"The Forbidden Zone Was Once A Paradise."

"Your breed made a desert of it, ages ago."

This 28mm scale white metal model is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately as Simian Minion 2B, or as part of their four-figure Simian Minions 2 set. Sculpted by Andrew May, the miniature is clearly strongly influenced by actor Maurice Evans' portrayal of Doctor Zaius in the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes", and rather frustratingly required a partial re-paint at one stage when things went a little sour whilst working on the orangutan politician's coat and trousers.

Originally primed with a lick or two of "Vallejo" Heavy Orange, the Minister of Science's boots and leather shoulder covering were treated to a layer of Heavy Sienna. I then washed the entire model with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and started to dry-brush the authority on simian science's jacket with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Orange. However, despite the "Games Workshop" shade having worked just fine on the aforementioned brown areas, it had somehow turned into a disconcertingly dark, gloopy mess everywhere else.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Sam, Pippin and Merry have all been undercoated

This strange reaction seems to have been caused by the "Vallejo" Heavy Orange transforming into an almost plastic-like skin once dry, and resulted in me having to reapply the paint all over the Chief Defender of the Faith's sleeves, pants and tunic a second time to cover all the ruddy mess. Disappointingly, I was never able to completely mask this mistake as the Game Color paint is quite transparent. But eventually I got to the stage where I was able to give Doctor Zaius a heavily-watered down wash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and semi-successfully highlight the garment back up with a dry-brush of (even more) "Vallejo" Heavy Orange. 

With the bulk of the model now done, I turned my attention to picking out some of the details, such as simply applying some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the orangutan's undershirt. I also used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on the figure's flesh, and later lined his fingers, cheeks and lips with a smidgeon more "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I gave the miniature's hair a brush-tip full of Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats", darkened it down with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and brightened it back up with a dry-brush of (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and a delicate touch of White Star.

"Big Head Chibis" WIPs - Stan, Amand, and "WT"

Alongside Doctor Zaius I have also found the time to undercoat three more hobbits by "Games Workshop" from the Nottingham-based manufacturer's old "The Lord Of The Rings" range. As with the Frodo Baggins I recently painted, I believe Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck, and Peregrin Took are all from the now long out of production (OOP) "The Fellowship Of The Ring" boxed set - albeit I believe I bought them second-hand at a wargaming show.

Somewhat strangely (and suddenly) I've also found myself in the mood for some more games of the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game, and resultantly recently picked up a copy of its Spider-Verse and Avengers expansion books. This has perhaps inevitably lead to me dusting down some of the 3D prints I produced last year by "Big Head Chibis" - as I have a distinct lack of civilians to use as objectives (e.g. kidnap victims) in my scenarios... 

"Fetch Your Explosives."

 "We're going to seal the cave."

These three 28mm scale white metal models of some 'savage Simian Minions straight from the lab' are produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately under code SKU: MINI 98 or as part of their Simian Minions four-figure collection SKU: DEAL 39. The miniatures were initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

Each Ape with Baton was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had their trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet. The gorillas' faces, ammunition belts, rifles and straps were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, whilst the soldiers' wooden sticks were painted using some Charred Brown. Finally, all of these areas were later shaded using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and the firearms given a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"And you will both stand trial for heresy."

It's probably been a good couple of years since I last tackled any of these particular "7TV" sculpts, so was rather pleased to recently find them partially-painted and gathering dust in my somewhat significantly-sized "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" collection. The figures were actually finished piecemeal whenever I was waiting for my heavily detailed Napoleonic miniatures to dry, or simply needed a break from all the collars, cuffs and straps of the "Wargames Foundry" models I'm currently somewhat obsessed with.

I know I have plenty more lurking around my hobby room, many of which are armed with rifles as opposed to clubs, so do plan to hunt around for a few more when I can. As with last month's classic "Doctor Who" Sea Devils by "Black Tree Design", I've found them to be an excellent distraction from the much more time-consuming painting projects I'm presently progressing. Furthermore, I do find my hobby mojo to be refreshed every time I complete a model - no matter whether its part of my monthly plan or not.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - The majority of Marshal Ney has now been base-layered 

Alongside these wonderful "Planet Of The Apes" inspired miniatures, I have also managed to make some in-roads on a figure I've had sat in front of me since this time last year. This 28mm metal Marshal Ney is a freebie which comes with the "A Clash Of Eagles" Black Powder supplement book by "Warlord Games", and was acquired with the much appreciated assistance of rules-guru Roger Gerrish.

