From FrederickC - One Last Visit to the Library [Sarah's Library Cart][Travel][Rare & Antique Book] (127 points)

It has been two weeks since my last submission, and there is now only a week to go. Things got rather hectic around here, and painting time has been at a premium. It hasn't helped that my PC decided to pack it in. 😒 I still have a larger project that I hope to finish before the clock runs out, but I thought I would complete the last of my library challenges first.

First up are two female troopers from the Eurasian Solar Union by Ground Zero Games. I picked these up off eBay years ago with plans to add them to the mix of various manufactures that I painted up as my planetary militia. I have done of few of these for a previous challenge, and I used the same colour scheme using Vallejo acrylics and Citadel washes. I will use these two to buy a quick round trip to the upper level of the rotunda.

 While on the rotunda's upper level I will complete the 'Travel' challenge with a 54mm figure of a Seven Year's War Prussian Musketeer. This was a gift from a friend back in the 90s who had started casting his own figures and gave me one. It came in five pieces - head, hands holding his musket, remainder of body, sword, and base. After assembly the figure was primed grey using a rattle can, and then painted with Vallejo acrylics and Citadel washes.  The travel connection is to a trip I took with my father and two brothers to Potsdam in 2001 as part of what I like to call the "In the Footsteps of the Ancestors" Pilgrimage. My father had been working on a definitive family history since his retirement, and I felt it was important to actually visit some of the places where my forefathers had lived. One of them had been Chaplain-General of the Prussian Army under 'The Soldier King' and 'Frederick the Great'. He was also the Garrison Preacher in Potsdam, and Chaplain to Infantry Regiment von Glasenapp. I painted up the figure as a musketeer of that regiment.

Sanssouci Palace

Frederick the Great's grave marker

Statue of Frederick the Great in Potsdam

 

Back on the ground level again, my final stop is the 'Rare & Antique Books' section. I presented a trio of possible projects to the Snow Lord, and while he thought the first two appealed to him more on a personal level, all were considered appropriate. So what I have is a 40mm flat made of some silver coloured plastic of a German soldier on parade that was part of a group of toy soldiers that my father had as a boy prior to the Second World War. I have vague memories of a group of marching soldiers, a band, and a Panzer I tank. I don't know what became of these figures in the end, but at some point they were no more. All that remained in my possession was one marching soldier that had broken off its base. I drilled holes in the bottoms of the feet, mounted it on a wooden base, and built up the missing parts of his boots with epoxy putty. As with the other figures in this submission, it was painted with Vallejo acrylics and Citadel washes.

 

Thus concludes my peregrination through the Challenge Library - nineteen sections and two library carts. Now to see if I can complete my last big project in time.

 "People were stupid, sometimes. They thought the Library was a dangerous place because of all the magical books, which was true enough, but what made it really one of the most dangerous places there could ever be was that simple fact that it was a library."

 - Terry Pratchett, "Guards! Guards!'

 

The points being claimed are as follows

 

2 x 28mm foot figures @ 5 points each = 10 points

 

1 x 40mm foot figure @ 7 points each = 7 points

 

1 x 54mm foot figure @ 10 points each = 10 points

 

1 x Library 'Travel' section @ 20 points = 20 points

 

2 x Sarah's Library Cart @ 20 points each = 40 points

 

1 x 'Rare & Antique Books' @ 40 points = 40 points 

Sylvain: Your posts are always very informative to read. Your brush work on these miniatures is "upper class" if I may say so. I'm sure a few strikes with a hammer will convince your computer to behave. Great submission!

From SimonM: Xenomorphs (10 points)

For my final post I thought I'd remain on LV426, and submit a few more of the 15mm metal Xenomorphs I own by "Ground Zero Games".The figures are available as code SG15-X01 from their Stargrunt Infantry range, and come in packs of six figures (consisting of two alternative sculpts).

Due to using the models for some homemade rules, the models were super-glued onto either a medium or small-sized plastic “Flames Of War” stand by “Battlefront Miniatures”, and primed using two layers of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. The extra-terrestrials were then dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, before being given a double-helping of “Citadel” Nuln Oil in order to help tone down their highlights and better blend them in.

Hopefully this last AHPC entry will provide:

5 x 15mm Xenomorphs = 10 Points

Total = 10 Points; and take me over my target tally of 500 Points in total.

