"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.

"Credo!"

"I am the shape of things to come - The Lord of the Flies - Holder of the Sword Sinister..."

This 28mm pre-painted plastic “Wizkids” model of Nemesis The Warlock is miniature number 109 from the Indy “Heroclix” range. Originally created by Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill in 1980 as an anti-hero for a series of one-off stories inspired by popular music within "the British comic anthology 2000 A.D.", the "fire-breathing demonic alien" would go on to make semi-regular appearances for the next nineteen years and end his days haunting the Earth in a spectral form, tied to the extra-terrestrial's organic spaceship, the Blitzspear.

Before painting this miniature, I first removed its horribly bendy Sword Sinister and replaced it with a far sturdier double-handed variant from the "Frostgrave" Soldiers sprue sold by "North Star Military Figures". The Warlock was then primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and had both his armour and hand-weapon 'picked out' with a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

Legion Cybermen WIPs - The silver giants have been washed, in preparation of dry-brushing and detailing

Predominantly dark(ish) green in the comic book illustrations I sourced, Nemesis' flesh was initially layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Green and subsequently shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before being highlighted with more "Vallejo" Heavy Green. His great sweeping cloak was similarly painted, albeit using "Vallejo" Heavy Red" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I picked out the freedom fighter's eyes with some "Vallejo" White.

With the "mysterious leader of the secret resistance organisation Credo" finished, I have been able to turn my eye back upon a couple of metal miniatures from the "Warlord Games" "Nightmares In Silver" collectors set. The East Midlands-based manufacturer plans of releasing both the Vashta Nerada and (Jon Pertwee era) Sea Devils later this month, and despite neither box actually containing any of the recruitment cards needed to field them for "Doctor Who: Exterminate!", I'm rather keen on getting the models painted and on my tabletop. As a result I'm really going to need to 'crack on' with these silver giants and steadily work my way back through their numerous incarnations...

Hammerer WIPs - The constructs have been shaded, dry-brushed and distressed

Lastly, I am close to finishing work on the three metal "Chainmail" Hammerer models I want to use for an upcoming "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" scenario based upon the "Dungeons & Dragons" module "Expedition to the Barrier Peaks". Sent to a cargo hatch by "a computer malfunction", I'm hoping to use these formidably-sized metal miniatures to represent the worker robots who "promptly cleared" the opening of fallen earth and stone, and unloaded the crashed spacecraft's "requisite cargo" of various alien fauna and flora.

Armed with huge, pincer-like claws and enormous hammer-shaped limbs, I've actually stepped away from the grisly, bloody-splattered colour scheme suggested by "Wizards Of The Coast" for these Jim Warner sculpts, and instead gone for a more rusty appearance; something arguably far more suitable for an automaton who has simply been stood motionless within the confines of a seemingly inactive exploration-colonisation vessel for "several decades".

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Nightmares In Silver" July 2017

Nightmares In Silver WIPS - The Cybermen have all been based and primed

This month's randomly themed attempt to try and reduce my 'mountainous' collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures has been well and truly side-tracked by some of "Warlord Games" recent releases for their "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" rule-set. In particular, the company's awesome looking "Nightmares In Silver" Cybermen Collector's Set, which contains "ten exquisitely sculpted pewter Cyberman figures - each representing the major changes in appearance as they faced the many incarnations of the Doctor through the years."

Having already based and primed these metal models with "Citadel" Ironbreaker, I have also assembled the final three "highly detailed" plastic Time War Cybermen I have left over from my "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" boxed game, and added their number to my mini-project's aspirational target tally. Indeed, it would actually be quite nice to add some additional "easy-fit" miniatures from the "Missy And The Cybermen" Expansion Set to my swelling Cyber Legion if I can find the time...

Torquemada WIPs - The Grand Master has had all his armour's tiny details washed and highlighted

Stepping into the world of "2000 A.D." comic book characters I have also made some great progress on my "Wargames Foundry" sculpt of  Tomás de Torquemada. This "Nemesis The Warlock" villain has now had all his armour's numerous hydraulic attachments washed, and in some cases, highlighted, so resultantly just needs some additional red highlights before being finished.

Lastly, one of the highlights of this past weekend was meeting up once again with Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame at the "Bovington Wargamers Show". Needless to say our conversation became increasingly expensive as Dave plied me with his extensive wares and showed off some of his latest resin creations, such as the Wasteland Overlord.

