From SimonM: Ben & Victorian Policeman by "Black Tree Design" [Local History] (43 points)

This 28mm metal single-cast figure is sold by by "Black Tree Design" and is available as Code DW151 - Ben from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Sculpted to represent "an able seaman on a shore posting", the miniature is clearly based upon the First and Second Doctors' companion Ben Jackson, who first appeared in Ian Stuart Black's 1966 BBC Television story "The War Machines".

Initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the Royal Navy sailor was subsequently heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and given a healthy dose of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then painted his trousers with a lick of "Two Thin Coats" Marine Blue, darkened them down with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later applied some rough highlights, courtesy of dry-brushing (more) Marine Blue by "Two Thin Coats" across the clothing's folds.

Finally, I dabbed some "Vallejo" Gold onto the buttons of Ben's duffle coat, before carefully applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to the top of his cap. I did also consider providing actor Michael Craze's character with some sort of jumper, which looked liked it was poking out from under the top of his coat in the 'official' paint-job. However, the figure itself didn't look as if it had any such garment on, so I simply stuck with the open neck look - which is how the time traveller actually appears on the small screen.

Alongside Ben, I have also pigmented another 28mm figure from "Black Tree Design" and their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Available as Code DW415 - Victorian Policeman, this model is based upon the constables seen in Robert Holmes' 1977 BBC Television story "The Talons of Weng-Chiang".

Originally given a coat of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the "Peeler" was treated to a couple of layers of "Two Thin Coats" Marine Blue and a good dousing in Oblivion Black Wash. He was then enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) Marine Blue by "Two Thin Coats", before having all of his buttons and belt buckle spotted in "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

The British Bobby's cape chain and helmet badge were later 'picked out' with a little "Two Thin Coats" Sir Coates Silver and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst the Policeman's wooden truncheon was given a blanket of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also traced along the lines of the stout fellow's facial lambchops with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Considering that Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the rest of His Majesty's Naval Base, the D-Day Museum and the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower are just a couple of miles away, I thought this figure of Ben Jackson wearing a vintage (Sixties) sailor's uniform would make an excellent submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Local History Library desk - especially as the fictional able seaman himself was based at Portsmouth according to the 1968 "Doctor Who" Annual. In addition, Explosion specialises in the history of Royal Naval uniforms, and even goes so far as to mention the duffle coat and cap Ben is sculpted wearing as being an example of a sailor's "working dress" following the Uniform Regulations of 1856 in its excellent "Researching Your Items: Identifying Uniforms" pamphlet. 

Furthermore, due to Portsmouth Central Police Station being in a similarly close proximity, I thought my Nineteenth Century Policeman would equally hit the criteria for the Challenge's Local History Library desk. The original station was actually established in Albert Road in 1872, so harks right back to the Victorian Period when officer's wore the famous cape, tunic and custodian helmet depicted on my miniature - and a display mannequin wearing this uniform is currently on show at the local Hampshire Police and Fire Heritage Trust Museum. Indeed, funnily enough, Portsmouth City Police grew in size due to the Royal Navy's presence in the town getting ever larger (and the city resultantly increasing its number of public houses to over a hundred and fifty), hence I thought a two-pronged proffering for this bonus challenge was rather appropriate.

Furthermore I've also managed to complete a second Myrka figure by "Black Tree Design". This 46mm long metal miniature was painted in precisely the same manner as my first one - predominantly using "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, I did apply a gloss varnish to the maritime monster, and thought it made it look so suitably water-logged, that I went back and gave my other model a coat too.

Lastly, I've finished an old 15mm scale Orange Adder Combat Car by “Alternative Armies”. This infantry support variant can be purchased as Pack Code IAF035D from the company’s "The Ion Age" range and comes armed with "a 50mm Grenade Launcher in a turret mount."

Just prior to being super-glued to a Large "Flames Of War" plastic rectangular base by "Battlefront Miniatures", I gave the underside a generous application of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black. The entire vehicle was then slapped in "Vallejo" Dark Grey, shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil" and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Dark Grey.

I next 'picked out' all of its wheel trims, any visible/reachable undercarriage or axels, as well as its main weapon with a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil". Before carefully applying some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to any lights I could see. 

