From MilesR: 28mm ACW & WWII British Honey (165 points)

From Miles:

One final ACW themed submission for this year’s challenge. It consists of three parts - a 24 figure Union Infantry regiment, a Union 10 lb Parrot gun, caisson and crew and, lastly, a special “character” themed figure. All of the mini’s are 28mm and are either Perry plastics or metals. Above is a shot of the gun and infantry regiment. A regiment that was submitted earlier can be seen in support. Sadly, I have run out of flags so this unit has no colors to bear - ohhh the shame….

Another shot from the regiments right flank. This unit brings my Union force to a total of 16 infantry regiments, which I think will be enough for the Historicon game. I hope so - because I’m a bit worn out painting ACW figures right now.

A shot from the left flank. You’ll notice that this regiment has two officers - I’m running out of figures to paint. One of the great benefits of the Challenge to the hobby industry is that we all deplete our lead pile stores over the course of three months hectic painting. Like squirrels storing nuts, we will all likely spend the next 9 months replenishing those lead supplies, which will undoubtably create a boom in hobby industry sales.

A close up of the gun and crew. Some of you may notice that I’ve modeled the gun shooting at a distant target since the barrel is at max elevation. As rifled guns had longer ranges they were often employed against distant targets so this type of pose is historically accurate. The fact that I lost the elevation screw part, as it fell under my work bench into the “zone of lost detail parts never to be seen again”, had no bearing on my modeling decisions….

One last shot of the regiment. Once I get another box set, I’ll replace the second officer with a drummer.

My last ACW figure is intend to be used as a hero marker, as per the Longstreet ruleset. I was inspired by a photo, which may or may not have significant historical relevance, that depicted a stalwart and well groomed son of Mississippi defending his beloved state from the depredations of the Yankee aggressors.

Yes this “Confederate Fabio” was an awe inspiring testament to the qualities of the confederate soldier and the benefit of modern hair care science. It took a bit of green stuff to get his tresses coifed but it was worth the effort. I present to you Corporal Curtis Beau Luke Campbell of the 3rd Mississippi regiment, CSA:

“Just a Good ol’boy
Never meanin’ no harm
Beat all you ever saw
Been in trouble with the North
Since the day he was born”

My apologies to Waylon Jennings for paraphrasing his theme song. :)

AND one last submission (I can’t stop!). I was cleaning off my workbench and noticed a lone 28mm British Honey tank from Blitzkrieg Miniatures sitting on the bench - all primed and nowhere to go. A few swipes of the paint brush and then some weathering and it’s done. I had intended for this model to be my first entry in this year’s challenge but never got around to painting it until today. I tired the Vallejo brush on primer for this model and really like the results. Sorry no decals - I’ve run out!

Curt: Thanks for running a fabulous Challenge this year - I have been dually inspired by the quality of submissions from every participant and your tireless efforts to keep the event rolling along. We all now face a bit of withdrawal over the next few weeks but it was a grand ride and I’m very grateful to have been allowed to participate. Well done everyone!

Miles

I'm sure if nothing else Corporal Campbell, like his decedent, will be a legend in his own mind... 

These Union troops, their Parrot rifle and crew and the Honey will give Miles 165 points. 

Fabulous work Miles! These serve as a great final effort to your Challenge and I thank you for joining us once again for the journey. Your unflagging energy and indefatigable sense of humour always serves as a great touchstone to all of us participating in the event. Thank you.

From MilesR: 28mm WWII German 'Maus' Super Heavy Tank Destroyer (15 points)

From Miles:

Here’s a 28mm (1/56th scale) model of a German Maus Super Heavy Tank from Blitzkreig Models. Only two prototypes of the Maus where ever produced and neither saw combat but it’s a massive beast armed with a 128mm main gun along with a 75mm gun coax gun! It’s kind of a silly model to build for WW2, but I built it to enter into the Bolt Action Tank Platoon tournament at Cold Wars.

Like all of the Biltzkreig Models I’ve built this was a fantastic kit. The entire kit is resin cast (and weighs close to 2 lbs. I’ve put a 28mm US paratrooper figure next to model to show it’s size - it’s twice as big as a Tiger 1. I actually completed this model last february but waited to submit it so it would be a surprise at the tournament.

