Top Ten Manufacturers Of 2024 - A "Fantorical" Viewpoint

It's strange how some unpleasantness experienced at the start of a year can have such a long-lasting impact upon a wargamer's enthusiasm for the hobby. However, having decided to leave the Fourteenth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) early, and resultantly found myself facing a table full of miniatures I'd been busily prepping/progressing for the event, that's precisely the predicament I faced in the first week of February 2024. Admittedly, I did persevere with my collection of primed figures by "Black Tree Design" and "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" until I had gotten a large number of them tabletop ready. But after a couple of months I found my mojo to be completely spent, and disappointingly didn't really pick up my paint-brush with any great gusto until the Autumn - due to suddenly being once again bitten by the Napoleonic Era bug.

To make matters worse though, the host of my wargaming website "Wix.com", suddenly decided to dramatically increase their costs and focus on income generation for store-owners, rather than people like myself who simply wanted to run a website. This caused me to immediately cancel my subscription to their service, and spend many a painful week manually bringing all my hobby posts/pictures back across to "Blogger.com". Resultantly, my overall productivity was frustratingly down on previous years, whilst my determination to finish many of the models originally destined for submission into the AHPC greatly hindered my focus upon new projects. Luckily, I eventually shook off this 'funk', and despite my previous love of 3D printing seldom surfacing due to FEP/suction issues, I did fall 'head over heels' for many a 28mm metal miniature instead...

No. 10 - "Warlord Games" - "Bolt Action"

It would certainly be fair to say that compared to past periods, I somewhat fell 'out of love' with this Nottingham-based manufacturer during this year. I didn't attend their Open Day, nor did I buy into any of their new Epic range releases either. Indeed, the company only appears because at the very end of 2024 they released the Third Edition of "Bolt Action", and subsequently caused me to start assembling/painting a 28mm Italian army using their excellent plastic infantry sprues.

No. 10 - "Athena Miniatures" - "Apocalypse Survivors"

One of the best things about physically visiting wargaming shows is suddenly spotting a line of models I have never even heard of, and just such a thing happened at the recent "Warfare" with this firm. Initially, I was actually drawn to their Franco-Prussian War figures. But then spotted the various British squaddies and Russian invaders which made up their post-apocalyptic United Kingdom, and walked away from their stall with several plastic bags of goodies.

No. 8 - "Alternative Armies" - "The Ion Age"

Definitely a product of the AHPC and victim of its fallout, I set aside a handful of this company's long abandoned 15mm vehicles to pigment for the event. Disappointingly though, once completed, I never had the motivation to progress any more of the wonderful miniatures I own from the range - so the finished hover tanks and armoured cars were simply safely placed inside some plastic containers where they disconcertingly dwell to this day.

No. 8 - "Fenris6661982" - "The Lord Of The Rings"

Doubtless this is a rather controversial "eBay" seller due to their Black Numenoreans resin figures seemingly being closely based upon the original (OOP) sculpts once sold by "Games Workshop" for the "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game". However, at the time of purchase they were one of several stores advertising various 3D prints of J.R.R. Tolkien's "cruel oppressors" on the e-commerce marketplace, and it wasn't until I finally found a pair of my old official metal miniatures that their true 'exactness' became abundantly clear.

No. 7 - "Lost Heresy Miniatures" - "Vulgorn Guards"

One of the few 3D Printing Patreon/Tribes to actually cause me to power on my "Elegoo" Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, Bill Thornhill's nod to "The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy" actually caused me no end of issues - largely thanks to my resin tank's FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) being too loose to produce successful prints. However, once I did have my hands of some useable 'not-Vogons' I soon got them tabletop ready, and built up a sizeable seven-figure squad.

No. 6 - "Black Site Studios" - "Lunar"

Arguably viewed at one point as my 'break-out' manufacturer of the year, I was deeply smitten by this American company's resin-cast astronauts, Soviet cosmonauts and sugary-sweet space pet. In fact, I even went as far as to order a 6'x4' Asteroid gaming mat from "Deep-Cut Studio" upon which to play out some large-scale moon-based battles. However, the high expense of buying/shipping their various mining factions, rovers and additional spacemen from across the Pond proved all too much; especially when I discovered items I had ordered direct from "Black Site Studios" weren't even in stock (despite their webstore saying otherwise), and they knew they'd be at least a two month delay to have them made but didn't feel obligated to tell me that.

