Miss Fantorical 2025 - An "Undercoat" Painting Pageant

Another twelve months have flown by and once again I have been asked to do a review of the "Fantorical" miniatures painting blog for the year just gone. As has become traditional, I have picked a miniature for each month and then picked an overall favourite. My choices are based on the paint job, the miniature itself, what I think is interesting and some other factors - such as quirkiness, and how unusual they are. Some months had some straight forward choices, whereas others proved to be a much harder decision with multiple models that would ordinarily have made a straightforward pick in a different month. Rules are rules though, and unfortunately some great painted miniatures therefore didn’t make it onto this list.

January - Megalodon Dorsal Fin (Submerged) by "Loot Studios" - January 13th

This is such an interesting miniature. It is a 3D print of a shark fin cutting through some water, and as well as being a really nice miniature with some excellent water effects, it also conjures up some iconic images. Indeed, the music of John Williams just comes into my head when I see it. The paint scheme is simple. But I think the water has been painted especially nicely.

February -  Sundance by "Great Escape Games" - February 28th

Moving from 3D prints to an old school metal miniature we have a wild west figure that I thought was different and very charming. I have been tempted by Dead Man’s Hand for a while after playing a demo game at a wargames show, so maybe that is why I picked this particular miniature model. The painting is great, and you are drawn to the face as you always should be. I just really like this one and not a Stetson in sight!

March - Ned Kelly by "Great Escape Games" - March 12th

Now, I don’t really like to pick two miniatures from the same range, and certainly not one after the other, as variety and unusual choices are part of my picking process. However, sometimes things just work against that! This is a model of an iconic outlaw that I remember from a television show when I was young, and whose appearance is both unique and very different. His inclusion in a cowboy game was a great idea, and he just has so much to like about him from the painting, to the quirkiness and the nostalgia.

April - Moscow Militia by "Wargames Foundry" - April 18th

I do have a soft spot for Napoleonic miniatures as "The Silver Bayonet" is one of my favourite games at the moment. This one is slightly unusual in that the bright colours you would normally associate with the period are replaced with grey and brown - which I thought was very interesting. It is the painting on this one though that really grabbed my attention, especially the face. It looks absolutely amazing with superb eyes, and a truly stoic/determined expression that really appeals. Great painting on this one.

May - Retained Knight by "Alternative Armies" - May 30th

This was picked with a massive amount of personal bias as I just love the Blood Angels Space Marine Legion in the Horus Heresy era, and as these "Ion Age" miniatures were painted to represent them I was hooked straight away. We do though move from 28mm to 15mm in scale, and I have to say the detail picked out on this smaller sculpt is very impressive. Just look at the loin cloths and shoulder pads. But it is the gold armour of the hero that really stands out here. Massive personal bias but who cares!

June - Doop by "CoolMiniOrNot" - June 18th

Tough month this one, with some lovely miniatures to pick from and I went for one I had never heard of before! Why? Well, he just looks fun and I think that the vibrant green paint scheme just makes him really really pop. At first I thought it was slimer from Ghostbusters, so after reading the posting it made me go and look up this comic book character. Interesting little mini and really good painting.

July - Space Marine Praetor by "Games Workshop" - July 14th

Another tough pick as I really liked Abomination painted/posted during this month. But my love of the Horus Heresy just pipped him to the post with this monster of a space marine ("Games Workshop" does mess up scales a lot!) hero which was slightly converted from the plastic original. I think the Sons of Horus paint colour is excellent and he does look so cool.

August - Hungarian Officer by "Wargames Foundry" - August 21st

More Napoleonics you say? Yes, I reply. I can just hear the theme music to "Sharpe" as I type! This fella is a complete contrast to the previous Russian choice with bright colours and lots of golden bling - Much more like it! I think it is the unusual white and blue colours that I like about this one too, which look so good and make him stand out in my opinion.

September - Andre the Giant by "Hasbro" - September 4th

One of the reasons I enjoy browsing "Fantorical" is the unusual miniatures that you come across, and this one appeared from way out of left field. I don’t know much about wrestling. But I have heard of this gentleman - helped enormously by a memorable appearance in "The Princess Bride". So, a miniature based on an action figure? Interesting and very quirky. However, it is the painting on this one that won me over as the skin and face are just top notch. Excellent painting on full display here.

October - Killer Croc Thug by "Knight Models" - October 20th

I really like Batman and have a soft spot for the excellent sculpts of "Knight Models", so this one was always in contention. I think this is a good example of a photograph not doing full justice to a painted miniature as it looks so good in the green scaly flesh. As well as the excellent reptilian skin, the colour of the jeans is a particular standout for me as they look so good. All round just a nice sculpt and a nice paint job.