Soda Machine WIPs - The vending dispensers have do far been primed, washed, dry-brushed and 'rusted'

Foremost of my purchases was undoubtedly his Wild West Scenery Mine Shaft and Cart, which actually comes complete with rails and rolling stock. But it is actually a pair of Soda Machines from Dave's Future City Scenics range, which have made their way to the top of my terrain painting queue.

Wonderfully colourful, with lots of brightly lit buttons and garish advertising when painted normally, I've actually decided to paint both vending dispensers as long-forgotten and heavily-rusted appliances from a bygone era. And hope to therefore use one piece for my "Metamorphosis Alpha" campaign (which will require the rusty wreckage to be flocked with snow) and the other for my grass-based "Gamma World" games...

“Okay, Hoagy – Let’s Hit ‘Em Low!”

"Yup! The stogie's right, Sam!"

This 28mm metal model of Hoagy can be bought either from the “Wargames Foundry” “2000 A.D.” character range as Stock Code AD071, or from “Warmonger Miniatures”, and is based upon Sam Slade’s “dozy droid” companion. Created by John Wagner and Ian Gibson for the multi-issue story “Day Of The Droids”, the kit-built “imbecilic robot” would go on to hinder “Robo-Hunter” in many of Slade’s most memorable cases and made his first appearance in Prog 152 [February 16th 1980].

Disappointingly somewhat larger in size than his actual comic book counterpart, I was initially rather undecided as to which colour the robo-sidekick should be. Kevin Dallimore’s wonderfully vibrant green version on the “Wargames Foundry” website appeared a very persuasive palette, especially when I saw the cover illustration of Prog 259, which seemingly rendered Hoagy in a similar hue. However, having done a bit more research, it quickly became clear that the robot was predominantly ‘inked’ on the printed page a metallic blue with large yellow eyes; and I resultantly primed my miniature using some “Vallejo” Gunmetal Blue.

Torquemada WIPs - The Grand Master has had all his armour's tiny details 'picked out'

The figure was then washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Gunmetal Blue. This ultimately was a bit of a time-consuming process, as the acrylic paint tends to turn noticeably silver in colour as it wears thin on the brush, so I had to keep stopping to recharge my “Windsor and Newton” and dab the white synthetic bristles dry.

Once finished, I turned my attention to carefully ‘picking’ out the droid’s two eyes with “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand and shaded them with some watered-down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. As a final touch, I dotted both orbs with Abaddon Black, and then highlighted around these areas with “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand in order to try and draw the casual observer’s eye towards Hoagy’s face. The robot assistant’s nameplate was layered using “Citadel” Abaddon Black and then painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

Gang Fighter Leader WIPs - The Boromite has had all his reflex armour finally base-coated

Sticking with the “2000 A.D.” comic book theme, I have finally found the time to focus upon the final figure I currently have planned for my "Nemesis The Warlock" mini-project. Purchased at “Salute” 2016, I had intended to simply ‘pick out’ Tomás de Torquemada’s sword and leave his resplendent red armour alone. However, the “Wargames Foundry” sculpt is so good, it seemed a pity not to try and ‘pick out’ most of the Grand Master’s various hydraulic attachments.

Lastly, I have returned to my Boromites by “Warlord Games”. I’m admittedly playing catch-up with this particular project, but hope to get my first unit of five Gang Fighters posted up soon, and then get cracking on the second so I can finally begin playing some “Beyond The Gates Of Antares”.

"You Know The Doctor. You Understand Him. You Will Predict His Actions."

"Predict! Predict! Predict!"

These two 28mm scale "easy-fit plastic" models of a Dalek are made by “Warlord Games” and can be found within the company's "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Created by Terry Nation and designer Raymond Cusick in 1963, these particular sculpts are based upon the "hostile alien life-forms" revised Time War shell, which appeared in the June 2005 BBC Television series story "The Parting Of Ways".

Having previously painted my force's Patrol Leader, Dalek Sec, as well as several of the 'basic' warrior units which Davros created in order "to fight in the Time War against the Time Lords", I decided to paint these particular miniatures as Imperial Guard Daleks - a Dalek organisation made up of Daleks dedicated to protecting the Emperor Dalek at all costs.

