From MartijnN: Just past the post! (402 points)

Wow, I don't think I have ever been cutting it so close in the Challenge. I have been painting steadily throughout, if not as often or as much as I would have liked, but never seemed to get anything really done. So, I have only managed a few posts this time on my appointed Saturday (sorry, Sander!). However, I really wanted to get as close to my target as I could get, so here are my final contributions:

First, there are two more vehicles for my Bolt Action French army. As I said before, I really like the quirky French camouflage schemes, and these two are no exception. Here is a Panhard armoured car, a Warlord resin and metal model that arrived on my doorstep recently. It's a nice model, and I think the Panhard looks surprisingly modern.

Then, there is a Hotchkiss light tank. It is a 3d printed model, designed by Counlane Models. It is a very detailed model, and it went together nicely; it would have been even better had I used a less flexible resin. However, the end result is quite acceptable.

Then, I printed and painted more of the excellent Colonel Muller figures. Here is another squad of reservists, complete with VLB grenade launcher.

I also painted two LMG teams. I put them on a single base, just so that the loader is always with the gunner, and I like them that way.

Finally, a few regular infantry and an officer. In all, there are 20 28mm figures.

Then, I have painted my first "mass" units of 28mm Napoleonics since the 1990's. They are two 24 man battalions of the 28th French Line Infantry, the first battalion with the eagle and the second with the fanion, No, that is not a white flag, thank you very much. I also painted two mounted officers to go with them. The first battalion are Warlord plastics, the command figures and the mounted officer in metal; the second battalion are the gorgeous Piano Wargames figures, now also available in plastic, but these were 3d printed by myself. I have since switched over to a more flexible resin, which is just as well for the first bayonet has already broken off and disappeared into the unknown, However, the unit still looks good I think.

So there you have it. I'll claim 2 points for the Panhard commander, so as not to go down the 0.5 points route. The tally should be, then:

2x 28mm vehicles @20 = 40

2x 28mm mounted @10 = 20

68.4 x 28mm foot @ 5 = 342

For a total of 402.

Must be the most points I have ever gathered in a single post! And hit my target after all, phew.

See you in the wrap-up!

Martijn

______________________________

Martijn, lovely work on this veritable points bomb you have for us! I've very much enjoyed watching the progress on your WWII early French project. The armoured car and Hotchiss look suitably en français in their distinctive ameba camouflage. I also like your soon-to-be-demobbed reservists (and agree about having the squad weapon loader based with the gunner). Finally, your first mass units since the 90s! Well, that is something to celebrate, especially when they look as good as these. Again, I have to agree with you in that those Piano models are very nice (and now available in plastic, no less). The only thing that would make them better would be them in the early Empire uniform, but that's just me. :)

I'm delighted that you hit your target with this last post, Martijn and I hope we enjoy your company for the next Challenge.

- Curt