(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Modiphius Entertainment" July 2026

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" dominated my miniatures for June 2026

With both a successful "Forgotten Heroes" event and random drawer challenge under my belt from last month, I thought I'd roll a D12 to see which plastic drawer I'd select a handful of miniatures from for July, and rather surprisingly discovered I'd be painting more of my 32mm scale resin cast Star Trek Adventures Tabletop RPG figures produced by "Modiphius Entertainment". This selection actually comes at a rather opportune time as I was planning to use the miniatures I'd previously pigmented for some games of "Lost Patrol" by "Games Workshop", and only recently realised I was the odd sculpt short of what I needed to field a legitimate landing party.

In addition, having got the enigmatic 'Q' tabletop ready in the past, I thought I should also focus on getting some of the next generation of Federation officers completed as well - quite possibly with the notion of pitting Captain Kirk's crew against that of Jean-Luc Picard's at some future point. Such a move might also make it far easier (and quicker) to get the figures finished as most appear to be wearing the predominantly black colour scheme seen during the Star Trek: The Next Generation movies.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - Three of nine tiles earmarked for a science fiction boarding zone

Furthermore, for the next three months I thought I'd contribute to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog by polishing off some of the backlog of terrain pieces I have been religiously producing in "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer. For this opening month I felt I should try to see how much of the Starship Mini Set by "Death X Tiles" I could get done, seeing as I've finally settled upon a simple "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey palette for most of the pieces.

To begin with my aim is simply to get a boarding zone completed, which will consist of a 3x3 tile room with a single, open doorway. However, if I can manage to get this quite sizeable area completed within the space of four weeks or less, then I may well start to focus on one of the five much larger rooms I intend my science fiction figures to battle over in future fights. I also have a ton of "Trench Crusade" flavoured scenery by "Saucermen Studios" to crack on with, so may well take a break from the tiles with the odd barricade or bunker.

June 2026 - My Top Five Table has in reality become a rather surprising Top Eight contest

Last month's meagre output certainly saw some surprising congestion strike my most popular manufacturers, with my need to paint at least four models by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" helping them to top position - alongside "Wargames Foundry". On top of that my desire to finish off the squad of second-hand Wookie Warriors I rather impulsively purchased whilst in Poole helped the popularity of "Fantasy Flight Games" rival some of my more usual Top Five contenders.

Fortunately, I feel the next four or so weeks will help ease this bottleneck as I'm sure quite a few more miniatures by both "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and "Modiphius Entertainment" will be on the cards. What's more I'm really hoping to get going again on a few long paused projects which have simply been sat gathering dust on my hobby table for the best part of the year, such as my "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonics for "Black Powder" and some more "Trench Crusade" warriors by "Trench Stench"...

"Dwelling Underground In Deserted Cave Systems..."

"...These leathery predators using echolocation to track and target prey."

This 100mm tall resin cast model of a Giant Bat is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as MINI 1064 from their Beasts and Vermin range. Sculpted by Pedro Navarro, the miniature comes in three pieces, and has an impressive wingspan of 90mm. I had hope to initially include it as part of my contribution to the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. But now it'll form part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - as that's where it was headed back to before my dice roll.

Super-glued onto a plastic xxmm circular base, I first tackled the monster's rocky base by treating it to an undercoat of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, a shade of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. The flying mammal itself was then primed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna before being doused in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and being thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - This Wookie Warrior Leader just needs some additional washes

I also used this opportunity to patiently 'pick out' the Giant Bat's body with a highlight of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, as this would make its pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black face, ears and feet stand out just that little bit more. Furthermore, I carefully dolloped a couple of spots of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson over the creature's pupils to make it look a bit more vampiric - which is what I plan to use the brute for.

In addition I decided that the figure needed its large brown wings to be 'broken up' just a little more, so slowly traced out its claws with a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Unfortunately, the "Games Workshop" Shade went all blotchy on these areas (again), so I ultimately decided to make amends by dry-brushing some extra White Star by "Two Thin Coats" across the claws. To be honest I've experiencing this issue with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade quite often these days, and despite buying new pots the problem still seems to surface. Resultantly, I'm not a fan of the new formula at all and plan to move on to an alternative.

"Dragoon Miniatures" WIPs - Krillin, Chiaotzu and Piccolo

Alongside this right handful of a model, I have also managed to get some time working on the Wookie Warrior Leader I recently purchased whilst visiting "Retrocave" in Poole. Manufactured by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), this fur-covered figure has a lot more detail on him than the other members of his squad I've pigmented, so is taking a bit longer to get tabletop ready than I first anticipated.

