"But This Is A Fine Time To Test..."

 "...My newly acquired weapons."

This 140mm tall Inner Core was created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer and can be downloaded for free as part of the Sturmriese Axis Walker by "Warlord Games". Designed to be just one piece of the colossal-sized "Konlikt '47" death machine, I decided it would instead look rather good as an energy pylon on my "Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game" tabletop.

However, the original 3D print did look a little too bare for my liking so I thought I'd add some textured details to the scenic piece via some of the many decals gifted to me by “N-FX Game Design Studio” several years ago. These 'stickers' were sporadically placed here and there - most notably around the transmission tower's lower base in an effort to show that the invention had been occasionally updated and required plenty of air vents for its internal cooling mechanism.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - A trio of models from inside their Systemic Units set.

The entire ensemble was subsequently undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue, almost drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal Blue. The pylon's dome was then treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. In fact, I actually ended up giving the entire 3D a very light dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal to help better highlight all its edges and features.

I next settled down to the task of patiently colouring many of its vents and details using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I really didn't need everything to contrast as I'm big believer in scenery predominantly sitting in the background of a game, and resultantly I didn't bother varnishing the 'Inner Core' either - so it would hopefully blend in better with some of the other pre-painted pieces I own.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - This Dark Trooper has been assembled, primed and base-coated

With the first of my entries completed for Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, I have begun pigmenting some of the figures found in the Systemic Units set by "Beast In The Broch". I'm hoping their predominantly black and silver colour scheme will mean they're pretty straightforward to get tabletop ready, so am currently just focusing on three of alien computer network's humanoid minions first.

In addition, after battling to (plastic) glue together another 40mm scale Phase-III Dark Trooper by "Atomic Mass Games", I'm delightfully in a position where I just need to paint the "Star Wars: Shatterpoint" multi-part droid. My difficulties in assembling these monstrosities is really starting to eat away at my enthusiasm for the models. But in an effort to maintain my interest in George Lucas' galaxy (far, far away), I have now dusted off a few "Star Wars: Legion" miniatures to add to my hobby queue...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Beast In The Broch" September 2026

Science Fiction figures dominated August's output

Due to something of an upturn in my productivity last month - predominantly due to a week working on a trio of "Blake's Seven" inspired sculpts from "Beast In The Broch", I thought I should probably maintain my focus for the next four weeks upon "the tentacled lovechild of games designer Graeme Dawson" as opposed to 'flitting off' after another range or three. Resultantly, I hope to paint the entire contents of the company's Systemic Units set throughout September and then be in a position to add some additional black-suited Systemic Security models to my next order with them.

In addition, I aim to finally finish off the first of my entries to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, and follow that up with a couple of other pieces I've 3D printed from the free Fallout: Wasteland Warfare - Print at Home - STL (Standard Triangle Language) Sampler Set released by "Modiphius Entertainment". These generators aren't anywhere near as large as the "Warlord Games" Sturmriese Axis Walker piece I'm currently working on. But should still be good for my upcoming games of Matt Forbeck's Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - Three of the models found inside their Systemic Units set.

I also haven't forgotten about 'slogging through' the rest of the 40mm scale multi-piece miniatures found inside the box of "Star Wars: Shatterpoint You Have Something I Want Squad Pack" I recently purchased. Admittedly these "Atomic Mass Games" sculpts are proving a bit of a time-consuming nightmare to assemble. Yet once (plastic) glued together, I believe they should be pretty-quick to polish off due to their largely black-coloured palette - especially the remaining Phase-III Dark Trooper and accompanying Death Trooper Escort.

Lastly, despite already owning a mini-mountain of untouched figures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", I have got some additional 'reinforcements' coming in following their latest release of heinous Temporal Travellers. Rather embarrassingly, I couldn't actually say which of the models from this range I don't own, due to my collection being stored away in a rather haphazard manner. However, as I'm currently watching at least one episode of classic "Doctor Who" daily, I'm hoping my enthusiasm for all things "timey wimey" will spur me on to getting a fair few of this backlog completed before the year is done.

