Top Ten Miniatures Of 2017 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Well a little later than usual (quite a bit later to be honest) Simon has asked me to share with you, his dear readers, what were in my humble opinion the “Top Ten” miniatures he painted way back in 2017. Now I know this has already been more than ably done by “Undercoat”, who stepped into the breach when I was indisposed at the tail end of last year, but Simon has been kind enough to allow me the chance to continue the fine tradition of “sticking my oar in” and inflicting my opinions upon you as well (I think he just likes getting the compliments to be honest!).

So as I sit here with my list of twenty three possible inclusions I’ll try and whittle it down to my final ten. Some may be the same as “Undercoats”, many I think will not, though it will be interesting to compare the two come the end of my list. Before I start I firstly have to congratulate Simon on his very impressive output, his work is quite simply sublime, and though we always say this it really does get harder to pick just ten every year.

No. 10 – Napoleonic French Fusilier by "Victrix Miniatures" - November 29th

Napoleonic’s are really a staple of wargaming. To the uninitiated they are probably the image that is most conjured up in the mind of what our hobby is all about - vast armies of brightly coloured figures advancing in lines across tables of green. As we all know the modern take on the hobby is very rarely like that, but that is where I started many years ago albeit with Marlborough’s wars rather than “Nappies”. Along with his Gallic chums, this figure took me right back to those heady days in a friend's back room pushing lines of troops to their black powder smoked doom, though his were nowhere as well painted as Simon's figures. Great painting skills were on show here with real character in every figure, this chap just stood out to me, I think it’s his face with his jaunty moustache.

No. 9 - Zombie Gunslinger by "Wargames Foundry" - October 28th

Another great characterful figure at number nine, this little undead cowboy is just about as “gosh tooting cute, as a horse fly on a prairie dog!”. Perhaps “cute” is the wrong word to use to describe a member of the living dead, but there is something terribly appealing about the oversized Stetson and baggy “chaps” this chap is sporting. All of Simon’s “Wild west zombies” were great but this is my definite favourite.

No. 8 - Gorgon by "Reaper Miniatures" - September 25th

It seems I always end up with a big gold animal somewhere in my list. Last time it was a “Foo dog” and this time a very impressive “Bull” construct. Standing a massive 90mm long, not including his tail, it was the painting that really drew me to this nasty looking beastie. The brass colour and oxidised highlights on this “Bones” plastic creature give it a truly realistic look that is highly impressive. Oh and it’s by Bob Olley, and that’s a good thing too!

No. 7 - Shipwreck from a "Private Collection" - September 26th

We stay in September for the figure at number seven. Now I’m not adverse to the odd “toy” based figure myself so my interest was definitely raised when I saw this smashing figure of one of the stalwarts of the “G.I. Joe” range of “Action figures”. Sadly not commercially available, Simon was lucky enough to receive this from a private collection. The wonderful paint-job Simon has given him just makes me covet him even more. I especially love the parrot perched on his shoulder.

No. 6 – Soda Machine by "Wargames Terrain Workshop" - August 7th

This was one of those “I’d never of thought of that” ideas which I fully intend to steal shamelessly at some point in the future. I’d seen the “drinks can machines” over on Dave “WTW” site and though they are very nice, they weren’t something I’d thought of adding to my “Wish List”. That is until Simon set to work turning them into rusted out pieces of set dressing brilliance! Instead of the shiny new machines gracing a corridor or “mall”, they now looked like they had been sat out in the desert for a hundred years! Perfect on any post-apocalyptic shop front or forecourt! I’ve got to get me some of these, after all what’s the worst that could happen!

No. 5 – Manphibian by "Wizkids" - June 25th

When Jez, of “Carrion Crows Buffet” fame first came up with the idea that became “Forgotten Heroes” month, we thought that maybe a couple of other bloggers might join in, so we were both shocked by the number of participants we did get and by the sheer quality of the entries too. Simon, joined in of course (like he had a choice), and his entries were up to his usual high standard, even if they did take him a little longer to finish than some of the other competitors! This conversion of a footless "Heroclix" figure into the alien member of the “Howling Commando’s” was a “kit-bashing” masterclass. Add to this the deep shimmering paintwork on his skin, and you can see why he was my pick of the bunch.

No. 4 - Sea Devils by “Warlord Games” - September 14th

The first of two “Doctor Who” related figures comes from Jon Pertwee’s tenure in the role. These highly detailed miniatures of the water born versions of the ancient Silurians have been beautifully and faithfully rendered by Simon, and are really a joy to behold. The colours are absolutely bang-on, and they could have just walked out of the sea! (Maybe that’s why they are still shiny ;-) ). Beautiful figures, beautiful painting, just a shame they are 38mm tall.