No. 5 - "Games Workshop" - "The Horus Heresy"

Despite a little dabble with some long OOP (Out Of Production) metal models from their "The Lord Of The Rings" range, the vast majority of my focus for 2024 as far as this Nottingham-based manufacturer was concerned, was on their 28mm hard plastic MK IV armoured Space Marines. Disappointingly, I never managed to finish my third ten-man unit of Sons of Horus due to the monotony of pigmenting their 'blue-green' "high grade composite ceramite plating" and "Vallejo" Gold trim. But I did get tantalisingly close, and definitely should have 'ensured' that I am able to eventually field a 500-point traitor army for "The Horus Heresy" in the forthcoming year.

No. 4 - "CoolMiniOrNot" - "Zombicide" & "Marvel United"

I owe quite a considerable bit of gratitude to this Singapore-headquartered company, as the mid-year arrival of their Monty Python's Flying Circus expansion for "Zombicide" finally pulled me from my hobby slump. In addition, I fell back in love with their excellent "Marvel United" boardgame, and began painting a number of its super-heroes/villains for a series of Battle Reports. Sadly, all of this enthusiasm was then completely quashed into the ground by the atrocious management of their Marvel United: Multiverse Kickstarter - which saw my missing pledge abandoned in a factory in China...

No. 3 - "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" - "7TV"

Buoyed by my love of Eighties' science fiction franchises such as "Flash Gordon" and the two-part television miniseries "V", Karl Perrotton's "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" was undeniably one of my main 'go-to' miniature makers of the year. Admittedly, I had actually planned to pigment far more of their Rick Rhodes Luna City range during the AHPC than I eventually did. But this misfortune didn't prevent me from pottering on with plenty of Simian Minions and Strawbears once my hobby mojo eventually returned later in the year.

No. 2 - "Wargames Foundry" - "Napoleonic Range"

Easily my most time-consuming project for 2024, and my proudest, the sheer amount of highly-detailed Perry Brother sculpts I tackled with my brush-tip throughout these twelve months was quite astounding. Indeed, I managed to complete a fair few eight-figure units of Russian, Prussian and French infantrymen during this time, as well as a trio of rather formidably-sized Great Big Bellicose Bears. Admittedly, much of this success was undoubtedly due to playing several games of "The Silver Bayonet" ruleset by "Osprey Games", and using these figures for that. But I also achieved my goal of having enough units for two sides to play a simplified version of "Black Powder" by "Warlord Games" too.

No. 1 - "Black Tree Design" - "Doctor Who"

By far the biggest shock of the year, was just how many of these three decades old sculpts I completed, and then did absolutely nothing with. Furthermore, apart from a smattering of Sea Devils during the Summer, all of these miniatures were surprisingly made tabletop ready by the end of April. Much of this productivity was due to their inclusion in my plans for the AHPC, and subsequent successful attempt to attain my target tally despite departing the event early. However, a desire to resurrect an old interstellar war campaign playing some old homemade rules never materialised, and so all of these models were disconcertingly just packed away in a plastic container or three.

"We Are The Sons Of Horus."

"Once called the Luna Wolves, we now bear the name of our primarch."

This 28mm plastic miniature of a Space Marine Sergeant is by "Games Workshop" and comes from the sadly now long OOP (Out Of Production) Betrayal At Calth boxed game by "Games Workshop". The multi-part figure has been assembled wearing MK IV armour and had a resin Sons of Horus "Forge World" shoulder-pad super-glued onto him so as to specifically mark him out as belonging to the Traitor Legion.

The figure was initially primed with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, before being heavily washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Sons Of Horus Green. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to his shoulder-pads, ammunition pouches, backpack, Plasma Pistol, helmet, Power Claws and various elbow/knee joints.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - A trio of British N.B.C. (Nuclear Biological Chemical) troopers

Following up from this the model's vents, firearm, and Power Claws were later treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst I gave the Sergeant's left shoulder-pad a single coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, some Gold, and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Having also applied this metallic concoction to the miniature's lower left leg, his chest emblem and various decorations, all these areas were subsequently highlighted with some additional touches of "Vallejo" Gold along the edges, iconography and rivets.

As a final touch I applied some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal to the composite ceramite cooling coils of the Space Marine's plasma pistol and eye lenses. These parts were eventually given a lick of "Citadel" Contrast colour Talassar Blue and Flesh Tearers Red respectively. Lastly, I stuck one of the many decals found on the "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus Legion transfer sheet onto the right shoulder-pad.

