From IanW: My Opening Salvo - Three SYW Prussian Guns in 15mm (28 Points)

I thought in only fitting to kick off my Challenge with a project I started at the very end of the last challenge, that being my SYW Prussians. So rather than a parting shot it's an opening salvo.

Originally I was working today and tomorrow but with all the work more or less finished before Christmas I managed to blag two days off so this allowed me to get of the starting block quickly.

These two are Old Glory (as supplied by Timecast) the actual colour is quite a bit darker than shown. A rare bit of winter sun in Blighty. Typical of Old Glory these have a lot of detail and some nicely animated figures.

The other gun and crew are Lancashire Games and whilst the gun is notably smaller it still looks fine. In fact other than the heavy cavalry I have been very happy with all the figures I have bought from Lancashire indeed I have another couple of battle packs of cavalry coming my way that may get painted later in the challenge.

So two battalion guns and one medium to heavy piece just to get things started. Next entry will take a bit longer as I go small in a big way.

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A great entry to pair-up with 'Old Fritz's' opening! Great work Ian. It's nice that you've picked up where you left off last year with this project. I kinda like the brightness of the blue even though it may be a bit amp'd up with the lighting. I look forward to seeing those cavalry in the coming months. 

And with 28 points you slip in to the lead!

Mark 'em 'Ready'

Hi Folks!

To help the Minions out, can you please mark your posts as 'Ready' in your submission title so we can easily identify them in the queue and get them posted. Otherwise your heartbreaking work of staggering genius will languish in unviewed obsurity.

Thanks a bunch!

Curt

From AlexS: Sea People Warlord (5 Points)

Hello everybody. My name is Alex, I paint-golik. The second time I participate in this wonderful event. The last time I realized that I could paint quickly. This time, I want to learn to paint carefully and maybe beautiful. In addition, I'm bored just to paint, I need an idea. For example, paint the miniatures, which are associated with the Event participants. :) 

And my first miniature is the embodiment of my association with one of the participants. I think you will understand who is seeing his fashionable hat, smart mustache and beard, and dressed in the national colors.

This miniature warlord sea people (Philistines) is my private order with our wonderful sculptor Dmitry Medvedev. It was a little sdelono copies, and all of them are meant for special occasions. As for what occurred today.

Thank you all for the fact that we all participate in this wonderful event and congratulations to its beginning!

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Hello Alex! It's great to have you back with us this year. So, you're trading in speed for a more measured pace? Well, it seems to be paying its dividends as this is a delightful miniature! I do like the headgear, armour and trident. 

Is this supposed to be an allusion to me (i.e. the beard and the Canadian colours)? Hmm, Lady Sarah does frequently cuff my shoulder while calling me a 'philistine' so it wouldn't be too far off the mark!  That trident doesn't look very good for shoveling snow though...

A terrific start Alex. 5 points to mark the start of your efforts!

Challenge VII Begins: 'Fred, An Enlightened Despot, and His Mutts'

As per tradition, I'll kick-off of the Painting Challenge with the first submission. 

Here, I give you a somewhat roundabout entry on this year's theme on companionship.

Frederick der Grosse. Der Alte Fritz. Frederick the Great. This same man who won the Seven Years War, unified Prussia, rubbed shoulders with Voltaire and introduced potatoes to Germany was also a great lover of dogs - in particular his Italian Greyhounds. The Prussian Kaiser and his dogs were inseparable, with at least one being recorded accompanying him on campaign (Biche, who was with him during the War of the Austrian Succession). Frederick owned many dogs during his lifetime, most of these roamed free in his palace of Sanssouci, forever at his feet, always indulged.

Frederick's wish upon his death was to be buried alongside his dogs at Sanssouci, but thinking this beneath the dignity of the old warrior, his nephew and successor Frederick Wilhelm II, had him buried with his father (whom, ironically, he detested) in the Potsdam Garrison Church. 

Nonetheless, 205 years later, after Germany was once again re-united, Frederick the Great was finally re-interred according to his wishes, in a small ceremony after nightfall, placed next to his beloved greyhounds at Sanssouci.

Frederick the Great's grave (with the traditional potato offerings) next to his hounds.

On to the figures. Here we see Frederick II playing a minuet on his flute with his faithful Italian Greyhounds at his feet.  