August 2026 - Crooked Dice Game Design Studio extends their lead in my Top Five Manufacturers

As aforementioned, I owe a significant debt to "Beast In The Broch" for helping me shrug off a serious 'funk' before August came to a close. Indeed, without the manufacturer's marvellous FedSec Command 2 Set I'd almost certainly be looking at an output which frighteningly would have been even less than the dismal showing seen in July. Happily though, that situation was soon averted, and along with a couple more Beastmen 3 by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" I was able to attain a much more acceptable tally.

Whether my excitement for the six figures found inside Graeme's Systemic Units set will have a similar effect upon my mojo remains to be seen. But I do have a fair few partially-painted projects sat lurking around my hobby desk presently - in which case any one of them may well be 'picked up' upon a whim and finished within the span of a dedicated session or two, including a number of "Star Trek" and "Judge Dredd" miniatures I still need to complete from my momentarily postponed randomly selected plastic drawer challenge...

"You're About To Face Off With The Dark Troopers."

"You had your hands full with one."

This 40mm scale model of a Phase-III Dark Trooper is produced by "Atomic Mass Games", and comes as part of the company's "Star Wars: Shatterpoint You Have Something I Want Squad Pack". Based upon the "elite, experimental third-generation battle droid manufactured by the Imperial Department of Military Research", the infuriatingly overcomplicated sixteen-piece plastic miniature was eventually assembled using the instructions found on the Minnesota-based manufacturer's website, and glued to one of the tabletop game's 40mm circular bases.

To be honest, this figure actually seemed to take longer to (plastic) glue together than it did to paint, and on several occasions was close to being shelved when one of its tiny parts inadvertently slipped from my grasp and ended up temporarily lost on my floor. Just why the sculpt needed to be so 'over-designed' I have no idea. But all my enthusiasm for the remaining three Imperial infantry units found inside the box has been almost irretrievably destroyed.

"Beast In The Broch" WIPs - These two FedSec Commanders are almost finished

"The black and silver-plated droid" was initially primed using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently base-layered with "Vallejo" Glossy Black. I did momentarily toy with the idea of giving the model a delicate dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal too - in an attempt to highlight the miniature. However, in the end I thought the oils and greases caused by my handling of the Dark Trooper tabletop would, over time, also provide a suitable effect.

To break the overwhelming all-black palette though, I decided to 'pick out' all the figure's elbow, wrist, knee and elbow joints using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as the robot's E-450 "Arc Hammer" heavy blaster rifle. Finally I used a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion for the deadly droid's eyes and chest computer.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This scenic piece has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside this surprisingly time-consuming project, I have also continued plugging away at the two remaining officers from the FedSec Command 2 set by "Beast In The Broch". As I'm currently in something of a major "Blake's 7" mood I was actually hoping to make a start on the company's Systemic Units set this month too. Yet now I find myself needing to really focus just upon these (not) Federation officers if I'm going to get the trio finished before August is done.

Lastly, I've managed to get some basic layers of paint upon my first entry into Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog. This 3D printed part from the "Warlord Games" Sturmriese Axis Walker was meant to be used for "Konlikt '47". But instead I'm aiming on using it as an energy pylon for some games of Matt Forbeck's Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game...

"Ready Launchers Three And Seventeen."

"Fire."

This 28mm scale lead free pewter model of FedSec Base Commander is manufactured by "Beast In The Broch" and can be brought either individually as SKU: FED18 or as part of the five-figure FedSec Command 2 set SKU: PAK08. Digitally sculpted by Carl Stoelzel, the miniature is clearly inspired by the one-eyed Quute as played by actor Christopher Neame in the 1981 television episode of "Blake's Seven" entitled "Traitor".

"A colonel in the Federation force on Helotrix", the senior officer was primed using a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out all his uniform's rather lavish rank insignia using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This piece of Sturmriese Axis Walker has had several stickers added to it

Ordinarily I would also use these colours to 'pick out' the Federation's standard issue carbine. However, as I wanted to make a break from all the black and silver already on show, I decided to pigment the hand-weapon using a basecoat of "Scale 75" Decayed Metal and subsequently wash it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. This seemed to be a much better match for the on-screen colour scheme too.

