From MarkG: 28mm Union Infantry Regiment, Gun with Crew & AWI South Carolina Militia (290 points)

From Mark:

So I managed to get 3 final entries done for the end of the challenge. I had hoped to get over the 1000 points mark, but I messed up the dates, thinking the deadline was tomorrow. Thankfully the countdown clock this evening dispelled that illusion, and I had to quickly finish some figures and base them up.

The first unit is of 32 figures from the Perry Miniatures American Civil War (ACW) range. This is for a new project. Anyway they were very nice, a bit smaller than the AWI range, but easy to paint up.

The next submission is one artillery piece and crew from the new Perry Plastics ACW artillery set; lovely figures, natural poses, and easy on the paint brushes, highly recommended if you’re getting into ACW.  These are painted up as Union Rifled Artillery.

The last entry is of South Carolina Militia for the American War of Independence. More Perry goodness again. A bit bulkier than the ACW figures, but very nice to paint, the wrinkled shirts lend themselves well to washing and highlighting.

Obviously these are my last entries into the challenge. It’s been a rollercoaster 3 months on the painting table. Highly enjoyable all round, and has in some small way, cleared some old and new unpainted lead out of the cupboard.”

Wonderful final effort Mark! I quite like that Union regiment along with the artillery crew - very fine work. 

These two regiments along with the gun and crew will give Mark 290 points.  Excellent burst to the finish Mark! Also, my deep thanks again for providing prize support for the Challenge - it is very, very much appreciated.

From MarkG: 28mm New Figure Debut: Chaco Wars Bolivian & Paraguayan Infantry (120 points) AND A New Challenge Sponsor

Here are some very, cool and exciting figures from Mark, but I'll let him explain in more detail:

For my next entry I have completed 16 x 28mm figures for the Chaco War (1932-35). This was an extremely bloody Interwar conflict in South America which saw extensive trench warfare, use of tanks, HMGs, Flamethrowers and air attacks.

Though little known now, this was a closely followed conflict in newsreels and newspapers at the time, so much so that Hergé dedicated a whole Tin Tin book to it (The Adventures of Tin Tin - The Broken Ear [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Broken_Ear ] )

There are 8 figures of Paraguayan infantry (the ones in Olive Green fatigues and floppy hats), and 8 Bolivian Infantry ( in a mix of Khaki, with peaked caps).

These are actually part of a new range of figures which have been released today by Orinoco Miniatures (http://www.orinoco-miniatures.com/) , so these are the first painted examples to be seen anywhere. I hope you like them :-)

Fabulous work Mark and I'm very honoured that you debuted your new range with us here. As many know, I'm a big fan of obscure and/or little-known conflicts so I'm very chuffed to see these (reaching for wallet...).

These excellent Bolivians and Paraguayans will give Mark 120 points with a little extra added in celebration of their debut and for the note below. Well done and thank you!

IN ADDITION:

Mark has generously offered (with the subtle prompting with my sibilant silken words) to offer prize support for the Challenge with his wonderful new range of figures. Thank you so much Mark!!

...And take note Anne, Mark's Irish!