"A Jeep Drove Him Across The Vast Space-Field At Cape Canaveral..."

"Action Man sat in the back of the jeep, silent, watching and listening."

This 15mm scale "all-metal multipart kit" is produced by "Ground Zero Games" and is model MG15-USV02B US Lunar Force Buggy from the company’s "Moongrunt" range. The vehicle is actually a variant of USV02A as it comes with a new nose section, and "includes two seated USLF crew in vacuum suits with backpacks."

Having previously painted similarly-sized transports before, I decided to paint the buggy's under-belly before I permanently attached it to a large “Battlefront Miniatures” plastic stand. However, I did mark the position of its four wheels on the base before gritting and painting its groundwork, and was therefore later able to simply super-glue the automobile in place before applying some static grass around it.

Nox WIPs - The elite troops have been primed, shaded, dry-brushed and had their details 'picked out'

The buggy actually comes in eighteen separate pieces, including its drivers, their oxygen apparatus, two sets of seating, and lots of wheels and axles. Resultantly, its assembly took some considerable time and patience so as to ensure each part was firmly affixed before I moved on to another part of the conveyance. Once built though, it was fairly straightforward to paint, courtesy of its double undercoat of "Vallejo" Dead White.

The model was then heavily washed with "Vallejo" Pale Grey and dry-brushed with (more) Dead White. Subsequently its wheels were painted using some Black, whilst the astronauts' space-visors were 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. I did momentarily debate as to whether to not flock the vehicle using my normal green grass method, as admittedly this doesn't seem terribly moon-like. But the recent discovery of a still unopened boxed ESU Naval Infantry Starter Force in my collection, which largely consists of Earth-bound Soviet Union soldiers, made me decide to stick with my usual basing process.

Stone Golem WIPs - The "Bones" model is slowly having all its details layered, washed and dry-brushed

Maintaining my 15mm momentum I am also steadfastly ploughing my way through my backlog of Nox figures by "The Ion Age". These elite troops of the Shia Khan Army are proving enjoyably simple to pigment, considering that their wonderfully characterful space armour is predominantly red. Initially I hadn't intended to go to all the trouble of painting their black leg piping and gauntlets. Yet now I've started to do so I think the extra effort makes them stand out as demonic warriors all the more.

In addition I have dug out an old partially-painted 28mm Stone Golem by "Reaper Miniatures" to provide a bit of variety to the scales I'm currently working on. Already primed and washed, this "Bones" model will probably end up with a snow-covered base so it can be used on both my "Frostgrave" tabletop, as well as in my long-stalled "Metamorphosis Alpha" campaign.

"What's The Worst That Could Happen?"

"Dr Pepper, so misunderstood."

These two resin Soda Machines are produced by “Wargames Terrain Workshop” and can be found within the company's ever-expanding Future City Scenics range. Measuring 25mm x 25 mm x 40mm the vending dispensers can be bought from Dave Stone already pre-painted, but as I wanted mine to be rusty artefacts from a bygone era, I purchased these without any prior pigmentation.  

Both soda machines were painted in precisely the same manner, and were initially undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being treated to a double layer of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey. The fizzy pop dispensers were then heartily washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and subsequently dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey. Finally, they were given a good application of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and once again dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey.

"Taste excitement with Pepsi."

To be honest I was mightily tempted to stop there and simply finish the two pieces of resin off with a coat of gloss varnish and some basing flock; one grass for my "Gamma World" campaign, and the other snow for "Metamorphosis Alpha". However, having spied some of the custom vending machine stickers "Stick-2-Quality Zacparis" sells on "E-bay" I changed my mind and instead put the scenery items to one side whilst I waited for my 'decals' to arrive from Australia. 

Fortunately I did not have to wait long, and for my purposes, the stickers were delightfully almost the right size straight out of their packet. Once stuck to my soda machines, I then set about weathering the dispensers by caking on plenty of radioactive rust using pieces of grit and PVA glue. Once each ensemble was complete I applied more "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash into the corners of the machines' panels and all over the heavily rusted parts. This 'technical paint' was taken from the very bottom of its bottle, so it was ultra-thick and prone to cracking. 

