstarter, and will hopefully be the first of a handful of “2000 A.D.” related robots I will complete over the coming four weeks.

In addition, I’m already beavering away at the “Battlefront Miniatures” set aside for my third AHPC painting block. Over the next seven days I plan to get a few more stands of Grenadiers finished for my “Flames Of War” force German Beach Defence Force, and perhaps a four-model strong Panzer IV Tank Company too. These reinforcements should enable me to field a second Infantry platoon, as well as a sizeable armour contingent, alongside my already completed Command HQ, Grenadier Platoon and 12cm Mortar teams...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "2000 A.D.” January 2022

"The Galaxy's Greatest Comic!"

This month's struggle to lessen my somewhat sizeable backlog of lead, plastic and resin miniatures will continue to be strongly influenced by my ongoing participation in the Twelfth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). But having had a brief discussion with Dave Stone over on his excellent “Wargames Terrain Workshop” website, I am also planning to pigment at least a handful of figures taken from the British Science Fiction comic book “2000 A.D.”, as part of his Paint What You’ve Got Challenge.

Initially, I did intend to simply finish off more of my Judge Dredd models from the long Out Of Production (OOP) range by “Mongoose Publishing”, for despite a couple of semi-successful attempts last year to get more of the miniatures finished, I have still only scratched the surface of that particular collection. However, having had a rummage through another box of long-forgotten models, I discovered several of the metal sculpts I bought from “Wargames Foundry” following the sudden announcement that they were discontinuing their officially licenced range in 2017.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Mek Quake, Morrigun and Ro-Jaws

To be honest, despite Tim Prow and Shane Hoyle’s evident skills, I have never really been a particular fan of this range due to the large size of the figures – especially when compared to those produced by “Mongoose Publishing”, “Wizkids” and “Warlord Games”. Fortunately though, I don’t think this unpalatable ‘scale creep’ is quite so noticeable with some of the robots produced, and resultantly I have primed ABC Mek Quake, Morrigun and Ro-Jaws up with some “Vallejo” Grey Surface Primer in the hope that I’ll be able to freely mingle them amongst my existing 28mm Judge Dredd figures on the tabletop.

In addition, I thought the automatons would provide me with a good opportunity to test out some of my Metal N’ Alchemy metallic paints by “Scalecolor” – something I’ve been itching to do since I first applied some Cobalt Alchemy to my three Paladin Annihilators for Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika by “Privateer Press”. Of course, ever being an optimist I would like to successfully apply my brush to far more than just these three figures, and have subsequently set aside a number of other 2000 A.D. related sculpts aside produced by various manufacturers in the hope that I can get a few more finished.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - A Juggernaut of Khorne

Moving over to the AHPC, I have broken down the next four weeks into a quartet of painting blocks which should help me really focus upon getting plenty of miniatures submitted. Every seven days will see a different subject matter, and even scale, so as to help energise my painting mojo, and I have already made some considerable headway with several OOP Dwarf Blood Bowl models by “Games Workshop” as part of my opening task.

These diminutive football players should subsequently be accompanied by a consignment of 15mm Flames of War Germans by “Battlefront Miniatures”, plenty of 1:285 scale Mechs from Battletech by “Catalyst Game Labs” and even some 28mm English Civil War Royalists by “Warlord Games”. However, running alongside all these painting projects I seem aim to ‘pick away’ at a number of 6mm Epic models by “Games Workshop” I want to finish as part of Chaotic Khorne force…

“The Black Templars Are A Loyalist Second Founding Space Marine Chapter…”

“…Derived from the Imperial Fists' gene-seed and their primarch, Rogal Dorn.”

These 6mm scale plastic models of ten space marines used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range, and were predominantly found whilst I was busy mooching through my original box of “Space Marines” from 1991. However, I’m pretty sure the ‘beaky’ marine sculpts were actually acquired second-hand, as they were already primed on the sprue with a thick, black paint and were part of the game’s first edition, which was released a couple of years earlier than the version I bought.

These figures’ perplexing undercoat also meant that I would struggle to re-paint the diminutive Adeptus Astartes in any other Chapter colours if I didn’t want their already somewhat soft detail to worsen. So as a result I decided to make them all Black Templars and just ‘pick out’ their shoulder-pads and bolters, rather than risk anything else which would add an extra layer or two to the models.

