From ValeryN: A Few Tanks (102 Points)

Hello everybody! I've painted a few more tanks for my Soviet army.

The first unit - 8 heavy tanks IS-2. From these tanks during the Second World War formed separate units - a breakthrough heavy tank regiments.

The second unit - 9 tanks М3 "Stuart" that supplied the UK in the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease system.

So my army is supplemented by 102 points

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Great work Valery! Those heavy IS-2s are terrifying monsters, only to be heightened by the comparatively cute Stuarts.  I like the patriotic slogans you've put on some of the turret sides and hulls.  Well done!

From ByronM: Rail Golem and Butcher (17 Points)

A small entry today of only two figures.  First up is the Rail Golem I talked about in my West Theme week entry last Sunday.  I just could not get the glow done in a way I liked last week to include with the rest of my Chinese Rail Crew for Malifaux, so this guy was delayed until now.

He is a huge model and I decided to paint him as all real metallic paint in various shades (gun metal, natural steel, oily steel, and silver) of vallejo metallic and then apply washes and then re-highlight it.  I was not going to even attempt to do NMM on something this big, I may be insane, but not that insane!  I think the real metallic look good on him and turned out well, so its all good. Once the metallic was done I went back with some vallejo rust colours (brown, orange, red rust) that were very thinned down (like 1 part paint, 10 parts water) and just slopped some into recessed around panel seams where rust would accumulate. This is my normal rust method and I think it works well enough.

 

With that all done, it was onto the glow areas.  I look at the model and see a glowing furnace grate at the front and several exhaust ports and vents around the model.  I wanted to show the heat on him and have it escaping these areas.  I tried several ways and had to repaint the metal around these areas a few times as I tried different methods.  In the end I used an airbrush to get the glow in with a soft fade.  However, after 3 different attempts with the airbrush this was the best I could get, and while I am still not happy with the glow, it as as good as I can make it right now. I guess I have to do some more reading and learning on how to go about it to make it look like I want.  I have the right colours, but to me it still just doesn't look right. If anyone has any tips, I am more than happy to listen!

Oh and one more shot with the rest of the Chinese Rail Crew so far, just so you can see how big he is!

Secondly, is a figure I started way back on week one which then got shoved aside, the Butcher from Kingdom Death.

The story of the Butcher is that he is a lone warrior that wanders the horror lands that are Kingdom Death.  A place with no sun and no light, other than what the lanterns give off.  He hunts down the various survivors in the land to slaughter and eat.  He then takes souvenirs from them to attach to his great cloak, as well as their lanterns for light so he can find more victims.  Yeah, it's a pleasant kinda place where this is one of the less evil monsters that exist... 

Being that there is no external light, I kept everything very dark on him, with lots of shadow and very little highlighting.  While maybe too limited a palette, I figured that once I added the light from the lanterns it would work ok.

This model was another I wanted some OSL lighting on, like the golem above.  Here I tried a completely different method as the light was from much smaller areas.  I used wet dotting to try and get the effect.  While it has some of the OSL look I am trying to get, I am not really happy with it either, to me it looks to impressionist in appearance, and while I know that some people may like impressionist art, I have always felt it was just a way for artists that couldn't really paint to still sell paintings by giving it a fancy label (kind of like Modern """art""" (three quotes because even three times removed from the word art, it may still not be removed enough to associate it with art). 

Either way you feel about the impressionist look, it kinda' works with the figure, but still looking for a better way, it was just a trial at another painting method.  Again, open to ideas, but he may just stay like this as I have a second I can try different things on.

Oh, and don't get me wrong on either model.  I like my painting on them for the base colours, I am not saying they are crap or bad or anything, I know they look OK.  It's just that the lighting effects didn't turn out how I pictured them in my mind and that frustrates me.  I am sure everyone runs into that with certain things.

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Oh wow, do I ever like that Rail Golem! I especially admire the rust and heat blooms on his body/carapace along with his wooden barrel 'feet'.  I also see that your brick base motif ties them all together as a unit - very nice. I'm not really familiar with the game, how many figures does a typical force in Malifaux require Byron? I have the impression it's not that many as it's a skirmish game. Anyway, this force looks very impressive.

