From SimonM: Ben & Victorian Policeman by "Black Tree Design" [Local History] (43 points)

This 28mm metal single-cast figure is sold by by "Black Tree Design" and is available as Code DW151 - Ben from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Sculpted to represent "an able seaman on a shore posting", the miniature is clearly based upon the First and Second Doctors' companion Ben Jackson, who first appeared in Ian Stuart Black's 1966 BBC Television story "The War Machines".

Initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the Royal Navy sailor was subsequently heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and given a healthy dose of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then painted his trousers with a lick of "Two Thin Coats" Marine Blue, darkened them down with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later applied some rough highlights, courtesy of dry-brushing (more) Marine Blue by "Two Thin Coats" across the clothing's folds.

Finally, I dabbed some "Vallejo" Gold onto the buttons of Ben's duffle coat, before carefully applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to the top of his cap. I did also consider providing actor Michael Craze's character with some sort of jumper, which looked liked it was poking out from under the top of his coat in the 'official' paint-job. However, the figure itself didn't look as if it had any such garment on, so I simply stuck with the open neck look - which is how the time traveller actually appears on the small screen.

Alongside Ben, I have also pigmented another 28mm figure from "Black Tree Design" and their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Available as Code DW415 - Victorian Policeman, this model is based upon the constables seen in Robert Holmes' 1977 BBC Television story "The Talons of Weng-Chiang".

Originally given a coat of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the "Peeler" was treated to a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" Marine Blue and a good dousing in Oblivion Black Wash. He was then enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) Marine Blue by "Two Thin Coats", before having all of his buttons and belt buckle spotted in "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

The British Bobby's cape chain and helmet badge were later 'picked out' with a little "Two Thin Coats" Sir Coates Silver and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst the Policeman's wooden truncheon was given a blanket of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also traced along the lines of the stout fellow's facial lambchops with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Considering that Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the rest of His Majesty's Naval Base, the D-Day Museum and the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower are just a couple of miles away, I thought this figure of Ben Jackson wearing a vintage (Sixties) sailor's uniform would make an excellent submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Local History Library desk - especially as the fictional able seaman himself was based at Portsmouth according to the 1968 "Doctor Who" Annual. In addition, Explosion specialises in the history of Royal Naval uniforms, and even goes so far as to mention the duffle coat and cap Ben is sculpted wearing as being an example of a sailor's "working dress" following the Uniform Regulations of 1856 in its excellent "Researching Your Items: Identifying Uniforms" pamphlet. 

Furthermore, due to Portsmouth Central Police Station being in a similarly close proximity, I thought my Nineteenth Century Policeman would equally hit the criteria for the Challenge's Local History Library desk. The original station was actually established in Albert Road in 1872, so harks right back to the Victorian Period when officer's wore the famous cape, tunic and custodian helmet depicted on my miniature - and a display mannequin wearing this uniform is currently on show at the local Hampshire Police and Fire Heritage Trust Museum. Indeed, funnily enough, Portsmouth City Police grew in size due to the Royal Navy's presence in the town getting ever larger (and the city resultantly increasing its number of public houses to over a hundred and fifty), hence I thought a two-pronged proffering for this bonus challenge was rather appropriate.

Furthermore I've also managed to complete a second Myrka figure by "Black Tree Design". This 46mm long metal miniature was painted in precisely the same manner as my first one - predominantly using "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, I did apply a gloss varnish to the maritime monster, and thought it made it look so suitably water-logged, that I went back and gave my other model a coat too.

Lastly, I've finished an old 15mm scale Orange Adder Combat Car by “Alternative Armies”. This infantry support variant can be purchased as Pack Code IAF035D from the company’s "The Ion Age" range and comes armed with "a 50mm Grenade Launcher in a turret mount."

Just prior to being super-glued to a Large "Flames Of War" plastic rectangular base by "Battlefront Miniatures", I gave the underside a generous application of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black. The entire vehicle was then slapped in "Vallejo" Dark Grey, shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil" and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Dark Grey.

I next 'picked out' all of its wheel trims, any visible/reachable undercarriage or axels, as well as its main weapon with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil". Before carefully applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to any lights I could see. 

Three x 28mm scale foot figures = 15 Points

Local History Books Bonus = 20 Points

15mm scale Vehicle = 8 Points

Total = 43 Points   

Another pair of nice figures, Simon. I like the policeman, he has a very martial and determined look about him. The armoured car looks also good. And who would not want a pair of Myrkas watching the garden pond? As for the Local History bonus, with the background you have provided us here I think that is well deserved, well done!

43 points added to your total.

Martijn