"Well This Is Not A Boat Accident!"

"It wasn't any propeller! It wasn't any coral reef! And it wasn't Jack the Ripper! It was a shark."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Shark Maw is manufactured by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGA415 from their “Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" range. "Rightly feared by sailors everywhere", this playing piece is sold along with a metal sculpt of a shark's fin dramatically cutting through the surface of the water.

The miniature was primed using "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, layered with Heavy Bluegrey, doused in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. I then applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red to its mouth and gums, and gave it a serious sploshing with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, I applied some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the big fish's triangular teeth and dirtied them up with some dashes of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Wargames Foundry" - These French Fusiliers have nearly had all of their details 'picked out'

With the actual painting completed, I subsequently turned my attention to the sculpt's base, which contained a few breaking waves swirling around its head. Unfortunately, these details weren't wide enough to completely fill out the plastic 40mm circular lipped stand I had super-glued the shark to, so I added some green-stuff and used the flat blade of a modelling knife to replicate the rest of the water's numerous crests,

Once the modelling putty had cured, I painted it with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, washed it with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I then increasingly added a little "Vallejo" White to my Heavy Blue, and lightly drew this combination over the surface's raised details. Eventually, I applied a final 'highlight' of pure "Vallejo" White to the waves' crests.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - Three primed Panzer 38(t) tanks awaiting a base-coat, shade and dry-brush

Alongside this impressive specimen of Carcharodon carcharias, I have made more progress on the trio of 28mm metal "Wargames Foundry" Fusiliers I am planning to use as the start of a Napoleonic French army. I really feel I've now got my painting approach right on these little fellows, and resultantly have been able to carefully 'pick out' all their greatcoats with reasonable ease - especially as my technique goes completely against the much-lauded 'inside out' method.

Lastly. motivated by all the 10mm World War Two models I bought from "Pendraken Miniatures" at the recent Colours 2023, as well as the need to field some Axis opposition to compete against my recently finished Crusader III tanks, I have assembled and primed three Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) models. Originally, these Czechoslovakian light armoured vehicles were simply going to be another addition to my Operation Sea Lion German invasion force. But having discovered they were fielded by the dictator Ion Antonescu too, I may well now apply some of the slightly greener “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII to them instead, as well as a few Romanian crosses...

"There Have Been Reports Of A Well..."

"...Somewhere in the city, that grants visions of the future."

This 28mm scale plastic Well is produced by "Wizkids" as part of their "Deep Cuts Miniatures high-definitions collection" and came both assembled, as well as already primed. The scenic piece is supposed to be used with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game by "Paizo Incorporated". But I bought it so as to play the opening scenario in Joseph A. McCullough's second edition of "Frostgrave", entitled "The Well Of Dreams And Sorrows".

The model was initially attached to a "Citadel" 50mm circular base, undercoated with a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and enthusiastically splashed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then dry-brushed the stonework with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before adding some sporadic splotches of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green as a straightforward weathering technique. These areas were later given another, much lighter dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - Two dry-brushed Panzer IV tanks and a Panzer II tank

For the well's water I first applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded it with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. I next carefully dry-brushed the surface with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and then slowly added some White Star from "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" range to my mixture, before patiently dry-brushing that over the water. Eventually, I gave the pool a super-light dry-brush of pure White Star.

The wooden beams and bucket were simply plastered in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dry=brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I did something similar with the rope, using "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, for the well's metal pieces I applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black basecoat, and then gave them a splosh of Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Confederate soldiers just need some flesh and hats to be 'picked out'

In addition to my "Frostgrave" scenery, I've managed to make some further progress on a trio of long-forgotten 10mm German tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures" for my Early World War Two project. Due to my painting techniques for such 'small' armoured vehicles being reasonably straightforward these Panzers should be finished quite soon, and finally give me enough Axis firepower for a small battle.

I have also managed to continue working on a strip of 15mm scale plastic Confederate soldiers produced by “Warlord Games” I recently returned to after some months delay. I'm definitely starting to work out how best to pigment these little fellows in the future, and may well now employ a "Vallejo" Sombre Grey undercoat on future infantry lines as this appears to be the most prevalent colour. Furthermore, as I have to always tidy up my brushwork on the trooper's grey jackets with "Citadel" Abaddon Black anyway due to catching my tip on their straps and rifles, I can hopefully save some time by just having to do this during the early stages when there's less already painted areas to potentially partially ruin...

“Snapping Turtles Have Few Predators.”

“In their environment, they are at the top of the food chain.”

This 28mm scale metal model of a Snapping Turtle is made by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with a Large Lizard as code FGA402 from their “Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago” range. The miniature was purchased as part of the company’s highly successful Nickstarter in October 2017, but has since sat somewhat unloved in one of my drawers on account of how disappointed I was in the sculpt’s diminutive size.

