Saturday 20 November 2021

The Twelfth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge

  

Hey y'all, it's November 20th, and you know what that means: Well, yes it's getting close to winter, but it's also time to register and start preparing for that event that will make it more tolerable and fun. Yes! the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge!   

For this Painting Challenge, our 12th edition, we'll be charting our way through the 'Challenge XII Sector', a constellation of planets on the outer rim (of good taste) originating from film, TV and literature. More on this below. 


The Basics

The Challenge will extend from the first day of Winter, 12:01 am December 21st, through to the first day of Spring, 12:01am March 20th, Central Standard Time (CST). 
Miniatures (i.e. figures, vehicles, artillery, terrain, etc.) can be prepared, assembled and primed prior to the start date, but you cannot start painting until December 21st. In order to gain full points, the figures should be based (if appropriate) and any planned groundwork completed. The figures have to be painted by you. 
The Challenge follows the honour system in the completion and entry of figures. 
Miniatures can be in any scale and in any genre (pulp-adventure, science-fiction, fantasy, etc.).
In order to be scored, participants will self-publish photos of their submissions along to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge blog. Up-to-date scoring (or as up-to-date as we can manage) will be maintained on the blog's main page. 
I will send out an email to all Challengers a few days prior to the event with further details on submitting your entries.
All participants must have an entry submitted within the first four weeks of the event (i.e. January 21st). Failure to do so will result in being dropped from the Challenge roster.
I will participate, but my score will have no standing in the Challenge (except to serve as a rather lame beginning pace car for participants).

The Scoring

Below is the scoring that will be used for the Challenge. 
 
6mm foot figure = 0.5 point
6mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 1 point
6mm vehicle = 2 points
10mm foot figure = 1 point
10mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 2 points
10mm vehicle = 3 points 
15mm foot figure = 2 points
15mm mounted figure, artillery piece or large crew served weapon = 4 poin
ts
15mm vehicle = 8 points

20mm foot figure = 4 points
20mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 8 points
20mm vehicle = 15 points

28mm foot figure = 5 points

28mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 10 points
28mm vehicle = 20 points
40mm foot figure = 7 points
40mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 15 points
40mm vehicle = 25 points
54mm foot figure = 10 points
54mm mounted figures, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 20 points
54mm vehicle, limber, etc. = 30 points 
Other scales, miscellaneous models/figures will be scored on a submission-by-submission basis. 


Terrain Submissions

We'll retain our imperfect-but-it-works  6" cube format. Briefly, if your terrain piece (or collected terrain pieces) fills a 6" cube, you get 20 points. If your terrain would 'fill' multiple 6" cubes, then multiply 20 points for each cube of volume. 

Terrain filling the 6" cube on the left would be worth 20 points. The composite group on the right, made up of eight cubes, would be worth 160 points.

Example 1: I've painted three 28mm barrels and six trees. They would roughly fill a single 6" cube. I would get 20 points for this. 

Example 2: I've constructed and painted a large 28mm manor that is approximately 12" wide, 14" long and 10" high. All in all, this would roughly take up 8 cubes worth of volume. This would give me 160 points.

Submissions of terrain should be sent in with a picture illustrating the scale of their work (a ruler laid alongside should do the trick). This will give your hard-working Minion a basis for scoring. Extra points for extra detail, scratch-built insanity, etc. will be left to the Minions to adjudicate as they see fit.  


Changes to the Challenge

Okay, Here are the list of changes to the Challenge program:

1) The participant cap is set at 90(ish). 
Covid has put a damper on all of us in getting together with friends, so I'm increasing the participant cap this year to allow more people in on the fun. 
For all those wishing to participate please send me an email, providing: 
1) your full name,
2) your country of residence
3) your blog address (if you have one), and
3) your points target for the three months of the event.
My email address is:
curtcampbell at mac dot com 
I will post a comment below when the roster has been filled and will follow-up with an email in a couple weeks detailing the specifics of the event.

