From AaronH - 28mm ECW, Raisuli and Boromir (195 Points)

This week's entry is a little bit of everything.  The first entry is an ECW Pike and Shotte regiment.  These are 36 28mm plastic models from Warlord Games.

The blue coat regiment

I want my ECW regiments to have a block of 12 pike plus command, flanked by eight shotte on each side.  This left me with a problem, based on the Warlord kit.  There are not enough vertical pikes and I don't like the horizontal ones since they are always getting in the way.  There are also too many shotte.

One sleeve of shotte.

I painted up all of the shotte but left off the horizontal and all but two of the angled pikes.  This means I'm four pikes short of a full regiment.

Command and pikes.

This is the first regiment I've ever done on multi bases.  Prior to this all of my models have been one per base.

The other sleeve of shotte.

The Warlord models are very nice, other than the unfortunate sprue contents.  The faces have a one of character.  The details look good and they go together well, with lots of options.

Rear Shot.

I didn't enjoy painting these.  It's a couple of things, neither of which is the fault of the models, really.  First off, I went for the whole bunch in one go.  That's 36 models in a week. For me that is a record.  The result was that I felt rushed to get them done.

Another rear shotte.  (see what I did there?)

As I was painting I'd think, "only one more bit to do and I'm done".  Then I'd finish that bit and see two more unpainted parts.  "Where did that come from?  I don't even know what that is.  How am I supposed to paint it?"  I'd head off to the references and, as often as not, find nothing.  I muddled through it all, but it was frustrating.

The flag that came with the set.

I was feeling that way right until I washed them.  All of a sudden they came alive and I was enchanted.  The character and detail that were painful to paint looked great.  I wish I had a use for them.  I bought them when I was going to play some ECW with one of the guys at the club.  He then dropped off the face of the earth and these sat on the shelf for a year.

A stand of shotte.

While I was painting I calculated what I would need to get a minimum playable army. Another box of these plastics, some standing pike (metal) and a few command models, plus one box of cav and one cannon.  It's a little insane really.  All of that for an army I have no intention of playing any time soon.  More of a "just in case" army.

The green shotte.

I even have 25% of a second regiment ready to go.  Happily a moment of sanity prevailed and I'll not be adding to this army until I have a likely opponent, or the ECW bug bites a lot harder than it has so far.

Side shot.

For now these lads will find a home on a shelf.  It's sad but those are the breaks when you're a model.

The other flag from the box.

The next entry was supposed to be for the Victorian themed round.  My son's birthday party was that Saturday and after three hours of wrangling kids around the pool I sat down to base this model.  Two hours later I woke up and it was way too late to get him based and have the sand/glue dry.

The Raisuli

This is a 28mm metal model from Gringo 40.  It's the Raisuli from "The Wind and the Lion".   I love this movie, mostly because the Marines land and fight just about everyone from the locals to the Germans and French.  There's some other stuff but, whatever.

The horse was last seen next to a Celtic nag.

This is a very fine model.  Loads of detail, sharp with little casting.  The sculptor captured Sean Connery's face very well.

Sean Connery.

Better late then never.  This model will lead a company for In Her Majesty's Name.  Now I just need to source the right Berber models to fill it out.

Boromir.

This last model was not part of the plan for the Challenge.  Rhys has been using Gondor models to play Lion Rampant and wanted a new hero for his army.  Boromir and Aragorn vie for first place in his affections.

The Captain of Gondor.

When Rhys asked me to paint this model up for him; well, I just couldn't say no to that, could I?  This is a really nice model.  Great detail, very sharp casting.  He looks just like Sean Bean.  (Hmm, perhaps I should call this the Sean round).

The rear of the model.

Rhys is happy with him, so I'll count this one a win.  That's 37 28mm foot models and one 28mm mounted model.  Not bad for one week's work.  I think I'll slow it down for next week though.


From Curt:

Holy smokes! What is it with you Monday people?! Everyone who's posted today has been painting like maniacs - it's awesome!

Your ECW unit turned out brilliantly Aaron. I enjoyed reading your thought progression as you moved through the week as it reflects many a night at the hobby desk where I've wondered, 'Why am I doing this again?' Nonetheless, as you say, there is a great feeling of satisfaction when you get a unit done. It's just too bad there is nobody in your area that plays the period as I know how difficult it can be when you're holding the torch alone. 

Boromir is great model to be sure but I have to say I really liked seeing this Raisuli figure as I've always wanted to get one myself. He does look to be marvellous casting and you've done an excellent job on him. It makes me want to see the movie again...

Welcome to the top 10 Aaron - well done!