November - Plague Lord by "Mantic Games" - November 24th

A 10mm scale model of what appears to be a bit of a giant monstrosity on the battlefield. I just love the way these have all been painted. They all look so good in my opinion that I had to include one of the three posted on "Fantorical".

December - Bat Sentry by "Wizkids" - December 12th

"Heroclix" miniatures are sometimes a bit ropey when it comes to the sculpt and the material. However, this one looks excellent and I thought it was actually produced by "Knight Models" at first. This is a lovely looking model that has been painted so well Just an overall great combination of miniature and paint job.

Well, that is my top 12. My overall favourite is……

The unusual and quirky and exceptionally well painted Andre the Giant by "Hasbro"! Just very different and so well done.

I am sure my choices were not always the same as yours so feel free to say what your favourites of 2025 were and may your pile of unpainted miniatures reduce in 2026!

"A Legendary Hero..."

"...To lead your Blood Angels into battle."

This small stand of two 15mm miniatures by "Alternative Armies" is comprised of a figure taken from their "The Ion Age" limited edition pack IAFL01 Hackett and Tasker, and one from Code IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie. The sculpts are designed to be used with the company’s “Patrol Angis” rule-set. But I’ve based and painted mine as a (proxy) Blood Angels Legion/Chapter Special Character for a home-brew game I've somewhat loosely based within the early Warhammer 30k/40k universe.

Perhaps understandably, it was the model of "the highly ranked Knight Commander Hackett" which took most of my attention, and not just because the little chap "is restricted to 500 numbered packs after which the moulds with these miniatures will be destroyed." As a result he was primed using a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, base-layered with plenty of Gold, and finally heavily shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Two Mast Beasts and a Strawbear

I then dry-brushed the leader with (more) "Vallejo" Gold, before settling down to the rather time-consuming task of picking out all the micro-details on his space-armour. This largely meant carefully tracing out Hackett's shoulder-pads with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Two Thin Coats" White Star, as well as dotting the odd piece in "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson". I also carefully picked out the model's sword hilt using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Finally, I decided against making the figure's sword blade particularly colourful, as I didn't want it to clash with all its gold armour. So stuck to simply pigmenting the Octa Sword with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also chose not to give the sculpt's robotic arm any special attention, preferring instead to leave it gold so it would just mingle in with the rest of the colour scheme.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Two Tunnel Spiders and a Goat Kin

The Retained Knight was much more straightforward to get tabletop ready, having been undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Red. The 'beaky' space marine was subsequently heavily washed with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Finally, the crouched guy's hand-weapon was layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and later treated to a combination of “Vallejo" Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Despite getting these two miniatures finished in a reasonably quick time period, I have disappointingly not made much progress on a number of metal figures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" I was hoping to submit as entries into Angry Piper's annual "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on the "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. Quite bizarrely, I've probably been wargaming more than painting over the past few weeks. But do still intend to get a number of these weird creatures finished in reasonably quick succession, as I want them as super-natural encounters for "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games". 

"Although The French Ultimately Captured Moscow."

"They could not hold the city in the face of a looming winter."

This 28mm scale metal model is manufactured by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The miniature is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry, and is based upon the peasants who relentlessly pursued "Napoleon’s battered forces" during the winter of 1812.

Originally undercoated using a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the figure's trousers and rolled-up blanket were treated to a combination of "Two Thin Coats" Dungeon Stone Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I next applied plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Green to the chap's jacket, and drowned the garment with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. It was then carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Three of the ten Austrian Jaegers purchased off "eBay" last year

I subsequently gave the Russian's rifle butt, axe-handle, hair and somewhat bushy beard a touch of "Vallejo" Sienna, before darkening all these areas down with a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. At this point I also spotted that the fellow was actually wearing a glove on one of his hands, so promptly pigmented the 'mitten' with a lick of Dungeon Stone Grey by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With the latest addition to my Moscow Militia completed, I have started turning my attention towards a quartet of Austrian Light Infantrymen which I managed to buy from "eBay" in October last year. All of the identical-looking models are from the "Wargames Foundry" blister AN038 Jaegers 1805-15 Running, and due to their somewhat dynamic pose come with separate firearms.