I wasn't planning on using anything other than "Wargames Foundry" models for my Napoleonic Black Powder battles - and that intention probably still holds true. But the "Bravest of the Brave" is a pretty good match for the Perry Twins' old range, so I thought he might be put to use for some Silver Bayonet shenanigans by "Osprey Games". Quite possibly as delirious French military commander fleeing the Russians, who could then replace the Hobgoblin in the rule-book's opening scenario..? 

"The Cyber Controller Can Decide Their Fate."

"Alert the guard. They must not enter Cyber Control alive."

These 28mm metal model is manufactured by "Black Tree Design" and is available as DW517 - Cyberleader from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Evolved so that he looked and operated like the current army of Cybermen", this single-cast figure is mislabelled as it clearly resembles the Telos Cyber Controller from Paula Moore's 1985 television story "Attack Of The Cybermen".

Undercoated using my now usual mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the unemotional cyborgs' "ultimate mastermind" was subsequently treated to a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"Threat. Stop."

I then set to work on simply 'picking out' the Cyber Controller's central chest piece with a tiny dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and the energy ring of his hand-blaster using a combination of "Scale 75" White Alchemy and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red. Furthermore, I attempted to contrast the firearm's metal from that of the silver Cyberman himself by giving it a (second) coat of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, so as to help darken it down.

With my latest (somewhat underwhelmingly sized) "Doctor Who" figure finished, I have also managed to 'polish off' a pair of the Penzance-based company's 28mm metal spherical robots as well. Available as DW120 - Mechanoid, these "match for the Daleks" made their first appearance in Terry Nation's 1965 six-parter "The Chase", and were largely pigmented in much the same way as the Cyberman.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Early days yet on these two Mounted Simians

Moving across to "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", following my recent re-watching of Franklin J. Schaffner's 1968 science fiction film "Planet Of The Apes", I've additionally started working on a few Simian Minions for "7TV". One of the most frustrating aspects of the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) has always been that any entries (understandably) need to be both started and finished during the event's time span, so I've been frustrated from properly working on these particular miniatures for a few months.

Now the AHPC is finished, at least for me, I've collected quite a few of these partially-painted Gorillas from my backlog, dusted them down, and begun progressing them. I actually own a frightening number of these classic looking post-apocalypse soldiers. But thought I'd start with a couple of horse riders, whose sculpts appear to have been taken straight from one of the earliest scenes of the $20,825,000-making motion picture...

"The Mechanical Monsters Ruled With An Iron Fist..."

"...And cold logic by mad scientist Dr Ulysses Argo."

This 28mm scale resin model of a Titan is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as SKU: MINI 94 Titan A (Reaching) from their Villains and Monsters range. The kit comes in three parts, and had its arms pinned into place with both some copper wire and green-stuff, before being permanently attached using some super-glue.

Approximately 45mm in height, the large robot is supposed to represent one of Doctor Ulysses Argo’s metallic minions for the second edition of the skirmish rule-set “7TV”. But as I wanted it to tie in with the significantly larger Talos figure I have previously painted, I decided to give the machine a palette more in keeping with the giant statue's appearance in Don Chaffey’s 1963 film “Jason And The Argonauts”.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three part-way finished Simian Minions

Resultantly, the entire miniature was primed in “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and later layered with Bronze. The mechanical construct was then shaded using plenty of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before being dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Bronze. Lastly, I applied various amounts of “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide onto its numerous joints and ridges. These areas were later blended in with the rest of the miniature with a (third) dry-brush of “Vallejo” Bronze.

With the last of my five planned submissions for the Monster May(hem) challenge completed, I have started working on three more of the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer's Simian Minions. These Apes with Baton are the last of this particular sculpt I own, and once finished should provide my "Planet Of The Apes" project with a fair number of Gorilla soldiers.

"CoolMiniOrNot” WIPs - Iron Man and Captain America

In addition, I've spent some time progressing my hard plastic Iron Man figure from the Marvel United boardgame by "CoolMiniOrNot”, I had previously hoped to use "Scalecolor" Ruby Alchemy for the Golden Avenger’s armour. But after applying a shade of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to a test area on the sculpt's leg, it soon became clear that at best Shellhead's armoured suit was going to be pink and gold, as opposed to his famous red and gold.

This caused me to search for an alternative solution, and in the end I decided to purchase a bottle of the highly recommended "Vallejo" Red from their Mecha Colour range. In anticipation of the paint's arrival, I decided to give Tony Stark's alter-ego a rough coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and I'm rather pleased I did so too. For disappointingly, the new Mecha Colour, whilst a lovely bright vibrant red, is strangely not metallic in any way, despite being "designed especially for painting Robots, Gundam, Transformer and Gunplas figures..."