Lastly, I've been binge-watching the early episodes of Japanese anime television series "Dragon Ball Z" and understandably got myself in the mood to game some Manga-style martial arts. Luckily, I stumbled upon "Dragoon Miniatures" Patreon, so have downloaded a fair few of their early STL (Standard Triangle Language) files as they cover the characters I'm currently familiar with. Unfortunately, their pre-supports haven't proved a great match for the suction taking place inside my resin vat, so these three models - Piccolo, Krillin and the tiny Chiaotzu, are the first combatants I plan to work on as they're the only ones to survive my initial print...

"Big. Covered In Fur. Strong."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Banderhobbs Were Enigmatic Monsters Of Shadow And Flesh..."

"...That seemingly hailed from the Shadowfell."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Banderhobb is currently available from "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. However, I actually bought mine from "Tritex Games" back in January 2020 when the figure was first released as an Uncommon, Large-sized pre-painted figure from the American company's "Icons of the Realms: Volo's And Mordenkainen's Foes" set.

"Known for capturing targets at random", the model was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green. The 'humongous creature' was then drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and had the majority of its spots 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - These two Wookie Warriors are getting their details 'picked out'

The model's bulbous gullet was pigmented in "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The somewhat emotionless monster's sharp teeth and claws were subsequently patiently picked out using a little White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and a dollop or three of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help weather them down a bit.

As a final touch I initially painted the Banderhobb's large eyes with some additional Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats". However, despite this being in line with all the official pictures I found of the creature online, I didn't like it, so decided to go with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson instead. These orbs were later treated to some extra "Vallejo" Heavy Red around the miniature's pupils to try and highlight them up a bit.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat has been primed and base-coated

With this somewhat late entry for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog finally finished, I have been busy beavering away on the last two Wookie Warriors I recently purchased whilst visiting Poole. Produced by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), these fur-covered figures have definitely rekindled something of an interest in "Star Wars: Legion" in me. So I may well see if I can't add a few more of the range's models to my painting queue in the near future.

Lastly, I've begun working on some miniatures for my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - which contains, amongst other models, plenty of sculpts sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Resultantly, and with a mind half on "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", I thought I'd work on their multi-piece 100mm tall resin cast Giant Bat...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Forgotten Heroes June 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Death Dog Saliva Carries A Foul Disease..."

"...That causes a victim’s flesh to slowly rot off the bone."

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

Permanently attached to a plastic 40mm circular stand, the sculpt was treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being coated in "Two Thin Coats" Berzerker Red and washed with lots of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As I couldn't really make out where its claws were, the hound's four paws were simply picked out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then had its lower legs dry-brushed with more of the colour so as to better blend them in with the rest of the model.

"A Wookiee warrior without a ryyk blade is a webweaver without fangs."

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

Alongside the last of my Death Dogs, at least for now, I have also completed a second Wookie by "Fantasy Flight Games". Standing 47mm tall and made of hard plastic, the figure comes from the company's "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" and was picked up both second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - This piece is being base layered to try out a number of paint schemes

The figure model was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. His ammunition pouches were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the rebel's two ryyk blade and parts of his ammunition belts were given a dose of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadle" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I've base-layered a piece of science fiction scenery by "Death X Tiles" from their fairly recent Starship Mini Set. Created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer, the entranceway has been given a lick of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, "Gunmetal Blue" and "Gunmetal" to see if I like any of the colours - or a mix of the colours. I plan to pigment quite a sizeable layout using the tiles over the next few months and what a palette that is fairly easy and quick to complete, as well as something which won't overshadow my miniatures.

"Go, I Will. Good Relations With The Wookiees, I Have."

 "Wookiees stand out in a crowd."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Bought second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, I actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago. But thought it might be a good move to double the number of "People of the Trees" I could field.

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

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - Three more Wookie Warriors currently on my painting table

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his bowcaster too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Rebel's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have continued to plod along with the other three remaining Wookie Warriors from this boxed set - using similar palettes. In particular, I have been busy playing 'catch-up' with the group's impressively posed Leader, which had largely sat untouched in my basing tin whilst I completed my 'test model' for the squad.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb just needs his spots and boils to be 'picked out'

In addition though, I've also managed to get much further on the reasonably large Banderhobb model by "Wizkids" I have been working on for over six years. This frightful "giant bipedal toad" will be another of my entries in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, and may well prove an interesting alternative model for a Troll when it comes to my future games of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Publishing".