2) Back to Scheduled Submission Dates
We're going to return to our traditional scheduled submission dates, with participants being assigned a day of the week when their draft submissions will be scored and posted to the blog by our friendly band of Minions.

 

3) The Theme this year is... 
With Sidney Roundwood's help we've departed the terra firma of Challenge Island, and The Chambers of Challenge, to give you 'The Challenge XII Sector'!

Welcome to 'The Challenge XII Sector'!

Those doughty Challengers who wish to to test their mettle can explore 'The Challenge XII Sector' by tackling the mind-bending assortment of hobby tasks to be found in that dread star system. Remember, participants do not need to embark on this journey of madness to enjoy the Challenge, it is a voluntary diversion for those wishing to try some theme-based challenges.



The constellation of planets will feature a varied assortment of locations which participants can explore by completing a themed hobby task. Once they finish their task at a location they get bonus points and will be allowed to travel onto the next location. Each 'orbit' requires that four planets be explored before continuing to the next orbit. Ultimately participants will make their way to the planet 'Challenge XII' to face their final task!! 

In the next week or so I'll followup with another post laying out the specifics of 'The Challenge XII Sector', its final layout, its rewards and a more detailed map. (Yes, I am awaiting the return of that Rogue Trader, Sidney Roundwood, who is still acting as our vanguard, charting the system for our travels and travails.


The Minions

Keeping to form, I will serve as the Dungeon-Master-of-Ceremonies / Tormentor-in-Chief / Dread-Dork-Lord, etc. etc., but I will also have a happy group of 'Minions' to keep this adventure moving along. Here are the wonderful folks who have 'volunteered' to assist me for this year's Challenge:
  • Monday: PeterD
  • Tuesday: TamsinP
  • Wednesday: GregB
  • Thursday: Barks
  • Friday: DaveD
  • Saturday: Millsy
  • Sunday: Curt

Personal Targets and Duels

Upon signup, I ask that each Challenger provide me with their name, nationality, blog and declare his/her points target which they hope to achieve by the March 20th deadline. 

Many participants have found the personal points targets to be a great incentive in maintaining their pace over the three months of the Challenge. I encourage participants to pick a target that is just beyond your comfort zone, but still achievable. As a rough benchmark, 300 points is considered a manageable amount for someone who is new to the the event and/or has a busy work/life schedule. Also remember that a significant amount of points can be secured by adventuring in 'The Chambers of Challenge' (more on this in a later post).

Relating to the points targets, many folks have a lot of fun issuing 'duels' to other participants in order to race to meet a declared target, paint the most figures for a specific period, etc. I leave this to the participants to dream-up, organize and keep track of.


The Cost of Entry

In past years I've asked that Challengers offer a donation to charity of their choice. This year I would like to see our generosity felt on one specific organization. Accordingly, the cost of entry to the Challenge is a donation (in the amount of your choice) to the Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, a charity based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan which provides a safe place for injured and orphaned wild animals to grow and mend until they can return to their natural habitat, while also encouraging public tolerance and understanding of wildlife. 

If you can, please make note in your donation that you are a participant of the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. Thank you!!



_______________________________________



Challenge XII starts at 12:01am December 21st!

Now, sign up, and get some miniatures prepped - I'll see you at the start line in a month!


136 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. And we need to protect the spreadsheet from ya!

      Oh and are you filling your sandbags already?

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    2. You're a good lad, Ray. I have you down for 1200 points. An auspicious target for this year. Some figures for Donnybrook mayhaps? ;)

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    3. Curt - he's stockpiled 240 bears, all of them female (allegedly)!

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    4. Trust you to be first in Ray. Its those Budgie Smugglers, they make you go faster...so I have been told.

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    5. Of course they do Lee and its only 220 bears Tamsin!

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  2. Ah I shall enjoy my minioning . Time to crack the whip on the Friday …

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    1. It's wonderful to have you minioning on Friday, Dave! I also have you marked down for 1500 points. Bravo!

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  3. Hussar and Hoorah! I am in again this year!

