Top Ten Miniatures Of 2023 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Another year has been and gone, and so as we all look forward to 2024, sing “Auld Lang Syne” and drink far too much. But first I’d like you to indulge me as I take a retrospective peek back at Simon's wonderful output of 2023. Yes, it’s that time again when 'Blax Kleric' throws the keys (and keyboard) to "Fantorical" over to me so I can lower the usually high standard of writing here, and he simultaneously raises the standard over on my own blog. Anyway having pawed over the past twelve months' posts, I’ve dragged my “Top Ten” favourite finished figures kicking and screaming back into the spotlight for one last hooray before they are consigned to the annuals of Fantorical history. So in no particular order (except rising from ten to one, of course) I give you my ten best figures by Simon for 2023…

No. 10 - Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator by "Papsikels Miniatures" - March 6th

Yes I admit it I did copy and paste the official name of this smashing figure off of Simon’s original post. Though we all know why they couldn’t just call him what he so obviously is for copywrite reasons, it’s a bit of a mouthful! But I digress, This is a truly iconic character and this 3D printed version has been painted to perfection in my opinion. His mainly black costume falls right into Simon’s wheelhouse as they say, as he does black so damned well it's sickening! The flesh along with all the other details have also been picked out superbly well. Top work!

No. 9 - Sauron by Wizkids - February 16th

It wouldn’t be a review of Simon’s stuff without at least one character of the comic book variety, and even though I think he has painted less than in previous years - Simon will now no doubt prove me wrong on this! - there was just something about this rendition of the “X-Men” baddie that made him stand out to me. He is of course very well painted and the colours are the usual perfect match for his “Savage Land” comic/cartoon source material. Perhaps therefore it’s his pose? I really don’t know. But there is something. Sometimes you can’t quite put your finger on it, yet something just appeals to you at a base level, and that’s what this chap does.

No. 8 - Mk IV Space Marine by "Games Workshop" - July 5th

Now the figure in at number eight is from one of those projects that has been around for well over a year now, though I won’t say exactly how long it’s been rumbling along for to save Simon’s blushes. Anyway, we all have them and this is one of his lovely “Sons of Horus” Space Marines. Now, he is also doing these in 15mm scale using Alternative Armies “Ion Age” miniatures and a couple of those have made my list in the past. But I think this is the first time one of the larger “official” figures has made the grade. This is not however a reflection of my lack of admiration as to the amount of work that has so obviously gone into these lovely plastic miniatures - the level of detail picked out (by a very small brush I imagine) is mind boggling, and coupled with the great teal and gold colouring of his armour, I can even forgive the “slotta” base he is mounted on (almost). This individual is simply my pick because his pose and helmet combination is reminiscent of one of my own “beaky marines” from my early days of gaming.

No. 7 - British 95th Rifleman by "Wargames Foundry" - July 31st

And now for something completely different - historicals! I have painted up a small unit of 28mm Napoleonic figures myself in the past, so am perfectly well aware of how time consuming and infuriating they can be. Resultantly, when these first started appearing on this esteemed blog I knew that if Simon stuck with it we were in for a treat. Suffice to say he did and we were! It might have taken some twenty plus years to get these miniatures painted (though we’ve all been there right!?). But the final results were worth the wait as these two (yes there are two) renditions of “Green Jacketed” Riflemen are lovely and convey all the hard bitten, no nonsense intent of these famous British chosen men perfectly.

No. 6 - Proto Keeler by "Papsikels Miniatures" - February 23rd

Now before I start “waxing lyrical” about how good this figure is I would just like to clear up a couple of points. First off, I have included figures from the "Alien" franchise before in my Top Ten listings, and they are usually of the black-hued variety because anyone who has read one of my lists before will no doubt be aware of my deep appreciation of how well Simon paints black! In fact I’ve already mentioned it above!. This however, is obviously not black and is also from one of the much weaker entries in the series too - based as it is upon the Xenomorph’s featured in “Alien Covenant”. Simon actually painted two of these wonderful renditions, and even though he admitted to problems with the “3D printing” of  the sculpts, it did nothing to distract me from turning my head with the truly excellent flesh and blood stained finished articles.  

