Wednesday 21 March 2018

Challenge VIII Last Post - A Monstrous Theme: 'The Second American Civil War (2020-?)' (170 Points)


Hello All!


Well, here we are at the finish line of Challenge VIII. I'm exhausted, a bit overstressed, but also absolutely delighted with how this year's event came off and all of this is due to our terrific participants and brilliant Challenge team. Bravo to you all!

First off, I have to confess that I found this edition to be a bit of a struggle as I became heavily involved in affairs at work which bordered on the Kafkaesque. This resulted in a significant portion of my spare time being absorbed away from hobby desk, putting out fires, extracting knives from backs, with little fun to show for it. All that I can say now is thank goodness for our rock-solid band of Minions who were more than capable in steering the ship, keeping it happy and skipping along. Thanks so much team, I could not have done it without you.

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My last entry is a bit of guilty self-indulgence. 


While my first love is 19th century history, closely followed by the Renaissance, I've always had a ghoulish fascination of modern and contemporary conflicts. I know that for many, ultra-modern warfare is a no-go zone, as it's often felt to be just 'too close' for comfort, too near to home. I completely understand this and can sympathise, but for me wargaming is often a measure to the morality play within our society and I like to play around outside the norms.

Several years ago I wrote a piece on my blog where I reflected on wargaming, history and morality. I know, kinda heavy stuff for a toy soldier blog, but anyway, I recently reviewed the post and all the well-considered comments from those who read it. 

So I want to try something in the ultra-modern vein, but I find myself not particularly interested in gaming the stereotypical white special forces guys operating in third world countries, killing brown and black people. Instead I want to explore the divisions in our own western society by taking our contemporary narrative to an extreme conclusion, a narrative where civil war has broken out in North America. Yes, its sort of a poke in the eye to our civilized sensibilities, something provocative to fly in the face of our Western sense of superiority. Refuting the idea that 'it could never happen here'. 


So I present to you the beginning of my vision of 'The Second American Civil War (2020-?)'. 


I won't go into the background here as its quite long-winded and perhaps a bit contentious. If you're interested please feel free to visit my blog in a few weeks where I'll post more background on this project. Like many these projects it will probably never see completion, but that's not what this is about. It will simply serve as a silly vehicle for my indulgent, sardonic, very personal opinion of the human condition from a Western geopolitical perspective.

Anyway, enough blather, on to the the miniatures!



The miniatures and figures pictured here are from a fairly wide variety of sources.

First, a team of MAGA Militia in their distinctive red baseball caps. These guys are from Spectre Miniatures. Great sculpts, though the weapons are 'true scale' which means rather fragile.





Then we have a team of generic, very well-equiped urban survivalists. Perhaps ex-members of a local SWAT team. These chaps are from Hasslefree miniatures. A bit larger than your average 28mm figures but beautiful models to work on.





Then four members of a Mexican Sicario hit team. As a certain silly Orange Man described them, they are 'Bad Hombres'. These are from Spectre Miniatures.






Finally a trio of local survivors just trying to stay alive. I imagine these as ex-military service personnel armed and clothed in an ad-hoc mixture of gear and equipment. These three are also from Spectre.




I'm imagining several more factions, militias, cults, etc. which should be fun and perhaps raise an eyebrow or two. :)

The terrain shown here is a mix of stuff as well. 


The gas station is from Sarissa Precision. It was a incredibly fun kit to work on. Due to the setting I have in mind, I really went nuts on weathering it. Sarah says I need an old Coke machine out front and a bunch of windblown newspapers around the pumps - as usual, she's absolutely right.






The billboard is from our good friend Byron over at Northern Lights Terrain and Gaming Suppies. A great little kit that was easy to assemble and fun to weather up.




The two wrecked cars are from 'The Walking Dead' terrain boxed set. I think it has 4  plastic vehicles, half a dozen barricades and a bunch of other scatter for around 30 bucks - Really, an incredible value for what you get in it. I picked this up at 'Crisis' this past autumn and DaveD was kind enough to send it over The Pond to me so I didn't have to lug it around Europe for the rest of our vacation. Thanks so much Dave! 


The green wrecked car is a resin model from Armorcast. 



The Jersey concrete barriers and oil drums are 3D prints from Thingiverse. 




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Now, the final administrative bits.

The announcement on the various prizes will be in a little over two weeks (Sunday, April 8th). These will be:

- The six Threshold prizes for 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 points.

