From SebastianR: Rolling up to the [Front Desk] (22 points)

This might seem like a laggardly first entry, especially when you consider that it consists of only a single mini, and a 8mm one at that, but I have been painting consistently since the 20th. Ok the 21st or so. The thing is, like previous years, I have done a lot of the challenges out of order for one reason or another.

I really did start this challenge with the attitude that I would focus purely on getting the backlog done, but as time wore on I realised that more and more things I needed to paint fit the criteria of various library locations, if only I could buy myself time, and a few space fillers.

But you don't care about my process. Here's a Legions Imperialis Predator.

And y'know, s'fine.

Not only was this a newly acquired miniature from the newly delivered Legions Imperialis it was my first time working with contrasts, and yeah, that also works fine. I think there's some trick to them that I haven't mastered yet.

Unlike Martjin [I think you mean GregB?] I don't have a lengthy and amusing rant about the system, the models, or Games Workshop's business practices, but I do suspect that the only thing preventing buyers remorse is the fact that I got the beginner box at a knock down price with some store credit at my FLGS. It has inspired my to play Epic in general for what it's worth.

The reason that only one vehicle is appearing in this post is that this was supposed to be a test paint, so worried was I of scale fade and the newly acquired paints. In the end I put contrasts on four vehicles, three predators and a freebie model of the month from GW.

From left to right, Ork Flesh, Absolution Green (army painter), Absolution Green/Black Templar, Absolution Green over "light" grey. (N.B. The colours aren't coming through particularly true).

The final entry actually looks like Dark Angels green, the colour I was trying to avoid as it just looks black at game distances. Honestly, I think I've hit a relatively good compromise between out the bottle convenience and colour even if it is maybe a bit light.

2 points for the vehicle and 20 for the location. Simples.

Not gonna lie, the model-painting-points to bonus-points ratio has (I'm pretty sure) set a new Challenge record. HOWEVER, I do like this model, and congrats for getting ANYTHING from Games Workshop at a discount. LI is certainly very cool and I'm looking forward to more of it from you!

Can I ask a favour though? In your posts next week could you please type in the number and scale of models that you painted for the entry? It really helps when I'm inputting the scores. Thanks!

Twenty-two points to open your ledger sir!

Dallas

From JimG: Ork Trukk, Overdues and Returns (50 points)

Hey there! Long time listener; first-time caller. 

My first post for the challenge is one of the most long suffering models in my backlog: the humble Ork Trukk. I've had this kit for at least 8 years.

I haven't played a game yet of 10th Edition, but here we are with a model so coveted in the current meta that you can't find them online. Clearly, painting this thing is far overdue.

There are plenty more Orks to paint in the backlog that will involve significant kitbashing, so I decided this one should stay basic. I've swapped the heads out on driver and gunner, but otherwise everything is stock.

As a former librarian and current professor, I definitely dig the whole library challenge this year. Who knows, I might even find an orangutan in my pile to paint up...

POINTS:

28mm Vehicle = 20 points 

Overdues and Returns = 20 points 

Total = 40 points

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Welcome to the Challenge Jim! 

Your opening entry is a doozy! What a magnificently shambolic Ork Trukk. There is so much to like with this model, especially your work on all the various details and the overall weathering. I'm also quite impressed with your apocalyptic backdrop and photography - it really sets the scene for the vehicle and its loonatic crew. 

I'm going to give you a few extra points for the driver, gunner and sheer size of the model.

Terrific work!

- Curt

From Barks- Old and new (Front Desk) (Fantasy) (85 points)

I'm stomping my way into the library. My first entry is my most recent acquisition, the new Biovore sculpt. This is a 40K Tyranid with a symbiotic ranged weapon* on its back. This spits out spore mines, which are exploding jellyfish balloon thingies. I really like spore mines as a concept.

Biovore and friends

He's on an 80mm base.

Biovore

Love me some spore mines

The sculpt is rather nice, and the 'gun' can be removed entirely or replaced with one that sprays acid as a close-support 'nid (a 'Pyrovore'). It's a bit of a challenge to parse the sculpt and work out which bits are claws, shell, armour, fleshy bits etc.

Pyrovore

No ranged weapon. A useful xeno-arachnid thingy.

I was going to place this next entry under 'Overdues & Returns', but was a bit bamboozled by the well-trod library pathways. Luckily, it fits under 'Fantasy'. These are Razorwings from the Battlelore boardgame. I got them back in 2015 and they've followed me on multiple house moves etc. I keep a list of miniatures to do during a Challenge, and these have stayed on it for many years, neglected. No more! They're AP Speedpaints; mostly Warrior Skin and Ruddy Fur.

Battlelore Razorwings

1x 28mm bug: 15 points?