"G.I. Joe" WIPs - Shipwreck, Sergeant Slaughter and Destro

I next dry-brushed the resin pieces for the third time with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey, and tried to especially catch both all the areas of heavy rust, as well as the edges of the metallic advertising sheets in order to suggest the picture had worn away in parts. As a last step, I took some additional "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, this time having shaken the solution, and simply touched up the odd area which had become a little too silvery for the look I wanted.

Despite my dalliance in some items of scenery, I am also continuing to progress the six "G.I. Joe" miniatures I recently managed to acquire from the hands of a private collector. Indeed, having spent a bit of time getting my model of Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV close to completion, I've actually started block-painting this mini-project's final figure, Shipwreck (and his pet parrot named Polly); a sailor originally created as a character for the "Sunbow/Marvel" cartoon series in 1984.

"I Now Have Control Over You, Doctor."

"All I need do is threaten the woman's death for you to obey me."

This 40mm tall metal Cyberman figure is sold by “Warlord Games” and forms part of their awesome "Nightmares In Silver" Cybermen Collector's Set 1966-2013. Sculpted to resemble the "race of cyborgs" after the programme's designers "opted to use converted flight suits for their bodies which were painted silver", this miniature depicts the Doctor's adversaries during the March 1982 television serial "Earthshock"; a four-parter which not only saw the Cybermen crash a space-freighter into the Earth, but also the death of long-running companion, Adric.

The miniature was initially primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before receiving two layers of Ironbreaker and a wash of Nuln Oil. The figure's eyes and square-shaped interior chest-piece were then darkened with a small amount of Abaddon Black, before the entire model was dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker.

Sea Devils WIPs - The Aquatic Silurians have had their legs layered, dry-brushed and washed

Encouraged by the sight of the model's "Into The Time Vortex" publicity photograph, which shows its cyber-gun containing a beautifully detailed red glow, I subsequently painted the area on my figure's weapon similarly using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Alas my own brushwork was far from as successful, and, upon returning the firearm to its earlier 'silver state', I settled upon a compromise, courtesy of a couple of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson washes...  

"Warlord Games" continue to tantalise and tease with its "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" miniatures range, boasting that both a "Time Warrior" and an Eleventh Doctor & Companions boxed set are potential September releases, now 'they've been approved by the BBC.' This seemingly frantic forthcoming release schedule is genuinely proving a real motivator for me to get my half dozen Sea Devils finished, and resultantly, I've already got all the slimy lowers limbs of Jon Pertwee's famous 'Sea Silurians' painted.

Stone Golem WIPs - The "archaic, armoured warrior" has been undercoated, shaded and highlighted

Despite so much focus upon my collection of "Into The Time Vortex" figures, I have still managed to get cracking on a couple of Stone Golem's by "Reaper Miniatures". These construct creatures are from the Lake Dallas-based company's "Bones" Range, and will hopefully spend their time, once flocked appropriately with grass or snow, trampling down adventurers in both my "Metamorphosis Alpha" and "Gamma World" campaigns. 

For now however, the instantly recognisable "Dungeons & Dragons" monsters have simply been primed, washed, and dry-brushed, as well as had the base layer of their aging bronze adornments applied to the relevant areas. To be honest, I was partially tempted to simply leave the 'towering stone automatons' entirely "Citadel" Charadon Granite in colour, but the formidably-sized plastic models arguably deserve a far more impressive paint scheme.

"You Are Outside Your Function."

"Our victory is inevitable. The Doctor will come to us and Peinforte is a simple savage..."

This 40mm tall metal Cyberman figure is produced by “Warlord Games” and can be found within the company's marvellous "Nightmares In Silver" Cybermen Collector's Set 1966-2013. Sculpted to replicate the spray painted, cricket glove-wearing cyborgs seen in Kevin Clarke's 25th Anniversary Special "Silver Nemesis", these "cybernetically augmented humanoids" attempted to take control of a statue made of living metal, originally created on Gallifrey.