    Cheers
    Matt

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful stuff Matt. I have you marked in for 1200 points. Looking forward to it!

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    2. Donated, but forgot to add analogue hobbies....

      Cheers
      Matt
      France

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  4. To go boldly must we. Nice charity

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    1. Cheers Martin! I have you logged for 2000 points. With Noel's presence being sorely missed, its good to have you, one of our heavy hitters, to help fill the points void.

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    2. There, will a Noel themed entry

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  5. Email sent. That charity looks an excellent cause to support.

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  6. All aboard,I'm looking forward to it!
    Best Iain

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    Replies
    1. It's wonderful to have one of our foremost commentators with us again! :) I have you penned in for 750 points, Iain. Welcome!

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  7. Email sent with request to join again, please. I was wondering if we might have a sci-fi theme this year - looks great!
    Jonathan

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    Replies
    1. Welcome aboard Jonathan! 1000 points it is!

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  8. Email sent, fingers crossed I have requested in time.

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  9. Count me in again! Sent the e-mail some days back! Though with quite a modest target with a new job and kid probably causing issues ;)

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    Replies
    1. I have you down for 500 points Samuli! Best wishes with the job and little one. :)

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  10. My own submission as been made. Preparing for launch!

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    Replies
    1. Yep, I have you marked down for 250 points. See you on the launch pad in a month!

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  11. Replies
    1. Terrific stuff Pete and thanks for minioning this year!

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    2. Looking forward to it. You had me doa double take when you first posted the minion list and I wasn’t on it.

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  12. Email sent for 500 points please :-)

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful to have you with us again this year Simon!

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  13. Suits me, I just bought a condo. Put me down for 200, Curt!

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    Replies
    1. Welcome to the ranks of the indentured mortgage holders! I have you down for 200 points, Robert.

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  14. I was an avid follower of Challenge XI. I've decided to take the leap as a participant this year. I am very new to the hobby (translation: I've never painted a miniature!) and have set a very modest points goal! Please be gentle!

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    1. This is fabulous! Welcome aboard Natasha! Tamsin will be very pleased to have another set of X chromosomes in the mix. :) I have you marked down for 100 points. I know you'll have a wonderful time over the winter. Now, get some figures primed up and ready to go for December 20th. :)

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    2. Welcome Natasha! We all had to cross the “first miniature” Rubicon at some point. May this mark the beginning of a new and fun hobby for you!

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    3. Great to have you on board, good luck

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    4. Welcome Natasha! I’m glad we’ll get some new faces and painters joining us.

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    5. Welcome Natasha. Not a better place to get introduce into the miniatures painting hobby than this very friendly contest. Don't hesitate to experiment and ask as much advice as you like from the more veteran painters here

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  15. Looking forward to “seeing” everyone again!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for taking on the Minion mantle again this year, dude!

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    2. As the new Captain Wednesday, there is a high bar to meet Greg!

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  16. Hey Natasha
    I also will be very brave and join you in the challenge. My modest points goal will be 100 points.
    Now, to organize a beginner paint workshop for the two of us, (with supervision from Curt and inspiration from wine)
    Girl Power!! 🍷🎨

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    Replies
    1. A beginner paint workshop sounds wonderful, Sarah! You and I do well fueled by wine! :)

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    2. Exciting news Sarah and Natasha,

      Happy to help run a workshop if you need a hand to get started, I used to conduct workshops for people a number of years ago at GW, and at conventions, plus we now have them at our business.

      A simple step by step, figure preparation, paint selection and brush selection. Wet palette etc, dry palette, acrylics vs laquer vs oils vs inks etc.
      VLog or live, up to you.


      Cheers
      Matt
      French Wargame Holidays
      France

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    3. Good to have you both aboard - I think that three girls is a new record! :)

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    4. I'm arranging a painting workshop for the girls in the next few weeks. Should be fun, or a complete disaster! Matt, I may keep you in the bullpen. ;)

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    5. Welcome Sarah! You’ll find us a friendly and encouraging lot, and we set Tamsin on anyone that steps out of line.