No. 3 - Damaged Dalek by “Warlord Games” - July 17th

This was another of those out of the blue, “that’s brilliant” figures. It is well known that I am not the biggest fan of “Nu Who”, but when I first saw this unfortunate little “Pepperpot” on Simon’s blog, I was struck by what a simple yet effective piece it was. To think that it was only created because the miniature would not go together properly and so was irrevocably damaged. Yet rather than throw it out, he recycled it into this wonderful objective maker. You can tell I really like this piece as I really want to do something similar myself at some point.

No. 2 - Batman by "Knight Models" - June 17th

He had to get in to my top ten and very, very nearly made the top spot. Adam West’s portrayal of the caped crusader may not of been completely true to the original, and is a million miles away from the dark brooding hero we’ve come to know today. But is there really anyone out there who doesn’t have a soft spot for these “camp”, “psychedelic” exploits from our youth. Simon's figure is a fitting tribute to the great mister West, who we sadly lost that year, with colour choices that are as always spot on, and a deftness of touch that brings the wonderful likeness to life.

No. 1 - Mad Max Interceptor by “The Honourable Lead Boiler Suit Company” - January 26th

So if Batman is only in second spot, who made it to the top of the pile?  Well it’s not a who but a what. When Simon first put forward his idea of using a world war one armoured car as the purveyance of choice of mister Max Rockatansky, I have to admit to being a little doubtful (actually I thought “Ok, this time he’s gone too far!”). But I was completely wrong on this, as the finished article just works so well! Though the painting is as good as ever with the black (he does black so well), and rust application being seamless, (it does look like it’s been out in the desert for years), the thing that pushed this to the top spot for me was the concept and vision behind this piece. I absolutely love the way Simon drags items from different settings and makes them work in his post-apocalyptic world. Great work all round!

So that was my Top Ten for 2017, as usual mentions have to be given to the “almost” boys who made the short list but didn’t quite make the final ten, so “nod’s” have to be given to… The Fisher King, Karanak, Slambo, Zygons and Torquemada to name just a few. There are of course many others...

I’ll have to start work on this year’s offerings soon as Simon is a rather prolific poster there are always plenty to work back through. It just leaves me to thank Simon for once again allowing me free rain upon his excellent blog (even if I am late doing this), please keep reading it as the content will return to the normally high level you are used to, as soon as Simon starts writing it himself again.

Many thanks for reading, cheers Roger.

"The Progeny Of A Dire Wraith's Doomed Love For An Earthwoman..."

"...Young Jimmy Marks appeared perfectly normal..."

This 52mm tall plastic “Wizkids” model of Hybrid is miniature number 35 from the Marvel "Heroclix" Avengers Assemble range and is based upon the super-villain James "Jimmy" Marks; a Dire Wraith/Human hybrid who fought both Rom the Spaceknight and the uncanny X-Men. Created by Bill Mantlo and artist Sal Buscema, the "half-mutant" possesses telekinesis, telepathy, transformation, as well as superhuman strength, and made his first comic book appearance in the April 1981 issue of "Rom".

Removed from his 'clicky base' with a sharp modelling knife, Jacob Marks' offspring was super-glued onto a 40mm circular stand, and undercoated with "Vallejo" Squid Pink. The model was then washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Carroburg Crimson, before being dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Squid Pink. Finally the grotesque figure had his large luminous eyes 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

"Victrix Limited" Grenadier WIPs - The Frenchman is slowly having all his equipment blocked out with black

With such a reasonably 'simple' subject finished, I have found myself with a little extra time to progress the first of my Grenadiers for my "Portable Wargame" Napoleonic French force. As with my Fusiliers, this particular model is one of four figures I assembled over six years ago, but unlike my "ordinary line infantry" I only need to paint a quartet up in order to represent my regiment's elite company.

Interestingly, I seem to have decided upon a white undercoat for this particular foursome, as opposed to my usual "Citadel" Chaos Black, and resultantly, I have started 'black-lining' all the different elements of the soldier's equipment, straps, uniform, baggage and bottles rather than 'pick out' all the "Vallejo" Dead White parts as I've done in the past. Time will tell whether this change in tactic will help speed up my progress on the "Victrix Limited" project or not, but I'm hoping that I'll soon have worked my way up the Grenadier's instantly recognisable bearskin.