6x flying beasties: 24 points?

Front desk: 20 points

Fantasy: 20 points

* Frankly I find the idea of a bug that can shoot, offensive.

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Welcome back to the Challenge, Barks!

Terrific opening gambit, sir. I really like both your giant bats and your Biovore, though I, who has an almost pathological fear of spiders, must agree with you that the whole concept of malicious bugs sporting guns to be rather horrifying - but I guess that's the whole point.

Let's pitch the Biovore as a small vehicle (15), but the rest as 28mm 'infantry', so 85 points total.

I look forward to your oncoming entries, Barks!

- Curt 

From SanderS: Spreading the WAAAAAGH! (30 points)

 Dear Everyone,

Another Challenge has started and I for one am eager to get at the brushes and  slap some paint on mini's! That said I am astonished at the rate with which you people are able to produce painted figures, well done all of you. 

During these first few days of the Challenge I only have managed to finish one single miniature and start on a few more for the next post.

This Challenge sees me going all-out GW fanboy with almost exclusively Games Workshop products mostly Oldhammer stuff what with the release of the Olde World around the corner, more about this later.

I started the Challenge library at the Front Desk as one should and I have realised I will probably not finish all the halls but when I post figures for the Library, I will try to accompany them with a suitable book. This post sees me post that reddest of Goblins: da Red Gobbo a seasonal release that GW has been selling since 2020 or so? This is the 2021 version complete with his trusty squig Bounca. 

He can be used in games of 40K but I guess I will not be doing that since I do not own an Ork army (yet). So for now he will sit in the showcase and await his chance to create some chaos.

As far as points go I gues this 28mm figure is worth 5 points together with the Library bonus is 25 points right? 

As for the future, my prep has almost fully focussed on the recreation of a Bretonnian army that I wanted so badly back in the days that WFB was still a living thing. The re-emergence of Ye Olde Worlde has seen a frenzy of gathering old school miniatures and I have quite the collection now as you can see from the picture below. You can also see the Castle I am printing for them to live in and fight over which I hope to paint up as well this Challenge if time and health (not to forget weather for priming) permit me. 

The story of how I got this brilliant army will have to wait till the first unit has been painted but for now the picture will have to suffice. 

Cheers Sander

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First thing, welcome back to the Challenge, Sander! Your rendition of da Red Gobbo is fabulous. I especially like how you've painted the festive decorations and the snow base. Like you, I'm also keenly anticipating the release (re-release?) of Warhammer Fantasy. I love seeing the pic of all the Bretonian models that you've managed to amass in preparation (and that castle looks magnificent). I very much look forward to seeing this project get off the ground during the Challenge! 

As to points, let's count da Red Gobbo as a 'New Acquisition' for the 20 point bonus AND as a 28mm cavalry figure for 30 total. You can amend your map accordingly for your future planning!

- Curt

From BruceR: Tank Crew and Spanish Guerilla - For 'Front Desk' and 'History' (80pts)

Holiday greetings to one and all (especially miniature painters).   It's great to be back.   I was able to sneak away from work on Friday afternoon and started my challenge journey.

I'm entering the Analogueville Public Library  at the front desk with five British tank crew recently given to me by a 3d printing friend.  They are TrenchWorx files and have great character.  One has his ride and the other four wait the completion of their steeds.  I much prefer my armor to have figures on board as it gives the AFV so much more character to have leaders and drivers on board. I painted US crew  last challenge and they really bring the vehicles to life. 

 

I propose 10 points as they are 28mm, yet only half a body, plus the Front desk + new acquisitions. 

 

Walking through the shelves I naturally head to the history section.  Here I journey into Napoleons ulcer, Spain.  These figures are North Star and from the Spanish guerrilla section.  I enjoy painting these figures as they are bulky, making painting easy, and the guns tend not to bend.  These six add another group to my Sharp Practice Spanish forces.  Who would not wish to go into battle sporting a top hat.  Hope you like them. 

 

Here I have 6 28mm for 30 points plus proposing the History section of the library for 50 total. 

 

Points

10 points for 5 half figure 28mm

20 points for the Front Desk

30 points for 6 28mm figures

20 points for the History section

 

80 points Total

It's Christmas and here is my gratuitous puppy shot (my son is home with his black and whites)

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First, great puppy shot, Bruce! What a house-full you have with those lovely K9s in the mix!

These minis look terrific. The tank leaders are awesome. As you say, they will bring some added character and life your Commonwealth armour. I also really like your Spanish Guerrillas, especially the two with the patterned blankets over their shoulders. I'm going to have to pick up a set of those to augment my collection - thanks for bringing these to our attention is such a smashing fashion. 

Merry Holidays!

- Curt