From JimI: Armoured Sergeants (85 points)

Continuing with the Fireforge miniatures, I’ve put together a couple of groups of armoured sergeants with a variety of hand weapons. These, like the bowmen, are really lovely models with some excellent poses. There are six different bodies on the sprue with dozens of different head and arm combinations.  I'm fairly confident that in this group no two are quite the same.

Once put together and arranged with a bit of thought it is possible to get an enormous amount of quite energetic movement from the models. I like my troops to look rather jumbled. Painting them is a pleasure. The surfaces are large smooth and very well detailed.  For this project I wanted the men to look as though they belonged on the battlefield rather than the parade ground.

With this in mind and along with the dull colouring and leathery tones I wanted the shields to look worn and battered. The shields are big and very prominent and so I think I was more concerned with getting those right more than anything else. In fact, some cover the model almost entirely. I'll post a "how to" for the shields later.

There are sixteen models here for 80pts.

Almost done with the cavalry so they'll be up next.

All the best for now and I hope you all keep those brushes busy!

Jim

-----------------------------------------------------

Jim, these are simply spectacular!  Not just the modelling, but the colouring, the basing, the shields and the photography.  Everything adds up to a fantastic package of miniature painting excellence, from start to finish.  

The contrast in the pain tones is not only smooth, but I love how the figures fit with each other and compliment the units they are members of.  Thank you also for supplying the close-up photos.  I am sure I can't be the only Challenger looking on enviously, looking forward to getting back to the brushes and trying to replicate a little of the Ibbotson magic.

80 points for the figures, but also an extra 5 for the modelling, basing, arrangement and photography.  Great work, Sir!

From JimI: Mid 13th Century European Longbows (85 Points)

(From Curt: As a preamble to our Theme announcement, a few of our rearguard brushjockeys will be joining us. Here Jim arrives with this beautiful entry to kick off his Challenge run.)

This is somewhat of a diversion for me, having been up to now, better recognised for my work in the black powder era. 

Some years ago, on a whim, I purchased a box of Fireforge Games Foot Sergeants. I was extremely impressed with them. Enough so that I assembled and painted a handful.

This year, amongst other things, I am putting together a fantasy army. Having previously seen these wonderful minis from Fireforge I was left in little doubt as to what figures I would be using for the project.

Unfortunately, much of the army was assembled and painted before this year's challenge opened.

I've still got lots to do though, and I'm looking forward to posting many more pictures from this excellent range of 28mm figures.

Here we see seventeen longbowmen painted in fairly generic livery but with blue a predominant theme.

All the best for now and good luck to everybody taking part in the Challenge.

_____________________________

Wow, absolutely gorgeous brushwork Jim! I love your fleshtones, the battered shield of the sergeant and the subtle shading on their leather and helmets. I also really like how you've staged and photographed your entry - it looks like a still frame from a movie!

If any viewers are readers of 'Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy' you will have seen Jim's figures featured  in that fine publication - his work really is a treat. This past autumn I had the pleasure to game with Jim, AdeD and PhilH at Jim's home nestled in the picturesque Worcestershire district. 

Jim, Ade, me and Phil at Jim's home having some games of Sharp Practice (I think the reason Phil is looking so smug in this photo is that he was thrashing me in the scenario we were playing...)

It was a great day out with lots of beautiful toy soldiers to enjoy and excellent company to be had (and I think they even let me win for one of the games!). Such gentlemen. :)

Welcome to the Challenge Jim!