Measuring 20mm in length and 15mm in width, the tiny figure was super-glued on to a plastic 28mm circular base and primed using two coats of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown. It was then heartily washed using “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown. I also picked out the creature’s eyes with two simple spots of “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"They are the sons of the Angel, the blooded host, the defenders of Humanity."

Due to my wanting the reptile to appear somewhat more contrastingly colourful than its all-tan ‘official’ paint-job, I applied some “Vallejo” Heavy Green to the animal’s carapace and shaded it with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. Finally, this area was carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Green to help bring out all the details sculpted on the shell.

Alongside the latest addition to my “Frostgrave” Bestiary, I have finished the last three 15mm Retained Knights sold by “Alternative Armies” I initially planned to pigment as part of a Horus Heresy Blood Angels Space Marine force for last month’s “Forgotten Heroes” Challenge. Predominantly completed using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, these wonderful Rogue Trader influenced sculpts are from the company’s “The Ion Age” range, and mean I can now field a sixteen-man squad of Sanguinius’ finest, including Sergeant and Heavy Weapons specialist, on the tabletop.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - An NCO and a Panzerfaust 

However, I don’t plan to stop there just yet and still have a number of extra infantry miniatures, as well as a handful of sizeable resin vehicles, sat upon my painting table at various stages of completion. Indeed, over the next couple of weeks I’m optimistically hoping to work my way through a Heavy Weapons ‘Devastator’ team, a squadron of (not) Predator Tanks, and at least one or two Character models before I finally set this project aside until next year.

Of course, that doesn’t mean for an instant that I have stopped ploughing on with my 15mm plastic Germans by “Battlefront Miniatures”. I’m currently blocking in all the base layers on the Unit Leader MG42 team for the first of two Panzergrenadier Platoons found inside the “Flames Of War” starter set, “Hit The Beach”, and intend to have the eight-stand strong formation finished before the end of the month…

“Made From Living Stone…”

“…A Stone Golem Is A Tough Opponent For Any Adventurer!”

This 90mm tall “scale model for ages twelve plus” of a Stone Golem is produced by “Zealot Miniatures” and can be bought from their increasingly extensive Fantasy range. Cast in resin, the figure comes in two separate pieces which can easily be permanently attached with a little pinning and super-glue.

The miniature was initially primed with a double helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and shaded using plenty of “Citadel” Nuln Oil. I then gave the living statue a thorough dry-brush of (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey so as to help really bring out all the cracking sculpt’s wonderful details, such as the intricate runes on its large battle-hammer and the braids in its long, dwarf-like beard.

A pair of adventurers attempt to tackle a stone golem in the Frozen City

In addition, I thought I’d add some weathering to the Golem’s stony surface by applying a little “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green into many of its deeper crevices and overshadowed areas. These parts were then slowly highlighted back up/blended in with the surrounded stone-work with a particularly patient (second) dry-brush of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey.

With the bulk of the monstrous construct completed, I decided to break-up the somewhat monotone look of the creature by layering its wrist-guards in a combination of “Vallejo” Brass and “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide. These pieces of armour were then marginally ‘brightened up’ with second dry-brush of (more) “Vallejo” Brass.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - A Panzerfaust, an Officer and an NCO have been base-layered

Lastly, I tackled the notion of giving the Stone Golem some glowing eyes, in order to reinforce its magical-empowerment. I therefore delicately dry-brushed a little “Vallejo” White across the brute’s eyebrows and upper cheeks, before dabbing a dollop onto both of the statue’s actual eyes. I later repeated this exact process using “Vallejo Blue Fluorescent instead.

Alongside finishing the latest addition to my “Frostgrave” tabletop, I have been getting the base layers completed on a number of my 15mm soldiers from the “Hit The Beach” starter set for “Flames Of War” by “Battlefront Miniatures”. I’m currently using the German Formation Command Panzerfaust SMG Team as a test stand, and hope to get the trio’s washes and highlights all done before moving on to one of the platoon’s unit leader and Panzerschreck anti-tank team bases.

“The Komodo Dragon Is The Largest Living Lizard Species.”

“Adult Komodo Dragons eat smaller members of their own species and sometimes even other adults.”

This 28mm scale metal model of a Large Lizard is made by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with a significantly smaller Snapping Turtle as code FGA402 from their “Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago” range. The miniature was purchased as part of the company’s highly successful Nickstarter in October 2017, but has since sat somewhat unloved in one of my drawers on account of how disappointed I was in the sculpt’s actual size.

