KenR : 28mm Garibaldi Infantry (121 points)

 

Back again in the Challenge, after all what else would I be doing at this time of the year!

No Big Project this year but I do plan to top and tail some projects you will be all familiar with (if you've seen my Challenge stuff before. The first thing I need to finish is the Garibaldi Project I started 2 Challenges ago.

I've been chipping away at the figures and the Papal Forces are complete, but I have 5 (well 4 now 😁) Infantry Battalions, 2 lots of Skirmishers and a small Cavalry unit to complete for Garibaldi and I've got a table at the York Show in February to put the game on so there's no mucking about ! There's also some terrain as well.

The figures are from a company called Gringo40s who do a comprehensive range of figures in 28mm for the Italian Risorgimento. They are on the large side for 28mm, but great detail.

The unit has 24 figures based in 6s on 60 x 60 bases. The front of the bases are extended to give some protection to the Muskets of the unit. At 5 points a piece that bags me a nice start of 120 points. 

I always try and get a score on the doors before Xmas in the Challenge and usually just do a Command Base, I went for a full unit this time and only just made it !

Merry Christmas everyone, looking forward to seeing all your entries coming up over the next few months.

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First, welcome back to the Challenge, Ken!

I always love seeing your big projects come to fruition during our event and this will be no exception. (Will you do the blank base photo for us to track?) Beautiful work on these Garibaldian lads. They very much look the business, all ranked up in their firing pose. Like you, I love the chunky sculpting from Gringo40 and am eager to see this force slowly (or quickly) flesh out!

- Curt

PS: I've given you an extra point for the national flag (apropos considering what all the fuss was about). :)

 

From StephenS: Luke Cage and Iron Fist [New Acquisitions] (34 Points)

 G'day everyone,

It is great to be back for my ninth challenge, and even better to be slapping paint on miniatures after a hiatus of almost 9 months brought on by selling a house, moving, moving again and finally settling into the new home last week.

My first entry is a new acquisition on two fronts. I present the last miniatures purchased by me, and they have been painted with some of the new paints received from the last Two Thin Coats Kickstarter, which I've finally been able to crack open.

The figures are Luke Cage (aka Power Man) and Iron Fist from the world of Marvel comics (and TV shows).  They are for the game Marvel Crisis: Protocol from Atomic Mass Games, and are 40 mm plastic figures. 

They are not characters that inspire me much, though they were lovely to paint. But my son loves Iron Fist, so the purchase was made without too much arm-twisting.

2 x 40 mm figures = 14 points

1 x Library location = 20 points

It is now Christmas Eve in the land of Oz, and I am off to consume lots of cracking Christmas food, then sink to the bottom of a pool if the weather holds. I hope everyone here has a brilliant Christmas and I look forward to seeing everyone else's new acquisitions over the next few weeks.

Cheers,

Steve

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Welcome back to the Challenge, Steve! Has it been nine of these already? My word. And we just keep getting younger and better looking! Who knew?! ;)

Lovely brushwork here. I really like the yellow on Luke's t-shirt, and the tattoo on Iron Fist is awesome (though his pose seems needlessly over the top and a bit tortured). Your little guy must be pretty stoked by this pair. 

Great supes, indeed. Bravo! Happy Christmas and I hope you get that dip in the pool.

- Curt

From Curt: Gnomish Airship for Moonstone (35 Points)

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all are enjoying the Holiday Season, taking in the treats and festivities, and perhaps managing to tuck in a little time with the brushes and paints. 

Last night out gaming group had a Christmas-themed game of Moonstone which, as usual, was a lot of great fun. I was hoping to have this entry done for the game, but it just wasn't quite ready for the tabletop, so I got up early this morning to properly finish it off. 

This is the 'Gnomish Airship' for Moonstone (one of our proud Challenge sponsors). It's a lovely little model, packed full of whimsical character and silliness (who can deny an pedal-powered airship, armed with a steam harpoon and bombs). I painted it up using fairly punchy colours, reasoning that Gnomes are a jolly lot and so would like their flying machines to be much the same.

I considered breaking out the airbrush for this little brute, but frankly I was just too lazy (rum and eggnog are good sandbags to activity) and the model actually seemed well-suited to straightforward brushwork. I used a mixture of VMC, Contrast and good ole craft paint for this. It was a lot of fun to work on (though it's a surprisingly delicate piece, so I had to be mindful).

The base was built up with foam bits, liquitex and tallus. I had some great mushroom prints on hand, which I glued in for a bit of additional whimsy.

The Airship will be a nice addition to the Gnome troupe and I hope to see it plying the skies, causing mayhem, during our next game.

Mama Grimble, her two Boys and the new Gnome Airship.