No. 5 - Renaissance Knight by "Steel Fist Miniatures" - September 6th

Renaissance gaming is not a period I’ve ever been tempted by, though I don’t in all honestly know why as the figures available for it (my usual attraction to a new period) are quite lovely. Such a case in point is this model, along with the other “Steel Fist Miniatures” that have appeared on "Fantorical" over the past few months. It’s always nice to see bloggers I follow stepping outside of their normal frames of interest, especially when the results are as good as this, as the painting of said miniatures has been of the very top order. Indeed, frankly the only thing that has kept we away from the company's web-site has been the trials and tribulations Simon has endured with the fragility of some of the other miniatures in this range. Whether this is actually a sculpt of the Marquess of Mantua, Francesco II Gonzaga or not, I don’t know (or if I’m honest even know who he is!). But issues aside the colourful paint scheme and wonderfully accurate painting has been a joy to behold.

No. 4 - Aquaphibian by "Big Mr Tong" - May 29th

Now I’m a big fan of anything connected to Gerry Anderson - the man was a genius and of course anyone with an interest in modeling has to be in awe of the detailed models and sets used in most of his television series. So when this lovely 3D print of one of the main protagonists from his 1963 puppet series “Stingray” appeared, it was basically a done deal that he’d end up on here. This is one of those deceptively complicated paintjobs, at first glance he looks green right. However, when you look closer you can see all the wonderful work and subtle layering that has gone into his skin. Simon does this so well, it’s like a background in a movie, if you notice all the details then it’s been done wrong, but if it’s not all there it’s also wrong - getting it right is an art, and a masterclass on how to do it right is what this is.

No. 3 - Orr'ugs Wolf by "Artisan Guild" - December 9th

"Simon, you are a big fibber, sir!" Sorry for that outburst. But I felt it was justified as he wrote on my own “Top Ten Miniatures” last year and I quote - ”I tend to stick to using just one colour for their fur”. Then how exactly do you account for the exquisite blending on show on this gorgeous Orr'ugs wolf? Now this is a pretty large model, based as it is upon a 50mm base, so I wouldn’t want to be on the other end of his lead! And he’s a dead ringer for Gmork the Wolf from “The Never Ending Story” movie. So the blending from light grey to almost a dark blue grey is sublime, and add in the pin sharp detail work on his jaws and eyes and I don’t think you could find a better example anywhere! You are a dark horse, sir (actually it’s probably a Piebald!) as he went and did it again less than a week later with a second Orr'ugs Wolf.

No. 2 - Failed Experimental Battledroid Series 1 by "Papsikiels Miniatures" March 20th

Simon has painted lots of lovely miniatures from various film series this year, including several from the “Robocop” franchise. However, the one that really stood out to me was this figure that whilst only appearing in the second Robocop movie for a few seconds, proved so iconic that it’s been stuck in my head ever since. Resultantly, when this cracking sculpt of the failed experimental second Robocop turned up on "Fantorical" there was always going to be a damned good chance he’d make it into this year’s Top Ten. Posed with him pulling the helmet from his head to reveal the bloody screaming skull underneath, this is just such a cool miniature and one that I never in a million years thought would ever be produced. Albeit these days we live in a world where just about everything can get sourced if you know where to look. The painting is sublime of course and he looks like he’s just walked out of the screen. As I said just so damn cool!    

No. 1 - Zombie Hulk by "CoolMiniOrNot" - November 27th

So what’s edged out all these wonderful miniatures and has taken the top spot this year..?Well I have to admit I’ve gone back and forth over this list so many times, with both the second and third-placed figures having been at the top. However, I always leave at least one space free when I start this list as Simon keeps producing figures right up until the end of the year, so I like to have a little wiggle room in case his last figure is a contender. Luckily, it was a "Nu [Doctor] Who" model, so that wasn’t an issue this time round (sorry Simon). I did though, spot this figure of a “Zombie” version of the Hulk on my last look through, and even though he hadn’t even made my original short list, on perusing his post I was struck by just what a superb job Simon has done on him. Everything is right, the colours, the shading, the details, the gore, even the base is a joy of little details. Everything meshes so well and is done to perfection, so yes, from out of nowhere this has leapt to the top of the pile, I give you my favourite miniature of 2023.