Despite only being 12mm in height, the figure had to be super-glued on to a plastic 50mm circular base in order to accommodate its long tail. The lizard was then primed with “Vallejo” Heavy Grey, sporadically shaded in “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Grey. Finally, I picked out the creature’s eyes with two simple spots of “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"Battletech" WIPs - A Mist Lynx Prime, a Wasp and a Valkyrie

Thanks to my monitor lizard being completed so quickly, I have found some time to re-base and prime some of my recently-arrived “Battletech” robots by “Catalyst Games Labs”. I actually pre-ordered these plastic 6mm scale (1:285) models way back in November 2020 from “Zatu Games” with the hope of assembling a few Weird War Two mechs for some homemade rules, so I have quickly chopped the four smallest off of their hexagonal stands and attached them to “Citadel” 40mm round bases instead.

Doubtless such a move is utter heresy to those gamers who enjoy FASA Corporation’s military science fiction franchise. However, I’m not planning on ever playing the actual game, even though I do believe I own the BattleTech Beginner Box, and simply wanted some reasonably cheap pre-built battle-suits to paint up in the various colour schemes of the Axis and Allies forces.

"Rocket Pig Games" WIPs - This Clockwork Owlbeast has been layered, shaded and dry-brushed

To begin with I’m going to just focus on a Wasp, Mist Lynx Prime, Stinger and Valkyrie, dividing the quartet up into a Russian, American and (two) German battlemechs. All of these models will have pretty plain palettes to be honest, as I want to get them ready for the tabletop (and perhaps some super-tiny decals) as quickly as possible, before moving on to some of the range’s middle-sized miniatures.

Lastly, I am continuing to make steady progress on a number of my “Rocket Pig Games” resin figures 3D printed by "FullyCycled". As usual I have initially tried to pigment a handful of sculpts taken from the range simultaneously and then found myself predominantly focusing upon the needs of just one lone, single figure – in this case the meticulously detailed Clockwork Owlbeast.

“Demon Is Actually The More Common Term For Extraplanar Entity.”

“Few of the demons in Frostgrave have come of their own free will or for their own purpose.”

This 28mm scale metal model of a Minor Demon is made by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with a somewhat smaller Imp Demon as code FGV302 from their “Frostgrave” range. Rather embarrassingly I actually received this figure as part of a Secret Santa gift way back in December 2015, and had initially planned to paint him as part of that year’s Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge.

Described as being “pretty unhappy about being pulled away from their own existence”, the devil was primed with “Vallejo” Heavy Red and washed in “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson. I then ‘picked out’ its hooves, horns and teeth with a combination of “Vallejo” White and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade”, before applying “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna to all the monster’s fur.

"Goatskins full of blood poured upon Bezerkers before battle instil their bloodlust."

These areas were later drenched in (more) “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. I did originally just leave the Minor Demon’s tongue black, as per the creature’s ‘official’ paint-job. But I simply didn’t like the way it looked somewhat unfinished, so eventually went back with a little “Vallejo” Heavy Violet and “Citadel” Druchi Violet.

Alongside my latest “Frostgrave” figure I have finished the fourth (and final) 28mm Uruk-hai Bezerker by "Games Workshop" which I needed for my 500-point "Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game" Isengard force. Like so many of my metal “The Lord Of The Rings” miniatures, this old model was bought at a wargaming show over a decade ago , and was painted along the exact same lines to those used for my previously-painted "Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game" super-strong Orcs.

"Rocket Pig Games" WIPs - This Grave Gnasher has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Sticking with Fantasy, albeit an entirely different world to that of Joseph A. McCullough or J.R.R. Tolkein, I have made some in-roads on another of my “Rocket Pig Games” sculpts which “FullyCycled” have printed for me in resin. I must admit that this 32mm miniature of a Grave Gnasher has turned out to be a bit softer in detail than I was anticipating, but having looked much closer at the 3D rendering the monster is clearly meant to be a bit ‘blobby’.

Its pre-printed base has also turned out a bit larger than I anticipated, so instead of placing him upon a normal 28mm circular base I have had to use a 40mm instead. This additional size also made me consider placing one or two thematic grave markers around the fiend so as to tie-in to it being an Undead creature of some kind. However, I ultimately felt this might make the entire ensemble a little too busy-looking, or at least, much more difficult to paint.

“Wolves Tend To Shy Away From Humans…”

“…But a few will occasionally wander down into the city in search of prey.”

This quartet of 28mm scale metal Wolves are produced by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGX003 from their “Frostgrave" range. The Nottingham-based manufacturer actually produces five different variants of Canis lupus. But this set only includes a random selection of four of them.

Initially, I had hoped to super-glue the large canines onto 28mm circular lipped bases. However, because the majority of the figures had been sculpted moving on all fours, I ultimately had to settle on them being permanently attached to 40mm lipped stands instead. Once in position, they were all primed with a couple of layers of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, before having the tops of their fur sponged in Dark Grey with a torn piece of blister foam.