 "Their origin can be traced back to the Imperial Fists' defence of Terra during the Horus Heresy."

I was though unhappy at the thought of my ten-man unit simply comprising of Corvus armoured warriors, so rummaged around until I had found a few (updated) sculpts wearing Mark VII armour. I’d actually previously painted these figures as Ultramarines, but felt the unimpressive thirty year plus paint-jobs could easily be expunged by the self-same heavily watered-down prime of “Citadel” Abaddon Black which I gave their ‘beaky’ brethren.

Once dry, all the space marines’ shoulder-pads were treated to a double-coat of watered-down “Vallejo” White and Pale Grey, whilst their bolters were given a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I did actually attempt to apply some “Citadel” Abaddon Black to the shoulder-pad ridges of the Aquila armoured Adeptus Astartes. Sadly though, my skill with a paint-brush to successfully achieve such straight lines was distinctly lacking, so I soon settled upon the entire shoulder-pad simply being a single colour, and just dry-brushed them all with (more) “Vallejo” White after applying the Pale Grey.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Four Royalist Pikemen primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red

Stepping well away from my latest science-fiction based entry into the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, I have assembled and primed four 28mm plastic Pikemen by “Warlord Games” for a project I plan to patiently pursue throughout the entirety of next year – if not, beyond. I have always wanted to be able to play a large, mass-scaled historical battle, yet despite dabbling in Napoleonic armies at various scales over the decades, have never managed to get anywhere close to the breath-taking numbers required for such a feat.

Having recently reread the “Pike & Shotte” English Civil War expansion “To Kill A King” though, I’m hoping a change of war theatre and century might just make such a project a possibility. Working on the principle of having two opposing forces solely consisting of a Pike unit, two Musketeer units and a troop of cavalry by this time next year, I aim to finish just a handful of figures a month, and have duly started on a quartet of Pikemen for the King’s Lifeguard…

“The Land Raider Is A Heavy Tank…”

“…And transport, used primarily by the Space Marines and Chaos Space Marines.”

These 6mm scale plastic models of two Land Raiders used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range, and were found whilst I was delving through a second-hand box of “Adeptus Titanicus” from 1988. Unfortunately, due to the miniatures being previously owned, they had both already been undercoated in a somewhat overly thick, black paint.

However, rather than strip them/re-prime the “single most destructive weapon[s] in the Adeptus Astartes' arsenal”, I simply decided to pigment them as part of the Black Templars chapter, and therefore just treated them to a watered-down layer of “Citadel” Abaddon Black once they’d been glued to a couple of small “Flames Of War” stands by “Battlefront Miniatures”. As with the trio of slightly smaller Rhino vehicles I recently finished, I then ‘picked out’ the Land Raiders’ doors, hatches, heavy bolter, twin-linked lascannons, tracks and support struts with a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - A Robot [Ultramarines], Land Speeder [Space Wolves] and Robot [Imperial Fists]

With the latest of my entries for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge completed, I have made some more progress on the rest of my “Epic” backlog, by slowly working my way through a number of Assault Marines, Devastator Marines, Terminators, Bikes, Robots and even an (intact) Land Speeder. Whilst some of these tiny figures have arguably had to form part of my burgeoning Black Templars force, due to being already ‘gooped’ in black paint, a fair few others have been bare plastic – and thus enabled me to start populating my all-encompassing Adeptus Astartes army with space marines from some of the other chapters.

I’m hoping this will lead to a really colourful mix of units on the tabletop, and wherever possible I am trying to match-up the various “autonomous military unit[s]” with the specialist teams they are specifically associated with as part of “Warhammer 40K” lore, such as the White Scars forming the backbone of my Bikes. In addition, I have also been successfully trawling “eBay” to procure some more of the slightly larger Mark VII power armoured space marines to intermingle with the vast legions of ‘beaky’ marines I already own.

"Catalyst Game Labs" WIPs - A Panther, Marauder and a Wolfhound

Alongside my “Epic” collection, I’ve also been working on some more “Battletech” mechs by “Catalyst Game Labs” for my Weird War Two campaign. I was initially planning on methodically completing the large and super-large models I already own. But the American company’s sudden release of its range’s second wave of miniatures has somewhat scuppered this, as it’s provided me with an opportunity to add a few more small-sized war walkers to my ‘Early War’ forces first.