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And so that’s it! My ten favourite figures from this year’s "Fantorical" - the home of well painted miniatures and stuff you never even knew existed, let alone knew yow wanted so much! As always I’ll end by first thanking Simon for letting me run free and easy over his baby. I mean honestly will the man never learn! Secondly thanks to you dear reader, without whom there would simply be no point to blogging in the first place.

Now I could list a few of the things that didn’t quite make the cut this year. But frankly they were all good, so my advice is nip out to the kitchen, make yourself a big cup of tea (or something stronger if you’re so inclined), settle back and work your way back through all of Simon’s posts of 2023. In fact, don’t stop there keep heading back towards the sunset. I promise you a damned fine read! All the best to you all for the New Year, may your dice roll true and your paintbrush bristles never splay. I now return you to our regular program...

Cheers Roger.

N.B. You can visit Roger's excellent wargaming blog and see both his excellent output, as well as my own Top Ten of his 'best in show' here:

"Rantings From Under The Wargames Table"

"The Tiger II Is A German Heavy Tank Of The Second World War."

"The final official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B, often shortened to Tiger B."

These two 10mm metal German Königstiger tanks were bought together as a pair within a single clamshell from “Pendraken Miniatures” at Salute 50, and were simply labelled as Tiger II (armoured vehicles). Destined for my Battle of the Bulge campaign, the weighty models each consisted of a separate Henschel hull, turret, gun and pair of tracks.

First used in combat by the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion during the Allied invasion of Normandy, the King Tigers were treated to a double coat of "Citadel" Adeptus Battlegrey, a generous dousing in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and an enthusiastic dry-brush of (more) Adeptus Battlegrey. The models' tracks were 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, base-coated using "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Games Workshop" WIPS - A very roughly layered MK IV Space Marine Sergeant

Due to the sheer size of the sculpts, I also felt able to easily 'pick out' the odd visible shovel and tow cable using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, or "Vallejo Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade as appropriate. The large tanks were finished courtesy of some transfers taken from both "Decal Details" DEC-GR-100 WWII German Insignia and Swastika, and RU-108 Russian 10/12mm armour numbers sheets.

Along with my two Königstiger tanks I have also made some progress on the first of my ten MK IV Space Marines by "Games Workshop". This 28mm hard plastic figure will be the sergeant of my third Sons of Horus tactical squad for "The Horus Heresy", and is being used as a test piece to pilot a change in my painting technique where I don't apply a shade to their armour until I've finished 'picking out' all their detail.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - Three Foot Knights awaiting their details to be 'picked out'

Ordinarily, I perform this phase straight after base-coating the "towering, transhuman warrior" and then follow it up with a rough dry-brush. However, with such highly-detailed sculpts I repeatedly find myself having to later tidy up the armour because my brush-tip has inadvertently strayed - or in the case of "Vallejo" Gold, tiny metallic flakes have attached themselves to other areas of the model despite me being super-careful whenever I use the acrylic colour.

Lastly, I have managed to advance a few more of my Foot Knights by "Steel Fist Miniatures" for my meagre-sized Italian Wars project. I must confess my drive for this Fifteenth-Century endeavour has been badly knocked by Simon Chick's decision to (temporarily) close the company, as I did have some plans to extend my forces beyond the heavily armoured infantrymen I currently own, and tend to find a constant stream of new releases/purchases a cracking motivator to main my hobby momentum...

Fornovo Was The First Major Pitched Battle Of The Italian Wars."

"The French won the engagement and Charles VIII was able to march his army out of Italy."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 04 - Foot Knights, and has been painted up to represent one of the soldiers fighting on behalf of the grand coalition assembled against the King of France.

Apparently based upon "a very interesting [set of] armour now in the Wallace Collection in London", I primed the model with a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black, before treating it to a layer of Doom Death Black from Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats" range. I then began patiently 'picking out' all the armour's trim using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and subsequently followed this up with some Gold.

"The Panther is often believed to be the best German tank of the Second World War."