Three x 28mm scale foot figures = 15 Points

Local History Books Bonus = 20 Points

15mm scale Vehicle = 8 Points

Total = 43 Points   

Another pair of nice figures, Simon. I like the policeman, he has a very martial and determined look about him. The armoured car looks also good. And who would not want a pair of Myrkas watching the garden pond? As for the Local History bonus, with the background you have provided us here I think that is well deserved, well done!

43 points added to your total.

Martijn

From SimonM: Myrka & Robo-Men by "Black Tree Design" [Maritime] (35 points)

This 46mm long metal miniature of a "large species of reptile used by the Silurians for heavy backup in times of war" is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be bought as Code DW509 Myrka from the manufacturer's "Doctor Who" miniatures range. A 'modified descendant of a unique species of dinosaur', the deep-sea creature first appeared in Johnny Byrne's January 1984 BBC Television story "Warriors Of The Deep" and was only finished "about an hour before it was scheduled to be used" by its two puppeteers on set.

The Myrka was first super-glued onto a "Citadel" 75x42mm oval base, primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Eartshade. The infamous monster was then heavily dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, so as to bring out the detail of its thick, rubbery skin and "large webbed feet". before subsequently being washed with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

After a second (and final) dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, the Myrka's "wide, pale eyes" were 'picked out' using a combination of White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Vallejo" Pale Grey. Finally, the four-legged reptiles's base was gritted with fine modelling sand, undercoated in "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed in Doombull Brown and Rakarth Flesh, and subsequently washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Considering that this beast is believed to have existed as part of a vast colony which survived the dinosaurs extinction due to living in the depths of the ocean, I thought it would make an excellent submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Maritime Library desk. It's certainly "something wet and offshore", having been documented attacking Sea Base Four on the sea-bed in 2084 A.D.

Alongside my "large marine monster" I have also completed two 28mm metal Robomen by "Black Tree Design". Available as Code DW127 Roboman from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range, these sculpts are slightly different to the five figures I've previously submitted to the AHPC. But are still based upon the Dalek's minions from Terry Nation's November 1964 BBC Television story "The Dalek Invasion of Earth".

Perhaps unsurprisingly though, both fellows were painted in precisely the same way as I've previously done their hapless, zombie-like brethren, using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna or Heavy Brown with "Citadel" Agrax Brown for their trousers, and "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black basecoat for their jackets...

Three x 28mm scale foot figures = 15 Points

Romance Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 35 Points

And it gets even darker! Your robomen are certainly on a par with your previous entries, Simon, you are acquiring quite the squad here. The Myrka is very fine too. I am not entirely convinced of its place in the Maritime section of our Library, but as it is indeed wet and offshore I'll find a place for it on its shelves. I just hope I don't get an official reprimand from the boss for it...  I'll better make a note of where I put it. Anyway, that's 35 points for you.

From SimonM: Donald Loves the Bomb by "Red Star Coven Miniatures" [Famous Person] (35 points)

This 28mm scale resin model of 'Donald Trump plummeting to a thermonuclear death' was produced by "Red Star Coven Miniatures" and could be purchased as Donald Loves the Bomb from their Masters Of War range. Sculpted by Darren Edwards, I picked up this two-piece kit of the former President of the United States just over three years ago, and am sad to report that it is now Out Of Production (OOP).

Despite coming with a plastic flying stand, this figure was always destined to be a statue of the controversial politician, so I purchased a resin plinth from an "eBay" seller to use as a pedestal, and super-glued it to a plastic 65mm circular base. The stone altar was primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

I also took this opportunity to 'pick out' its metal plate with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and (another) dose of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I finished off the plinth was some strategically placed trickles of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green, before giving it a last, light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey.

With the pedestal finished, I super-glued Donald to the bomb (which was much easier said than done, as the businessman didn't fit at all snuggly upon his ride), and applied two layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to the ensemble. I then layered him with "Vallejo" Bronze. washed the model with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before giving the Republican a dry-brush using (more) “Vallejo” Bronze.

To help weather the statue, I subsequently applied various amounts of “Citadel” Nihilakh Oxide in between the sculpt's joints and ridges. These areas were later roughly blended back in with the rest of Donald and the bomb using a (third) dry-brush of “Vallejo” Bronze. Lastly, I drilled a deep hole in my plinth and used a piece of an old broken plastic spear shaft to attach the ex-President to it.