"Lost Heresy Miniatures" WIPs - Three Vulgorn Guards primed and base-layered

Alongside the third of my Sons of Horus Space Marine Sergeants, I have managed to make a little bit more progress on the British NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) models I picked up from "Athena Miniatures" at "Warfare" 2024. Three of the figures have now had their L98 A2 rifles and gas masks base-layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and had their camouflaged ammunition pouches completed too.

Furthermore, despite initially believing I'd finished my 28mm scale Vulgorn Guard patrol by "Lost Heresy Miniatures" in December last year, I have since found three more of the (not) "Hitchhiker's Of The Galaxy" models in one of my drawers - clearly indicating I was even more enthusiastic with my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and their STL (Standard Triangle Language) files than I thought. I was somewhat tempted to mark this trio out as an 'elite' unit of the extra-terrestrial bureaucrats by painting them in the garish green jumpsuits seen in John Lloyd's 1981 television series. But in the end decided to simply 'fold' the three identical sculpts into my current colour scheme...

Miss Fantorical 2024 - An "Undercoat" Painting Pageant

Another year has come and gone, and it sure does seem to go quicker as you get older! Once again I'm sticking to the annual tradition of reviewing all the miniatures posted up on this "Fantorical" wargaming blog during 2024, and as per last year will pick a model for each month, before then selecting an overall favourite. My choices are based on the miniature, the paint job, the rule of cool and other eclectic factors - such as nostalgia etc. Some months had some straight forward choices, whereas others were very tricky due to them containing multiple miniatures that would have made a straightforward 'Top Twelve' pick. But rules are rules.

January - Resistance Fighter 1C by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" - January 31st

I have long admired the crisp looking miniatures that this company produce, and this one is a sculpt that has a great balance between pose, detail and character. The paint scheme is dark, which contrasts with the hair and face, so your eye is drawn to the latter as a superb focal point. I really like this one a lot.

February - Maus Super Tank by "Forged In Battle" - February 26th

In complete contrast to the last miniature in both scale and theme this 15mm scale World War Two leviathan looks amazing in my opinion. First of all the miniature is incredible, but I adore the tiny crew that have been added. I also really like that camouflage pattern that has been applied - despite it was described as being 'splodged on'..! It looks intricate and eye catching to me.

March - Howard Quartz by "Warlord Games" - March 31st

This miniature is from the ABC Warriors game, and forms part of the company's 2000 AD range. The model just oozes character to me, and it again demonstrates how well metallics are painted on this site. The splashes of colour break up the large metal areas brilliantly and really draws the eye in. Plus, who can possibly resist a dapper robot with and umbrella..?

April - Bisqueware Monster by "Ashbury Manor" - April 4th

Right, I know this might be controversial as April is jam packed with miniature goodness. However, this cute little blue monster is different, eclectic and just plain superb. Admittedly, figures from both the Horus Heresy and Napoleonic Period came in with all guns blazing during this time period, and nearly defeated the cute little kaiju. Yet ultimately I couldn’t resist. I fully appreciate being a "craft piece" that this 'Pokemonesque' little guy isn’t really a wargaming model. But he looks absolutely fabulous to me due to the paint-job's colours popping, it oozing charm, and looking brilliant!

May - Monica Rambeau by "Wizkids" - May 27th

Now, May didn’t have a whole lot of choice in it, but this "Heroclix" has filled in the almost obligatory superhero pick on my list. A character I don’t really know a lot about - so the potted history in the posting was a blessing - who looks funky and shows repainting pre-painted miniatures is worth the time and effort.

June - 'The Foot' by "CoolMiniOrNot" - June 11th

Okay, we are going weird again. If there is one thing this blog does exceptionally well, it is to show off unusual eclectic miniatures, and 3D prints. The stuff that is out there on the periphery of the hobby is just amazing. This model is certainly different. It is the foot from Monty Pythons Flying Circus and is used in the popular Zombicide game. It’s a foot! And, I love it. The skin is painted so well and it just looks sensational. Mad, but sensational. Anybody else wonder who keeps the toe nails so well trimmed..?

July - Ultron by "CoolMiniOrNot" - July15th

Another tough month. So why Ultron? Another superhero/villain. Another CMON figure. I know, but he just looks awesome. The miniature looks so full of character sculpted in that chibi-style which the game uses, and the paint scheme, while simple enough, just explodes off the screen. Great metallics with red details that pop like a balloon in a pin factory. I just adore this one.