“With Their Electronic Brains Programmed By Doctor Ulysses Argo…”

“…These bronze behemoths are used to threaten, kill and destroy anyone or anything.”

This 28mm scale resin model of a Titan is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as SKU: MINI 93 Titan B (Standing) from their Villains and Monsters range. The kit comes in three parts, and had its arms pinned into place with some green-stuff and copper wire, before being permanently attached using some super-glue.

Approximately 45mm in height, the large robot is supposed to represent one of Doctor Ulysses Argo’s metallic minions for the second edition of the skirmish rule-set “7TV”. But as I wanted it to tie in with my previously-painted Talos, I decided to give the machine a palette more in keeping with the titan’s appearance in Don Chaffey’s 1963 film “Jason And The Argonauts”.

"Take this creature back to his cage."

As a result, the entire model was primed in “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and later layered with Bronze. The construct was then shaded using plenty of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before being dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Bronze. Lastly, I applied various amounts of “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide onto its numerous joints and ridges. These areas were later blended in with the rest of the miniature with a (third) dry-brushed of “Vallejo” Bronze.

With the fourth of my five planned submissions for this month’s Monster May(hem) challenge ‘in the books’, I also found the time to finish another of the Simian Minions I had hoped to recently complete. Also manufactured by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”, and available as SKU: MINI 98, the ape soldier was undercoated using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

Alternative Armies" WIPs - A test piece to try out "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green

The gorilla was subsequently drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having his trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet. Lastly, the Ape with Baton's face, ammunition belt, rifle and strap were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna", whilst his wooden stick was painted using some Charred Brown. All of these areas were eventually shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Alongside the Simian Minion, I’ve almost finished a 15mm scale Grey Adder APC Battle Taxi Lifter by “Alternative Armies” which I’ve been using a test piece for some newly acquired “Citadel” Sons Of Horus Green. The large vehicle is the first of several miniatures I intend to ‘field’ as Horus’ treacherous legion, but I’m currently stuck waiting on “Games Workshop” to release some Sons Of Horus decals before I can ‘call this one done’…

“It's A Question Of Simian Survival.”

“The sooner they're exterminated, the better.”

This 28mm scale white metal model of a 'savage Simian Minion straight from the lab' is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately under code SKU: MINI 98 or as part of their Simian Minions four-figure collection SKU: DEAL 39. The miniature was initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

The Ape with Baton was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had its trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet. Its face, ammunition belt, rifle and strap were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, whilst the soldier's wooden stick was painted using some Charred Brown. Finally, all of these areas were later shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and the gorilla’s firearm was given a little "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

The 'Crimson Fists' tackle a Xenomorph infestation alongside the 'Imperial Guard'

With another of my Simian Minions completed, I’ve spent some considerable time further play-testing my homemade 15mm science fiction collaborative rules, "M.I.S.S.”, using a load of Xenomorphs by “Ground Zero Games”, 10mm Face Huggers by “Pendraken Miniatures” and Ion Age figures by "Alternative Armies". The two games centred around a futuristic settlement coming under attack by H.R. Giger’s famous aliens, and saw the forces of Mankind first fend off the horde, and then in the second battle desperately try to reconnect the damaged power supply to the colony.

The opening foray really saw the ‘Imperial Guard’ take something of a battering to the North, as they pushed through the recently evacuated buildings and past some woodland to take up a defensive position near some toxic waste pools. Fortunately, the ‘Crimson Fist Space Marines’ to their south were made of much sterner stuff, and managed to slowly push forwards against a combination of Infant Xenomorphs and Drone Warriors.

Both the Crimson Fists and Imperial Guard deploy their armoured vehicles

For the subsequent scenario, we added a couple of armoured vehicles to our respective forces, such as an 'Adeptus Astartes Whirlwind' and initially struggled to locate the colony’s power station. Then, the space marines had to make a somewhat risky venture further into the increasingly alien-infested community to locate and retrieve the spare parts required to fix its generators.

Throughout much of this confrontation the ‘Astra Militarum’ kept up a steady barrage of missiles and rail-gun bullets upon a seemingly endless swarm of fast-moving Face Huggers, which left the unconquerable ‘Crimson Fists’ to focus upon the game’s objective. Ultimately though, both missions were successful due to some strong team-work between Mankind’s forces, and many enlisted Guardsmen overcoming their fear of the Xenomorphs just long enough to occasionally cause the alien horde to pause in its relentless onslaught…

“This Mighty Simian May Be The Rare Breed…”

“…King of all he surveys in some remote jungle in an explored corner of the world.”