So how did I do? Hmmm well umm…. I came in last! It seems in Bolt Action sinking almost half your points into a single vehicle is not the brightest of ideas. I did have a lot of fun and received the last place award (which was a nice gift certificate to Warlord). Going forward I will be describing my performance as I was the highest ranked player who fielded a Maus at the tournament.

The model will be a fun component to any “Secret Mission” scenarios I cook up for WW2. I highly recommend Blitzkrieg models if your in the market for a tank from WW2.

That there is a monstrous bit of kit. Is this the same tank that couldn't go over most bridges due to both its size and weight? Ridonkulous. 

I've heard very good things about 'Blitzkrieg Models' and its great to see another example in the flesh, as it were. 

This Maus will give Miles 15 points. Thanks for showing us this Bad Lad, Miles!

From MilesR: 28mm ACW (yes more) Union Artillery & Infantry (162 points)

Miles makes a liar out of me as he manages to submit even more ACW figures before the Challenge concludes - the madman!

Yes, yet more ACW to submit - a second Union artillery unit and a Limber. These are 28mm Perry plastics from the new artillery box set. I went with a four man crew that there then 6 you get with each gun in the set. I’m going to experiment on the extra two figures to see if I can make Union sailors out of them.

The gun barrel used for this battery is the 10 pdr Parrot Rifle. 

I also built and based the Limber / caisson that come with each gun. This one will be used as an ammo resupply marker for the ruleset Regimental Fire and Fury. The Perry’s recently announced that they will make available metal horses (and even some mules) plus riding crew so one can make fully mounted limbers.

A picture of the Union Parrot Battery to date, the gun with 6 crew figures was completed earlier.

Here is another 24 figure Union Infantry Regiment (18th Indiana). The figures are from the original 28mm Perry ACW plastic set. While the quality of the figures are acceptable when compared to the more recent Perry plastics you can see that both the Perry’s and their injection molder (Renedra) have come a long way in the level of quality. Sorry for the quality of pictures, but my son is home on Easter break and he borrowed it to record some tests for his engineering project this semester.

Painting this unit was a nice break from painting Confederate infantry. Most of my Union force is from a painting service (MMPS). They do a nice job but I do want to have some units painted by me. My gaming table is crowed with figures from the painting challenge - in the photo below you can see the Templar knights from an earlier submission. I need to schedule a game to force me to organize and put the unit up into their respective shelves.

I have a few more painting submissions to send in before the challenge is over - it’s been a very fun ride and thanks to Curt for putting it on!

You're most welcome! 

Excellent work Miles. Its refreshing to see some Union blue in amongst your sea of Confederate grey and butternut. I also really like how you've dressed the tabletop for these photos. Who makes the snake-rail fencing? Renedra?

The 18th Indiana plus the gun, caisson and crew will give Miles 162 points. 

From MilesR: 28mm ACW Confederate Infantry - Hampton's Legion (121 points)

From Miles:

