From Millsy: More 28mm WW2 Aussies in the Western Desert (150 points)

G'day All,

I'm back with the second batch of stuff for my Bolt Action 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) for the Western Desert in WW2. This time it is a couple of guns and some mobile pie tins. This lot completes the entirety of the 8th Army Starter Set plus extras.

First up is the iconic QF 25-pdr howitzer. Used by British, Australians and other Commonwealth countries it was a staple of Allied artillery in the Wester Desert and Europe later in the war. Capable of delivering a thumping artillery barrage or firing over open sights in a pinch its a must have in any British army in Bolt Action, fulfilling both the indirect and direct fires roles in a single unit. The turntable and gun shield only add to the versatility and survivability. 

Next up is the QF 6-pdr anti-tank gun. These didn't arrive until well after the campaign started and I wouldn't have one at all apart from it was in the starter set. For now it will do as a proxy for the 2-pdr which is the correct calibre for my 1941 themed force.

Finally here's a couple of Universal Carriers with crews. These are amongst my favourite vehicles for the period for many reasons.

They were used in any number of roles and performed admirably, but look like they were a complete bugger to drive or ride around in under the scorching desert sun. Any Australian will know what a summertime seat belt buckle can do to the inside of your arms and these would have been much, much worse.

Not the easiest things to paint with all the nooks and crannies but an absolutely necessity for my Aussies to feel complete. FWIW I was somewhat tempted to paint these in the controversial Caunter colour scheme but I have never found any in Australian service with that applied so it wouldn't feel right to do it.

Points-wise we have two guns plus six crew at 25 points each, plus two carriers plus eight crew at 40 points each and I'll use this as my "New Acquisitions" entry for the Challenge Library at a further 20 points. All up that makes a nice round 150 points this time out.

Hope you enjoy them and thanks for looking!

Cheers,
Millsy

*****

Fantastic brushwork on these Western Desert Aussies here Millsy. Leaving aside the total nightmare that is the "Caunter" cammo, even finding the right tones for the sun-cooked-khaki-sand is always a b**ch and you have nailed it here. It is great to have you back in the Challenge and once more turning out large amounts of kit painted to a lovely standard. Well done. 150 for you!

Greg 

From IanS: New Acquisitions, 15mm Sassanid Persian Heavy Horse Archers (68pts)

Dear All 

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a Happy new year.  For the first time I did not receive any figures or wargaming related presents.  Power tools instead never mind.

First post of the new challenge, this is my fourth time in this prestigious event and the first time I will be attempting the actual challenge within the challenge.

So my submission is for the section New acquisition and is a unit of heavy cavalry archers for my Sassanid Persian army in 15mm.  The club I am a member off has its own ancient rules written by a member and they recently changed the points system for the armies which means I need more units for all my ancient armies (did drop a hint to family will need larger club next year).  

My Sassanid army is all from Lancashire Games but unfortunately they have just retired this range, so these figures are from Museum Miniatures nice clean sculpts with a lot of hidden detail which contrast paints bring them to life.  I am tempted to get some more of these especially as they have a sale on.

Sassanid Heavy Horse archers on the move

Points being claimed:

12 x 15mm Cavalry at 4 pts each - 48pts

New Acquisition section submission  - 20pts

Total - 68 pts 

I really like those vibrant colours, Ian! The Sassanids always speak to the imagination (to mine at least) and these look splendid! You seem to have found a good alternative for your Lancashire Games figures as these Museum Miniatures definitely look the part. Also, it always pleases me to see the trusted 15mm figures getting some love. Good job! That's 68 well-deserved points on the board.

From SimonM: Black Númenórean Warriors by "Fenris6661982" + Fantasy Books Bonus (40 points)

These four 28mm 3D printed Black Númenóreans are sold by "Fenris6661982" on "eBay", and can be purchased as part of a six-figure 'Buy it now' auction. "Seduced and corrupted by Sauron", the resin miniatures were bought as infantry proxies for my Barad Dur army until "Games Workshop" once again produce the "cruel oppressors" for their "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game".

The quartet were initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then 'picked out' their belts and shield straps with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before applying some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the warriors' ornate armour, and swords.

These metallic areas were subsequently drowned with (more) “Citadel” Nuln Oil and later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. To dirty the armour down somewhat and create a contrast between it and the Númenóreans' blades, I gave all the plate armour a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Lastly, I 'picked out' the models' teeth using a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, as well as their chins with a dollop of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

These supposed 3D printed proxies are bound to cause a little controversy as having scrutinized the sculpts closer, the manufacturer has quite possibly just somehow scanned the old "Games Workshop" miniatures and then digitally tidied-them up - as some details, such as the models' sinister teeth aren't present on my versions, despite being clearly visible on the now out of production (OOP) official models. However, as I don't have any of the metal or "Finecast" originals, nor am willing to pay a whopping fifty quid to own one second-hand, I can't say for certain.