This 28mm scale resin model of a Giant Ape is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as SKU: MINI 350. The kit comes in three parts, and immediately reminded me of the “RKO Radio Pictures” 1949 American black and white fantasy film “Mighty Joe Young” due to the figure attaining an overall height of 47mm once assembled.

Having potentially “been carefully bred in captivity, altered by drugs and advanced psycho-conditioning to serve a human master”, the large gorilla was originally primed using a couple of coats of “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal so as to highlight all of the wonderful fur sculpted onto it.

"A planet where apes evolved from men..?"

I then applied some (additional) "Vallejo "Heavy Charcoal to the Giant Apes' chest, hands, face and feet, before shading these parts with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I 'picked out' the model’s eyes with a couple of dabs of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to his forehead to indicate that he was a Western gorilla. Some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna was later dry-brushed over this area to help better blend it in.

With the first of my five planned submissions for this month’s Monster May(hem) challenge completed, I also found the time to finish one of six Simian Minions I plan to complete within the next few weeks. Also manufactured by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”, and available as SKU: MINI 98, the ape soldier was undercoated using "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Talos, Strawman and a Titan

General Ursus’ trooper was subsequently drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having his trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet. Lastly, the Ape with Baton's face, ammunition belt, rifle and strap were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna", whilst the soldier's wooden stick was painted using some Charred Brown. All of these areas were eventually shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Alongside my latest addition to my “Planet Of The Apes” project, I have also been progressing the rest of my larger-sized miniatures for Monster May(hem). As a result, I’ve managed to get some shading applied to my Strawman, as well as a layer of “Vallejo” Bronze and Brass upon my Talos and Titan respectively…

“When The World Is Threatened…”

“…Superheroes must join together to fight against it.”

This 40mm scale model of the Black Widow is produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and can be found inside the Marvel United Core Box. Designed by Edouard Guiton, the figure is one of five costumed crime-fighters found inside the “fast-paced cooperative” board game, along with three super-villains.

Manufactured in a bright, light blue hard plastic, the miniature was initially primed with a double-helping of “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before receiving an enthusiastic dry-brush of “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal. The former Soviet super-spy was then washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and had her multi-pouched belt 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade (with a touch of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade too).

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Red Skull and the Incredible Hulk

The Avenger's 'Black Widow' emblem on her chest and belt buckle, as well as her lips, were treated to "Vallejo" Heavy Red and later shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I next applied some "Scalecolor" Blue Alchemy to Natasha Romanova's shock-sticks, washed the hand-weapons with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed them with (more) "Scalecolor" Blue Alchemy.

As a penultimate step, I gave the ex-assassin's wrist-bracelets a base coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, then a couple of coats of Gold, and finally a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, I painted her hair and eyebrows with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red, washed them using "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and subsequently gave them a dry-brush with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - A Simian Minion armed with baton

Alongside my Black Widow, I have also been working on the game's Hulk miniature. Having established some groundwork with the super-strong behemoth's flesh, I have managed to finish all the rubble on the green goliath's pre-sculpted stand, as well as 'picked out' a girder and some metallic cabled wiring.

In addition, I’ve succeeded in getting most of the base layers on another of the eight Simian Minions by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” I have previously partially-pigmented. I still have an intimidating number of ape soldiers to finish for my “The Planet Of The Apes” project, as well as a few human astronauts. But they are slowly starting to take shape as a formidable-fighting force for my forthcoming table-top adventures.

“Concentrations Of Ironclads Were Often Used…”

“…In conjunction with artillery to break the enemy front line.”

These eight 1/1200th scale Volker Gun Contraptions are produced by “Brigade Models” and can be purchased from their German range of Land Ironclads as product code VLI-320. The small, armed tanks are approximately 9mm x 4mm in size, and, having previously been super-glued in fours upon a 30mm x 40mm plastic rectangle, were primed with a couple of layers of “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, and later shaded in “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

I then carefully dry-brushed them with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, before patiently picking out all their forward-mounted guns and rear-placed dual funnels with a combination of Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The grit surrounding the vehicles was initially treated to a coat of “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before being dry-brushed with Doombull Brown and Rakarth Flesh. Lastly, they were washed using plenty of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Incredible Hulk has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside my latest German Land Ironclads I have been somewhat busy beavering away at some of the plastic 40mm models taken from the Marvel United core box set by "CoolMiniOrNot". In particular, I have found myself focusing upon the board-game’s chibi-style sculpt of the Incredible Hulk, who should hopefully provide my solo-gaming super-team’s preliminary roster with some much-needed “Smash”.

