"Once More The Skies Belong To The Midnight Surfer."

"Supersurf 7 is go! Go! Go!"

This 28mm scale metal model of Chopper was produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. Based upon the comic book character Marlon Shakespeare, the sculpt was clearly inspired by the classic “Judge Dredd” story “Midnight Surfer”, which featured in Issues 424-429 of the British comic book “2000 A.D.”

Determined to follow the colour scheme used by artist Cam Kennedy on his June 1985 wrap-a-round cover illustration for Prog 424, the figure was superglued to a plastic 40mm circular base by "Games Workshop" - as I simply detest flying stands these days - and undercoated using "Citadel" Abaddon Black. I then 'picked out' all the criminal's kneepads, belt, girdle and shoulders with a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. As I wasn't too sure as to whether John Wagner's co-creation had a black collar or not, I decided to leave it "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"We're reclaiming what was ours."

Furthermore, I really wanted Chopper's black suit to be as pure black as possible, so instead of giving it a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil as I ordinarily do, I'll simply rely upon any hand oils the model picks up from handling to create the illusion of highlights. I also thought Shakespeare's surfing board might look better 'matching' the ink used for the comic illustration rather than the metallic silver I was originally planning on using. Resultantly, it was base-layered in "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

Having completed this comic book 'blast from the past', I have also finished another classic Sea Devil by "Black Tree Design". There's a few of these figures from the company's "Doctor Who" Range currently loitering upon my hobby desk, as I'm finding them quite straightforward to pigment whilst tackling some of the more detailed miniatures in my painting queue.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - A Russian Napoleonic infantryman and a Prussian soldier 

As with most of my 28mm Sea Devils, the model comes from the DW1015 Sea Devils boxed set, and was primed in "Vallejo" Verdigris, washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and then roughly highlighted back up with (more) "Vallejo" Verdigris. Its webbed feet, arms and head were later given a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before his belt received a little "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a smidgeon "Vallejo" Pale Grey.

Lastly, I'm patiently ploughing on with a handful more Napoleonic figures by "Wargames Foundry". Realistically I think I can finally get table-top ready the eight-man strong blister of Russian Infantrymen in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching I started this time last year. Plus make some headway on the pack of Prussian Infantrymen in Peaked Cap Marching I began working on earlier in the year. However, I do want to add a few other single models into the mix to use with "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", such a Scottish Highlander, French Old Guard and French Grenadier...

"Prince Dracula! The Turks Are Falling Back!"

"They retreat! Sultan Mohammed is defeated!"

This 28mm scale Vlad Dracul is produced by "Wargames Atlantic" and can be downloaded for free as part of a multi-piece set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon the Voivode of Wallachia seen in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 horror film "Bram Stoker's Dracula", the miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Sculpted wearing the Prince's iconic suit of Southern Carpathian armour, the figure was assembled and primed using a double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. Unfortunately, despite being desperately delicate with the warrior's lengthy spear whilst putting the blood-thirsty ruler together, it was at this point that disaster struck and I inadvertently snapped off the top of its shaft.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - The Midnight Surfer is slowly having his details 'picked out'

Cursing my awkwardness, I did initially consider trying to super-glue the two parts back together where they broke - something which can ordinarily be quite easily achieved where "Loctite" instant adhesive and "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin are concerned. However, I figured a stronger join might prevent future accidents - especially as the hand-weapon was intimidatingly long. So instead snipped the spear-tip off and filed down the pole in Dracul's hand.

Whilst this re-positioning did add to the weapon's wobbliness, it also allowed the blade's head to slightly snuggle into Vlad's hand, and create a much stabler connection. Following these repairs, the figure was shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red, and had its helmet's eye-slits 'picked out' using "Citadel" Abaddon Black. Unsurprisingly, the spear tip itself was pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whereas the shaft was treated to some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - These Iron Brigade troopers still require some detail work

Alongside my second 'Count Dracula' miniature, I have also started working on some dust-covered 28mm scale metal models originally manufactured by “Mongoose Publishing” as part of the company’s infamous 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. I'm hoping to clear a few of these "2000 A.D." comic book characters off of my painting desk before the start of the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), and decided to go with the Midnight Surfer first.

Finally, I've set about progressing a fourth five-man strip of Union soldiers by "Warlord Games". These particular 15mm Epic scale figures come from their "Epic Battles: American Civil War" range and represent the North's Iron Brigade. Sadly, the little metal infantrymen appear to chip incredibly easily, and resultantly require almost endless 'touch-ups', so my enthusiasm for a massive force of the Black Hats has significantly stalled during the past few months...

“Salute 50" Showcase 2023 - Part Two: Traders And Games

"Warp Miniatures" - A selection of "ArcWorlde" monsters

Besides getting the chance to talk to people, my main reason for attending this celebration of "half a century of wargaming shows put on by the South London Warlords club" was to see the latest offerings from my favourite miniature manufacturers, stumble upon some new companies I'd previously not known about, and seek inspiration from the various participation/demonstration tables. "Salute 50" certainly wasn't lacking on any of these fronts, and I spent a good portion of my time at the ExCeL convention centre in Custom House scrutinising all manner of models and scenery; both painted and unpainted.

Warlord Games" - A selection of their "Judge Dredd" miniatures

One of the first stalls to catch my eye was "Warp Miniatures" and their incredible range of fantasy-based figures. I've been a big fan of this range since its early days when Alex Huntley originally began hand-sculpting the residents of ArcWorlde. Since then there's been both a second edition rule-book and the creation of an STL (Standard Triangle Language) files "Patreon" service, so there's arguably never been a better time to get into the "narrative battle game where warbands, heroes and monsters are pitted against each other in the field of combat."

