From GregB and IannickM : Warlord Titan - Curtgeld (30 Points Each)

A bit last minute, but we made it! When Greg and I discussed our ideas for our all-canadian Curtgeld, our first ideas was Napoleonics, but we figured many would obviously go down this route, what with Curt's obsession with the era! So I proposed a somewhat crazy idea, which I figured we might be the only one to do; both of us painting the same figure. And in the spirit of the recent Epic projects, by me and Greg, but also by Curt with this Adeptus Mecanicus project, we settled on a Epic Warlord Titan.

So Greg painted the metal works and half of the Titan (the purple parts), and then send it to Montreal for me to do my half (the blue and yellow parts), and I was also in charge of the basing and the little add-ons like the Marines on the base. It was, for me at least, the very first time I work on a model that someone else started! I have to admit, it was a bit more difficult than I anticipated, as I was afraid to accidentally touch some of Greg's painting, which would be a much bigger problem than when I can easily retouch my own work! But I'm really happy with the final product, and I think both our painting and colour scheme blend perfectly together. 

The Warlord-class Titan is a large and powerful type of Battle Titan, armed with much more firepower than its counterpart, the smaller Reaver-class Titan. The Warlord is the most common class of Battle Titan in use by the Titan Legions during the Heresy, and many Adeptus Mechanicus Forge Worlds field their own patterns of this class. Due to their immense size, Warlord Titans are not nearly as fast or agile as the Reaver-class Titans or the Warhound Scout Titans, but they more than make up for this failing with their sheer firepower and heavily armoured bulks. This thing is big, this think is massive, this thing will blow shit up!

This model is straight from the early Adeptus Titanicus boxset of the late 80s, one of the multi-part plastic models from the game. We kept it old school, even including the void shield wheels in the base. I included a few Space Marines (Emperor's children obviously) on the base to give the model a sense of scale and size.

We think this massive war machine will fit in very nicely in Curt's Epic force, even more so since Greg has been painting Titans left and right during this challenge, and Curt will probably need to pack some extra firepower next time he gets to face Greg's legions!

Once again, the challenge delivers by making us do something we'd never would've done otherwise! Cheers from Iannick & Greg

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Cor!! This is so cool guys! I just love it. Similar to Christopher and Nick's medic, I'm amazed at you two painting the same model - that must have taken a bit of getting used to, especially for the painter (Iannick) who had to follow-up. I'd love to try this sometime myself. Anyway, the Warlord is just terrific. I especially like the colour choice, the Janus-faced paint-scheme, the striped leg armour and the Space Marines at it's feet. So wonderfully Old Skool. 

I'll score this as a 54mm figure, with some extra for the fun basing and then divide it  between Greg and Iannick. Thanks again guys! 
 

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 JamesM: 3mm American Moderns - Team Yankee (55 Points)

Hi Folks,

My final hurrah for the challenge! Back to painting stuff with tracks and guns.

These models are for my 3mm Team Yankee project, and are from Oddzial Osmy. I've had this batch to finish off for a while with these guys being the artillery, anti-air and infantry for my US forces.

I'll be honest, and say I have no idea how these would be pointed?! I've included a 10mm ACW figure for scale.

So, quickly then...

Three batteries of M109's (Team Yankee units of these are in 3's or 6's, so I've gone with bases of 3's - 9 figures total). These will be enough to support my Tank and Mech Inf forces. These have been painted in a NATO woodland camo scheme.

Some AAA - in the form of M113 VADS. In Team Yankee these come in 2's or 4's - so I have some units of both sizes - 14 models in total. Probably far more than I can use, but enough to support my various formations!

Lastly for the vehicles, M106 Mortar carriers. These come in 3's and 6's in the game, so I have based them in 3's. These models are pretty out of scale for the other M113's (like the VADS above). At the same time my M113 APC's, M901's ITOW vehicles are all pretty small as well, so I need to fine the updated in scale models. There are 12 of these in this batch.

Lastly, a full company of US Mech Infantry. Each platoon consists of a base of infantry and a base of Dragon teams. I have tried to do weapons, faces, webbing and some attempt at camo uniforms.. but it's a bit tricky at 3mm!