I’m actually using the figure as a bit of a test-piece for my Marvel Crisis Protocol Hulk by “Atomic Mass Games” too, so have been trialling whether I can get away with a simple prime, shade and dry-brush for the brute’s vast expansions of flesh. I think the technique has turned out rather well, but once I’ve finished the model’s base, tattered trousers and dark green hair, I do now intend to apply a further watered-down wash of “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green to all his bare skin so as to help better blend its different tones together.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These Simian Minions have been base layered

I’ve also been working on two of eight Simian Minions by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” I have previously partially-pigmented in order to complete the first of this year’s weekly painting challenges. I last touched these figures way back in November 2021 as part of my ongoing “The Planet Of The Apes” project, and actually have a rather embarrassing number of ape soldiers to finish before I’ve exhausted my backlog’s supply.

However, by sticking with just those miniatures armed with a baton I’m hoping I’ll be able to ‘polish them off’ in quick order as I become increasingly familiar with the nuances of their details. In addition, most of the models already have their purple-coloured trousers and shirts base-layered, so much of my time should be spent focusing solely upon their relatively straightforward weapons and faces…

“Velociraptors Were Actually Feathered Animals.”

“They grew up to 100 pounds, about the size of a wolf.”

These 10mm scale metal miniatures of three Velociraptors are produced by “Magister Militum” as code DIN43 from their Pre Historic Dinosaurs, Animals & Marine Reptiles range, and come in packs of five models. The late Cretaceous creatures are all “sculpted with feathers” and have been sat languishing upon the ends of some wooden painting sticks in a cup, since I first purchased them a few years ago at the Newbury & Reading Wargames Society’s show “Colours”.

Each animal was initially primed with two coats of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, before being washed in a combination of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. They were then dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, and had their feathered necks ‘picked out’ using a combination of Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These Ape Minions have required some gap-filling with Green-stuff

I wasn’t all that happy with this particular colour scheme, despite some time researching all the different palette possibilities Palaeontologists proposed a feathered Velociraptor could be, so tried blending the neck in with the rest of the dinosaur’s body by giving it a light dry-brush of (even more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown. However, this didn’t seem to work either, so in the end I simply settled upon shading these ‘highlights’ with a little additional “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

As a final touch I attempted to dab a little “Vallejo” White on to the claws and teeth of each miniature, and later splashed them with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. The three figures were subsequently super-glued to a 30mm x 40mm plastic rectangular base, so as to match my preferred basing style for all my other 10mm miniatures.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Five Sorcerous Sentinels are currently on the painting table

I was originally planning only a couple of these Velociraptors as part of one of my self-imposed weekly challenges. Happily however, the following week’s subject matter, randomly chosen by the turning of a playing card, revealed I needed to pigment another single 10mm model, so I quickly made up my mind to simply populate a single stand with a trio of deadly killers in order to kill two birds with one stone.

Rather frustratingly though, I have realised that I only seem to own two more of the figures, so I’ll need to pick up an extra bag or three of the dinosaurs if I want to make any more bases. This is a tad annoying as I was only stood looking at the entire range in the flesh a little over a week ago, when I visited “Magister Militum” whilst attending “Salute” 2021. Although I have dug out a load of previously painted figures from the range that I am currently in the process of re-basing/touching up…

“Simmer Down!”

“You especially.”

This 28mm scale white metal model of Simian Minion D: Man-catcher is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately or as part of their Simian Minions four-figure collection. The figure is designed to be used with the company's "7TV" United Radionics Programme Guide, but I intend to field it as one of several gorilla soldiers for my ongoing project based upon Franklin J. Schaffner's 1968 science fiction film "Planet Of The Apes".

Having super-glued a Simian head onto the torso, the miniature was initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having its trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet.