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    6. Sarah, delighted having you on board!

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    7. Happy to help with the work shop, Curt and Bluewillow

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    8. Thanks everyone! 😊
      I am well versed in the Lore&Legend of this Challenge BUT the reality of actual brush&paint is both quite daunting and exciting!
      Looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish

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    9. So, no one painted the miniature you wished for years and now decided to do it yourself? Good job! :)

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    10. Thank you all for such a warm and encouraging welcome! This is all very new to me but so exciting.

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  18. Hi Curt:
    If there's room for me, put me down. With retirement in the cards this winter (date TBD), I may have some extra energy and painting time, so put me down for 500 pts.
    Cheers,
    Mike P

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    Replies
    1. You're on Mike! Delighted to have you back aboard. I'll mark you down for 500 points.

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  19. All aboard ! 1500 points of Italian Risorgimento coming up 👍

    Regards Ken

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    Replies
    1. That sounds exciting Ken, I look forward to them!

      Cheers
      Matt

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    2. You're in the lists Ken! Looking forward to your project unfold.

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  20. Looking forward to the launch date. Prepping started for a 750 point target in this year's Challenge and email sent.

    A worthy cause Curt, happy to contribute to it!

    Cheers, Ross

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    Replies
    1. Delighted to have you with us again this year Ross!

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  21. I'll join the antipodean crew again once again this year, and my lad Reilly has applied also. Looking forward to another great season!

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    Replies
    1. It's great to have Team O'Grady with us again this year! This is going to be terrific!

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    2. Thanks for having us! We are planning some projects together, which will be fun (and mutually encouraging!)

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  22. I'm in for another 3 months of madness, some painting too I guess. I'm going to try to avoid any wacky side duels this time around...probably.

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    1. Haha! It's great to have you with us again Stuart! We'll see how your will holds out. :)

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  23. I'm in. After someone thought I'll set a target of 1000.

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    1. I have you marked down for a cool grand, Adam.

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  24. My uniform has been dry-cleaned and pressed, so your friendly Senior Flight Attendant is ready to report for duty once again. :)

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    Replies
    1. Fabulous! You also have that nice little S&M number, right. You know, just to keep the passengers in line... ;P

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    2. It's vanished. I suspect that A.N.Other minion may have purloined it, although I can't think which of them might want it...

      *looks suspiciously at Saturday...

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    3. Ah yes, well, his rig was getting a little on in age so I don't fault him.

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    4. I guess we'll have to stop calling him the GIMP. Any suggestions for his new nickname?

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    5. Depends how his legs look in the stewardess outfit.

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    6. Aah so I get to hand over to Millsy - what could possibly go wrong…

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    7. @ Peter - it's the S&M outfit, not the stewardess uniform. I doubt his legs would look any better though! ;)

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  25. Ready to enter the lists. The coffee pot is on...it's a three gallon percolator, will that be enough?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is the advised daily intake, yes. :)

      Delighted to have you with us again this year David!

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  26. Replies
    1. The stats orientated amongst us veritably quivers in anticipation, Miles. :) Wonderful to have you with us again this year, sir.

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    2. Please put me down for 2000 points, kind Sir.

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  27. Seventy-two and counting...

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  28. I’m in, in eager anticipation of where these interplanetary wandeling will force us to boldly go. For 500 points no less. Looking forward to it!

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful to have you with us again Martijn!

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  29. Well I’ve not missed one yet, it would be remiss of me to miss this one.

    And I’ve been prepping minis since August, wouldn’t want that to be for aught.

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful! Another one of our grognards falls into the ranks. I'd be lying if I said I haven't been prepping as well, Phil. Let's see what we get done with all these minis around us, eh?

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  30. Good morning Curt,

    Count me in please!

    Cheers,
    Jeff

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    Replies
    1. Sure thing Jeff. Please send me your particulars so I can get you signed in.