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It wouldn't be a Challenge close without a study-in-black post by Simon. :) These xenomorphs look suitably slick and nasty, but in the appropriate way for a slick and nasty xenomorph. I also like how their based with the glossy surface accentuating the creatures themselves. Great work Simon, and well done on making your target on your last post. Economical and efficient - bravo.

- Curt

From SimonM: Natalia, Xenomorphs & Gretchen Scout Contraptions (Lady Sarah's Star Yacht & LV426) (59 points)

For my penultimate post I thought I would take another trip on Lady Sarah's Star Yacht from Cybertron to LV426, and finally start working through the last few plastic bags of Xenomorphs I own. As a result my opening model is Natalia, Female Secret Agent by "Reaper Miniatures". This 28mm two-piece metal miniature comes from their Chronoscope range and can be purchased as code 50149.

Having assembled the disconcertingly fragile-looking figure, the model was undercoated with “Vallejo” Black Primer and subsequently treated to a couple of layers of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. The entire model was then dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal, before having her gun holster, leg strap and belt ‘picked out’ with Heavy Sienna.

I also applied some “Vallejo” Gunmetal to the deadly assassin’s pistol, before all of these areas were ‘drowned’ in “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The not-Black Widow’s belt buckle and thigh gadget were treated to a combination of “Vallejo” Gold and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. Finally, Natalia’s hair was given a lick of “Vallejo” Heavy Red, shaded with “Citadel” Agrax Earhshade, and carefully dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red.

Having landed on LV426 it only seemed fitting to pigment five 15mm scale metal miniatures Xenomorphs by “Ground Zero Games”. The figures are available as code SG15-X01 from their Stargrunt Infantry range, and come in packs of six figures (consisting of two alternative sculpts).

Due to using the models for some homemade rules, all of the models were super-glued onto a large-sized plastic “Flames Of War” stand by “Battlefront Miniatures”, and primed using two layers of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. The extra-terrestrials were then dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, before being given a double-helping of “Citadel” Nuln Oil in order to help tone down their highlights and better blend them in.

Finally, I have made a start on some of the smaller German Land Ironclads produced by “Brigade Models”. These eight Gretchen Scout Contraptions are approximately 8mm x 3mm in size, and had previously been super-glued in fours upon a 30mm x 40mm plastic rectangle. All the Small, nimble scout vehicles were primed with a couple of layers of “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, and shaded in “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

I then carefully dry-brushed them all with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, before patiently picking out all their guns with a combination of Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. As with my previously painted British Mk.I Armoured Gun Carriers the hardest (and most time-consuming) part in painting these little guys was tidying up the grit surrounding the vehicles so I could later dry-brush their bases and get them tabletop ready.

Hopefully this latest AHPC entry will provide:

1 x 28mm Figure = 5 points

Lady Sarah's Star Yacht (assuming you can claim the points every time you use the yacht) = 20 points..?

5 x 15mm Xenomorphs = 10 Points

LV426 = 20 Points

8 x 2mm (small) Vehicles = 4 Points (based on their size/painting time being similar to 6mm Infantry figures)..?

Total = 59 Points

I like your Natalia. I am getting tired of multi-part metal figures; they are a lot of effort and can be fragile. Your xenomorphs and scouts have come out well.

Barks

From FrederickC: Skirting 'The Great Abyssal' aboard Lady Sarah's Star Yacht [Cybertron][Klendathu][Coruscant] (150 points)

 

We have left Arrakis behind us with a terrible case of sunburn, and I'm still shaking sand out of my boots and trouser pockets. The plan is to do a short hop over to Cybertron, and then take Lady Sarah's Star Yacht past the Great Abyssal to Coruscant with a quick stop on Klendathu along the way. So three stops in total and two yacht tickets. I plan to spend some time in the lounge while aboard the yacht to see if they can mix up a Blue Meanie like the ones they serve at the Blauwe Blome bar on Tycho Station.

Interstellar Yacht by Shusei Nagaoka

 

Cybertron (#9 on the map) - home planet of the Transformers, a shining metal, technological world, and the theme is 'Transformational/Transformative'.

Gandalf: Through fire... and water... From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and everyday was as long as a life-age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I have been sent back, until my task is done.

Aragorn: Gandalf.