"Once more into the fray. Into the last good fight I'll ever know."

Each wolf was then washed in “Citadel” Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey. Whilst this paint was still wet though, I also dry-brushed each animal from the top down with “Vallejo” Dark Grey, allowing the two colours to meet, mix and taper off once my brush started to approach each beast’s legs and underbelly.

In addition, I ‘picked out’ each wolf’s nose and eyes with a few dabs of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. To be honest I was rather underwhelmed with the sculpting of these miniatures’ faces, as I was fully prepared to apply either some red or white to their tongues and fangs, yet found no such detail being evidently available – even on those whose mouths were wide open as they bayed at the Moon.

"Zealot Miniatures" WIPs - The Stone Golem's bracelets have been base-coated, layered and shaded

Having completed my feral carnivores, I have made some more progress on a Stone Golem I recently purchased from “Zealot Miniatures”. I had originally intended to simply make this two-piece resin enchanted construct all stone, but have since had a change of mind, and subsequently started working on it wearing a pair of ‘magical’ weathered brass bracelets.

For now I’ve simply laid down a base layer of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, over which I’ve applied a coat of Brass and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. However, this metallic colour is already providing an excellent contrast to the somewhat monotonous grey-look of the impressively-sized statue, and that’s before I’ve added the patina effect to its superbly-detailed wrist jewellery…

"In The Annals Of Ancient Felstad..."

"...There are occasional mentions of vapour snakes."

These three 28mm scale metal Vapour Snakes are produced by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGV344 from their “Frostgrave" range. Described as being “strange, smoky entities sometimes formed as the result of the mystical refinement process of the alchemical fuel used for much of the city’s lighting and heating", the “wispy fumes” are sold as a pack of three miniatures, comprising of “one large Vapour Snake” and two smaller ones.

I was actually hoping that these particular random encounters would prove a pretty straightforward little painting project, but unfortunately the three models I received had loads of flash upon them. This resulted in me spending a good hour snipping away strays pieces of metal from many of their tendrils, and subsequently filing down some incredibly sharp points so I could simply safely handle them whilst pigmenting them.

"Why these creatures look so much like actual snakes is anyone’s guess."

Once super-glued to their individual 30mm circular lipped bases, I primed all three of the figures with “Vallejo” White and gave them a wash of Pale Grey. The Vapour Snakes were then dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” White, before having their eyes ‘picked out’ with a combination of Heavy Grey and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green.

With the latest additions to my “Frostgrave” Bestiary completed, I have momentarily turned my attention to the recent arrival of “Zombicide 2nd Edition” by “CoolMiniOrNot” and finally made the decision to see whether I can actually paint one of the “nonstop, electrifying zombie-killing action” board game’s plastic miniatures. In the past, this has always been a rabbit hole I have been truly loathe to bolt down, as I wasn’t all that impressed with some of the soft detail found on the original release’s range, and frankly intimidated by the sheer number of figures I’d need to put a brush to.

"Zombicide 2nd Edition" WIPs - President 16 has been re-based, primed and dry-brushed

However, having picked up the Presidential Box Survivor Pack as part of the Kickstarter, I thought the figure of President 16, or rather Abraham Lincoln, might prove a nice pilot piece. I’ve already re-based the miniature onto a standard 28mm base (with the intention of supergluing some tiny ball-bearings to its underside) and given the American statesman an undercoat of “Vallejo” Gloss Black.

If successful then I might contemplate painting up one or two more of the Presidents found inside the six-figure expansion set, and even set to work on a dozen or so of the core box’s zombies. This might then encourage me to dedicate this year’s Zomtober Challenge to tackling some of the other one hundred and sixty seven miniatures found inside the game’s reboot, not counting its Washington Z.C. campaign set…

"Northern Bears Are Mostly Peaceful Creatures..."

"...But are easily spooked."

This 44mm tall metal model of a Bear rearing to attack is produced by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGX005 from their “Frostgrave" range. Somewhat reminiscent of the illustration found on page 178 of the skirmish wargame’s Second Edition rulebook, albeit disappointingly without that particular carnivoran mammal’s numerous scars and battered ear, the animal is a potential “unhappy” random encounter for any adventurer who dares enter the wintry ruins of Felstad.

The figure was initially undercoated with two layers of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, before being shaded with a combination of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The Bear was then thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna. As a final touch I ‘picked out’ the creature’s nose, eyes and claws with a little “Citadel” Abaddon Black, as well as its teeth using some “Vallejo” White and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

"Zealot Miniatures" WIPs - This Stone Golem has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Sticking with Joseph A. McCullough’s fantasy wargame in the Frozen City, I have managed to assemble and start working on a Stone Golem by “Zealot Miniatures”. This two-piece resin magical construct “stands 65mm to the top of its head”, and has taken a little while to put together on account of my waiting upon a circular 60mm lipped base to arrive from a disappointingly slow eBay seller.