Nemesis the Warlock WIPs - The alien has had his skin washed and dry-brushed, as well as his robe inked

As with my other Kaled Mark III travel machines, the figures were first super-glued onto 40mm lipped circular stands before being undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I then gave each Dalek a double coat of Brass, liberally washed them with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and gave them a heavy dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Brass. 

With the basics finished, I subsequently picked out their eye stalks, control arms and multi-range variable power destructors with some "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, and additionally painted the Daleks' audio scanners with "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey. As a final touch, I used some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to coat the pepper pots' fenders and domes.

Despite the recent announcement that "Warlord Games" will be producing models of the Supreme Red Dalek, the Special Weapons Dalek and the Genesis Ark, their "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" rule-set doesn't yet contain any specific rules for these specialist models or the Emperor's Personal Guard. But it does contain a Dalek Patrol recruitment card which, whilst only providing two models on the tabletop, also generates a highly valuable Fate Token; an ability, alongside the traits "Override" and "Tank", which I felt was rather appropriate for a pair of Daleks "who were used to protect the Dalek Emperor" in his throne room...

Manphibian WIPs - The S.H.I.E.L.D. operative has had his flesh layered, and washed with green and brown shades

Focusing on a somewhat older mini-project, I have managed to make some excellent progress on my "Indyclix" figure of "Nemesis The Warlock". This plastic "Wizkids" pre-painted "2000 A.D." comic book character had been sat gathering dust in my painting queue until very recently, but is now close to completion.

Lastly, with this month's "Forgotten Heroes" challenge now two-thirds finished, I have 'unleashed' my paintbrush upon a converted "Heroclix" figure of Manphibian, which I actually assembled twelve months ago. The extra-terrestrial’s white boots and pouches have all now been completed, as has the anti-hero's automatic rifle, and I am currently slowly washing his scaly hide with green and brown inks in preparation of some light dry-brushing.

"Mu-Scan Follows By Encoded Psignal."

"Retrieval now indicates a 98% co-incidence with forty-seven previous raids in the Aphis Sector (102)."

This 28mm metal model of a Necron Raider was sold by "Games Workshop" as Necron Warrior 5 (Code 9947011000205) and mercilessly 'chopped up' by Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame, so as to provide some of his other figures with cybernetic limbs. Fortunately, its remains have since been very kindly gifted to me, and resultantly become the second of three Necron-themed objective markers I plan to accompany my 'Oldhammer 40K' Necron Kill Team.

Having initially been super-glued to a thin 40mm base, and dramatically posed with the aid of some "Gale Force Nine" Grey Stuff, the supposedly long-deceased robot was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered with Ironbreaker. The skeletal automaton was then washed with Nuln Oil, roughly dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker, liberally treated to a coating of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and finally given a second dry-brush of Ironbreaker.

"Dungeons & Dragons" WIPs - A Half-Elf Sorcerer, a Gnome Infiltrator and a Lizardman Warrior

A similar technique was applied to the Necron's Gauss Flayer using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. Although the weapon's tip was actually painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Lastly, so as to imbue the defunct "spine-chilling" machine with an Egyptian aura, the raider's collar was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, Vallejo "Heavy Blue" and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade", as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

In addition to my Necron objective/spawn marker I have also begun painting three of the five adventurers I plan to use for my "Expedition To The Barrier Peaks" campaign. These wonderfully animated, yet sadly 'Out Of Production' "Dungeons & Dragons" miniatures were made by "Wizards Of The Coast", and predominantly come from the company's discontinued "Chainmail" range.

Nemesis The Warlock WIPs - The "2000 A.D." comic book character is slowly being progressed

As I plan to actually use "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games" to play this old "D&D" module with, rather than the fantasy tabletop role-playing game by Gary Gygax, I thought a broad range of heroes and races would really help test out many of the rule-set's numerous traits, abilities and weapons. As a result I am currently painting a Gnome Infiltrator (with repeating crossbow), a Half-Elf Sorcerer, and a Lizardman Warrior...

Finally, having recently finished both Torquemada and some Terminators, I have started work on their "fire-breathing demonic alien" opponent, "Nemesis The Warlock". This plastic "Wizkids" pre-painted miniature has been sat gathering dust in my painting queue for a couple of months now, but having spent a little time on the "2000 A.D." comic book character, I am already halfway through painting all of his battle armour.

“But Through Our Sacred Leaders. The Terminators. We Were Saved.”