"Alternative Armies"WIPs - A Trio of Retained Knights destined to become (not) Dark Angels

I actually managed to snag ten of these second-hand miniatures, and only paid an extra pound more than the current cost of the Newark-based company's eight-figure packet. However, I presently just have plans for four of Jaegers - to act as a screen for an upcoming Austrian force I've recently based, so the other half-dozen have been plonked into one of my many infamous hobby drawers for another day.

Furthermore, I've discovered a trio of long-forgotten 15mm metal models from IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie by "Alternative Armies", whilst sorting through some of my smaller scale backlog. These guys were instantly super-glued onto some wooden chop-sticks, and are destined to be the start a (not) Dark Angels infantry force using many of the sculpts from this particular "The Ion Age" range pack...

"The Origins Of The Robots Employed By The Imperium..."

"...Harken back to the earliest days of Human technology."

This stand of three 15mm miniatures by "Alternative Armies" comes from their "The Ion Age" code IAF081 Taranis Runner Drones, and consists of two Field Repair Drones and a single Transmission Jammer Drone. The sculpts are designed to be used with the company’s “Patrol Angis” rule-set, and provide additional support for the heavily armoured Taranis Tank. However, I’ve both based and painted mine so they can be used as a (proxy) unit of (close combat) Imperial Robots for a home-brew game I've somewhat loosely based within the early Warhammer 30k/40k universe.

Due to wanting this particular trio to form part of my (not) Crimson Fists force, the models were initially primed using a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and subsequently base-layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I then carefully pigmented their mechanical legs and arms with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before absolutely drowning each model in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The figures' limbs were later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"He is our shield and our protector!"

At this stage I was actually somewhat tempted to leave the basic colour scheme alone. However, as these particular robots were supposed to form part of "a Second Founding Successor Chapter of the Imperial Fists Legion", I thought I'd make that a bit more noticeable by applying some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the Field Repair Drones' claws. This would (hopefully) tie them in with the Crimson Fists, and also mark them out as the deadly hand-to-hand combatants I was planning to use them as.

As a final touch, I decided to patiently 'pick out' all their optic sensors using either Skulker Yellow or Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats". These areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade or Biel-Tan Green as appropriate. I also used a smidgeon of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to create the illusion that all three mechanical monstrosities had head-lamps.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - (Yet) Another member of the Moscow Militia being progressed

In addition to my current obsession with proxying "The Ion Age" range for my own nefarious designs, I am continuing to work on more 28mm Napoleonic Russians by “Wargames Foundry" - namely from their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets blister. Last year I disappointingly fell badly short of my goal to paint at least forty-eight of their Black Powder miniatures (working on the plan of painting just four a month), so am absolutely determined to get back on schedule for a similar roadmap throughout 2025.

Resultantly, on paper I should have at least sixteen new additions battlefield ready by the end of this month, and unfortunately at this present time I can only boast of three. To try and make up this ground, I now intend to focus on just coalition soldiers for the next few weeks, and probably wade through some of the Emperor's Frenchmen in May. I'm also going to focus on four-figure tiny units, so I don't get too bored with repeatedly putting my brush-tip to the same old cuffs and straps - something which quickly drains my enthusiasm for the period full-stop...

"Unlike Regular Army Regiments..."

"...The Opolcheniye was composed of civilian volunteers."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be bought as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The miniature is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and is based upon the peasant masses who historically would rise up "in response to foreign invasions or internal turmoil."

Initially eager to follow this figure's official paint-job as per the Newark-based manufacturer's website, I primed him with a double dose of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and subsequently applied a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to his trousers. I then applied plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Green to the fellow's winter jacket, and gave the lower half a splosh or two of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Another member of the Moscow Militia on the painting table

However, I wasn't terribly impressed with how the Shade looked, so after a moment's hesitation, I decided to give the coat a good dose of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade instead. This seemed to work much better, and I finished the garment off with a well-placed dry-brushed of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to help bring out its folds. I also took the opportunity at this time to carefully trace out the Russian's waist sash with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and darkened it down using some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

For the Militiaman's bedroll I used some "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue, and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his musket (and bayonet) were treated to either a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or Gunmetal depending if the part was supposed to be wood or metal. These areas were later drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil as appropriate.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - Early days on a pair of Retained Knights

The biggest issue I had with this figure was working out where the chap's moustache actually was on his face, as at first I thought the model's detail actually showed him to have a beard (despite what "Wargames Foundry) painted photograph showed. In the end though, after a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade over "Vallejo" Heavy Skintome, I finally saw where it was, and thus applied a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the soldier's "lampshade".