Gandalf: Gandalf? Yes... that's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name. 

Gimli: Gandalf! 

Gandalf: I am Gandalf the White! I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide.

The figures of Gandalf the White on foot and mounted on Shadowfax are the older Games Workshop Lord of the Rings castings. I have included Gandalf the Grey in the photos for the 'Before' and 'After' comparison.

 

Klendathu (#10 on the map) -  home world of the Pseudo-Arachnids. The planet has many warriors and workers all over its surface. However, its brains and queens live deep underground and are capable of surviving an invasion by the Federal Military. The theme is 'An Invasion Gone Bad'.

 

On the morning of 19 August 1942, landing craft of the 2nd Canadian Division hit the beaches around the port of Dieppe. Red Beach, on the eastern half in front of Dieppe itself was assaulted by the Essex Scottish. The battalion was supposed to have armoured support from the 14^th Army Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment (Tank)), but the tanks arrived 15 minutes too late. LCT No, 2 landed three tanks of 13 Troop of 'C' Squadron - 'Cougar', 'Cheetah', and 'Cat'. 'Cougar' quickly became immobilized, and only 'Cheetah' and 'Cat' made it onto the Promenade. 'Cat' was able to take out a 47mm anti-tank gun near the harbour entrance,  however its 6-pounder gun, only able to fire solid shot, was mostly ineffective against the German defences. Eventually, 'Cat' made its way back to the beach, having fired off most of its munitions, and the crew abandoned it.

Churchill Mk III T68696 'CAT' is a repainted 1/50 Solido diecast model I acquired from a friend. It was originally painted in a desert yellow/olive green striped camouflage pattern for service in Tunisia, but I wanted it to match another Solido Churchill that I had that depicted 'Cheetah' (shown in the background). So the 'tank from Tunisia' was repainted using Vallejo Dark Earth, and then the vehicle name, numbers, etc. painted on freehand.

 

Coruscant (#11 on the map) - A city-covered planet, Coruscant is the vibrant heart and capital of the galaxy, featuring a diverse mix of citizens and culture. It features towering skyscrapers, streams of speeder-filled air traffic, and inner levels that stretch far below the world’s surface. The theme is 'Imperial'.

And nothing says 'Imperial' like a legionary of early Imperial Rome, equipped with lorica segmentata, gladius, and scutum. This is a 28mm plastic figure that came as a sample years ago with an issue of Wargames Illustrated. I was never sure what to do with it, and thought I might use it as a gladiator in our 'local arena'. I'm glad I had it on hand for this stop on the Challenge Quadrant.

 

Two tickets for Lady Sarah's Star Yacht - the two figures I painted for passage aboard the Star Yacht are (left to right) a Eurasian Solar Union SAW gunner from Ground Zero Games and a Rebel Commando from West End Games. Both date from the mid to late 1990's. I have painted them up in the colour scheme for the Ral Partha Galactic Grenadiers figures I use as 'Planetary Militia'. In the past I have used both GZG and WEG minis to augment the variety of poses and weapons in my squads.

 

 The points being claimed are as follows:

1 x 28mm vehicle @ 20 points = 20 points

1 x 28mm mounted figure @ 10 points = 10 points

4 x 28mm foot figure @ 5 points = 20 points

3 x Challenge Quadrant locations (Cybertron, Klendathu, Coruscant) @ 20 points each = 60 points

2 x Lady Sarah's Star Yacht @ 20 points = 40 points 

Blue routes were via Lady Sarah's Star Yacht

Time to drop into the Inner Ring
 

You're just rocketing around the planets here Frederick.  Nice work on Gandalf the White, really like those sculpts.  And yes, as we discussed in advance (see Ray he ran it past me in advance) I'll buy this as a transformation.  No arguments on Dieppe as an Invasion gone wrong and well done on those doomed Churchills.   I think I have that Legionary somewhere too, great job on the shield.  And finally nice to see some vintage SciFi figures given some love.

From JamesM: Moar 15mm Colonists (Lady Sarah's Balloon) - 14 points

Hi folks,

Following swiftly on the heels of my fifth Challenge Island entry, I'm once again sacrificing paint and time in order to summon the mighty Balloon of Sarah!

I have to say, in MartinC's honour, that it's been Totes Emosh.