Wight WIPs - The two Undead Kings are slowly being dry-brushed and having their armour 'picked out'

My enthusiasm for "Kings Of War" by "Mantic Games" is also currently running particularly high, doubtless aided by the superbly sculpted Wights I am currently working on. I have been extremely tempted to simply leave my test 'warrior king' well enough alone, having applied my usual ethereal combination of watered-down "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green and Agrax Earthshade over a "Vallejo" Dead White basecoat to the piece. But having given the matter some thought, I'd decided to try and make parts of his (doubtless) rusty armour and weapon far more tangible.

For now though I have simply added some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to areas of the Wight, in preparation for a future application of Ironbreaker. I've also, having eventually determined how I want to paint the trio, started applying my ghostly washes to the regiment's second combatant, and in doing so noticed how much more of this model's armour, weapon and shield I believe I'll be able to make corporeal.

"...Bonaparte Crossed The Scivia On June 13th..."

"...And near to San-Guiliamo, integrated with Victor's corps (Gardanne and Chambarlhac's division)..."

This 28mm plastic French Fusiliers have been built using parts taken from the “Victrix Limited” French Napoleonic Infantry 1804 – 1807 boxed set, and resultantly has provided me with enough finished soldiers with which to populate a fifth musket-armed infantry quartet to use for Bob Cordery's "The Portable Wargame". Pigmented to replicate a Line infantryman, the soldier was initially undercoated with "Citadel" Skull White and had his boots, musket, pouches, backpack and hat layered with Chaos Black.

I then started the somewhat painstakingly slow process of 'picking out' all of his straps with either "Vallejo" Dead White or Heavy Sienna, and washed these areas with Pale Grey or "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The uniform was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Asurmen Blue, whilst his cuffs and collar were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Bloodletter.

"Joined later in the morning by Lanne's corps they had seen no sign of the enemy on the left bank."

Lastly, having decided against 'highlighting' each and every one of the Frenchmen's numerous buttons, I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade to the wooden areas of the private's flintlock firearm, as well as some "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil to the weapon's metal parts. The Fusilier's bicorn hat, "worn throughout the Revolutionary Wars" and "during the famous Austerlitz Campaign in 1805", had its additional details picked out using "Vallejo" Gold, "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and "Vallejo" Dead White.

With four Fusiliers completed, I arranged them appropriately upon a single 40mm x 40mm plastic base, and later glued some modelling grit over it in order to try and replicate the same 'texturing' I used on my previous infantry bases a few years ago. Later, I dry-brushed the small sedimentary rocks using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, Doomsbull Brown and Rakarth Flesh, and gave the stand a heavy wash of Agrax Earthshade, before partially flocking it with static grass.

Spoilpox Scrivener WIPs - The "downright dour creature" has been primed, washed and dry-brushed"

The "Maggotkin Of Nurgle" battletome for "Age Of Sigmar" continues to tease and tempt me with its marvellous array of recently released "Games Workshop" miniatures, so despite my best intentions I have simply had to purchase this multi-part plastic miniature of a Spoilpox Scrivener. Essentially a third Herald of Nurgle for my ever-expanding Chaos Army, this particular mortal "who resisted Nurgle's Rot for a lengthy period" is specifically "responsible for ensuring that the Plaguebearers of their Tallyband do not shirk" from their duties during a battle.

This particular Plaguebearer will also provide my force with a much-needed range attack, on account of his "Disgusting Sneeze", and, like so many of the Nurgle models, is entirely compatible with "Warhammer 40K". Such dual-usage really is a great motivator for me when it comes to painting up this sort of arguably over-detailed sculpt, as it means that I can justify, in my own mind at least, the significant time it takes me to just paint-up one of these figures...

"Known As The Chameleon By Her Fans..."

"...Snakeskin is a master of disguise."

This 23mm tall metal model of the Union Winger, Snakeskin, is made by “Steamforged Games Ltd” and can be purchased as part of the “Guild Ball” Halloween-themed boxed set, "The Dark Harvest". Chillingly depicting the young woman's grave, complete with burning candle, broken face-mask and rising undead hand, this figure can be used as either an in-game harvest marker or "may be alternately used" as a player in your team.

Disappointingly, despite the "sinewy and powerfully built" player coming as a single cast piece, I did find the edge of the burial mound to be slightly warped. This caused the miniature to sit a little too proud above its plastic lipped circular base, and discouragingly, no amount of filing or sanding seemed to rectify the situation. In the end I therefore had to shelve my obsessive–compulsive disorder, and simply prime the piece with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. 

The Union - "A mismatched bunch o' mercenaries, scum and criminals for the most part."