Resultantly, I am still planning on continuing with my excursion into the Pacific theatre, courtesy of some Japanese-flavoured Marauders. However, alongside these “iconic early BattleMechs” I am also working on some expansions for both my German Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht forces. Most notably, a Wolfhound and a Panther…

“The Rhino Is A Common Armoured Troop Transport Produced By The Imperium.”

“Its use is entrusted to only the most loyal of soldiers.”

These three 6mm scale plastic models of a Rhino used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range. I actually seem to have acquired them second-hand, as I discovered them whilst rummaging through an old box of “Adeptus Titanicus” from 1988, and their previous owner predominantly primed them in a disconcertingly thick black paint.

As a result, I decided to pigment them as part of the Black Templars chapter, so having permanently attached them onto some small “Flames Of War” stands by “Battlefront Miniatures”, I simply gave them a coat of watered down “Citadel” Abaddon Black. I then had to decide which areas, such as the vehicles’ doors and hatches, were going to be ‘picked out’ with any “Vallejo” White, but ultimately decided just to apply a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil to their weapons, tracks, and handles.

Black Templars encounter a horde of daemonic Bloodletters

I did look for any suitably-sized decals which would mark the armoured vehicles out as specifically belonging to the “Loyalist Second Founding Space Marine Chapter derived from the Imperial Fists' gene-seed”. However, I couldn’t find any within my own collection, so eventually just settled upon them being black and silver. This did though cause me to pick out some extra details on the Rhinos with “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil, before treating them all to a coat of “Vallejo” Matt Varnish.

"Robots are artificial constructs capable of completing complex tasks automatically."

Having ‘bagged’ a handful of points for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge [AHPC] with my transports, I also decided to complete a second 6mm plastic “Epic” Conqueror Robot. This particular sculpt was undercoated with “Vallejo” White Surface Primer as part of my AHPC preparation, so was simply treated to a couple of layers of “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before having its large power-fist ‘picked out’ with some “Vallejo” White and Pale Grey.

The automaton’s heavy bolter and auto-cannon were originally given a layer of “Citadel” Abaddon Black, and then later treated to a little “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. In addition, I dabbed the killing machine’s prominent eyes with “Vallejo” Heavy Red and a dash of “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson. Finally, I spotted them with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red.

"Epic" WIPs - An Assault Marine (Dark Angels), land Speeder (Space Wolves) and Terminator (Black Templars)

I really am on a big “Epic” push currently, with several more Space Marine-related units in my painting queue, including some Assault Marines, Terminators and a Land Speeder. As with my recently finished Rhinos, some of these 6mm models have already been partially-painted by their previous owner/s, but where-ever possible I have tried to ensure that my combined Adeptus Astartes force represents more chapters than just the Black Templars…

“The 1st Alabama Infantry Regiment…”

“...Was a Confederate volunteer infantry unit from the state of Alabama during the American Civil War.”

These ten 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers are produced by “Warlord Games” and came free on a sprue accompanying Issue 393 of "Wargames Illustrated". Later released as part of the Nottingham-based company's "Epic Battles: American Civil War" game for its Black Powder rule-set, the line of infantrymen are the second of two I needed to form a single stand of miniatures, and are based upon the uniforms of an Alabama unit.

The figures were all primed using a double-coat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and then slowly had their somewhat intricate details 'picked out' from the ground up. Originally, I was awfully tempted simply to stick to basic black for all of their shoes, but as with the first line of troops I painted, I decided to apply a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade to the footwear of three models.

"For a year it staffed the batteries at Pensacola, then with 1,000 soldiers moved to Missouri."

I then did something similar with the miniatures’ trousers too, as I didn't just want all of them to be marching in the colour pants. As a result I pigmented six with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, a couple with Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and the remaining two with “Vallejo” Steel Grey and “Citadel” Drakenhof Nightshade.