Obviously, I thought this objective/scenic piece would make an excellent submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Famous Person Library desk, as the man seems to appear in the national news every day currently.

In addition though, I felt I might as well pigment this 53mm tall scale resin model of a Titan by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” as I used exactly the same painting scheme as Donald Trump's statue. The base miniature can be bought as SKU: MINI 94 Titan A (Reaching) from their Villains and Monsters range. However, despite the multi-piece kit containing two separate arms, I decided to 'field' the mechanical monstrosity carrying a Hammer and shield taken from the company's metal Titan Weapon Arms (SKU: DEAL 85) instead.

Two x 28mm scale foot figure = 10  Points

Famous Person Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 30  35 Points

 

Ah, Donald. Oh dear. Oh well. But whatever your feelings, it's a fine model and you did a fine job on him. I'll leave it to the Head Librarian to decide whether the statue deserves a place in The Library and where, but I do think you've earned your bonus! The titan looks great as well, I love the patina effect! However, as you state it is a large figure I'll score it as a 54mm figure. So 35 points for you.

Btw, love the library stamps on your map!

From SimonM: Resistance Fighters by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" [Romance] (45 points)

These four 28mm metal figures are manufactured by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and can be purchased as SKU: DEAL 339 Resistance Fighters from their science fiction range. "Flung together in a desperate struggle", these models are clearly inspired by some of the leading characters in Kenneth Johnson's 1983 American science-fiction television miniseries "V".

The quartet were initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then predominantly worked on each figure individually, as I wanted to give them a little colour to their costumes, despite their sculpts being largely based upon their night-time raids against the alien invaders of Earth.

I started with Elias Taylor's lookalike, as played by Michael Wright, and applied some simple "Vallejo" Charred Brown to his trousers, washed them with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and finally dry-brushed the pants with (more) "Vallejo" Charred Brown. The former "street thug and drug dealer" was then given a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna on his face and hands, before these areas were shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and highlighted with some tiny amounts of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

Juliet Parrish's doppelganger was next, and simply had her trousers 'picked out' using a combination of Cold Corpse Blue by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. To try and capture a likeness of actress Faye Grant's hair colour I used some Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats" on her locks, and darkened them down with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Finally, I gave them a quick dry-brush with (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow.

For Ham Tyler's duplicate I simply gave the figure's pants a lick of "Two Thin Coats" Marine Blue and a splodge of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his watch-face and hair were given a coat of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. These areas were later shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade as appropriate.

Finally, I decided to apply Mike Donovan's 'twin' with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and heavily-watered down "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to provide him with the illusion of wearing faded jeans. I next applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna to the central part of his jacket and Heavy Brown to its sleeves. The entire coat was subsequently shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and then both the torso and sleeves dry-brushed with their previous base colour.

One of the reasons I enjoy "V" so much is the somewhat off-on romantic relationship between Mike Donovan and Juliet Parrish. This was made all the more complicated later on when the founder of the Los Angeles resistance movement was captured by the hamster-munching aliens and brain-zapped - leading to Ham Tyler repeatedly suggesting to Donovan that the 'love of his life' was now unknowingly a pawn of the Visitors, and would betray them all one day.

Resultantly, I though this pair would make an excellent submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Romance Library desk, especially as A.C. Crispin would go on to pen a 402-page V novelisation for "Pinnacle Books" in 1984, which combined both the original miniseries and The Final Battle into a single tome.

Alongside my extra-terrestrial busting quarter I have also completed a fifth 28mm metal Robomen Guard by "Black Tree Design". As per my previous ones this model can be purchased as Code DW129 Roboman Guard from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range, and is based upon the Dalek's minions from Terry Nation's November 1964 BBC Television story "The Dalek Invasion of Earth".

The fellow was pigmented in precisely the same way as I've previous done his poor brain-washed, comrades-in-arms, except I decided to spend a little more time on him 'picking out' his jacket with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I also thought I'd mark him out a little more with some "Vallejo" Sombre Grey trousers, which were later shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Five x 28mm scale foot figure = 25 Points

Romance Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 45 Points

More Sc-Fi goodies from you, Simon, and again a pleasure to see. On these models, I love the jeans and the work in progress photos are a great boon too. I remember watching the V series back in the eighties and I think the V-couple do qualify for inclusion in the Romance Section of the Library. 45 points coming your way.

