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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Mutaints Are Genetically And Surgically Modified Individuals…”

“…Usually criminals or failed FedSec staff.”

These three 28mm Federated Security Mutaints were originally released by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” way back in July 2013 and were sculpted by Ian Mountain. These days however, the sculpt is available as Mutaint B from "Beast In The Broch", along with many other 'dead-ringers' from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”. 

Before being primed, each metal figure’s head was attached looking in a slightly different direction in order to give each trooper some individuality. The separate heads can actually simply be super-glued into place, courtesy of a small bump sticking out from their underside which can then sit upon the torso’s slightly hollowed out neck. In the past though, I have inadvertently dislodged the head whilst handling the model during its painting, so to make doubly sure it would remain in place, the two pieces were additionally pinned and green-stuffed in place.

"Zombicide 2nd Edition" WIPs - President 16 is slowly having his details 'picked out'

Described as retaining “no memories of their previous selves” having “been conditioned to obey orders without question”, each miniature was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and energetically dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal. I then picked out all the Mutaints’ gauntlets and chest coverings using pure "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and subsequently drenched each one in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

In addition, I attempted to make Space Commander Travis’ Command Crew a little more sinister-looking by using "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey for their faces’ flesh as opposed to my regular Heavy Skintone, and shading them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Lastly, each trooper's firearm was pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"I am Groot."

With the latest additions to my Federated Security force finished, I have managed to persevere with my test piece taken from the “Zombicide 2nd Edition” Presidential Box Survivor Pack by “CoolMiniOrNot”. I’m still not convinced attempting to paint the hordes of plastic figures which were produced during this highly successful Kickstarter is going to be good for my health, but the Abraham Lincoln sculpt seems to be working out reasonably well, and might encourage me to do a second US President once completed.

I’ve also taken the time to return to my previously-painted model of Groot by “Atomic Mass Games” and attempted to lighten the extra-terrestrial's rather dark colour scheme with a dry-brush of “Vallejo” Earth. I rarely return to past projects, however, the Flora colossi’s predominantly “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna (and super-shiny) palette made it difficult to see a lot of the sculpt’s excellent detail, even after applying a couple of coats of Matt Varnish over the "Marvel Crisis Protocol" miniature.

"My Name's Crossbones, Darlin'!"

"I can crush your larynx in one second --"

This 40mm scale plastic figure of mercenary Brock Rumlow is produced by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. Assembled using eleven different pieces, not including his circular stand, the model depicts the Red Skull's leading henchman throwing one of his formidably hard punches.

"Trained by... the combat virtuoso Taskmaster", the thug was initially primed using a coupe of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and thoroughly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. I then patiently 'picked out' the bruiser's toe-caps, knee-pads, knuckle-dusters, knife-butt, firearm and assorted belt buckles/studs with "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before shading the entire ensemble in plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Kitbash Games" WIPs - Kayo the Bouncer, Alpha Male and Mayhem

To be honest, I was sorely tempted at this point to leave the majority of the miniature well enough alone, as the official paint-job seemed to indicate that was that. However, having already been disappointed that the sculpt did not contain an opportunity to actually pigment Rumlow's famous 'crossed bones' insignia on his chest, I found myself wanting to add a bit more contrast to all the various straps and pouches dotted across the figure.

As a result I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to Crossbones' gun holster, the thick leather straps on his shin-guards, his knife's handle, the odd pouch and a pair of rear-facing straps holding his body armour in place. I later shaded these with (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil so as to dramatically darken them them down, and hopefully make them a little less obvious than if I'd just stuck to my usual application of Agrax Earthshade over them.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - The two Great Apes are having their detail 'picked out'

Finally, I applied some "Vallejo" White to Brock's face mask and subsequently gave it a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil in order to help me better see all of its subtle details. I then picked out the villain's eye sockets with a dab of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and momentarily debated whether to follow some of the other paint-jobs I've seen where part of Crossbone's skin is seen poking out from beneath his head covering, or simply spot his eyes in with (more) "Vallejo" White as is predominantly depicted in the "Marvel Worldwide" comic books. In the end I went with the latter option, as that is how I always visualise the character in my mind's eye.