For the Confederates' jackets I either went with a mixture of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, or Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Such colours might seem a little odd for a Southern unit but the Alabama recruits actually wore "a dark blue frock coat" and "black broad brimmed felt hats at the war's start," so I wanted to capture that uniqueness with my palette choices.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - A tiny Space Marine, a Rhino, and a larger (Second Edition) Space Marine

I gave all the Kepi hats a dash of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, their blanket rolls a smidgeon of either "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or White with a wash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and their belt buckles a touch of "Vallejo" Gold and (more) Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". Finally their hands and faces were layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, shaded in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and later highlighted with extra dabs of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

With the last of my Weekly Challenges now completed, and the first of my "Epic Battles: American Civil War" infantry stands finished after a ten-month delay, I have been able to fully focus upon the first batch of “Epic” figures by “Games Workshop” I want to submit to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. All of these plastic 6mm models had already been previously painted in some way, shape or form, so I am turning them all into the Space Marine Chapter Black Templars, so as to be able to eradicate their previous paint-jobs with a layer of “Citadel” Abaddon Black…

“Robots Are Hulking Automations…”

“…With limited scope for tactical manoeuvres.”

This 6mm scale plastic model of a Conqueror Robot was produced by “Games Workshop” and could be found as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range for the second edition of “Space Marine”. Incorporating “good armour and formidable combat ability,” the single-cast sculpt seems to have ‘officially’ been painted predominantly red - presumably to tie in with the Legio Cybernetica who built it.

But as I wanted it to form part of a force of Space Wolves, I decided to use it as a pilot piece for their colour scheme instead. As a result the tiny figure was temporarily glued to a wooden painting stick, before being primed with a double helping of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey. It was then shaded in “Citadel” Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, so as to better ‘highlight’ its impressive details.

"Catalyst Game Labs" WIPs - This Marauder has been primed “Vallejo” Japanese Uniform WWII

This 6mm scale plastic model of a Conqueror Robot was produced by “Games Workshop” and could be found as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range for the second edition of “Space Marine”. Incorporating “good armour and formidable combat ability,” the single-cast sculpt seems to have ‘officially’ been painted predominantly red - presumably to tie in with the Legio Cybernetica who built it.

But as I wanted it to form part of a force of Space Wolves, I decided to use it as a pilot piece for their colour scheme instead. As a result the tiny figure was temporarily glued to a wooden painting stick, before being primed with a double helping of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey. It was then shaded in “Citadel” Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, so as to better ‘highlight’ its impressive details.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Some of these Confederate soldiers just need some shading and highlights

Sticking with diminutive-sized science fiction figures, albeit the 1:285 scale plastic models by “Catalyst Game Labs”, I’ve finally started to re-base and undercoat the first of my large “Battletech” mechs for my Weird War Two campaign. First up will be a pair of impressively-sized Marauders to bolster the Japanese Empire’s forces in the Pacific theatre. As with my previously-painted Mitsubishi class War Walker these killing-machines have been primed in “Vallejo” Japanese Uniform WWII.

Finally, the end is very much in sight for the last of this year’s Weekly Challenges, randomly chosen by the turning of a playing card. I’ve just got some inks to apply to my latest 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers by “Warlord Games”, and will then add them to a twenty-man strong stand of Alabama soldiers for "Epic Battles: American Civil War" table-top game.

“The Mongrel Received Its Baptism Of Fire…”

“…During the Battle of Tukayyid.”

This 1:285 scale plastic model of a Mongrel (Grendel) is manufactured by “Catalyst Game Labs” and can be found together with an Executioner, Timber Wolf, Nova, and Adder in the company’s “Battletech: Clan Invasion” boxed set. All the pre-assembled miniatures in this “supplement to the BattleTech: A Game of Armoured Combat box” come with an assortment of Alpha Strike cards depicting various colour schemes. But as I plan to use this particular sculpt as a Centauro class Italian War Walker for an upcoming Weird War Two campaign using some homemade rules, I decided to go with a predominantly green palette.

“Commonly seen leading light Star [formations], especially on deep reconnaissance and raiding missions”, the 38mm tall figure was initially undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Green, shaded in “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green, and dry-brushed using (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Green. I then ‘picked out’ the armoured combat vehicle’s numerous exhaust ports, its Extended Range [ER] large laser, medium lasers and Streak short range missiles using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. These areas were later carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - This "Epic" Robot is slowly having its details picked out

Ordinarily, I would then have left the miniature alone, apart from apply a few well-placed transfers onto any suitably-sized plates of Ferro-Fibrous armour. However, I actually found the 1/600 WWII Italian Insignia by “Decal Details” to be decidedly lacking in Italian national flags, so ended using the Mongrel’s left shoulder instead. As a result the top part was pigmented using a combination of “Vallejo” Dark Green and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green, the middle segment layered with “Vallejo” White and a little Pale Grey, and finally it’s bottom section daubed in “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

