"Iron Man’s Versatile Mechanical Suit..."

"...Makes Tony Stark a very well-rounded hero."

This 40mm scale model of Iron Man is produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and can be found inside the Marvel United Core Box. Designed by Edouard Guiton, Tony Stark’s alter-ego is one of five costumed crime-fighters found inside the “fast-paced cooperative” board game, along with the super-villains - Red Skull, Ultron and Taskmaster.

Manufactured in a bright, light blue hard plastic, this is actually the second time I've tried to pigment this particular gaming piece with my previous attempt being consigned to a container full of Paint Remover by "Green Stuff World". Resultantly, once the miniature was dry, it was (re)undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being base layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"In Marvel United you take the role of iconic Marvel Heroes cooperating to stop the master plan of a powerful Villain."

"Developed by scripter Larry Lieber" for the December 1962 issue of "Tales Of Suspense", the comic book character was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I next applied a few coats of "Citadel" Blood Tearers Red to the majority of his powered armour, and prepared the way for some areas of "Vallejo" Gold by first giving them a lick of Heavy Sienna. These panels, such as Iron Man's face plate were subsequently treated to a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gold.

The founding Avenger's palm repulsors, chest-mounted Unibeam and eye slits were carefully 'picked out' using a little "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and a healthy dose of "Citadel" Talassar Blue. With this part of the paint-job finished, I gave the entire ensemble a covering of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish with a brush. I purposely dabbed this "acrylic resin" on in places, as I've found in the past that it can pull away the "Citadel" Contrast and Shades range from the model quite easily, and therefore make it appear that an armoured model has been chipped/weathered. 

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Reaver is being painted from his mini-tank tracks up

For Iron Man's base I purposely decided to steer away from the bright blue of the super-hero's foot repulsors - as per the official palette - as I thought it might draw the eye away from the actual figure itself. Resultantly, I went for a much more straightforward combination of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow over a White Star base layer, a bucket full of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and then a dry-bursh of (more) Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats".

With my latest miniature finished for Marvel United, I have turned my attention to working on one of the numerous Reavers (Brutes) found inside the Marvel Zombicide core box by "CoolMiniOrNot". I'm actually hoping to batch paint a number of these "literal tanks" in the near future - at least up until a certain stage - but wanted to get a feel for a pilot piece or two first...

"An Unusual Mutant..."

 "...Whose simian physique was apparent at birth."

This 40mm scale model of Beast is made by "CoolMiniOrNot” and is one of six super-heroes found inside the Marvel United: X-Men Starter Box. Based upon the comic book character Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy created by Stan Lee and Jack "King" Kirby in September 1963, the figure is produced in a light(ish) blue hard plastic, and was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and Heavy Blue.

The founding member of the X-Men was then layered in pure "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, before being drenched in plenty of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I next carefully 'picked out' the hairy mutant's belt with a couple of coats of Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats", and ensured that any flat areas still allowing some of the "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to show through were subsequently given a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iron Man has been layered, shaded and dry-brushed

The belt was later given a second coat of Skulker Yellow or two, a serious splosh of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and finally highlighted with some thin lines of (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow. I also considered trying to somehow plonk a litle "Vallejo" Heavy Red onto the Beast's belt buckle. But in the end thought it was wisest (and certainly easiest) to simply pigment the fastener with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Having completed the majority of Hank McCoy's colours, I began picking out his piercing eyes and pointed teeth with some careful spots of White Star by "Two Thin Coats", as well as his tongue in "Vallejo" Heavy Red. These wonderfully sculpted details were ultimately shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Carroburg Crimson as appropriate.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Beast is now ready for his tiny details to be 'picked out' 

Moving over to a super-hero model found inside the Marvel United Core Box, I've made some significant in-roads on my 'stripped' Iron Man. This figure has been increasingly problematic for me in the past, as I never found myself happy with whatever red paint I pigmented Tony Stark's armour with. However, I'm now pretty happy with a thinned down layer of "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red over some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, so am finally focusing on 'cutting in' all the Avenger's gold panels now.

In addition, I didn't want to fully turn my back on my massive Zombicide backlog either, so thought I might as well slap some colours on my Beast miniature for that co-operative boardgame by "CoolMiniOrNot" too. The palette is slightly different to Hank McCoy's 'bigger brother' and the sculpt is obviously in an entirely different scale as well, so working on this particular X-Man hasn't thankfully felt too similar to working on his completed Marvel United incarnation...

"Not All Heroes Wear Capes."

 "Some wear full plate armour and wield a raw plucked chicken."