Once this somewhat time-consuming process was completed, I gave all the ornate decoration a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and tidied up any errant brushstrokes with either (more) "Two Thin Coats" Doom Death Black or "Citadel" Abbadon Black. I also repeatedly pondered whether the face bars down the front of the Knight's burgonet closed helmet would be so lavishly embellished. But having sought inspiration looking at some photographs of Sir Richard Wallace's "extensive collection" I decided that it may well have been.

Lastly, I picked out the majority of the figure's large, two-handed Zweihander sword with some "Two Thin Coats" Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. Part of the blade was then dry-brushed with (more) Sir Coates Silver, before I rather simply (and probably historically inaccurately) marked the man out as being part of the Holy League by pigmenting his feather plumes with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Some French Fusiliers at various stages of completion

Along with this latest addition to my burgeoning Italian Wars project, I have also finished two more 10mm metal German Panzerkampfwagen V Panther tanks by “Pendraken Miniatures”. I picked this particular pair up at Colours 2023, and predominantly painted them using an old OOP pot of "Citadel" Adeptus Battlegrey, some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

In addition, I've been slowly working my way along a line of eight Napoleonic Frenchmen by "Wargames Foundry". I'm still getting acquainted with these old Perry-crafted Fusiliers in Greatcoat Marching, so resultantly have been pottering about with all their leather straps as part of a batch painting process. However, now these have been roughly layered, I'll probably focus upon just one or two of the infantrymen as 'test pieces' for my colour scheme.

"Bears Are Typically Peaceful Creatures."

"But they can become unstoppable behemoths if aggravated or threatened."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Bear is produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and can be purchased as SKU: MINI 1062 from their Fantasy range. The animal, which was painted in just a single hobby session, is actually an impressive 55mm in length, and resultantly was super-glued onto a plastic "Citadel" 50mm circular base.

The miniature was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being heartily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then drowned in plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and treated to a second, much more delicate, dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. Lastly, I finished the  beast's basics off by applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to its claws and dirtied them up with a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"The war began when Ludovico Sforza, then Regent of Milan, encouraged Charles VIII of France to invade Italy,"

The model's snout and eyebrows were given a careful lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. These areas were then 'feathered-in' alongside the surrounding darker fur with a little bit of "Citadel" Abaddon Black being stippled along their edges. The bear's mouth and tongue were 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey and Heavy Red respectively. Both of these areas were later sploshed with plenty of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, the figure's teeth were dotted in "Two Thin Coats" White Star and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Alongside my first completed "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" model of the year, I have also got another 28mm metal Foot Knight by "Steel Fist Miniatures" tabletop ready. As with my other combatants of the Italian Wars 1494-1538, the armoured warrior can be purchased from either the company's Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal, or as Code REN 03 - Foot Knights, and is by far my least favourite of Oliver James' sculpts due to its bare helmet, and oddly posed gigantic sword.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This Tiger II tank has been assembled, primed and shaded

As with some of my other Renaissance Frenchmen, the miniature was primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered in Sir Coates Silver by "Two Thin Coats". It was then treated to a dousing in Duncan Rhodes' Oblivion Black, before the armour and blade were given a thorough dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver. To mark the Knight out as being one of the King of France's fighters, I carefully applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and Drakenhof Nightshade to his pants (which are partially visible from the rear).

Lastly, understandably inspired by the bag full of 10mm World War Two tanks I bought from "Pendraken Miniatures" at the recent Colours 2023 wargaming show, I have assembled, base-coated and washed a pair of metal Tiger II armoured vehicles for my Battle of the Bulge campaign. I actually purchased these rather heavy models at Salute 2023, and are just one of several of the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's blisters I currently have simultaneously being progressed on my painting table...

"Napoleonic Russia Was To The Rest Of Europe..."

"...A military and geographical puzzle."

This trio of 28mm scale metal models are sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN023 Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching set. The blister consists of eight similar-looking Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry, with all of the miniatures depicted wearing heavy clothing to protect them from the Patriotic War's deadly winter. 