In addition to my latest Weird War Two walker, I have also been working on a 6mm scale “Epic” plastic robot by “Games Workshop”. I have actually found myself owning quite a few of these, following a rummage through an old box of “Space Marine” and the original “Adeptus Titanicus”, so plan of painting a few up during the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) to represent the various main chapters of the Adeptus Astartes.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Just three more Confederate soldiers to finish on this strip

For starters though, I thought I’d apply my brush-tip to a solitary test piece, and pilot the straightforward colour scheme I intend using for all my Space Wolves. Despite the (second-hand) space marine infantry I currently own being predominantly primed in black, I’m also still hoping to get a couple of stands of Leman Russ’ ferocious warriors ready for the table-top, courtesy of a little flutter on “eBay” and the imminent arrival of some Mk VII armoured defenders of Humanity.

Lastly, I’m now about three-quarters of the way to completing the last of this year’s Weekly Challenges, randomly chosen by the turning of a playing card. Rather embarrassingly it’s actually been ten months since I last touched these 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers by “Warlord Games”. Nonetheless, fingers crossed it shouldn’t be too long now before I can finally field an entire twenty-man stand of Alabama soldiers for "Epic Battles: American Civil War" table-top game.

“Bloodletters Are Horrific Lesser Daemons Of Khorne…”

“…That specialise in close combat fighting.”

These ten plastic 6mm scale Bloodletters used to be manufactured by "Games Workshop" for their tabletop wargame "Epic", and disappointingly are now long Out Of Production (OOP). However I was fortunate enough to stumble across a small tub of these diminutive Slaughter-kin from a second-hand stall whilst visiting "Colours" at Newbury a few years ago, and thought a couple of bases would make a nice subject for my penultimate, self-imposed Weekly Challenge.

The tiny figures were initially all super-glued onto two thin strips of wood, and primed using a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. They were then shaded with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. I subsequently 'picked out' their loincloths and horns with some “Citadel” Abaddon Black, and applied a layer of Heavy Sienna to their Hellblades.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - A Space Marine Land Speeder, Robot and bike

Lastly, I pigmented their hand-weapons using a combination of "Vallejo" Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, finished the blades off with a delicate dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Brass, and assembled them in groups of five figures upon two separate small "Flames Of War" rectangular stands by "Battlefront Miniatures". During this process, I spotted that the sculpts are wearing brass bracelets on their wrists, something I had never noticed before, and was momentarily tempted to pick these out.

However, as I already have twenty Bloodletters already painted, based, varnished and flocked, such a move would necessitate my returning to these other figures and ‘touching them up’ too. Considering that some of these models were now rather inaccessible due to their position on their stands, I felt that that was asking a bit much of my skill with a steady paint-brush tip, so ultimately decided to simply leave well enough alone…

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Ten Confederate Soldiers are slowly having their details 'picked out'

In addition to my ever expanding “crimson death”, I have also primed some other “Epic” miniatures in preparation for the imminent Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). Unlike many of the 6mm scale models I aim to pigment for that event, my collection of second-hand Space Marine Land Speeders, bikes and robots were never primed by their previous owners, allowing me to consider having them represent some of the more colourful chapters of the Adeptus Astartes.

Moving away to the last of this year’s Weekly Challenges, randomly chosen by the turning of a playing card, I have been steadily progressing ten more 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers by “Warlord Games”. These figures actually came free on a sprue accompanying Issue 393 of "Wargames Illustrated", and once finished will actually allow me to field a complete twenty-man stand of soldiers for the Nottingham-based company’s "Epic Battles: American Civil War" tabletop game.

“Though Vaguely Canine In Form…”

“…Flesh Hounds are more a horrific cross between dog and reptile.”

These six plastic 6mm scale Flesh Hounds [twelve shown with accompanying Bloodletters] were produced by "Games Workshop" for their tabletop wargame "Epic", and regrettably are now long Out Of Production (OOP). However I was jammy enough to stumble across a tub of these daemonic canines from the second-hand stall, “Lesley’s Bitz Box”, whilst visiting "Colours" at Newbury a few years ago, and as part of one of my recent self-imposed Weekly Challenges, thought I should paint up some of them.

