"Laika Was A Soviet Space Dog..."

"...Who was one of the first animals in space and the first to orbit the Earth."

This 32m scale resin miniature was sent to me by “Black Site Studios" as a free gift for pre-ordering their Lunar - Core Game way back in July 2021, and is nowadays seemingly only available as part of their SKU: STL0212 Space Pets - digital STL (Standard Triangle Language) file download. I therefore plonked the cute little dog onto a plastic 25mm circular base and thought I'd paint her up in honour of the poor mongrel which the Russians launched aboard Sputnik 2 spacecraft in 1957.

As I quickly decided against using the same "Two Thin Coats" Sanguine Scarlet I'm using for my Soviet Cosmonaut spacesuits - as I may well use the sculpt as a neutral objective marker or random encounter, I primed the model with a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and shaded her with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then dry-brushed the figure with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, before applying a combination of Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the animal's visor.

"There are four main species of bears in Canada."

I also dabbed the dog's front paws with a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to represent the weighted shoes she seems to be wearing. However, this has become rather lost in the 2mm tall Chilli Red flock I'm going to be using for all my Moon/Mars basing. Obviously, there's no such 'grass' on our own planet's natural satellite. But I didn't like the look of my miniatures stood/sat on a stand without something growing out of the ground around them.

In addition to 'Laika' I've manged to finish the third and final 28mm scale metal miniature from GPR019 - Great Big Bellicose Bears by “Wargames Foundry". As with the other specimens of carnivoran mammals I intend to use for "The Silver Bayonet", the model was super-glued onto a plastic 40mm "Games Workshop" circular base and undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two Prussian Infantrymen and Two French Fusiliers

It was then treated to a double layer of (pure) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being enthusiastically drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and treated to a lighter touch of some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Finally, I applied some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to it's visible fangs and claws, and later shaded these areas down with plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

With a couple of reasonably straightforward paint-jobs under my belt, I have simultaneously got some good progress completed on four more of the Newark-based company's Napoleonic range - namely a pair of Prussian Infantrymen and two French Fusiliers. I was hoping to get  Frederick William III's soldiers finished by the end of the month, as they are the last of my figures from blister PN063 Infantry in Peaked Cap Marching. However, the miniatures still need a few washes and a tiny bit of dry-brushing before being ready for a "Vallejo" Matt Varnish...

"Despite Its Much Greater Accuracy At Long Range..."

 "...The rifle is still a relatively uncommon weapon."

This 28mm scale metal miniature of a Rifleman is sold by “North Star Military Figures", and is one of the eight models which can be found inside their TSB031 - United States Unit box for The Silver Bayonet. I recently picked the set up whilst at "Colours 2024" and was rather disappointed to see that the sculpt is a little large when compared to my ever-growing Napoleonic collection by "Wargames Foundry" - which happen to be a little smaller and stockier than many modern-day releases.

The crack shot was undercoated using my mainstay mixture of "Warlord Games" Pitch Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before having his boots treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Using the 'official' paint scheme as a guide, as I simply have no idea when it comes to American uniforms of 1812, I then applied plenty of Wyvern Green by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the chap's heavy overcoat.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPS - This Light Cavalryman will be predominantly blue and white

I next tackled the two satchel bags sat around the marksman's wait with a couple of coverings of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a little watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before tackling the soldier's rifle using "Vallejo" Gunmetal and Heavy Sienna. The hand-weapon was later shade with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade where appropriate. I also took this opportunity to patiently trace around all the ruffled lining on the miniature, as well his Shako's cord, with a smidgeon or four of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Finally I 'picked out' the Rifleman's badge in "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, as well as his plume with "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. I did however, stop short of tackling the model's long hair with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna - as it appears to have been pigmented brown on the "North Star Military Figures" website - as the detail was so fine on the casting that any paint on its edges repeatedly rubbed away whilst the fellow was being (man)handled. Obviously, the American was ultimately going to be varnished. But I still thought it would be far easier and quicker for any future repair jobs to just give the area a lick of "Citadel" Abaddon Black - plus, I rather liked the look of the guy's thin face poking out from a dark mass of hair and headwear.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - Three Russian Astronauts

With a quarter of my boxed set already 'in the bag', I have perhaps unsurprisingly moved on to another miniature from my purchase - a light cavalryman. This hand-axe waving maniac appears to be wearing a similar overcoat to my Rifleman, so I'm looking forward to tracing out all the red trim again once the time arrives. Furthermore, the horseman has caused me to return to Aly Morrison's range of 1812 figures for "Wargames Foundry", and start thinking about a small contingent of President James Madison's men fighting in Napoleonic Europe.