Due to my previous decision to paint the infantrymen using the 'official' palette shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, I primed them all using a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, before predominantly using a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black on their shoes and leggings, as well as their knapsacks, sabres and cartridge belts. One of the figures did have their coat open at the waist, so I decided to pigment him with white leggings (using White Star by "Two Thin Coats") and a "Vallejo" Heavy Green jacket. Both of these areas were later splashed with some heavily watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green respectively.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This Panther G tank has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I must confess that the ordinarily off-putting white leather straps of the Napoleonic era were surprisingly quick to 'pick out' using "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a dash "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Indeed, I even managed to complete the Russians' fiddly sword tassels with the same colour combination at the same time, before applying a little "Vallejo" Gold to all the scabbards' tips, and shako straps. I also gave all the models' greatcoats a positive drowning with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and then carefully dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

As part of my final sweep I applied a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to each model's tin water bottle and musket barrel, and subsequently used "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on the rest of their rifles. Unlike my 'pilot' Russian piece, all of these sculpts didn't appear to be wearing gloves. But they did have scarfs, so I treated these knitted garments with a coat of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - These Foot Knights have primed, base coated and washed

Sticking with winter warfare, albeit two hundred plus years in the future, I have managed to assemble, base, prime, shade and dry-brush a pair of 10mm metal Panther G tanks by "Pendraken Miniatures", which I recently picked up from their stall at Colours 2023. These impressively hefty and detailed armoured vehicles are destined for my Battle of the Bulge campaign, and should provide the Axis forces with some additional firepower when they confront the three Canadian Sherman Fireflies I'm also currently progressing.

I've also managed to get my paint-brush on some more of the 28mm metal Foot Knights I recently received from "Steel Fist Miniatures". I'm hoping to start using a handful of these figures from the company's Italian Wars range next month, in some basic skirmishes using "Lion Rampant" by "Osprey Publishing", so am presently plenty enthused to get half a dozen more of the heavily-protected combatants completed in short order...

"Pierre De Rohan..."

"...Came from a famous French family who had fought their king's wars for many years."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 01 - Foot Knights, and whilst not specifically named as the "close advisor of Kings Louis XI , Charles VIII and Louis XII" was painted with Pierre de Rohan in mind.

The "Marshal of France since at least 1475", the multi-part model proved slightly cumbersome to assemble before painting, due to the caster's belief that the figure's massive number of helmet plumes would apparently stay attached with just the smallest of nodules fixing it in place. Considering just how heavy the panaches were I decided a much safer option was to file down the 'underwhelming peg' and pin the collection of feathers in place with wire.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - Three more Foot Knights currently on the painting table

Only once this ensemble had been super-glued together and given an appropriately long time to harden, did I dare apply a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to "the youngest of the Rohan-Guéméné family." This was then followed up by a combination of Sir Coates Silver from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before the armour and blade were given a thorough dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver .

I did initially consider colouring de Rohan's plumes in an elaborate mixture of white and blues. However, having perused the marvellously sculpted feathers, the headdress appeared a little too fiddly for me to easily 'pick out' the odd area with a brush-tip, so I ultimately decided to go with an all "Vallejo" Heavy Blue palette. This was subsequently shaded with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and later carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This 10mm Sherman Firefly tank has been primed and shaded

With the recent arrival of eight Foot Knights Attacking from "Steel Fist Miniatures", along with my two missing models from my first order, I've found my mojo for this skirmish-sized Italian Wars project to have bounded back with great aplomb. So perhaps unsurprisingly, I have made some steady progress on some more combatants in the Battle of Fornovo, with several other figures impatiently waiting in the wings.

In addition, spurned on by my recent purchases at the "Pendraken Miniatures" stall at Colours 2023, most notably some Canadian armoured decals, I have also been busy putting a brush to some of the last 10mm Allied World War Two tanks I previously picked up off of Leon whilst visiting Salute 2023. These three M4A4 Sherman Fireflies still have some work to go. But with a dedicated session or two should soon be busy representing the Second Canadian Armoured Brigade for Late War (Winter) campaign.

"Francesco Had A Career As A Condottiero..."

 "...Acting as Venice's commander from 1489 to 1498."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 05 - Foot Knights, and whilst not specifically named as the Marquess of Mantua, was painted with Francesco II Gonzaga in mind.