The miniature was initially undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being given a double layer of Ironbreaker and a wash of Nuln Oil. The figure's eyes were then darkened with a small amount of Abaddon Black and the entire model dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker. As a nod to the Cybermen's chrome like paint finish during this 1988 three-parter, I tried to make it's head and chest-piece standout all the more by subsequently dulling down everything else with a second shade of Nuln Oil.

"Nightmares In Silver" WIPs - The Cybermen have all been primed, painted silver and washed with black shade

"Warlord Games" seemingly have some big plans for Kit Pedler's co-creations, following their recent announcement that they will be releasing four of the "overhauled" Mondasians from the 1967 television serial "Doctor Who And The Tomb Of The Cybermen" "in a few months alongside the Cyber Controller." In addition they have 'leaked' some "concept cyber stuff" from "N-FX Studio" which shows both the outside and interior of the Cybermen's Telos tomb in all its chilling glory...

Such tantalising teases have really helped enthuse my desire to finish painting the remaining "exquisitely sculpted pewter" figures I own; in particular the BBC programme's "original" design for the Cybermen from 1966. I had at first thought I would base this cumbersome-looking version with snow flock, so as to replicate its adventure at the Earth's South Pole, but having recently endured "The Doctor Falls" I'm now tempted to utilise that episode's somewhat less monochromatic palette and turn the miniature into companion Bill Potts' converted self.

"The bleak pale sun that glittered so blindingly from the ice-fields and snow-covered plains struck sheens of silver..."

Lastly, I have finished working on the second of my 28mm scale resin Crushed Cars by "Wargames Terrain Workshop". Available from Dave Stone's Post Apocalyptic and S.D.Z.A. accessories range, this hefty piece of scenery was painted in precisely the same manner as my previous one. However, rather than flock the piece with "Games Workshop" Static Grass, I instead used some "Citadel" Snow.  

As a result this particular rusty wreck will feature somewhat prominently on my "Metamorphosis Alpha" tabletop, and represent one of the many anachronistic objects that will be discovered during my medieval/fantasy adventurers' travels on board James M. Ward's starship Warden. Indeed, as my fur-clad company explore the outer decks of the "generation spaceship" I plan for them to encounter several more of the company's highly detailed, yet well-corroded, futuristic scenic pieces.

"Hammerers Are Not Built For Fancy Tactical Maneouvers..."

"On the battlefield, commanders simply point teams of these constructs at the enemy and let them go."

These three 40mm tall metal Hammerer models were produced by "Wizards Of The Coast" for their 2002 edition of "Chainmail", and each boxed kit came with a separate body, left arm with cutters and right arm with hammer, as well as a (disconcertingly small) 25mm stand. Sculpted by Jim Warner, the "Good Construct" was part of the rule-set's Thalos faction; a force which "consisted largely of humans along with a few half-elves, gnomes and gnome created constructs."

Each of the automatons were originally undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black but were subsequently treated to a double layer of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey. They were then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before being dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey in order to better bring out a lot of the models' details, such as their gnome runes.

Air Elemental WIPs - The "Dungeons And Dragons" model has been washed, dry-brushed and re-washed

Because the "heavy, solid, and deadly" Hammerer gets its name from the powerful hammer-arm" it wields, I felt the automatons would be ideal to represent some of the Police Robots found patrolling the crashed spaceship in the "Dungeons And Dragons" module "Expedition To Barrier Peaks". In addition, their pincer-arm, which "is used mainly for lifting things", would arguably allow them to 'moonlight' as Worker Robots too.

This meant the constructs had undoubtedly spent "several decades" standing motionless in the vessel's lower cargo bay, until such time as a computer malfunction had ordered them to erroneously start clearing the hold and periodically discharge "more of the [craft's] unwanted goods" outside. As a result I treated each figure to a light coat of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and then dry-brushed the vast majority of the enamel type wash away with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey.