I definitely don't agree with your assessment of Impressionism. I think for anyone upon seeing a Monet, Degas or Renoir up close would put aside any idea that these men could not paint. But this is nether here nor there, I do like how you've done your Butcher figure, especially the warm light from the lanterns highlighting his cloak and his armour.

As these are both very large models I'm going to give 17 points for the pair. Great work Byron!

From TomF: Hitler's Buzzsaw (20 Points)

Just in case you thought I only painted 10mm figures here are some 28mm WWII minis.

I had this German MG42 crew from Black Tree Design (BTD) base-coated and ready to paint several years ago.  My 28mm WWII collection has been dormant for a number of years which has kept my motivation to paint them fairly low.  But I needed a little point boost for the Challenge and a change from painting the little guys.

G.I.s referred to MG42 as Hitler's Buzzsaw because it sounded like the ripping of cloth when it was in action.  Because of its high rate fire, the barrels overheated fairly quickly, so GIs were trained to attack during the time when the crew had to change barrels.  Unfortunately for the GIs, the MG42 barrel can be easily changed out in about 7-8 seconds.

Here is a short YouTube video of the MG42 in action.

My typical painting technique is to basecoat, ink wash, and drybrush highlight.  In the spirit of the Challenge I tried some layering and blending with the uniforms, in addition to the ink wash.

Looking down the business end of the MG42 and crew!

Those all important extra barrels on the back of the assistant gunner.

Thanks for viewing my submission.

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You see so much of the late war camo so I find it's always refreshing to see some German Heer infantry in their 'happy days' uniform. 

I've always liked the look of the MG-34. With it's round-ported ventilated barrel, it always seemed so brutally utilitarian and lethal. You have very nice and clean brushwork on these fellows, this is especially seen in their shoulder tabe and tunic markings. I also really like the expended brass casings at the foot of the gun. Very nicely done Tom.
 

From DavidB: Ginger Nuns with Guns (180 points)

This was going to be my "home" entry, but time and illness delayed it quite a bit!

The chapel will go to the shelf as I still need to detail it up a bit. It is mounted on textured wood paneling that has a nice texture with the idea being that this and 3-5 more sections can make a sectional board for urban gaming. I still have plenty of room for streets and scatter terrain as well as stand alone structures.

These are three Sisters Repentia. For some slight(genuine or imagined) they have decided that the only way to regain honor is strip themselves of all armor and charge into battle with chainsaws as tall as themselves. I should have at least two more and a disiplinarian sister, but that is almost $80 for 5 models. I picked these ladies up last year at Adepticon for $2 a piece!

 

The Head Nun with a massive icon, and a combi bolter flamer. I think that is a considerable step up from smacking with a ruler! She is accompanied by 4 Celestrian bodyguards. A standard vet, a superior with power maul and bolter, a melta gun, and a heavy bolter.

A squad of Seraphim which are jump troops armed with grenades and dual pistols. This group of five nuns-with-guns has two sisters equipped with dual flamers . They can put the hurt on the Horus for Hope followers. ;)

A group of 10 standard battle sisters with bolters. They are led by a Superior with a power sword and bolter and also have a flame trooper AND a heavy flamer. Adeptius Soritas belive sternly in the trinity of bullet, sword and flame to deal with the unclean( sic-Horus for Hope)

Until last night this squad, the immolator, the Seraphim below, the immolator, and the Cannoness have been lanquishing in the lead pile. They are all pretty close to first run of the sculpts and had no flash to clean. unlike the seraphim above that had lots of flash to remove.

The origional box of Seraphim. A superior with plasma pistol and power sword leads a group with one flame trooper. In friendly games, I'll just run a big squad of 10 as I can only run two flame troopers in a squad per rules one will be marked as a gunslinger instead. I did think about converting the third with bolt pistols, but these are lovely sculpts and I couldn't bring myself to hack one apart.

A squad of Celestrians for an elite slot with a multi melta and a sister superior with sword and bolter.

