From SimonM: Proto Keelers + E-800 Exterminators by "Papsikels Miniatures" (40 Points)

These two 32mm scale Proto Keelers are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and were sent to me as a free STL (Standard Triangle Language) file as part of their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". The miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and are clearly inspired by the fledgling xenomorphs seen in Ridley Scott's 2017 science fiction action horror film "Alien: Covenant".

Unfortunately, one of the sculpts' hind legs repeatedly misprinted due to the area's pre-built supports failing, so I decided to strengthen the offending limbs by placing a couple of skulls produced by "Encounter Terrain" directly behind them. Both models were then super-glued onto a pair of "Citadel" plastic 40mm circular bases, primed using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Warm Grey, and shaded with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

I next gave the two figures a light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Warm Grey followed by a lighter dusting of plain White. Disappointingly, disaster struck at this stage with one of the aliens' arms snapping completely off. Luckily, the Water Washable Resin really takes super-glue well, so I was able to reattach the offending limb and continue on my merry way with only a night's delay. In addition, the elbow joint is arguably stronger now than it was before breaking.

In order to try and blend the dry-brushing together a bit better I swamped each miniature with a watered-down wash of (more) "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and subsequently picked out the softly-detailed mouths with a combination of "Vallejo" White and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, I decided to bloody the xenomorphs up a bit, as seen in the motion picture, so repeatedly dipped a torn piece of sponge into some diluted "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red, and sporadically dabbed each model with the Contrast Paint. This technique seemed to work rather well, and also allowed me to 'cover over' any mistakes, as well as the aforementioned broken joint.

Alongside my two Proto Keelers I have also pigmented seven 32mm scale E-800 Exterminators by "Papsikels Miniatures". These could be downloaded for free as part of a set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" The Exterminator December 2022 subscription service, and are clearly based upon James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd's science-fiction "Terminator" franchise.

Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, I thought these figures would be a good subject with which to try out some more of Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats paint range. So having primed the figures with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, I gave each killer robot a double-helping of Sir Coates Silver and a generous splash of Oblivion Black Wash.

Each android was then carefully dry-brushed with (more) Sir Coates Silver and had their eyes picked out with a spot of Demon Red and a dab of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, due to wanting their metallic hand-weapons to stand out a little bit from the rest of the E-800 Exterminators, I applied a second shade of Oblivion Black Wash to all the firearms and any ammunition feeds they were carrying.

Two x 32mm scale foot figure = 10 Points

Five x 32mm scale foot figure = 25 Points

Two x 32mm scale half foot figure = 5 Points

Total = 40 Points

Minion Miles: very sci-fi, very scary - nice!

From SimonM: Sauron by "Wizkids" (5 Points) + Super-Hero Bonus (20 Points) + Xeno Brood Sentry by "Papsikels Miniatures" (5 Points)

This 28mm scale pre-painted plastic model of Sauron was produced by “Wizkids” and is miniature number 029 from their Marvel “Heroclix” Wolverine & The X-Men range. After being bitten by mutant pterodactyls, physician Doctor Karl Lykos was transformed into a humanoid Pteranodon, who was "able to absorb the life force of others through touch." Created by Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, the Savage Lands mutate made its first appearance in the September 1969 issue of "The X-Men by "Marvel Comics".

Clipped from the figure's 'clicky' base and super-glued upon a plastic 25mm circular base, the super-villain was treated to a double-coat of Ethereal Green from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" paint range so as to cover up its previous paint-job, shaded in Battle Mud Wash, and thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) Ethereal Green. I then 'picked out' his tongue using a combination of Sanguine Scarlet and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before dotting in the energy vampire's mesmerising eyes with a smidgeon of "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer.

Finally, I applied two layers of Sorceror's Cloak from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" over Lykos' torn loin-cloth and shaded it with "Citadel" Druchii Violet. To be honest I had originally intended to pigment the garment in yellow, as per the miniature's 'official' paint scheme. But having recently played quite a bit the computer game Marvel Snap, I decided to go with the colour he wears on his digital card.

Having previously completed four Green Pass studio tasks (Sci-Fi, 1980's, Casting Couch & World Cinema), I decided to travel back the way I came so as to use Sauron as the perfect piece to bag my first Blue Pass at the Superheroes studio. Sure, the character has been a lifelong foe of the X-Men, but like so many classic villians, he's also been a hero at times - befriending the Lord of the Hidden Jungle, Ka-Zar, and ultimately sacrificing himself (by hurling himself off of a cliff) when he realised what a threat to Humanity he had become.