With the first of my FedSec Command Team completed, I have once again turned my attention to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog, and started work on a rather large piece of a Sturmriese Axis Walker for "Konlikt '47" I printed using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer many moons ago. The "Warlord Games" STL (Standard Triangle Language) is just piece of a rather complicated looking "colossal Rift-tech construct" and frankly put me right off producing any more parts. But I did think it looked rather good as some sort of energy pylon.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - This Dark Trooper has been assembled, primed and base-coated

Indeed, my recent purchase of the "Secret Wars" expansion book for the "Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game" has put me in need of just such an objective/scenic piece, so I thought now was the ideal time to get it painted. However, it did (understandably) look a little bare for my purposes, so I dipped into my slowly-dwindling collection of 3D decals given to me by “N-FX Game Design Studio”, and 'spruced' it up a bit first.

In addition, I've been battling the first of two Dark Troopers I recently bought as part of the You Have Something I Want Squad Pack for "Star Wars: Shatterpoint". This 40mm scale multipart plastic Imperial super-soldier by "Atomic Mass Games" took forever to assemble due to its overcomplicated design and incredibly fiddly small parts - the number of times I had to hunt around the floor on my knees looking for a tiny piece I'd dropped whilst trying to glue it to a similarly-sized part almost fried my poor brain. Luckily though, I have managed to persevere and finally get the first of the box's four figures ready for some paint...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Modiphius Entertainment" July 2026

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" dominated my miniatures for June 2026

With both a successful "Forgotten Heroes" event and random drawer challenge under my belt from last month, I thought I'd roll a D12 to see which plastic drawer I'd select a handful of miniatures from for July, and rather surprisingly discovered I'd be painting more of my 32mm scale resin cast Star Trek Adventures Tabletop RPG figures produced by "Modiphius Entertainment". This selection actually comes at a rather opportune time as I was planning to use the miniatures I'd previously pigmented for some games of "Lost Patrol" by "Games Workshop", and only recently realised I was the odd sculpt short of what I needed to field a legitimate landing party.

In addition, having got the enigmatic 'Q' tabletop ready in the past, I thought I should also focus on getting some of the next generation of Federation officers completed as well - quite possibly with the notion of pitting Captain Kirk's crew against that of Jean-Luc Picard's at some future point. Such a move might also make it far easier (and quicker) to get the figures finished as most appear to be wearing the predominantly black colour scheme seen during the Star Trek: The Next Generation movies.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - Three of nine tiles earmarked for a science fiction boarding zone

Furthermore, for the next three months I thought I'd contribute to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog by polishing off some of the backlog of terrain pieces I have been religiously producing in "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer. For this opening month I felt I should try to see how much of the Starship Mini Set by "Death X Tiles" I could get done, seeing as I've finally settled upon a simple "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey palette for most of the pieces.

To begin with my aim is simply to get a boarding zone completed, which will consist of a 3x3 tile room with a single, open doorway. However, if I can manage to get this quite sizeable area completed within the space of four weeks or less, then I may well start to focus on one of the five much larger rooms I intend my science fiction figures to battle over in future fights. I also have a ton of "Trench Crusade" flavoured scenery by "Saucermen Studios" to crack on with, so may well take a break from the tiles with the odd barricade or bunker.

June 2026 - My Top Five Table has in reality become a rather surprising Top Eight contest

Last month's meagre output certainly saw some surprising congestion strike my most popular manufacturers, with my need to paint at least four models by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" helping them to top position - alongside "Wargames Foundry". On top of that my desire to finish off the squad of second-hand Wookie Warriors I rather impulsively purchased whilst in Poole helped the popularity of "Fantasy Flight Games" rival some of my more usual Top Five contenders.