It took quite a few years to figure a color scheme for them. I finally just ran with armour done in my favorite paint color (GW scaly green) a rich green heavy torqouise. The Celestrian Elite were easy to single out as they are the only troops who wear the helmets. To separate the Cannoness and her bodyguard I used more spot color in ...ahem...strategic areas.

I like these sculpts and force a lot as they are not bombshell pinups or sexed up like some other not-sisters are. Nothing wrong with those who like that and I will admit that Raging Heroes has not-sisters that are very affordable. I just don't like that look. I thought the red on the breast plates was over the top, but my wife and three daughters like them fine. Two daughters want to play 40k now.

I added some various bits to this tank from fantasy kits. It had lot of room and sisters seem to like embellishing vicks into shrines.

The brown livery kinda absorbed all the roaddust weathering, but it is there if you look.

This beastie took some time as I look at painting vicks as a chore. This was also time consuming as it is all brush. I even painted and highlighted underneath in case it gets destroyed in battle.

I have the newer all plastc kits of the Immolator, but I couldnt find the box that has their tank treads, guns and other bits. A bit of a shame as I made them able to open and spent a bit of time in January painting interiors before gluing them together. I'm sure the bits will turn up at some point. It was two immolators and a rhino. Unlike this one they are "stock" sister tanks.

33 infantry and one tank cleared off the desk!

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Oh wow, my absolute FAVOURITE 40K force. This is just awesome David. I've said this several times before but I'll say it again, I think these early Sisters sculpts are still some of the best to come from GW. It's just too bad that they've never really supported them in the game - too expensive, but yet strangely underpowered. BUT hey, they look fantastic, and that has to count for something. 

I like the turquoise green you've gone with them, especially set against their strawberry blonde hair - it gives them a very striking appearance. I also really like the dusty weathering you've done on the Immolator. It gives it a hard-bitten, veteran look. I also admire the book, lantern and reliquary that gives it that wonderful sense of character.  I hope you can find the other vehicles from this force as it would be great to see them done before the end of the Challenge.

180 points for your efforts David. Lovely work.

From MichaelA: Colonial River Launch under threat (60points)

I think that it would be fair to say that my challenge has not go exactly as I planned insomuch that larger units of historical miniatures have been overlooked in favour of smaller, more interesting items. I am squaring this away as a direct result of my inability to focus on one thing at any one time and although initially frustrating I have decided to embrace it wholeheartedly and enjoy the ride - so to speak.  To that end let me present to you my latest offering in the shape of a 'Sarissa Precision' Colonial Steam River Launch.  I really enjoy putting these kits together and in the case of the 'Sarissa Precision' models there is plenty of scope to add your own personal touches.  

Once completed, I set about looking for a suitable skipper and felt that a 'Wargames Foundry' Stouthearted Brit, enjoying his cup of Earl Grey was perfect for the job, but wait, what was that breaking the surface of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River?   Some plastic tentacles from my 'Rum & Bones' Kickstarter caught my eye and not content with paint alone, I used a little Vallejo water effects to give the impression of them breaking the surface. 

So another entry for the challenge completed, but perhaps more importantly another itch scratched.  Maybe the launch will resurface in a 'Congo' scenario, or be seen ferrying troops ashore along the Irrawaddy, but either way it has proved another hugely enjoyable distraction for yours truly.

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Another characterful submission from the talented Mr. Awdry, bravo! My eye is immediately drawn to the rusting steam engine contrasted against the blue and white of the sun shade.  What a wonderful model.

Those tentacles are excellent as well - I particularly like the one grasping the bit of timber (I hope it's not an especially important bit of the river launch!). Finally, the passenger sipping on his cup of tea seems to typify much of the British colonial experience - about to get mangled by the enraged locals, but will do so in a civilized manner after a bit of tea. :)

I think you may need to find figures for Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn to challenge German East Afrika! 

I'm going to give 5 points for each tentacly thing so this will give you a total of 60 points - well done sir! Now, back to your hobby desk with you. Toot! Toot!