Lastly, I've found the time to make some progress on all five of the Soviet Cosmonauts I own by "Black Site Studios". This quintet basically just need to have any metallic parts painted and washed before receiving something of a tidy-up, so I am already itching to get the opposing NASA Astronauts assembled. I did purchase a load of different sized resin Shell Holes from "Magnetic Displays" whilst at "Colours 2024" to use as moon craters, so may well start basing them up too...

"The Russian Army Had many Characteristics Of Ancien Régime."

"Senior officers were largely recruited from aristocratic circles..."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN021 Infantry in 1812 Shako Command set. The figure is one of seven Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and in the short-term will either lead a warband solely comprised of his fellow countrymen, or simply act as a Junior Officer for my Coalition party during some games of "The Silver Bayonet" ruleset by "Osprey Games".

The miniature was undercoated using my tried and tested mixture of "Warlord Games" Pitch Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, and then had his trousers (and gloves) pigmented with some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a little watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The fellow's greatcoat was treated to plenty of “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII.

"...And the Russian soldier was regularly beaten and punished to instil discipline."

At this stage I was really relying upon the colour scheme shown on the Nottinghamshire-based manufacturer's website for inspiration/historical accuracy, as I simply couldn't find any plate or illustration depicting the uniform the model was wearing. As a result I just 'picked out' the apparently fur-lined under-jacket with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and his sleeves/collar using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Finally, I applied plenty of "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the miniature's covered shako, and subsequently, having decided it looked a little too bright, gave the headgear a lick of "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and watered-down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The hat's peak and the figure's hair were finished off with a line or two of pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - These Soviet cosmonauts have been primed, shaded & dry-brushed

With my ninth Napoleonic Russian completed, I have settled upon assembling, priming, base-coating, shading and dry-brushing the remaining four Soviet Cosmonauts I own by "Black Site Studios". I don't admittedly have any particular intention of playing the company's 32mm scale Lunar skirmish game. But did think that I might adapt The Silver Bayonet for it - maybe using some house rules for space suit tears, patch repairs and oxygen/decompression issues, etc.

The kits really are quite fiddly to put together. However, once completed I have found myself still owning a massive amount of surplus weapons, equipment, hands, and arms. This has caused me to look at the range's website to see whether it would be worth investing in the models' STL (Standard Triangle Language) files, so I could simply produce some additional single-piece head/torso/legs to use them on - especially as it means not paying shipping from the United States. In addition, its clear the range has been greatly expanded upon, with different nationalities, types of astronaut and vehicles. All of which are very tempting...

"Every Country Has Their Experts..."

"...When it comes to investigating the supernatural."

This 28mm scale metal miniature of a Supernatural Investigator is sold by “North Star Military Figures", and is one of eight models which can be found inside their TSB031 - United States Unit box for The Silver Bayonet. I recently picked the set up whilst at "Colours 2024" and was rather pleased to see that the sculpt actually fits in perfectly well with my ever-growing Napoleonic range by "Wargames Foundry" - which happen to be a little smaller and stockier than many modern-day releases.

The monster expert was undercoated using my bog-standard mixture of "Warlord Games" Pitch Black and Vallejo Surface Primer Black, before having his shoes 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and his trousers pigmented with "Vallejo" Earth. The moustached man's pants were later shaded with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - This Rifleman is just having his final details 'picked out'

I then applied some "Two Thin Coats" Cold Corpse Blue to his jacket, darkened the coat down with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it with (more) Cold Corpse Blue by "Two Thin Coats". The chap's saddle-bag was efficiently painted using some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also took the time to patiently splodge each of the Investigator's buttons with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gold and a dollop of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Finally, the miniature's scarf was treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and the pages of his book given a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a weathering of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I did toy with the notion of making the tome's cover red or brown. But in the end kept it pure "Citadel" Abaddon Black - suggesting it might actually be a bible rather than a diary of some kind..?

"Black Site Studios" WIPs - Three primed Soviet Cosmonauts

My plan is to actually have the contents of the United States Unit box entirely painted before I attend the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in November for this year's "Warfare" wargaming show, so with this in mind I have already got going on the set's Rifleman. I must confess that this soldier's dark green and red uniform has really ignited an enthusiasm for the "Wargames Foundry" War of 1812 range, so I may well 'sneak' some Americans into my next Napoleonic order with the Newark-based manufacturer.

Something which has caught me completely off-guard though, is my discovery of the old Lunar - Core Game I pre-ordered from "Black Site Studios" way back in July 2021. This box has been sat in a cupboard since it arrived, as frankly I was rather put-off by all the tiny resin cast pieces the astronauts came in. But as I fancied something simple to paint alongside my Napoleonic soldiers - and these astronauts will receive pretty straightforward colour schemes, I thought I'd invest some considerable time in assembling the five Soviet Cosmonauts which were in the set...

