Fury of the North 13

An old figure rebased and matt varnished for use in SAGA and sabot based Vikings in Impetus.

The figure is from Foundry or Citadel depending where and when you purchased it and was painted about twelve or thirteen years ago. This was the early days of layering paint here and there have been a few changes to base coats and paints used since then.

Not sure what has happened to the shield transfer below as the mottled effect doesn't show on the figure when viewed by eye. It must be there somewhere just not seen it yet.

There are a few more Vikings floating around the edges of the painting table that will be seeing the light sooner rather than later.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 106

A brief up date on this years painting challenge progress or lack of it to be fair!. The main challenge this year has been finding the time to paint. With a reduced challenge level it has still be at major struggle to achieve a level of painting time to complete any figures to enter into this years challenge.

So what has been started and what has stalled? Simple really, nearly everything has stalled and new things have been started.

Below are a few stands for Critical Mass from Ground Zero Games including mortars, plasma cannons and HMG's. Four of each to be precise and these are moving on steadily.

Next are Recon troopers from the Critical Mass ARC range to tie with previously painted figures. Still to be undercoated as you can see but am hoping to have at least a reduced company completed by the end of the challenge.

Next is where the real change happened, in that at the start of the challenge the intention was to paint a Basic Impetus Macedonian army. Well this just isn't going to happen. The archers below will be completed and possibly the prodromoi and slingers but the rest of the army will remain undercoat black at present. Just one of those things, this army requires more time than is currently available to paint.

Three 20mm WW2 German armoured cars should also be ready by the end of the challenge, which will complete the German vehicles for this period.

Lastly, the Augmented Troops from Critical Mass that will be finished very soon as the varnish is drying in this picture.

There will be more regular updates in the coming weeks

Cheers for now

Items for sale

The items for sale page has been recently updated with a variety of 28mm ancients, dark age, WW2 and Sci-Fi figures for sale.

If there is anything of interest please let me know via a comment

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 105

Some working in progress pictures for this year's Analogue Painting Challenge

First up are the horses from the stand of prodromoi that are currently being painted for a Basic Impetus Army. The figures are from A & A Miniatures and have been good so far. A & A are not really a producer that I have dealt with a lot however, their sister company Aventine grow from strength to strength in these days of constant new releases in plastic.

Next the now two archers for a stand of skirmishers for the same Macedonian army. The third figure in full hoplite panoply just didn't sit right with these figures from Foundry's original Greeks. Slightly smaller that the World of Greeks range although still good in their own right.

Lastly, five stands of Augmented troops from Critical Mass's ARC range in 15mm. These have sat undercoated in tank grey since last year's challenge and have finally been dusted down and started as a part of this challenge. Another four stands are lurking just out picture to the left.

In the background of all of these pictures are some stands of Moors for the Impetus army that is in progress. Not a part of the challenge although they may grace these pages during the next few weeks.

More to follow soon, hopefully.

Cheers for now

Plans for 2016

Simply put would be to achieve more painted figures than 2015 and game more. The reality is with a 9 month old son, will be lucky to achieve targets already set for the year. These include:

• Macedonian Basic Impetus army
• Drop Ship Troopers for ARC forces in Critical Mass
• Recon Troopers for ARC forces in Critical Mass
• Moorish Archers for Impetus Army
• Moorish Cavalry for Impetus Army

Recon on current form that completion of the first two targets would be good any more excellent. 

So now to gaming and from the above list it should be fairly easy to see that both forms of Impetus and Critical Mass are on the list as are the following:

• X-Wing
• SAGA
• Swords and Spears
• Impetus Baroque (if released)
• Lion and Dragon Rampant

A good list to try and achieve a game per month for the rest of the year. Fingers crossed there is time to achieve this.

Now, as all is quiet at present, going to sneak a half hour at the painting table as time is marching on in the 6th Analogue Painting Challenge.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 104

A quick couple of pictures of the first work started on the Basic Impetus Macedonians; shown here are bow armed skirmishers and prodromoi. Figures from Foundry and A & A Miniatures respectively.

The archers are from Foundry's original range of Greek and at present may end up as a two figure stand instead of three. Will see how they fit together when fully painted.

Early stages on both of these bases and already behind on the draft schedule created at the start of the challenge, also pictured below.

Sorry, no spreadsheet fu here, just plain old scribbles of a painter and gamers mind. Sort of a very rough plans within plans draft here.

That's all for now

Cheers

Seasons Greetings to all

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and hoping that everyone has a peaceful and prosperous New Year.