Speaking of the Library, we really would like to see how your progress is going, so a map would be nice!

Martijn

From SimonM: Black Númenóreans, General Kala and 15mm Black Adder Combat Lifters (31 Points)

Alongside pigmenting a quartet of Robomen Guards by "Black Tree Design" for the Overdue and Returns Library desk, I've also managed to squeeze in a few other miniatures which have been impatiently sat on my painting desk awaiting the start of the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC).

First up are two (more) 28mm 3D printed Black Númenóreans. These are sold by "Fenris6661982" on "eBay", and can be purchased as part of a six-figure 'Buy it now' auction. As I've mentioned before I bought the resin figures as infantry proxies for my Barad Dur army until "Games Workshop" once again produce the "cruel oppressors" for their "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game", and resultantly painted them in the same manner as the previous four models I've entered into this year's AHPC.

In short this meant being primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, a heavy dry-brush of “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and a drowning in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The dark-hearted fiends' belts and shield straps were given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, whilst their armour, shields and swords received a layer of "Vallejo" Gunmetal. These metallic areas were later shaded using "Nuln Oil", and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before the armour was treated to a splodge of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

This 28mm metal model of a Ruthless Lieutenant is produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and can be brought as a pack of four figures from their SKU: DEAL 238 Galactic Villains. Clearly inspired by actress Mariangela Melato's portrayal of the ruthless, cold-hearted General Kala in Mike Hodges' 1980 science-fiction movie "Flash Gordon", and has been sat in my Pile of Potential since I first received her way back in 2020 following the Lincolnshire-based company's successful Pulp Sci-Fi Heroes and Villains Kickstarter.

Described as possessing "a merciless streak matching that of Ming and Klytus", the miniature was undercoated with a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being dry-brushed in “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then carefully 'picked out' all her gold finery with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Gold, "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gold, and an incredibly delicate dry-brush of Silver.

These two 15mm scale Adder Combat Lifters are sold by “Alternative Armies” and can be purchased as Pack Code IAF036C and IAF036D from the company’s "The Ion Age" range. Supplied as a multi-piece metal and resin vehicle, one is "armed with a Fretan Rail Gun in a turret mount", whilst the other carries a Hermit Grenade Launcher. They are approximately 60mm long, 30mm wide and 25mm tall.

Each model was super-glued on to a large-sized plastic "Flames Of War" stand by “Battlefront Miniatures”, and was primed in "Vallejo" Dark Green in order to be the start of a new (not) Dark Angels army. "Used for a variety of purposes and in many variants", the automobiles were then enthusiastically drowned in “Citadel” Nuln Oil, before receiving a heavy dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Dark Green using a soft-bristled make-up brush.

I next applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the Combat Lifters' flexible skirts, side panels/windows, rear vents, front headlamp frames and giant guns. Some of these areas were subsequently 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I used a dollop of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a wash of "Vallejo" Pale Grey on each hover-tank's trio of lights, and lastly applied some old(ish) "Games Workshop" Dark Angels decals to mark the vehicles out as belonging to the First Legion.

Three x 28mm scale foot figures = 15 Points

Two x 15mm scale Vehicles = 16 Points

Total = 31 Points

Two posts on one day! You are spoiling us, Simon. More dark things, I see. A fine selection of figures and vehicles, I must say. Your Ruthless Lieutenant  is my favourite, the black and gold is very striking. Another 31 points on the board!

Martijn

From SimonM: Robomen Guards by "Black Tree Design" [Overdue and Returns] (40 points)

These four 28mm metal Robomen Guards are manufactured by "Black Tree Design" and can be purchased as Code DW129 Roboman Guard from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Humans converted by the Daleks into wholly obedient slaves", these mindless minions first appeared in Terry Nation's November 1964 BBC Television story "The Dalek Invasion of Earth".

The quartet were initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then worked on their trousers, using a base layer of either "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Heavy Brown or Sombre Grey. The pants were subsequently shaded using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil as appropriate, and roughly highlighted using a careful dry-brush of their original base layer colour.