"These Large And Aggressive Bears..."

 "...Are especially territorial when with their young."

This 28mm scale metal miniature is sold by “Wargames Foundry", and is one of three surprisingly heavy sculpts which can be found inside their GPR019 - Great Big Bellicose Bears blister. Whilst I'm currently focusing upon the Nottinghamshire-based company's Napoleonic range, I thought this particular packet would be perfect to represent a Grizzly Bear or two in "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games" - using the rules found in the game's "Canada" expansion book.

The furry beast was thus super-glued to a "Games Workshop" plastic 40mm circular base and undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Leather Brown and Heavy Sienna. It was then treated to a couple of layers of (pure) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being significantly shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Somewhat annoyingly, this process did result in some of the paint on the very edges of the bear's detail completely dissolving, so I had to dry-brush these areas again with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"Prussia's contribution to the French invasion of Russia was 20,842 men."

Finally, the entire model was treated to a lighter touch of some "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. With the bulk of the animal now complete I next applied some dollops of "Two Thin Coats" White Star to it's teeth and any claws which were showing through the base grit I'd previously applied. Along with the miniature's "Vallejo" Heavy Red tongue, these bits were later washed with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Continuing my obsession with "Wargames Foundry", I have also managed to pigment a fifth Prussian soldier from the set PN063 Infantry in Peaked Cap Marching. Crafted by Alan Perry, the figure was primed using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and had its dark-coloured jacket 'picked out' using a combination of Stormy Blue and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Prussian Officer is being progressed from the ground up

As with the rest of my contingent representing Frederick William III's army, I then gave the model's cuffs, collars, cap bands, and gun strap a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Whilst I applied "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to his rifle and backpack, Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the firearm's metal areas, and slapped some "Abaddon Black on the infantryman's boots, extra baggage, leather straps and epaulettes.

Due to my current desire to complete this particular element of my Coalition army before I move on to some of my other Napoleonic units, I've also begun work on an Officer from PN031 Infantry Command. In the short term I fancy using this particular figure either as the leader of a Prussian Silver Bayonet warband, or perhaps just a Junior Officer for my multinational party. However, looking ahead, the fellow will hopefully lead the foot elements of a much larger German contingent for Black Powder by "Warlord Games"...

"So Far, The 1813 Campaign In Germany Had Proved Indecisive."

"Napoleon had won victories at Lutzen, Bautzen and Dresden..."

These two 28mm scale metal models are manufactured by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of the eight-figure PN063 Infantry in Peaked Cap Marching blister. Sculpted by Alan Perry, I purchased this set way back in July 2023, and now, in the short-term at least, hope to use most of it's contents as Prussian Infantrymen for The Silver Bayonet by "Osprey Games".

The soldiers were primed using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and originally formed part of a batch-paint which would have seen the entire packet completed simultaneously. However, despite numerous attempts across the years such a technique simply doesn't work for me as I find the process utterly overwhelming once I reach the minutiae - so eventually they were progressed as a pair. 

"...Whilst his marshals had suffered defeats at Gross-Beeren, the Katzbach and Kulm."

Due to following the colour scheme shown on the Nottingham-based company's website, as I really have no idea as to Napoleonic Prussian uniforms, I applied some "Vallejo" Stormy Blue to the miniatures' jackets, and subsequently darkened them down with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for the cuffs, collars, cap bands, and gun straps, as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna with plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade on to his rifle and backpack.

I also applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil onto the metallic areas, such as their gun barrels, bayonets, and water bottles. Before tidying up the boots, extra baggage, leather straps and epaulettes with "Citadel" Abaddon Black - a colour choice which apparently designated the models as being Fusiliers.

"North Star Military Figures" WIPs - A Sailor, Supernatural Investigator and Native Scout

Sticking with my love of The Silver Bayonet rule-set, I've also settled down to pigmenting the eight figures found inside the official United States Unit warband box by "North Star Military Figures". I picked this particular starter unit up recently whilst at "Colours 2024", and had been hoping I might be able to mix them in with some of my "Wargames Foundry" miniatures. Sadly, some of these sculpts are noticeably larger than my old Perry soldiers, so I'll probably simply stick to the range for use when playing the game using its more supernatural elements and wandering undead.

To begin with I thought I'd work on some of the specialists I haven't fielded before, such as the Supernatural Investigator, Sailor and Native Scout. My plan is to complete the box by the time I visit "Warfare 2024" in November, and there pick up at least another warband, as well as some of the paranormal figures in the range...