This ethical conundrum has definitely curtailed my enthusiasm for the project though, as I absolutely don't agree with the re-casting of other manufacturer's figures. I suppose some might say that as the Black Númenóreans are no longer available to buy, and the products are clearly advertised as being "not [an] official product", then there's an element of acceptability in this instance..? But, I for one, see this as being part of a bigger problem where so many unlicensed or rather 'fan-art' 3D prints are flooding the hobby, and some sellers may well be sailing far closer to the wind than others.

Setting aside any debates though, I thought the foursome would make an excellent subject for my visit to the Fantasy Books area in the Challenge Library.

Four x 28mm scale foot figure = 20 Points

Fantasy Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 40 Points

Well, we definitely have some dark things going on here, Simon! However, whatever their provenance, you've certainly done a sterling job on these Black Númenóreans. Black is not an easy colour to work with, but you seem to have developed a good recipe. Well done, and 40 points it is!

MartijnN

From MartijnN: The Tuesday Tomes, Volume 1

First of all, I would like to wish each and everyone of you all the best for 2024! Now the new year is finally truly underway, I hope you have all survived the festive season and are ready to rumble through Challenge XIV.

I am Martijn, and this is my fourth Challenge. I live in Belgium, but I am a Dutchman by birth and inclination. One of the traditions we have in The Netherlands is to eat oliebollen on New Year's Eve. They are balls of sweet dough and raisins, deep fried, eaten with powdered sugar. This is not a tradition in Belgium, but I have continued to bake oliebollen each year, and I am happy to say that my Belgian family has been taking to them quite enthusiastically. Here are some; I only wished mine looked as good!

I will be your Tuesday Minion for most of the rest of the Challenge. As the new Junior Assistant Librarian, confusedly circulating the corridors, cellars, crofts and chambers of the Challenge Library, it will be my duty to adorn the book display in the Library Entrance with the tempting and marvelous contributions produced by the Tuesday Troopers. 

I am not an early riser, and a bit of a slow starter, and it seems like the Tuesday Troopers are of the same ilk. However, for today we may have some masterpieces lined up:

- a tribute to Tolkien from SimonM, just in time for the Professor's birthday tomorrow

Well, that's it really, for the time being. We may have some Cold War Gone Hot from DaveD as well, and we will see what the rest of the day may bring. Enjoy!

FromJimG: A Trio of Dwarves — Fantasy, Children's Books, and New Acquisitions (75 points)

Happy New Years all!

As the song goes, "All is quiet on New Years Day."

Today I have a trio of dwarves, all for different topics in section 1.

First up, we have the Reaper Bones model of Thain Grimthorn, the Dwarf Cleric.

My family has started working our way through the massive Frosthaven over the winter holidays, and I am tempted to paint up all the minis in the game. Thain here is an attempt to work out the simplified, moody style to match the character art on these minis. 

Basically this is just a simple slap-chop with contrast paints. I'm not sure whether I like the style or not. Particularly, I'm not sure how to get enough contrast in the face. 

Moving on. I have a second Dwarf in a chibi style from CMON's Arcadia Quest.

What's nice about painting chibi minis is that they have exaggerated features which makes it easier to paint their faces. I tend to work with NMM for chibis since they are already in such a comic style. 

I painted this guy up like slayer from the Old World. That might make "Children's Books" a bit of a stretch, if you know the lore; but his big baby art style just screamed kiddos to me. Hopefully it fits close enough!

Finally, my last offering of the week is for New Acquisitions: a Hearthkyn Theyn from the Leagues of Votann. I've been painting them up in a cyberpunk style with glowing green accents.

The Leagues of Votann (aka Squats 2.0) are the newest faction to Warhammer 40k. And the Hearthkyn Salvagers is an even more recent addition to the Kill Team line up. I picked these guys up in late October.

In November I painted up an entire Kill Team for a local convention. Unfortunately, I realized that I needed more flexibility than the models I had originally assembled. So that's where this most recent space dorf comes in—hopefully she'll give me some advantage on more open boards.

Again, happy New Years to all of you and yours!

-JimG

POINTS:
3 x 28mm footsoldiers = 15 points
Fantasy Books = 20 points
Children's Books = 20 points
New Acquisitions = 20 points
Total = 75 points

 

______________________________________

 

Not two (or three?) dwarves are the same. and your submission is a brilliant demonstration of how different they can be, while still being called "dwarves". I like how you accentuated the unique personae of each figurine with its "natural" background. The zenithal highlights are well done and bring out lots of details and texture. Scoring 60 additional points with 3 sections of the library gives you lots of bang for your gang. Well planned!

Sylvain

 

 

From PeterB - Gaslands Vehicles - New Acquisitions - 165 points

Hello again from windy and rainy England.

In my rush to get my first post out I neglected to mention my enthusiastic support for Curt's choice of cost of entry this year. As a family we are avid readers here and love our local library. A few years back due to local government cutbacks a whole swathe of local libraries were marked for closure as the central government rules meant the only obligation was to keep open the main town library a bus ride away. Some of the sites marked for closure were then saved by local residents who now run them as volunteers and all stock is from generous donations.