Alongside Doctor Karl Lykos' alter-ego, I have also pigmented a rather large 32mm scale Xeno Brood Sentry produced by "Papsikels Miniatures". The model can be downloaded for free as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon", and is based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly xenomorphs.

Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, the monster was super-glued to a "Citadel" 60mm circular base and primed in Doom Death Black by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats". I next gave the model an enthusiastic dry-brush of Scorched Earth and shaded it with Oblivion Black Wash to help make the creature's base layer look very dark indeed.

I next much more delicately (re)dry-brushed the models with (more) Scorched Earth, before applying a light highlight of Dust Bowl across all the prominent raised areas. Finally, to help better blend this all together, I gave the fearsome fiend an absolute drowning in Battle Mud Wash. This just left me needing to 'pick out' all the alien's metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, as well as apply a coat of Doom Death Black across its forehead and scorpion-like stinger tail.

One x 28mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

One x 32mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

Superheroes Studio Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 30 Points

From SimonM: Silvia Dela Torres by "Papsikels Miniatures" (5 Points) + The Casting Couch Bonus (20 Points) + Yeti by "Warlord Games" (15 Points)

These 32mm scale figure of Silvia Dela Torres is produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". Clearly based upon Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley from the "Aliens" science-fiction horror franchise, the model was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Having decided to use the sculpt as a test piece for "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" paint range, I took inspiration from the character's appearance in the 2014 survival horror video game developed by Creative Assembly entitled "Alien: Isolation" and primed my (not) Ripley with some Cold Corpse Blue. The model was then shaded using Oblivion Black Wash and dry-brushed with (more) Cold Corpse Blue.

With the main bulk of the figure pigmented, I slowly worked my way up by applying Scorched Earth and Battle Mud Wash to her boots, as well as Doom Death Black to the feisty officer's belt, zipper and wrist-bands. The fastener, buckle, belt studs and tracker device were subsequently 'picked out' using a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. I also applied a little White Star and a short time later, some Battle Mud Wash to the woman's vest. Finally, I gave all the flesh areas a base layer of Dwarven Skin, treated them to a splash of Flesh Wash, and then highlighted them back up with (more) Dwaren Skin. I also gave her hair a coat of Cuirass Leather and shaded this with Battle Mud Wash.

I thought this miniature would be a great way to continue my journey through Challenge Studios, as you can't get a more iconic action hero than Ripley, and this character propelled actress Sigourney Weaver into the spotlight as a movie star. As a result I thought the model would be a suitable submission for the Casting Couch Bonus.

Alongside my seventh 3D print by "Papsikels Miniatures" I have also pigmented three metal Yeti which were produced by “Warlord Games” as part of the Nottingham-based company's "special limited-time offer" Doctor Who: Web Of Fear set. Somewhat controversially given away for free with any orders of £75 or more, the blister also contained figures of Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart and Professor Travers, and was based upon Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln's February 1968 televised story "The Web Of Fear".

48mm in height, the "cuddly but ferocious" models were primed using two coats of Scorched Earth by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats". They were then drenched in Battle Mud Wash, before being dry-brushed with (more) Scorched Earth. As a final highlight, I gave each of the Great Intelligence's hairy automatons a light dusting of Dust Bowl. Lastly, the monsters' eyes were layered in White Star. treated to a coat of Skulker Yellow, shaded with plenty of Flesh Wash and later brightened with an extra dab of Skulker Yellow.

Released alongside several other 'free' "Doctor Who" related sets until "Warlord Games" licence for the BBC science fiction show expired at the end of 2022, these models caused quite some consternation on the "Doctor Who: Exterminate" Facebook page due to so many products being released simultaneously - and each requiring a separate £75 order to acquire them. Personally, considering that the manufacturer wasn't allowed to actually sell them, I'm just pleased to have got my hands on these big fellas, and whilst it's frustrating that I wasn't able to own all the 'new releases' before they disappeared, at least they were made available (for free) for those who wanted them.

32mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

Casting Couch Studio Bonus = 20 Points

3 x 32mm scale foot figures = 15 Points

Total = 40 Points

Minion Miles: very nice.  I did get a little chuckle with the Yeti figures as they look like very angry Michelin Men.  

From SimonM: Sardaukar by "Big Mr Tong" (25 Points) + Cheetah Aliens by "Papsikels Miniatures" (30 Points)

These five 28mm scale Sardaukar were sculpted by "Big Mr Tong" and can be downloaded for free as part of a ten-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from his "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon David Lynch's vision of the Emperor's elite warriors as first seen in his 1984 American science-fiction film "Dune", the miniatures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Each figure was undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. The super-human soldiers' belts were then 'picked out using a little "Vallejo" Steel Blue, and their firearms with Gunmetal. Finally, each model was entirely 'drowned' in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and the Sardaukar's distinctive green face-visor realised using a combination of "Scalecolor" White Alchemy and the "Citadel" Contrast paint Warp Lightning.