Unfortunately, today's sacrifice to Lady Sarah are two startlingly familiar sculpts. I's almost like they come two to a pack or something.

These young ladies are, however, not wearing the same colours. In fact, neither of them are the same colour as their twin.

Edit: missing picture:

Apologies Lady Sarah!

Again, these are 15mm armed colonists from GZG. These gals will inevitably see action against my security drone force at some point, although perhaps not soon.

While there are a number of fellow colonists on the painting desk currently, I am going to brace myself for whatever the Big Man on the Mountain decides I need to do to earn a treasure, and re-focus onto painting 10mm fantasy stuff in the time remaining before the Hammerhead show in March. This will also involve time spent basing the figures kind people have been sending me for the Joshua project.

And in case anyone hasn't seen it, I have a Facebook page up specifically for the project:

https://www.facebook.com/ForJoshuasArmy/

Anyway, points:

2 x 15mm figures = 4 points
1 x Glass of Bubbly = 10 points.

Total: 14 points

And off to the The Big Man's Mountain I go!

PeterD here again and it's Deja Vu all over again.  I could've sworn that I saw these dame casts very recently.  Great job on the not-twins.   I'm not sure if the bubbly still counts on your second balloon ride and there's no photographic proof of said second bubbly.  

However I am subbing and trying to get stuff posted and ForJoshua project is so worthy project that I'll spot your the 10 points.

From TamsinP: 15mm Kra'Vak Adolescents (72 points)

A few weeks ago I presented the first part of my Kra'Vak force and mentioned that the original sculpts could be used to represent adolescent Kra'Vak troops. Well, here are a small contingent of those pesky kids!

The Infantry

The Cavalry

Whilst adult Kra'Vak might be regarded (by humans at least) as complete lunatics, even they aren't lunatic enough to considering riding the warbeasts. They leave that to the even more lunatic adolescents.

I did mention that they are somewhat smaller, so here's a side-by-side pic to show the difference:

The new sculpts are about 20mm to top of head; the original sculpts are 15mm to top of head. Quite a difference.


Anyway, onto the scoring:

24 x 15mm foot @ 2 = 48 points
6 x 15mm mounted @ 4 = 24 points
Total = 72 points

I do have a couple of vehicles primed for them, but will probably leave those until after the Challenge to paint as I have a few more that are waiting to be assembled.

And don't worry - this will not be my last submission!

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Geez. Riding their warbeasts without helmets, playing their crazy music too loud...  Kids these days, eh! 

Very cool entry Tamsin. Just like the the adults you did-up several weeks ago, I like the colour scheme you came up with for these Kra'Vak - the purple and green looks very sharp. 

72 points for your final climb to your target. Well done Tamsin!

-Curt

From TamsinP - 15mm Kra'Vak (226 points)

Continuing down the SciFi rabbit hole, but this time in 15mm, my second post today is the beginning of a Kra'Vak force for Gruntz (and other SF games).

The Kra'Vak are an alien race (obviously) in the "Tuffleyverse" as it is affectionately known by fans of GZG's rules. All the figures in this post are from the recent resculpts of the range which are larger than the original Kra'Vak figures. As Jon Tuffley has noted, the smaller early sculpts could easily be used as the adolescent kra'Vak troops, and the new sculpts as the adult warriors. As well as size, adolescents can be distinguished from adults by the cast of their skin and "hair" tendrils which are reddish rather than green.. And their lunatic behaviour on the battlefield.

So, on with the pics of which there are a lot!


Hunting Beasts and Handlers

Scouts on Grav Bikes

Power Armour Troops

Heavy K-Cannon Teams

Missile Launcher Teams

Grav Mortar Teams

Infantry Platoon with Missile Launchers

Infantry Platoon with Heavy K-Rifles

As mentioned before, all the figures are 15mm from Ground Zero games.

Onto the scoring:
84 foot plus 9 beasts @ 2 = 186 points
6 crew-served weapons @ 4 = 24 points
4 grav bikes (cavalry) @ 4 = 16 points
Total = 226 points

I do have some more Kra'Vak to paint, which might appear later in the Challenge.

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Fantastic entry Tamsin, these are a treat to look at. You must have steady hands because these are beautifully crisp and clean making the colours really pop. The figures look nicely detailed which must have made them a joy to paint. 

Lee