Cybermen WIPs - These two Cybermen represent the Seventies and Late Sixties

Sticking with "Dungeons And Dragons" I have made some considerable progress on my plastic Air Elemental by "Wizards Of The Coast". The miniature from the "Elemental Evil" expansion has been both washed and dry-brushed, and now just needs to have his brown ink striations blended in with the rest of its swirling vortex to be finished.

I have also turned my attention towards two more of the miniatures found within "Warlord Games" "Nightmares In Silver" collectors set. These two Cybermen, one from "Revenge Of The Cybermen", and the other from "Invasion" have been washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and will require a hearty dry-brush of Ironbreaker before I can begin 'picking out' all their cybernetic detail...

"My Defence Is A Simple One."

"I was right to try and cleanse the galaxy of the alien filth! It is my life's work for which I am truly proud."

This 28mm metal model of Tomás de Torquemada is miniature number AD70 from “Warmonger Miniatures” or is identically coded as part of the “Wargames Foundry” “2000 A.D.” character range. Created by Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill for the 1980 serial comic book series "Nemesis The Warlock", this leader of a "quasi-religious order in the far future" spent the entirety of his time waging war against all extra-terrestrials as he believed all non-humans were "impure." 

The miniature was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Red before being almost submerged in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. The former commander of the "fascist" Tube Police was then heavily dry-brushed with more "Vallejo Red" and had his longsword treated to a combination of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Ironbreaker. At this stage I then encountered a bit of a quandary in that I felt simply leaving the Grand Master of Terra in all-red battle armour did the sculpt's excellent detail a great disservice...  

Crushed Car WIPs - The battered four-wheeler has been dry-brushed and rusted

As a result I scoured some more source material and located some examples of where Torquemada's hydraulic attachments had been 'picked out' using gold in order to make the ruler of the Mankind's Empire far more ornate-looking. I wasn't entirely sold upon this idea however, and thought that as Tomás repeatedly wore his protective garments into battle, they'd need constant repairs, and just maybe, gold replacement pistons wouldn't be so readily available, so he'd have to make do with basic metal ones. 

This approach lead me to base layer all the figure's external mechanisms with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and either paint them with Ironbreaker or "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Gold. These parts were then washed appropriately with either "Citadel" Nuln Oil or "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. As a final touch, Torquemada's hand-weapon was dry-brushed with "Citadel" Ironbreaker, and his piercing eyes 'dabbed in' with "Vallejo" White. 

Sea Devils WIP - The 'Sea Silurians' have been primed with "Vallejo" Verdigris and then shaded blue

As something of a reasonably straightforward distraction, I have continued to make plenty of progress on the Crushed Cars I recently acquired by "Wargames Terrain Workshop". These resin vehicular ruins are destined to primarily appear upon my "Metamorphosis Alpha" tabletop, so have been washed, dry-brushed, rusted and dry-brushed again simply to increasingly age them.

Laslty, I have simultaneously been basing and priming six Sea Devils from "Warlord Games" "Into The Time Vortex" miniatures range. These towering metal figures are from Jon Pertwee's 1972 six-parter entitled "Doctor Who And The Sea Devils" and whilst not coming with any Recruitment cards or Adventure cards for the rule-set, still look destined for some battles with the travelling Time Lord at some point soon.

"The Entire Dalek Race, Wiped Out In One Second."

"Today the Kaled race is ended, consumed in a fire of war."

This 28mm scale model of a Dalek is produced by “Warlord Games” and can be assembled from one of the plastic sprues found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Conceived by Terry Nation and designed by Raymond Cusick in 1963, these particular sculpts are based upon Henry van Statten's so-called "Metaltron" shell, which first appeared in the April 2005 BBC Television series story "Dalek".

Unhappily for this particular "easy-fit plastic" miniature however, I was somehow completely unable to push the model's two halves together, and resultantly, it 'broke' when I applied a little too much pressure to it whilst using a pair of pliers. Fortunately though, the damaged figure was far from being useless to me and having super-glued it to one of the 40mm thin-lipped circular bases I use for objective markers, it was 'transformed' into a Dalek casualty.