I’m very happy to submit the 5th and final regiment of Hood’s Brigade (circa 1862): Hampton’s Legion from South Carolina. As with all my ACW Confederates, these are the 28mm Perry Plastics. Outside of some ironclad crewman and Confederate marines (Redoubt figures) all of my ACW collection are either Perry metals or plastics. This regiment has a very unique history as it was formed and financed by the leading land owner in South Carolina, Wade Hampton and was the only regiment in the Confederate army to boast integrate cavalry and artillery companies along with the infantry - hence the “Legion” designation. In practice, while on campaign the integrated cavalry and artillery units were parceled out to more traditional commands.  The unit was attached to Hood’s “Texas” Brigade in 1862 and fourth with distinction during all the major engagements in the east during 1862. The regiment took horrific causalities at Antietam and went into reserve until reactivated to join Lee’s Gettysburg campaign where it arrived in time to cover the retreat. Wade Hampton was a very interesting character. Not only did he personally raise and fund the unit during the war, he also became a leader of the opposition to the radical republicans reconstruction. Unfortunately, Hampton lead a political movement in South Carolina known as the “Red Shirts” which advocated violence to influence elections. Today we would refer to the Red Shirts as a para-military group. Despite his unsavory affiliations, Hampton was elected governor of post-war South Carolina twice and to the US senate after that. Perhaps the only redeeming aspect of Hampton’s post war political career is that he ran his campaigns from an infamous brothel in Columbia, SC called the “Big Brick House” - his stated reasoning was to assure “privacy”. I think it somewhat fitting for a politician to be based out of brothel. Next are a few photo’s of the completed brigade, including General Hood himself. During this year’s challenge 4 of the 5 infantry regiments were painted along with the 2 guns and crews. The brigade consists of in the front row, from left to right, Hampton’s artillery battery, the 1st Texas (completed during last years Challenge) and general Hood. The second row features the 4th Texas and 18th Georgia regiments. The back row has the 5th Texas and, finally, Hampton’s Legion. I’ve really enjoyed building out the brigade. It’s one of three full brigades I’ve completed for my Confederate army, with the other two being the Stonewall brigade (everyone has that one) and a generic brigade that has more of a Western theater feel to it. The command of Hood’s brigade at my upcoming game at Historicon this year will be reserved for any Challenge participants that make their way to the con. Of course, if you prefer the side of the Union, there’s always the Iron Brigade or even the Irish brigade awaiting your orders! Wow, what a great accomplishment Miles!  I've heard of Hampton's Legion but I was not aware of his chequered past - a great unit to finish off with. Also, I'm really delighted to see the whole brigade all arrayed and ready for action. Very, very impressive. Hampton's Legion, his final unit to this project, will give Miles 121 points which is enough for him to exceed his Challenge points target. Well done and congratulations Miles! Okay, a few posts ago I had given warning that once Miles had completed this segment of his ACW project I would submit something to mark the occasion and make you all laugh. So, to keep that promise and in recognition of Miles' dual achievements below is a picture of me from many, many moons ago when I worked in Biloxi Mississippi at the Beauvoir Museum (it was taken for a newspaper article and my boss, the head curator at that time, is seen loading his musket next to me). While I was down there I re-enacted with a wonderful group of folks from the 3rd Miss. and managed to take in many, many ACW events in the South. As you can see I was rather hirsute back then (I remember taping a couple mock arrows to my chest and going as Custer during Halloween that year). My wife laughs looking at this photo as she has borne witness to the inexorable 'deforestation' of my locks and tresses. Nonetheless, those were very good times and I grin whenever I see this picture. Yeah, laugh it up people...

From MilesR: 1:1 Scale Hobby Stool (-1 point)

Okay, someone needs a hobby...

From Miles: 

I’d like to submit the following hobby project for the painting challenge - it’s a 1829mm scale model of a real hobby stool. This unit is also referred to as a drafting chair in some of the earlier Osprey books. I found this project to be a nice change of pace but it did take some time to adjust to working in a larger scale. 

As you can see the model comes in 28 parts and requires some skill to assemble. I wish kit manufactures would do a better job of including instructions with these models. I had a hard time trying to figure out how to configure the chair for the 1942 US Pacific theater look I was hoping to simulate.

Here’s a picture of the completed and paired model. I’m not that happy with the camo pattern on the seat and will likely modify it with random colors over the next few years of use. I wish I had the color version of the US Pacific Theater Fast Attack Office Furniture, 1942-43 to get the camo down right. It would be great if one of the Challenge participants could lend me a copy.

Lastly, here’s a picture of the fully based model. I elected to go with a hobby themed vignette to give the viewer the impression of the chair in action. The most difficult aspect of this whole project was simulating the hobby clutter on top of the workbench. It’s harder than one might think.

A more detailed report on the project can be found on my blog. :)

Hmm, the term 'stool' seems to have more than a fleeting association with this entry...  :oP

Okay, now I want to see the 1:1 scale replica of a hobbyist working on a project. Perhaps he could be animatronic, vaguely representing motion, vigour and life. I know, I know, too much to ask...