Alongside my 'big' Napoleonic project push this month, I'm also keen to add some reinforcements to my collection of pigmented "Alternative Armies" 15mm miniatures. Taken from their "The Ion Age" range, I've decided to add a character base to my (not) Blood Angels force, using a figure taken from blister IAFL01 Hackett and Tasker, and one from IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie. To be honest, this will probably be the first of quite few models to come over the following few weeks, as a quick trip into my garage recently revealed a shoe-sized cardboard box packed full of more vehicles, robots and buildings by the Scotland-based company...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Wargames Foundry" April 2025

"During the Napoleonic era, bears primarily appear in historical contexts as symbols in art and political cartoons."

With my self-imposed Partially-Painted/Printed Pledge (PPPP) now over, and a number of old half-finished figures tabletop ready as a result, I thought I'd spend this month once again ploughing on with my rather large collection of unpainted 28mm metal Napoleonic figures by "Wargames Foundry". To be honest I'm already quite a way behind with my Black Powder goals for this year, as I've only completed two of the twelve miniatures I promised myself I'd have done at this point in 2025, so dedicating at least four weeks worth of hobby-time to some flintlock-bearing fusiliers should be a good way of getting the long-term project back on track.

To begin with I'm planning on pigmenting at least enough Moscow Militia with Muskets to field a small unit of Narodnoe Opolcheniye (four models), and add them to my Coalition forces. I was actually rather naughty this past October on "eBay" as I splurged on a twenty-eight man Russian Infantry battalion auction I spotted, so really need to start making some in-roads into these Alan Perry sculpts sooner rather than later.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - This trio of Taranis Runner Drones are almost finished

I'm also blatantly aware that apart from a few 95th Rifles and accompanying officer, my consortium of Napoleon Bonaparte's enemies isn't at all flush of British miniatures. Much of this deficit is largely due to how badly intimidated I am by the formidable palette needed for Redcoats, and an aversion to anything tartan. However, I think I may well now have some basic colour schemes which will help 'get me over this hump', and allow me to get a fair few of King George III's men battle ready.

Furthermore, I still hope to tinker with some of the remaining 15mm science fiction figures I didn't quite finish for my PPPP. These all came from The Ion Age range by "Alternative Armies", and shouldn't take too long to add to my already quite significant (not) Rogue Trader armies. Indeed, I'm actually tempted to dig out a few more of these old(ish) models to help fill out some of my different forces' more specialist units - particularly their characters.

March 2025 - Two new entries have stormed up into the leaderboard

Historically, the last four or so weeks have always been one of my most productive times and this year was absolutely no exception. A good deal of this success was undoubtedly due to my sudden descent into the Dead Man's Hand range of Wild West gunslingers by "Great Escape Games", and determination to work through some more Russian NBC Troopers by "Athena Miniatures" - albeit not anywhere near as many as I had intended. The big surprise though was the blister-load of "Pendraken Miniatures" 10mm Falklands British soldiers I patiently picked away at over time, and I'm rather hoping I can do something similar with the rest of the Army Pack for this month too.

What will be interesting is whether or not my productivity will now nosedive, seeing as I didn't participate in the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), and so shouldn't be suffering from any gaming fatigue. Annually, this waning interest in 'applying a brush tip to a model' is always a big disappointment to me, so I am keen to avoid such lethargy this time round, and maybe get a few battles in to help fuel my enthusiasm for the various projects I want to progress...

"The Legions Of The Shia Khan Empire..."

"...Are the main fighting force of the Empire."

This trio of 15mm miniatures by "Alternative Armies" come from their "The Ion Age" code IAF019 Legion 2nd Pioneers - Flora Grenade Guns (Pose Seven - Pioneer Discens with Flora, loading, Pose Two - Pioneer Discens with Flora, and Pose Five - Pioneer Discens with Flora, clutching the ground), and are designed to be used with the company’s “Patrol Angis” rule-set. However, I’ve both based and painted them so they can be used as a (proxy) unit of Chaos Space Marines for a home-brew game I've somewhat loosely based within the early Warhammer 30k/40k universe.

The models were initially primed using a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then base-layered their skull-like face masks with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before 'picking them out' using a smear or two of Gold and a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - A pair of British Apocalypse Survivors

I next applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Violet to the figures' partially visible sleeves and trousers, and washed these areas in "Citadel" Druchii Violet. This choice is somewhat different to the Pioneers' official red colour scheme - as seen in the pictures on "The Ion Age" website, as I actually intend to use the miniatures as pseudo Emperor's Children traitor marines, so I felt such a change in their palette would prove much more appropriate.