Fortunately, I feel the next four or so weeks will help ease this bottleneck as I'm sure quite a few more miniatures by both "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and "Modiphius Entertainment" will be on the cards. What's more I'm really hoping to get going again on a few long paused projects which have simply been sat gathering dust on my hobby table for the best part of the year, such as my "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonics for "Black Powder" and some more "Trench Crusade" warriors by "Trench Stench"...

"He's The Freedom Fighter."

"A symbol of the Wookiee resistance, striking at the Empire from the Shadowlands."

This 32mm scale hard plastic miniature of a Wookie Leader used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's old four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Fortunately, I was lucky enough to pick this one up second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, having previously pigmented the exact same sculpt some seven years ago.

As with my first painted miniature, the figure was undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from my other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and then applied some rarely-used Beasty Brown on all of his numerous ammunition pouches. All of these areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Every great leader needs their own Wookiee."

I next simply applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the Wookie's bandoleer, and later patiently 'picked out' its ammunition clips, as well as the Rebel's Ryyk Blade and Kashyyyk Pistol with "Vallejo" Gunmetal. These parts were subsequently all washed with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Furthermore, I dabbed the Warrior's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon (more) of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before dabbing the odd gun-holster strap using a combination of "Vallejo" Beasty Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Alongside the last of my Wookies I have based and primed a trio of Spooks and Ghosts produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge. To be honest I initially thought that all of these monsters were 'inspired' by the Warner Brothers Entertainment franchise "Scooby Doo". However, having done some basic 'Google-Fu' it would seem that the likes of the Headless Ghost didn't surprisingly appear within the "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" television episodes as I had thought.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Sheet Ghost, Undead Astronaut and Prospector Ghost

In addition, the sculptor Andrew May has added so much more detail to the figures than was ever shown on the animated cartoon show. From a wargamer's perspective this certainly makes the likes of The Undead Astronaut and Prospector Ghost far more interesting to look at. But from a painter's point of view my plan to quickly rattle out a trio of straightforward paint-jobs, which largely just needed a basic undercoat, wash and dry-brush, has been significantly torpedoed in its tracks.

I'm also not terribly sure just how many of these ghouls I can get tabletop ready over the next few weeks, as having searched through my backlog I actually found I own quite a few of these evil-doers. I did initially think that I might make good use of some of them with "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games". Albeit I'm now more inclined to simply pigment the Lincolnshire-based company's Meddling Kids set too, and devise a homebrew version of "The Silver Bayonet" which better utilises the flavour of the classic 1969-1970 cartoon series instead...

"Dwelling Underground In Deserted Cave Systems..."

"...These leathery predators using echolocation to track and target prey."

This 100mm tall resin cast model of a Giant Bat is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought as MINI 1064 from their Beasts and Vermin range. Sculpted by Pedro Navarro, the miniature comes in three pieces, and has an impressive wingspan of 90mm. I had hope to initially include it as part of my contribution to the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. But now it'll form part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - as that's where it was headed back to before my dice roll.

Super-glued onto a plastic xxmm circular base, I first tackled the monster's rocky base by treating it to an undercoat of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, a shade of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. The flying mammal itself was then primed using plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna before being doused in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and being thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - This Wookie Warrior Leader just needs some additional washes

I also used this opportunity to patiently 'pick out' the Giant Bat's body with a highlight of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, as this would make its pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black face, ears and feet stand out just that little bit more. Furthermore, I carefully dolloped a couple of spots of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson over the creature's pupils to make it look a bit more vampiric - which is what I plan to use the brute for.

In addition I decided that the figure needed its large brown wings to be 'broken up' just a little more, so slowly traced out its claws with a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Unfortunately, the "Games Workshop" Shade went all blotchy on these areas (again), so I ultimately decided to make amends by dry-brushing some extra White Star by "Two Thin Coats" across the claws. To be honest I've experiencing this issue with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade quite often these days, and despite buying new pots the problem still seems to surface. Resultantly, I'm not a fan of the new formula at all and plan to move on to an alternative.