This 32mm scale plastic model of a Knight with a raw chicken is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their Monty Python's Flying Circus expansion for "Zombicide", and was sculpted by "Big Child Creatives". Played by actor Terry Gilliam in several sketches during the British comedy television show's first series in 1969, the "poultry paladin... on an epic crusade against epic fails" can be used as a Survivor in the cooperative boardgame.

Able to cross "any distance necessary" to give a fumbling Survivor "a good character-building whack over the head" with his raw chicken, the miniature was undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being layered with "Vallejo" Gunmetal. He was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Daredevil now just needs some odd details to be 'picked out'

The figure's tunic was pigmented in "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, shaded with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and roughly highlighted with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo Heavy Grey. I also took this moment to 'pick out' some of the armour plate's rivets and decorations using a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Finally, I got to work on the plucked chicken using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Warm Grey. The dead bird was then sploshed with plenty of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Warm Grey, and toned down a little via a splodge of watered-down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. As a last touch, I also carefully traced out the poor poultry's sewn up eyes with some lines of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Professor Krazvo is being painted from the feet up

Alongside this bizarre "Zombicide" gaming piece I have begun working on the Daredevil miniature found inside the "Marvel United" starter box by "CoolMiniOrNot". I'm not terribly sure just how powerful the Defender is in the board-game. But thought he'd make a good pairing with his old comrade-in-arms, the Black Widow - who I've previously pigmented.

In addition, I've started applying the final touches to Professor Krazvo by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". The scientist is actually a villain according to the "7TV" ruleset. However, I plan to use him as Doctor Hans Zarkov for my "Flash Gordon" project, and have resultantly tried to utilise a palette more akin to the costumes worn by actor Frank Shannon during the science fiction franchise's 1936 cinematic serial...

"I'll Tell You What's Wrong With It."

 "It's dead, that's what's wrong with it."

This 32mm scale plastic model of a stuffed Norwegian Blue parrot is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their Monty Python's Flying Circus expansion for "Zombicide", and was sculpted by "Big Child Creatives". Described in the boxed game's pre-order advertisement as an "undead parrot" who on "an unlucky roll" can "quickly make you an unlucky survivor", the lifeless figure clearly represents John Cleese's famous dead pet from the British comedy series' most famous sketch.  

Mistakenly seen as having "passed on, ceased to be, expired and gone to meet its maker", the undead playing piece was simply undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. The large, prone bird was then shaded using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to bring out all of its fantastic feathers.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Spanish Inquisition have been shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson

I next applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the parrot's feet, and beak, as well as some White Star by "Two Thin Coats" to its exposed rib-cage, and facial plumage. The bones were later treated to a couple of splodges of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and a smidgeon of heavily watered-down Flesh Tearers Red. To add some 'shading' to the white feathers - albeit these too would later be 'bloodied up' with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson - I carefully gave them a lick of strongly diluted "Two Thin Coats" Carchardon Grey, and subsequently 'picked out' the dead bird's throat area using a combination of Skulker Yellow and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Lastly, I dotted the miniature's eyes with (more) Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats" and subsequently made them a bit more gory by splodging them, alongside a few other parts of the parrot, with both "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Flesh Tearers Red. The model's base was then treated to my usual colour combination of "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and Agrax Earthshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Knight with a Raw Chicken is slowly having his details 'picked out'. 

In addition to this deceased pet bird, I have also made a little more progress on my three members of the Spanish Inquisition by giving Cardinal Ximénez, Cardinal Biggles and Cardinal Fang a generous shading of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I'm actually hoping that this wash, alongside a future dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, will do most of the heavy-lifting on these figures, and let me just 'pick out' a few fine details before they're tabletop ready.

Furthermore, I've started paying attention to the boxed set's survivors and finished working on the suit of armour adorning the 'Knight with a Raw Chicken'. The "poultry paladin" still needs his gambeson (or arming doublet) to be pigmented, along with a few gold embellishments on his chest plate. But hopefully these can be done in short(ish) order...

"A Terrible Menace Is Afoot."

 "A foot. Get it..?"

This 32mm scale plastic model of 'The Foot' is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their Monty Python's Flying Circus expansion for "Zombicide". An impressive 80mm in length, and 60mm tall, the miniature was sculpted by "Big Child Creatives" and represents Cupid's Foot from the title sequence of the 1969 "British surreal sketch comedy series." 

"A constant threat hanging over the Survivors' heads", the boardgame piece was primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Skintone, before being completely plastered in (pure) Heavy Skintone. It was then drowned in "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone.

"The robot protects Sheeta from the army and destroys the fortress with its weapons."

The toenails and protruding leg bone were both originally 'picked out' with some White Star by "Two Thin Coats", and darkened down using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Carroburg Crimson respectively. Finally, both were slightly lightened back up with a careful dry-brush of (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and given a cheeky glaze of heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Carroburg Crimson as appropriate.