"The alien was cast out and Mighty Terra rose again."

Inspired by the fanatical warriors of Terra as drawn by Kevin O’Neill in the “2000 A.D.” comic book series “Nemesis The Warlock”, this multi-part 28mm hard plastic ‘Terminator’ has been built using parts taken from the Frostgrave Cultists boxed set by “North Star Military Figures” and the Nottingham-based company’s Cultist Sci-Fi Accessory Pack. This model is the third such member of Tomas de Torquemada’s “quasi-religious order” I have painted in recent weeks, and completes the human Purity Squad I want to accompany the Grand Master in some games of “Mutants And Death Ray Guns”.

The miniature was initially primed with “Citadel” Chaos Black and dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal in order to help me see all of the figure’s detailed leatherwork, armour and straps. I next painted the Terminator's boots and belt with Heavy Sienna’, and later washed them with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

"And it was decreed that all aliens must be exterminated..."

So as to bring some colour to the Termight warrior, as opposed to their predominantly all-black palette as shown on the cover illustration of Issue 230 of “2000 A.D.”, I used some “Vallejo” Heavy Red to ‘pick out’ the model’s undergarment and sleeves, and subsequently washed these areas with a healthy dose of “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson. In addition, I painted the fervent alien-hater’s body armour and maniacal plated face mask with a coat of “Vallejo” Gold and shaded it with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

With all the Terminator’s clothing finished, I turned my attention to his formidable-looking heavy machine gun and treated the entire firearm to a coat of “Vallejo” Gunmetal Grey. The weapon was then washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil, lightly dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Gunmetal Grey, and finally had its ammo belt covered in “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade so as to give the bullets a ‘coppery-feel’.

Gang Fighter WIPs - The Boromite has had his armour, pouches and equipment painted

Lastly, I tackled the model’s rather poorly sculpted hands by painting them “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone, and subsequently washing them with “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade”. Unfortunately, the casting of the warrior’s fingers was rather indistinct in places, so I used some extra “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone to ‘draw’ some onto the hands where I could.

Despite this distraction, I have still managed to dedicate plenty of hobby-time towards my ongoing ‘battle’ with a scouting force of “Warlord Games” Boromites. Currently, I’m still working my way through the first five (of ten) Gang Fighters I wish to field for “Beyond The Gates Of Antares”. But having returned to simply painting them up in ones and twos, as opposed to batch painting a load of them, I feel as if I’m finally seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel; at least as far as this first tactical infantry unit is concerned…

"Boromites Are Always Ready To Up Sticks..."

"...And move on should the need arise."

This 28mm metal model of a Gang Fighter is manufactured by "Warlord Games" and is one of five miniatures which come as part of the Boromites' Gang Fighter boxed set. Heavily detailed, almost to the point of frustration, with all manner of pouches, electronic equipment and reflex armour, the mag gun-carrying soldier will form part of my Scouting Force's two main Tactical Infantry Units, and has been additionally armed with plasma grenades ("at 2pts per model"). 

Originally undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the figure was washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having a layer of Chaos Black applied over all of its weaponry. The mining model's armour was then slowly 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, and subsequently washed with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade in order to dirty it up somewhat.

"Frostgrave" Sci-Fi Terminator WIPs - The model now simply needs some washes to be applied

As I didn't like the predominantly black pouches and weapons illustrated within the "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" rule-book, I instead painted the miniature's pocket-bags with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, whilst shading its "Citadel" Ironbreaker mag gun with Nuln Oil. As a last touch I highlighted the firearm's power source using some "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, and the occasional piece of wiring with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

Despite so much time now being spent 'picking out' all the fiddly detail on my Boromites, I have still managed to give my "Nemesis The Warlock" mini-project a little more attention by working on the last of the "North Star Military Figures" figures I plan to use as one of Tomás de Torquemada's infamous Terminators. This particular model, much like his two predecessors, has been assembled using the disappointing mix of a plastic "Frostgrave" Cultist torso and the Nottingham-based company's Cultist Sci-Fi Accessory Pack.

Time War Daleks WIPS - The Kaleds have been primed, washed and dry-brushed

Admittedly, I think the resin heavy machine-gun, complete with lengthy ammunition belt, looks awesome, should certainly help Terra's "quasi-religious order" eliminate plenty of extra-terrestrials. But the poor, rough-hewn sculpting of the 'fascist' warrior's hands has once again caused me a few issues with my paintbrush. Fortunately however, I have persevered, and the model now simply needs the application of a few washes, some dry-brushing and highlights.