To be honest the biggest issue I've always suffered when facing this creature is how I'm going to patiently dollop all of its numerous skin boils. But having now got to the stage where I've needed to tackle this, I have realised that a lot of the lumps and bumps can simply be left green, and I only really need to add some extra colour to the most obvious of spots rather than all of them - this very much being a case of less is more...

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

 "Nuts!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I Shall Take The Patrol And Destroy Them."

"Halt! Halt, or you will be destroyed."

These four 40mm resin Cybermen were sculpted by Nikola Stankovic and 3D printed by "Encounter Terrain". The miniatures are apparently based upon Eric Saward's incarnation of the Mondasians as depicted in his March 1982 "Doctor Who" story "Earthshock", and even carries the correct Cyber weapon.

The models were all originally primed with a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black. They were then treated to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. before being heavily drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. To finish the figures off, I applied a combination of "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red to the power cylinder of each Cyberman's hand-weapon.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - Three German Riflemen having their details 'picked out'

Moving on from science fiction to historical wargaming I am hoping to play some more "Flames Of War" next month using my 50-point German Beach Defence Company. As a result I have been beavering away on the additional plastic 15mm “Battlefront Miniatures” I need to field a second (maximum-strength) German Panzergrenadier Platoon, with the aspiration that I'll soon move on to a Panzer IV Tank Platoon and accompanying 7.5cm Tank-Hunter Platoon.

"Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places."

In addition, I was fortunate enough this past weekend to attend a session of Eldritch Horror by "Fantasy Flight Games" at the Nuneaton Games Club. This was a terrific six-hour tussle by eight noble investigators against the Great Old One Cthulhu, which definitely had its twists and turns for my own character, the elderly Parapsychologist - Agatha Crane. To be honest, I wasn't initially all that impressed with Wilbur's headstrong wife and her disconcertingly low strength to begin with.

However, the character's ability to pass Clue Encounters quickly elevated her to becoming a crucial part of humanity's collaboration to defeat the cosmic entity threatening all Mankind. Indeed, Agatha became an instant success when she surprisingly retrieved the much-needed Sword of Y'ha-Talla from Tokyo during the game's opening turn - the only weapon capable of hurting the truly terrifying Queen of the Deep Ones, who was already threatening to annihilate our band of worthy heroes in the name of Cthulhu.

"For them are the catacombs of Ptolemais, and the carven mausolea of the nightmare countries."

Sadly, Agatha eventually succumbed to hypothermia during the coming of another Ice Age, and was replaced late in the game by the ex-convict Skids" O'Toole. This 'heavy hitter' certainly looked formidable enough as he came armed with a hand-axe, but the bank robber lost his weapon almost straight away and went completely barking mad once Cthulhu successfully physically manifested himself on the planet...

"Earlier This Year..."

"...A bizarre incident occurred in the Arklay Mountains, on the outskirts of an American suburb named Raccoon City."

These two 28mm scale 3D printed pieces are available as part of the Resident Evil 2 - Board Game - 3D Wall sets - Set 1 & Set 2 by the "Pro Tech Painting" eBay store, and have been designed to be used with the "cooperative board game" produced by "Steamforged Games". The large wall measures 80mm in width and 35mm in height, whilst the smaller wall measures 40mm in width and 35mm in height.

Both corrugated metal walls required some "final cleaning before painting" with a nail file and sharp modelling knife, before being undercoated with a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The scenic parts were then layered using some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before being shaded with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil and some sporadically-placed Agrax Earthshade.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - The two Black Widows are at similar stages

The walls were then dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and later treated to a smattering of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash in an effort to show how badly weathered some of the metal had become over time. Lastly, the pieces were given another heavy dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal in an effort to blend all the different shades and rust together.

With my latest additions to my Resident Evil 2 - Board Game completed, I have continued to work upon my two copies of the Black Widow sculpt which can be found in the "Marvel Crisis Protocol" Starter Set by "Atomic Mass Games". I plan to paint my additional figure (bought using "eBay") in Natasha Romanova's alternative all-white costume, and had been hoping to have one of these miniatures accompany my already painted Black Widow - Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. in my ten-hero roster.