Alongside my twelfth "Marvel Crisis Protocol" model I have been steadily progressing three resin super-heroes/villains cast by "Kitbash Games" from their excellent "Supers Unlimited" range. In addition, I've also been making some inroads on a trio of "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" Great Apes. I had actually hoped to have had the giant monkeys finished by now, but unfortunately I've discovered some quite noticeable chipping on their furry hides from their time jostling against one another in storage, and needed to re-prime them in places as a result.

"My Sensors Are Locked On Target!"

"My Encephalo-Beam is set to kill!"

This 40mm scale plastic figure of the synthezoid Ultron is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. Assembled using twenty-one separate pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the Hank Pym's homicidal creation standing atop a pile of molten slag.

Originally built "to be a force for good", the rogue robot was originally primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and treated to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Silver. The super-villain was then shaded using some "Citadel" Nuln Oil before being heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Silver.

Marvel Crisis Protocol Roster - Eleven assorted heroes and villains

I also applied a thinned down wash of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade over the model so as to make the computer A.I.'s almost indestructible adamantium body appear to have a slightly blue hue to it. Finally, I set about 'picking out' all the deadly automaton's armour vents with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson" in an effort to suggest the unbridled power of Ultron's internal nuclear reactor.

Initially, I had momentarily contemplated following the "Atomic Mass Games" official paint-job for all these numerous filters. But frankly I have never been a fan of the metallic fiend's torso and limbs being completely criss-crossed with orangey red like writer Roy Thomas' co-creation was suffering from some bizarre case of varicose veins. So in the end I settled for simply 'picking out' the synthezoid's eyes, maw, chest, thighs and calves.

"Kitbash Games" WIPs - Kayo the Bouncer, Alpha Male and Mayhem

Disappointingly, the finished figure's paint-job did subsequently seem to have a detrimental reaction to being sealed with "Coat d'arms" Gloss Varnish, as the so-called protective film stripped the entire robot of its subtle "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade shading, as well as part of the Nuln Oil shade applied to the miniature's sculpted base prior to it being dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

Having been somewhat put off from painting any more of the Marvel Crisis Protocol figures as a result of this mishap, I have momentarily taken the time to make some slight progress on a handful of assorted, super-powered resin costumed vigilantes produced by "Kitbash Games" as part of their Supers Unlimited range.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" February 2021

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three Great Apes

This month's attempt to reduce my considerable mountain of metal, plastic and resin models has been somewhat motivated by my interest in the latest Kickstarter by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Focusing upon "Lurkers From The Deep - 28mm Cthulhu miniatures & terrain" my pledge is presently 'reeling in' thirteen new miniatures already, so in line with my New Year's resolution to paint two models for every one freshly bought, I'm presently looking at needing to finish at least twenty-six figures before fulfilment.

Fortunately, I have quite a few of the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer's miniatures already partially-painted, including a trio 0f their splendidly large Great Apes. These quite large metal models are already primed, shaded and dry-brushed, so following a little 'minor' repair work following their lengthy stay in storage, should soon be ready for final detail work before being table-top ready.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - Crossbones and She-Hulk

In addition this month also sees the continuation of Dave Stone's "Paint What You Got Challenge" over on his excellent "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog. I've been using this event to complete the ten-figure strong roster I need in order to play "Marvel Crisis Protocol" by "Atomic Mass Games", and whilst I've almost completed this goal, I still have a few more of the super-hero skirmish game's models to clear from my painting area.

Foremost of this minor backlog is my Crossbones figure, whose dark palette is slowly being given some colour by some sporadic applications of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Gunmetal. I've also finished all the metal work on She-Hulk's large circular base, and started tidying up the Avenger's predominantly white footwear in preparation of 'picking out' all its purple straps.