A selection of my old English Civil War collection by "Front Rank Figurines"

Next I applied a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to the ape’s “wielding a sinister man-catcher” and ammunition belt, whilst the rope on its hand-weapon was painted using some Heavy Brown. All three of these areas were later shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally, I 'picked out' the gorilla’s very visible teeth using a combination of “Vallejo” White and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

Alongside pigmenting my latest MoVember miniature I have been following Iain White’s simply splendid rebasing of a load of 28mm English Civil War miniatures I was able to personally give him during the summer. I actually bought these old “Front Rank Figurines” second-hand myself over twenty years ago, and had planned to use them as the basis for some Pike and shot wargaming. However, having started to base them individually (on two-pence pieces) I soon lost the will to live, especially when I later discovered that the sculpts were no longer produced so I couldn’t paint any more to match their previous owner’s rather unique, colourful style.

Prince Rupert, Boy and some Royalist cavalry rebased by Iain

Fortunately, Iain has really put the effort it to rank them up appropriately, and the cavalry look especially impressive en masse. I purchased the collection in several batches, including some Scottish forces, cannons and even Prince Rupert’s pet hunting poodle Boy, and resultantly was always a bit disconcerted by the inconsistency in some the paint-jobs – almost as if some units were rather rushed in an effort to get them on the battlefield. Happily though, Iain’s basing process appears to blend them all together rather well, and I would urge you to visit his excellent blog “Caveadsum1471” for more pictures.

In addition, I walked away from our meeting with some more lead to add to my own burgeoning collection, most notably the 1988 edition of “Blood Bowl” by “Games Workshop”, complete with a full metal Dwarf team. Iain was also super generous enough to gift me his copy of the Spacefarers Guide To Alien Races by “Phoenix Games” and the excellent Starships & Spacecraft playing aid “approved for the use with Traveller” as penned by Dave Sering. Two books which have really got my imagination rocking with ideas for future space battles…

"Take Your Stinking Hands Off Me…”

“…You damn dirty human!”

This 28mm scale white metal model of a 'savage Simian Minion straight from the lab' is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately or as part of their Simian Minions four-figure collection. The figure is designed to be used with the company's "7TV" United Radionics Programme Guide, but I intend to field it as one of many gorillas for my ongoing project based upon Franklin J. Schaffner's 1968 science fiction film "Planet Of The Apes".

Having super-glued a Leader Simian head onto the torso so it could denote the soldier was an officer of some kind, the miniature was initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having its trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three Simian Minions

The Ape with Baton's face, ammunition belt, rifle and strap were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna", whilst the soldier's wooden stick was painted using some Charred Brown. All of these areas were later shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally, I 'picked out' the metallic parts of the gorilla's firearm with a little "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

Other bloggers taking part in Movember 2021 are:

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

PMPainting

Wargames Terrain Workshop

With the first of my Simian Minions completed for this year’s Movember Challenge, I thought I’d try to progress a few more of them for my next entry. Two of these miniatures utilise the self-same Ape with Baton body as used with my Gorilla officer, but I’ve also added a third model to the mix which carries a man-catching noose.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - A Gorilla Gangster, a Jimp and Walter the Wobot

In addition, I have been working on a few more of my old metal figures from the 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter by “Mongoose Publishing”, as I still need quite a few more criminals (and the odd non-combatant) to stop my games simply being a Justice Department verses Undead affair. Foremost of these, and with half an eye upon my Movember Challenge, is a Gorilla Gangster, who may well enthuse me enough to actually work my way through the Apes Of Mega-City One boxed set.

However, I have also dug out a rather emaciated looking Jimp and Judge Dredd’s house robot, Walter. I’ve actually got quite a bit of clean-up work to do on the former Grand Hall Of Justice robo-servant as having permanently attached his individual hand-claws in place, the super-glue would appear to have made something of a mess down the figure’s left-hand side…

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Planet Of The Apes" Movember 2021

"Beware the beast Man, for he is the Devil's pawn."

This month's themed attempt to diminish my mountain of metal, plastic and resin models has been heavily influenced to complete a number of “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” miniatures inspired by Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 science fiction movie “Planet Of The Apes”. Rather disappointingly, I actually started this particular project twelve months ago, so am determined this time round that I will get at least enough savage Simian Minions finished to hold a small skirmish or two on my tabletop.

In addition, as Dick Garrison over on the “Rantings From Under The Wargames Table” has kindly agreed to join me in our old Movember Challenge this month, I figured a load of hairy apes and grizzled astronauts would be entirely appropriate subjects to paint. However, I have also ‘dusted down’ a few other eligible models from my ‘bearded’ backlog for consideration, such as the contents of the Apes of Mega-City One set by “Mongoose Publishing”, which was made for their long since OOP “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game”.

