From Nick: 20mm Panzer IV Ausf. H (15 points)

Finally got around to finish this 1/72 Panzer IV Ausf. H by Zvezda. The kit is nice enough and despite some rather fragile parts, like the rails for the side skirts, it should be sturdy enough for wargaming. But it comes with the hatches molded closed, something I really can't stand. It's not like separate hatches are so super difficult to handle during assembly. That said it's something that seems surprisingly common in 1/72 scale modeling tanks. 

The kit was painted using the Real Colors range by AK Interactive. While I can't attest for the tonal accuracy the manufacturer claims, the paints work rather well through an airbrush. Much less of a hassle than acrylic paints. That said I miss the ready made modulation sets you get in acrylics. Means you've got to work more with pre-shading in black and white or mix your own modulation colours. Both things I don't really have the patience, nor the desire for.

For a more realistic look I skipped the combined edge highlighting/ micro scratch method I went with for my more recent vehicles but only used a sponge to apply some wear and tear here and there. Not fully convinced though, as a) I find the sponge very hard to control and b) it looks less 'defined', less visually interesting, especially at arms length.

For most of the weathering I used AK Interactive Weathering Pencils. Quite an interesting tool, especially as you can create different effects depending on wether you apply them dry or wet. Only the rust effects didn't really convince me, as they look somewhat off compared to the same effects done in enamels. So they're (of course) not the deal changer they're marketed as, but another useful tool in the tool box.

Points: 15

Well, she looks simply gorgeous. I recall doing 1/72 models as a youngster. All the road wheels and tracks were a nightmare. Your sponge and pencil technique works well- I struggle with vehicles and will keep my eyes open for a set.

Barks

From DaveS: More Florentines (120pts)

So I missed the posting deadline last weeek, which means that I have 2 weeks worth of models today, although the rate of posting has slowed significantly due to work commitments.

First up, we have the first of 2 units of Landsknechts, which will together from a Pike Block for BI2.

These have followed my theme of them probably being a bit more colourful than was strictly necessary, but it gives them a visual impact, especially when compared to the red and white of the City State units.

Next, we have another unit of Polearms from the State of Florence.  These were again made from bits of the Warlord Landsknecht's and Perry European Mercenaries sets.  Florence would conscript able bodied men, and issued them with Harness and Halberd or Boar Spear.  To give the impression of centrally issued equipment, I have managed to use a small range of the armoured bodies to give them a pseudo uniform appearance.  Nothing incredibly creative in their paint jobs.

This gives me another 24x28mm models, which should be an even 120pts.  It also brings me over halfway to my target of 2000pts, and only just behind schedule.

Well done on reaching 1000 points! I'm confident you'll make your goal. I like how your Landsknechts contrast with the more uniform Florentines.

Barks

GeoffreyT's Challenge

 Geoff has visited four planets in each ring, and is eligible for the Snowlord's Challenge.

From deep inside your lead mountain you will rescue and paint your Champions of Chaos- and you will amuse the Snowlord with tasteful photos of their escapades.

Good luck and happy painting!

Barks

From AlanD: Covenanter Pikes (60 points)

Along with a gnome and more Romanians this week, I finished my Covenanter company for Pikeman's lament. The last unit was another block of 12 pikemen from Warlord Games, based again using the 3-2-1 system suggested in the rules. I really like the look this gives to the units, and I will be using it more.

GregB asked last week how many figures are needed for Pikeman's Lament, and apologies Greg for not getting back to you sooner. The rulebook suggests games using 24 point companies. Infantry are made up of either 6 or 12 foot (eg 6 for a Forlorn Hope, 12 for Pike or Shot) and cavalry always have 6 figures. Units cost anywhere from 1-8 points, but most cost about 4 without upgrades. For example, a company made up of two units of horse, two of pikes, one shot and one unit of dragoons would cost 24 points, and require 39 infantry figures and 15 cavalry (depending on how you base your dragoons). Typically, I just painted far more than I need so I can have bigger battles or different options.

