From TamsinP: Klegg Hai! (Sci-Fi) (41 points)

I started painting these figures on Wednesday and had them all but finished last night. However, as I was meant to be traveling to Sussex this morning for Christmas at my sister's I was expecting to have to finish and submit them next week when I would get back to London.

Then a seasonal bug decided to hit me overnight, ruling out travel today. With train strikes still set to go ahead tomorrow, that means that even if I do get over it overnight I'll be staying in London for another solo Christmas. Still, there's some good in it - it means I have been able to get them finished today and can make a start on my next set of figures or models.

Who /what are the Kleggs? They are a fearsome, violent, bloodthirsty, not overly bright alien race. Their first appearance in 2000AD was in the 1978 Judge Dredd story "The Day The Law Died" in which the insane Chief Judge Cal hired a mercenary contingent of them to help fight against the Judges who had rebelled against his corrupt regime.

These figures are from Warlord Games. The heads are swap-able so you could get 9 variants (each set of arms only fits with one body) - I might buy another pack at some point. They are big - here's a photo of one next to a normal 28mm figure:

These are obviously science fiction, so I'm going to make a start on the map and count them for the Sci-Fi studio.

Points

3 x 40mm figure @ 7 = 21 points

Sci-Fi Studio @ 20 = 20 points

Total = 41 points.

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I see you've offered these to us as an amuse bouche towards your upcoming Traveller starship. This is all good and fine, as these Kleggs are wonderfully (ferociously?) painted in their blue and brass finery. Another worthy nemesis to put against Dredd and his allies. Well done!

Welcome back to the Challenge, Ms. P! :)

- Curt

From SimonM: Namaste Haiku by "C27 Studio" (7 points)

Thought I’d best get something in straight(ish) from the start, so I thought something large and reasonably straightforward would be a good place to begin…

This 40mm scale miniature of Namaste Haiku was created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and is available as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file by "C27 Studio". The 60mm tall sculpt is clearly inspired by Stan Lee's comic book co-creation - The Abomination, and designed to be used as an 'alternative' figure for the Marvel Crisis Protocol rule-set.

Along with a 75mm scale version, the model also comes with its own 50mm circular base. However, as I dislike trying to print off anything of that size which is supposedly (super) flat, I decided to just print out the rubble upon which Emil Blonsky’s alter-ego stands and then superglue it upon an 'official' spare plastic stand by "Atomic Mass Games". I then used some green-stuff to blend the join in, and primed the entire ensemble with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

‘Deliberately exposing himself to a greater quantity of the same gamma radiation that transformed Bruce Banner into the Hulk’, I decided to use the former KGB agent as an opportunity to test out some of "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" I've recently been sent by "Trans Atlantis Games" to trial. As a result, I applied a double-helping of Emerald Green over Haiku to use as a prime, shaded the miniature with Battle Mud Wash, and dry-brushed him with (more) Emerald Green. I later used a similar process for the rubble, swapping out "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" colours for "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Nuln Oil to as to match the basing palette I’ve previously used on my ‘official’ Marvel Crisis Protocol figures. 

I initially picked out the hideous lizard-like creature’s eyes, torn trousers, teeth, finger nails and toe nails with Doom Death Black by “Two Thin Coats”, and subsequently applied either White Star, Skulker Yellow or Marine Blue to the appropriate areas. With the exception of the monster’s clothing – which was given a liberal shade of “Citadel” Drakenhof Nightshade – all these parts were then washed with (more) Battle Mud Wash by “Two Thin Coats” so as to dirty them up. Finally, I went back in with some additional Emerald Green and Skulker Yellow to help tidy things up, as well as bring a little focus to the super-villain’s deep-set pupils.

One x 40mm scale foot figure = 7 Points

Total = 7 Points

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I always enjoy your posts Simon, as I get a doctoral class in superhero lore. :) 

This big green fella looks suitably imposing, especially with his nasty sharp white teeth and creepy baleful glowing eyes.  A great print and an even better paintjob - well done!

Welcome back to the Challenge, Simon!

- Curt

From AdamC: Toy Barn for Evelyn - Gift Shop (80 Points)

Okay so this is not technically a miniature but it is sort of a doll house (doll barn).  Its Melissa & Dough piece my wife picked up. 