January 2021 - "Atomic Mass Games" dominates my hobby-time so far this year

Progress wise, the past four weeks certainly saw me attain a bitterly disappointing level of productivity when compared to the same period over the previous six years. However, as opposed to simply painting everything and anything that I could which was reasonably straightforward to pigment for the annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, I've instead stuck to focusing upon miniatures which should actually see some table-top action in the future.

I also haven't found myself purposely purchasing non-essential models simply so I can quickly get them finished and submitted for the event; something which has lead me down some particularly costly paths in bygone days. Instead I have slowly but surely managed to 'tick off' my checklist several of the larger scale "Marvel Crisis Protocol" models by "Atomic Mass Games", and even start working on a small-time project focusing upon the "Unmatched" miniatures made by the little known "Mondo Games".

"Now Try To Imagine Yourself In The Cretaceous Period."

"You get your first look at this six foot turkey as you enter a clearing."

This 40mm tall plastic figure of a Velociraptor is manufactured by “Mondo Games” and can be found inside the Jurassic Park: Ingen Vs. Raptors board game for "Unmatched". Sculpted to depict the "genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur" in one of their memorable moments from the 1993 American film "Jurassic Park", the model was actually cut from its 25mm stand and glued upon a 40mm circular base instead.

"Significantly smaller" in real life than that depicted on the big screen, the creature was undercoated using "Vallejo" Earth, drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Earth. I then 'picked out all the Raptor's claws with "Vallejo" White and later treated them to a wash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade too.

"Unmatched" WIPs - The two raptors are slowly having their teeth and claws picked out

As a last step the dinosaur's eyes were 'dotted in' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. However, I wasn't quite finished with the entire ensemble yet, as I wanted to pigment the figure's somewhat iconic sculpted base with something a bit more noticeable than my usual all-over 'muddy brown' colour scheme.

Clearly cast to replicate the Raptor's scene with the ladle in Jurassic Park's kitchen, I applied a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to the tiled area around the dinosaur's clawed feet, shaded them "Citadel" Nuln Oil", and lastly dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey. I also gave the long-handled spoon a coat of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently gave it a generous splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil as well.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - Crossbones has been based, primed, and dry-brushed

With the first of my three "Unmatched" Velociraptors completed, I have been slowly working on the remaining figures from this "asymmetrical miniature fighting game" by picking out their claws and numerous teeth. Fortunately, neither of the creatures has such an elaborate base as the other one, so hopefully they should prove a bit more straightforward to paint.

In addition, I have managed to make a little progress on my Crossbones miniature by "Critical Mass Games" for "Marvel Crisis Protocol". The super-villain's palette is a little dark for my liking, so I've decided to break it up somewhat by applying some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to some of Brock Rumlow's leg straps, his pistol holster and ammunition pouch...

"How Doubly Glorious Will Be My Triumph..."

"...Now, when the unsuspecting world thinks me dead and gone!!"

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Johann Schmidt is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. Assembled using ten different pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the "protégé of Adolf Hitler" wearing his (Marvel Cinematic Universe) HYDRA uniform and holding aloft the infinitely powerful Cosmic Cube.

Rising "to power during World War Two", the Red Skull was initially primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and thoroughly dry-brushed using "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal in order to bring out the sculpt's detail. I then applied a coat of "Vallejo" German Grey over the super-villain's trench-coat, washed the leather garment with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed it using some (more) "Vallejo" German Grey.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Ultron has had his base painted, and the model layered in "Vallejo" Silver

I picked out a number of the expert tactician's buttons with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and his two HYDRA shoulder badges with Heavy Red. All of these areas were subsequently shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also pigmented Schmidt's large belt buckle with a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. I did attempt to additionally 'catch' the edges of a buckle sat high up on the despot's coat with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, but couldn't seem to 'hit' the clasp as well as I would like, so gave up after a couple of unsuccessful passes.

I painted Der Rote Schädel's head with a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and washed it with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I later added a few highlights to the face with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Finally, the fiend's Tesseract was completed courtesy of applying a little "Vallejo" Blue Fluorescent over a White basecoat, and subsequently dry-brushing the cube delicately with more White.