Alongside the Foot, I have also finished a third 28mm scale Laputian Robot Trooper crafted by "Big Mr Tong" and downloaded for free as part of a five-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the giant mechanical bodyguards depicted in Hayao Miyazaki's 1986 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Spanish Inquisition have been primed "Vallejo" Heavy Red

The figure was first undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna, before being coated in Decayed Metal by "Scale 75". It was then drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Scale 75" Decayed Metal. Furthermore, its face plate was treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Brass and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, whilst the Laputian royal family crest on its chest was singled out with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Lastly, I have started priming the three members of the Spanish Inquisition also found inside the Monty Python’s Flying Circus boxed set. Heavily based upon the likenesses of actors Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, this "dastardly" trio should provide something of a welcome contrast to the predominantly black-coloured quartet of Silly Walkers I've recently started working on...

"When Not Tending To The Needs Of The Laputian Family..."

"...The robots are in charge of maintaining Laputa."

This 28mm scale Laputian Robot Trooper was sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a five-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the giant mechanical bodyguards depicted in Hayao Miyazaki's 1986 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

"Constructed out of an extremely strong, dark armour", the 107mm tall figure was primed in a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna, before being coated in Decayed Metal by "Scale 75". It was then drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Scale 75" Decayed Metal. Furthermore, its face plate was treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Brass and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Foot just needs some washes and a final dry-brush

Lastly, the Heavenly Trooper's crest of the Laputian royal family was patiently picked out with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red and shaded with a dollop of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. This is actually one of two "Big Mr Tong" 3D prints I started working on for Angry Piper's annual "Monster May(hem)" event, so I'm planning on getting the other super-tall automaton finished over the next few days.

Alongside my latest Laputian Robot Trooper I have also 'broken the back' of the giant plastic Foot found inside Monty Python’s Flying Circus for Zombicide 2nd Edition. This rather impressive sculpt by "CoolMiniOrNot" has proved quite a nice, straightforward painting project, and definitely helped me rekindle the flagging flame I've had for the hobby in recent weeks - even if I'd have preferred the top of the miniature to have been slightly hollowed out as opposed to having a piece of the leg-bone sticking out.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - These Silly Walkers have been undercoated and dry-brushed

I've also made a little progress on the expansion box's quartet of suited Silly Walkers. I was initially contemplating working on these wonderfully humorous figures as a single batch. But have since changed my mind, and will instead simply tackle them one at a time - using the first model as a test piece for the predominantly black palette I've chosen.

This option will also provide me with an opportunity to throw something else 'into the mix' should the urge take me, and resultantly keep my enthusiasm for the project fresh. Indeed, I've already gritted the bases on several more of the models from the Monty Python’s Flying Circus expansion, including a certain dead pet bird with a curved beak and clawed feet...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "CoolMiniOrNot" June 2024

"There’s a zombie plague spreading throughout the populace."

After the utterly lack-lustre past four weeks, it seems clear that my current hobby mojo is still at one of its all-time lows. Happily however, I've recently received my pre-ordered copy of Monty Python’s Flying Circus for Zombicide 2nd Edition by "CoolMiniOrNot", complete with its exclusive Gumby Pack. These "nonsensical creations from the classic television show" have really helped re-enthuse me to once again pick up the painting brush, so for the next month I thought I'd simply plod through the two boxes of figures, and see what it leads to.

Starting with something hopefully rather straightforward, I thought I'd tackle the large plastic Foot which apparently acts as a persistent threat to the survivors in the boardgame. Sculpted by "Big Child Creatives", I've actually super-glued the model to a plastic oval "Citadel" base, to better protect its paint-job, and given it a prime using a combination of "Vallejo" Leather Brown Surface Primer and Heavy Skintone.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Foot has been primed, base-layered and washed

In addition, I've gritted the bases and undercoated the expansion's quartet of suited Silly Walkers. Again, these predominantly black-coloured miniatures should be quite easy to get tabletop ready, and help me regain some momentum as I get back into the hobby. I was thinking about possibly pigmenting each fellow's briefcase a different colour to slightly mark them out - albeit having seen the 'official' paintjobs online I'll probably just stick to them all being brown.

Lastly, I haven't completely forgotten about the pair of 28mm scale Laputian Robot Troopers by "Big Mr Tong" I started working on for Angry Piper's annual "Monster May(hem)" event. Obviously, these super-tall automatons are a little late in getting finished. But I'm still determined to get them ready for varnishing as quickly as I can, and maybe even produce another couple of models once I start using my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer again.