August - Napoleonic French Late Infantry Commander In Greatcoat by "Wargames Foundry" - August 19th

I have always loved the Sharpe novels set in the Napoleonic Wars. But I have not really been interested in Napoleonic miniatures until recently, due to a perception that the uniforms and forces can be both complicated, as well as confusing. However, this blog has done a good job in promoting how great soldiers from this period are. This officer is colourful, full of character and looks brilliant. Indeed, as a result of being buoyed up by the enthusiasm this blog has shown over recent times, I have taken the plunge and started my own small, slightly gothic force for "The Silver Bayonet".  It was also good to see YouTuber Peachy jump on the bandwagon and show off some Napoleonics too, so surely "Peachy Tips" and "Fantorical" both can’t be wrong..?

September - Space Pet by "Black Site Studios" - September 30th

Another miniature from, I suspect, the less well known game of "Lunar" - which involves combat on the moon. In a month of umpteen great miniatures and great paint jobs, why did this space puppy get picked? Well, he is cute, quirky and different, that is why.  A great little miniature. I just think he looks amazing.

October - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadier In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry" - October. 21st

I am unashamedly back in Napoleonic times. This gentleman epitomises the appeal of this period to me. A time when colourful uniforms made battlefields look splendid (until the fighting started and they became an awful hellscape!). A time when uniforms were packed full of details and character. A time when moustaches were awesome (No 1970's miniatures were painted to compete unfortunately!). This miniature just looks incredible: the colours the character, the care taken to pick out the details. Chef’s kiss.

November - Soviet Cosmonaut by "Black Site Studios" - November. 21st

Well the moon has lured me in again with another great miniature and paint scheme. This space man has been painted in the unusual colour of red, rather than the usual white. But once on the tabletop you'll know for sure that this guy originates from the eastern side of the Iron Curtain. I also absolutely love the shield he has. It has been painted to look like it came from a space ship, or part of some installation, and I think that is just tremendously imaginative. The mysterious red space grass caps off a fabulous look for me.

December - Vulgorn Guards by "Lost Heresy Miniatures" - December 9th

Another very different miniature, these aliens are so strange and full of character that they practically demand your attention. The colour scheme is a fairly simple one of a dark grey and black uniform. But they are painted so neatly, and with such care, that they just look amazing. A great reason to go and explore what 3D prints exist out there!

Well that is my top 12. My overall favourite is……

The Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadier In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". A wonderfully characterful miniature that is painted with love and care that looks sensational!

As always feel free to disagree, and why not say what your favourite miniature of the year from this blog was. Happy hobbying and a prosperous New Year to all.

"From The Depths Of Space..."

 "...An incredibly ancient vessel drifts slowly towards the Imperium Of Mankind."

This 30mm tall white metal casting of an undead astronaut is produced by "Diehard Miniatures" and can be bought as part of the company's five-figure SKU: UDTP069 Skeletal Spacemen Unit 1 set. "Rising from the fallen, the wastelands, the forgotten battlefields and the hulks in orbit," this particular model has been rather embarrassingly sat languishing half-painted in one of my drawers for over five years, having originally been purchased for "Zomtober" 2019.

Described as being cursed to "follow the bidding of their new master the Tech Mancer", I recall undercoating the poor fellow with plenty of "Vallejo" White and shading him with some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade - as I planned on the characterful sculpt representing a former NASA employee who had bitten the dust whilst exploring the Moon (or something). The rocketeer was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" White, and had the handle to his large fire-axe 'picked out' using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Resistance is useless!"

Because I really wanted the vast majority of the spacesuit to remain white, I decided to solely focus upon dabbling with a few little bits and pieces of the astronaut's equipment instead. Resultantly, I applied a "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer to the skeleton's axe-head and coiled tubing, before giving them a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson" on the Spaceman's oxygen tank, whilst opting for "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade for a secondary flask attached to his back.

Lastly, I took my time in dirtying up the walking cadaver, with a little "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, so as to hopefully suggest putrefaction. Furthermore, I plonked a dollop or two of Games Workshop's Contrast Paint Flesh Tearer's Red into all the visible holes and tears found on the miniature, and subsequently dropped some Carroburg Crimson into them too, so the Shade could spill out and down the wound.