"Mondo Games" WIPs - The three raptors have been dry-brushed and need their details to be picked out

Despite having finished my tenth model for Marvel Crisis Protocol, I still have a handful of "Atomic Mass Games" miniatures on my painting table at various stages of completion. As a result I have decided to spend the rest of the month 'ticking these off the list' too, so have been both busily layering the skirmish game's impressively large model of Ultron and working on the robot's melted slag stand.

In addition, I have squeezed in a bit more progress on the three plastic Raptor models I own by "Mondo Games" for their board-game "Unmatched". Admittedly, some of the sculpting on a few of these Jurassic Park dinosaur's clawed feet is a little troubling, as the gaming pieces have been rather roughly cast to their pre-moulded bases. But I'm hoping some patches of grass flock will help cover up the unsightly joins.

"The Strange Plant-like Being Known Only As Groot...

"...Loves life and fights to protect it."

This 63mm tall plastic figure of the Monarch of Planet X is produced by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be bought as part of  the company's Rocket & Groot expansion set for "Marvel Crisis Protocol". Assembled using thirteen different pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the Flora colossi smashing one of his wooden arms straight down through the concrete upon which he's standing upon.

"Endowed with exceptional strength and the ability to regenerate damage at a prodigious rate", Groot was originally undercoated with two layers of "Vallejo" Charred Brown, drenched in "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and thoroughly dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Charred Brown. I then mixed in a little "Vallejo" White to my palette so as to lighten my this colour, and applied a second dry-brush over the entire model.

"Mondo Games" WIPs - The three dinosaurs have been washed in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade

As a final 'highlight' I gave the Guardian Of The Galaxy a third dry-brush, this time using "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, and subsequently started sporadically dabbing the model with a torn-piece of blusher pad dipped in "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. These areas were later better blended in with (yet) another dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I 'picked out' Groot's eyes using a couple of dabs of "Vallejo" Heavy Goldbrown and some "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

One of the small issues I experienced pigmenting the "humanoid tree" was how to tackle the three or four slightly luminescent bulbs which have been sculpted onto the alien's chest - presumably to indicate Groot's ability to regenerative and extend his limbs. Personally, I've never liked the look of them, especially as I thought anything yellow was bound to clash with the "Vallejo" Heavy Goldbrown I'd already used for his eyes. Resultantly, I decided to simply apply a little "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green to the areas, and be done with them.

"Warlord Games" WIP - The Confederates are slowly getting their jackets pigmented

With my ninth model for Marvel Crisis Protocol successfully completed, I have found a little spare hobby-time with which to apply a "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to three plastic Raptor models by "Mondo Games". This trio of gaming pieces are from the Jurassic Park - InGen Verses Raptors expansion for "Unmatched" and have such excellent detail on their sculpts that they should 'highlight' up a treat once dry-brushed in their base colour.

Lastly, I've had an opportunity to get cracking on a second line of 15mm infantry by Warlord Games. These Confederate soldiers will form the back rank of one of my units for "Epic Battles: American Civil War", hence they've been temporarily attacked to a wooden baton for ease of reaching their fiddly details with a brush-tip. I have already managed to finish their shoes and trousers, and am now slowly working my way down the line 'picking out' their jackets...

"The Successful Warrior Is The Average Man, With Laser-like Focus."

"The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering."

This 34mm tall plastic figure of Lee Jun-fan is produced by “Mondo Games” and can be found inside the Bruce Lee Hero Expansion pack for "Unmatched". Sculpted to depict the Hong Kong American martial artist in one of his iconic Fist of Fury poses, the miniature was actually cut from its ill-fitting 25mm stand and glued upon a 40mm circular base instead.