May 2024 - No change at the top considering I only painted a single figure all month long

Obviously, having experienced my second least productive month ever, my painting area is still awash with all sorts of half-started or barely begun projects. With my current goal just to potter through the Monty Python’s Flying Circus box, I strongly doubt any of these will see much if any attention soon, and in all likelihood, quite a few may well find themselves back in one of 'drawers of doom' - destined not to see daylight for a good month or more.

I am though pretty confident I can polish off a few of these "CoolMiniOrNot" miniatures, and am already eyeing a few of the Marvel Zombicide models I undercoated at the start of the year. These might make a welcome break from the comedic sculpts I'm currently facing, and maybe even me convince me to get the cooperative boardgame out for a spin - something which ordinarily always helps motivate me to slap some figures with a paint-brush...

"Iceman Right On Schedule, Sir."

"Hot diggity! A test for me at last!"

This 32mm scale translucent plastic model of Iceman was produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their "Marvel Zombies" stand-alone game using the "Zombicide" rule-set. One of the "Kickstarter" campaign's numerous exclusive figures, this particular incarnation of Bobby Drake's frosty alter-ego was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the May 2007 issue of "Marvel Zombies: Dead Days" by "Marvel Comics".

Presumed to be residing at the Xavier Institute on Earth-2149 when the zombie plague first struck, the mutant superhero was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer White and the Spanish company's Model Colour White. He was then drowned in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before being slowly 'built back up' using multiple patient dry-brushes of White Star by Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats". Finally, the X-Man's eye sockets were given a dab of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and spotted with (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - These Silurians have been shaded and dry-brushed

Having completed my first entry for the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have moved on to four 28mm metal Silurian figures by "Black Tree Design". These "three-eyed land-dwellers" were actually bought from the Penzance-based manufacturer way back in July 2016, and were due to be part of a much larger Homo Reptilia force I started assembling some three years later for a "Doctor Who" aliens/monsters galactic conquest campaign using some homemade rules.

Disappointingly though, these particular models were never properly completed, and after so many years of being jostled together in a drawer, their original "Vallejo" Heavy Brown undercoat and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade wash required some much needed tender loving care (i.e. redoing). As a result, I've started them from scratch, and plan to enter them into the AHPC as a Children's Books Challenge Library bonus submission.

"Alternative Armies" WIPs - These two 15mm hover-tanks are having their details 'picked out'

In addition, I have managed to make a little more progress on two partially-painted 15mm Black Adder Combat Lifters by “Alternative Armies” I recently discovered rather embarrassingly buried beneath a load of other long-forgotten miniatures on my painting table. Already primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red and shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, these two (not) Blood Angels chapter vehicles did admittedly need a little 'sprucing up'. But are now slowly having all their details 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

I've quite surprisingly uncovered a fair few more models from "The Ion Age" miniatures range at various stages of completion in a drawer, so have set aside a motley array of hover-bike riders, large-clawed robots and Prydian Army foot-soldiers to 'squeeze' in to my painting queue as and when time allows. Furthermore, there's a load of vehicles and giant automatons to be found too, so if the mood takes me I can well imagine a plethora of resin Mechs, (more) Combat Lifters and Battlesuits leapfrogging their way onto my tabletop over the coming few months...

"The Second Wisconsin Infantry Regiment..."

"...Was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War."

These twenty 15mm scale metal Union soldiers are produced by “Warlord Games” and can be found inside their rather hefty "Epic Battles: American Civil War" The Iron Brigade boxed set, The stand consists of two five-figure Command strips, complete with officer and drummer, as well as two 'generic' five-model trooper strips, and was painted to represent part "of the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac."

Having watched a few unboxing videos about the size difference between these castings and the range's (slightly smaller) plastic miniatures, I decided to snip off all the Straw Hats' bayonets. This meant the top of the soldiers rifles were now roughly level in height with their polymer-based brothers-in-arms. Furthermore, I decided to pigment the command line already in situ on its 60 x 20mm rectangular base, and the others separately on wooden sticks.

"It suffered the largest number of casualties as a percentage of its total enlistment of any Union Army unit."

The soldiers were primed using a double-coat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then sploshed their trousers with "Vallejo" Steel Grey and their jackets in "Vallejo" Storm Blue. Both of these areas were subsequently shaded using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before I patiently 'picked out' their straps with a line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. I also took this opportunity to dab their belt buckles and hat badges with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gold, and later a dash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

The drum's skin was given a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, whilst its straps (and the officer's gloves) were carefully teased out using a tiny amount of White. These details were eventually 'dirtied up' with a wash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The sword, odd metal cup and tops of the Iron Brigade's rifles were coated in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and a spot of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Unfortunately, I did find these figures incredibly prone to chipping, no matter how careful I was, so despite the relative straightforwardness of their palette, I was forced to repeatedly return to the odd frock coat, satchel and sleeve to 'repair' some minor damage.