As the majority of the figure was actually mud, I simply dry-brushed all the earth in precisely the same manner as I do almost all of my gritted bases, using first Doomsbull Brown, then Rakarth Flesh, and finally a heavy wash of Agrax Earthshade. Once the shade had dried, I 'picked out' the dead Sultarish's shattered mask with "Vallejo" Gold and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade, and used a combination of "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green for her decaying claw-like limb.

Snakeskin's tombstone was painted using a base-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then some more "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey; which was lightly drawn over the grave marker in order to highlight all of its detail. In addition, I used some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to pigment the plant's branches, and a spot of Heavy Green to colour its leaves. These areas were subsequently washed with "The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green where appropriate.

"Vixtrix Limited" Frenchman - The soldier has yet to have his eyes, face and hat finished

Finally, I spent a little time busying myself on the miniature's solitary half-burnt out candle, sputtering away on top of the head-stone. I have seen its wax painted red previously, and was sorely tempted to replicate just such a colour scheme. But in the end I decided to stick to the usual off-white palette by using some "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and a dab of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter”.

Obviously such a 'simple' subject has given me a little extra time to focus upon some of my other partially-painted models. Not wanting to waste this valuable opportunity, and in dire need to catch up with my Napoleonic tally marker, I have spent a considerable period 'picking out' all the straps, baggage and rifle parts on another "Victrix Limited" bicorne-wearing French Fusilier from Bonaparte's 1804 - 1807 army...

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2017 - An "Undercoat" Personal Choice

I was somewhat surprised but also extremely chuffed to be asked to choose my top ten miniatures of 2017 as posted upon Blaxkleric’s “Fantorical” blog. My selection is a personal choice and I am sure people will disagree with some or all of my choices, but if we all the liked the same things the world would be a dull place.

Before I get to the miniatures however, I just wanted to add a small amount of context to my choices. I have known Simon for a long time and vividly recall my first gaming session with him. I had been a long time collector of miniatures but unenthusiastic painter, so seeing his fully painted forces with superb terrain to play on was a revelation and inspired me to paint more. Indeed, I have painted more miniatures in recent years than I have for the previous few decades, and that in part is down to the motivation of wanting my forces to be painted so I can face Simon’s. “Fantorical” has also been a huge source of inspiration and motivation for me too, as well as those websites it links to.

When I started looking for my top ten it quickly became apparent there were a lot to pick from and my choice would be very hard. It is clear that this has been a year when “Doctor Who” has massively influenced this blog, as there are numerous gorgeous models I could have picked but sadly left off the list as I did not want it to become the “Doctor Who” show! Anyway, enough rambling from me, here is the top ten in time honoured tradition starting with number 10 and counting down to the top slot.

No. 10 - Mad Max and Interceptor by “Copplestone Castings” - January 14th & 26th

'The Interceptor' - Accompanied by Mad Max and Imperator Furiosa

I have cheated here and included two miniatures as one, but in my defence the two go together and can’t really be separated. I must confess to really enjoying the film “Mad Max: Fury Road” as I feel it really captures what a post-apocalyptic world could be like. The figure of Max is well painted and captures the film character well. However, what elevates this entry to the top ten is the imaginative use of an historical armoured car to become Max’s new interceptor. Who would think of that? Not me, that’s for sure. But you know what, the madness works and they look brilliant together. Also the car’s excellent rusting techniques really stand out and make this a memorable 2017 entry.

No. 9 - Napoleonic French Fusilier by "Victrix Limited" - November 29th

"Supplies of all sorts were inadequate, discipline was breaking down, desertion was increasing..."

I didn’t think I would choose this model as there are far more appealing miniatures that have appeared during the year in my opinion. However, when I took the time to look at the paint job it made me realise the effort that had gone into it. Massed ranks of soldiers don’t normally get this amount of love, so the fact the face was painted with great eyes and features, combined with the clean bright colours and straps that make soldiers from this period really stand out, makes this more than worthy of appearing in the top ten.

No. 8 - The Fisher King by "Warlord Games" - September 17th

"You are curious. You have seen the words, too. I can hear them tick inside you."

The “Doctor Who: Exterminate!” range of miniatures from “Warlord Games” have featured quite prominently on this blog and Simon has shown he clearly loves these models with the amount he has painted. I love how his Daleks and Cybermen are great examples of just how metal should be painted, but the Fisher King stands out for me for a number of reasons. Firstly, the creature itself is different and imaginative, secondly it looks evil and has a presence on the table top, and thirdly, it is a great example of painting with a limited pallet that captures the feel of the on-screen creature perfectly. The cloth pieces look old and dirty and compliment the bone-like sections of the monster really well, whilst at the same time providing just the right amount of contrast too. Great paint job.