The founder of Jeet Kune Do was primed using a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, before having his sole visible sock 'picked out' with some White and Pale Grey. As I wanted to emulate his famous costume from Lo Wei's 1972 action film I layered his trousers in "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and darkened them down with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Mondo Games" WIPs - The three dinosaurs have been re-based and primed

I was planning on subsequently dry-brushing Bruce Lee's bottoms with some more "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. But in the end decided I rather liked the un-highlighted look of the "Citadel" Shade instead. I did though apply quite a heavy wash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade to the pop culture icon's bare chest, applied a touch more "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to his fingers, and later treated his hair to a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this latest addition to my collection of "Unmatched" miniatures was a rather 'spur of the moment' purchase, so sticking to my plan of only buying new figures after I have already painted two older ones, I have retrospectively slapped three of "Mondo Games" Velociraptors from their Jurassic Park – InGen vs Raptors boxed set to the front of my painting queue. Just like Bruce Lee's figure, these models were re-based onto 40mm stands and have been undercoated in "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, Earth and Sombre Grey.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - Groot and the Savage She-Hulk

In addition, I've been cracking on with my "Marvel Crisis Protocol" super-heroes by "Atomic Mass Games". Having previously finished both the Black Widow and Frank Castle, I 'treated' myself to picking up the table-top hobby miniatures game's latest expansion, She-Hulk. Over 70mm in height, Jennifer Walters has already been assembled, primed, and had some basic layering started on her base using "Vallejo" Bluegrey.

To keep Stan Lee's green-skinned co-creation company, I have also put together and started pigmenting the Guardian Of The Galaxy, Groot. As I actually painted a "Wizkids" sculpt of the Flora colossus from the New Jersey-based company's ever-growing "Heroclix" range just over six years ago I'm hoping to get this somewhat larger incarnation of the Monarch of Planet X completed in a reasonably short space of time...

"As A Boy, Matt Murdock Was Blinded..."

"...In an accident involving radioactive chemicals."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Matthew Michael Murdock is manufactured by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be bought as part of  the company's Bullseye & Daredevil expansion set for "Marvel Crisis Protocol". Assembled using nine different pieces, not including its circular stand, the model actually took quite a while to put together owing to his billy club's cable being snapped in half prior to its arrival.

As a result I had to snip away part of the cable with a pair of cutters, and then carefully drill a hole deep into one of the batons. I then used some plastic glue to re-attach a delicately sanded down cable end into it, and, fearing that the miniature wouldn't survive much handling on the tabletop with such a delicate hand-weapon, permanently glued the billy club to both Daredevil's shoulder and his lower back area.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - Daredevil was dry-brushed before having his details 'picked out'

"Fuelled by a relentless pursuit of justice", the Man Without Fear was undercoated in two layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, drowned in "Citadel " Carroburg Crimson, and enthusiastically dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. So as to slightly 'break-up' all the dark red I then applied some brighter "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion to the billy clubs themselves, and later darkened the hand-held batons down with some additional "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

The aforementioned troublesome cable was given a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider subsequently dry-brushing the length of metallic cord with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal, But in the end thought I'd leave well enough alone with such a seemingly fragile-looking element to the model.

"Mondo Games" WIPs - Bruce Lee is slowly having his trousers layered prior to shading

Having finished my eighth model for Marvel Crisis Protocol, I have been trying to make good on my self-made promise to immediately paint any new arrivals which I happen to purchase throughout the year. This excellently-posed figure of the Hong Kong American martial artist Bruce Lee by "Mondo Games" is just such a miniature, and comes from an expansion for the company's "duelling game" entitled "Unmatched".

I actually own a good half-dozen of the plastic models from this game, so thought I had better get started putting my brush to at least one or two of them following the recent announcement that the likes of Black Panther, Squirrel Girl, Winter Soldier, Luke Cage, Ghost Rider and Moon Knight are scheduled to be added to the game in future months. In addition, I've managed to acquire the Jurassic Park - InGen Verses Raptors expansion too, so am somewhat intrigued to see how "the founder of Jeet Kune Do" fares against a trio of always-hungry Velociraptors...

"Frank Castle Was An Honest Ex-Marine..."

