From BruceR; Italian heavy weapons to the front; Challenge Studios Casting Couch (95 pts)

As can happen I missed last week due to life and work.  Maybe retire?  The War Department doesn't know what I would do, I say bid 3000 pts in the AHPC of course.  Boom, problem solved.  And spend more time with the CSM.  

Gratuitous Mutt photo (CSM Loki)

Or more time on the ranch with son and mutts.

Well, this week I'm still running around the Challenge Studio looking for the ultimate challenge.  So, I saunter down the boulevard and before me is the casting couch.  Am I the only one, who at my age, still sees miniatures and will buy them with absolutely no idea what I will use them for?  Here is my submission for the Casting Couch studio.  One of my favorite movies of all time is Zulu, so when I'm looking at the Trenchworx table at ACon last year this figure from Victoria Miniatures along with my previous Grog Ard-Nogg submission is space Michael Cain waiting to be cast in some bug hunt movie of the future.  Without the challenge he would probably sit on the shelf of opportunity, but here he is, hope he doesn't flub his lines.  

Again, used some contrast and standard paints.  He is armed with his laspistol and close in saber.  Ready to stem the tide of bugs "Ol' Boy".

Packaging eye candy to entice.  Worked on me.

White background attempt

Black

Back on the grind and after two squads of foot sloggers for the frozen east I pulled out some "heavy weapons" at least in Italian eyes.  Again, Great Escape Games figures regular Eastern Front Italians.  I noted from some recent research my green winter caps were likely grey/green like the rest of the uniform, but the same color would make Mairo a dull boy.  So, this Platoon must have gotten into some Soviet style clothing from a previous raid and one thing the Soviets know is how to dress for success in winter.  

Italian Heavy Weapons, mama mia it's all we got:

Machine gun team:

Luigi, T34/76 heading for trench!  Bring up the AT rifle!!!!

Artillery away, give em the pasta.   

Mortar team:

If they gain the trench melt the snow with your trusty Mario melter.

Flame Thrower team:

Action table shot.

Points:

Casting Couch                                                                    20 pts

Captain Cain                                                                         5 pts

10 28mm Italians                                                                50 pts

Weapons (chart says crew served 10pts) 3 crew served     30 pts?

I'll let Miles decide.  Hmm what to play this weekend?

RAVENFEAST?  

                                                                                             105 pts

Minion MilesR: Well what have we hear - a wonderful dog picture PLUS a gratuitous mention of Ravensfeast in an attempt to curry the favor of a minion.  Well Sir, I must sadly inform you that I am exactly the kind of minion who is swayed by such vulgar inducements.  Might I also suggest you consider some of the other Little Wars TV rules like Age of Hannibal, Altar of Freedom or even Live Free or Die.....Yet your weapons are on the smaller side (as opposed to big guns which were the original intention of the scoring matrix) so I'll need to discount those and give you half credit for 15 points.  The dog picture gets you 5 bonus point so lets go with a cool 95 points

From TeemuL: 512S (100 points?)

512S stands for 512 Skulls, all lovingly hand painted. Black primer, then painted brown, drybrushed with flesh and washed with darker flesh. Drybrushed again with the same flesh and finally with bone. There are some other details, too, like golden doors, OSL lights, crashed Space Marine Bike etc, but we are only interested in skulls, right?

I built this piece years ago (we have lived two years in our house and assembling this wasn't the last thing I did the previous apartment) and primed - I kept the building separate and primed it black, while the base and small ruin got a Zandri dust treatment. I enlisted to the Skull Duel mainly to get this piece done. The building was sturdy enough to stay in one piece, which made the painting easier - it would have been even easier in smaller sections, though... I guess I was having a vision of some kind of a modular terrain tile system. The building itself got basically only a heavy green drybrush and couple of details picked up. The ladders are from some other set, the round hatch is from newer Kill Team ruins set and the crashed bike piece I got somewhere with other stuff, it is a cast, and the sandbags are from unknown source, too.

I was quite near the end, when I realized that the ruined dark green building looks quite strange on a brown base with no piles of rubble anywhere... But I also wanted to have it quite clean, so it is playable. I have some scatter terrain in same dark green style, so maybe I use those.

The building is from the previous (or before that) incarnation of Cityfight terrain by Games Workshop and follows no official design, I just got these pieces from somewhere and put them together in some meaningful and playable way. I wanted a largish second floor and a small balcony, which gives some area to play in the second floor and also gives some line of sight blocks in second floor. Let's see when we start our Kill Team campaign and can use this.