"Or I will rend thee in the gobberwarts with my blurglecruncheon, see if I don't!"

In addition to this impulse paint-job, I have completed a seventh 28mm scale Vulgorn Guard by "Lost Heresy Miniatures". The miniature was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, and due to some major issues concerning the tension of my resin tank's FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene), or rather lack of, emerged with a malformed left glove. Fortunately, despite my extremely limited ability with Green Stuff, I was able to salvage the model by successfully sculpting on the missing part.

This (not) "Hitchhiker's Of The Galaxy" model was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" German Grey and Gunmetal, with a significant splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his rectangular-shaped gun. I also applied a little "Vallejo" Heavy Fleshshade to the extra-terrestrial's nose, and later sploshed it with some "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green - a union I plan to use for many a goblin/greenskin in future I can assure you...

"ls This A Civic Reception..?"

"More like a police state."

This 28mm scale white metal model of a 'gas-masked goon' is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately as Alien Legionary 1A, or as part of their four-figure Alien Legionnaries set. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the miniature has clearly been strongly influenced by Danilo Donati's costume design for the Emperor Ming's minions seen in Mike Hodges' cult 1980 movie "Flash Gordon", and was started in earnest way back in March of this year.

Originally primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, the trooper was given a positive drenching in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before being dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. The guard then had all of his leather straps and belt carefully 'traced out' with a little bit of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and his belt buckle/shoulder epaulettes were tackled using a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Vogons are slug-like but vaguely humanoid."

I also decided to slightly change the colour of the legionary's gloves - to suggest they were made of a different material - by 'picking them out' with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion. These garments were subsequently shaded with a quick dash of "Vallejo" Carroburg Crimson. I did consider applying some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to both the model's face-mask lenses and blaster rifle, but eventually settled on just dotting in the semi-circular eyes, as I thought the gun better matched the film props in plain black, so soon decided to leave it well enough alone.

Alongside the first of what I hope to be a small army of the Emperor's Ming's minions (as I certainly own enough), I have completed a sixth 28mm scale Vulgorn Guard by "Lost Heresy Miniatures". The miniature was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, and contains a fair few flaws as a result of the resin tank's FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) being a little too loose - thus causing some considerable suction which played merry havoc with the STL (Standard Triangle Language) file's pre-supports.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Prussian officer is having all of his intricate details 'picked out'

Luckily, the 'slippage ridges' found on one of the figure's left arm isn't all that noticeable, especially with its current palette, and the shallow hole located on its back has been pigmented as if its simply a tear in the alien's rubber one-suit with the greenish flesh showing beneath. This (not) "Hitchhiker's Of The Galaxy" model was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" German Grey and Gunmetal, with a significant splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his rectangular-shaped gun.

I've also started to try to play catch-up with my monthly Napoleonic painting goal using "Wargames Foundry" models. Resultantly, I've dug out a Prussian Officer from their PN031 Infantry Command I began working on many months ago, with the intention of getting the colourfully-costumed combatant completed before the year has finished...

"Oi! You With Bowler!"

"Get under cover or you'll get your flippin' 'ead blown off!"

This 28mm metal model is produced by "Athena Miniatures" as part of their Apocalypse Survivors range, and is one of eight similarly attired figures found inside the Swindon-based company's AS11 British NBC set. I actually picked it up as part of a much larger impulse buy whilst at "Warfare" 2024, as they're based on the notion of the Russians invading the United Kingdom following some great calamity - whether that be a nuclear strike, zombie incursion or some deadly extra-terrestrial attack.

This lore caused me to recall the classic "Invasion!" comic book strip created by Pat Mills for "2000 A.D." during the late Seventies, and I have subsequently painted up a squad of four Russian invaders dressed for Radiological, Chemical and Biological warfare to get me going. This time round though I thought I'd put my brush-tip to some of the country's heavily outnumbered defenders, and picked a single test piece with which to trial my chosen palette.

"Here is what to do if you want to get a lift from a Vogon: forget it." 

Resultantly, the figure was undercoated using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and drowned in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then carefully applied a base layer of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the trooper's boots, gloves, gas mask and firearm, before giving the squaddie's hand-weapon and lenses a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider using a spot of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey for the L98 A2 rifle, as per some photographs I had seen. But as the model was already predominantly that colour I decided to just keep it a dark silver so the "advanced rifle" would stand out a little more on the tabletop.