This is a nice 28mm vignette offered by Eureka Miniatures, which I think is based on the painting by Adolf von Menzel. 

Well there you have it. I think I'll give myself 10 points for this entry. 5 for Fred and another 5 for his dogs and music stand. The first entry out of the gate and the first points on the roster!  

I'll be relishing the next few hours as it's the only time where I'll have the lead... 

Okay, it's off to bed for me. I'll be updating with fresh entries in about 12 hours. 

Aaaaand.... We're Off!!

Okay, I'm painting like a man possessed. Who else is slashing away with their brushes?

2017 Aussie Wargame Bloggers Meet-up

Hi All,

Curt has been kind enough to allow me to promote our annual Antipodean blogger's meet-up here on the Challenge blog. Details below for those interested. Hoping to see some fellow gamers in person real soon. Thanks Curt, we'll have a beer for you mate!

After the success of last year's inaugural CANCON Aussie Wargame Bloggers Meet-up we'll be going around again this year. Kiwis (and even "Northern Folk") are welcome too cause we should always play nice and be neighbourly.... :-)

Here's what's on offer for Saturday 28th January 2017:

• 1:00pm - Initial meet-up in the Board Games section in the Northern Hall at CANCON to say g'day, check out respective loot bags and plan for any shared afternoon shenanigans. 
• 6:00pm(ish) - Pub dinner and extended tall story session.

After last year's demands for a SAGA campaign book resulted in it being delivered just a few months later surely we can achieve something even bigger in 2017. Thinking caps on people!

If you're an Aussie blogger feel free to pinch any and all of this post to spread the word.

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Millsy

Thank You to the Prize Sponsors of Challenge VII

Hi All!

Well, we're coming down to the last few hours before the start of the Painting Challenge. As for myself, I'm still cleaning, assembling and priming like mad, but I'll be ready for the mayhem don't you worry.

Since the earliest Painting Challenge we've benefited from the generosity of figure manufacturers and hobby stores who've kindly provided prizes for this event. This year is no different, and I'm delighted to announce the prize sponsors for Challenge VII. 

Please give a shout-out and thank you for our generous prize sponsors!

 

 

 

 

 

 Now, I'll see you all in the wee morning hours of the 20th...

Painting Alone Together

As we count down to the start,  just a reminder of the "Paint and Chat" on line sessions where we have audio, and visual contact direct from our painting desks. These are run via the "Google Hangouts" facility. We have had a number of new people join and "test" out the technology over the last couple of weeks - its been great to see and hear you. I will be publishing some scheduled session to make it easier for people to plan to drop in.

These are co-ordinated either via the AHPC - Challengers Google+ page and via the AHPC Facebook page. Just stick a request in to join one or both groups and one of the old sweats will sort your membership out. The groups are closed and moderated. We publish on the community pages when someone is on (or plans to be) the  chat link so people know and can jump on as well. These sites are also a place for further interaction and "banter".

Side Duels and Challenges Updated

Hi All,

The Side Duels and Challenges roster has been updated once again. Please check out the update and make sure all is correct.

As previously stated we're still missing some info like prizes for a few so please sort that out amongst yourselves ASAP.

There will be just one more update to the roster before we kick off. Stay tuned...

Cheers,
Millsy the Duels Wallah

Side Duels and Challenges Updated

Hi All,

The Side Duels and Challenges roster has been updated again. Please check out the update and make sure all is correct. We're still missing some info like prizes for a few so please sort that out amongst yourselves ASAP.

Cheers,
Millsy the Duels Wallah

Side Duels and Challenges Updated

Hi All,

Side Duels and Challenges have been updated. Please check out the update and make sure all is correct.

Cheers,
Millsy the Duels Wallah

Its a social thing - "Painting Alone Together"

Over the years the Challenge has become a a real community event linking people around the globe. The creation of painted armies is by its nature a solitary activity with us beavering away at our paint desk. This year we have decided to try something new to enable challengers to interact together more.

A few of us challenge old hands have been piloting running some online "Paint and Chat" sessions where we have audio, and visual contact direct from our painting desks. These are run via the "Google Hangouts" facility. We talk through a range of hobby related topics while wielding our brushes - times just flies.

These are co-ordinated either via the AHPC - Challengers Google+ page and via the AHPC Facebook page. Just stick a request in to join one or both groups and one of the old sweats will sort your membership out. The groups are closed and moderated. We publish on the community pages when someone is on (or plans to be) the  chat link so people know and can jump on as well. These sites are also a place for further interaction and "banter".