"...Just trying to live a normal life with the family he loved."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Francis "Frank" Castiglione is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be bought as part of  the company's Punisher & Taskmaster expansion set for "Marvel Crisis Protocol". Assembled using eleven different pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the Savage Avenger wearing his iconic skull emblem and carrying an insanely large automatic weapon.

"An expert in close quarters combat", the trained marksman was originally primed with a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, mercilessly dry-brushed using "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then went back over his leg strap, gun holster, belt and waist-pouch with "Vallejo" Charred Brown so as to ensure the leatherwork stood out from the rest of the anti-hero's extremely dark appearance.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Daredevil has had his base's gravestone and roadside drain finished

Castle's chest symbol was initially layered with a double-coat of "Vallejo" White, shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and then somewhat roughly 'highlighted' with (more) "Vallejo" White. This process really helps me to see all the detail etched onto the sculpt, and hopefully gives the impressive that the skull has been hand-daubed onto the top, rather than be part of the bullet-proof armour's original design.

Frank's enormous firearm was given a 'lick' of "Vallejo" Gunmetal before being treated to two generous helpings of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Ordinarily, I then dry-brush such weaponry with some additional "Vallejo" Gunmetal, but on this occasion I left the gun alone, as I wanted to to appear particularly dark. Finally, the explosives expert's holdall bag was pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"Warlord Games" WIP - The Confederates have had their faces, hands and belt buckles painted

Having finished my seventh model for Marvel Crisis Protocol, I have started working in earnest on to the miniatures game's figure of Daredevil. This particular costumed crimefighter has already taken some additional work, courtesy of it arriving with an already broken extendable baton. However, following some pinning, plastic glue and much cursing, Matt Murdock has now been assembled, primed and had his rather elaborate base painted.

Lastly, I have been 'picking away' at the buckles, hands and faces of my 15mm "Epic Battles: American Civil War" models by "Warlord Games". This stage in the process was a bit more time-consuming than I first thought, on account of all the soldiers both having such vastly different amounts of facial hair and holding their rifles in a variety of contrasting positions...

"A Former Top KGB Agent..."

"...Natasha Romanoff has become a force for good in the world of covert intelligence."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found inside the Marvel Crisis Protocol Core Box set. Assembled using ten different pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the Avenger in her iconic classic comic book costume. 

"An expert in multiple martial arts", the skilled gymnast was initially primed with a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, thoroughly dry-brushed using "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then went back over her leg straps and gun holster with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade in order to ensure the leatherwork stood out from the rest of the spy's very dark uniform.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The Punisher is slowly having all his detail 'picked out'

The Black Widow's automatic pistol was pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst her electroshock wrist weapons, circle-covered belt and ornamental zipper pull tab were originally layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, coated in Gold and later shaded with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Lastly, I applied a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Red to the Champion's famous hair, and washed it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. As a final touch I carefully dry-brushed (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red over the area so as to highlight all the detailed waves and curls on the sculpt.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - The Confederate infantry unit have now had all their jackets and coats layered

Having completed the second incarnation of Natasha Romanoff I own for Marvel Crisis Protocol, I have moved on to the tabletop hobby miniatures game's figure of Frank Castle. Like the female S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, this model's 'official' colour scheme was far too 'black' for my liking, so I have decided to break up the Punisher's palette with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Charred Brown for his ammunition bag and holster respectively. 

In addition, I have been beavering away at the jackets and coats of my 15mm "Epic Battles: American Civil War" models by "Warlord Games". I'm slowly starting to find my feet with these diminutive soldiers and been busy picking out the clothing of my Alabama-raised Confederate ten-man strong front line.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Marvel Crisis Protocol" January 2021

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIPs - The Black Widow and The Punisher

This month's attempt to reduce my embarrassing backlog of metal, plastic and resin models should be significantly helped by Dave Stone's "Paint What You Got Challenge" over on his excellent "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog. The event is scheduled to run until the end of February 2021, and will hopefully encourage me to bring to a successful end a number of partially-painted projects I started during the past year or so.