"Dragoon Miniatures" WIPs - Krillin, Chiaotzu and Piccolo

Alongside this right handful of a model, I have also managed to get some time working on the Wookie Warrior Leader I recently purchased whilst visiting "Retrocave" in Poole. Manufactured by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), this fur-covered figure has a lot more detail on him than the other members of his squad I've pigmented, so is taking a bit longer to get tabletop ready than I first anticipated.

Lastly, I've been binge-watching the early episodes of Japanese anime television series "Dragon Ball Z" and understandably got myself in the mood to game some Manga-style martial arts. Luckily, I stumbled upon "Dragoon Miniatures" Patreon, so have downloaded a fair few of their early STL (Standard Triangle Language) files as they cover the characters I'm currently familiar with. Unfortunately, their pre-supports haven't proved a great match for the suction taking place inside my resin vat, so these three models - Piccolo, Krillin and the tiny Chiaotzu, are the first combatants I plan to work on as they're the only ones to survive my initial print...

"Big. Covered In Fur. Strong."

"At the end of the Clone Wars, numerous Wookiees were slaughtered by the clone troopers."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's old four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Luckily, I managed to pick this one up second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, having actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago.

As with my previously pigmented miniature, the figure was primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from my other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and used the somewhat lighter Heavy Brown on his ammunition pouches. All of these areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat will be used as a vampire in "The Silver Bayonet"

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his two ryyk blades too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Warrior's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before 'picking out' his teeth using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

In addition to my penultimate Wookie I have managed to make some considerable progress on the whopping resin cast Giant Bat I recently dug back out from one of my cabinets. Produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", this 100mm tall model is one of four figures I intend to finish as part of my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Joe Bananas is having all of his detail 'picked out'

However, my plan to predominantly pigment the brute black has somewhat changed on account of the sculpt's noticeable detail. As a result I intend to turn the fiend into something resembling a brown bat, so I can (hopefully) better show-off all of its fur and wings, as well as it still having a pair of piercing red eyes staring out of a largely dark coloured face. Furthermore, I've already added some lighter brown highlights to the vampire's fur-covered body to help it contrast a bit more from that of its huge wings.

Lastly, I've made some nice in-roads on my classic Joe Bananas figure by "Citadel Miniatures". Dating back as far as 1985, this 'muscle' for the Judge Dredd villain Don Uggie Apelino is finally getting both the time and attention that he needs, and should hopefully be tabletop ready within the next few days. I did encounter a few problems trying to ascertain which parts of the hoodlum's tommy-gun were metal and wood. But have since worked these out - at least to my satisfaction anyway.

"Banderhobbs Were Enigmatic Monsters Of Shadow And Flesh..."

"...That seemingly hailed from the Shadowfell."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Banderhobb is currently available from "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. However, I actually bought mine from "Tritex Games" back in January 2020 when the figure was first released as an Uncommon, Large-sized pre-painted figure from the American company's "Icons of the Realms: Volo's And Mordenkainen's Foes" set.

"Known for capturing targets at random", the model was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green. The 'humongous creature' was then drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and had the majority of its spots 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - These two Wookie Warriors are getting their details 'picked out'

The model's bulbous gullet was pigmented in "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The somewhat emotionless monster's sharp teeth and claws were subsequently patiently picked out using a little White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and a dollop or three of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help weather them down a bit.

As a final touch I initially painted the Banderhobb's large eyes with some additional Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats". However, despite this being in line with all the official pictures I found of the creature online, I didn't like it, so decided to go with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson instead. These orbs were later treated to some extra "Vallejo" Heavy Red around the miniature's pupils to try and highlight them up a bit.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat has been primed and base-coated

With this somewhat late entry for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog finally finished, I have been busy beavering away on the last two Wookie Warriors I recently purchased whilst visiting Poole. Produced by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), these fur-covered figures have definitely rekindled something of an interest in "Star Wars: Legion" in me. So I may well see if I can't add a few more of the range's models to my painting queue in the near future.

Lastly, I've begun working on some miniatures for my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - which contains, amongst other models, plenty of sculpts sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Resultantly, and with a mind half on "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", I thought I'd work on their multi-piece 100mm tall resin cast Giant Bat...