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As to scoring, I'll pitch it at 15 points, between a 28mm cavalry model and a vehicle, which seems about right. Since it is for a fantastical setting, I'll also be bold and claim an extra 20 points for the 'Fantasy Book' topic. So all together that's 35 points in the bag for this clever bit of Gnomish engineering.

Thanks for popping in for a look!

- Curt

From MilesR: Tactical Santa - the First Entry for Challenge XIV (25 Points)

 

OK, the Painting Gods seem to be conspiring against me as our power goes out as I'm taking these pictures.  Still the show must go on.  So the lighting's really poor as we're running off the genny.   

My first entry this year is one full of Holiday Cheer and Hot Lead for those on the Naughty List - Why it's Good ole Tactical St Nick.  He's a jolly old elf with a carbon black SAW.

This is a 28mm figures I bought on Etsy.  The model is 3D printed in Resin and came with another second figure that didn't have the night vision.  I painted that one up earlier for my Holiday club game "The Night The Reindeer Died". Sadly I didn't have a Lee Majors figure for that game.  Bonus points to you if you get the reference.

This figure was painted using the Army Painter "Speed Paints".  I'm still experimenting  both how to use these paints and also how to undercoat - this figure was primed black that them lightly sprayed from above with white.  I think the kids call that "zenithal".  It can out a bit too dark but that's likely due to me not really have a honed priming process.

To continue the Holiday cheer, I'm going to try and stretch the boundaries of the Challenge Libray's Dewey Decimal system and cram this figure between the covers of a Fantasy book.  How? Santa is a mythical figure but I suspect there are a few people on his naughty list that really deserve lead over coal.  I think we can agree that Santa would make a splendid Spec Ops Elf.  He does come with his own vertical insertion team....

Ho, ho, ho, indeed.

Anyway that's one 28mm figures and one rather raggedy Fantasy book for a cool 25 points to start.   I'm hoping to be somewhat productive this challenge and you'll be seeing some 28mm Skirmish figures and A LOT of 10mm figures from me - especially Russo-Japaense War.  Oh one other thing my lovely wife got me a laster cutter for Christmas so there may be some custom terrain..........  

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all of you and your families!

(I'll try to take better pictures in the future)

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Merry Christmas Miles, and welcome back to the Challenge, which has become a long-running tradition of its own.

I like your Tactical Santa, though he is a bit off in the distance. Probably for the best, really. He does have a SAW, and I'm not sure where I stand on his Naughty or Good List. I do like his tactical kneepads - I imagine they would be handy for those hard to manage chimneys and kneeling under trees. 

Great work Miles! I hope your power comes back on soon so you can enjoy your laser cutter and a fully electrified Holiday Season. 

- Curt

From JP : Bullywug Raiders [Fantasy] (50 points)

Hi - my first submission for my first ever Analog bash. Thank you Frederick for talking me into getting off my ageing painter's duff...

I am a slow and a**l painter. I started as a wargamer painting to get figures on the table and now I am more a painter getting figures for games that may never happen.😀

The group are from Otherworld's fabulous Original Dungeons and Dragons style range. There are 6 28mm Bullywugs. I start with Vallejo cammo brown undercoat (on any and all jobs) and paint the figure fully, even if carrying shields. I paint the latter separately, so as not to miss detail (see 2nd para above).

I use Foundry paints and apply my approximation of the Dallimore 3 colour approach to painting. The painting handles are a wonder to have and use, kudos to the inventors.

I am seeking points as follows:

6 x 28mm figures = 30

Fantasy Library    = 20

Total of                 = 50 

Thanks for the opportunity to be more productive!! 

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First, welcome aboard the Challenge, JP! Delighted to have you with us.

These Bullywugs are terrific! You've done a great job on their green skin and creepy eyes (and I also love the shell shields). I have done a few Otherworld Miniatures in the past and really enjoyed working on their sculpts - you've done them proud here. Well done!

- Curt

From SimonM: Iceman by "CoolMiniOrNot" (5 points)

Thought I’d best get an entry in straight from the start, so I thought something reasonably straightforward would be a good place to begin…

This 32mm scale translucent plastic model of Iceman was produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their "Marvel Zombies" stand-alone game using the "Zombicide" rule-set. One of numerous "Kickstarter" exclusive figures, this particular incarnation of Bobby Drake's frosty alter-ego was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the May 2007 issue of "Marvel Zombies: Dead Days" by "Marvel Comics".