No. 7 - Gorgon by "Reaper Miniatures" - September 25th

"The Gorgon is a magical beast that resembles a bull, covered in dusky metallic scales."

I always thought a Gorgon was from Greek myth, but again I was educated in the wider world of miniatures when this gigantic brass bull smashed onto the blog and took my breath away. First of all it is a great sculpt, but painting metal can be a tricky thing, especially if you don’t want it to look boring. This is weathered to look like it has a patina of age about it and the verdigris effect is just brilliant. I find this aspect of painting quite a challenge, so this is how you pull it off with style. A formidably-posed "Bones" model with its great paint job has consistently kept this one in my mind.

No. 6 - Putrid Blightlord by "Games Workshop" - March 29th

"Each of their number has been touched by Nurgle..."

One “Games Workshop” miniature that demonstrates just how the Nottingham-based company are so clever at creating models with depth and negative space, such as the intestines looping out of the stomach, is the Putrid Blightlord. Simon has been perfecting his rotting Nurgle skin for a while now and his Chaos Host as a whole is worthy of praise as an army that looks amazing on the table top. But this particular figure, which both looks great and poses a challenge to the painter, stands out for me for a number of reasons. The skin is done well and conveys that diseased and bloated gift the plague god gives to his followers, yet on top of that Simon has picked out boils, pustules etc, as well as created areas of distressed skin that just make this thing really stick in my memory. Another example of a good "Age Of Sigmar" sculpt and a good paint job coming together to create something special.

No. 5 - Slitheen by "Warlord Games" - October 2nd

"Ahhhh... Excuse me. Your device will do what? Triplicate the flammability?"

I included these three “Doctor Who: Exterminate!” miniatures as they sum up what a well painted model should do: they make you smile and inspire you to paint and create something as good. The paint job is relatively simple in terms of the colours used, but that shouldn’t take away from what is achieved here. Firstly, if you have seen “Doctor Who” you instantly know what this is! Secondly, it captures these slightly comical aliens perfectly, and thirdly, it makes me want to have these figures. The bright colours, the well-executed painted job, everything about this is just awesome!!

No. 4 - Soda Machine by "Wargames Terrain Workshop" - August 7th

"Dr Pepper, so misunderstood."

I usually prefer miniatures over scenery, but this "Dr Pepper" vending machine is just a superb creation. Painted to be a rusted and forgotten piece of machinery on a starship for his “Barrier Peaks” project, this has everything for me. Excellent painting, a masterclass in weathering and the use of a decal that has been blended into the paint job seamlessly. A highly imaginative piece that just looks awesome.

No. 3 - Shipwreck from a "Private Collection" - September 26th

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

I had heard of “G.I. Joe”, but that was about the limit of my knowledge of this miniatures range. So when these models first appeared on “Fantorical” it reinforced my opinion that Simon will always be able to surprise me with the figures he finds and paints. This for me was a great paintjob first and foremost. The face is just excellent and is the focal point for me, but then the other elements are so well done, such as the naval shirt, the lovely blue trousers and that superb parrot - the whole thing comes together brilliantly. Having seen this miniature for real it is even better than the blog posting! Just a great overall piece.

No. 2 - Batman (Adam West) by "Knight Models" - June 27th

"Hand me down the shark repellent Bat-spray!"

Comics and super heroes were not something I was that interested in until I met Simon. But his painted miniatures for this genre, combined with his encyclopaedic knowledge on the subject when he answered my never ending questions, made me look into them more. His “Brown Bag” comic blog also got me inspired, so now I am a fan of the Batman Miniatures Game and even read the comics (I am currently catching up on “Batman Rebirth” at the moment). This posting stuck in my mind for a number of reasons. The paint job is great and captures the sixties version of the Batman character perfectly, with the bat symbol lovingly picked out and the cape well shaded showing the care that went into it. However sometimes emotions elevate things in your consciousness and the fact that this was posted as a tribute to the actor Adam West, who had sadly just passed away, made it more than just a well painted model. It became a tribute; something done and posted with feeling, and you can never underestimate the power of that.

No. 1 - Balewind Vortex by "Games Workshop" - February 2nd

"...Summoned by a wizard as a platform from which to cast powerful spells."

“Games Workshop” seem to divide opinion like no other, although I am not always sure why. The company has made significant strides in 2017 to engage with the community and I feel it has changed for the better; albeit their technically impressive kits are not always the easiest to paint. Having faced this fiendish creation while battling in the’ Mortal Realms’ I can confirm it is quite annoying when the Balewind Vortex is conjured into existence. However, it’s always a delight to look at because of how well painted it is. It’s made of several contrasting elements such as the magical vortex and the platforms made of various materials such as stone, metal and bone. All of these are done to a high standard: the vortex looks magical when you see it and the stone elements of the platform just look brilliant. Time and effort clearly went into this and it shows.