"Star Wars: Legion" WIPs - Count Dooku, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia

Disappointingly however, having now read the expanded rule-book found only on the "Atomic Mass Games" website, it would appear that won't now be the case. I've always known I couldn't field two versions of Natasha on the actual tabletop, which frankly makes perfect sense to me, but it now appears I can only have one version of the Russian super-spy "behind the mask'" in my roster's line-up too. A situation which has admittedly somewhat dampened my enthusiasm for my little Romanova project.

Fortunately, Dave Stone over on the "Wargames Terrain Workshop" has kept me motivated with his seemingly endless array of Cantina clientele from "Star Wars". Indeed, I've been so impressed with his work that it has helped galvanise me into dusting down some of the many partially-painted models I own for "Star Wars: Legion" by "Fantasy Flight Games".

"Star Wars" 1/270th Space Battle Report: Poe Dameron & Rey Verses Kylo Ren - Part Two

KYLO REN LAUNCHES A MASS ATTACK AGAINST THE RESISTANCE

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) in order to allow us to play a quick space-fight utilising many of my long unused "Star Wars: X-Wing" miniatures by "Fantasy Flight Games", and took place upon a 3' x 3' "Hotz Mats" Deep Space Game mat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of asteroids which I bought from a seller on "Ebay" many, many moons ago.

“The story so far… Kylo Ren has decided to launch a full scale attack against the Resistance fleet. However, Han Solo's son has underestimated the number of X-Wing's Nien Nunb's Blue Squadron can muster, and that the Millennium Falcon isn't just a hunk of junk..."

THE TABLETOP - A REGION OF SPACE POPULATED BY TWO ASTEROID CLUSTERS

"Star Wars" 1/270th Space Battle Report: Poe Dameron & Rey Verses Kylo Ren - Part One

Having both failed to get their X-Wings' shields back up Nien Nunb and Jess Pava headed northeast around Beta Cluster. Whilst, sensing the danger Epsilon Leader and Quickdraw could cause if left unmolested near the Alpha Cluster, Poe Dameron sped northeast to try and swoop around and intercept them. Behind him, Rey tried to close in on Omega Ace and Zeta Ace. But the Millennium Falcon ended up crashing into Snap Wexley's X-Wing almost head on, bringing both vessels to almost a dead halt in space and damaging the pair of them.

West of Beta Cluster, Kylo Ren manoeuvred his TIE Silencer into an attack position. Quickdraw had finally gotten his TIE/sf Fighter behind the stricken Falcon and used the YT-1300 Corellian light freighter's vulnerable predicament to strip away one of its shields. Meanwhile, Zeta Ace swung east, just north of Beta Cluster, and fired upon Nien Nunb at close range. The X-Wing's armour protected the Incom-FreiTek manufactured starship from one blast, but the T-70 was still partially damaged.

REY AND THE MILLENNIUM FALCON CRASH INTO SNAP WEXLEY'S X-WING

Realising that Han Solo's old ship was a sitting duck, Quickdraw continued to pour his SJFS Lb-14 dual heavy laser turret's fire directly at the Millennium Falcon. The vessel's remaining shield quickly fell, and the freighter was rocked by two further hits. In order to support Quickdraw's attack, Zeta Ace turned sharp north, so the TIE/fo Fighter was almost nose-to-nose with Rey's ship. The First Order Pilot scored two successful hits, causing the Corellian craft even more damage. Omega Ace also joined in the assault, causing yet more destruction to the Falcon's hull and placing the ship in real danger of being destroyed.

With the First Order suddenly in the ascendancy, Chewbacca managed to get the Millennium Falcon's shields partially back up, and then growled in frustration as Rey disentangled the light freighter from Wexley's starfighter only to then plough it straight into one of the asteroids of Beta Cluster. Fortunately, Jess Pava slotted her X-Wing right up behind Omega Ace, and with a blast of her heavy laser cannons, she blew the First Order TIE/fo Fighter out of the sky. With a grin on his face, Dameron continued to circle Alpha Cluster.

THE MILLENNIUM FALCON FLIES OUT OF CONTROL INTO THE BETA CLUSTER

Eager to bear down upon Poe for a decisive attack, Kylo Ren powered northeast towards his target, but misjudged his TIE Silencer's closeness to Quickdraw's TIE/sf Fighter and smashed into the First Order starfighter. However, Zeta Ace had better luck with his attack upon Wexley's X-Wing, and tore down the Resistance vessel's shields.