Their "large, helmet-like headsets" and firearms were simply 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst their shirts received a lick of White Star by Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats" and a splodge of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to dirty them up. I also decided to try and break up the monotony of the group by selecting one figure and painting his jacket "Vallejo" Sombre Grey. This coat was later washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo Sombre Grey.

These Robomen Guards have rather embarrassingly been loitering unloved inside a drawer for many a year. Indeed, I believe these particular miniatures might well actually pre-date "Black Tree Design" acquiring the range's licence, and hark back as far as 1996-1997, when I first started playing "Doctor Who: Invasion Earth" by "Harlequin Miniatures". Designed by Daniel Faulconbridge, this tabletop game attempted to recreate various scenarios from the aforementioned First Doctor's broadcast adventure "The Dalek Invasion of Earth", and resultantly required me to paint several of Davros' Mark III Travel Machines.

To be honest I still recall the feeling of dread this gave me having to first carefully 'pick out' all the Dalek shell's "hemispherical protrusions" black and then blob them with a light blue colour - so as to match their colour scheme during both William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton's tenure as Doctor Who. However, in an effort to circumnavigate this issue, I promptly bought these Robomen instead to use as the robotic Masters of Earth's minions and reduce the number of actual Daleks I needed. Sadly though, it would appear I never managed to pigment these figures, so felt it was high time to make amends and simultaneously earn me some much-needed bonus points at the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge's Overdue and Returns Library desk.

Four x 28mm scale foot figure = 20 Points

Overdue and Returns Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 40 Points

Another great submission, Simon! Your black is great again, and the eyes came out very well too. And who doesn't love Dr. Who? As vintage 20th century figures, they surely fit the Overdue and Returns criteria, so 40 points for you.

Martijn

From SimonM: Black Númenórean Warriors by "Fenris6661982" + Fantasy Books Bonus (40 points)

These four 28mm 3D printed Black Númenóreans are sold by "Fenris6661982" on "eBay", and can be purchased as part of a six-figure 'Buy it now' auction. "Seduced and corrupted by Sauron", the resin miniatures were bought as infantry proxies for my Barad Dur army until "Games Workshop" once again produce the "cruel oppressors" for their "The Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game".

The quartet were initially primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being heavily dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then 'picked out' their belts and shield straps with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before applying some "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the warriors' ornate armour, and swords.

These metallic areas were subsequently drowned with (more) “Citadel” Nuln Oil and later dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Gunmetal. To dirty the armour down somewhat and create a contrast between it and the Númenóreans' blades, I gave all the plate armour a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Lastly, I 'picked out' the models' teeth using a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, as well as their chins with a dollop of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

These supposed 3D printed proxies are bound to cause a little controversy as having scrutinized the sculpts closer, the manufacturer has quite possibly just somehow scanned the old "Games Workshop" miniatures and then digitally tidied-them up - as some details, such as the models' sinister teeth aren't present on my versions, despite being clearly visible on the now out of production (OOP) official models. However, as I don't have any of the metal or "Finecast" originals, nor am willing to pay a whopping fifty quid to own one second-hand, I can't say for certain.

This ethical conundrum has definitely curtailed my enthusiasm for the project though, as I absolutely don't agree with the re-casting of other manufacturer's figures. I suppose some might say that as the Black Númenóreans are no longer available to buy, and the products are clearly advertised as being "not [an] official product", then there's an element of acceptability in this instance..? But, I for one, see this as being part of a bigger problem where so many unlicensed or rather 'fan-art' 3D prints are flooding the hobby, and some sellers may well be sailing far closer to the wind than others.

Setting aside any debates though, I thought the foursome would make an excellent subject for my visit to the Fantasy Books area in the Challenge Library.

Four x 28mm scale foot figure = 20 Points

Fantasy Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 40 Points

Well, we definitely have some dark things going on here, Simon! However, whatever their provenance, you've certainly done a sterling job on these Black Númenóreans. Black is not an easy colour to work with, but you seem to have developed a good recipe. Well done, and 40 points it is!

MartijnN

From SimonM: Silurians by "Black Tree Design" + Children's Books Bonus (40 points)

These four 28mm scale metal reptilian humanoids are manufactured by “Black Tree Design", and can be purchased as Code DW308 Silurian from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "Generally a peaceful race", these Homo reptilia first appeared in Malcolm Hulke's January 1970 BBC Television story "Doctor Who And The Silurians".