To begin with I'll be settling down to complete the ten-figure strong roster I need in order to play "Marvel Crisis Protocol" by "Atomic Mass Games". This "tabletop hobby miniatures game set in the Marvel Universe" has frankly been relentless in both its past and future release schedules, so I'm going to try to halve my 'plastic mountain' by getting a couple of my current miniatures finished for every new hero/villain I purchase over the coming months.

"Warlord Games" WIP - The ACW soldiers have been based, primed and had their trousers 'picked out'

Fortunately, I've already got something of a head start with my Black Widow model from the game's Starter Set simply needing a couple of washes and some dry-brushing. I'm also making some quick in-roads on the predominantly dark-toned Punisher figure I recently acquired, so plan to get the pair of these street-level vigilantes finished over the next few days...

In addition, I plan to 'soldier on' with "Warlord Games" and their newly-announced 15mm range of "Epic Battles: American Civil War". These figures aren't officially released for a good few weeks yet, but like many intrigued hobbyists I succumbed to picking up a copy of the January 2021 issue of "Wargames Illustrated" in order to get my hands on a single sprue of the hard-plastic miniatures.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - Two Archers assembled from the Tribals "Frostgrave" boxed set

I'm actually only spending a little time a day on a couple of strips of the ACW models just to see how they will turn out, so resultantly have just pigmented/shaded the trousers and shoes of my Alabama-born Confederates. My first impressions are quite mixed, as whilst I like the attention to detail on the tiny troopers, I'm not sure I find painting a line of ten men at once a terribly enticing prospect. Indeed, I've little doubt that I'd probably find the sight of just a couple of Johnny Rebs far more doable; albeit I do understand that you need to paint 100 of the miniatures for a single unit...

Lastly, I aim to use the "Paint What You Got Challenge" to get my Witch's warband for "Frostgrave" onto the chilly streets of Felstad and hunting for long-lost, magical plunder. I have two Tribal archers by "North Star Military Figures" 'on the go' currently, and intend to get at least a single member of my eight-man strong party finished per week throughout the event.

"When You're Up To Your Neck In Slime And Lasers, That's Everything."

"He gave the order. We just did the shooting."

These three 28mm FedSec Troopers were previously manufactured by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and are from their out-of-production Federated Security Starter Set. However, these days both the miniatures, and several other 'dead-ringers' from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”, are available from "Beast in the Broch".

After pinning their separate heads to their torsos each figure was primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black and enthusiastically dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal. I then picked out their belt buckles and key chains with "Vallejo" Silver, and their hand-weapons with Gunmetal. All of these areas were later washed with two applications of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Marvel Crisis Protocol" WIP - The Punisher has had his pavement painted, shaded and dry-brushed

I painted each model's helmet trim with a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. This alternative to the now sadly out-of-production Thrakka Green is arguably a little darker in tone than its "Games Workshop" predecessor, but hopefully not too noticeably. As a final step I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Red to the soldiers' visors and subsequently washed them with "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With the last of my built FedSec Troopers now finished, I have been able to spend some additional hobby time assembling the five miniatures needed to fill out the ten-model roster required for "Marvel: Crisis Protocol" by "Atomic Mass Games". I had been hoping to use the two Black Widow variants the skirmish game has already made available to its comic book fans, but sadly the rule-book doesn't allow for any line-up to contain two of the same character.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIP - Daredevil's broken baton has been pinned together and attached to his back

As a result I decided to try and pick a few more street-level powered super-heroes to compliment Natalia Alianovna "Natasha Romanoff" Romanova, so built the Punisher and Daredevil. Frank Castle's formidably-armed alter-ego was very easy to glue together. However, I had some major problems with the Man without Fear, not least due to the hard plastic figure arriving with his elongated baton snapped in half.

Obviously my first thought was to contact the internet store where I bought it from and arrange for a replacement. But having seen just how the frail weapon looked in the company's 'official' photographs, I actually saw the breakage as an opportunity to attach its 'weaker' elements to the blind vigilante's body and ensure the gaming piece was debatably better suited to handling on the tabletop than simply looking good on a shelf.