- Judges Choice (chosen by me)

- Sarah's Choice (chosen by Lady Sarah)

- Challenger's Choice (chosen by you lot!)

- Awards for the top finishers in the points standings

For Challenger's choice we're going to do it similar to previous years. I want all of the participants to send me their top three choices of the Challenge. The deadline is next Sunday (the 25th). It does not have to be in any particular order as I will place them a big gallery and we can all vote from the entire group of nominations. That way we'll all get reminded of all the excellent work that was produced during the Challenge. I'll give out prizes for the top three on April 8th.

Again, a HUGE thanks to this year's Minions: Jamie, Michael, 
Miles, Millsy, Ray, Sander and Sidney - I could not have kept this show on the road without you. You guys were amazing.

The past three months were amazing.

YOU all were amazing.

And as tired as I am, I'm already looking forward to the next one. :)


Thanks again everyone for indulging me in my madness.

Curt


76 comments:

  1. Really nice modern day figures and interesting premise,the petrol station is fantastic!
    Best Iain

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  2. What a way to finish the show! Outstanding piece Curt.

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  3. Fantastic entry Curt, thank you again, another Challenge complete.

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    1. Thanks Ken, delighted to have you with us.

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  4. Curt couple of things. the 2nd civil war is a very interesting idea with tons of opportunities. As always your work is awesome. secondly thank you. I think the standard and output this year has been the best ever. Minions don't need thanks, just bananas. "Bananas"

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    1. Haha! Thanks Martin. I'll have to think of switching over to bananas or perhaps alcohol. :)

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  5. > I'm exhausted, a bit overstressed, but also absolutely delighted with how this year's event came off
    Business as usual then for the tail end of the Challenge :-)

    A cracking entry to finish things off mate. Well done.

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    1. :) thanks Millsy and thanks for your help

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  6. Excellent work and I'm looking forward to seeing this project develop over time :)

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    1. Just a thought - this project could easily overlap with your Metro 2033 project.

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    2. I'm already ahead of you M'dear. The two themes work are almost seamless really.

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  7. Well I have to say I enjoyed that and will look forward to see it evolve. But my favourite has to be the "Rump" sign...........I am still laughing. It it sort of fits especially where I read yesterday that the MAGA leader is trying to ban any label warning on processed food. You really can not make any of this up, so I suspect you will really run with this project!

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    1. Haha, yes it was fun creating that. I still have the other side to fill with a banner. I need to think of something topical and irreverent - as you say, it shouldn't be hard. :)

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  8. A great way to sign off on the Challenge. Well done Curt and all the Minions on another amazing celebration of our mad mad hobby.

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    1. Thanks Lee! You had a terrific Challenge this year. Now, go and enjoy your Zulus. :)

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  9. Great final entry, Curt - let's do this again next Northern winter!

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    1. Thanks Ev! See you next antipodean summer! :)

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  10. Hi Curt,

    that's a perfect last post to close the challenge. A tremendous project and some really great pices!

    Although I didn't participate this year I followed the challenge and once more I cannot express how much I enjoyed to follow the various projects and the wonderful collection of eye candy that was presented here. Kudos, Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Actually I wanted to follow your invention to contribute a guest entry but somehow it seems my email hasn't reached you in time. I have to check that bloody email app... :-(

    Best regards
    Stefan

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    1. No, I have it but will post it up in the next day or so along with everyone's group shots.

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  11. This has been the first time that I have followed the Challenge and it has been a blast. It was great and very inspiring to see all those wonderful contributions and great fun each day to come over and see which posts there would be. Even for a simple onlooker a great black hole looms! Thank you all, for the inspiration and the entertainment! I will be looking forward to the next Challenge.

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    1. Well, I'm delighted that you enjoyed the event. Like many things, its strength is in it's component parts - my part of it is easy. :)

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  12. Interestig last post. Seems a bit "Very British Civil War" in insperation. Great work again this year I look forward to doing it again.

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  13. Amazing final entry Curt! And thank you (and the minions) once again for organizing this wonderful event!

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    1. Cheers Samuli! Looking forward to seeing you out next year.

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  14. A brilliant way to end - and fitting. The Billboard is superb, and maybe a good example of the kind of "commentary" you're hoping for from this project. From the outside (UK) the US already seems hugely divided, so your premise is perhaps not too far from a possible future.
    Thanks again for letting me take part in what has been an exhilarating ride. It's been nothing short of inspiring, and I'll be scanning my emails in November for notice of challenge number IX.