The previous owner had put a number of stickers on it that I scrapped off and then painted over. 

I had wanted to do the trim in white but with time running out my wife and i agreed that stained wood look good.

 

I opted not to paint the interior because its barn and Maybe that will be project for my daughter to take on. 

The Barn is huge 17x13 inches on the base and 14 to 15 high but a simple paint job and the inside is unpainted with a good bit of empty space. So I tossed it to Curt to judge the points he suggested 60 Points for the Barn and that I submit it the Gift Shop for another 20.  Now off to hide it until Christmas morning (not sure how I am going to wrap it!!!!) Also would a Doll house count for a Squirrel Point? 

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Adam, this will be a lovely gift for Evelyn. She'll be over the moon when she unwraps it. I'm sure she will be spending considerable time, thinking of how to decorate it and fill it up with her precious toys. Now, off to find enough wrapping paper to cover it up for under the tree!

Well done! 

- Curt

From RobH: Space 1889 - Martian Gashants (85 Points)

This is not the post I expected to be opening my campaign with. However on Wednesday, an unexpected package arrived on my doorstep. One that was not expected until December 30th. I brought it into the kitchen and put it on the table for my room-mate to open. I assumed it was the kitty treats that she ordered on my amazon account. The  treats  arrived an hour later.

1.65 Kilos of Martian goodness.

Instead it was 35 Martian Gashants that I had won on eBay earlier in the month.  Another 1.65 kilos for the mountain of shame. I followed this item since early September before making my move. The figures came primed, with 25MM x 50MM metal bases. I had to reglue most of them, as they came unstuck in shipping.

I wanted to try some ideas I had for the painting them up and I set to work on a third of their number. The sad fact is these are riderless mounts. I must continue to haunt eBay and other auctions sites seeking the troops needed to mount up my Martian Cavalry. This is how I end up with storage boxes, from which I know I will be able to pull unpainted miniatures.

The hidden mountain of shame.

There appear to be two types of Gashants. The domesticated variety equipped with European tack. I painted up three of them and kept it to a simple uniform look. I have another 24 of these figures to paint.

Then there is the second, wild variety, which appear to be used by the various Martian tribes. I had 8 of these figures and painted them all. I experimented with 4 different skin colours, as well as two different beak colours (red or yellow). One of each for the four different skin colours used. For lack of a better term the wild gashants seem to display some sort of comb. Again I used a different colour to go with each of the skin colour variations.

Mars is covered in red soil. I used Vallejo Earth Texture - Desert Sand mix with 1/4 amount of Liquitex Cadmium Red. The overall effect was pink sand. I applied an Army Painter Slaughter Red wash over the sand to darken the colour. Finally to quote from another Martian Chronicle, the ubiquitous red weed was applied to all the bases. 

Since a 25mm mounted figure is 10 points, and a foot figure is 5 points, I figure a mount must be worth 5 points in itself. 

Points 13 Gashants x 5 points = 65 Points

Sci-Fi Studio = 20 Points

Total 85 Points

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I'm loving the Barsoom theme here, Rob! These 'heavy metal' Gashants look terrific in their variety of hues, and I really like the vibrant Martian groundwork you've gone with. This herd makes me want to do a few more of my TinMan miniatures that I have sitting in the wings. Must. Keep. My. Resolve...

A great entry for the 'Sci-Fi Studios' theme. Well done!

- Curt

LeeH: Sir Rhys ap Thomas and Sir John Wells [48 Points]

Today's post is the first of many for a new period and my big project for this Challenge. I present the first companies of troops for the Wars of the Roses / Battle of Bosworth in 6mm. I have been thinking about this pretty much since the end of the last Challenge in March, and hopefully, the planning and considerable preparation will pay off over the next three months. There is a huge amount to do and in all honesty, I don’t think I will get everything finished by Challenge end. These first few units have taken a lot longer to complete than I thought. However, If I can get at least half the project finished, I will be happy (and hit my personal points target).