Well that concludes the top ten and the reasons behind them. Happy New Year to all the readers of “Fantorical”.

"I'm The Doctor. I've Lived For Over 2,000 Years."

"I've made made many mistakes, and it's about time that I did something about that."

This 38mm-tall "pewter" model of the Twelfth Doctor as played by Peter Capaldi, is produced by “Warlord Games” and forms part of the five-miniature strong "Twelfth Doctor And Companions" boxed set. "A lifelong fan of the series", the Scottish actor had previously played Lobus Caecilius in the 2008 episode "The Fires of Pompeii", and made his (official) debut as the travelling Time Lord in the December 2013 BBC television story "The Time of the Doctor".

Originally primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the Gallifreyan's trousers, waistcoat, sonic shades and guitar strap were dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. His electric guitar,  apparently "a limited edition 1966 Epiphone SG-400 Pro with the addition of a Bigsby Vibrato" was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Ogrons WIPs - The "ape-like hominids" have had their trousers blocked in with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown

The time traveller's collar was simply 'picked out' with a sliver of "Vallejo" Dead White and a dab of Pale Grey. Whilst his greying hair was initially layered with Heavy Bluegrey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then dry-brushed with both (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and Dead White. As a final touch, I added some additional "Citadel Black" to his boots and coat in order to help them slightly contrast with the Timelord's off-black trousers and waistcoat; a somewhat controversial colour choice considering that the official "Warlord Games" palette provided him with an all-red jacket, whereas the actual televised costume contained a slightly visible dark red inner lining.

To be honest I'm in two minds about this particular sculpt of the Doctor. It's clearly based upon ‘The Hybrid will stand in the ruins of Gallifrey…’ BBC publicity poster for the December 2015 story "Hell Bent", and resultantly, does a very good job of conveying Capaldi's grim-faced determination to outwit the machinations of Rassilon and the High Council. But, its also been criticised by others for being far too sedentary for a war-gaming figure, with the "Gale Force Nine" resin alternative version proving to be infinitely more dynamic a pose. Personally, having now spent some considerable time handling the figure, I rather like the pose and simply dislike the fictitious character's guitar and (arguably contentious) sonic shades...

"Victrix Limited" French Fusilier WIPs - The soldier is slowly having all his straps 'picked out'

Momentarily sticking with the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" miniatures game by "Warlord Games", I have made some slow-going in-roads on the half dozen Ogrons I started working on over three months ago. These "low-intelligence, ape-like hominids" have yet to have their Recruitment and Adventure Cards published as a PDF on the "Into The Time Vortex" website, but have now languished on my painting table for long enough and should help push along my Partially-Painted Pledge Challenge personal tally once completed.

Likewise, I am determined to bring an end to the outstanding single Napoleonic French fusilier I need to finish in order field a fifth infantry stand for Bob Cordery's "The Portable Wargame" rule-set. This particular 28mm multi-pose plastic soldier is actually proving a rather enjoyable painting subject, as I increasingly become familiar with Bonaparte's undoubtedly detailed uniform and (hopefully) improving my eye for all its straps, cuffs and pouches.

"On A Few Occasions, Whole Formations Marched To The Rear In Search Of Food."

"The survivors would be of limited combat value."

These two 28mm plastic French Fusiliers have been built using the various parts found within the “Victrix Limited” French Napoleonic Infantry 1804 – 1807 boxed set, and will help form one of the eight musket-armed infantry units I plan to use for Bob Cordery's "The Portable Wargame". Painted to represent the Infantry of the Line as illustrated in “Austerlitz – The Empire at its Zenith” by “Histoire & Collections”, I still (somewhat sadly) need to pigment another thirteen of the miniatures before I have enough bases with which to test out Bonaparte's forces; plus twenty-four Austrians to use as opposition...

The miniatures were initially undercoated with "Citadel" Skull White and had their boots, muskets, pouches, backpacks and hats layered with Chaos Black. I then began the patient process of 'picking out' all their straps with either "Vallejo" Dead White or Heavy Sienna, and appropriately washed these areas with Pale Grey or "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Draconian Statue WIPs - The scenic piece has been weathered and now just requires some more dry-brushing

The soldiers' uniforms were painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Asurmen Blue, whilst their cuffs and collar were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Bloodletter. Finally, having decided against 'spotting' each and every one of their buttons for the sake of my sanity, I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade to the wooden areas of their firearms, as well as some "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil to their metal parts.