-1 point for you Mr Reidy. Now, you're at a nicely digestible 25 points for your run-in to your target. Cheeky bugger (speaking of which, I think I see some Miles-shaped indentations in the seat above...).   ;)  

Postscript: Happy Birthday Miles! 

From MilesR: 15mm All Quiet on the Martian Front Tripods & Union Artillery (64 points)

From Miles:

Some more test mini’s from All Quiet on the Martian Front and a gun and crew from the new 28mm Perry ACW plastic artillery set. First up a pair of Martian Grenadier tripods. These are resin and metal kits and have 15 parts each. The models are very easy to put together and there was no flash. Again these are test kist and may see a little future refinement before hitting the market.

Grenadier tripods are a type of long range artillery for the Martian forces. In test games they tend to be my favorite unit as they can deliver a punch from a good distance away. Each tripod is armed with a pair of launcher that can either fire explosives or black dust. They also have a pair of reaper tentacles for close combat. The one downside is their armor is a bit weaker than most other Martian tripods so they are easy prey from human infantry.

Side view of the models - those reaper tentacles look like nasty business.

Even though the scale of AQMF is 15mm, the Martian tripod models are fairly large with these grenadiers coming in at 4 inches high and 2.5 inches wide. I may end up mounting them on 60mm bases, but that decision will need to wait until the game comes out.

A pair of unprotected Grenadier tripods about to be assaulted by a human infantry company!

Next up, my first artillery battery from the new Perry plastic ACW artillery box. I’ve modeled a Union 10lb Parrot rifle with six man crew. These are pretty generic union paints so they fill in for any type of formation.

Each box has figures to build three guns (with four different barrel options each), 3 caissons, and 18 crew (6 per gun). I really like the box and think it’s both a great value and a good way to build out a fairly massive artillery park in 28mm scale.

I picked up 3 boxes from Ernie on Friday, so have eight guns and crews to use. I’m planning on using the caissons as ammo resupply markers for Fire and Fury Regimental.

Another wonderful entry Miles, and another tantalizing preview of what's to come for 'All Quiet on the Martian Front'. The Grenadier Tripod is very cool, and impressively intimidating next to the 15mm infantry, but I must say I'm not a big fan of the 'eye of Sauron' thing on the front. A bit too overblown for my tastes. I think the model would look more menacing if the 'turret' was turned around with the smooth, featureless carapace to the front. But that's me and I know most will cry me down as a heretic and wish me fed me to the Martian harvest walkers (which I'm sure are somewhere to come in the release cycle).

The Martian Grenadiers and the Union artillery piece with its crew will give Miles 64 points. Great work and thanks again for the preview.

From MilesR: 28mm ACW Confederate Infantry - 18th Georgia (121 points)

From Miles:

I have another Confederate regiment to submit - the 18th GA of Hood’s Brigade. The models are the Perry 28mm Plastic Confederates (as usual). All that’s left to finish of Hood’s Brigade will be Wade’s SC Legion!

The 18th GA was part of Hood’s Brigade in the early phases of the war (up until the Battle of Fredericksburg) and fought with distinction.

The unit was responsible for breaking the Union line at the Battle of Gaines Mill which effectively ended McClellan’s Peninsular campaign. I’m modeling Hoods’ Brigade right before the Battle of Antietam so these troops will still be part of the unit.

In the background you can see two other regiments from the brigade - the 4th and 5th Texas.

One more regiment and my CSA army will be completed. OK maybe not completed but good enough for the upcoming game at Historicon in 2014. Please let me know if you want to play - I’ll have choice commands for any Challenge participants.

I must say, you've got this Confederate infantry gig down to a science now Miles. You could be a poster boy for the Perry plastic ACW boxed sets. Wonderful work once again and I really like the historical snapshots you've provided for this brigade as it sets them within a context. I also like the angled shot with the rest of the brigade in the distance - very impressive.

I'm not sure if the time (or budget) will allow for a trip to Historicon, but I for one would love to have a command in your game. With what we've seen from you these past few months that game will be a wonder to behold! 