Crushed Car WIP - The trashed motor vehicle has been layered with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey

Indeed, I was so taken with this micro-project that not only did I simply place the aggressive alien's piece of broken fender next to its leaning outer casing, but re-aligned the direction his head dome was facing, cut off his disruptor gun, drilled a hole into the blast weapon's housing, and finally tore a semi-large hole through its skirt and adjoining sense globes. Needless to say, the Kaled Mark III travel machine now looked considerably more distressed and was quickly primed with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

As I very much wanted the destroyed Dalek to still tie-in with the mutant's Time War mechanical shells, I next gave the model a double coat of Brass, washed it with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and applied a rough dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Brass. I then 'picked out' the extra-terrestrial's eye stalk and control arm with some "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, and painted the Daleks' audio scanners with a combination of "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey. As a last touch, I used some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to coat the pepper pot's fender and then dry-brushed them with some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

Boromite Gang Fighters WIPs - These two aliens are being painted from the ground up 

One of my favourite purchases from the recent "Bovington Wargamers Show" was a couple of Crushed Cars sold by "Wargames Terrain Workshop". These hefty pieces of solid resin should hopefully make an interesting scenic piece for my "Metamorphosis Alpha" tabletop, especially as I plan to flock one with snow, so I can use it for the starship Warden's medieval-themed deck...  

Lastly, I am continuing to make some slight progress with my Boromites for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". These sci-fi miniatures produced by “Warlord Games” have previously proved a somewhat difficult painting subject for me, on account of all their instruments, armour and equipment. But having now started to actually 'cut in' their grey rocky hide as I go, rather than wait until I've finished painting their firearms, I'm finding the extra-terrestrials a bit more manageable, and am currently tackling two at a time.

"The Perimeter Isss Clear!"

"It ssseemsss ssssomething has been inssscribed."

This 28mm scale plastic "Wizkids" model of Manphibian was kit-bashed predominantly using the scaly green extra-terrestrial's miniature from their "Heroclix" Amazing Spider-Man range. However, because the pre-painted figure has no feet (on account of the original sculpt depicting "the creature from the deep" stalking through the waters of a lake), I additionally super-glued some boots, grenades and pouches belonging to a "Games Workshop" Cadian soldier onto the miniature.

Created by Marv Wolfman, Tony Isabella, Dave Cockrum and Sam Grainger, the alien first made his comic book appearance in the September 1975 issue of "Legion of Monsters" by "Marvel Comics", and would develop from being a simple monster seemingly seeking revenge upon the murderer of his mate, into a member of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Special Threat Assessment for Known Extranormalities (S.T.A.K.E.) department and one of Dum Dum Dugan's "Howling Commandos".

Gorgon WIPs - The Brass Bull now requires just a final dry-brush of "Vallejo" Brass

The miniature was initially primed with “Vallejo” Heavy Grey, and then had its boots and numerous large waist-bags painted using a combination of White and Pale Grey. His automatic rifle was undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, double-layered with Ironbreaker and finally treated to two washes of Nuln Oil.

In order to try and give Manphibian's skin a "shimmer quality" I shaded the entirety of the S.H.I.E.L.D. weaponsmith's scales with both Biel- Tan Green and Agrax Earthshade and subsequently used a little Carroburg Crimson on and around his webbing, and some Druchii Violet in the model's darker recesses. The entire monster was then lightly dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Heavy Grey. As a final touch I highlighted the extra-terrestrial's eyes with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.  

Hammerer WIPs - The constructs have been assembled, primed and based

With my latest entry for this month's "Forgotten Heroes" challenge finished, I have spent a little time washing and dry-brushing a Brass Bull by "Reaper Miniatures". This large "Bones" figure will double as both a formidable-looking statue and as a living Gorgon for my forthcoming "Dungeons & Dragons" campaign, and, besides needing it's paved stone-slab base to be painted, simply requires a final dry-brush with "Vallejo" Brass to be tabletop ready. 