So that's it for me! My very first AHPC is done and it's been a blast. I set out to get a (for me!) challenging 500 points, with the aim of not compromising on the quality of the models I paint. I've now achieved over 600 points (aiming for 650 - which means I got 500 points before the bonus round stuff kicks in). Next year, if I can take part, the aim will be to beat that total - although I don't think I will ever be at the top of that table - some of you people are properly nuts!

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement, comments and the lovely pictures of models to look at. It's been great to see the variety of stuff being done out there in the community. And it's been great to meet some new people via the AHPC Paint and Chats as well. Hopefully I might catch some of you on Chats before the challenge starts next year!

Thanks to Curt for running everything, and the various minions!

JamesM (themadtinhatter)

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3mm moderns? Very cool stuff James. GregB has done a bunch of these as well and, with the right terrain, they look brilliant on the tabletop. With them being almost like chit/playing pieces, I like the bases with the uniform green flock going right to the edge. It's a very nice look.

We cooked up some points for 3mm Renaissance stuff before this Challenge, but its complete bollocks for moderns. We'll peg this at 55 points for the lot.

Well done James and thanks for joining the show this year. I hope you can make it out next time the ship sails.

 

From JohnSh: Four more archers and a triple arterial repair (20 Points)

It has been an exciting couple of weeks of challenge for me, in fact I am taking it as proof that I CAN'T die until all my miniatures are painted. These four miniatures were finished a few weeks ago before I got rushed into Intensive Care with a Dissecting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Some people will do anything to get out of painting, won't they?

So, emergency surgery, three stents and a graft later I am home recuperating, maybe even painting a bit soon.

These are the last four archers I needed to complete the unit I started with my last submission.

Still not sure what make they are but I particularly like the chap on the left with the cap and the bow held horizontally.

Anyway, that's my last entry for the year, once again nowhere near the total I was aiming for but I have been a little distracted. Thanks Curt for organizing again and thanks to minions Alan and Paul for your sterling work (and bringing me Anzac bickies to aid in my recovery). 

Cheers all.

John (slowpainter)

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Whoa, that's pretty heavy stuff John. Well, I'm glad you're on the mend, that 'little holiday from the brushes' sounded pretty serious indeed.  So yes, I suggest setting up an automated revolving purchase program with you favourite hobby shop and living forever. :)

Nice looking archers. I did some of these a few years ago for my Normans and agree, the guy with the gangsta bow is the coolest of the batch.

Well done, sir, and keep well. I want to see you out with us next year, thank you very much.

KyleC - Dwarf Alchemist (20 Points)

Ok. so the Innuit Warrior was not my last piece.. as I have had a bit of a flurry of activity over the weekend on another late release from Mr Lee's Minis.

I went for the aged and weathered look on the dwarf. Very muted colors, and very desaturated in the end as well.

He is very tired from all the alchemy that he has been working on, and is now thinking on how to tackle his next formula.

Again I am trying to add more colors into the normality that is the cloak or clothing. So far I think it has worked, but there are aspects that I believe could be better. But he is now ready to debut both here, and in Duke of Bavaria in Germany at the end of the month.

And there you go.. down to the wire and I get one more piece done. This time a 1/10 scaled bust.. not sure if many do busts for this competition but hope you all enjoyed it!

Until next year... for reals now :)

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Oh, lovely brushwork Kyle. Your sense of colour and texture is brilliant. I especially like his rosacea nose and sleep-deprived eyes. Just gorgeous. 

20 Points! 

Please come back next year and show us more. :)
 

From Iain: Last post - Francis I of France - Curtgeld (25 Points)

Last post, together with Friday Minion Phil I am portraying the moment king Francis 1st of France instructed the Chevalier Bayard to knight him following his victory at Marignano in 1515 over the Swiss. Phil is painting the Chevalier and I have painted Francis.

So Gold Damask ,or fleur de lies, it is!

It's a lovely Steel Fist miniature and will be based with Phil's to make a command stand. 

All the best 

Iain W

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...and the second half of the Italian Wars cooperative. Fantastic work Iain! As I mentioned in Phil's post, I've been wanting to do a Bayard vignette for a quite some time now, but this is way better coming from the two of you. 

Your Francis looks absolutely terrific in his gold damask and dark armour. I'm particulalry impressed with your brilliant work on the fleur-de-lis. That takes a steady hand!

Thanks so much Iain, I very much look forward to seeing the set based together.