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  31. I'm in, after a long while. I'm aiming for 500 points. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Delighted to have you back Sylvain! WWII aircraft this year? I have you marked in for 500 points.

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  32. Looking forward to once again jumping into the melee!

    Christopher

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    Replies
    1. Always a pleasure to have you aboard Christopher!

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  33. Is it too late to join in this year? I'd hate to miss it.

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    Replies
    1. You're in Tom! Delighted to have you in the ranks again.

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  34. Good to see so many good people here again. I'm in too, raising the bar from 500 to a somewhat uncomfortable 700 points target.

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    Replies
    1. Terrific stuff Benito. 700 points is it. Remember: It's not called a 'challenge' for nothing! :)

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    2. And forgot to mention that my core project this year is Canadian related... hope this will give me some leniency from the sponsor and grant the blessings of Mike aka "Mad Padre"

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    3. Oooh, I've excited to see what you come up with Benito!

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  35. Replies
    1. I got you in Ed. Hamburg has a fine representative for the Challenge. :)

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  36. As per my previous email, I'm in for 600 points. I expect I'll up that before the end, but at the moment I'm looking at my lead pile and having the usual pre-challenge panic. Then the start pistol fires, the Challenge 'Magic' kicks in and I paint like a man possessed for three months.

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    Replies
    1. Excellent stuff Lee. I'm keen to get going too as I have a bunch of things I want to try this year. See you at the start line in a few weeks!

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  37. Fantastic, Curt.... really looking forward to this. Can you add me in for 400 points, please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're already marked down, mate. As my partner-in-crime in creating our Challenge galaxy, you have to have some fun in actually exploring it. :)

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  38. Good evening Curt, I missed last year and would like to put myself in for 500 points.

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    Replies
    1. Sure thing. Just drop me an email with your particulars.

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  39. We're at 85. Only a few spots left. Sign up while you can!

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    Replies
    1. email sent hoping to squeeze in for my first ever participation - I thought I might try and paint as many units as I could starting with P - Pike, pointy things, peasants, pandours, parliamentarians, Perry Miniatures etc

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  40. I'm in If I can still catch a spot :)
    800 points will be my goal for this year! Cheers!

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    Replies
    1. Great stuff George, happy to have you aboard!

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  41. So excited about being in! 500 points of Nap and WW2 - hopefully!

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  42. Been off painting for a while - Excited to be getting a winter fix as my Minifigs haven't been painting themselves.

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    Replies
    1. Wouldn't it be glorious it that could happen from time to time? You know, just as a bit of help. Sort of like a variation on the elves and the shoemaker.

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  43. I see lots of 10mm Byzantines and Turks for Challenge XII

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  44. I'm in, too. 1200 points is the target. I'm not moving, renovating or changing my job, so 1200 points should be a achievable, but challenging. Probably lots of random stuff and dropped plans...

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  45. I would also like to join. Shooting for 500 pts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please send me an email Forest. The last spots are filling up.

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  46. That's it folks - we're full! We have our roster for Challenge XII! We'll get it posted in the next few days and start in on the Duels and Side Challenges.

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  47. Looking forward to The Challenge again Painters! Now, to the hobby annex to select a range of brushes, refill the paint coffer and line up the little chappies (and chappettes) in preparation for pigment augmentation.
    My new espresso machine stands steamed up and right for dispensing, no need for sleep when there is painting to be done and points to be had. Lead me to the starting gate, I'm ready to run!

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    Replies
    1. Awesome stuff John! I too am putting in an extra order for Nespresso pods for the season. The smell of print resin and spray primer is wafting through the hobby studio...

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  48. Arthur and myself will be present too, can't wait to get cracking!

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    Replies
    1. I look forward to seeing what the van Straeten Boyz come up with this year. :)

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  49. I didn't know tis post was in existence! Curt, you have already confirmed that I'm on the challenge via email but can you confirm that I'm in here please? I'm a little worried after seeing the post. Many thanks.

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  50. Hi
    Curt did i get a place.

    uan

    ReplyDelete