Our local library therefore is now volunteer run and just before Christmas had a book sale to raise funds. I of course went down with a hefty bag full of book donations for selling or to go into stock (our bookshelves are creaking under the amount we have still, more than enough for to keep us out of mischief) and then promptly spent some money buying other titles when I got there! Just like my leadpile, the more I get rid of, the more seems to find its way back home! 

Anyway, on to the painting. This project is a mixture of recycling and new acquisitions. Just before Christmas I changed job roles at work and received a Bad Squiddo voucher as a leaving gift. So with some of the amount I purchased both versions of the Gaslands Implements of Carnage sprues. These combined with all the toy cars I could find in a trawl of the local charity shops resulted in the following fleet. Ready for a game when my local club starts up again next week.

The bikes and buggies are from the sprue and were a little fiddly, I had to paint some of the parts before gluing together.

The Formula One car I kept simple with just some guns added.

This VW is inspired by artwork in the book, although the artwork depicts an original Beetle.

These two trucks I am hoping will cause some carnage on the race track with a harpoon on one and a wrecking ball on the other.

These are RC bomb cars. They are deployed from one of the other cars and are remotely driven until they are near enough to an opponent before exploding. Hopefully they will cause some hilarity.

 

The Jaguar XJ is my favourite, with an air intake added to the hood, giant side exhausts and machine guns on the rear to discourage any tailgaters.

To the points:

7 x 20mm vehicles (15) = 105 points

4 x 20mm mounted (8) = 32 points

2 x 20mm remote control cars (2 for 6mm/8mm vehicle) = 4 points

New acquisitions = 20 points 

Additional points for customization = 4

Total = 165 points

 _________________________________

 Great looking vehicles! What I like about games in the vein of Gaslands is that each car and truck fits better if it is completely different from all the others and you did a superb job at customizing each of them.

I counted your small remote vehicles as 6mm/8mm vehicles, I threw in 4 points for all the customization bits and added the bonus for new acquisitions.

I'm sure these vehicles will be a hoot when you bring them to your club.

Sylvain

From TeemuL: A couple of adventurers (10 points)

Let's start the new year with the last minis I finished last year. These were finished in the afternoon of the New Year's Eve and they are now ready to conquer some dungeons.

The dwarf on the left is a Dwarf Champion by Grenadier Miniatures from 1987. He has been part of the 3 dwarf blister pack "189 - Dwarf Champions", but since I got this second hand, I'm not sure if I have the other two. He is mainly wearing a fur cloak and beard - and some red gloves.

The mysterious character on the right is a bit more of a mystery, but I have managed to track him at least to the Julie Gutherie's Boxed Set "7001 - Dungeon Party" from Grenadier, stamped 1983 on the bottom. I don't know if he is a man or an elf, ranger, assassin, scout or something else, but he looks good next to the dwarf.

No library section this time, but at least something to get me started on my traditional weekly posts.

2 x 28mm minis for simple 10 points.

 ______________________________

 Nice work on these miniatures from another millennia. They do, indeed, look good together and I am sure some other "archeological discoveries" in your pile of lead are waiting to join the party (or fight the party?). Keep them coming!

Sylvain

 

 

From SylvainR - Monday's Musée des Fossiles

 

 

 Today's special exhibits:

 

■ A presentation of  fantasy archeological discoveries dating back from the 1980s. Curated by Sir Teemu.

 

■ The art of salvaging from wreck yards, with intent to cause great destruction. Curated by Professor PeterB.

 

__________________________________

[The Monday crew opted for "Musée des fossiles" as a theme, because it reflects the age of some of our miniatures, the age of some of our participants and the Frenchness of the Monday minion.]

And I would like to take the opportunity to wish all the Challengers a very productive year 2024!

 Sylvain

 

 

SkullWatch XIV 1

The sentient and self-aware Skull-o-meter™ Skully McSkullface has been reawakened and the cranial counting computations have commenced. We're back!

Skully McSkullface

For our new Challengers: the Skull Duel is a fun backroom part of the library which is open to all. The winner will be the Challenger who has painted the most skullz. These can be any skullz in any scale- Prussians, Brunswickers, Nazis, undead, pirate flags, base decorations, or maybe something from 40K.

As well as undying fame, the winner gets to keep the skull of last year's champion!

Hall of Skully Fame:

• XIII StuartL 1575
• XII CurtC 475
• XI StuartL 1363
• X PaulO'G 543

To enter, tag your post with 'Skull Duel' and state in the post both how many skullz you have painted, and what your running total is. Feel free to enter the duel at any time in the Challenge.

There will be regular skullicious updates throughout the gruelling months ahead, as well as a spotlight on skulltastic miniatures that have caught the unblinking eye of Mr S. McS.

Tally:

We're already underway!

• Barks 81
• StuartL 33
• TeemuL 10
• MikeW 3
• GregB 2

I myself have shot my bolt early with some scenery:

Reigning champ StuartL has this brutal emissary

Skull of the week:

MikeW's orcs

Happy New Year! May your 2024 be full of skullz.