From MilesR: Part II of the Imperial Japanese Navy Coral Sea Fleet in 1:6000 (42 points)

Well I'm back from our weekend break and see that I have a load of entries to catch up on - it's good to know that people have not reduced their pace during my absence! First off we have Miles with the remainder of the Imperial Japanese Fleet that was present at the Battle of the Coral Sea (plus a brace of the huge battlewagons).

From Miles:

Some more reinforcements for the IJN in 1/6000. This submission includes 12 Mutsuki class Destroyers and 2 Tenru Class Light Cruisers, which will complete the fleet for the Coral Sea campaign. In addition I’ve bulked up my Japanese fleet with 4 Mogami class Heavy Cruisers and 2 Battleships - the Yamato and Mushashi.

A close up of 6 Mutsuki class destroyers on the right flank.

And the other six destroyers on the left.

Two Tenru class Light Cruisers and the four Mogami’s - well actually only three - it seems I stuck a Myoko in there by mistake. I’m sure that happens to all of you too.

The Big Gals - the Yamato and the Musashi. These were the largest Battleships eve built and mounted 18 inch guns.

The full fleet on the move: 5 Carriers, 2 Battleships, 12 Cruisers, 2 Light Cruisers and 28 Destroyers. Next up, the US Coral Sea fleet!

Wonderful work Miles! Its great to see your whole IJN fleet all arrayed and ready for action. I really look forward to seeing the corresponding American fleet make its debut. We game with 'General Quarters III' and I wonder how these 1:6000 figures would adapt to it... We'd probably just have to scale the movement distances and create a new turning gauge but otherwise I think it could work. Hmmm...

This, the last part of the IJN Coral Sea Fleet will give Miles 42 points. Well done Mr. R!

From MilesR: 15mm American Infantry for 'All Quiet on the Martian Front' (90 points)

The flash bulbs of the paparazzi are only starting to dim as we get a glimpse of a new range of figures for an very much anticipated game system.

From Miles:

My next submission is a bit of a first -in fact it’s a “World Premier” of some miniatures from the upcoming “All Quiet on the Martian Front” game. How was I able to score such a “scoop”? Through hard work, exposing (but perhaps not living) a clean lifestyle and dedication to the hobby. Yes I’m sure it was all that plus the fact I live about 1.5 miles away from the world wide HQ of Architects of War and I was pestering Ernie to get a few test models. I could think of no better venue for this World, no it’s a , “Galactic Premier” than the Analogue Hobbies Challenge, which I am sure will soon become the miniatures world equivalent of the Cannes Film Festival, except with 100% more glamour.

Todays submission is 45, 15mm US Infantry figures complete with gas masks so they are less vulnerable to the damn Martian black dust. The troops are organized into 3 Platoons each of which consist of 3 five man stands. The figures are produced by Architects of War subsidiary “Alien Dungeon” and are based off of 15mm Eureka models which the AofW team have licensed.

These are metal figures and had very little flash to clean up.

I did the basing a little different for these figures. My usual method is to paint the base a tan color and then cover with playground sand. That works fine for 28mm but just does’t work for smaller scales. The basing material I did use was Liquitex brand “Blended Fibers” gel which goes on as a gel but dries clear and provedes a nice level of textures for smaller scale mini’s. In some of the pic’s you can still see some white where I missed with the paint but that will dry clear and look like a puddle of water (I hope). I was pleased with the outcome.

Each platoon has an officer (left most figure in each first rank) and then riflemen in 6 different poses.

A shot of the the whole company surging out to attempt to destroy one of those dreaded Martian Tripods…..

Ooh! Shiny!! A sneak peak of 'All Quiet on the Martian Front' (claps hands in glee)? Now, how cool is that! Thanks for letting us see your lovely new toys Miles. I can close my eyes and hear the super-creepy Martian war claxon blaring in the distance (probably the one thing I loved about the Tom Cruise movie). 

These fine doughboys bravely advancing towards the alien menace (only to be turned into fine ash) will give Miles 90 points. Great stuff Miles and thanks for sharing these guys with us! I can't wait to see one of the tripods!