In addition, I have assembled, based and primed three metal "Chainmail" Hammerer models. Sculpted by Jim Warner, these large Out Of Production (OOP) constructs will be used as proxy Police Robots for "Metamorphosis Alpha", and may well accompany my small Twig Blight band as extra guards of "the metal doored cave" which is initially encountered by the Grand Duchy of Geoff's adventurers in "Expedition to the Barrier Peaks".

"No Two Snowflakes Are Exactly Alike."

"Frozen to her core, fragile Crystal became frigid Killer Frost, an ice maiden..."

This 28mm coloured plastic “Wizkids” model of Killer Frost can be bought as miniature number 47 from the DC Comics “Heroclix” Unleashed range. "Formerly... an adversary of the superhero Firestorm", Doctor Crystal Frost's alter-ego was created by Gerry Conway and artist Al Milgrom, and made her first comic book appearance in the June 1978 issue of "Firestorm".

Able "to absorb heat from external sources and transmute it into waves of cold", the miniature was undercoated with “Vallejo” White, washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and subsequently dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" White. I then carefully 'picked out' some of the details of her face, hands and legs with some watered-down "Citadel" Asurmen Blue.

"We broke one of our spears ...trying to make the thing hiss and let us in the cave."

As well as finishing my affiliate of the Secret Society of Super Villains, I have also completed an anachronistic objective marker/piece of scenery for my “Metamorphosis Alpha" project. This resin (spacecraft) deck hatch can be bought from E-bay Store "Second City Games" and comes as part of their impressive Sci-Fi Scenery Airlocks, Cargo Bay Door, Hatchway auction.

Super-glued upon a thin 40mm circular base, the access door was initially primed with "Citadel "Abaddon Black, layered with two coats of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey and washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. It was then dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey before being treated to a hearty application of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash.

Dalek WIPs - The Two Imperial Guards and damaged Dalek just need some washes to be applied

In order to help blend this modeller's product in with the rest of the scenic piece, the hatchway was once again dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey and then had some of its brighter surfaces toned down with more Extreme Rust Wash; albeit this time the foul-smelling "Mig Productions" solution was applied from a very-well shaken bottle in order to 'water-down' the rust particles on the brush. As a final touch the model's base was flocked using "Citadel" snow, so it would better fit in with the cold wasteland my "Metamorphosis Alpha" campaign will start in.

Finally, I've made some good 'in-roads' on two more plastic Daleks by "Warlord Games", as well as my destroyed Dalek objective marker. Having already painted up six of the extra-terrestrial mutants' "ultimate" Time War casings, I thought I'd try a slightly different colour scheme instead, so I'm painting my latest additions as Imperial Guards.

"He's Not Your Typical Werewolf."

"A werewolf? How effective is that? Full Moon's what, twice a month?"

This 28mm scale plastic model of the “Marvel Worldwide” character Warwolf was kit-bashed together using the top half of a "Mage Knight" Feral Werewolf, a "Games Workshop" powerfist and the legs of a "Heroclix" S.H.I.E.L.D. Trooper. The conversion piece initially looked rather top-heavy, so after pinning the lycanthrope’s torso to his legs, I used some grey-stuff to make the waist fill out a little more smoothly. In addition, I 'bulked up' the area by cutting off the figure's original waist pouch and replaced it with a number of larger bags and grenades, courtesy of a "Warhammer 40K" Cadian Trooper sprue.

I actually began building this ‘Forgotten Hero’ for last year’s challenge, as I wanted to ‘convert’ a number of "Wizkids" figures into some of the lesser known members of the "Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D."; a sadly short-lived comic book series which depicted the escapades of a top secret division of operatives who "defend the world against super human threats too dangerous for normal men." Created by Richard Buckler in 2005, Martin Reyna is the leader of Area Thirteen's S.T.A.K.E. team, and received the codename Warwolf due to the Gene Package embedded on his right mechanical arm which can be used to transform him into a werewolf.