Lastly, eager to play my first game of this year's main "Salute" purchase, "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" by "Warlord Games", I have primed, layered, washed and dry-brushed the other three Time War Daleks I require for the introductory scenario "A Meeting Of Metal". These multi-part plastic miniatures really have proved to be a 'bit of a swine' to assemble, on account of their supposed "easy-fit" snap-together bodies, and resultantly, at least one of my Kaled force's other models will now be used as a 'destroyed Dalek' objective marker; having lost a battle with a pair of pliers...

"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...

"Do Not Fear. We Will Take Your Fear From You."

"Emotions eradicated. Conversion complete."

These four 28mm scale plastic models of the Cyberman are produced by “Warlord Games” and represent a third of the silver giants found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Created by Dr. Kit Pedler and story editor Gerry Davis for William Hartnell's finale "The Tenth Planet" in 1966, these particular incarnations of the "fictional race of cyborgs" are based upon the "technologically advanced Cybermen" which appeared in the May 2013 BBC Television series story "Nightmare In Silver", and, due to their sprue containing a selection of separate right arms, were assembled in a variety of poses.

As I plan to add these Mondasians to some I previously painted last month, I primed them all with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then gave each 'automaton' a double coat of Ironbreaker. The models were subsequently washed with Nuln Oil, and as a final touch, having carefully 'picked out' their tear-drop eyes and mouth with a thin line of watered-down Abaddon Black, dry-brushed with more "Ironbreaker".

"Cybermats are infiltrators. Very small, very deadly. They collect power like bees collect pollen."

In order to play the game's introductory scenario "A Meeting Of Metal", I also required a base of Cybermats to act as the Cyber-Leader's retinue. The models for these robotic guards are understandably rather tiny, as they're seemingly based upon the 'wee beasties' as depicted in the September 2011 story "Closing Time".

The boxed set's rule-book, "Guide To The Time Vortex", dedicates an entire section to these "reconnaissance drones" and even suggests going so far as painting in their underbellies' red lights. However, as I knew my basing technique would mask any such detail, I stuck to the same 'tried and tested' method I used to paint their creators, and also decided to paint up an additional stand simultaneously.

Torquemada WIPs - The Grand Master of Termight has been undercoated, washed and dry-brushed

At last year's "Salute" I rather impetuously acquired two old "2000 A.D." themed models manufactured by "Wargames Foundry" and which were being sold by "Warmonger Miniatures". Perhaps understandably, considering how I'm currently working on a "Nemesis The Warlock" mini-project, I found that history repeated itself in April 2017, and left this year's show with a few more similarly-themed figures.

One such sculpt was a cracking version of Tomás de Torquemada, resplendent in his formidable-looking battle armour. Arguably more akin to the despot as personified by penciller Bryan Talbot than original artist Kevin O'Neill, I intend to paint Termight's one-time Chief of the Tube Police in his infamous all-red armour, as opposed to the metallic silver version I've previously posted, and perhaps use the additional purchase as an excuse to field two versions of the tyrannical leader in a game of "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games".

"Nowhere Do They Live In Any Great Number..."

"...Forming small, closed communities within larger societies."

This 28mm metal model of an Overseer is manufactured by "Warlord Games" and is one of three miniatures which form part the Boromites' Overseer Squad blister pack. Equipped with a Tractor Maul, as well as a Plasma Carbine, this "limited choice" Infantry Commander will be the leader of my slowly-growing 500-point Boromite Scouting Force.

Initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the figure was washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having a layer of Chaos Black applied over all of its weaponry. The model's reflex armour was then slowly 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and subsequently washed with some watered-down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

As I didn't want the extraterrestrial miner's pouches and firearm to be predominantly black I painted a few of the miniature's pocket-bags with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and its "highly sophisticated and adaptable" plasma weapon with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. The "hard hitting" "highly focused energy" device also had its plasma coil highlighted using some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Dalek Sec WIPS - The Dalek leader has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

Finally, the Boromite leader's delicately sculpted wires leading from the soldier's formidable-looking hand-weapon into his reflex-armoured girdle were 'traced' using "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. Whilst his "work tool" was treated to a coat of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey and a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Ordinarily costing 105 points for an Overseer and two similarly armed Gangers, I have decided to pay an additional 5 points for the senior Boromite to actually wield the Tractor Maul his sculpt shows him carrying. This "badge of office" actually denotes his importance on the battlefield and is designed "to extend a suspensor field around and object or area and pull it away or aside." As a result in-game, they provide a model with the ability to have two attacks in hand-to-hand fighting", as "they... can quite literally tear an enemy limb from limb."