“Colours" Showcase 2024

The entrance to Newbury Racecourse/"Colours" and view of the First Floor upon going inside

Due to the Newbury & Reading Wargames Society proudly announcing that "Colours" was once again happening this year, and that the entry price was still a "bargain five pound cash", I felt it would be rude not to make my annual pilgrimage up to Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire. Delightfully, I was far from being the only one to think so too, so having arrived at the venue a little earlier than I anticipated, and certainly well before the show opened, I joined a rather impressive looking queue outside in the sun.

Some of the marvellous, pre-painted miniatures on sale by "Pirate Rich Paints"

Just as I had last time, I thought I'd venture straight upstairs to the First Floor and for a short while enjoyed some relative calm and quiet with various stalls such as "Ironclad Miniatures", "Baccus 6mm", "Black Scorpion Miniatures", "Peter Pig" and "Tablescape". Of particular interest though was "Culverin Models", whose 3D printed science-fiction vehicles have always interested me ever since I first laid eyes on them. Indeed, I already own a few of the company's filament-produced transport carriers, as well as a handful of their STL (Standard Triangle Language) files too - many of which they have very generously sent me for free to test out on my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Three views of the Ground Floor

Having just about resisted 'pulling the trigger' within mere minutes of entering the building, I made my way back downstairs to face the general bedlam of a popular wargaming show already in full swing. As usual the likes of "Pendraken Miniatures" and "Westwind Productions" already looked rather busy, so I momentarily stopped at the "Warlord Games" area to have a look at their "Black Seas" range. Few followers of this blog will be surprised to know that I'm currently obsessed with the Napoleonic Wars, and resultantly have actually been watching a fair few documentaries about the period's naval battles, as well as Bonaparte's conquests on land.

Just a few of the impressive Napoleonic ranges on display by "Eagle Figures"

Despite knowing very little about the Nottingham-based manufacturer's selection of Age Of Sail era models, apart from the Terrors Of The Deep box which I once bought many moons ago on impulse, I've always felt their Master & Commander Starter Set looked rather good - especially as it contains nine vessels. Somewhat disappointingly though, I then saw the price of one of the larger ships, a Royal Navy 1st Rate, and frankly that was a costly investment I wasn't prepared to make at a time when I have little understanding of attaching laminated card sails, acetate ratlines and bobbins of thread to a 1/700th miniature ship. Definitely a project for the future though...

A smattering of the wares produced by "Mammoth Miniatures", Culverin Models and "Void Scar Miniatures"

Another stall which most definitely caught my attention, and almost my wallet, was "Perry Miniatures", which alongside selling “Let’s Fight Leipzig! Wargaming The Battle Of The Nations” by Steve Shann, were also stocking plenty of Napoleonic soldiers sculpted by the Perry Twins. Now having watched many a comparison video between "Wargames Foundry" figures and the more recent sculpts by Alan and Michael I'm well aware that my older models are a bit shorter and fatter than their latest stuff. But that didn't stop me mulling over their marvellous Brunswick range and thinking about whether my OCD could cope with the difference.

The Fantasy range by "Bifrost Miniatures", and "The Silver Bayonet" display of "Sarissa Precision"

Having now managed to survive a fair few close shaves when it came to splurging my limited funds, including a superb demonstration game of "Dead Man's Hand Redux" at the "Great Escape Games" booth, which had me very close to getting their new starter set for ninety quid. I finally wilted whilst visiting "Sarissa Precision", and picked up both the United States Unit for "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", as well as a pair of the game's expansion rulebooks.

The Japan-Korean War by Newbury & Reading Wargames

I always find the show's Second Floor a bit 'hit & miss' to be honest, as it contains both the Bring & Buy, and a number of exhibition/participation games. This year I didn't see anything second-hand which I was even remotely interested in, with the total absence of any "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonics proving particularly disappointing. But I did enjoy finding inspiration in a number of large-scale battles - such as The Leggetts' Salamanca 1812 "Black Powder" fracas, and Shepway Wargames' Russo-Finnish Winter War.

Salamanca 1812 by The Leggetts

A final tour of the Ground Floor traders saw me make a few obligatory purchases at "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", and pick up a couple of extras from "Magnetic Displays" and "Gringo 40's". In addition, whilst hunting around for some specifically coloured dice I realised that two show stalwarts, "EM-4 Miniatures" and "Two Fat Lardies" weren't at the event. I actually thought the "Lard Zone" from last year's wargaming spectacle was one of its highlights, so left Newbury Racecourse somewhat bemused that there hadn't been a repeat performance...