From RobH : Leonardo Da Vinci Tank/Turtle Car (Vehicle 7 Points)

My first entry for this year's challenge is the Da Vinci tank by Alternative Armies. Not much to add. I was thinking about using it as an element in a HOTT army, but IMO it doesn't properly fit on a 40 mm element so I mounted it on a 50 mm square. It now appears more appropriate to be a camp (Renaissance Tank Park) as opposed to an actual combat element.

From Ray

Nice one Rob, a great start to this years Challenge. I remember try to draw this bugger for my Art O'level back in the 80's. I failed miserable unlike you my good man!
What ever you use it for be it a tank, or camp its a great looking model.
And not a badger in sight!
Da Vinci's tank shall earn you 6 points but I'll add a bonus point for posterity, making a 7 points!

From RossM: Last Post and Curtgeld (30 Points)

So here we are at last, the last few hours and the realization that I didn't have until midnight on the 20th to finish a few extra bits for the last post.

The main part of this entry goes to my part of the Curtgeld figures painted by myself - centre front - and Russ G  - rear left and right. Russ has already submitted his figures to the blog here and it was up to me to paint Penda, the Last Saxon King himself and base the other two figures. The figures are available from Gripping Beast.

Apologies on the pictures however, there is no natural light at midnight in Scotland at this time of year so there is a cast from the daylight bulbs at the painting table.

The axe was placed with the cutting edge facing backwards on purpose almost like a statement to the Christian Saxons that ultimately killed Penda; here is my axe and hammer of my foes.

Hope that you like him and will get this sent to Curt as soon as possible.

Next is a warmachine for Hordes of the Things, in 15mm from Alternative Armies range of undead, not much else to say.

Points from this post

1 x 28mm figure - 5
1 x Curtgeld       - 20
1 x 15mm war m/c - 4

Total 29

Thanks again for a superb challenge and looking forward to VIII already. As always its is great to see everyone else's work showcased in the one place; to admire and learn from everyone's painting and effort to our shared hobby. Peace and respect to all and a raised glass to Curt as organizer and to all of the minions for making this possible for us all.

Cheers, Ross

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Wow, Penda and the other two warriors are just fantastic, thanks so much Ross! I really like your explanation of his reversed axe - that's so hardcore! I love it. Now I have to go read more about this Dark Age hero and plan for a SAGA force to accompany him. Yes, it never ends (gladly).

Penda and your freaky undead catapult will give you 30 points with a bit of a round-up.

Thanks again Ross and I hope we'll see you next year.

From RossM - Mixed Historical, Fantasy and Sci Fi (146 points )

Another mixed entry as the challenge moves into the final weeks frenzy of painting. Below are four Universal Carriers from Frontline Wargames. From left to right there are MKII with canopy, MKII with canopy, WASP and another MKII. All are 20 (1/76) scale.

On a previous entry some of the constructive feedback was that there was no weathering, so here is the first attempt at the very same. Perhaps over cautious, however felt that this was the best approach until am more confident with the weathering powders.

Only the two canopied MKII have weathering added on.

Next is the only sci-fi figures painted in this year's challenge so far, and these are from Ground Zero Games New Israeli range in 15mm which will be used in Critical Mass at some point in the future.

Next is the bulk of a Hordes of the Things army in 15mm from Alternative Armies. Shown here are seven stands of undead skeleton warbands, 1 stand of wraith lurkers and 1 stand of ghouls.

A simple colour scheme and quick and easy to paint, starting with a bone undercoat, dark wash and dry brushing in various bone colours to highlight. Deliberately picked a limited pallette for these and on the whole am quite pleased.

So to recap there are

4 x 20mm vehicles at 12 points each: 48 points
2 x 15mm crew weapons at 4 points each: 16 points
41 x 15mm undead infantry at 2 points each: 82 points

For a total of 146 points which sees the challenge barrier passed.

Hoping to have another entry before the finish line.

Cheers for now

ByronM: A great entry here Ross and Congrats on getting over your challenge goal!  I like that you tried something new with powders, that's a lot of what I use the challenge for myself, trying new things and trying to constantly learn and grow as a painter.  I like the effect, it helps break up the colour and you can see that most obviously in the picture that has some with and some without.  With weathering and especially with powders, you can really go at it, and they just keep looking better so don't be afraid to play with it.  Also, if you go to far, grab a wet brush and just wipe it off!  If you want to play further, they give great effects when put on wet, they make a pastel like paint, or you can use rubbing alcohol as a setting agent as well.  Lots of stuff to play with.  If you want real hints and tricks look up James Wappel's blog, that guy is a master with them and teaches you how is easy to follow videos and posts.

Anyway, again, awesome stuff here, I like all the varied figures and painting in this post, and congrats!