"Death Dog Saliva Carries A Foul Disease..."

"...That causes a victim’s flesh to slowly rot off the bone."

This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was printed as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the manufacturer's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service. Forming part of their Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the "neutral evil" creature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and has rather embarrassingly been gathering dust on one of my hobby shelves for over a year.

Permanently attached to a plastic 40mm circular stand, the sculpt was treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being coated in "Two Thin Coats" Berzerker Red and washed with lots of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As I couldn't really make out where its claws were, the hound's four paws were simply picked out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then had its lower legs dry-brushed with more of the colour so as to better blend them in with the rest of the model.

"A Wookiee warrior without a ryyk blade is a webweaver without fangs."

In addition, I applied a little smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the two-headed monster's tongues, some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to its numerous teeth, and a spot of pure "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" to its four eyes. Finally, I gave the miniature's noses a healthy dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Alongside the last of my Death Dogs, at least for now, I have also completed a second Wookie by "Fantasy Flight Games". Standing 47mm tall and made of hard plastic, the figure comes from the company's "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" and was picked up both second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - This piece is being base layered to try out a number of paint schemes

The figure model was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. His ammunition pouches were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the rebel's two ryyk blade and parts of his ammunition belts were given a dose of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadle" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I've base-layered a piece of science fiction scenery by "Death X Tiles" from their fairly recent Starship Mini Set. Created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer, the entranceway has been given a lick of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, "Gunmetal Blue" and "Gunmetal" to see if I like any of the colours - or a mix of the colours. I plan to pigment quite a sizeable layout using the tiles over the next few months and what a palette that is fairly easy and quick to complete, as well as something which won't overshadow my miniatures.

"Go, I Will. Good Relations With The Wookiees, I Have."

 "Wookiees stand out in a crowd."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Bought second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, I actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago. But thought it might be a good move to double the number of "People of the Trees" I could field.

As with my previously pigmented miniatures, the figure was originally undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from the other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and used the somewhat lighter Heavy Brown on his two ammunition pouches. These areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - Three more Wookie Warriors currently on my painting table

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his bowcaster too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Rebel's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have continued to plod along with the other three remaining Wookie Warriors from this boxed set - using similar palettes. In particular, I have been busy playing 'catch-up' with the group's impressively posed Leader, which had largely sat untouched in my basing tin whilst I completed my 'test model' for the squad.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb just needs his spots and boils to be 'picked out'

In addition though, I've also managed to get much further on the reasonably large Banderhobb model by "Wizkids" I have been working on for over six years. This frightful "giant bipedal toad" will be another of my entries in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, and may well prove an interesting alternative model for a Troll when it comes to my future games of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Publishing".

To be honest the biggest issue I've always suffered when facing this creature is how I'm going to patiently dollop all of its numerous skin boils. But having now got to the stage where I've needed to tackle this, I have realised that a lot of the lumps and bumps can simply be left green, and I only really need to add some extra colour to the most obvious of spots rather than all of them - this very much being a case of less is more...

"I Only Got One T'ing To Say To You, Dredd."

 "Nuts!"

This 28mm scale white metal model of Don Uggie Apelino was produced by “Citadel Miniatures” way back in 1985, and came as part of the three-figure blister JD 15 Don Uggie Apelino & The Ape Gang. Based upon the comic book character who first appeared inside Prog 39 of "2000 A.D.", the miniature for the "genetically modified ape who became a gangster" formed part of the company's classic "Judge Dredd" range.

The forty plus year old sculpt was initially primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green and had it's spats and cuffs picked out using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered down "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the head of the East Side Mega-Mafia's shoes, before shading his jacket and trousers with plenty of Nuln Oil. These articles of clothing were subsequently carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to try and bring out the pin-stripe effect which had clearly been patiently etched into the majority of the suit.

"They stank of death, and this stench lingered wherever they had been."