My original intention was to also just finish each model off by treating their Flora grenade guns to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. But despite this 'flash of metallics', I still felt that the figures looked rather bland - especially from behind. Resultantly, I also applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the pipes and tubing of their breathing apparatus, and a little Heavy Sienna to some ammunition pouches running around their waists. These items were subsequently darkened down using (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade respectively.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - These twenty-five year-old Highlanders are finally seeing some paint

Having completed this test base - using three models which have rather embarrassingly been sat upon my hobby table for many a year, I thought I'd tackle some much more recently-arrived sculpts in the guise of two British Apocalypse Survivors by "Athena Miniatures". One of these 28mm metal figures will (hopefully) be transformed into a bearded Bill Savage - so as to lead the King's remaining military forces against the Volgan invasion of the United Kingdom, and the is one of four children I intend to use as clue markers - as I plan to use an adapted version of "The Silver Bayonet" rule-set by "Osprey Games" for my battles.

Lastly, I have been dusting done and plonking a few basic paints on a number of "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonic soldiers I fully intend to work my way through next month, such as these approximately twenty-five year-old Scotsmen from blister B060 Highlander Flank Company Advancing. This project hasn't really got going in 2025 yet, so I thought dedicating April to the 'collar and cuffs' cause might inject it with the energy necessary for me to patiently pigment all the colourfully-dressed combatants...

"Men, We Are The First, Last And Often Only Line Of Defence..."

"...The Imperium has against what is out there."

These two 15mm miniatures by "Alternative Armies" come from their "The Ion Age" codes IAF022 Muster First Patrol (Pose Seven - Muster Patrol Trooper, Charlatan IV 22mm Launcher, Standing) and IAF021 Muster 1st Patrol Command (Pose Three - Muster Patrol Trooper, Medic.), and are probably some of the last remaining models from an old order I originally picked up over a decade ago at "Salute 2014". The soldiers are actually designed to be used with the company’s “Patrol Angis” rule-set. But I’ve based them together in order to form a specialist infantry unit for a home-made set of rules loosely based within the early Warhammer 30k/40k universe.

In order to try and replicate the pale(ish) palette of the Imperial Guard way back when "Games Workshop" first released their '"hard plastic" boxed set in January 1989, I primed both figures with two coats of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, and washed with them “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The duo then had their body armour, shoulder-pads, boots and weapons pigmented in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, whilst I 'picked out' their cap badges with a dollop of Heavy Red and a dash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - Three Taranis Runner Drones

The trooper carrying the large heavy weapon had his bare hands painted using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. However, as I wanted the Medic to stand out a bit more (seeing as I was actually using the figure as a range finder for the launcher rather than a field physician), I decided to give him "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade gloves.

Finally, I gave both soldiers’ heavy-looking stowage, as well as any side-pockets, a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Before finishing them off by layering their weapons with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also used this particular colour combination for the (not) Medic's cybernetic eye-piece - all the better to suggest he was able to see trajectory curves and angles whilst assisting the Charlatan IV 22m Launcher to hit its targets.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - These two Spetsnaz figures are having all their straps 'picked out'

Somewhat enthused by my recent reintroduction to "The Ion Age", I have perhaps unsurprisingly also begun work on another trio of (significantly) old 15mm figures from the range - this time taken from IAF081 Taranis Runner Drones. These robots apparently act as a screen for Taranis Tanks in "Alternative Armies" rule-set. But I plan to use a single Transmission Jammer Drone with two Field Repair Drones as a close-combat unit for my games, and plan to paint these ones up for my Crimson Fists.

Lastly, I've also made a little bit more progress on the first of twenty-eight 28mm metal Spetsnaz figures I now own by "Athena Miniatures". These fellows are absolutely covered in straps, bullet-proof armour and ammunition pouches, so despite much of their colour scheme being black, I'm still having to take my time slowly making my way up a couple of test pieces so I can work out what is what on the sculpts...

"Daniel Kelly Was An Australian Bushranger And Outlaw."

"The son of an Irish convict, he was the younger brother of the bushranger Ned Kelly."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Great Escape Games", and forms part of their DMHG-NED - Kelly Gang five-figure set for Dead Man's Hand. Sculpted by Mark Evans, I'm not aware of the box specifying a particular miniature to represent Dan, so somewhat arbitrarily decided upon this one. Furthermore, as it's been almost six years since I bought the Australian bushrangers whilst at "Salute" 2019, I also can't find the outlaws' rules card.