Happily for Wexley, Nunb and Rey, all three of their spacecraft managed to get their shields back up. Snap blasted his X-Wing east so as to get out of the battlefield's dangerous central kill zone as fast as possible. Whilst Poe, Nien Nunb and Pava all turned west to face Kylo Ren, Quickdraw and Zeta Ace for a potentially final face-off. Dameron's starfighter managed to take down Quickdraw's shields, and it wasn't long before Zeta Ace's shields were gone too, courtesy of Nunb and Jess Pava.

KYLO REN CRASHES AS POE DAMERON POSITIONS HIMSELF FOR A DEADLY ATTACK

Seizing the initiative, the three Resistance pilots pressed on with their attack, using their increasing proximity to their targets to great effect. Pava managed to badly damage Zeta Ace's TIE/fo Fighter, before Nien Nunb almost took down Quickdraw's starfighter. The female human pilot in the First Order Navy jinked her TIE/sf fighter all over the place, trying to evade Dameron's heavy laser cannons. But in the end the vessel was destroyed.

KYLO REN FLEES THE BATTLE AS THE RESISTANCE WIN THE DAY

Believing that defeat was inevitable, Kylo Ren headed west for safety, with Epsilon Leader just behind. The TIE/fo Fighter managed to deprive Poe of his shield whilst protecting his commanding officer's spacecraft. But Zeta Ace's attempt to lock onto Jess Pava's X-Wing resulted in the two vessels crashing into one another. Still, the battle was over and the Resistance had won the day despite the Sith's new TIE Silencer. 

"Star Wars" 1/270th Space Battle Report: Poe Dameron & Rey Verses Kylo Ren

KYLO REN LAUNCHES A MASS ATTACK AGAINST THE RESISTANCE

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) in order to allow us to play a quick space-fight utilising many of my long unused "Star Wars: X-Wing" miniatures by "Fantasy Flight Games", and took place upon a 3' x 3' "Hotz Mats" Deep Space Game mat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of asteroids which I bought from a seller on "Ebay" many, many moons ago.

“The story so far… Eager to test out the capabilities of his new TIE/vn space superiority fighter, Kylo Ren has rashly decided to launch a full scale attack against the Resistance fleet. However, Han Solo's son has underestimated the number of X-Wing's Nien Nunb's Blue Squadron can muster, and that the Millennium Falcon isn't just a hunk of junk..."

THE TABLETOP - A REGION OF SPACE POPULATED BY TWO ASTEROID CLUSTERS

The five Resistance spacecraft started along the western edge of the battlefield, and consisted of Poe Dameron, Nien Nunb, Jessika Pava and Temmin “Snap” Wexley flying X-Wings, with Rey in the Millennium Falcon. Some of the pilots more notable special abilities were Poe's "Sharpshooter" expertise [+1 to hit] and "BB-8" [Repair]. In addition all the T-70 X-wing starfighters had "Armour" [a D6 Saving Throw].

Kylo Ren's force started along the eastern edge. It contained Epsilon Leader, Omega Ace and Zeta Ace in three TIE/fo Fighters, Backdraft and Quickdraw in a pair of TIE/sf Fighters, and the master of the Knights of Ren in his TIE Silencer. Some of the TIE Fighters special abilities were "Tight Turn" and "Jink" [a D6 Saving Throw], whilst Ren's "Leadership" skill would provide his fellow First Order pilots one re-roll per turn providing their respective ships were within 12" of him. Owing to advancements since the days of the Empire, all of the TIE Fighters were also equipped with a shield.

The game would last eight turns and was a straightforward head-to-head confrontation, with the victor being the side who had caused the most damage by the end of the skirmish.

BLUE SQUADRON HEAD TOWARDS KYLO REN AS THE FIRST ORDER FLEET APPROACHES

Spotting his hated opponents directly in front of his forces, Kylo Ren flew his TIE Silencer directly west, straight at his foe's vessels. Backdraft turned southwest to join his Supreme Leader. In the middle of the First Order's line, Epsilon Leader leaned his starfighter in the direction of Alpha Cluster, as the other two TIE/fo Fighters and Quickdraw maintained their westerly headings.

In response, Blue Squadron peeled off to the southeast towards Beta Cluster, leaving both Poe Dameron and Rey to continue due east straight into the heart of the First Order's attack.

Kylo Ren and Backdraft flew just south of Beta Cluster, coming within (long) range of Jess Pava's X-Wing. Between them, they swiftly brought down the Resistance pilot's shield and damaged the starfighter. Poe Dameron's vessel also came under attack as Omega Ace and Zeta Ace fired at him with their SJFS L-s9.6 laser cannons for all they were worth. However, no laser blasts found their mark. To the north, Epsilon Leader and Quickdraw continued to approach Alpha Cluster.