From PhilH: Curtgeld - The Chevalier Bayard (25 Points)

One last entry from me to close out the Challenge. I really didn't want to close without painting my Curtgeld, but I was flummoxed by the call for Challengers to 'team up' to present their tribute, and someone too distracted and disorganised to coordinate something with fellow Challengers. Thankfully, IainW swung to myrescue, having a plan and the miniatures, only just needing a willing painter. I jumped at the chance. It was cutting it fine, the miniature arriving through my letterbox with barely than a week to go, but here we have my AHPC VII Curtgeld: The Chevalier Bayard, depicted after the Battle of Marignano, 1515:

The Battle of Marignano pitted the young King Francis I of France against the Swiss Confederacy during the Italian Wars, and resulted in a decisive French victory, establishing the dominance of French Gendarmes and artillery over the Swiss phalanx tactics. In celebration, Francis requested he be knighted on the battlefield, by the Chevalier Bayard. Iain had suitable miniatures for both the King and Chevalier.

Chevalier Bayard, real name Pierre Terrail (1473 - 1524) seems like one of those larger than life figures of history, known as the "knight beyond fear and reproach", though he apparently preferred just "the good knight". He was considered the epitome of chivalry and most skillful commanders of the age. He boasts some rather fine headwear and fashionable mustard leggings.

Iain will be painting King Francis himself. Once based together, they will join Curt's Italian Wars collection. My deepest thanks to Iain for providing the miniature, background and excellent choice of subject for Curt's interests.

And thanks to Curt once again for administering the Challenge - I've not participated as much as I'd have liked this time around, but it's still been thoroughly enjoyable.

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This is so awesome for several reasons. One, is that I've been planning to do a Bayard vignette for my Italian Wars collection for quite some time now, with the OCD research taking up several pages in my paint notebook. But this is so much better, as this will be a beautiful rendition created from the hands of both Iain and Phil, two very talented hobbyists. Thanks so much guys!

Phil, this is a lovely figure, and a great representation of Bayard. I love his armour, plumage and leggings, being 'All Business Up Front and All Party Behind'. How very French. Briliant. :) 

From BenitoM: French Cavalry Command (30 points)

Just in the nick of time I (almost) finally could complete painting the trio Marshall Nay, Col. Heymes and Ney's ADC to lead my French Cavalry Division. I say almost as unfortunately I could base the models due to a very busy family weekend coinciding with Father's Day in Spain.

 Some individual photos and details

An this is a a first impression representation of a charge with the 1st Hussar unit I painted for the Challenge.

All models are from Perry Miniatures (Who else for Napoleonics!)

With this I add 30 points to my total score and reach 430, good for me but not enough to reach my personal 500p target. A shame but I reckon to be a slow painter and like to split my hobby time between painting and playing (lots of Command and Color Napoleonic recently as you may know if you follow my Twitter account)

It's been a pleasure to participate for the second consecutive year in The Challenge, a good opportunity to have my mind busy for time to time in this difficult personal start of 2017 (although things look more promising now). I really appreciate all the hard work put by Curt and Sarah as well as all the minions in the organisation.

 I've also seen and enjoyed much a fantastic display of artistic talent and have taken note of some ideas for the future. Congratulations to all participants and hope to see you around next year.

A final note: I haven't had the time to complete the Curtgeld or even to coordinate with some other participant as requested for this year. But no worries, I'll be painting and sending to Canada in a few weeks   



Tamsin: Lovely work on these dashing cavalry commanders Benito!. what a fabulous way to round up your Challenge. Great to see them with the hussars in that last pic. Charge!!  :)

From GrahameH: More Russians! Hurrah! (234 Points)

Couldn't have a final post not containing any Russians so done these over the weekend.

Russian 15mm WWII

4 Russian Lees

4 SP AT

4 More SP AT

4 Valentines (Sorry for thr poor photo)

4 Matildas (nd aother poor photo)

1 Stuart

 And as it was St Patrick's day this week. some 15mm 16th Cent, Irish.

18 X G alloglas (15mm)

9 X Mounted Irish

9 Mounted Spanish Cavalry (allies)

Closer picture of the Spanish

And that's it until next year. Might have a day off from painting tomorrow. 

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Great work Grahame! The Lend-Lease are excellent, as are the Oirish, but I have to tip my hat to those Spaniards in their Morion helmets (who makes those?). Lovely stuff. 

Enjoy your day off but I expect you back within the ranks next December.