"Earlier This Year..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I Used To Have Nothing."

"And then I got this. This job. This family. And I was better because of it."

This 40mm scale plastic figure of Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff is made by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found in the Marvel Crisis Protocol expansion box CP24 Hawkeye & Black Widow Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Assembled using sixteen separate pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the former KGB operative and dangerous assassin, leaping over a partially-damaged symbol of Hydra.

"Recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. by Clint Barton", the secret agent was first undercoated with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, enthusiastically dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then went back over her leg straps and gun holsters with some more "Citadel" Abaddon Black, to ensure the pair of leather attachments stood out ever-so slightly from the spy's roughly 'highlighted' costume.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The Black Widow was painted from the ground up

The Black Widow's automatic pistols and arm blasters were pigmented with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, whilst parts of her costume were 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Red. All of these parts were subsequently washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also went back to Natasha's armaments and gave them a delicate dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Gunmetal to help them have a bit more glint about them.

Romanoff's electroshock weapons on her wrists were undercoated "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, coated in Gold and then washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. "One of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most efficient agents", I painted the founding member of the [MCU] Avengers' hair with a mixture of "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before dry-brushing it with (more) "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - A Section Leader and Heavy Weapon Federated Trooper

With so much "Citadel" Nuln Oil on show I was rather keen to have some colour contrast occur with the Black Widow's base, so decided to paint the badly-damaged Hydra symbol with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before subsequently applying a coat of Brass over the terrorist organisation's fallen symbol. I then shaded the piece of debris with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and the odd dollop of "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide.

Having completed this particular incarnation of Natasha Romanoff I have made some more progress on my recently resurrected "Blake's Seven" project using "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" miniatures. These now sadly OOP Federated Security Troopers will make some welcome Section Leaders/Heavy Weapon for my ever-expanding forces of Supreme Commander of the Terran Federation, and hopefully start clearing some space in my sadly significant partially-painted backlog...

"We Are Venom!"

"Eyes! Lungs! Pancreas! So many snacks. So little time -- !"

This 50mm tall hard plastic figure of Eddie Brock's alter-ego is produced by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be found in the Marvel Crisis Protocol expansion box CP09 Venom. Assembled using thirteen separate pieces, not including its stand, the model depicts the Klyntar symbiote striding forwards across a piece of concrete rubble.

The miniature was initially primed using two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, mercilessly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then set to work patiently 'picking out' all the lines of the disgraced journalist's spider-symbol with a couple of coats of watered-down "Vallejo" White.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Black Widow is slowly having her red and metallic areas 'picked out'

To be honest, despite the model's formidable size and the raised detail of his torso's emblem, I was rather put off by the complexity of the symbiote's veiny motiff. I find drawing anything even closely resembling a straight line extremely difficult with a paint-brush, and the thought of patiently tracing across the anti-hero with my tip had already resulted in the miniature being repeatedly side-lined in the past.

Luckily however, it suddenly occurred to me that I could 'cheat' by applying a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil over the bothersome pattern, and use the shade's pooling effect to help me better work out the actual lines. I then applied some additional "Citadel" Abaddon Black over any stray areas of "Vallejo" White which the "Citadel" Nuln Oil hadn't completely masked. The end result turned out a little darker than I'd have liked but resulted in a significantly saner painting process.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - The two Black Widow sculpts are slowly being progressed

As some final touches, I used a combination of "Vallejo" Squid Pink and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for Venom's curling tongue, as well as some "Vallejo" White and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on his razor-sharp teeth. Brock's pre-modelled circular base was layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

With Spider-Man's arch-nemesis finished, I have focused my attention upon the three sculpts I own of the Black Widow. Two of these are identical, as I wanted to pigment the Russian spy in both her classic all-black and all-white costumes. Whilst the third shows Natasha Romanova sporting an updated look which arguably seems more suited to her adventures within the Marvel Cinematic Universe than those within the printed page of a comic book.