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    1. Thanks Noel. It was wonderful to have you with us. Now that you've broken your duck you'll have a better idea of what to expect for the next one. Start priming now! ;)

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  15. What a great entry Curt! It is amazing how even just 100km away from the states how absolutely bonkers it looks down there. While the entry is hilarious, it is also truly scary as well, simply because of how scary the states are right now. I remember laughing at how crazy and what a sad state the USA was in, in the movie "Idiocracy"... However, now that movie would be an improvement on what's going on down their!

    What a great collection of figures and paint jobs in this project though, with so many ways to expand it! You obviously need a "Wall" behind the gas station paid for by the murderers and rapists, oh wait, I see it now, the only wall that would ever get paid for by them is already built! Meaning no wall. At least one asinine idea the orange monkey had has not come to pass yet.

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    1. Thanks Byron. Yes, it's a rich vein to tap into. Really, I figure who needs to game raiding Afghan villages when you have things like 'sanctuary cities', 'The Deep State' and the most well-armed population on the planet.

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  16. A brilliant last post in Challenge VIII, Curt! Really exciting to see where you take this. It's been a wonderful experience - thanks again so much!

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    1. Thanks Sidney! You were absolutely brilliant leading the Monday crowd.

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  17. Sometimes I get the feeling you're not a fan of the "Greatest President in the history of the USA"...

    The terrain is obviously the star here, I especially like the gas station! Great stuff

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    1. LOL, I can hear the sarcasm!!! I honestly think the last president was one of the Greatest. While I did not agree with all of his policies or views, you could always listen to him, understand his rational for his beliefs and views, and see where he was coming from, even if you didn't agree. He was funny, smart, outgoing, approachable. Did he have issues, sure everyone does. But you could honestly see that he cared and tried, even if you didn't agree. The current one.... wow, no idea even were to start!

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    2. I think Obama summed it up very elegantly when first questioned about Trump's presidential victory: 'You get the politicians you deserve.'

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  18. I really like this! Great job!

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    1. Thank you Deb. It was wonderful featuring your talented brushwork this year.

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  19. A wonderful challenge this year - and a great final entry. To help with your research on this new project I've decided to make a donation in your name to the Orange Ones 2020 re-ellection campaign or bail fund (whichever comes first). In addition, I've ordered some very nice memorabilia from the MAGA website which gets you two mailing lists - the Trump Organizations supporters list and that one maintained by the Canadian security services.

    You're welcome

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    1. Haha! I'm sure I'm already on a few 'lists' already, but thanks Miles, your'e a prince. :)

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    2. Miles can I suggest an NRA membership and a subscription to Guns and Ammo or Soldier of Fortune?

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    3. I tried to sign him up to the NRA but, sadly, Curt failed to meet their membership requirements. He does have a lifetime subscription to G&A, so at least there's that.

      Curt - I knew your entry was missing something and it just came to me - there's no Boss Monster. I suggest adding a Stormy Daniels figure as she is the one person most likely to take the orange idiot down on campaign finance law violations.

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    4. Yes, I was disqualified from membership as I failed to omit the fact that I have a social conscience (and well, I'm not an American).

      It's a sad testimony of our times when the fate of the American presidency may be hinged on the testimony of an adult film star.

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  20. Just had an awesome idea for another billboard Curt. You should totally have one advertising John Oliver's Marlon Bundo book that just came out trolling Mike Pence!

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    1. Yes, that would be a good one. I think there's a funny stink bug in it that would be good on a billboard.

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    2. That is EXACTLY the image I was thinking of!! :-) Great minds!

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  21. What a fantastic way to end the Challenge. So many opportunities for comic, horror or comically horrible scenarios. I feel the need to paint up some lightly armed hipsters and antifa types.

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    1. Yes!! I so need armed hipsters (one hand holding a Starbucks coffee) and grossly overweight armed militia.

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  22. Dear Curt, thanks so much for anoather very wonderful Challenge. This is my third edition already and I have enjoyed as it was the first time. I may be wrong but the submissions this year were one the best I've seeing, and actually I have downloaded many photos in my laptop to be used as inspiration in future painting projects. A word of appreciation too to the minions for their hard work. I'll really miss the daily pokingf around at breakfast time in this blog.