I’m planning on using the Test of Resolve rules for this period so each ‘company’ consists of two bases presented in-line for deep units like billmen, or abrest for wide units like archers. So here we have a unit of Retinue Billmen and a unit of Archers for each nobleman. I have compiled a detailed order of battle for the Lancastrians and Yorkists at Bosworth and when I have finished I will have 38 Noblemen represented on the table with over 125 individual bases of troops…each with their own flag! I decided early on that I was going to use fewer figures on each base to allow for better base dressing with turf and grass etc but to compensate I would have a flag on every base. I may come to regret this decision because that's a lot of extra work…but I think the end result will look awesome and I can’t wait to see it all completed and arrayed on the tabletop.

So today I present the troops of Sir Rhys ap Thomas and Sir John Wells who fought on the Lancastrian side at Bosworth. The former was a Welsh lord who committed his troops to Henry’s cause, but only after the latter had marched nearly all the way through Wales. Maybe he was sizing up the young Tudor and trying to make up his mind? 

That's enough of me waffling on, I need to get back to my paint desk. I have 117 more bases of troops and flags to be getting on with!!

(96x6mm Foot = 48 Points)

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Good Gravy! Another Challenger doing WotR! Lee, you and Kyle are killing me here. Really, these projects will be inspirational to follow.

Lee, these first few bases of your Lancastrians looks superb, and the flags, while a bit of a pain, really finish the units wonderfully. I think you're going to be very happy with your decision when the project comes to a conclusion. I like the basing arrangement I'm seeing here for 'Test of Resolve', so I may have to pick up a copy to add to my growing stack of Wars of the Roses rules.

I'm looking forward to the next instalment on this project, Lee!

- Curt

From DaveD: Tanks, Tanks , Tanks - ‘Nam - (& Under Construction) - 85 points

 Ok so I kicked this challenge off with a little bit of metal , now it’s time for the proper heavy metal. Of course we think of ‘Nam as being grunts and choppers , less so tanks , so how many did I go for in 28mm  not just 1 oh no …two isn’t enough is it … so  3 shall be the number !

First up to boost the USMC are a couple of the wonderful limited edition M48A3 from Ged at Gringo40s . They are a mix of  resin and metal (tracks ,cupola and gun and a massive bag of stowage) . Overall a fine cast with a bit of extra model making skill required for the storage rail and baskets etc which I decided to make from brass rod instead of the provided 3D print resin bits as I thought they would be more sturdy .

I also switched out the decals to a set made by Star decals to give me different vehicle  options - they are a 1/72nd set nominally - but they do they job nicely 

 

I found the Commander in the ‘Nam bits box - I think he was from the The Assault Group

MartinC of this parish has a acquired a bunch of supply trucks /gun trucks over the summer , it’s time to run a convoy through the VC positions I reckon 

Infantry just for scale 

Next addition is for my small and soon to be growing Anzac forces . A rather fine Centurion V with an ever useful dozer blade. This is a mostly resin kit from Full Metal Miniatures . Nicely cast . Again I picked up a set of decals from Star (in 1/72nd but they look just fine) 

The Commander came with the kit along with the stowage 

                                                                      

Lads are all just for scale , and were completed last challenge , and will be added to this year .

Well I reckon that’s me until the festivities slow down . 

3 x 28mm Vehicles , and two half figure commanders = 65 points to my tally and the Never ending Cold War too (pretty sure almost everything in the do pile is for that 😂😂)

Now this may qualify for Under Construction as well - that damn dozer is really good at that along with the additions to the Anzac force coming along after this - so 20 pts for that too.

** edit - map updated  **

Cheers 

D

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Wow! You've been very industrious over the past few days, Dave! These tanks look fabulous. The colour and weathering look like they've rolled out of a newsreel. The brass rod additions are excellently done and the dozer bladed Centurion is just brilliant. I need one of those for both neighbourhood snow removal and perhaps the 'removal' of speeding vehicles going by our park. :)

Grand work Mr. D!

- Curt

From PaulSS: T'au Death Parrots - 80pts

It's great to be back for another challenge and here is my initial entry.

I'm starting Challenge XIII like I finished Challenge XI with a post of Warhammer 40K figures. This time a tribe of Kroot Auxiliaries for my T'au force.

Despite their vintage the Kroot Warriors are a great set of models that go together well and can be assembled in some very dynamic poses and at only twenty-four quid for sixteen figures it takes out some of the sting of the four Kroot hounds I added to the mix.

I primed them with black primer and gave a heavy dry-brush, or zenithal highlight as the cool kids call it, of Ivory then painted mainly with Citadel Contrast paints, the flesh colour being Militarium Green.