Originally, I was going to simply paint the living monolith in just my usual “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and “Citadel” Nuln Oil recipe. But having now successfully applied this palette to the figure, I plan to add some additional weathering to the stony sentinel’s surface, and ‘pick out’ its bracelets in either “Vallejo” Bronze or Brass so as to suggest these adornments are what imbue the statue with its unnatural life.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These four Uruk-hai Bezerkers have been primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red

Lastly, I am continuing to progress the additional “Games Workshop” metal miniatures I need to field a 500-point Isengard Force for the Nottingham-based manufacturer’s Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game. One of this army’s components I’m especially keen to expand upon are some extra Uruk-hai Bezerkers, who are accompanied with a number of formidable Special Rules in the “Armies Of The Lord Of The Rings” rule-book.

As a result I have been busy rummaging through my backlog of old models and managed to unearth four more of the barbarous orcs to help swell the ranks of my previously-painted three-figure strong unit. Just like my basic Uruk-hai Warriors however, I am going to have to turn to my modern-day collection of “Scale 75” range of "Metal N' Alchemy" water-based acrylics in order to replicate the now well OOP “Citadel” colours I used over a decade ago…

"In Some Of The Far Eastern Kingdoms..."

"...Houses, temples, and government buildings are often guarded by large, slow constructs called shrieking wolves."

These two 28mm scale Shrieking Wolves are produced by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGV337 from their “Frostgrave" range. "Designed as alarms to scare away intruders", the statues can be encountered by adventurers exploring the Collegium of Artistry - "a vast, labyrinthine complex of halls, classrooms, and laboratories built into the mountainside."

Initially primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, the pair of "tough and tenacious" creatures were subsequently treated to a layer or two of Brass and shaded using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Ordinarily, I then usually brighten my miniatures back up with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Brass, yet on this occasion I wanted the statues to remain somewhat darker than normal, so skipped this step in favour of applying a sporadic wash of the "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide.

"Fleeing is generally the best course of action."

Once this "Citadel" Technical paint had been applied to all of the metal figures' nooks and crannies, I slowly started to blend it in using a dry-brush of "Vallejo" Brass. Finally, I went back to areas such as the beasts' maws and paws with some additional "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide simply to ensure that they were suitably weathered.

Momentarily stepping across from Joseph A. McCullough's fantasy world of "Frostgrave" to that of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord Of The Rings", I have made some steady progress on an old Uruk-hai Captain figure I plan to add to my 500-point strong Isengard army for the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game. The now seemingly OOP metal command miniature by "Games Workshop" won't actually represent a leader for my force, but rather one of Saruman's shield-less brutal warriors who will only cost 9 points...

"Games Workshop" WIPs - The Uruk-hai Captain's flesh has now been completed

In addition to this, I have been assembling, priming and layering a handful more "Supers Unlimited" models by "Kitbash Games". I still have quite a backlog of these resin sculpts, including one of Doc Cosmos which quite embarrassingly dates back to before the company ran their first successful "Kickstarter" back in August 2019.

I had originally started painting the protector of Empire City in a blue and red colour scheme somewhat similar to his 'official' palette. However, I've since completely repainted the figure "Vallejo" Silver and "Citadel" Abaddon Black so as to better represent Captain Cosmonaut; a Soviet super-hero from Weird War Two. I do though own a second copy of this miniature, and have been contemplating whether to either pigment him in a less 'sparkly' costume denoting a time before he become so cosmically-powerful, or simply turn him into a statue/objective marker which was erected in honour of his noble, war-time deeds...

"Well, That's No Ordinary Rabbit!"

"Oh, it's just a harmless little bunny, isn't it?"

These two 30mm scale "high quality resin" Dungeon Bunnies are hand cast by “Zealot Miniatures” and can be bought from their Twisting Catacombs range. Sculpted by Eddie Fisher, both the Tame and Vicious sculpts are "suitable for most popular dungeon RPG Games", and stand 7mm and 14mm tall respectively.

The Tame rabbit was primed using a double-helping of "Vallejo" White, before being shaded in Pale Grey. The diminutive animal was then initially dry-brushed with some (more) "Vallejo" White. But I found the miniature to be so tiny that this technique simply didn't work, so in the end I just built up some highlights on the creature's tail, legs, paws, mouth and floppy ears with a size 000 "Windsor & Newton" Series 233 University brush.

"That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on!"

I dabbed a little "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey on the bunny's tiny nose and later washed it with some watered-down "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. In a break from my usual methodology of separating colours with a thin line of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, I subsequently applied some additional Carroburg Crimson directly to the insides of the rabbit's ears to give them a distinctly pinkish tinge.