No skulls here

Some skulls on ladder and view to the downstairs

There should be 512 skulls, I made some double checking here and there, but the binary number sounds nice so I'll take it. There are for example 76 skulls in the "skull panel sections" and even 18 in the broken sections, couple of skulls in the lamp post and even on ladders etc.

One of the two "Skull Panels"

The whole piece is 14x11x7 inches cube which is almost exactly 5 terrain cubes, but honestly there is a lot of empty space there. I'll take the hundred points, if minion allows, but basically I did this only for the skulls.

Minion MilesR:  I think some math is in order 14x11x7 = 1,078 cubic inches.  Divide that by the holy 216 cubic inches of the sacred terrain cube and one gets - what this? 4.9907 terrain cubes and not the reported 5.  Why this is scandalous for 4.9907 is not 5 - I can only award 99.8 points for the terrain.  However, the rules also state that having more than 500 skulls does earn you 0.2 bonus points.  Funny how that works out, isn't?

From KyleC - Adventures - (271 pts)

Another week and some more squirrels here.. 

First up is a solid squad for my Death Guard Horus Heresy forces.. a group of 16 Breachers with an attached Apothecary to follow them around with. 

Heads, guns, shields and bases all 3D printed. Using MKiii armor as a base for them as they feel more breacher and Deathguard like. 

Airbrushed a lot to get the base layers down as well as some of the weathering. Lots of washes both from GW and Oils. 

I feel they are very good candidates for the Book Studio considering the breadth of the Horus Library from Games Workshop ATM. 

We then take a Limo over to the Fantasy Studio whereby I was tasked with our local Dungeon Master for another live game coming up. So a list of models was requested, printed, and painted up this week. Well mostly.. 

First up the tribute for the Limo. A Gorgon ready to trap any foolish adventurer who unwarily venture too close to her lair. Model by Loot Studio. I am really struggling with painting female skin these days it seems.. need to work on that some I guess.. 

The BBEG for the night.. an evil Wizard of arcane and necromantic powers.. model from Cast play. Had fun painting up the swirling magic hand...didn't put as much effort into it as I did with Vadar but I used the same principles. 

He will be very protected though.. 

Flanked by a pair of Shield Guardians ready to protect as needed. Strong and unmoving until set loose! Models free on MyMiniFactory. 

A chain demon pulled from Loot Studios. I figured since it was a demon then some weird and brighter colors would be best for him. So played around with different bright contrast colors here. Was interesting to do wet on wet with contrast paints for sure. 

The main demon needs lackies.. and these Fisherman from Andor will do nicely. Sculpts from SkullForge Models. Had to check images online to get a proper likeness to them but I think they came out well enough and quickly again thanks to washes and contrast paints. 

Another Loot Studios model but this time to represent a zombie of sorts. Felt it fit the theme alongside the Gorgon there. Went with a heavily oxidizes bronze for the metals here. And carried it through to the Wights that will flank him. 

A collection of sculpts by Beastarium. Very fragile and thin models but a lot of fun to play with some new styles like the white robes there. The oxidizes metals really helped some here for sure as before that it was a bit too samey.. 

But then the bosses biggest pet/threat.. a swamp dragon! Model is by Warp Miniatures and is resin cast. Bought 2 years ago and never touched after trying to get it assembled. 

Luckily this was a good time to assemble it. The gaps and slips on the gluing were then covered over with the mid from AK interactive. Helped to give texture but also cover the mishaps and mistakes that the model gave while assembling. 

Lots of contrasts, airbrush, and washes. Some drybrushing and layering but mostly washes of various colors..

No idea on points for this.. is it a figure? Is it a vehicle? 

All I know is that I am kind of scared of what the adventure will be come the 5th knowing what our poor characters are going to be up against! 

And then a random triple weapon pack..

Left over from the 40k walls from before.. maybe worth 1 28mm figure? I dunno.. 

I still have a few more bits for the DnD game to paint up including my character and a pet for another player.. but that is likely to be for next week. 

Seems one more studio and I can try for the Director's Chair.. might just have to give something more artful a go for the Arthouse Studio next! Let's see!

Points wise.. 

30x28mm Figures - 150 pts

3x40mm Figures - 21 pts

2x54mm Figures - 20 pts

Dragon - ??? pts

Books Studio - 20 pts

Sarah's Limo - 20 pts

Fantasy Studio - 20 pts

Total - 251 + dragon pts

In any case.. I have hit my goal for this challenge.. though still have a fair few projects ( and a few more purchases since starting ) to get through.. Let's see where this madness takes us then!