I kept to a fairly muted palette with just a few splashes of primary colours here and there.

To bring them together I decided to add some tribal face paint to most of the Kroot Warriors, with different areas of their faces painted red with white dots added. To keep up the primitive theme I did the weapon blades, armour etc. in VMC Bronze.

The Kroot hounds are cast in resin and need a lot of cleaning up, but they take paint easily enough.

Prior to the challenge starting I had made a start on four of the warriors and the four hounds so will only claim half points for these.

 

Twenty 28mm foot figures with a voluntary 20pt deduction for having splashed some paint on eight of them already gets my challenge started with 80pts

Squirrel Duel Tally: 1 (40K Kroot)

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Welcome back to the Challenge Paul!

I somehow always think of you as a historical painter (even though you've had several entries of Star Wars and 40K in the Challenge), so I'm perpetually taken aback when I see your work on Sci-Fi subjects. My nonsensical bemusement aside, your talented brush has done these 'Death Parrots' proud. I especially like the tribal face paint and the muted colours of their kit. I look forward to seeing what else you have planned for your expanding T'au force.

- Curt 

From TeemuL: Murin & Drar [Casting Couch] (30 points)

Greetings from Finland! It has been raining for few days here, but couple of minutes ago wind turned it is snowing now. Temperature should go below 0 Celcius, so we might actually get a White Christmas again. You might remember my temporary hobby area from my intro text... I have now moved to secondary temporary hobby area, since living room was cleaned for Christmas. I now do the hobby in the remote work area, which luckily is available during the holiday season. I just need to get some proper light there.

In this Challenge I'm not focusing on Squirrels, I'm focusing on one of my Ikea boxes, labeled Dwarfs and Rohan plus Mithril miniatures, and putting too much effort to bend the Studios rules to fit with my entries... Here are the first two minis from the box, two dwarf adventurers called Murin and Drar (with some accents). Metal miniatures in 28mm scale from Games Workshop for their Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game, they were available a few years ago in Made to Order after dropping off from the regular range.

Casting Coach, you say? Just look at the end credits of some movie or series and you get the casting, this does not count for Casting Coach, this is just ridiculous grabbing of points which you already have a dark history from last Challenge! Alas, I have covered my back this time, I hope. You see, these two guys are 3rd Age adventurers of Middle-Earth, but they are created by Games Workshop for their game, they have not been casted (pun intended) to look like some silver screen star. Yes, they are not from the movies or series, but they could make a nice spin-off movie - once casted, of course.

They don't even belong to any army or faction (other than Good side), although can be allied with many, so I was quite free to choose my colours for them. While I'm almost obsessed to paint some red on my Old World dwarfes, I'm almost obsessed to not paint anything red on my Middle-Earth dwarfes. They are kind of dwarf rangers, so I chose some earthly colours, but also wanted to tie them with my Khazad-Dum army, so some bright green and light blue was added, those colours also make them pop up a bit, which is good for heroes on the table top. I have used Citadel paints, not Contrasts, just the old fashioned way on these. There are some washes and some drybrushing/highlighting, but not much. Bases are sand, painted, washed and drybrushed to brown as is my usual recipe for LotR minis.

"Here we are at the Casting Coach, currently we are trying to fill the roles of Murin and Drar for a movie called 'Wild Wandering Adventures of Murin and Drar during the time of Lord of the Rings'. We are planning to shoot for 100 days in New Zealand to get proper realism to the movie and then spend 300 days here in our studios to edit everything to look even more real. We are hoping to get a box office hit for summer 2024 season and grab couple of Oscars from our soundtrack!"

Participation fee

That is two 28mm miniatures and location bonus for 30 points!

Now I just need to convince my conscience to allow posting some Middle-Earth minis for World Cinema, because they actually are not from where I live...

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Welcome to the Challenge, Teemu!

Thank you for the donation to the Living Sky Wildlife Rehab. I know it will be very much appreciated by the animals taking refuge there this winter.

Great looking Dwarves! I like the vibrant green as an accent. Your interpretation for 'Casting Coach'(?) is, um, original, and I very much hope we hear more of the production of the 'Wild Wanderings Adventures of Murin and Drar during the time of Lord of the Rings'.  :)

- Curt