Presumed to be residing at the Xavier Institute on Earth-2149 when the zombie plague first struck, the mutant superhero was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer White and the Spanish company's Model Colour White. He was then drowned in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before being slowly 'built back up' using multiple patient dry-brushes of White Star by Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats". Finally, the X-Man's eye sockets were given a dab of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and spotted with (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

One x 32mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

Total = 5 Points

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Welcome back to the Challenge, Simon! I thought for sure we'd have a masterclass in your signature black, but here you keep us on our toes to give us the delightful 'Iceman' in cool whites and blues - well done! I came across 'Drakenhof Nightshade' last year and it's a fabulously useful wash which you put to fine use here. Over the next three months I look forward to being educated by you regarding all manner of superheroes and their dastardly villains. :)

- Curt

From: MarkB - Zona Alfa - Special Action Team - "New New Acquisitions" (50 points)

Hi all! Well with all the snow on the ground here in Sweden I figured I would start off with a little something that just arrived in the mail just last week, so I will use them for my first entry into this years library.

 These are six x 28mm Future war infantry from a company called "Enemy Spotted Studios". I will primarily use these for gaming Zona Alfa, which I was introduced to earlier this year.

I did not go crazy with camouflage as I wanted to give the miniatures a feeling of being more of a Special Ops civilian cloths type unit. 

So for the scoring:

6 X 28mm infantry = 30 points

Bonus theme "New Acquisition" -20 Points

Total: 50 Points

Have a Merry Christmas!

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A nice ice-breaker with this new unit of special operators, Mark! I have the Zone Alfa rules, but have not tried them yet (we typically use Spectre Operations for modern tactical), so it's interesting to hear of someone who has actually played them. As to your team, I like the addition of the metallic faceplates and the red ammo clips - brings them together as a squad. Well done!

- Curt 

From DaveD - Necromunda Hive Scum - “New Acquisitions” - 40 pts

Next up is my very latest acquisition- sourced from my local game store on Monday this week in fact. JamesM and I have been working on Necromunda on and off over the last year and I found these in the local shop and thought hmm why not . They are a GW pack and were a simple construct.

In an addition to being a new miniature acquisition they are also painted using the newly acquired Vallejo Xpress paints . I am taken with them for primary colours - that’s what I decided to do for these lads . Apparently they will also be releasing some more traditional military colours. 

These were done over a pure white base coat so the colours are really popping , they were also really quick to do . I haven’t added any extra wash or highlights- just let the paint do its work 

So total - 4 x 28mm = 20 pts

 Bonus theme “New Aquisition” - 20 points.  

Total - 40 pts .

 

Nice paints . Recommend. 

Right - on with the airbrush next ..

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Great work Dave! Love the punchy, vibrant colours of these downhivers. I have a few of the Xpress Colors as well and agree, they are great additions to the pigment quiver.

Let's see what you have next for us, eh?

- Curt

From DaveD - Sir Garnet Wolseley & Sir Sidney Ruff Diamond. - 30 pts

Having worked on ‘Nam for the last few challenges , it’s time to leave the green and the heat of the jungle mostly behind. This year will see a bit more of a variation in output with top ups for most collections, and two new ones starting off. 

My opener sees a return to more dusty trails with the arrival of Sir Garnet Wolsley in the natty red jacket and cord trousers . He is engaged with the infamous Sir Sidney Ruff Diamond looking out for restless natives from the fort  walls  . MartinC and  I have a large 3 day game booked in August (with 9 players) to revisit Gordon in Khartoum so I might as well clear out the lead pile. I last added to this collection in 2021, with the bulk of it being done 2014-2018 . 

 

Both figures are from the limited edition WI Heroes in Miniature range . They have been sitting in the lead pile for a few years now and with a revisit to the Sudan this year - more to come with the expansion of the Indian army brigade - I thought let’s get these lads done . I trust they fit into the opening library area  of Overdue and Returns . 

Scoring 2 x 28mm = 10 

Bonus theme = 20 

Total = 30 

As usual I have an autumn and winter “plan” - I usually get through about 2/3rds of it so we will see how things go .. mind I have already come up with a “side diversion” - hey him 

Cheers Dave D 

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First, welcome back to the Challenge, Dave! This year you get to put aside your minion's mantle and just 'relax' with your paints and brushes. With no outward distractions I anticipate full hobby mayhem from you.

Lovely work on these two lads, Dave. Nothing says 'Imperialism' like stiff-necked collars and overzealous facial hair. I look forward to you revisiting this project!

- Curt

From Barks: Yuletide Cultists (15 points)

Hello all, season's greetings! Here are three terrifying cultists. They're 3D prints from Imitation of Life. I'm trying out Army Painter Speedpaints 2.0 for this Challenge, and they're doing a lot of the heavy lifting. I haven't got to grips with a consistent le slapchop technique for better shading and highlights; these are just on white. I'm trying Jon Hodgson's background art book.

Her candy cane axe snapped. Midsommar vibes.

Absolution Green is a really nice paint.

3x 28mm (15 points)

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What a wonderful trio of Christmas lunatics, Barks. I particularly like the fellow with the garland and candles on his head - that takes good balance, baby. May have to pick up some Absolution Green...

Welcome back and prepare to count skulls!

- Curt