As a final touch, and something which I thought might help the British troopers stand out from their Soviet opponents, I decided to 'pick out' the chap's ammunition pouch with some round(ish) splodges of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna. This basic camouflage pattern was later sploshed with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before each area was highlighted back up with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Two Sons of Horus Space Marines having their details 'picked out'

In addition to my British NBC Squaddie, I have also completed a fifth 28mm scale Vulgorn Guard by "Lost Heresy Miniatures", which I created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer. This (not) "Hitchhiker's Of The Galaxy" model was predominantly painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" German Grey and Gunmetal, with a significant splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his rectangular-shaped gun.

Lastly, I've not forgotten my remaining 28mm multi-part plastic Sons of Horus Space Marines for "The Horus Heresy" by "Games Workshop", and have been patiently progressing the traitors whenever my hobby time allows. Indeed, I'm hoping to get the ten-man unit's Sergeant finished sooner rather than later, which besides a couple of Special Characters, should then just leave me with less than a handful of bog-standard MK IV Adeptus Astartes...

"Wollipeds Are Large, Docile Herd Animals..."

"...Found in the snowy foothills of large mountains."

This 28mm scale plastic model of a Wolliped is produced by "Wizkids" and can be found as Product Code DDMTROW31 from their Pathfinder Miniatures Reign of Winter range. The eight legged animal was bought as part of an order from "Tritex Games" way back in February 2020, and has sat on my painting area untouched since I initially gave it a cursory lick of paint in May last year.

Known for growing "thick, warm fleece as protection against the elements", the figure was cut from its thin-lipped stand and super-glued onto a "Citadel" 50mm circular base instead. It's pre-paint job was then covered over with a few lashings of "Vallejo" White, before I shaded the entire creature using some heavily watered-down Carcharodon Grey by “Two Thin Coats”. As a final touch, the brute was heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" White.

"Lost Heresy Miniatures" WIPs - These three Vulgorn Guards are almost finished

Having finished the majority of the model, I subsequently went in with a much finer brush to 'pick out' some of the Wolliped's details - such as using a combination of "Vallejo" German Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil on its incredibly hard to reach hooves, and face. I also applied some additional "Vallejo" White to the miniature's tusks and later 'weathered' these formidable pieces of ivory with a little "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, the figure's multiple eyes were all dotted with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and dabbed with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I was originally going to base the gentle, docile herd animal with snow as seems entirely fitting for something which requires "sure footing even in icy terrain." Indeed, I'm pretty sure I might have purchased the figure to be used in "Frostgrave" by "Osprey Games". However, I also felt that this might make the creature become lost to the eye, so promptly surrounded it with green flock so as to help my paintjob stand out all the more.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - Four of the eight British NBC troopers planned for my unit

Alongside my arctic beast I have been working on three more slightly upscaled 28mm Vulgorn Guards by "Lost Heresy Miniatures". This trio were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin back when I had a problem with the FEP on my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, so there's a fair few printing flaws on them - one of which even required some sculpting with Green Stuff to fix. Happily though, I still think they're all good enough to sit on the tabletop once fully pigmented, with many of their faults obscured by their predominantly dark palette.

I've also got a little bit more work done on the British NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) models I recently acquired from "Athena Miniatures". All eight of the troopers' boots and bases are now completed, so I'll simply need to 'pick out' their L98 A2 rifles and gas masks, before tackling their camouflaged ammunition pouches.

"There's No Point In Acting All Surprised About It."

"The plans and demolition orders have been on display at your local planning office..."

These two 28mm scale Vulgorn Guards were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and are available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from "Lost Heresy Miniatures" on "MyMiniFactory". The corpulent extra-terrestrials are part of an eight-figure collection, whose sculpts have clearly been heavily-inspired by the Vogons as seen in Garth Jennings' 2005 movie "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

I've also enlarged them both using "Chitubox" Basic, as I wanted to make Bill Thornhill's corpulent creations match up size-wise with the science fiction miniatures I've previously produced by "Papsikels Miniatures". This basically meant I upscaled the figures by 108.41% (something I repeatedly refer to as 'Arnie size') using the eye-level and dimensions of their Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator STL as a guide.

"...in Alpha Centauri for fifty of your Earth years."