"Regarded as the finest knight in Italy", the multi-part model was super-glued together and given a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, followed by a combination of Sir Coates Silver from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The armour and blade were then given a dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver before receiving two more 'drownings' of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. This was because Francesco appeared to always be wearing black armour in his portrait pictures, and whilst I didn't want to go that way with this particular sculpt, I did want to make his suit appear a little darker than normal.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These Russians are slowly having their details 'picked out'

Due to selecting this particular miniature to represent "the commander-in-chief of the army of the Italian League in the Battle of Fornovo", I 'picked out' his barely visible moustache with a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and splosh of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before applying plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to his skirt - a colour which would starkly contrast with the predominantly blue palette I am planning for their French opposition. In addition, I did a little research on the Marquess of Mantua's flag for this historical period, and decided to represent its red cross with four black dragons on a white background with his helmet's plumes.

Resultantly, the various feathered hackles were painted using White Star and some heavily watered-down Carcharodon Grey by "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats", pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and "Vallejo" Heavy Red with plenty of the "Citadel" Shade Carroburg Crimson. As a final touch I dabbed a little "Vallejo" Gold" and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade over the pommel of Francesco's sword.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - Three Yeti from "Doctor Who" which have been based and primed

With the second of my Battle of Fornovo combatants completed, I have focused much more of my hobby time upon some more of the 28mm Russian Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching by "Wargames Foundry" I want to field as part of my Third Coalition force. These soldiers will initially form up alongside a pair of already finished British 95th Riflemen for some skirmish games of "Xenos Rampant". At least they will once I complete the handful of Napoleon's French Fusiliers I intend to field as their early opposition.

To help me have a break from all the white straps of the early Nineteenth Century uniforms, I've also assembled and primed (using a mixture of "Vallejo" Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna) three large metal Yeti by "Warlord Games". These 28mm scale classic monsters from the "Doctor Who" science fiction television series are now sadly OOP (out of production) since the Nottingham-based company lost the licence. But I was recently lucky enough to snag a trio of the models second-hand, so have wasted no time in getting them ready for my brush-tip...

"The Russian Army Refused To Engage With Napoleon’s Grande Armée..."

"...Of more than 500,000 European troops. They simply retreated into the Russian interior."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN023 Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching set. The figure is one of eight similar-looking Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry, with all of the infantrymen wearing heavy clothing to protect them from the cold conditions of their country's freezing winter.

As I decided to pigment the miniature using the 'official' palette shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, I primed the "regular" with a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Ordinarily, I'd next give the fellow a generous splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and a dry-brush. But on this occasion I wanted to try out a new time-saving technique I'm trialling, where I don't do this until towards the very end of my paint-job. This means that I no longer need to repeatedly keep touching up the 'finished areas' of the model whenever my wandering brush-tip strays onto a part of the long jacket.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These two artillery teams are slowly being progressed

I also took full advantage of the figure's all-encompassing coat by simply using a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black on his shoes and leggings, as well as his knapsack, sabre and cartridge belt. Indeed, the need to pick out the soldier's infamous white leather straps with White Star by "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" was pleasantly doable, even after I discovered the Russian's sword tassel was also white - at least according to an illustration I used. All of these areas, along with the scabbard's tip, shako straps and any other spots requiring a dab of "Vallejo" Gold", were later 'weathered' with a small dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

I next applied a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the model's tin water bottle and musket barrel, before using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on the rest of the rifle. At this point I did momentarily consider whether I was going to flock the miniature's base with grass or snow, as the poor Russian appeared to be participating in the Patriotic War of 1812 and the French retreat from Moscow. In the end I decided upon my usual 'green' stand, so I could always mingle the figure/s into a 'warmer weather' Napoleonic unit without too much fuss at a later date.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - This Foot Knight will wear red and white to represent Francesco II of Gonzaga

Alongside my latest addition to my miniscule, yet disconcertingly growing 28mm Napoleonic collection, I have made some considerable progress on the two cannon artillery teams I require to fill out my Confederate force's first artillery battery. I had been painting these 15mm plastic pieces from "Warlord Games" Epic Battles Black Powder American Civil War range separately. However, having found subsequently assembling them and pigmenting the large gun a 'right royal pain', I have put my remaining unit together on its stand.