Video chat screen shot.

You can join the Google Hangout via a mobile or tablet device by installing the app.For a PC you will need to install the appropriate plug in. You need around a minimum 2.5-3Mb speed for your connection to work well - but it does run on less. The video chat can host up to 10 people at once. The system requirements can be found HERE

With a range of timezones around the world the video link is set up for 24/7 working to allow for different areas to use it - but you can of course drop in to any that are running.

So if you would like to "see and hear" from your fellow challengers - maybe even spy on their paint desk  - yes that's yours we want to see Sir Michael. Ask those hints and tips questions , or simply just chew the fat , then pop along.

DaveD says hi! - you will find me on the chats regularly

Yes the desk is full of preparation projects

 

and of course more camels!

And even more camels! Why do I detect the hand of Millsy in this  picture!!

We will  "Paint Alone Together" - Why not give it a try if you are able.

Any other questions just let the crew know at "socialahpc@gmail.com"

Cheers Dave D

We have our Century - The Participant Roster for the Seventh Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge

Just replace the pilums with brushes and you get the idea...

The participant roster is now closed.

Below you will find the list of the Challenge's 100 participants, along with their targets.

Keeping within the theme of teamwork and cooperation, I'm delighted to have several Father/Son and Father/Daughter teams participating. In fact, there is an entire group of siblings participating with their dad (well done DaveB)! I'll point these folks out later, but I can say right now that I think this is terrific - it really brings something special to the event.

In the coming weeks I plan to update this list which to include any blogs associated with the participants. Please check back later.

Also, in a few days I will announce this year's Challenge prize sponsors, DaveD will bring you all up to speed on some of the great social media venues that are available to Challenge participants and Millsy will continue to update the Duels page.

Until then, let's get back to cleaning and priming!

1	AaronH	1000
2	AdamC	1500
3	AlanD	2000
4	AledC	500
5	AlexD	200
6	AlexS	1500
7	AndrewB	300
8	AnthonyOM	500
9	Barks	1000
10	BenF	400
11	BenitoM	500
12	BillA	500
13	BrendonW	750
14	BrettM	1000
15	ByronM	1000
16	ChristianH	700
17	ChristopherS	500
18	ChristopherSm	500
19	ClintB	850
20	DaveD	2500
21	DavidB	1750
22	DavidL	750
23	EdwinK	500
24	EricM	2500
25	EthanM	1500
26	EvanH	300
27	GrahameH	1000
28	GregB	1000
29	GuyB	400
30	IainW	500
31	IannickM	550
32	IanW	750
33	IsobelS	750
34	JamesL	750
35	JamesB	1000
36	JamesM	500
37	JamesonP	400
38	JamieM	1000
39	JasperO	400
40	JezT	400
41	JimH	400
42	JohnM	400
43	JohnS	500
44	JohnSe	500
45	JonathanO	1000
46	JuanM	500
47	KeithS	1000
48	KenR	750
49	KyleC	1000
50	LeeH	500
51	MarkG	500
52	MarkW	750
53	MartinC	2500
54	MartinN	600
55	MatsE	400
56	MattT	400
57	MelS	750
58	MichaelA	1000
59	MichaelD	500
60	MichaelP	500
61	MikeA	500
62	MilesR	2000
63	Millsy	1500
64	NickJ	500
65	PaulOG	850
66	PaulS	750
67	PeterD	800
68	PeterM	1000
69	PhilH	200
70	PhilipK	500
71	RayR	500
72	ReillyOG	100
73	ReneA	750
74	RichardP	1500
75	RobertH	200
76	RobH	500
77	RodF	500
78	RosieD	200
79	RossM	250
80	RusselG	400
81	SamuliS	1000
82	SanderS	1500
83	ScottM	750
84	SeanM	400
85	SidneyR	1000
86	SimonM	500
87	StefanK	500
88	StephenS	750
89	StephenSe	523
90	SteveB	500
91	SteveM	1000
92	SylvainR	800
93	TamsinP	2600
94	TeemuL	750
95	The Tribe of Bromley	500
96	TodR	400
97	TomF	500
98	ValeryN	500
99	VictorK	500
100	Curt	1000