"What's he do, nibble your bum?"

As I initially plan to use both Dungeon Bunnies as Imps for "Frostgrave" by "Osprey Games", I decided to pigment the Vicious incarnation with "Vallejo" Heavy Red, shade it with pure "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and dry-brush it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. I then applied some "Vallejo" White to the animal's sharp teeth, and a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet to its tongue.

Originally, I was planning on settling upon the demonic rabbit having plain "Vallejo" White eyes just like its cute-looking counterpart. However, I suddenly thought that they'd look even more Hellish if I actually used this colour as a simple base layer for some "Vallejo" Green Fluorescent. Finally, the fiend's nose was finished with a little dab of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - This Wolf has been primed, layered and washed

Sticking with "Frostgrave" I have also started progressing four Wolves by "North Star Military Figures" and hope to use them as test subjects for some experimental sponge-work. To be honest I am not all that enamoured with the actual sculpting on these 28mm sized metal figures though, as they look a little too fox-like in their faces for my liking...

"Now Why Don't You Take A Long Close Look At This Sign."

"Those proportions are correct."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Shark Fin is manufactured by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGA415 from their “Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" range. "Big, powerful, ever-hungry, and attracted to blood" this playing piece is sold along with a resin sculpt of a shark's maw as the creature rises up to spectacularly break the water's surface.

The miniature was primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed using a little (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. As the big fish's sculpt also contained a few breaking waves swirling around its base, I filled out the rest of it's 40mm circular lipped stand with green-stuff and used the flat blade of a modelling knife to replicate the water's numerous crests.

"Attack in sections, Alpha section leads."

Once the modelling putty had cured, I painted it with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, washed it with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I then increasingly added a little "Vallejo" White to my Heavy Blue, and lightly drew this combination over the surface's raised details. Eventually, I applied a final 'highlight' of pure "Vallejo" White to the waves' crests.

As well as finishing my Shark fin, I have also completed the very last of my FedSec Troopers by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Unlike the vast majority of my previously-pigmented jumpsuit-wearing soldiers, I swapped out the model's gas-mask head for one wearing a balaclava instead, and painted him up to proxy one of Space Commander Travis' underlings from the BBC television series "Blake's Seven".

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Isengard figures are in various stages of painting

With a fair few projects currently on the go, I was little trepidatious when recently asked if I wanted to construct a 500 point army for the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game, especially as I haven't actually finished painting a "Games Workshop" miniature in over a year. However, having rummaged through my collection of completed figures from the Nottingham-based manufacturer's "The Lord Of The Rings" range, I realised that I only needed to paint Saruman and a lone Uruk-Hai to bring a legal Isengard force to the table-top. 

In addition, with the temptation of the "Warhammer Underworlds" Skink warband, the Starblood Stalkers, proving too much for me to recently resist, I am in the position where I really need to at least partially clear some of my "Games Workshop" backlog if I'm going to keep abreast of my New Year's Resolution by painting two models for every one bought. As result, I've also devised a second 500 point Isengard army list, which whilst predominantly relying upon my already completed figures, replaces the former leader of the Councils of the Wise with a plethora of Uruk-Hai Scouts, Warriors and Bezerkers...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Frostgrave" April 2021

"From far and wide, wizards flock to the frozen ruins of Frostgrave..."

Thanks largely to "Osprey Publishing" announcing the release of their new science fiction skirmish rule-set "Stargrave" in four weeks time, this month's attempt to reduce my slightly decreasing stash of metal, plastic and resin models will primarily focus upon my backlog of "North Star Military Figures" for "Frostgrave". Admittedly, I've been trying to paint a (second) warband for my excursions into the frozen city since last December, but I'm hoping my New Year resolution of pigmenting two models for every one newly bought will help better motivate me in this endeavour.

In addition, I'm rather keen to work my way through a rather intimidating array of animals and monsters I have previously bought for my Felstad bestiary. The vast majority of these creatures were purchased to thwart my somewhat snowbound adventurers as random encounters on their travels. However, I have also found a number of tropical-based critters from the wargame's sibling publication, "Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" too.

"The Paladins are the federation's military elite."

Alongside this 'cunning plan' I hope to completely finish all of my Iron Star Alliance units for "Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika". My collection of these all-metal "Privateer Press" paladins has momentarily got a little out of hand after I lost patience with a long-running pre-order which seemingly was never going to be delivered, and resultantly purchased some Enforcer and Annihilator reinforcements from a different webstore. Incredibly, no sooner had I received these gun-totting extra personnel than I was informed that my long-awaited pre-order had miraculously been posted.

