From Codsticker: Time Well Wasted

 I hesitate to call this 'another successful' AHPC for me as, for the second season in a row, I missed my target. However, it was a another really enjoyable challenge even though I didn't get quite as many minis painted as I had hoped. My goal was to get through all of my Bloody Miniatures backlog, which I nearly did. At this point just one pack of infantry (The Ragged Trained Band) is not quite finished; however, I never got to even priming the 12 cavalry figures. 

One of my favourite aspects of the hobby is the 'moving diorama' nature of the war game. I love looking at table tops that are as wonderful to view as the minis on it. That is the perspective I took when photographing my figures for The Challenge; I wanted to take photos of them in the setting in which they will be used. As my daughter moved out permanently (so I am told...) in August her room has become both a miniature photography studio and hobby store room. She would be appalled.

Thanks to Curt, Sarah, and all the Minions, especially Kyle who was my Sunday minion. I am already thinking about next year and look forward to seeing everyone's hobby endeavours next winter.

From Codsticker: Bloody Miniatures- The Continental Mercenaries (20 points)

With any luck this will not be my last entry for AHPC XIV! Here we have another pack of 4 figures from Bloody Miniatures, The Continental Mercenaries BM  036:

I feel like I rushed these a bit to get them done for today.

Another wonderful pack though, with very characterful figures.

They could be from anywhere in western or central Europe.

One got a red sash (Royalist) and one an orange sash (Parliamentarian) but, being mercenaries, their loyalties may be... flexible.

I'm no Miles, so just a measly 20 pts for me:

4 x 28mm figures @ 5 pts each= 20 pts

TeemuL: Well, you might have rushed with these, but it is just your opinion. To my eye, they look excellent! Their un-uniformed look (is that a word) fits nice with their mercenary background, but you have still managed to have certain uniformity with them - the basing of course goes a long way to that direction. There is so much to like, painting the lace, all the consistency in the highlights and selection of tones of colours in general. Good job!

From Codsticker: Bloody Miniatures- The Witchfinder General and Pikemen en Melee (40pts)

 Last night I came to the horrible realisation that the latest edition of the AHPC will come to a finale 8 days from now; if I didn't pull my finger out I wouldn't get even close to my target of 350 pts. So, here I am trying to sneak the last two weeks work in under the wire for today. 

First, I have pack BM 034, The Witchfinder General:

The poor victim of his investigation: no doubt a witch as she was found to cohabitate with several cats and- even worse- can read! Impossible for a woman of her lowly status unless acquired through other-worldy means.

Fortunately for the small community, this upstanding puritan investigator has rooted her out:

The evidence against her is weighty. This fellow would know as he is quite smart (you can tell because he wears glasses).

The long arm of the inquisition, this harquebusier was responsible for tracking her down and bringing her to judgement

It doesn't look good for this young woman; surely the pyre is next for her.

With the Pikemen en Melee (BM 035) I chose to give them matching equipment as I figured they probably came from the same regiment.

As I have painted quite a few in blues and reds I went with green (GSW Pickle Green) coats for this group.

I imagined all the buffcoats and harness were all sourced from the same manufacturer.

Just the trousers and socks have some variability.

This man refuses to give up his pike; I may crop that weapon and turn him into an ensign (I couldn't settle on a flag so he got a long stick).

That is 40 pts for this entry:

8 x 28mm miniatures @ 5 pts each + 40

Great work once again Rob. Lovely painting on these sets, and you have really gone through a fair few of them throughout this challenge. I almost see the second set coming to the rescue of the would be witch there... or if not then at least keeping the crowds at bay while she is prepared to burn!

40 pts for you here!
Kyle

From Codsticker: Bloody Miniatures- The Village People (20 pts)

Now, those of you familiar with the Bloody Miniatures catalogue may be wondering why you are seeing the Village People instead of The Lowland Shotte. Simple... I didn't buy any Scotsmen. Now don't get your kilts in a knot; I have come to see the error of my ways and plan on rectifying that at some point in the near future. 

So onto BM 023, The Village People.

These are perfect for skirmish games involving Clubmen or a mob chasing down a papist or witch.

They come with a number of weapons options; I chose a mix of muskets and farm implements.

With numerous bands of scoundrels looking to liberate anything useful, everyone in the village has to be on guard.

Quite content to stay in their own patch, they have no urge to run off and sail the seven seas or make real their dreams at The Y.

A simple 20 pts for me this week:

4 28 mm miniatures @ 5 pts each=20 pts.