Deck Hatch WIPs - This doorway will eventually lead to the 300 year-old starship Warden

The miniature was initially primed “Vallejo” White, with its furry torso and head receiving a coat of Heavy Sienna. I then began tidying up and highlighting all the figure’s pouches, as well as his boots and belt with Pale Grey. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent’s distinctive blue uniform was painted using a combination of Heavy Blue and “Citadel” Drakenhof Nightshade (with some Asurmen Blue too).

I tackled Reyna’s fur by washing it with “The Army Painter” Heavy Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushing it with more “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna. Ordinarily, I’m perfectly satisfied with this finish, but on this occasion thought a light highlight of Heavy Brown over the werewolf’s head and claws would help bring out the figure’s finer detail in these areas.

Killer Frost WIPs - A nice straightforward case of white undercoat, blue wash and white dry-brush

Disconcertingly, I then faced a similar dilemma with Warwolf’s jagged teeth and mouth. The anti-hero’s open jaws are full of teeth, tongue and slobbering lips, as well as a roof which has lots of delicate tissue ridges sculpted upon it. However, I felt that if I painted the inside of the palate red, then that would clash with Martin’s lolling tongue and simply make the entire snout look far too busy. As a result I simply ‘brushed’ all the fangs with “Vallejo” White and a dab of “The Army Painter” Heavy Strong Tone Quickshade, whilst ‘picking out’ his tongue with “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

With this week’s submission to “Forgotten Heroes” completed I have managed to spend a little time working on a simple objective marker I plan to use for my opening game of James M. Ward’s “Metamorphosis Alpha”. This rusty resin (spacecraft) deck hatch is by “Second City Games”, and once finished will be flocked with snow ready for my unsuspecting winter-clothed "Dungeons And Dragons" party to negotiate and unlock…

The Zygons attempt to stop the Daleks from activating a stellar converter and destroying the Earth

Finally, as something of a straightforward distraction, I have primed, washed and dry-brushed a rather simplistic-looking sculpt of the "DC Comics" super-villain, Killer Frost. Destined to be given a snow-flocked base, this pre-coloured plastic "Wizkids" miniature of Doctor Crystal Frost will ultimately be used as the perfect "foil for Firestorm", once I've actually gotten round to painting up a "Heroclix" miniature of the Nuclear Man himself. 

"And Then Came The Sickness."

"Forests rotted from the inside, and the filth of Chaos streamed forth in noxious waves."

These two 28mm Plaguebearers can be assembled from the sprues found inside the "Games Workshop" Plaguebearers of Nurgle boxed set, and are the final pair of miniatures needed so I can finally field a twenty-strong unit of the Plague God's loathsome Lesser Daemons for "Age Of Sigmar". Destined to form the centre of my Befouling Host of Nurgle's 'battleline', and flanked by at least one Herald of Nurgle, I'm hoping these boil-covered Tallymen will prove well worth the 200 points the rule-set's "General's Handbook" currently states they cost. 

Both figures, as well as the Nurgling, were initially given an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki and washed with “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. The bloated warriors were then dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki before having their horns, open sores and teeth ‘picked out" with “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

The Ghost WIPs - The industrial saboteur has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

In order to represent the diseased Plaguebearers' long suffering with Nurgle’s Rot, I coated various parts of their stomach-churning anatomy with either “Vallejo” Heavy Red or Heavy Warmgrey, and subsequently washed these areas with “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson. Finally the pair's boils and pimples were dabbed with a spot of “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre and then treated to some “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

This year's visit to the "MCM London Comic Con" has also helped refuel my interest in "Age Of Sigmar" as I was able to purchase a copy of the "Games Workshop" Skirmish rules whilst there. This latest publication from the Nottingham-based company promises the opportunity to "take command of a small but elite group of warriors in fast-paced, objective-focused battles", and has already seen me assemble a 50-renown warband of Nurgle.  

"Expedition To The Barrier Peaks"

In addition, the country's leading event for all "sci-fi fans, gamers, comic collectors, movie buffs and anime enthusiasts" also featured both a display of the leading actors costumes worn during "DC Films" 2017 motion picture "Wonder Woman", and the formidable presence of "The Incredible Hulk" television actor Lou Ferrigno. This has undoubtedly given me something of a 'superhero' bug currently, and as a result I have found myself re-basing and priming a number of straightforward "Wizkids" figures.