KYLO REN AND BLUE SQUADRON BATTLE AROUND BETA CLUSTER

Retaliating against the dastardly attack upon Pava, Blue Squadron turned east in unison, and almost met with disaster as Wexley came face-to-face with Beta Cluster. Nien Nunb too miscalculated his turn, wheeling his X-Wing directly behind Jessika's so the Sullustan had no viable targets to shoot at. Only Pava could fire, and brought down Backdraft's shield with a well-aimed blast from her heavy laser cannons. Poe Dameron and Rey flew straight at the oncoming TIE/fo fighters, bringing down both starfighter's shields.

Sensing an opportunity had arisen to break the back of the First Order line with one swift stroke, both Poe and Rey pressed their attack further. But the Millennium Falcon's pilot failed to connect with any of the Corellian YT-1300f light freighter 's attacks. Luckily, Dameron didn't miss and almost took down Omega Ace with a withering salvo. The First Order pilot's vessel was definitely on its last legs.

THE RESISTANCE DRAW FIRST BLOOD DURING THE BATTLE'S OPENING SKIRMISH

Meanwhile Jess and Nien Nunb disentangled their X-Wings from one another, and both poured their combined firepower into Kylo Ren and Backdraft's starfighters. Pava missed, despite being in almost touching distance of her opponent's TIE Silencer. However, she still cheered as her Resistance colleague gunned down Backdraft and blew his TIE/sf Fighter to smithereens. First blood to General Organa's forces.

Cursing, Kylo Ren turned northwest, flying directly under the incoming X-Wings. Omega Ace and Zeta Ace both managed to raise their respective shields, before curving southwards and bringing down Nien Nunb's shield in a deadly manoeuver. To the north, Quickdraw and Epsilon Leader negotiated Alpha Cluster, planning to outflank the Millennium Falcon just as soon as they had passed through the rocks around them. The battle was far from over.

To be continued...

"My Javelin Was Forged From Purest Plandanium!"

"I would trust it in battle 'gainst Galactus himself!"

This 28mm scale plastic model of Javelin is produced by “Wizkids” and is miniature number 019a from their Marvel “Heroclix” Avengers Infinity range. "Famous for his spear throwing skills", Darin would help his fellow Spaceknights defeat the herald Terrax during Galactus' attempt to consume the planet Galador, and was created by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema for "Marvel Comics" January 1982 issue of "Rom".

The (First Generation) Spaceknight was initially cut from his 'clicky' base and permanently attached to a 25mm circular base using some super-glue and a little green-stuff so as to better position the model's pose. Owing to my dislike of sculpted energy beams, I then applied my cutters to the end of his plandanium hand-weapon and nonchalantly snipped off the model's translucent yellow weapon discharge.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - Two Fleet Troopers and their Commanding Officer

Unfortunately, this then made me realise just how close to the dart-shooting staff's end, Darin's left hand actually was, and how silly the figure looked without the aforementioned sculpted beam being in place. As a result I decided to significantly add to the length of the Spaceknight's javelin, courtesy of a spare "Gale Force Nine" piece I had left over after assembling the vehicles from the "Tanks" World War II skirmish game.

The tank gun was drilled out and pinned into place using a small piece of metal wire. I then primed the entire ensemble "Citadel" Abaddon Black and applied two layers of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue. The miniature was subsequently shaded using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue. Finally, I carefully applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the inside of the Spaceknight's visor so as to significantly darken its interior.

"Star Wars" WIPs - A Heavy Weapons Fleet Trooper, a Commander, and a DH-17 blaster pistol-carrying comrade

I may well purchase a second Javelin model in the future, as despite much preferring the all-blue metallic colour scheme of Darin's original Galadorian Spaceknight armour, I am aware that this palette later changed to a green and silver one when his successor (Darin the Younger) took up the mantle. To make the figure stand out even more on the tabletop, as well as save myself the pain of hollowing out and pinning another tank gun in place, I might even simply just paint the javelin's energy blast too.

With the latest addition to my "Wizkids" Galadorian fighting force complete, I have been making some progress on my "Star Wars: Legion" Fleet Troopers by "Fantasy Flight Games". I'm currently trying to batch paint the five-man squad, so have slowly been working my way up each model, starting with their boots.