Having been partially-painted many moons ago, and seemingly primed using some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, I determined that the crook's long coat had probably been base-layered with "Vallejo" Dark Grey, so resultantly shaded the area with plenty of "Citadel" Nuln. Unsurprisingly, the jacket was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Dark Grey so as to bring out all the creases, pockets and buttons.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - Three 15mm Legion Pioneers

Due to wanting the Ned Kelly's brother to stand out a bit more on the tabletop, I decided to apply some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to the desperado's trousers and wash them with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I next dry-brushed the area with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. However, I really didn't like the rough-looking, streaky highlights this technique produced, so decided to darken them down a bit with a splosh of watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, I treated both Dan's 6mm thick iron armour and single firearm to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As with the gang's infamous leader, I felt the criminal's "homemade armour" would look better without any highlights, and simply left it be. I did though manage to 'pick out' Kelly's pistol butt with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - Early days on a trio of Russian Spetsnaz

Alongside my latest Dead Man's Hand model, I've also been working on three 15mm Legion Pioneers by "Alternative Armies", which I recently stumbled upon in one of many wooden drawers I own. I clearly planned for the miniatures to represent a three-man stand of Chaos Space Marines for my ongoing Warhammer 30k/40k project using The Ion Age range, so have continued pigmenting them accordingly; albeit instead of having red clothing with black armour, I now plan on giving them purple and gold uniforms so I can use them to proxy the Pre-Heresy Emperor's Children Legion.

I have also started making some progress on the first of thirteen 28mm metal Spetsnaz figures I bought from "Athena Miniatures" at last year's "Warfare" 2024. I'm actually a 'man down' as the set is supposed to contain fourteen models. However, after a quick dialogue with the Swindon-based firm's owner John Caboche, the missing Russian should soon be winging his way to me - along with some additional (final) reinforcements I have ordered to round off the Apocalypse Survivors project...

It Is Considered A Bad Omen..."

 "...To march to battle with less than a full veteran company."

These three 15mm metal miniatures are from "The Ion Age" range by "Alternative Armies", and come from their IAF008 Retained Knight Post Charlie multi-figure set. Super-glued upon a couple of wooden sticks for a good handful of years, I recently dusted them down and decided to paint them as part of my small(ish) scale "Rogue Trader" era Crimson Fists space marines.

To begin with the trio were simply undercoated with a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out their Angis Rifles with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before applying a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red to their hands. This palette has served me well over the past decade in capturing how I perceive Chapter Master Pedro Kantor's Anti-Ork Warfare specialists to look.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - This Sons of Horus Praetor's left side is predominantly now done 

However, I did want to mark this particular unit out as a Sternguard formation, so decided to apply some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to their helmets, wash them with some heavily watered-down Carchardon Grey, and dry-brush them with (a tad extra) White Star. I decided upon this colour scheme primarily because I felt it made the Adeptus Astartes stand out on the tabletop, and also having perused a Warhammer 40,000 thread on "Reddit", came away with the opinion that I had already inadvertently 'marked' my entire Crimson Fists Chapter out as veterans by previously pigmenting both of their gauntlets red instead of just one.

With the actual models finished, I subsequently set about super-gluing to a medium-sized plastic "Flames Of War" base by “Battlefront Miniatures". This was actually much more time-consuming than it might first appear, as each model is sculpted standing upon a thick metal stand - so I needed to use several sausages of Green Stuff to create a reasonably soft slop around each space marine so I could later successfully sprinkle them with PVA-soaked grit and grass flock.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - These Russian NBC Troopers still need to be tidied up

In addition to finally concluding this long overdue mini-project, I have also managed to make some more progress on a genuine defender of Humanity by "Games Workshop". This 28mm Praetor with Power Axe is largely comprised of plastic components from the Nottingham-based manufacturer's Warhammer: The Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness boxed set, and due to its insane amount of detail, is quite slowly becoming the leader of my Sons of Horus traitor legion.

Lastly, I am still working on the final three Russian NBC troopers I own by "Athena Miniatures". To be honest these 28mm metal figures should reasonably soon be ready for a coat of varnish, so I'm already looking forward to polishing off a second Soviet unit - which will consist of fourteen members of the Russian Spetsnaz Special Forces, armed with AK47s and an RPGs...

"It's A Megalodon."

"It's circling back."

This 32mm scale Megalodon Dorsal Fin (Submerged) was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, and is available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from "Loot Studios" as part of their "Forgotten Beasts" Sci-Fi Subscription bundle. 50mm tall and 80mm in length, the miniature actually comes in two separate pieces, with the 'Splash' needing to be printed on its own.