Perhaps the biggest disaster I faced with these models though, came when it was time to apply a couple of 15mm flags by “GMB Designs” to the ensemble, using the products ACW19 - Large Stars & Stripes/HQ Flags and ACW22 - Iron Brigade, Wisconsin Regiments, Gettysburg. These paper banners are admittedly a little big for the range. Yet as I like their bold, eye-catching effect on the tabletop, I'm perfectly willing to ignore their historical inaccuracy. However, unlike their plastic counterparts, there isn't a great deal of space on the two standard bearer's poles - due to them apparently being sculpted in contact with the troopers' hats and shoulders.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iceman is slowly being dry-brushed with "Two Thin Coats" White Star

This seems to have been a design-issue even for the official paint-jobs, as one flag always appears to be smack in the face of its carrier. I therefore thought I might be able to cut the shaft away from each figure to give my banners a bit more room. But one slice of my sharp modelling knife later and I was looking at a missing rod on my carpet floor. Resultantly, I ended up super-gluing the regiment's stars & stripes across the bearer's bonce on what little was left of his stick, so I could 'fix it' in place behind the officer's head.

With the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now underway. I have started working on my 32mm scale plastic Iceman for "Marvel Zombicide" by "CoolMiniOrNot". I always like to get an early entry in, as organiser Curt Campbell is very clear about disqualifying any participants who don't submit something within the events opening four weeks, and having previously put my brush-tip to Bobby Drake's brain-hungry zombie incarnation, I thought this version should prove a 'quick win'...

"The Mighty, Thick-Coated Steppe Wolves..."

"...Have been inseparable hunting companions of the Orr’ug tribes since time immemorial."

This 28mm scale Orr'ugs Wolf is produced by "Artisan Guild" and can be downloaded for free as part of a multi-piece set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. One of four different poses, this impressive specimen of Canis lupus is 80mm from nose to tail, and was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Initially superglued onto a "Citadel" 50mm plastic circular base, the miniature was primed using some "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before being sporadically splodged with Sombre Grey and German Grey. The furry brute was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had all its incredible detail highlighted using a make-up brush appropriately packed with plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, Sombre Grey and German Grey.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iceman, Cyclops and Colossus have all been primed

I did at this stage also attempt to blend the different coloured areas together by allowing the "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to 'catch' the edges of the wolf's predominantly Sombre Grey areas, and likewise letting the Sombre Grey dry-brush drift over the German Grey parts. Lastly, I 'picked out' the beast's eyes using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and patiently applied some White Star by "Two Thin Coats" to all its teeth and claws. These were later dirtied up with a dousing of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Having finished with my first Orr'ugs Wolf, I've found some time to undercoat a handful more of the plastic models found inside the "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion set for Zombicide. These marvellous “CoolMiniOrNot” figures feature three of my favourite mutant super-heroes, and are hopefully the start of a determined effort to pigment my way through the entire "cooperative board game" over the next twelve months.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Girl Saturday and three Temporal Travellers

Finally, I have received and immediately based a quartet of "Doctor Who" flavoured 28mm metal figures made by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Girl Saturday and Temporal Travellers Four, Fourteen and Fifteen are probably destined to wait until the annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) has started towards the end of December. However, I may not be able to resist the temptation to paint at least one of them in honour of the science fiction television series' sixtieth anniversary.

Surprisingly, my brush-tip hasn't touched many of the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer's miniatures during this year. But considering just how many of their X-Commandos, Mounted Simians, Claws Of Shiva and Lizard Nazi Soldiers I'm currently dusting down, I reckon a fair few will now be headed for the tabletop over the next sixteen or so weeks...

"Hulk Hungry!!"

"Hulk have to eat! Hulk starving!"

This 32mm scale plastic model of an undead Hulk is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” and can be found inside the "Marvel Zombies: Core Box" for Zombicide. "A rampaging beast who becomes eager to eat human flesh", this particular incarnation of Bruce Banner's alter-ego was created by Mark Millar and Greg Land for the August 2005 issue of "Ultimate Fantastic Four" by "Marvel Comics".