From AlanD - Artillery for the Retreat from Moscow

This gun is a wonderful little kit, that comes with wheels with and without skis, as well as a limber and other bits and bobs of equipment (which will be painted in due course). I think it was made by Westfalia Miniatures, but now that they are focusing on fantasy figures it seems to have vanished from their website. Maybe somebody could tell us who makes it now?

With this, I have probably finished my Grande Armee force for Sharp Practice, in so far as any project is ever finished. If the Perrys add more to their retreat range I will be snapping them up like a starved crocodile.

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Oh, this is very nice work Dux! I have a few of these sets from Kawe over at Westfalia, but now, after seeing yours here, I definitely need to move them up the 'to-paint' roster. I really like that they include the sledge/skis in the kit.

You've really done a great job on the snow over this project, Alan. With these fellows you get the impression that its falling at this very moment, as there is accumulation on the gun's wheels, barrel and on the the men's shoulders. Nonetheless, I suspect it will soon melt as they go into action and the gun heats up!

It was wonderful seeing this project come to fruition BUT don't you need some winter Russians as opponents now?

From Millsy - Warhammer Fantasy Empire Handgunners (60 points)

Hello All!

I think I may have discovered the absolute least effective way to earn points in a Challenge... painting Renaissance style uniforms. These have taken me the best part of two weeks to paint and although I wasn't slaving away every night I have put a good few hours into them.

So these chaps are the second unit for my fledgling Warhammer Fantasy Empire army, in this instance a unit of handgunners to serve as guards for the Artillery Train of Nuln. I've continued with the grim, hardened vets look I used in my artillery crews.

I'll preface the photos by saying these might be the worst photos of minis I've ever taken but it seems Summer has finally quit here and it is raining heavily.

I don't think there is a single mini in the Empire army of this era which I don't love. Each and every sculpt is just wonderful and a joy to paint.

Next up is a unit of Reiksguard Knights. In armour. That means NO crazy uniforms. Woot!

Cheers,
Millsy

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I agree with you on both points Millsy, this period of GW models was wonderful AND painting Renaissance figures is one of the worse ways to accrue points, especially Landsknechtes and Gendarmes. Thankfully it's not all about the points, eh? ;)

These are fabulous Mr. Mills. The colours are punchy and varied, yet they still have a cohesive palette that tie them in with your artillery. Lovely work. 

I look forward to seeing your upcoming Reiksguard.

Let's see what we can get up to this weekend.

Right now it looks a little quiet this weekend, but we'll see what comes in throughout the day. I missed the Friday deadline (typical) so I may interrupt the breeze and crickets of Saturday with a submission.

Also remember that today is the last day to submit your votes for the 'West' round. I'll make the announcement on the results tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone!

From RobH - Lord of the Rings (25 points)

I've been collecting the GW LOTR figures for a while. I've never purchased them at GW pricing but I will give credit where credit is due. They produce a fine product. For the challenge I have completed Gwaihir the Windlord and two poses of Saruman the White.


Gwaihir the Windlord

and Mr. Christopher Lee. I really think the sculpture, not my interpretation captures his likeness.

Nicely done. I can almost hear Saruman mumbling some dark incantation. These fine miniatures will be worth 10 for the two version of the White Wizard, and 15 or the Eagle which, I assume, should be considered a vehicle for adventurers. Well done! (Sylvain)

 

From EricM - The First of the Last (220 points)

Happy Friday!    My installment this week is the last cohort of the bullheaded legion and the first cohort of the last legion.  As we move into the last leg of the challenge my goal is to finish this last legion and some Numidian Auxiliaries

I saved the first cohort of the Bullheaded legion for last.  Its 24 figures strong compared to the others that are 16 (soon to be 18).

 

The last legion I plan for paint for a while has changed a bit.  I had planned to go with black shield and dark yellow lightening bolts.  The test shields came out ok and I was ready to go, but then I came across the stars and bronze idea on the internet.  New and shiny always wins!

I was able to paint 42 figures this week. As usual all are Wargames Foundry.

Nothing says "Ancient" like a cohort of Roman legionnaires. The colors are spot on and there is a great unity radiating from your groups. These 42 figures will rake in 210 points and I will add 10 points for the shields. Veni vedi vici. (Sylvain)