I was initially tempted to plonk the ensemble onto a "Citadel" circular stand. But then decided that one of the Nottingham-based company's plastic 52mm x 90mm oval bases would greatly reduce the amount of waves I would need to create in Green Stuff, as well as add to the overall dynamic of the giant fin cutting straight through the water at a serious rate of knots. Resultantly, I super-glued the huge spray down, and once I'd finished painstaking 'cutting in' plenty of ripples on the putty with a modelling knife, gave the entire piece a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and a splosh of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - A converted Retained Knight Commander with Octa Power Sword

I then repeatedly just added a little bit more "Vallejo" White to the mix, and used a make-up blusher brush to patiently lighten all the numerous ridges sculpted onto the Splash. Once I was happy with the waves pigmentation, I picked up a much smaller make-up brush, and applied some pure "Vallejo" White to the very edges of the spray.

With the larger piece completed, I next turned my attention to the fin and primed it with a combination of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and Sombre Grey, before shading the triangular print with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The Megalodon was subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and later had all its injuries washed with a little "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, it was given a second dry-brush of (even more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and a last lick of Neutral Grey.

"Wizkids" WIPs - S.T.R.I.P.E. is having all his red armour 'picked out'

Alongside this opening trip to "a strange, different reality, where the moon intercepted the gigantic meteor that would bring extinction to all dinosaurs", I have also been working on a 28mm metal model by "Alternative Armies" which I first bought and converted approximately four years ago. This Retained Knight Commander with Octa Power Sword was given a pair of plastic "Games Workshop" Blood Angel wings so I could better use it as a Sanguinius proxy for my 15mm Horus Heresy project using "The Ion Age" range - and once the base colours/washes were applied has disconcertingly just sat in a drawer until now.

I've also 'dug out' an age-old "Heroclix" sculpt of S.T.R.I.P.E. by "Wizkids". This supposedly "super rare" 28mm scale plastic figure has previously been cut off of its flying stand and been potentially pigmented in "Citadel" Leadbelcher to cover its pre-paint-job, before being set aside for a rainy day. So I figured I apply some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to Pat Dugan's armoured suit, and see whether that motivates me to finally finish the Star-Spangled Kid's side-kick...

"The Adder Is The Standard Light Ground Vehicle For The Muster."

"It typically has a crew of two and is capable of dealing with low level threats."

This resin and metal multi-part 15mm scale Orange Adder Combat Car is by “Alternative Armies” and can be purchased as Pack Code IAF035D from the company’s "The Ion Age" range. Approximately 45mm long, 35mm wide and about 25mm tall, the infantry support variant comes armed with "a 50mm Grenade Launcher in a turret mount", and is actually one of company's somewhat roughly-hewn older castings - which have since been replaced with an update model using their "improved production technique."

Ordinarily, I super-glue these sorts of vehicles directly onto a Large "Flames Of War" plastic rectangular base by "Battlefront Miniatures". However, as I wanted to ensure the bottom of the car was pigmented without the need for my brush-tip to perform some supernatural contortionist act, I first gave the underside a generous application of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black, "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, "Vallejo" Dark Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"The Myrka's in corridor seven."

Once this stage was completed and dry, I then permanently attached the Orange Adder to its stand, and slapped the entire vehicle in "Vallejo" Dark Grey, sploshed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil" and lastly dry-brushed it using (more) "Vallejo" Dark Grey. I next 'picked out' all of its wheel trims, any visible/reachable undercarriage or axels, as well as its main weapon with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil". Before carefully applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to any lights I could see.

Alongside one of my last entries into the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have also finished and submitted a second Myrka by "Black Tree Design" into the event. Measuring an impressive 46mm in length, this reptilian creature can be bought as Code DW509 Myrka from the manufacturer's "Doctor Who" miniatures range, and first appeared in Johnny Byrne's January 1984 BBC Television story "Warriors Of The Deep".

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These four Uranian Guards are being painted from the feet up

Easily able to destroy any probes Sea Base Four sent out in the year 2084, the beast was super-glued onto a "Citadel" 75 x 42mm oval base, primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. It was then dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, in order to roughly highlight its "strange kelp-like growths", washed with plenty of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, and lastly treated to a second (and final) dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Green.

With this month's plan to get a fair few of my "Rick Rhodes" range miniatures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" completed already somewhat behind schedule, I have made a little progress on four Uranian Royal Guard. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart these marvellous models have clearly been inspired by the execution squad seen escorting the titular character to his supposed death in the classic 1980 film "Flash Gordon", and will hopefully be the start of a series of colourfully-costumed minions from that movie...