Quite embarrassingly these "three-eyed land-dwellers" were actually bought from the Penzance-based manufacturer way back in July 2016, and were due to be part of a much larger Homo Reptilia force I started assembling some three years later for a "Doctor Who" aliens/monsters galactic conquest campaign using some homemade rules.

Disappointingly though, these particular models were never properly completed, and after so many years of being jostled together in a drawer, their original partial-paintjob was barely visible in places. As a result, I thought I'd re-start them from scratch and resultantly submit into this year's AHPC.

All of the miniatures were (re)primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, heavily washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. They were then treated to some strategically-placed spots of "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green in and around their heads, necks and hands, before being given a second, lighter dry-brush of (even more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

The quartet's claws, which were somewhat difficult to 'pick out' at times due to some occasional miscasting in these areas, were given a coat of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and subsequently dirtied up with a generous splosh of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, their 'third eye' was spotted with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and later shaded using a dollop of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Back when I was first starting to get into "Doctor Who", the only way I could 'catch-up' with Tom Baker's predecessors was to read the story novelisations by "Target Books". One such book was "Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters", which sported a marvellous cover illustration by Chris Achilleos of the Third Doctor, a terrifying Tyrannosaurs Rex and a lone Silurian. Published in 1974, this book had a particular impact upon me as a child as it also included some wonderful black & white interior sketches of the Silurians by Achilleos too.

As a result I thought it would make an excellent subject for my visit to the Children's Books area in the Challenge Library.

Four x 28mm scale foot figure = 20 Points

Children's Books Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 40 Points

_________________________________________

Simon and the Silurians. Hmm. You know, that would be an excellent band name...

Seriously, great work on these venerable Doctor Who monsters, Simon. I particularly like your use of green in the recesses. I really enjoyed reading about the young Simon catching up on Doctor Who lore by reading old novelisations. That's very cool. I could see that particular book being quite scary, but then again all of us as kids loved this sort of thing (though our parents would have flipped if the knew some of the stuff we got up to). 

Great work!

- Curt

From SimonM: Temporal Traveller by "Crooked Dice Game Design" + New Acquisition Bonus (25 points)

This 28mm scale white metal figure is sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as SKU: MINI 1652 Temporal Traveller 15. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the model is clearly inspired by actor Ncuti Gatwa's fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor, as seen in some of the BBC promotional photographs publicising the upcoming new season of “Doctor Who”.

The miniature was primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded using "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. The Gallifreyan was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, before having his jacket buttons, hair, moustache, eyebrows and shoes 'picked out' with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I did strongly consider applying some thin stripes over the suit, and even gave one of the Timelord's sleeves a test run. But such a delicate touch is most definitely not my forte, so in the end I opted for a plainer, yet saner, all-blue costume.

I did however manage to apply a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Vallejo" Pale Grey to the Doctor's shirt, as well as a combination of Amethyst Rayne by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Druchii Violet to his tie. Lastly, I used some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna for the model's face and hands, shaded these in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and applied a few highlights with a smidgeon extra of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

Considering that the miniature is one of the Lincolnshire-based company's latest releases, and is based upon the new Doctor Who, I thought it would make an excellent subject for my visit to the New Acquisitions area in the Challenge Library.

One x 28mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

New Acquisitions Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 25 Points

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It wouldn't be a Challenge without some Dr Who and who better to raise the standard than our SimonM! :)

Great work on this refreshingly new take on the Temporal Traveller. I agree that pinstripes can be hellaciously difficult to pull off, but he cuts quite the dash in a classic dark blue suit with white collar and tie.  Very dapper and a great choice for New Acquisitions!

- Curt

From SimonM: Iceman by "CoolMiniOrNot" (5 points)

Thought I’d best get an entry in straight from the start, so I thought something reasonably straightforward would be a good place to begin…

This 32mm scale translucent plastic model of Iceman was produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their "Marvel Zombies" stand-alone game using the "Zombicide" rule-set. One of numerous "Kickstarter" exclusive figures, this particular incarnation of Bobby Drake's frosty alter-ego was created by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips for the May 2007 issue of "Marvel Zombies: Dead Days" by "Marvel Comics".