"Magister Militum" WIPs - The three 10mm feathered Velociraptors just need some shading

Alongside this modest target, I’ll also be continuing with my weekly challenges chosen upon the turn of a playing card. This time round though I must admit to having been initially a bit flummoxed by the task to work on a pair of 10mm figures. My first reaction was to set about building a small stand for my already quite comprehensively-sized German/Russian Winter War forces by “Pendraken Miniatures”. But considering that I’m currently persevering with a 15mm German Army for “Flames Of War”, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be working on two World War Two armies in differing scales at the same time.

Luckily, I then spied an old “The War That Time Forgot” project from thirteen years ago using 10mm sculpts by “Magister Militum”. I had tried breathing fresh life into this endeavour just a couple of years ago with some new purchases, and whilst that particular effort regrettably failed to reignite my enthusiasm for dinosaur-based battles, it is three of these ‘recently-bought’ (feathered) Velociraptors which I’ve decided to (re)paint over the next several days.

October 2021 - "Battlefront Miniatures" becomes my second favourite manufacturer of the year

Productivity wise, the past month saw me being slightly more prolific than I was this time last year; albeit nowhere near as industrious as I have been in the past. I did though manage to duly submit a miniature a week for Zomtober, and fully-finish the (minimum) strength 12cm Mortar Platoon by “Battlefront Miniatures” I want to field as part of my German beach Defence Force for “Flames Of War”. 

I’m hoping to maintain my momentum for the 15mm “World War Two tabletop miniatures wargame” during the next few weeks by completing both a full-strength Panzergrenadier Infantry Platoon and an accompanying sMG34 Machine-Gun Platoon. Considering all the other painting going on this goal might seem a little overly-optimistic, but will actually just require me to successfully get a brush-tip upon sixteen of the diminutively-sized soldiers in total.

"They're All Tame Until They Take A Chunk Out Of You."

"Well, you know what they say. Human see, human do."

This 28mm scale white metal model of a 'savage Simian Minion straight from the lab' is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately or as part of their Simian Minions four-figure collection. The figure is designed to be used with the company's "7TV" United Radionics Programme Guide, but I intend to field it as one of several gorilla guards for my ongoing project based upon Franklin J. Schaffner's 1968 science fiction film "Planet Of The Apes".

The miniature was initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having its trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet.

"Mounted Simian" WIPs - The two cavalry models have been assembled, primed and dry-brushed

The Ape with Baton's face, ammunition belt, rifle and strap were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna", whilst the soldier's wooden stick was painted using some Charred Brown. All of these areas were later shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally, I 'picked out' the metallic parts of the gorilla's firearm with a little "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

With my 'test piece' for my Simian Minion horde completed, I've spent a little time assembling, basing and priming four Mounted Simians. I'm not really sure whether I'll manage to get these cavalry models completed within the time-frame of my twenty-four hour 'Paint An Entire Project" Challenge. But they certainly have proved a welcome diversion after painting so many infantry figures over the past few weeks.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - A giant Earth Elemental, a giant Fire Elemental and a Human Wizard

In addition, I have spent some time slowly progressing the largest (base-size wise at least) of the units for my "Hordes Of The Things" Elemental Army. The giant Earth Elemental by "Alternative Armies" has actually taken quite a toll upon my enthusiasm for the HOTT'ember Challenge, as its wash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade has repeatedly stripped away its double undercoat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna back down to the bare metal underneath. Indeed, this particular amalgamation has resulted in a distressingly similar result on my ten lesser Earth Elementals as well...

Fortunately, I've had far more success 'testing out' my use of "Vallejo" Sun Yellow for the first time on my giant Fire Elemental. This particular Game Color gives a much brighter finish than my ever-trusty "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre, and should therefore hopefully prove a very visible contrast to the murky brown 'mud-men' on the tabletop.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Elemental Army" HOTT'ember 2020

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - A giant Earth Elemental, a giant Fire Elemental and a Human Wizard

This month's randomly themed attempt to try and reduce my overwhelming collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures has been rather waylaid by Roger 'Dick Garrison' Webb's agreement for us to both paint up a twenty four point "Hordes Of The Things" (HOTT) army over the next few weeks. Roger will be documenting his progress on a Conan the Barbarian force using 15mm "Copplestone Castings" over on his excellent blog, "Rantings From Under The Wargaming Table", whilst I'll be working on an Elemental Army by "Alternative Armies".