In addition, I have tentatively started slowly working on another of the Renaissance Knights manufactured by "Steel Fist Miniatures" as part of their ten-figure Foot Knights Deal. I've still heard absolutely nothing from the company about either my missing models or second order. But am trying to be positive that they will all eventually arrive, so thought perhaps applying my brush to a second sculpt might help 'push' the gaming gods in my favour...

"Charles VIII, Called The Affable, Was King Of France From 1483 To His Death In 1498."

"He succeeded his father Louis XI at the age of 13."

This 28mm metal model of a Renaissance Knight is produced by "Steel Fist Miniatures" and was bought as part of the ten-figure Code REN 20 - Foot Knights Deal from their Italian Wars 1494-1538 range. The sculpt can also be purchased as part of a pair under Code REN 01 - Foot Knights, and whilst not specifically named as the monarch behind the "French invasion of Italy", was painted with King Charles VIII in mind.

I was actually made aware of this cracking selection of models by Dom over on his "Boots on the Table" YouTube channel, and was planning to use them for some small-level (somewhat fictional) skirmishes set around the Battle of Fornovo in 1495. Indeed, whilst I impatiently awaited the arrival of my initial order, I actually went as far as to pick up a copy of the campaign book "Fornovo 1495: France's bloody fighting retreat" by "Osprey Publishing" in preparation for pigmenting the models.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - The Foot Knight was primed, base-layered and shaded

Sadly however, this single miniature not only destroyed any enthusiasm I had for the project. But almost killed off my wargaming mojo in its entirety due to the difficulties I experienced both assembling it, and trying to receive my correct order - as two of the ten Foot Knights were missing having erroneously been sent some duplicates instead. Furthermore, I can't think of another model I've ever worked on which came quite so close to being thrown out of the window I sit beside whilst doing my hobbying.

The first problem appears to stem from the quality of the metal used as the casting was rather poor in places, resulting in some serious cutting/filing to allow the sword's hilt to be held, and one of the plumes immediately broke away from the helmet whilst I was merely holding it in my hand. The joint between the sword hand and the rest of the arm didn't fit terribly well either, so ultimately ended up with a load of super-glue being applied before the limb tenuously held. In addition, because the head would look odd with one pinned plume, I decided to cut off the surviving "hackle" and then pin the pair back - resulting in a slightly odd bunny-ear look to the ensemble.

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - The Foot Knight slowly had all its details 'picked out'

Painting my Foot Knight was equally a challenge, as I discovered the metal had strangely reacted to the super-glue causing much of the warrior's fluted Maximilian armour and skirt to become gooped up - completely obscuring the detail. This lead to some considerable time subsequently being spent with a modelling knife, carving/cleaning out all the blockages on Oliver James' wonderful sculpt.

With my miniature finally ready for its prime, albeit the folds in the King's cloth still seemed frustratingly soft, it was give a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, followed by a combination of Sir Coates Silver from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The armour and blade were then given a dry-brush of (more) Sir Coates Silver before certain areas of his "Maximiliansharnisch" were picked out using a dab of "Vallejo" Gold" and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade - most notably the "grotesque visored close helmet."

"Steel Fist Miniatures" WIPs - Three more Foot Knights have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Due to wanting this figure to represent King Charles VIII of France, I decided to apply some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to the invader's skirt, and then drown it out with plenty of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. I also attempted to dry-brush a little (more) "Vallejo" over the cloth's folds. But as I feared, the gloopy reaction had rather softened some of the detail in this area, so I soon decided to leave well enough alone. I was also somewhat perplexed by the monarch's waist sash, and initially kept that blue too. However, it looked too much like a nappy to my eyes, so I went back and applied some simple "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the strip of folded material - hopefully suggesting its some sort of belt.

I actually have a trio more of the Foot Knights built and partially-pigmented, as well as an order of Foot Knights Attacking awaiting arrival, so perhaps at some point I will continue this project - especially as I was planning on each side only fielding a handful of combatants anyway. For now though I can't really face another of this company's figures and feel rather deflated about the entire affair...