"Frostgrave" Sci-Fi Terminator WIPs - The model now simply needs some washes to be applied

With all of my focus for "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" by "Warlord Games" now falling upon the completion of the Dalek Patrol needed in order to play the game's introductory scenario "A Meeting Of Metal", I have become working on Dalek Sec, the leader of the Cult of Skaro. Unlike the other 'gold-coloured Kaleds', the former commander of the Seventh Incursion Squad has been predominantly painted "Citadel" Abaddon Black and dry-brushed with some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

Lastly, I have made some significant progress on another of the "North Star Military Figures" figures I plan to use as Tomás de Torquemada's infamous Terminators whilst playing "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games". Assembled using pieces from both the Nottingham-based company's Cultist Sci-Fi Accessory Pack and plastic "Frostgrave" Cultist boxed set, this heavily-armed addition to my "Nemesis The Warlock" mini-project should mean that I'm about three-quarters of the way towards being able to field an all-human Purity Squad based upon Pat Mills' "2000 A.D." comic book despot.

"Death To The Deviants!"

"What a horrible way to die!"

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 the company's Cultist Sci-Fi Accessory Pack, and is inspired by Tomás de Torquemada's infamous warriors of Terra portrayed within the "2000 A.D." comic book series "Nemesis The Warlock". The fanatical soldier was rather simple to assemble and super-glue together, although the resin conversion parts were somewhat larger in scale than the limbs and heads found upon the miniature's original sprue.

The figure was originally primed with "Citadel" Chaos Black and dry-brushed with "Vallejo "Heavy Charcoal. He then had his boots and drinking flask 'picked out' with Heavy Sienna and Heavy Brown. Both of these areas were subsequently washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In order to represent the zealot's excessive commitment to Torquemada's crusade against any aliens, I also painted a skull accessory with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and Heavy Khaki to make them appear to be the grisly trophy of an extra-terrestrial victim, and later shaded the severed head with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, Nuln Oil and Biel-Tan Green.

Crusader II WIPs - The tank has had its tracks painted, and been super-glued to a large rectangular base

As I didn't want the model's garments to be entirely black, as is often illustrated within the pages of "2000 A.D.", I applied a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red to the Terminator's undergarment, waist-band and shirt, and then washed these areas with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. In addition I painted his breathing-mask and shoulder armour with a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade so as to add even more colour to the miniature's palette. Lastly, the fanatic's large firearm was given a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being heavily washed with Nuln Oil.

With the first of my Terra warriors completed, I have set aside some time to progress the first of my British tanks for "Battle Of El Alamein - War In The Desert" by "Battlefront Miniatures". I had already got the majority of this Crusader II painted, but have since 'picked out' its tracks, dirtied its wheels and fixed it to a large "Flames Of War" plastic base; on account of my great dislike for vehicles simply sitting upon the tabletop without one...

Boromite Ganger WIPs - TheOverseer's bodyguard has been washed and had his electrical gadgetry 'picked out'

I have also 'dusted' the armoured vehicle down, as per the instructions at the back of the "Desert Rats" hard-backed rule-book, and hopefully better blended in the tanks green camouflage markings with the sandy-coloured hull as a result. Finally, somewhat perturbed by the fact that the boxed set strangely doesn't seem to come with any decals, I have started working on its turret shovel with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Ironbreaker.

Needless to say, despite these distractions, I am also slowly making some ground on my second Boromite Ganger for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". This particular model is formidably detailed on account of having several wires wrapped about the figure's shoulders and neck, as well as some incredibly complicated-looking reflex armour and waist attachments.

"Boromites Can Be Found Within The PanHuman Concord..."

"...And upon the many diverse worlds of the Determinate."