Presumed to be residing at the Xavier Institute on Earth-2149 when the zombie plague first struck, the mutant superhero was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer White and the Spanish company's Model Colour White. He was then drowned in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, before being slowly 'built back up' using multiple patient dry-brushes of White Star by Duncan Rhodes' "Two Thin Coats". Finally, the X-Man's eye sockets were given a dab of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and spotted with (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

One x 32mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

Total = 5 Points

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Welcome back to the Challenge, Simon! I thought for sure we'd have a masterclass in your signature black, but here you keep us on our toes to give us the delightful 'Iceman' in cool whites and blues - well done! I came across 'Drakenhof Nightshade' last year and it's a fabulously useful wash which you put to fine use here. Over the next three months I look forward to being educated by you regarding all manner of superheroes and their dastardly villains. :)

- Curt

From SimonM: Panzer IVs by "Battlefront Miniatures" + Books Studio Bonus (44 Points)

These three plastic 15mm Panzerkampfwagen IV tanks are sold by “Battlefront Miniatures” and can be found inside the company’s “Hit The Beach” starter set for “Flames Of War”. The models consist of three basic armoured vehicles equipped with "Bazooka Skirts", and will form part of a larger Panzer IV Tank Platoon for my German Beach Defence Company.

The medium tanks were assembled and glued straight onto some large bases before being re-primed with a double coat of "Vallejo" German Grey after an unsuccessful attempt to paint them with a camouflage colour scheme. They were then all washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" German Grey. Thinking the miniatures looked a tad bland and uninteresting, I subsequently gave them a lighter dry-brush of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

With the basics completed, I decided to 'pick out' a few of the models' details such as spades, stowage, tow-cable and extra pieces of tank-track using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil" or "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In addition I painted each Panzer IV's machine gun and rear-situated muffler with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and shaded these parts in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and Agrax Eathshade respectively.

I also pigmented the tank's tracks with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and daubed them with "Citadel" Rakarth Flesh so as to help blend the muddy caterpillar treads into my basing palette once 'drowned' in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Finally, I applied some decals across the Panzer IV's using the guidance given in the excellent hardback book "Colours Of War" by "Battlefront Miniatures".

Having previously used Sarah's Limousine to travel to the Books Studio I thought these historical pieces would be perfect to bag my second Blue Pass by tying in to Cornelius Ryan's non-fictional book "A Bridge Too Far". As I'm sure you're aware this book was later turned into a marvellous Oscar-nominated motion picture by Sir Richard Attenborough.

Three x 15mm scale Vehicle = 24 Points

Books Studio Bonus = 20 Points

Total = 44 Points

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Excellent work on these workhorse panzers, Simon, and a nice tie-in with 'A Bridge Too Far'. I actually liked the look of your early camo efforts, but I can understand wanting to try something different if you just weren't feeling it. Will you be doing more in this period?  I hope so.

- Curt

From SimonM: Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors by "Papsikels Miniatures" (25 Points)

These five 32mm scale Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as part of a set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly aliens, the figures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Due to these sculpts looking somewhat different to the other Xenomorphs I've pigmented for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge I decided to go with a different palette than the predominantly brown one I've used in the past. Resultantly, whilst the quintet were all still primed in Doom Death Black by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats", they were then dry-brushed in Cold Corpse Blue before being drowned in Oblivion Black Wash.

I next (re)dry-brushed the miniatures with (more) Cold Corpse Blue, before applying a light highlight of Gravestone Blue across all their raised areas. Finally, to help blend all the different blues together, I enthusiastically showered them in Drakenhof Nightshade. This left me just needing to 'pick out' all the aliens' metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, as well as apply a coat of Doom Death Black across their silky-smooth foreheads.

To be honest these sculpts gave me quite a headache to base on account of their sweeping tails making their 'footprint' much more circular than the Cheetah-based variants I've previously housed upon "Citadel" 60mm oval bases. In the end I opted to super-glue each Xenomorph on a 50mm round stand. But even at this size their tails slope over the edge for a significant distance - and doubtless will end up getting broken at some point in the future whilst wargaming. Furthermore, the move has completed exhausted my supply of that particular base just when "Games Workshop" have frustratingly announced that they ("temporarily") have no more in stock online and I have other miniatures waiting to be painted which require that size.