Minion MilesR: Wow what a range of minis - all superbly painted.  As for the Dragon, let me consult the Minion Book of Rules and Arbitrary Judgment:  OK section 34.69, subsection 17, paragraph 3 clearly states that dragons with fungal infections are the equivalent of a 28mm vehicle.  There you go - there is always a rule to be found.  271 points for you, Sir.

From SimonM: Castellans of Dol Guldur & Nazgul by "Games Workshop" (20 Points) + World Cinema Bonus (20 Points)

This trio of 28mm scale Castellans of Dol Guldur are produced by "Games Workshop", and (when in stock) can be bought as a three-figure blister from their Dark Powers of Dol Guldur miniatures range. Sculpted to be "formidable Minor Heroes" for "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game", I actually plan to use them as Black Númenóreans for my Barad Dur army having discovered that the Nottingham-based company no longer manufacture specific figures based upon the "fallen group of Númenóreans descended from those who were loyal to the Númenórean Sceptre but in opposition to the Valar and relations with the Elves."

All three of the metal "mindless spirits" required some considerable cleaning prior to priming in order to remove both flash and casting tags. They were then given a double-helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, feverishly dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and had their belts lined with "Citadel" Doombull Brown. Each piece was subsequently drenched in “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

In addition, I picked out the miniatures' ornate armour, swords and any Morgul Blades using a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. These areas were then dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. Finally, in order to better tie-in the palette with that of their master Sauron (which I painted last year), I applied a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade to the ghostly warriors' armour plates, helmet, gloves and boots.

Alongside my Castellans of Dol Guldur I have also painted a Nazgul by "Games Workshop" so as to continue my journey through Challenge Studios. This figure was painted in precisely the same way as the Castellans but actually featured in Peter Jackson's "The Lord Of The Rings" movie trilogy. As a result, I thought the model would be a suitable submission for the World Cinema Bonus, as that film franchise was filmed in New Zealand and you arguably can't find another location in the world further from where I live now.

4 x 28mm scale foot figure = 20 Points

World Cinema Studio Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 40 Points

Minion MilesR: we seem to have a lot of GW LOTR rings stuff today and that is a very good thing, indeed

From FrederickC - Warg Attack - The Director's Cut (130 points)

 This week's submission is a collection of more Lord of the Rings miniatures from Games Workshop consisting of the 'Warg Attack' boxed set, a set of plastic Warg Riders, a Wild Warg Chieftain (and his victim), and Gimli and Legolas from the 'Heroes of the West' boxed set. I apologize for the fuzziness of the photos, but I had to shift my photo booth to a new location this year, and I am having difficulty getting my camera to focus on the figures rather than the background.

Warg Attack - The Director's Cut

 

 The 'War Attack' boxed set consists of five metal multipart mounted figures of Aragorn, Théoden, and three warg riders. They all fit together fairly well without needing to resort of epoxy putty to fill in any gaps. Once assembled, they were mounted on their bases, sand was glued glued to the base with PVA, and the figures were then primed black with an airbrush. They were painted primarily with Vallejo acrylics and Citadel washes. The three warg riders were given a coat of Army Painter Strong Tone Quickshade instead of the washes. 

'Warg Attack' boxed set

Théoden and Aragorn

Théoden and Aragorn (flip side)

Warg Riders with spear, bow and sword

 

Warg Riders (flip side)

  Next is a box of six plastic War Riders that I got second hand. They had been 'rode hard and put away wet'. The previous owner had assembled the miniatures and given them 'all the bells and whistles', so the riders wielding a sword also got a bow and quiver, and the bowmen got a shield and a sword slung on their backs. The spearmen were assembled with their spears pointing straight up, and the shields were glued on so low that it interfered with seating the rider on the warg correctly. They also got the heavy silver paint treatment. Part of a lower hind leg was missing from one of the wargs, and I had to sculpt a replacement using some floral wire and epoxy putty. I used some 2-propanol and a stiff toothbrush to clean off as much of the excess paint as I could before priming them black with a rattle can. I had painted a box of Warg Riders two years ago, and these were painted in a similar fashion.