Initially primed using "Vallejo" Escorpena Green, the miniature was sploshed with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green and enthusiastically dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Escorpena Green. His eyes were then picked out with "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily watered-down "Vallejo" Turquoise and two further dots of (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

Having broken into the Xavier Institute, an Undead Hulk tackles the Silver Surfer

At this stage I also applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Violet across the Hulk's torn trousers, shaded them with "Citadel" Druchii Violet, and dry-brushed them with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Violet. I also took the opportunity to layer the exposured internal flesh of the "hungriest" Marvel Zombie, with a few licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone. All of these areas would later be splodged with some thinned down "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

To try and blend all the gory wounds and putrification pustules covering the sculpt, I liberally applied "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson around them, and then carefully dry-brushed (more) "Vallejo" Escorpena Green over them. As a final touch these blood-soaked injuries, along with the monster's teeth, were treated to (even more) "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and the Contrast colour Flesh Tearers Red.

The Black Panther battles zombie versions of Iceman, the Silver Surfer and the Hulk

For the Hulk's base, I originally used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil for the rubble, and "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil for the twisted girder. Both of these elements were later dry-brushed with additional "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and Gunmetal as appropriate. The two somewhat fiddly to reach Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I,M.) helmets enjoyed a couple of base-coats of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Following a dry-brush of (more) Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats", all of these areas were given a serious spattering of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Flesh Tearers Red.

At this stage I had thought the figure finished. However, my latest bottle of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish had other ideas. Apparently consisting of "a new, quick drying formula" this product literally stripped away huge swathes of the "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, Escorpena Green and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red from the miniature, and continued to do so even after I repeatedly repainted the damage. Resultantly, I must have 'touched up' the model four or five times before it was at long last tabletop ready.

"Bobby Is At The Xavier Institute When It Is Attacked..."

"...And arrives at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier with the other X-Men and Magneto."

This 32mm scale plastic model of an undead Bobby Drake is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” and can be found inside the "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion set for Zombicide. Unsuccessfully "sent back down to the surface to battle the zombies" by the Leader of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Resistance, this particular incarnation of Iceman was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the May 2007 issue of "Marvel Zombies: Dead Days" by "Marvel Comics".

Originally undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" White Surface Primer and their White Model Colour paint, the figure and his impressively sculpted skull-headed base were absolutely drenched in a torrent of Drakenhof Nightshade, before being given several patient dry-brushes of "Two Thin Coats" White Star using an old make-up brush. The founding X-Man's eyes were then picked out with (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily watered-down "Vallejo" Turquoise and two further dots of White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Wargames Atlantic" WIPs - These two Vlad the Impaler figures have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

For the final, gory touch, the brain-chomping zombie's mouth was splodged in "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red, dry-brushed with (even more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star, and subsequently bloodied back up with a dab or two of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I did consider adding some additional claret to other parts of the mutant-turned-walking dead comic book character - possibly even mixing some extra "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson in with the sculpt's base to better separate it from Bobby. But in the end I felt that less was probably more with this particular miniature.

Alongside this latest addition to my slowly growing collection of Zombicide gaming pieces, I have also managed to 3D print a couple of 28mm multi-part Vlad Dracul figures by "Wargames Atlantic" in "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin. These STL (Standard Triangle Language) files were clearly inspired by Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 movie "Bram Stoker's Dracula", and having read Peter Breau's excellent Weird War One comic "Mud And Madness", in which the Transylvanian Count is penned aiding the Kaiser's army, I thought the Eastern nobleman might make an eye-catching Commander for my own fantasy-based German WW1 contigent using "Xenos Rampant".

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Sons of Horus Space Marines have been assembled and primed

I did actually plan on pigmenting a third variant of the model, using some more of the surplus weapon arms which come with the digital product - such as a huge two-handed pike. However, for some reason my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer wasn't apparently too happy with the third torso on its build plate, so simply produced a flat puddle of semi-cured resin in its spot. Of course, this means I've now got an excuse to make another batch of body parts, and may well take up this opportunity to include some First World War hand-guns or rifles for the Impaler to hold.

Lastly, I've primed another trio of 28mm MK IV former Luna Wolves Space Marines by "Games Workshop". These traitors were assembled using the sprues found in the now sadly Out Of Production (OOP) "The Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth" boardgame, and once completed will help form a third tactical infantry unit for my Sons of Horus legion. I really am finding myself to be increasingly enthused to complete this project, so aim to properly knuckle down next month in order to quickly get the Warmaster's renegades battling across the world of Isstvan III.

"Nothing Could Be Heard."

"But the infernal din of their discharge."

This 15mm scale plastic Confederate Artillery piece is produced by “Warlord Games” and is from the Nottingham-based company's "Epic Battles: American Civil War" range. One of four identical grey-coloured sprues I bought via "eBay" way back in January 2022, the large gun and figures were originally going to be painted separately on wooden sticks.