The pair were undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before having their large bodysuits layered with "Vallejo" German Grey. They were then drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo Grey." and had all their leather straps and gloves carefully 'picked out' with a lick or two of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

I next applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to their zippers, eye holes, ear protectors and mouth guards, before darkening the areas down with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Their flesh was tackled using a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and dash of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I did attempt to give one of the models some suitably red lips. However, I simply didn't like how this looked on my figure, so ended up simply painting over them.

"The peaceful dreams of mankind bridging the stars were short-lived."

Furthermore, I gave the Vulgorn Guard's rather rectangular hand-weapon a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before giving it some "Vallejo" Bronze. The firearm was subsequently shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Bronze and then a smidgeon of Gunmetal. Finally, I treated it to a second wash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, which hopefully makes it look like the well-weathered gun was once silver in colour. But had since got covered in grime with age.

In addition to my two 3D prints, I have also completed another of the 32mm resin NASA Astronauts produced by "Black Site Studios" I received as part of my Lunar Core Game pre-order way back in July 2021. Essentially, the miniature was undercoated with "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue, drenched in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue, before I 'picked out' his firearm with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge" [I/IV] December 2024

Last month's output was a bizarre mixture of figures - and many more are now likely to come

Traditionally around this time of the year I am building, basing and undercoating all manner of miniatures in preparation for the annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). Indeed, both my hobby desk and surrounding drawers would ordinarily already be swimming in various resurrected models awaiting a second push to the finish line, or some brand news ones which I had somewhat disconcertingly purchased in order to enter the competition's bonus stages - so as to 'pick up' many of the much-needed extra points I would invariably require to achieve my target tally.

However, having decided not to participate in that particular event again I thought I'd instead reinvent an old personal goal I have repeatedly failed to achieve in the past - namely to spend four months plodding through my unfinished backlog. As a result I thought I'd give my previously named Partially-Painted Pledge (PPP) an extra 'P' so as to include anything I've 3D printed over the past twenty-four plus months, and genuinely focus on chipping away at the giant 'Inventory of Inspiration' I have accumulated.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - The first of my NASA Astronauts is almost finished

The self-imposed rules are pretty straightforward, as the models simply need to have been started in some way to be eligible - so even a bare metal model super-glued to a base or a multi-piece plastic miniature having been assembled, will suffice. This should cause me to stumble through all manner of genres, scales and rule systems until the end of March 2025, and simultaneously help stimulate/maintain my enthusiasm as I declutter my collection of long-forgotten figures.

Furthermore I aim to actually (finally) finish approximately a hundred 28mm models or rather attain 500 points - using my monthly scoring mechanism - and in doing so hopefully bolster my increasingly flagging productivity. This may well prove a tall order, despite some of the models being considerably close to completion. But it at least gives me something aspirational to aim for rather than just meandering from one old half-hearted paint-job to another.

November 2024 - "Crooked Dice" make a big leap towards challenging for second place

To begin with I aim to knuckle down and complete the five-man NASA Astronaut set by "Black Site Miniatures" I had expected to complete during November. I've actually picked up a few of the company's "Lunar" Faction Expansions from UK-based "Spectre Miniatures", as well as taken advantage of the American manufacturer's Black Friday Sale to pick up a few of the range's 'harder to get' kits from their side of the Pond. So I really want to get all these goodies painted before I splurge out on any more.

I'd also imagine that the likes of "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", "Pendraken Miniatures" "Ground Zero Games", and "Battlefront Miniatures" will greatly benefit from this challenge, as I've already discovered many a drawer and container quite literally 'packed to the gunnels' with their sculpts - all of which have only been partially worked on before being discarded in favour of something else...

"Vogons Are One Of The Most Unpleasant Races In The Galaxy."

"Not evil. But bad-tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous."

These two 28mm scale Vulgorn Guards were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and are available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from "Lost Heresy Miniatures" on "MyMiniFactory". The corpulent extra-terrestrials are part of an eight-figure collection, whose sculpts have clearly been heavily-inspired by the Vogons as seen in Garth Jennings' 2005 movie "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

I've also enlarged (and mirrored) the same pose using "Chitubox" Basic, as I wanted to make Bill Thornhill's rotund sculpt match up well size-wise with the science fiction miniatures I've previously produced by "Papsikels Miniatures". This basically meant I upscaled the figure by 108.41% (something I repeatedly refer to as 'Arnie size') using the eye-level and dimensions of their Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator STL as a guide.

"On no account should you allow a Vogon to read poetry to you."