 

6 refurbished plastic Warg Riders

6 refurbished plastic Warg Riders (flip side)

  

 The Wild Warg Chieftain is a multipart metal figure which includes a slain Rider of Rohan. This came with the second hand Warg Riders, and it was not a miniature that I had in my collection already. The Warg Chieftain was loose from its base, so it was easy to clean off the old paint by soaking it overnight in 'Simple Green' and then scrubbing it with a stiff toothbrush. It was prepped and painted in the same manner as the other wargs with Vallejo acrylics, followed by a coat of Army Painter Strong Tone Quickshade. The slain rider was painted after applying the Quickshade.

 

Wild Warg Chieftain (with victim)

 

Wild Warg Chieftain (flip side)

 Lastly we have Gimli and Legolas from the 'Heroes of the West' boxed set which contains Aragorn, Gandalf, Faramir, Éomer, Éowyn , Legolas, Gimli, Merry and Pippin from The Return of the King.I have already painted four of the nine figures, and a few more may appear later in the Challenge. These two heroes were painted in the same colours as the 'Ambush at Amon Hen' set I painted at the start of the January. I think I now have four different sculpts for each of these two characters.

Gimli and Legolas

Gimli and Legolas

 

The points being claimed are as follows:

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

12 x 28mm mounted figures @ 10 points each = 120 points

(I am counting the Warg Chieftain and his victim as equivalent to a mounted figure.)

 Thanks for stopping by. It looks like we are headed to Helm's Deep next.

Minion MilesR: I've always loved the GW LOTR stuff and you've done a wonderful job with these.  Hold on gang Frederick isn't done yet....

From PeterB - A Viking Bust - Art House - 80 Points

 

Well met fellow Challengers, it has been a fortnight. A bout of mystery illness and extra weekend working slowed my work a little so I unfortunately did not have anything to post last week. I am however back with a vengeance.  

After successfully completing the full house last week with my faithful Green Security Pass leaving me at the Casting Couch studio, I now have no choice but to attempt to collect a full set of Blues.

With my newly acquired Blue Security Pass around my neck (I am sure Tour Guide Tamsin could provide a suitable lanyard so I don't lose it) a quick hop down the path and I am at Studio Art House.

On the theme of Art House, I have been meaning to have another attempt at painting a 3D printed bust a friend of mine asked me to paint for him a while ago. I really enjoyed the task, so I asked if he minded printing another one for myself with the intention of possibly entering in a painting competition at the next show I go to. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I am anywhere near good enough to win anything, but I just thought I would do it for the experience. Doing this hobby has helped me to keep challenging myself. Writing my blog, meeting new people, chatting to strangers at shows, it keeps the mind fresh. Why not get the adrenaline rushing with a little competition as well?

The paints are all Coat D'arms and Citadel paints, but there are lots of mixes going on. I tried to avoid using washes and inks to avoid the shine they produce, instead opting to make washes by just watering down the acrylic paint with water.

I have had the piece a good couple of months while waiting for me to paint it, I was saving it for the challenge. I did think about changing the colour scheme from my first attempt, but it is pretty similar to last time. The main differences are the washes being my own mix this time. I can't promise I won't have another go at him before April when I go to Salute, but for now I am happy with him.

 

Some close up details

 

Size wise he is 140mm tall so 20 points?

Studio bonus for Art House 20 points

Oh and last post I visited 4 studios but only claimed 60 points, so can I claw back that extra 20 please?

So, total, 60 points?

Minion MilesR: Wow that's not a mini - its a piece of art.  Amazing painting - at 140mm tall, I think he's worth 40 points and that's still stingy.  As for mercy, well Gus and I need to confer......  OK we voted and mercy was approved by 2 votes to 1.  Gus says Dogs get 2 votes.  Mercy shall be granted - THIS time...  80 points total for you

From MilesR: Its Wednesday - Stand Back and Prepare to be AWESTRUCK

 

First off, Gus says Hi and wanted to convey that he thinks all of you are doing very good work this challenge and that each of you deserve a dog biscuit.  He also thinks you could do even better if you gave those biscuits to him.  Gus is kind of sneaky that way.

As of this morning we have 8 submissions from 7 Challengers and the quality is superb.  Some of the highlights:

- A Viking that's more art than mini

- a plethora of LOTR stuff

- some 40k goodness

- a Tower with Billy and Odo

- A dragon with fungus issues

- Italian Weapons

- a gratuitous mention of Ravensfeast

- skulls, skulls, skulls....

- and a plea for mercy to include points for a forgotten studio (heh, heh "mercy", I will need educate this individual on how I feel about "mercy"

Buckle Up - it's going to be a GREAT DAY

Gus reminded me to remind you not to forget about his secondary point re: dog biscuits