I have though wasted absolutely no time in trying to get these extra soldiers assembled, based, primed and painted. Indeed, I have already completed all three of the recently arrived Paladin Enforcers which make up my second infantry squad, and am currently working on the first of six 'rapid-fire harbinger cannon-carrying' heavy support figures.

March 2021 - "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" sculpts have dominated the month

Progress wise, the past thirty-one days have resulted in an incredible amount of fully-finished miniatures, many of which are still sat waiting in the wings to actually be posted. Indeed, despite only hitting a fairly 'middle of the road' tally for March as far as this website's articles are concerned, on paper I actually managed to equal my highest pigmentation output since my records began a little over seven years ago.

A lot of this success has been due to my high interest in the "Supers Unlimited" range of heroes and villains by "Kitbash Games". But I am equally indebted to "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" for their latest successful Kickstarter, Lurkers From The Deep, which has galvanised me into working my way through some of their model range in anticipation of receiving my pledge's modestly-numbered rewards in two months' time...

“I Am A Hacker Housed In A Fully-Armed Mobile Weapon-System."

"Your move, little man!”

This 41mm tall resin model of Battle Engine is produced by "Kitbash Games", and was bought following their highly successful "Supers Unlimited" Miniatures "Kickstarter" in August 2019. Described as a villainous "ghost who surfed in the shadows of the dark web. with many incredible feats attributed to him by his hacker callsign". I actually plan to use the casting as a robotic Allied super-hero known as Mark One for an upcoming Weird War Two campaign utilising some homemade rules.

Having super-glued Enrique Messi onto a 28mm lipped base, I first primed him with a double layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey before shading the "hacktivist" in "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I then applied a dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal to parts of the figure, such as its armour plating, limbs and head, in order to suggest some significant weathering had taken place on those areas.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Two FedSec Troopers 'converted' with Balaclava heads

I continued to 'distress' the entire model by drenching it in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and sporadically dabbed its joints in "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. Once applied, these techniques really had made quite a mess of the miniature, so I blended them all together with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey. This was somewhat delicately done as I wanted to ensure that some of the previously-used "Vallejo" Gunmetal still shone through so as to give Battle Engine a slight metallic sheen.

As a final step I 'picked out' all of the armoured suit's shoulder missiles (both front and back) with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as dotted the sculpt's two eyes with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I had also wanted to apply a decal depicting either an Allied Star or American flag to the model, so as to better tie-in with my own background for the automaton. But despite owning several such transfers which were small enough, ultimately failed to locate a sizeable enough flat surface.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - This "Frostgrave" bear has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside pigmenting Battle Engine, I have also found the time to assemble the last two of my FedSec Troopers by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". These jumpsuit-fitted minions actually come complete with a gas-mask wearing head. However, as I wanted them to represent the Federation Death Squad lead by Section Leader Klegg (from the late Seventies BBC television series "Blake's Seven), I have fitted them with some balaclava heads instead.

Lastly, I've managed to base a somewhat large Bear rearing to attack by "North Star Military Figures". This particular sculpt has been added to the company's Frostgrave Extras rage, and has already had its basic stages completed in preparation for next month's big painting push into Joseph A. McCullough's frozen ruins of Felsted...

"This Horned Urz Cub..."

"...Has to be restrained with a zencollar and muzzle for safety."

This 28mm scale metal model of a Horned Urz Cub is sold by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as part of their Alien Pets 2 deal. Sculpted by Andrew May, and originally produced as a freebie to all backers of the company's Colony 87 - The Third Wave - 28mm Sci-Fi Civilians Kickstarter, the creature is designed to be used with the company's other "Colony 87" sci-fi civilian miniatures "for any RPGs and tabletop wargames."

Over twenty foot tall when fully grown, the prized extra-terrestrial bear was initially undercoated using "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, before dabbing the creature's fur in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna using a piece of torn foam. The entire animal was then washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - The two Shrieking Wolves have been primed, shaded and 'distressed' 

The ferocious predator's zencollar and muzzle were 'picked out' using a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Gunmetal. This restraining device was later shaded in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and carefully highlighted with a touch more "Vallejo" Gunmetal. Finally, the Horned Urz's eyes were spotted with a couple of dabs of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and later washed using a little "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Stepping away from the dizzying heights of "Colony 87" and making a frosty return to the snow-laden ruins of Felsted, I have spent some considerable time recently rummaging through my collection of unpainted models looking for a number of old "Frostgrave" miniatures I own by "North Star Military Figures". It's true that I intend to allocate this fantasy skirmish rule-set's second edition a considerable consignment of my valuable hobby-time over the next few months, in the hopes of pigmenting both a sizeable bestiary and some adventurous warbands.