It maybe a 'simple' 20 points, but they are a lovely set of models there! Always a pleasure to see your painting, and backdrops, to your models here. 

Up on the board now with another 20 pts for you!
Kyle

From Codsticker: Bloody Miniatures Unhorsed Cuirassier and A Couple More Orcs (30 pts)

In this entry I have a couple of Orc archers that I didn't quite get finished last week as well as the third pack of wave 4 from Bloody Miniatures.

Like the two from last  week, these orcs are straight forward archers.

I imagine they are pretty useless in-game if their rules reflect their performance in both the trilogy and the movies.

On the other hand... I would expect these unhorsed cuirassier would put up a pretty decent fight.

With their armour and melee weapons, they were often called upon to force breaches and lead assaults on defended positions.

The Unhorsed Cuirassier is pack BM 022, released in September 2022.

I had another crack at yellow with their sashes. Still a little too bright for my liking.

I love blackened armour but I saved it for this model, who I have chosen to be their colonel or major.

That is 6 28mm models @ 5 pts each for a total of 30 pts.

By Guest Minion Paul:

Very nice Rob - I do love the Bloody Miniature range- such wonderfully characterful and dynamic sculpts! Your unhorsed lobsters look great - I too love the enamelled black armour for officers. 30 well deserved points!

From Codsticker: Bloody Miniatures- The Flying Picquets(20 pts)

 Here I am trying to sneak this post in under the wire- there is still 13 hours and 17 minutes until Sunday is over in my part of the world!😁

The second pack in wave four from Bloody Miniatures is BM 21, The Flying Picquets:

These would best represent dragoons, dismounted and patrolling on foot.

Sniffing around, trying to secure provisions or scout the enemy.

These minis have great poses; all of them at the ready.

Perhaps it is post battle and they are out rounding up the defeated stragglers; if they are lucky they may find someone of import hiding in an outbuilding.

A simple straight, forward 20 points: 4 28 mm minis @ 5 pts each.

And a second post here! Wonderful! And more of these sculpts which is great to see! 

"Easy" 20 PTS for you here

Kyle

From Codsticker: A Tootle Around The Library(70 pts)

 I took a brief (very brief) break from my main project, painting the Bloody Miniatures range, to return to the Challenge Library. Having already claimed the bonus for History, I have returned to New Acquisitions/Front Desk with a couple of metal Mordor Orc archers from the Games Workshops LoTR range.

Not particularly inspiring models to paint; but fairly straight forward and easy to get to a table top standard. 

That is the end of the interlude from painting Bloody Miniatures. 

I submit one of The Gallant Ladies for Sarah's Library Cart. This young lady has dared to dress like a man. I shudder to think what could happen to her if a mob of militant Puritans got a hold of her.

They would have to get past her pistol and sword first though- I imagine she knows how to wield them.

She is my ticket to vault to the third floor and the Biography section...

Charlotte Stanley, the Countess of Derby was one of several British noblewomen who played active roles in the English Civil War. Born Charlotte de La Tremoille in France to the second Duke of Trouars and the Countess of Nassau, she was a grand daughter of the Prince of Orange, William the First, on her mother's side.

She is best known for her defense of Lathom House which was besieged by Lord Fairfax from February 27th until May 1644 when Lathom House was relieved by a force led by Prince Rupert. Parliamentarian forces made several offers of an honourable surrender; she refused them all,on one occasion responding:

"... tell that insolent rebel (Colonel Rigby), he shall have neither persons, goods, nor house. When our strength and provisions are spent, we shall find a fire more merciful than Rigby; and then, if the providence of God prevent it not, my goods and house shall burn in his sight; and myself, my children, and soldiers rather than fall into his hands will seal our religion and loyalty in the same flames."

After the siege was lifted, she relocated to the Isle of Man which she held for the King until 1651. After the Battle of Worcester saw the destruction of what was left of the Royalist hopes, and the execution of her husband, she surrendered; hers was the last Royalist stronghold to surrender in the three kingdoms.

Like the two figures above, the remaining two are from the Gallant Ladies Pack. 

This poor girl was born with a bit of odd nose (or, perhaps, it was a fall from the painting desk mid-paintjob).

The dresses on these ladies are beautifully sculpted.

So, for points I have (I think...):

6 28mm figures @ 5 pts each = 30

Sarah's Library Cart= 20 pts

Biography Section= 20 pts

Total= 70 pts.

Wonderful models here and a great tribute to Sarah to move along in her cart. I do suspect they would be quite the defense and a surprise to boot. 

70 pts for you

Kyle