From JamesM: Black and White, Books, Westerns, Fantasy, Arthouse, and some terrain (256 points)

Hi folks,

Having had to take a week off from updating my progress due to threats of a picket from Miles, as well as vague claims that he would seize the means of production and 'one out, all out' should I post multiple entries again - this week I've smooshed everything into one post. 

First up, a Black and White entry:

This is a 28mm figure from the Stargrave Mercs set. Slightly small for Necromunda, I build two of these models before passing the rest of the box on to MartinC. 

Just to prove he is painted in greyscale, here he is next to a colour model. 

I used the same slap chop method, as well as a all over coat of black speedpaint, some grey tones and the speedpaint white. Pretty impressed by the effect, might replicate it when I come to paint one of my gangs. This model has already seen the table - acting as a VIP in a Necromunda game at the weekend. Perhaps the harbinger of MartinC's bad dice luck?

One 28mm infantry model = 5 points, with the Black and White bonus of 20 points = 25 points. 

Next, a 28mm vehicle. Of sorts. Pictured with a number of other figures I will detail later.  

This tracked vehicle is equipped with a mechanical arm and a welding attachment. I've painted it up in a similarly decrepit manner to my terrain, as it will primarily be an objective/scatter/scenario object. However, it is a vehicle!

The model is from Games Workshop and came as a magazine freebie. I've added rust effects, including an attempt at verdigris on the serial number panel. 

One 28mm vehicle = 20 points

Then we move round the map into the blue zone - specifically 'Books'. In keeping with my other entries, I went with a famous author of the grim and distant future. 

Meet Han Ibal, 'slopper' extraordinaire. His book/dataslate entry 'How to Broil with the Guys: A cooks guide to corpse starch' sold millions of copies. Unfortunately, his follow up cookbook 'Your wife makes a lovely stew' saw him have to leave his uphive eatery in a hurry due to an Inquisitorial edict, and he now seeks work as a cook to whichever gangs will employ him - and is willing to risk an Imperial Kill Team hunting them down. 

Han, due to his various escapades and supply issues, goes through publishers quite quickly. His latest victim hire is pictured trying to give some constructive feedback on the third cookbook 'A food fight: Finding fresh ingredients and cooking in the underhive'. As a man who takes criticism poorly, Han may soon have a new dish to add to his repertoire. 

No doubt his story would make an excellent film, if not one you would want to watch prior to a meal. 

The 'slopper' mini is another Etsy offering, while the fellow with the datapad is another figure from the Stargrave mercs set. 

Two 28mm infantry models = 10 points, 'Books' studio = 20 points. Total of 30 points. 

Jumping from the Books Studio over to the Westerns one, I searched through my collection and found a model with the perfect item of clothing to represent a sci-fi western figure. A bandana. 

The only thing that would make this model more 'western' would be an appropriate hat. Perhaps whoever he is pointing at just shot it off. 

Another 28mm 3d printed figure from Etsy, this one acting as a proxy for a 'Dome Runner' in Necromunda - an underhive guide and scout which can be employed by gangs as a hanger on. 

One 28mm infantry figure = 5 points, Western studio entry = 20 points, total = 25 points. 

As the smell of sandals was putting me off, I decided to hail Lady Sarah's Limo again, this time escorted by a rogue doctor. 

Another 28mm Etsy model, as a proxy for a Forgeworld model which I can't justify spending on. Rogue Docs represent healthcare provides forced by chance or circumstance to ply their trade in the underhive. They help get fighters back in the fight between games, and help keep those who have been critically injured alive. 

A 28mm infantry figure nets me 5 points, with a Limo bonus of 20 points. For a total of 25 points. The Limo takes me to the Fantasy Studio, where I meet up with:

A gang of beastmen. Mostly equipped with axes, swords and the likes, but with a scattering of sci-fi weaponry. These guys represent a Khorne Chaos Cult and use the rules for a chaos tainted Goliath gang. The leader and champion are metal 28mm mini's I picked up at a show a while ago and did some basic conversion work on, while four of the gangers and GW beastmen from the Blackstone Fortress game. The other beastmen are conversions of fantasy beastmen with some Necromunda Goliath arms. 

This whole gang was painted in about 6 hours (a little longer with basing time), using speed paints and the 'slap chop' method. Probably the fastest I've ever painted an 'army'. As basic gaming models, they look pretty good and have already seen the table:

So a total of nine 28mm figures = 45 points, plus the Fantasy studio bonus of 20 points give a total of 65 points. 

From the Fantasy studio, a short trek takes me over to 'Arthouse'. 

Now, as someone who paints 15mm WW2 stuff almost religiously, this dive into 28mm sci-fi using speedpaints has been pretty artsy and unusual for me. I've learnt new techniques and I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of how the paints work and flow - as well as a better grasp of colour selection. 

These two very quickly painted Games Workshop 'Hive Scum' - done as extras for my Chaos Cultists and possibly the basis for another type of yet to be decided gang, represent my progress so far. Both of these models have been converted with plastic Escher weapons, namely a flamer and a heavy stubber. Yes, the flesh is a bit iffy - more white of skin areas during the drybrush stage seems to be the solution. But when it comes to painting the cloth and metal surfaces I feel like I'm making progress. And far far faster progress than I am used to. I've also started trying out different base colours under the speedpaint. 

I'll be interested to see if my experiences with this paint and painting technique impacts on my normal painting. 

This studio being completed sees me ready to visit the directors chair. 

Two 28mm infantry figures = 10 points, with the Arthouse bonus being 20 points, for a total of 30 points. 

Finally, some quick terrain done for my Necromunda board:

Consultation with Martin and Dave indicate these should be worth around 36 points, due to height and depth/length. 

Total points for this post should be 256 points. 

What a grim and dark looking bunch this is James.  I'll pass on dinner and I'm sure that problematic cyst will heal on it's own so need to bother the doctor over it.  Having Martin pass judgement on terrain points looks somewhat normal after this two experts so I'll go with what you've suggested on the terrain.