The flag is one I hand painted some years ago (at larger scale) and reduced it on the photocopier. I painted a few Covenanter flags and different cavalry cornets back then - if anyone wants them let me know and I'll send you a scan.

Since I'm calling this project done, I'll finish with a group photo. Without any upgrades, this would be a 36 point Company in Pikeman's Lament. Only about 2/3 of the force was painted during the challenge, with some painted a number of years ago and rebased. 60 points for the final pikemen please Barks!

Well done on 'finishing' this project! They are a beautiful and coherent force. I like your idea of painting your own banner and then reducing it.

Barks

From AlanD: Entirely predictably, more Romanians (22.5 points)

You may recall me 'completing' my WWII Romanian project. Well, since them I have had a truly excellent game of Battle Group using them against my friend Marty's Hungarians, and as a result, started thinking about painting some more bits and bobs. As a side note, why is it that every company in the world makes Opel Blitz trucks, but it seems to be impossible to find any of the trucks in widespread use in eastern Europe in 28mm? My kingdom for something like a Praga RV or Tatra 92!

Anyway. The latest recruit for my Romanian army is this Panzer 38(t), known as the T-38 in Romania. About 50 of these were acquired from the Germans in mid-1943, when the Germans were very keen to get rid of the horrible death traps. Although there are colour plates online of Romanian T-38s painted in olive green, it seems to be the case that vehicles were usually left in the colours of the original owners. For my model, I have attempted to paint it as a Panzer 38(t) that was originally painted in Panzer grey, received a flogging in Russia in 1942, was repainted in Dunkelgelb in 1943, then dumped on the Romanians, who gave it a coat of whitewash in winter 1944-5. It is quite challenging to paint something to look like it has shoddy and worn paintwork, but I'm pretty happy with it. I'm sure Marty's Hungarian Tiger I crew will be quaking in their boots when they meet this on the table.

The tank is from Warlord Games, and it is a lovely plastic model - presumably an Italeri kit? The commander is from Great Escape Games. 

Your whitewashing and weathering here is exquisite. The commander really helps give the tank a sense of size. We are shocked that your finished project was not, in fact, finished. Shocked, I say.

Barks

From AlanD: Low Budget Fun (Babylon 5) (50 points)

When Paul O'G moved house last year, I bought him and his family a gnome. And because I am basically a hateful person, I bought a hateful gnome.

Paul's wife, being a better person than I will ever be, couldn't bring herself to let the 'Go Away' message stand, so added the second line to make unwanted guests feel a little better as they sadly left the premises. 

Anyway, I stole the gnome, obviously.

In the spirit of the low budget fun that positively abounds on Babylon 5, I repainted him as a border guard in the GnomeKVD, the little-known branch of the secret police raised in 1932 to protect Soviet toadstools and snails, and provide security around Stalin's dacha. I'm not sure about GnomeKVD rank insignia, but I think this one is a sergeant. I'm not sure what that is in Russian as I don't know the correct gnomenclature. 

Today, with the assistance of one of my kids, we undertook a stealth mission to return the gnome to the O'G household, where I trust he will undertake his guard duties diligently. Suggestions for his name should be put in the comments below.

As for points...wow, heaps, obviously.😊 Seriously, I have no idea, and any crumbs Barks throws my way will be gratefully received. Technically, he is a 300mm miniature, but the paint job was not exactly challenging. Something plus 20 points for the planet bonus will be ace.

Gnomenclature... have thirty points, and get out of my sight.

Barks

From GeoffreyT: Multi-planet mayhem (Solaris)(LV-426)(Perelandra)(Krypton)(Gethen)(161 points)

From Vulcan, we leave pointy ears behind us and move onto its neighbour Solaris.

SOLARIS - Deception

These two chaps came from a second hand bulk lot.  I have identified them as Copplestone castings Spies.  Both are wearing nondescript suits to blend in where ever blending is needed.

They don't blend in particularly well with the green grass base.

That is now the last location in the outer-ring

Solaris is adjacent to LV-426 in the middle ring, so onwards and inwards we go.