"In Future, Refer All Decisions To Your Masters."

"Do not resist orders."

This pair of 28mm metal single-piece figures are produced by "Black Tree Design" and are available as Code DW127 Roboman from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Sculpted with a slightly different pose to that of the Penzance-based company's Roboman Guard model, the miniatures are based upon the Daleks' mindless minions from Terry Nation's November 1964 BBC Television six-episode story "The Dalek Invasion of Earth".

Initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the two "surgically-modified humans" were heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then worked on their trousers, using a base layer of either "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or Heavy Brown. The pants were subsequently shaded using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and roughly highlighted using a careful dry-brush of their original base layer colour.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - Ben Jackson is having all his details 'picked out'

The "surgically modified captives" later had both their clunky headsets and machine-guns 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst their shirts received a lick of White Star by Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats", a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to dirty them up, and finally a highlight of (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

With my latest contribution to the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) completed, I have now begun working on a figure of First and Second Doctor's companion, Ben Jackson. Surprisingly, despite owning a number of the Time Lord's assistants sold by "Black Tree Design", I haven't actually pigmented all that many of them. So thought I'd start to make amends with that oversight by getting the sailor tabletop ready in short order.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - This Orange Adder Combat Car has been primed. shaded and dry-brushed

Furthermore, I've managed to get cracking on an old 15mm Orange Adder Combat Car by "Alternative Armies". The detail to this predominantly resin vehicle is a little 'rough around the edges' when compared to how the much sharper kit is manufactured these days using their "improved production technique." But it should still provide a worthy addition to my (not) Imperial Guard mobile armour attachment.

I'm really enjoying working my way through my backlog from "The Ion Age" range, and certainly don't see myself stopping any time soon. Indeed, I've dusted down some more Retained Knights which I had previously started working on a few years ago, and hope to add them to my (not) Crimson Fist Space Marine Chapter within the next few weeks...

This posting and many others can now be viewed on the main "Fantorical" website.

"The Origins Of The Dark Angels Remain Shrouded In Mystery."

"Few Imperial records of the Chapter's beginnings still exist."

This 15mm scale Orange Adder Combat Lifter is sold by “Alternative Armies” and can be purchased as Pack Code IAF036D from the company’s "The Ion Age" range. Supplied as a multi-piece metal and resin vehicle, it carries a Hermit Grenade Launcher, and is approximately 60mm long, 30mm wide and 25mm tall.

The model was super-glued on to a large-sized plastic "Flames Of War" stand by “Battlefront Miniatures”, and was primed in "Vallejo" Dark Green in order to be the start of a new (not) Dark Angels army. "Used for a variety of purposes and in many variants", the automobile was then enthusiastically drowned in “Citadel” Nuln Oil, before receiving a heavy dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Dark Green using a soft-bristled make-up brush.

"Nor are there many mentions of the part it played in the Emperor's Great Crusade."

I next applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the Combat Lifter's flexible skirt, side panel/window, rear vents, front headlamp frames and big gun. Some of these areas were subsequently 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I used a dollop of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a wash of "Vallejo" Pale Grey on the hover-tank's trio of lights, and lastly applied some old(ish) "Games Workshop" Dark Angels decals to mark the vehicle out as belonging to the First Legion.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I also took this opportunity to simultaneously pigment another Black Adder Combat Lifter too. Available from “Alternative Armies” as Pack Code IAF036C, this hover tank comes "armed with a Fretan Rail Gun in a turret mount", and was painted in exactly the same manner as the other vehicle, predominantly using "Vallejo" Dark Green and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Forged In Battle" WIPs - The lower hull is slowly being camouflaged

With my latest entries for the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) completed, I have stuck with the theme of 15mm armoured automobiles by pushing on with the fiddly camouflage pattern I have been piloting on my hefty resin Maus by "Forged In Battle". This three-colour 'camo' technique is precisely the same as the one I've always used on my "Flames Of War" D-Day Beach Defence German infantry. However, I've never attempted it on such a large-sized miniature before.

Indeed I specifically purchased this tank from "Westwind Productions" at last year's "Warfare" wargaming show, after a previous attempt to apply camouflage to a plastic Panzer IV went horribly wrong, and resulted in my stripping the model back down to its bare-bones. This time round I'm trying to maintain my 'less is more' approach to Maus - albeit I have gone a little made with the pattern in a couple of places...

This posting and many others can now be viewed on the main "Fantorical" website.