My particular HOTT Army is readily available from the Scottish-based wargaming company as a single pack containing an entire Magical army, and comprises of a multitude of figures taken from their HOTT and Tabletop TTF miniatures 15mm metal ranges. It consists of:

Magician General (Human Elementalist) @4AP - Human Wizard

Behemoth (Giant Elemental) @4AP - Fire Elemental

Behemoth (Giant Elemental) @4AP - Earth Elemental

2 x Warband (Lesser Elementals) @2AP - totaling six Water Elementals

2 x Shooters (Lesser Elementals) @2AP - totaling six Fire Elementals

2 x Hordes (Lesser Elementals) @1AP - totaling ten Earth Elementals

2 x Lurkers (Lesser Elementals) @1AP - totaling four Air Elementals

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These Simian Minions are slowly having their base layers applied

I have always wanted to play HOTT and as a result own a couple of armies for the fantasy miniature wargame published by the Wargames Research Group. However, up until my whimsical challenge to Roger, I've never managed to find the inspiration to actually knuckle down and paint one of them. Unsurprisingly, this isn't the case any longer, so I've already started work on many of the Elementals, as well as the force's leader, a little known human wizard called Gandalf the Grey...

August 2020 - Strong month for the likes of "Otherworld Miniatures" and "Precinct Omega"

Painting wise, the past four weeks saw me enjoy my second most productive August since this blog started, with my "Planet Of The Apes" project using "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" miniatures really helping me keep my enthusiasm high for the entire period. I've actually still got a few more of these twenty-four hour 'Paint An Entire Project" Challenge hobby sessions left to complete, so realistically expect to finish even more Simian Minions over the next few weeks.

In addition, I managed to clear through all of my Oozes, Slimes and Puddings by "Otherworld Miniatures", and diminutive resin "Ballmonsters!" by "Precinct Omega". The vast majority of these characterful sculpts were admittedly rather straightforward, but they all helped me maintain a steady stream of tabletop ready models every couple of days...

"Nothing Will Grow Here."

"There's just a trace of hydrocarbons, and most of the nitrogen is locked into nitrates."

This 28mm scale white metal model of an Albion Rocket Corporation Astronaut is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately or as part of their ARC Astronauts three-figure deal. The sculpt comes with a helmet-wearing head, but as I wanted to use him as a proxy for Thomas Dodge from the 1968 movie "Planet Of The Apes" I swapped this part out for a bearded Human Minion Head instead.

"A man of science with a thirst for knowledge of the unknown", the Lieutenant was primed using two coats of "Vallejo" White, shaded in Pale Grey and dry-brushed with (more) White. I then 'boxed off' several of his cosmonaut suit's numerous buttons with a little watered-down "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before applying the combinations of "Vallejo" Heavy Red with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson", "Vallejo" Heavy Blue" with "Citadel" Asurman Blue, and "Vallejo" Heavy Grey with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green onto them.

"Man the guns. Join the Apes."

To slightly contrast with the member of the Icarus' plain white uniform I gave Dodge's data pad a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and washed it in Nuln Oil, rather than leave the electronic device "Vallejo" White as I had originally planned. Finally, Thomas' hands and face were treated to a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and a dash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Momentarily stepping away from painting figures, I have managed to re-base the second of two 50 Cal HMG 'Comanche' U.S. Battle Suits by "West Wind Productions" I aim to re-purpose for "Konflikt '47" by "Warlord Games". This hefty metal miniature comes from Andy Cooper's "Secrets Of The Third Reich" range, and is part of a ‘US Armoured Infantry’ starter set I first started working on over a decade ago. However, despite being noticeably smaller, I thought the model would make a good temporary substitute for an Allied Coyote Light Walker, and give me a chance to try out the single-crew vehicle's formidable firepower on the battlefield before investing in one of "Warlord Games" resin/metal kits.

"Manufactorum Imperialis" WIPs - The large crane is being painted in sub-assemblies

In addition, I've also been working on some more of my "Games Workshop" Manufactorum Imperialis scenery for "Adeptus Titanicus" in the (ambitious) hope of owning both a fully-painted Legio Mortis force and accompanying terrain by the end of next month. I don't usually paint in sub-assemblies, but the pair of huge industrial cranes which come in the boxed set simply screamed to be pigmented in at least two parts.

Frustratingly, despite having done this the actual crane arms themselves are proving to be something of a nightmare due to all the inaccessible areas created by its metal struts. As a result I've somewhat scaled down my plans for these pieces, and instead now plan to simply have the monstrous machines predominantly painted "Vallejo" Heavy Red, with its various metallic areas only being 'picked out' where I'm easily able to reach them with my brush-tip...