The pair were undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black before having their large bodysuits layered with "Vallejo" German Grey. They were then shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil and vigorously dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo Grey." I next 'picked out' their zipper, eye holes, ear protectors and mouth guards in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I applied plenty of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the bureaucrats gloves and tackled their bare noses with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and dash of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I did also momentarily consider pigmenting the duo's bases using my predominantly grey Moon/Mars basing (with 2mm tall Chilli Red flock) so they could be used to tackle my slowly growing "Lunar" collection of models by "Spectre Miniatures". However, in the end I just based them in the brown mud and green grass I usually use, so I could stick to my original plan of having them tackle Xenomorphs and Exterminators.

"The bears may be relatively realistic in appearance, with detailed masks or fully rounded headpieces."

Alongside my Vulgorn Guards I have also completed four more 28mm metal Strawbears by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. This single model can be bought as SKU: MINI 466 from their Children of the Fields range, or be purchased as part of the Lincolnshire-based company's four-figure Mummer Procession deal, along with a Hobby Horse, Accordionist and Drummer. I picked up mine as part of an eight-miniature pre-order from their stall at "Warfare" 2024.

All of the miniatures were primed using a couple of coats of “Vallejo” Dark Yellow and drenched in “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. Each figure was then heavily dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Dark Yellow, and then Buff, using a large, soft-bristled make-up brush. I next decided to break up their palette a little bit more by sporadically applying splotches of “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade and Biel-Tan Green to certain areas of each model, and subsequently blended all these colours together with a second dry-brush of (more) “Vallejo” Buff.

3D Printing - "Lost Heresy Miniatures" - Vulgorn Guards

"Lost Heresy Miniatures" WIPs - Three of the Vulgorn Guards currently being progressed

All of these models were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and are available as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from "Lost Heresy Miniatures" on "MyMiniFactory". The rotund extra-terrestrials are part of an eight-figure collection, whose sculpts have clearly been heavily-inspired by the Vogons as seen in Garth Jennings' 2005 movie "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

I've actually had a bit of an 'on-off' relationship supporting this creator on Tribe in the past, as I've found their (predominantly science fiction) range to be a bit smaller than most modern-day models - probably being 25mm as opposed to today's 28mm scale. Happily however, I'm a bit more knowledgeable about the data preparation software programme "Chitubox" Basic than I used to be, so these days tend to upscale most of the smaller STLs I print out by 108.41% (measured using the Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator figure by "Papsikels Miniatures" as the new eye-line height - also known as 'Arnie Scale').

"Lost Heresy Miniatures" WIPs - Three more Vulgorn Guards which have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

This did admittedly make the aliens somewhat larger than a normal-sized human. But having viewed several photographs of Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz, it's clear that in the film (at least) the intergalactic civil servants are a lot bigger than mere Earthlings anyway. Regardless, as soon as I saw the set I simply had to get some printed out, especially as they're appearance was something of a welcome surprise - considering that up until this point recently "Lost Heresy Miniatures" had been focusing upon producing a splendid range of characterful Napoleonic Russians for "The Silver Bayonet" rule-set by "Osprey Games".

What I was not prepared for though, was just how difficult it would prove to print out some useable models to paint - and much of this frustration was unfortunately down to me as opposed to anything else, though it took quite a few failed attempts over an entire week before I realised what was happening. To begin with I thought that my upscaling had caused the pre-supports to become unstable, as several appeared to break away from the print mid-way through the production process.

The Vulgorn Guards pre-supported, then supported by "Chitubox", and finally with my (Large) supports

I'm always a bit sceptical of pre-supported files at the best of times, so subsequently tried adding some additional Large supports to the sculpts where-ever I felt there was a weak area. This helped produce a couple of working figures, as well as two which required some Green-Stuff repair work to make right. But was still largely creating failures. Indeed, having initially envisaged a plate of five nicely printed Vulgorn Guards every time I was now almost down to trying just a single miniature in case there were any resin flow issues occurring with an over packed plate.

I even tried completely doing my own supports and repositioning the models at a 35 degree angle - my failsafe placement. But even this caused repeated fails. Fortunately, I then spotted that the FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) was actually touching the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) mono 4K screen by the end of the printing process - indicating that the FEP's tension was no longer as taut as it should be - not a surprise considering that I last changed it almost a year ago. A quick swap of the resin bed for a factory-made one, and things finally started to work...