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    1. Delighted you enjoyed yourself Benito. Your Napoleonic work was inspirational and I picked up some helpful tips in reading your posts. Thanks again and see you next season.

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  23. Excellent . Look forward to a battle report

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    1. Gosh, I haven't even thought about gaming with them yet. ;)

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  24. What a stunning final entry Curt fantastic figures and buildings very cool indeed

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  25. Great end to the challenge Curt. Well done on the figures, vehicles and terrain. Having seen the sneak preview last weekend, I was expected something like this to appear.

    Great job organizing the challenge Curt! It's been a blast.

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    1. Thank you Peter. It's always wonderful to have you as a regular participant/inmate. :)

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  26. The work in your post is superb to the extreme, both figures and terrain, but that should surprise no one here! On the Challenge I could write a 100 words an I will, but not just yet. I am a bit sad it's over and I really do not want to make the "overview picture" because that really is the end. But I am also very grateful, to you for organising this event yet again, to you for letting me be a minion, for the minions for their superb work, for Miles who truly is the Guru of spreadsheets, for "my" Tuesday crew for being "Proper Bastards", for all those brilliant other Challengers who make this the best hobby related event in the year and for Ray for letting us badger him all Challenge long and taking it like a sandbag all the way! Have I reached those 100 words already? Well anyway: THANK YOU!

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    1. Thanks very much for your kind words Sander, your good natured minioning was tremendous and a lot of help.

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  27. A somewhat disturbing topic, but brilliantly executed nonetheless. I‘m eagerly looking forward to read your background for this setting. I might fancy doing something similar set in Europe.
    Thanks for running the challenge once more. It was a fantastic ride again and I enjoyed myself immensely.

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    1. A disturbing topic from a matching mind. Thanks Nick! As Tamsin says, these will dovetail nicely with my Metro 2033 collection.

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  28. Superb final entry Curt. I do like Alternate history and I’m sure Mr.Turtledove would be all over this.

    Thanks for the opportunity to share in the Challenge. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to IX as that rhymes with wine and that sounds like a spiffing idea...

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    1. Haha, yes it does have a certain Turtledovian bent to it. Now that you mention wine I feel the need to toddle off to the rack...

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  29. Rump. Make America Eat Again. Love it! Excellent painting and the terrain is great. The challenge is great and it always bring out inspiration. It can create an interesting shopping list with exposure to cool miniatures and terrain now. Well done Curt. Cheers mate.

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    1. Thanks Brendon - it will open a whole new avenue of hobby acquisitions... Don't tell Sarah.

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  30. An excellent last entry Curt. I do like the plastic transparent bases, and of course the Trump sign, now who wouldn't love that!!!
    Thanks for all the hard work during the Challenge, its been a blast.

    PS Fellow Reject Lee H, said to me, he'd love to be a Minion in the next Challenge......don't tell I told you though!!!

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  31. Not afraid to dip into controversy! Lovely paint jobs, and I’ll be following along with interest. Thank you for enabling this magnificent coming-together of hobbyists each year- dare I say you’re Making Analogue Great Again?

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    1. Haha! Thanks Barks and thanks again for being such a great supporter of the event. See you next time out.

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  32. I'm currently having fun in Adepticon, and the WiFi gladly let's me view the blog!
    This is a wonderful entry, Curt. It may be entirely too apt. I dislike both liberal and conservative players as I doubt it would've been much different if the criminal Clinton had won. Neither side knows compromise. I'd be the vet military type or "get off my lawn!" ;)
    I really like the different factions and the terrain very much ( I think that's the gas station I get my coffee from! Lady Sarah is correct, you need a soda machine! ;)
    I had an excellent time in the challenge this year and providing I don't get deployed I'll be very enthusiastic to return next season.
    It's wonderful fun to be a small part of this.
    I'm off to find the alleged Bob Murch booth! ;)

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    1. Thanks David - Enjoy your time at the con!

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  33. Hilarious stuff dude. Well done. I love the sign.

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  34. Oh gosh this projects has lots of mileage. I can see you’ll have lots of fun with it.

    A Canadian intervention force, perhaps...

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    1. Yup, many scenarios laced with black humour are in the works (most of which I won't be able to blog about). :) A Canadian intervention force would be great. Armed with hockey sticks, smug self indignation and apologising at every opportunity. ;P

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