This 28mm metal model of a Ganger is manufactured by "Warlord Games" and is one of three miniatures which come as part the Boromites' Overseer Squad blister pack. Phenomenally detailed with all the extra-terrestrial's lumps, bumps and reflex armour, the plasma carbine-carrying soldier's main role is to act as bodyguard to my Scouting Force's Commander, the Overseer.

Initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the figure was washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having a layer of Chaos Black applied over all of its weaponry. The model's armour was then slowly 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, as I wanted to try and imitate the colour scheme used for the mining creatures as found within the "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" rule-book, and subsequently washed with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Boromite Ganger WIPs - The Overseer's bodyguard is slowly having his numerous pouches washed

As I didn't like the predominantly black pouches and weapons depicted within the vast majority of Boromite figure illustrations, I decided to step away from "Warlord Games" 'official' palette, and instead paint the miniature's pocket-bags with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, whilst shading its "Citadel" Ironbreaker primed plasma carbine with Nuln Oil. As a final touch I highlighted the firearm's power source using some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

With my 500-point force's 'pilot piece' completed, I have now started painting the second of the Overseer's bodyguards, and discovered this sculpt to be even more complicated than the first. Indeed, in many ways I might have been better off choosing an easier to paint faction, such as the black-armoured Isorians, or all-red Algoryn Army, rather than one which is clearly going to take a lot of time and patience as I am forced to 'pick out' all of its unfathomable armour in yellow...

"Frostgrave" Sci-Fi Terminator WIPs - The model now simply needs some washes to be applied

Fortunately, I have also been progressing a small number of "North Star Military Figures" figures to use as Tomás de Torquemada's infamous Terminators in a game or two of "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games". To be honest this "Nemesis The Warlock" project has proved something of a disappointment of account of the quality of some of the models' sculpting, and as a result my intention to 're-enact' some of "2000 A.D." comic book series character's most memorable scenes, has somewhat stalled.

Admittedly, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the plastic "Frostgrave" Cultist torsos I've selected to use as the basis for my villainous Termight Warriors. But the same can't sadly be said for the quality of the resin pieces found within the Nottingham-based company's Cultist Sci-Fi Accessory Pack; which have caused me no end of grief trying to determine where a wrinkled sleeve stops and a hand begins...

"Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!"

"My Terminators are watching you!"

This 28mm pre-painted plastic “Wizkids” model of Tomás de Torquemada is miniature number 107 from the Indy “Heroclix” range. Originally created as simply the leader of Termight's Tube Police "in the British comic anthology 2000 A.D.", the arch-villain would quickly rise to become the "dictator of the entire human race" and was created by Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill for the 1980 serial "Nemesis The Warlock".

This miniature was initially undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black before having both his armour and axe painted using a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. The Grand Master of Terra was then dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker and subsequently had his belt 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, his axe-handle layered with Iraqi Sand and finally his chest emblem emboldened with Gold. All of these areas were treated to a wash of either "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade or "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Crusader II WIPs - The tank has had a green "cloud-shaped patches" camouflage pattern applied to it

Torquemada's sweeping purple cape was first given a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet, then washed with the "Citadel" Shade, Druchii Violet, and carefully dry-brushed with some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Violet. As a last touch, I dabbed a little "Citadel" Chaos Black into the sculpt's eye sockets and then tidied them up by using pure Ironbreaker.

Having recently played my "First Game" of the "Battle Of El Alamein - War In The Desert", using the simple scenario presented within the "Battlefront Miniatures" Battle Box starter booklet, I have started applying some green camouflage to my British Crusader II plastic tank. To be honest this vehicle was far from impressive during its debut on the tabletop. Not only did it seem incapable of actually hitting a German Panzer with its 2 pounder gun, but it similarly appeared unable to survive being struck on its front armour; supposedly the thickest and best protected part of the tank.

Boromite Ganger WIPs - The extra-terrestrial tunneller has had all his weaponry 'picked out' and washed 

As a result I thought some "cloud-shaped patches", as found in the recently released "Desert Rats" "Flames Of War" hard-backed rule-book, might help matters somewhat. Certainly the camouflage will help make the vehicle 'stand out' as part of my Crusader Armoured Squadron HQ.

  Finally, I have been persevering on the first of my Boromite Gangers for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". The sheer amount of detail on this miniature, such as its numerous plates of reflex armour and plasma carbine, is quite breath-taking, and I now realise it's going to take a lot of patience in order to finish even just my three-man Overseer Squad during the next few days.