Minion Miles: Even more creepy Aliens

From SimonM: Various Figures by "Papsikels Miniatures" (50 Points), Crimson Cowl by “Wizkids” (5 Points) & Lady Sarah’s Limousine (20 Points)

This 32mm Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator is produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and was sent to me as a free STL (Standard Triangle Language) file as part of their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". The miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and is clearly inspired by the “less-advanced, reprogrammed Terminator” played by Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1991 science-fiction film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”.

Pigmented using “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” paint range, the cyborg assassin was undercoated in Doom Death Black, dry-brushed using “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal”, had his T-shirt ‘picked out’ in Cold Corpse Blue and drenched in Oblivion Black Wash. I next applied a little Sir Coates Silver and splash of (more) Oblivion Black Wash to his belt buckle and pistol, before using a combination of Glistening Gold and Battle Mud Wash on the killing machine’s cartridge belt.

The Terminator’s hair and boots were treated to some Cuirass Leather and (more) Battle Mud Wash, and his remaining skin picked out with a little Elven Flesh and watered-down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. His exposed exo-skeleton was given a layer of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, before I dotted his robotic eye with a drop of Demon Red and a dab of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, to try and break up the all-black colour scheme, I gave his jacket a light dry-brush of more Cuirass Leather and blended this in with some additional Oblivion Black Wash.

Sticking with “Papsikels Miniatures”, I have also finished three 32mm Yurneyan Golem Exofist Mask figures using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer. Like “Arnie”, these were downloaded for free as part of a set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon” and were originally a quartet. However, one of the model’s arms failed to print – probably due to my overloading the build plate.

The 55mm tall sculpts are recognisably inspired by Ridley Scott’s 2012 science fiction film “Prometheus” and were predominantly painted using “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats paint” range. They were all primed with a double helping of Gravestone Blue, shaded using Oblivion Black Wash and dry-brushed with (more) Gravestone Blue. This really helped bring out all the partly organic looking details of their survival suits.

However, I thought the “Space Jockeys” looked a little bland so decided to pick out their stomachs, fingers and throats using a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. This somewhat tied into some of the pictures I have seen of the alien’s costumes for the movies, which appear to have a somewhat silvery/fleshy sheen to them. As a final step I applied Ivory Tusk to their heads, washed these areas with watered-down “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, and dotted their eyes with Doom Death Black.

Alongside my (not) Terminator and (not) Engineers I have also pigmented seven more 32mm scale E-800 Exterminators by "Papsikels Miniatures". These could be downloaded for free as part of a set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" The Exterminator December 2022 subscription service and are clearly based upon James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd's science-fiction "Terminator" franchise.

Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, I undercoated the figures with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, then gave each killer robot a double-helping of Sir Coates Silver from “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” paint range and a generous splash of Oblivion Black Wash. Each android was then carefully dry-brushed with (more) Sir Coates Silver and had their eyes picked out with a spot of Demon Red and a dab of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Lastly, due to wanting their metallic hand-weapons to stand out a little bit from the rest of the E-800 Exterminators, I applied a second shade of Oblivion Black Wash to all the firearms and any ammunition feeds they were carrying.

My last figure for this week’s submission was pigmented simply to let me take Lady Sarah’s Limousine from the Super-Heroes studio to the Books studio. It is a 28mm scale pre-painted plastic model of the Crimson Cowl which was produced by “Wizkids” and is miniature number 091 from their old Marvel “Heroclix” Ultimates range. “The mysterious boss of the Masters of Evil” Justine Hammer’s alter-ego was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley for the April 1997 issue of "Thunderbolts" by "Marvel Comics".

Removed from the figure's flying 'clicky' base and super-glued upon a plastic 25mm circular base, the super-villain was treated to a double-coat of “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” Sanguine Scarlet and shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. She was then heavily dry-brushed with (more) Sanguine Scarlet, before having her eye slits spotted with a smidgeon of Skulker Yellow and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

Nine x 32mm scale foot figure = 45 Points

One x 28mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

Two x 32mm scale half foot figure = 5 Points

Lady Sarah’s Limousine = 20 Points

Total = 75 Points