LV-426 - Aliens

My Stargrave crew consisted of various Apeonauts from the USSS Fossey.  With the untimely death of their leader, they are now drifting in space somewhat directionless, as the most likely candidate for a new leader was Bubbles.  Unfortunately Bubbles lacks leadership qualities.  This is because Bubbles is a chimpanzee.

Therefore, it is time to build a new crew, and a new crew means new miniatures.  These three are the core of the next mob.  Three Alien Greys (reaper chronoscope metals).  The greys are nominally 28mm scale, although they are a bit weedy, 24mm to the eye.

The greys have different types of equipment, which will be great for identifying them as various skill types in game.  However, I'm not sure an anal probe is equipment used in Stargrave. (I will check rulebook just in case)

Of course, in Stargrave you need random monster antagonists.  This wooly rhino fits the in game description of a "Horat".  28mm model from Reaper Warlord metals.  The Horat is also an Alien.

For some reason, this Horat has two horns and one ear.  The missing ear is probably a casting defect, but I have added gore so it looks like it was bitten off by a space monster called Mike.

The Horat is big.  This is it compared to the greys.

Now from LV426 we jump over the already completed Noels comet, to Perelandra, the final uncompleted destination in the middle ring.

PERELANDRA - Oceanic

This sculpt is a mer-bloke on a sea-horse, trumpeting on a conch shell.  very oceanic indeed.  This is a 28mm Ral Partha miniature, from their Shadowrun line.

Here he is on the reverse.  I didnt have anything oceanic, so grabbed him from a bin of old stock at my local gaming store in Perth city to match the requirement.  Probably been in the store for 25 years, as it dates back that far.

Here is his muddy cousin, that came in same pack.  

Now the middle ring is done, and I zoom around in circles till I reach the great abyssal and begin my final assault on the inner ring at Krypton.

KRYPTON - Superhero

I didn't have anything suitable for this location either, so the same old stock bin at my local store produced this beauty.  This is a Reaper Chronoscope 28mm metal miniature labelled 'Torrent - Superhero".  Leaping out of the water, it is apparent her super-abilities include having dry hair after swimming.

I don't know anything about the super-hero genre, so I could safely paint her any colour I choose.  I chose a yellow bikini, because Y is for yellow Bikini in the alphabet soup challenge.

My wife said I picked this model because she had big tits, although there may be an element of truth in that, like a dutiful husband that I am, I denied it.

The yellow bikini is not so evident from the rear shot.

Next door we cool down after all that excitement, on a planet of ice and snow.

GETHEN - Ice and Snow

These two ferocious monsters are denizens of frostgrave, from the 28mm Northstar line, designed for the game.  First, a snow leopard.

I wasn't quite happy with the leopard spots, so I thought I might re-paint them.  Then I realised a leopard doesn't change its spots, so I left it as is.  You basically just get one shot at it.

Next is an ice toad.  These guys have a nasty bite.

I wasn't happy with spots on this one either, but since it wasn't a leopard, I could change them and they are now better.

Finally a widget I found in my box of unpainted things.  Spider eggs from Wizkids.  The eggs were translucent, I painted them with a translucent paint to keep the 'Nemo's doomed siblings' egg effect.

***

Not many miniatures for lots of bonus points this week.  However, there are not many planets left for me to claim now.

10 x 28mm foot = 50 points

1 x 28mm mounted fig

1 widget = 1 point

5 bonus planets = 100 points.

Total = 161 points

Y is for Yellow Bikini.

Cheers

GT

A good variety of figures here, Geoff. Nice work on all those labels! I think I've been to that Perth store you speak of and found some antique figures there myself. Keep an eye out for your Challenge!

Barks

Thursday's fowl

Today I have lined up all my Dux in a row:

• The Covenanters are done- or are they?
• The Romanians, that were done, were actually not done
• A gnome swaps hands

GeoffreyT takes us on a whirlwind variety tour of the planets, and DaveS stays committed to Florence.

Barks