My "Heroclix" figure of the Ghost is a case in point, who, despite being sculpted to represent the industrial saboteur as he looked when he was originally Iron Man's arch-nemesis, as opposed to the version who later repeatedly battled Spider-Man, has leapt up my painting queue and been quickly undercoated "Vallejo" White, washed with Pale Grey and dry-brushed.

Daleks battle Cybermen and Cybermats in order to locate the cargo of a crashed space freighter

However, perhaps my biggest 'motivator' at "MCM London Comic Con" was my chance find of the "Dungeon & Dragon" module "Expedition To The Barrier Peaks". This out-of-print 1980 "playing aid" by "TSR Hobbies Inc", which includes a "deluxe set" of over sixty illustrations, was "the official Dungeons & Dragons Tournament scenario at Origins II", and was written by Gary Gygax as an introductory adventure into the world of "Metamorphosis Alpha". As you can probably imagine it'll now form the basis of a sci-fi/fantasy campaign using the "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" rule-set by "Ganesha Games"... 

"In The Beginning Our World Was Beautiful And It Was Called - Terra."

"Then the aliens came and tried to destroy us - driving the people below ground..."

This multi-part 28mm hard plastic 'Terminator' has been built using pieces taken from the Frostgrave Cultists boxed set by "North Star Military Figures", as well as Nick Eyre's Cultist Sci-Fi Accessory Pack, and is inspired by the fanatical warriors of Terra as pencilled by Kevin O'Neill in the "2000 A.D." comic book series "Nemesis The Warlock". Indeed, this member of Tomás de Torquemada's "quasi-religious order" is the second of three similarly-influenced miniatures I plan to field as part of the Grand Master's human Purity Squad for "Mutants And Death Ray Guns".

The figure was originally undercoated with "Citadel" Chaos Black and dry-brushed with "Vallejo "Heavy Charcoal in order to help bring out the sculpt's details. The Termight soldier then had his boots and waist-pouch 'picked out' with Heavy Sienna and Heavy Brown. Both of these areas were subsequently washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"Frostgrave" Barbarians WIPs - The heavily bearded warriors has simply been assembled and primed

As I didn't want the model's clothing to be entirely black, I used some "Vallejo" Heavy Red to add some seemingly appropriate colour to the model's undergarment, waist-band and shirt, and then washed these areas with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. In addition, I painted his shoulder armour, dagger sheath and top's rear lacing with a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. As a final touch, the fanatic's formidably large firearm was given a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being heavily washed with Nuln Oil.

Sticking with "North Star Military Figures" and their plastic boxed sets, I have found myself rather inspired by James M. Ward's science fiction setting "Metamorphosis Alpha". Published these days in a collector's edition by "Goodman Games", and recommended to me by Hils of "The Game Cupboard", this 1976 sci-fi RPG concerns the inhabitants of the starship Warden fighting for their lives against all manner of humans, robots and mutants in a "radiation-saturated world", whilst being completely ignorant of the fact that they're aboard "a seventeen-level colony ship, fifty miles long and twenty-five miles wide..."

Boromite Gang Fighters WIP - The majority of these alien miners have had their girdles finished

As a result I have assembled five Neanderthal-like savages using components from the Frostgrave Barbarians sprues, in an effort to replicate the pre-Stone Age party Gary Gygax originally play-tested the RPG's rules upon. In addition, although I plan to use "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" as my actual rule-set for my adventures amidst the Warden's corridors, these figures will also enable me to build, over time, a suitably large Barbarian party for "Frostgrave" itself.

Lastly, I have made some considerable progress on several of the ten Boromite Gang Fighters I am hoping to field as part of a 500-point Scouting Force for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". These "Warlord Games" sculpts continue to take up a vast amount of my hobby time, on account of the extraterrestrial miners' numerous pieces of armour and equipment, but some of the miniatures are now, at least, a good two-thirds finished...