"Kitbash Games" WIPs - Big Bot and The Shark are slowly having their details 'picked out'

However, I have also been spurred on by the announcement of it's science-fiction sequel "Stargrave" and the somewhat imminent release of a whole raft of new sculpts to specifically support it. This year I am absolutely determined to see through my New Year pledge of painting at least two models for every new one bought, so with this in mind, I thought I'd best get cracking on churning my way through my "North Star Military Figures" backlog; especially as I'm aware that the Nottingham-based company has already announced they'll be producing three twenty-figure strong boxes of plastic multi-part miniatures to go alongside their official metal range.

In addition, I've been plugging away at some more of my "Supers Unlimited" resin heroes by "Kitbash Games". such as Big Bot and the long-neglected Shark. I've still got quite a few of these super-heroes and villains to finish before I dare visit the manufacturer's store again, but hope to 'break the back' of this particular pile of shame by the end of next month...

“Can You Alphamaniacs Smell What The Alpha Male Is Cooking?

"Woo! Oh yeah!"

This 36mm tall resin model of Alpha Male is produced by "Kitbash Games", and was bought as part of my pledge from their highly successful "Supers Unlimited" Miniatures "Kickstarter" in August 2019. Transformed overnight with a physical prowess to match his larger-than-life wrestling character, I actually plan to use the casting as a Third Reich super-villain known as Áchtung for an upcoming Weird War Two campaign utilising some homemade rules.

Having super-glued Albert Mannheim onto a 28mm lipped base, I first primed him with a double layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone before shading "the bad-boy" in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the big star's boots, lengthy hair, moustache, prominent eyebrows and leather belt, as well as delicately dry-brushed his laces with some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

"Privateer Press" WIPs - The Paladin Enforcer is slowly having all his detail 'picked out'

The wrestling heel's toe-caps, belt emblem and spikes were given a 'lick' of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his trousers were treated to a combination of "Vallejo" German Fieldgrey WWII and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green so as to help tie-in the figure with my Weird War Two setting.

I also picked out the heavily-muscled maniac's gold bracelet using some "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. One particularly noticeable mistake I did make was to 'pick out' both of Mannheim's eyes, whereas the actual sculpt shows him winking with one eye closed. Fortunately, I didn't actually like the look of that facial expression, so having painstakingly 'dotted' both eyes I wasn't going to go back and paint over one socket with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

"Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago" WIPs - The Shark's watery base has been sculpted and painted

With another of my "Kitbash Games" super-villains completed I've continued to make some excellent progress on my Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika. Iron Star Alliance Starter Set, to the point where I've almost finished all three of its Paladin Enforcers. Despite some 'build-issues' with the multi-part metal miniatures, I've been rather enjoying these "Privateer Press" sculpts, and resultantly even ordered a second unit to add to my force from "Firestorm Games".

Slightly left-field has been my decision to pigment a few old Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago animals and monsters I recently found. I'm not necessarily planning on playing the fantasy wargame in the lost isles, but, having never fully-painted a water-based miniature before - at least not one where I'd need to sculpt the waves on its stand - I thought I'd give the resin Shark maw by "North Star Military Figures" a go...

"Although Rarely Seen..."

"...At least one colony of white gorilla calls the city home."

This 38mm tall metal models of a White Gorilla is manufactured by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought as code FGV311 from their “Frostgrave" Range. Known to leave their nest deep with the ruins of the Frozen City in order to hunt, these formidably-sized animals "are not above eating human flesh."

The figure was initially primed "Vallejo" White, drenched in Pale Grey and dry-brushed in (more) White. I then set about painting all of the creature's flesh, such as its face, chest, hands and feet in "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. To be honest I actually struggled with this task as the 'official' paint-job suggested that the brute had a bare knee and patches of skin under its arms.

"The females and young generally stay inside a nest..."

However, I simply couldn't find any of this detail on the actual sculpt itself, so in the end simply settled for my gorilla having a somewhat symmetrical bare chest, In addition, because I wanted the ape to look especially dirty and dishevelled, I decided against giving its flesh a light(ish) colour and instead shaded it using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

The random encounter's claws were treated to some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and it's dubiously elongated fangs 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" White and a double-helping of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally the beast's tongue was pigmented with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and later darkened down using even more "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Halt. This area is under maximum security and totally off limits."

Due to my somewhat intense dislike for the both the figure's bizarre head and pose, it has actually taken more than two years to actually get this "Nfumu Ngui" in a position where it can 'grace' my tabletop. Fortunately though, its completion has tied in quite wonderfully with the “Neglected But Not Forgotten” Painting Challenge over on "Ann's Immaterium" blog, so has duly been submitted as an entry.

With another animal ticked off my "Frostgrave" Bestiary list, I have also finished pigmenting another of my old 28mm FedSec Troopers made by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. I got this figure from their now out-of-production Federated Security Starter Set and painted him up so as to be a 'dead-ringer' for a Federation trooper from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”.