With the "Doctor Who News" website recently posting my review of "Warlord Games" Nightmares In Silver: Cyberman Collectors set, I have found my enthusiasm for the Nottingham-based company’s “Doctor Who: Exterminate!” miniatures range to be at an all-time high, and have subsequently ploughed on with my Draconian nobleman scenic statue. The sedentary sculpt, one of three poses found within the Draconian expansion box, really does lend itself to being pinned upon a plinth, and should look suitably old once I’ve added some grass to both the statue’s base and the bottom of its stone pedestal.

Draconian & Twelfth Doctor WIPs - The reptilian humanoids and Timelord have been primed

Of course, having spent some considerable time permanently fixing the model to its podium, it seemed silly not to also base, grit and prime the rest of my “reptilian humanoids from Draconia”. The interstellar warriors only require six miniatures in order for their faction to ‘field’ three Recruitment cards worth of troops, so, having taken advantage of “Warlord Games” Black Friday deal whilst at “Warfare” recently, I should soon have my Noble, two bodyguards and three Draconian soldiers painted.

In addition, I’ve also decided to pay some passing attention to the rule-set’s Twelfth Doctor, as played by actor Peter Capaldi. To be honest, I’m not a fan of either the character’s sonic shades or electric guitar, but as I’m going to have to wait until Christmas before I can get my hands on the incarnation’s alternative “Gale Force Nine” resin sculpt, I’ve decided to set my reservations aside and knuckle down to the job in hand…

"Great Big Space Rhinos, With Guns, On The Moon!"

"Did I mention the rhinos?"

These two "finely-sculpted" metal models of the "mercenary intergalactic police force" known as the Judoon are produced by “Warlord Games” and can be bought as part of the Nottingham-based company's "officially approved" "Doctor Who: Into The Time Vortex" range. First seen in the 2007 BBC television story "Smith And Jones", I ended up purchasing a couple of boxes of these "black armoured Rhinoceroid bipeds" in order to field a pair of this particular pose on the table-top, and use them as Judoon Enforcers in the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" miniatures game.

Initially primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the "logical but stupid" mercenaries were subsequently dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and heavily washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Their collars and toecaps were then 'picked out' using a combination of Ironbreaker and more Nuln Oil, whilst their equipment (energy-weapons, scanners and translator devices) were painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Victrix Limited" Napoleonic French - These two miniatures are approximately two-thirds finished

Having finished the last of my "Judoon on the Moon" I have now turned even more of my hobby-time towards completing the outstanding Napoleonic French fusiliers I want to field using Bob Cordery's "The Portable Wargame" rule-set. These 28mm multi-pose plastic soldiers are slowly becoming increasingly familiar to my brush-tip, and as a result I am making faster and faster headway with them each day.

However, I am still somewhat infuriated with my (six year) younger-self for deciding to 'pick out' all the white straps on the soldiers' backpacks and stowage, when simply leaving them in their respective brown and greys would probably have provided adequate pigmentation for a 'rank' model. Indeed, as I clearly (and quite sensibly) chose not to 'pick out' each and every button on the complicated uniform, I'm struggling to rationalise why I then went on to make such a time-consuming, and patience-testing, resolution; albeit the final effect seems ultimately to be well worth the extra effort.

Brightshield WIPs - The Stormcast Eternal is slowly having her detail 'picked out'

Only slightly less cumbersome and detailed to paint is the first of my Stormcast Eternal figures for "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire". I've previously taken a little break from this "action-packed combat" game's supposedly "easy To build" miniatures, having almost gone blind whilst painting Garrek Gorebeard, but now feel ready to tackle the numerous challenges of Angharad Brightshield.

As I've still yet to actually "explore the secrets of the Mirrored City" myself, on account of wanting to wait until I can play it using fully-painted figures, I don't actually know how powerful this Liberatess of the Steelheart's Champions is when stalking the "ever-changing labyrinth of endless stairs, cramped streets and soaring archways" of the "mercantile metropolis." But rather embarrassingly, that hasn't stopped me from previously adding to my "Games Workshop" plastic pile by purchasing Ironskull’s Boyz and the Sepulchral Guard...

"In 1799, The 36,000 French Troops In Italy Were In A Desperate State..."

"Supplies of all sorts were inadequate, discipline was breaking down, desertion was increasing..."