Alongside my second batch of Sardaukar (there is a third one coming to finish off the Emperor's forces) I have also pigmented Six 32mm scale Cheetah Aliens by "Papsikels Miniatures". These can be downloaded for free as part of a six-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service, and are clearly based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly xenomorphs.

Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, I thought these figures would be a good subject with which to try out Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats paint range. I was recently lucky enough to be sent the entire range to try out by Trans Atlantis Games, so immediately set to work priming the models with a single coat of Doom Death Black.

Originally, I had thought about making the monsters a dark yellow to try and tie them in being spawned from some hapless big cats. But this seemed to be too great a variance to the predominantly black, oily coloured killers shown on the Silver Screen. Then I spotted a statue of a xenomorph on all fours which H.R. Giger had exhibited at the opening of the Austrian Ars Electronica institute in 2013. The sculpture was a deep, dark brown with a solid black forehead.

Having resultantly been inspired I gave my figures a thorough dry-brush of Scorched Earth and shaded them all with Oblivion Black Wash to help make the layer very dark indeed. I then more delicate (re)dry-brushed the models with (more) Scorched, before applying a light highlight of Dust Bowl across all the prominent raised areas. To help better blend this all together, I finally gave the fiends an absolute drowning in Battle Mud Wash.

With the basics finished I set about 'picking out' all the aliens' metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, as well as applied a coat of Doom Death Black across their foreheads. As a final touch I super-glued some skulls I was sent as a freebie by "Encounter Terrain" to some of the "Citadel" 60mm oval bases, and turned them into semi-bloody trophies using a mixture of White Star. Battle Wash Mud and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Five x 28mm scale foot figure = 25 Points

Six x 32mm scale foot figure = 30 Points

Total = 55 Points

Minion Miles: why does the phrase "Nuke it from Orbit, its the only way to be sure" keep repeating in my mind?  Love the Alien feel 

From SimonM: Namaste Haiku by "C27 Studio" (7 points)

Thought I’d best get something in straight(ish) from the start, so I thought something large and reasonably straightforward would be a good place to begin…

This 40mm scale miniature of Namaste Haiku was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and is available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "C27 Studio". The 60mm tall sculpt is clearly inspired by Stan Lee's comic book co-creation - The Abomination, and designed to be used as an 'alternative' figure for the Marvel Crisis Protocol rule-set.

Along with a 75mm scale version, the model also comes with its own 50mm circular base. However, as I dislike trying to print off anything of that size which is supposedly (super) flat, I decided to just print out the rubble upon which Emil Blonsky’s alter-ego stands and then superglue it upon an 'official' spare plastic stand by "Atomic Mass Games". I then used some green-stuff to blend the join in, and primed the entire ensemble with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

‘Deliberately exposing himself to a greater quantity of the same gamma radiation that transformed Bruce Banner into the Hulk’, I decided to use the former KGB agent as an opportunity to test out some of "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" I've recently been sent by "Trans Atlantis Games" to trial. As a result, I applied a double-helping of Emerald Green over Haiku to use as a prime, shaded the miniature with Battle Mud Wash, and dry-brushed him with (more) Emerald Green. I later used a similar process for the rubble, swapping out "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" colours for "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Nuln Oil to as to match the basing palette I’ve previously used on my ‘official’ Marvel Crisis Protocol figures. 

I initially picked out the hideous lizard-like creature’s eyes, torn trousers, teeth, finger nails and toe nails with Doom Death Black by “Two Thin Coats”, and subsequently applied either White Star, Skulker Yellow or Marine Blue to the appropriate areas. With the exception of the monster’s clothing – which was given a liberal shade of “Citadel” Drakenhof Nightshade – all these parts were then washed with (more) Battle Mud Wash by “Two Thin Coats” so as to dirty them up. Finally, I went back in with some additional Emerald Green and Skulker Yellow to help tidy things up, as well as bring a little focus to the super-villain’s deep-set pupils.

One x 40mm scale foot figure = 7 Points

Total = 7 Points

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I always enjoy your posts Simon, as I get a doctoral class in superhero lore. :) 

This big green fella looks suitably imposing, especially with his nasty sharp white teeth and creepy baleful glowing eyes.  A great print and an even better paintjob - well done!

Welcome back to the Challenge, Simon!

- Curt