“Found by the hundreds and thousands on the bone-littered plains surrounding Khorne's demesne in the Realm of Chaos”, the tiny figures were super-glued onto two thin strips of wood, and primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. They were then washed using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and very delicately dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Both this 6mm Lander Raider and Rhino were uncoated by their previous owner

Later, each “bloody-minded daemonic beast” had their back spines and head crests ‘picked out' with a little “Citadel” Abaddon Black. As a final touch I also decided to dot their super-tiny teeth/fangs with a well-placed spot of “Vallejo” White, and then dirtied these areas up, along with the insides of their open maws, with some “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

Momentarily sticking with “Epic”, I have set aside some opposition to my 6mm Forces of Chaos in the shape of some second-hand Adeptus Astartes I was gifted a good couple of decades ago. There’s no actual rhyhme or reason as to the motley collection, and many of them have already undergone a somewhat thick initial coat of black paint – probably “Citadel” Chaos Black.

"The Iron Star Alliance is able to afford the most advanced technology and weapons for its military."

However, I thought a sizeable batch of space marines, assault marines, rhinos, land raiders, speeders and robots would make an enjoyable small(ish) project for the forthcoming Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. Although, despite wanting this force to encompass as many chapters as I can cram in, I fear the black ‘prime’ is predominantly going to limit some of the units to being Black Templar, Iron Hand or perhaps Raven Guard…

Lastly, having recently finished painting three Paladin Annihilators by “Privateer Press” for “Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika”, I have revisited the rest of my Iron Star Alliance forces and re-painted all of their Arc receiver’s with a combination of “Vallejo” Brass and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. I had actually used this palette on most of their backpacks before anyway, but I then spotted a couple of areas I have consistently missed on the older models which I decided to ‘pick out’ so that they would match-up better with the new Annihilators.

“The Harbinger Cannons’ Hunter-Killer Rounds…”

“…Enable the squad to spike to target enemy models that are not even in their line of sight.”

This 35mm scale metal Paladin Annihilator is made by “Privateer Press” and is the last of three figures which can be found inside the SKU: 83008 Paladin Annihilators – Iron Star Alliance Squad for Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika. The multi-part figure carries a rapid-fire weapon “that can hit up to three models with every attack” and “ignore cover.”

Once the warrior’s weapon arms and Arc receiver were super-glued in place, the miniature was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and given two coats of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. It was then shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal using a large make-up blusher brush.

“These smart rounds will curve around walls to hit their mark.”

Sticking with the slightly 'clean' metallic look of the Paladin’s previously painted battle brothers’ mechanically enhanced compound armour, I patiently 'picked out' the Annihilator’s knee-pads, central chest plate, elbow-pads, and the majority of his Harbinger Cannon’s housing in “Citadel” Abaddon Black. In addition, I applied a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna over the soldier’s spats, shoulder-pads, face-plate, and thigh-joints.

These areas were later given a coat of "Vallejo" Brass, a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and some delicate dry-brushing with a smidge more "Vallejo" Brass so as to bring back some of their shine after being shaded. I also painted part of each Paladin's Arc receiver with "Vallejo" Brass and washed them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The 6mm Bloodletter is slowly having its details picked out

Finally, as I wanted this heavy support Paladin to stand out from the run-of-the-mill Enforcers, I decided to apply a combination of “Scalecolor” Cobalt Alchemy and “Citadel” Drakenhof Nightshade to the model’s helmet and shoulder-plates. To be honest, I would have liked to have employed this palette on some additional areas too, but chose to stick to just those pieces of armour which I could easily reach with a brush-tip on all three of the miniatures.

Having finished another of my Weekly Challenges, I am already making excellent progress on the next. Somewhat embarrassingly, I’ve actually been ‘picking away’ at a tub of “Epic” Khorne daemons by “Games Workshop” since I first bought it from the second-hand stall, “Lesley’s Bitz Box”, whilst visiting "Colours" a few years ago. Next year I may well try to dedicate an entire month to the now long out of production (OOP) “tabletop wargame set in the fictional Warhammer 40,000 universe” and actually paint some Adeptus Astartes or Squats. However, the plan for the next couple of days is to simply add a few more Flesh Hounds and Bloodletters to my burgeoning Chaos force, and maybe assemble some of the cardboard buildings I recently discovered inside a long-forgotten box of second edition “Space Marines”.