This 28mm plastic French Fusilier can be assembled from the numerous components found within the “Victrix Limited” French Napoleonic Infantry 1804 – 1807 boxed set, and will accompany a number of additional fusiliers, grenadiers and voltigeurs which I plan to use for Bob Cordery's "The Portable Wargame". Painted to represent the Infantry of the Line as shown in “Austerlitz – The Empire at its Zenith” by “Histoire & Collections”, the model has only taken a staggering six years to finally complete and is the last of my four weekly submissions for this year’s Mo’Vember Challenge.

The miniature was originally primed with "Citadel" Skull White and had its boots, rifle, pouches, backpack and hat undercoated with Chaos Black. I then began the slow process of 'picking out' all his straps with either "Vallejo" Dead White or Heavy Sienna, and subsequently washing them with either Pale Grey or "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"Victrix Limited" Napoleonic French - These two miniatures are approximately half-way finished

The soldier's uniform was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and an old OOP pot of "Citadel" Asurmen Blue, whilst his cuffs and collar were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Bloodletter. Finally, the wooden areas of his musket received an application of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and the metal parts some "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

Ordinarily, I don't like to post models on this blog which haven't been properly based, but as this figure will ultimately be one of four super-glued upon a 40mm x 40mm square base, I thought I'd make an exception. In addition, it gives me an opportunity to voice how frustrating an experience I found returning to this miniature after so long was, due to "Games Workshop" (yet again) changing their painting range in between times.

Draconian Statue WIPs - The "Frontier In Space" monument has been primed, coated, washed and dry-brushed

Indeed, the Nottingham-based company's decision to step away from their excellent "Citadel" Foundation paints and washes in 2012, was my main motivation for turning to the "Vallejo" Extra Opaque Game range in the first place. Fortunately, I think Heavy Red and Heavy Blue make a fair substitute for the OPP "Citadel" Mechrite Red and Mordian Blue, especially as I understand the colour consistency of the French uniform during the Napoleonic Wars was somewhat intermittent due to weathering and differing dye pigmentation anyway.

Momentarily stepping away from so detailed a painting subject, I was rather pleased to recently receive half a dozen small resin plinths from "Telfer Model Design". These stone bases will hopefully help me turn a few of my 'superfluous' models into scenic statues, and I've wasted no time in taking a spare Draconian from the "Warlord Games" "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" range and pinning it in place.

"By My Clever Riddles..."

"I'm setting Batman and Robin up for the kill!"

This 28mm plastic pre-painted "Wizkids" miniature of a Lackey is number 019 from the "DC Comics" Hypertime range, and has been painted to coincide with the palette I’ve previously used for my Riddler’s Mole Hill Gang. However, as I wanted him to be a pistol-toting minion, as opposed to one carrying a cruel-looking crowbar, I have substituted his close combat weapon with a gun-hand cut from a Marvel “Heroclix” Infinity Challenge Henchmen model.

Happily, due to the nature of the plastic and the hand in question butting up against the crook’s body, I didn’t need to use anything other than super-glue to ensure the replacement piece was securely attached. Albeit, the new hand is somewhat larger than its predecessor and is adorned with a non-matching fingerless glove…

Judoon WIPs - These two alien mercenaries just need their toe-caps to be picked out

The model was initially undercoated with “Citadel” Abaddon Black, and had his trousers and woollen hat treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Niel-Tan Green. The Lackey’s jumper was then painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchi Violet. Finally, the hand-gun was given a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and washed with Nuln Oil.

Due to an imminent self-imposed deadline to pitch a substantial Judoon faction up against the Fisher King in a "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" miniatures game, I have been persevering with the last of my pewter "Rhinoceros-headed humanoids" by "Warlord Games". These two black-clad mercenary police will actually give me more than I need to field a 'basic' six-strong Judoon force. But as I was already going to be painting one of the models it seemed silly not to work on my final unpigmented figure at the same time; especially as the sculpts are identical.

"Victrix" Napoleonic French WIPs - Work has finally started on the two soldiers' backpacks and muskets

Lastly, I have spent quite a bit of time progressing a pair of plastic Napoleonic French by "Victrix Limited". It's been some years since I last attempted to 'pick out' all the straps, pouches, bags and cuffs of so detailed a Line infantryman, and my enthusiasm for renewing this 'Marengo' project has been slightly dampened by the fact I can no longer use the same "Citadel" paint colours as those which I applied on my previous Frenchmen.

Fortunately, I have managed to find some suitable alternatives within the "Vallejo" Game Color range, and additionally located an old, yet still very usable, OOP pot of "Citadel" Asurmen Blue wash. I have also undergone a little 'shopping therapy' by taking full advantage of "Warlord Games" Black Friday sale and ordered myself a rather nice Napoleonic 1809-1815 Russian 6 pounder cannon...