I next began 'chipping away' at all the little details on the model, using "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for the ape's flower, and Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats" with a little "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade for his banana. Don Uggie's flesh was simply base layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, washed with lots of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and later highlighted with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I applied some "Vallejo" Neutral Grey to the criminal's Fedora, sploshed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I also gave the figure's pistol a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and doused the hand-weapon with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil to significantly darken it down.

In addition to the first of hopefully four or five old school "Citadel Miniatures" I plan to pigment this month, I have successfully completed another entry into the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - All the well-sculpted fur on these Wookies has been finished

Found as part of the company's Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the Neutral Evil beast was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and was super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand. It was then predominantly painted using Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, I did pick its paws out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then continued to dry-brush this colour further up the animal's four legs to better blend it in with the Death Dog's fur.

Somewhat incredibly, despite all this work I've also managed to make a bit more progress on a quartet of models I recently swooped upon at Retrocave in Poole second-hand. The figures all come from the old "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" by “Fantasy Flight Games”, and were already assembled ready to paint - So I thought it'd be rude not to plonk them straight onto my hobby table...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"King T'Challa Is The Black Panther."

"A sacred title that must be both inherited & earned by the current Wakandan ruler."

This 40mm scale model of the Black Panther is made by "CoolMiniOrNot", and was unlocked during the company's highly successful February 2020 Kickstarter for "Marvel United" when it achieved a whopping $2,866,168 in funding. Based upon Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's "protector of the fictional African nation of Wakanda" for "Marvel Comics", the figure can be found inside the boardgame's Season One expansion box entitled "Rise Of The Black Panther".

Produced in a light blue hard plastic, this particular incarnation of King T'Challa appears to be have sculpted by the "Bigchild Creatives" team to be similar in appearance to the character's cinematic outings rather than his comic book adventures, and this caused me a few headaches when deciding what colour to paint the incredibly frustrating vibranium bands encircling most of the super-hero's body. I really wasn't a fan of the almost luminescent purple hoop paint-jobs I saw, nor the dull grey ones.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Some of the final stages painting the Black Panther

In the end I therefore decided to go with a metallic silver look which also seemed to be quite popular with my fellow painters, and also tied in quite nicely with Black Panther's appearance in the Russo brother's 2016 movie "Captain America: Civil War". Resultantly, I primed the miniature with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then dry-brushed it with "Vallejo" Gunmetal - so as to help me see all the cords, circles and swirls. Sadly, this didn't really work out as I'd hoped, as some of the vibranium simply seemed to blend back into the legs as if the sculptor didn't know where it actually ended, and also there were a few nasty-looking casting flaws on the figure which would need careful navigating/hiding.

These issues caused me to carefully apply a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black in between all the vibranium, and highlight the "rare metal" with a line of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, as I wanted T'Challa's necklace to especially standout, I ensured this area was much more strongly coated in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before applying some "Citadel" Nuln Oil to it. Finally, I carefully 'picked out' the claws with a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Jango Fett's base has been base-layered, shaded and dry-brushed 

With the Black Panther finished, I have found the time to make some more progress on my plan to paint several 40mm "Star Wars: Shatterpoint" plastic models. As with my previously completed Count Dooku miniature by "Atomic Mass Games", this Jango Fett figure comes from the skirmish game's Twice the Pride Squad Pack. However, along with a Magnaguard, its assembly using the unhelpful instructions on the manufacturer's website, actually put me off the entire hobby for a few days.

Indeed, those with sharp-eyes may well spot that the Mandalorian bounty hunter isn't standing as he should be upon the piece of scrap metal glued to his base. This is because I was actually going to use the base for a Magnaguard I put together, as the incredibly frustrating multi-part combat droid appeared to be so fragile that I was going to use the terrain piece to bolster its connectivity to its stand. In the end though, I changed my mind. But by then the debris was firmly fixed in place, so I couldn't match up Fett's foot with the hollow designed for him to stand in...

"I Sense Great Fear In You, Skywalker."

"You have hate. You have anger. But you don't use them."