However, having found that technique incredibly time-consuming, the entire ensemble was eventually permanently attached to its square stand using plastic glue, and primed with a couple of coats of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. I then focused upon the cannon's wooden carriage and wheels with a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, as well as plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help 'dirty it up'. Finally, the artillery piece itself was 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Bronze and (more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - These three Sons of Horus Space Marines have been assembled and primed

Owing to my desire to tie this particular cannon in with my Florida regiment, I painted the majority of the four crewmen using a combination of "Vallejo" Sombrey Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did though want to mix their attire up a little bit, so put a pair of the Johnny Rebs in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade trousers. I also took this opportunity to pigment any broad-rimmed bonnets (or rather Straw Hats) with a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow, before sploshing them with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

With my basic Confederate force now complete (at least for now), I have managed to undercoat some more 28mm MK IV former Luna Wolves Space Marines by "Games Workshop". To be honest, I was somewhat in two minds as to whether I was going to work on this particular scale much more this year, due to my interest in the much smaller Adeptus Astartes figures found inside the "Warhammer: The Horus Heresy Legions Imperialis" box set - which "Games Workshop" have been struggling to put on shops' shelves for the past few months.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Zombie Iceman has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Luckily though, this lengthy delay, combined with a hefty price tag, has completely eroded my interest in another project set within the "fictional galaxy-spanning civil war", so rather than painstakingly working my way through an eye-watering 223 8mm tall plastic miniatures, I aim to simply push on with pigmenting a third ten-man unit of tactical infantrymen for my heroic-sized Traitor army instead. Indeed, I'm hoping to get this sizeable formation finished before the end of December, and finally get some games of "The Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness" under my belt.

In addition to slapping a pot of "Citadel" Sons of Horus Green all over the place, I've found a little hobby time to continue my current 'love affair' with "Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game" by "CoolMiniOrNot". Admittedly, my Undead Iceman actually comes from the game's "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion set. But that hasn't stopped me from wanting to get Bobby Drake's brain-chomping alter-ego tabletop ready in a hurry...

"The Laputian Robot Troopers Are Primitive Automatons."

"The first robot seen in the film is revealed to have fallen from Laputa, which is found by the military."

This 28mm scale Laputian Robot Trooper was sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a five-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the giant mechanical bodyguards depicted in Hayao Miyazaki's 1986 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Designed to "protect and serve the Laputian royal bloodline at all costs", the 107mm tall figure was initially undercoated in a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna, before being base-layered in Decayed Metal by "Scale 75". It was then mercilessly drowned in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and brusquely dry-brushed with (more) "Scale 75" Decayed Metal so as to highlight its "extremely strong, dark armour." I also took the opportunity to 'pick out' its "bean-shaped" face plate with a combination of "Vallejo" Brass and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Zombie Hulk still needs a tidy up and his base finishing

Finally, the Heavenly Trooper's crest of the Laputian royal family was dabbed in "Vallejo" Heavy Red and washed with a tiny amount of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Having completed the test piece for this force, I may well now work on the printing supports for the remaining four STL files in "Chitubox" Basic, so I can 'field' a five-figure strong squad for my ongoing Robot Space Wars project using many of the other automaton-based miniatures released by "Big Mr Tong".

Alongside my Laputian Robot, I've also managed to make more progress on my Zombie Hulk by "CoolMiniOrNot". Originally, I had rather naively planned on haphazardly pigmenting my way through the "Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game" core box until I had four finished super-heroes, a few Zombie Heroes (!?!), and some bystanders to rescue. However, as it turns out, the rules for playing the non-undead metahumans are actually contained in the "Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance" expansion, so my aspirations have somewhat changed to accommodate some of the plastic models from that box too.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two Russian soldiers, a French Chasseur and British Rifleman

Disconcertingly though, considering that the base set contains a whopping eighty-seven 28mm miniatures on its own, this move somewhat significantly raises the overall figure count of the project - especially as I actually own all the cooperative board game's Kickstarter exclusive miniatures too, and will doubtless fancy slipping the odd one or ten into my already overcrowded painting schedule from time to time. Resultantly, I'm simply going to try to stick to just four heroes, an equal number of zombie foes and bystanders, as well as a smattering of the game's basic walking dead. This should give me enough to play a series of small scenarios in the new year, and additionally encourage me to apply my brush-tip to even more of the comic book characters as my campaign continues.

Luckily, my current obsession with "Zombicide" has not completely eroded my enthusiasm for my long-running Napoleonic Wars project, and I've still made some noticeable in-roads on my current quartet of "Wargames Foundry" miniatures over the past few days. I've obviously got quite a bit of work left to do on the two Russian infantrymen. But I'm pretty sure a focused session or two should see the British and French troopers 'tabletop' ready - which is lucky really as I have a load of models taken from blister FN103 - Grenadiers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching now based, ready to be added to the Emperor's Grande Armée... 