This 40mm scale model of Count Dooku is produced by "Atomic Mass Games", and comes as part of the company's "Star Wars: Shatterpoint Twice the Pride Squad Pack". Based upon the physical likeness of the late, great Sir Christopher Lee, the eight-piece miniature was assembled using the instructions found on the Minnesota-based manufacturer's website, and glued to one of the tabletop game's 40mm circular bases.

The "sinister Sith Lord" was first undercoated with a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before having his trousers pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then 'picked out' his belt and cloak with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and doused the two areas with plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Korg's base layers have now all been applied

I applied a little smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the once a respected Jedi Knight's lightsabre, and carefully (because it feels as fragile as anything) drew some "Vallejo" Heavy Red along its plasma blade. This particular part was later shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and delicately dry-brushed with a little (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red.

I also gave the hair and beard of Grand Master Yoda's former padawan a touch of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a lick of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As I wanted to try to capture Darth Tyranus' whiskers, I subsequently went back and dabbed at the sculpt's detail with (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats". Finally, I gave Count Dooku's cape a thorough dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna in order to add some shade in its folds.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Galactic Explorer is almost finished

With the first of eight planned "Star War: Shatterpoint" figures I have purchased finished, I have continued with my cunning plan to paint a number of Marvel United gaming pieces to use with the Marvel Multiverse RPG (MMRPG). My hobby desk is currently absolutely swamped with these Chibi-like 40mm plastic models by "CoolMiniOrNot". So to try and keep sane I am just focusing upon the Kronan gladiator Korg, who is encountered at the start of the MMRPG's Escape From Planet Hulk starter scenario.

In addition, I have found a few moments to potter away at one of the Galactic Explorers I quite recently purchased from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". I admittedly picked this particular (not "Galaxy Quest") figure as something different from all the larger-scaled stuff I'm presently focused upon, so I'm not really sure when I'll finally get the fellow tabletop ready...

"Information About Doop's Origins..."

"...As with anything else about him, is difficult to verify."

This 40mm scale model of Doop is manufactured by "CoolMiniOrNot", and was unlocked during the company's highly successful April 2021 Kickstarter for "Marvel United: X-Men" when it achieved an incredible $5,988,089 in funding. Created by Peter Milligan and Mike Allred, "everyone's favourite talking blob" (and his hero cards) can be found in the boardgame's Season Two Promo Box.

Produced in a light blue hard plastic, the X-Force's official videographer was primed using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats". The artificial being's rubble-strewn base was then layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and finally dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

"CoolMiniOrNot"WIPs - Korg is being painted from the base upwards

I then began working on the sculpt's camera equipment by patiently picking out all its metallic components with a smidgeon or two of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I managed to get a dollop of "Vallejo" Heavy Red onto the actual shutter button, and later darken it with a bit of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. 

Doop himself was washed using plenty of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, before being dry-brushed with (more) Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats". The ally of Howard the Duck's X-Symbol was subsequently carefully traced out with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I did consider adding a little dark green to the emblem - as seen in a couple of the comic books. But in the end decided to leave it plain - which seemed to be the predominant canon colour scheme. However, I was convinced to add a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson" to the Krakoan's eyes, as well as dot the pupils with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Atomic Mass Games" WIPs - Count Dooku is almost finished

Sticking with my plan to paint a number of these Marvel United gaming pieces to use with the Marvel Multiverse RPG, I have set to work on Korg. The Kronan gladiator is one of the first allies encountered in the MMRPG's Escape From Planet Hulk Starter Set, so before I dive into that beginner's adventure I thought I'd better get him tabletop ready.

Furthermore, I've managed to make a little more progress on my aspiration to paint several of the figures from Star Wars: Shatterpoint by "Atomic Mass Games". To begin with I plan to simply focus upon a few of my favourite characters from the Prequel Trilogy, starting with Sir Christopher Lee's Count Dooku. I really don't know how many of these rather expensive plastic 40mm miniatures I'll get finished. But I currently own eight of the multi-part models, so would certainly like to get them done before I purchase any more...