"Instead Of Being Called Private Soldiers, Every Man..."

"...from the colonel in charge of the entire battalion to the newest recruit – called themselves Riflemen."

This 28mm scale metal model is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased either as part of their B080 British Riflemen set. The Newark-based company didn't actually have this blister on their shelves when I visited their premises earlier in the year. However, the top chap behind the counter disappeared into the nearby casting room, and quite quickly returned with a plastic bag containing my sought after assortment.

Having previously learnt a valuable lesson in giving my Riflemen a dark undercoat, the officer was primed using a mixture of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black. I then applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown to the soldier's trouser turn-ups and sploshed them with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before applying a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey to the rest of his pants and drowning them in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This ACW Artillery crew are close to having all their details 'picked out'

The figure's red sash was simply traced out with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, whilst any gold areas, such as his whistle and sabre's hilt were treated to some "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The miniature's famous coloured jacket and shako plume was 'picked out' using "Wyvern Green" by "Two Thin Coats", and later shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Due to wanting the coat's fur to be a different brown to the man's turn-ups, I applied a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to these areas.

To finish my foot commander off, I gave the officer's shirt a smidgeon of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and dirtied this up with some heavily watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I tidied up the model's collar, cuffs and shako with pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and gave his sabre a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch I highlighted the sword's blade edge with a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Zombie Hulk is being 'bloodied up'

Alongside my latest Napoleonic infantryman, I have been making some steady progress on a third 15mm plastic four-figure cannon crew for Epic Battles: American Civil War by "Warlord Games". Having previously pigmented the big gun, I am patiently applying my brush-tip to each Johnny Reb in turn, and decided to mark the unit out as belonging to the 1st Florida Regiment by giving two of the cannoneers noticeable straw hats.

Lastly, I've managed to spend a little more time on my Zombie Hulk by "CoolMiniOrNot" - a project which has suddenly completely captured my imagination, courtesy of playing some games of "Zombicide" using the Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance expansion set. This version of the rules allows players to actually be the mutant super-heroes who are caught inside Professor Xavier Institute when the apocalypse strikes, rather than the brain-hungry, super-powered cadavers found inside the base game. Resultantly, I intend to paint a mixture of the plastic models from both boxes for a future Zombicide campaign.

"Little Is Detailed About Black Panther’s Life..."

"...Before the zombie plague arrived on Earth-2149."

This 32mm scale plastic model of T'Challa is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” and can be found in the Original Marvel Zombies starter set for Zombicide. "Captured by Giant-Man before his transformation and used as foodstock", this particular incarnation of the Black Panther was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the January 2006 issue of "Marvel Zombies" by "Marvel Comics".

The entire model was initially treated to a double coat of "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being given an enthusiastic dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. The Avenger's necklace was then 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and then completely soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final step though, New Wakanda's leader had his eyes 'spotted' with a couple of drops of White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - A pair of Sheman tanks slowly having their tracks and details 'picked out'

Originally, I was planning on taking a very simple approach to the Hero Miniature's base, with a simple layer or two of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. However, having seen all the branches, leaves and small stones littering it, I decided to spend a bit more time on it so as to help make it 'pop' a little more. Resultantly, I also applied a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown across all the groundwork surrounding T'Challa's wooden log, and later gave both areas a healthy dose of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

To bring out all the sculpt's incredible details, I gave the tree stump a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and then the entire ensemble a delicate passing with some (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I carefully traced/base-coated all the vines and leaves dotted about with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Green and (more) "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2023 are:

PMPainting

Cheaphammer

Pmackay140215

Games_with_graven & Graven's Bloggit

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

Dead Lead Project

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Miniature Mayhem

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - This BA-64 armoured car is being painted as one captured by the Germans

With my latest Zomtober entry finished, and a couple of 4x6 foot cloth gaming mats apparently winging their way to me from "Deep Cut Studios", I have also managed to spend some time progressing a significant number of 10mm vehicles I own by "Pendraken Miniatures" - most notably a pair of the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's Sherman models which I believe I picked up from one of this year's wargaming shows for my ever evolving Battle of the Bulge campaign.

Additionally though, I have also made some significant in-roads on a host of decade-old Soviet four-wheeled armoured scout cars, which I originally thought were German Sd.Kfz 221 vehicles. Having mistaken the trio of BA-64s I had aimed to simply add them to my Operation Sealion invasion force. However, having had my error pointed out to me and already almost finished painting them, they're now going to be added to my Axis Ardennes Offensive Army, to represent a reconnaissance unit of the despicable SS Division Das Reich - which are known to have used the captured Russian cars at Kursk in July 1943, so might have retained some of them following their redeployment back West afterwards..?