"Warlord Games" - A selection of their "Bolt Action" miniatures

From a personal perspective though I still own numerous unpainted miniatures from Alex's early Kickstarters, so found the visit to his booth a timely reminder for me to dust off all the metal and resin models from his range I already own, and get cracking on painting them up. I felt quite similar about my trip to the large "Warlord Games" area too, as my 'mountain of lead' based solely upon products purchased from the Nottingham-based company is so embarrassingly overwhelming that it'll probably take me a year or so to pigment everything - even if I exclusively focused my hobby time just upon them.

"Warlord Games" - A selection of their "2000 A.D." miniatures - A.B.C. Warriors

However, I was interested in seeing whether I could pick up their "Judge Dredd" game without buying its figures. As someone with an extensive collection of their old metal Mega-City One range (in collaboration with "Mongoose Publishing") I didn't want to have to buy the same characters all over again. Sadly, although the main book is available separately (and indeed at one point I had a copy in my hand), two staff members informed me that I'd still need to buy both the new starter set and models if I wanted to own the various cards needed for an important rule mechanic. Suffice to say having previously bought big into their poorly supported and now officially dropped "Doctor Who: Exterminate! The Miniatures Game" range - even though I already owned hundreds of other "Doctor Who" figures by other manufacturers - I wasn't prepared to be bitten a second time.

"Brigade Models" - 15mm Monorail Engine, Passenger Car and Flat Car

Another dealer who held my attention for a while was "Brigade Models". Having not yet even assembled a couple of "A Billion Suns" space-faring fleets I bought from the Sittingbourne-situated company at "Colours 2022" I initially only gave their wares a cursory glance. But then I caught sight of an awesome-looking 15mm scale Monorail Engine and its accompanying (heavily weaponed) Scout Cars. I actually own a couple of unpainted "Gruntz" armies and thought this rail network would prove to be an exciting terrain feature to fight over. Uncharacteristically though, I stayed strong, deciding to see if I could paint my British and Neo-Soviet forces up first before buying the train. In addition Tony mentioned putting together some Monorail package deals after the show.

Kaiserschlacht 1918 - Using the "Bloody Picnic: Wargaming The End Of Empire" ruleset

Games-wise I saw loads of awe-inspiring tables during my visit, with several proving particularly influential for some potential future projects. One such battle was Kaiserschlacht 1918 - which featured numerous 20mm plastic figures and was being fought using the "Bloody Picnic: Wargaming The End Of Empire" ruleset. I'd never heard of Dillion Browne's game before, but the display certainly seemed to show off how impactive artillery fire could be. In addition, I was very impressed by the players' dice towers, which were all appropriately painted in World War One camouflage patterns.

Zagory Rebellion: A Night At Heidi's - Using the "Carry On Tintin" ruleset

Equally as enthralling was the vibrantly coloured Zagory Rebellion: A Night At Heidi's by the Cornwall Wargames Association. Played with some homebrew rules entitled "Carry On Tintin" (which can be downloaded for free from the club's website), This "neo-retro and pseudo-nostalgic wargame set in a fictional central Europe during the interwar period" had me utterly transfixed, and reminded me that I had yet to even start applying a brush to any of Mark’s Little Soldiers range by Mark Copplestone which I've previously bought via "North Star Military Figures".

"Para Bellum Games" - Conquest display table

One of the smaller displays I spotted was the Conquest table by "Para Bellum Games", which really helped show-off the size and detail of their "mass battle wargame." Rather sheepishly I must admit to purchasing a few boxes of these figures a couple of years ago and never doing anything with them since they arrived - a familiar story I know. So this marvellous feast for the eyes has definitely galvanised me into digging some of them out - especially now I know you can also download their skirmish core rules Conquest: First Blood for free from the company's website.

Battle Of Leuctra 371 B.C. by Jon and Diane Sutherland

Rounding off Salute's sortie upon the senses was Jon and Diane Sutherland's incredible Battle Of Leuctra 371 B.C. board, which showed off the armies of Thebes and Sparta in splendid fashion. The table was absolutely huge and simply crammed full of infantry, cavalry and atmospheric Ancient Greek ruins. Plus, both fully-painted forces were actually for sale - Though I doubted I could get them to all fit inside my bag...

“Robodogs Are Mechanical Canines…”

“…That are often used as attack dogs.”

These 28mm scale metal models of some Robodogs were produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. Only one of the now long out of production (OOP) figures formed part of the company’s Renegade Robots boxed set, so I’m not quite sure how I came to own two of the figures – albeit the aforementioned Kickstarter’s infamously long method of dispatching multiple deliveries may well have caused me to be sent a second sculpt in error, or as a freebie (in lieu of my patience across the years).

Seemingly inspired by the classic “Judge Dredd” story “Rabid”, which featured in Issue 289 of the British comic book “2000 A.D.”, and was written by Alan Grant and John Wagner (writing as T. B. Grover), the mechanical killers actually took a little while to assemble due to them being multi-part castings. Once the pair’s separate hind and fore legs were super-glued to each torso though, they were soon primed in "Vallejo" Grey Surface Primer before receiving a double-helping of "Scalecolor" Emerald Alchemy.

"Warlord Games" WIPs - This Command Stand has had all its soldiers' trousers base-coated

I then shaded the Robodogs using "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, before dry-brushing them with (more) "Scalecolor" Emerald Alchemy. To somewhat break-up the monotony of their all-green colour scheme, I subsequently decided to ‘pick out’ their tails and teeth with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil, as well as apply a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson to their eyes.

In addition to my latest entry for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I’ve spent a little time working on the 15mm plastic American Civil War Command strip which came free with Issue 393 of the magazine "Wargames Illustrated". I wanted to give this particular line of infantry a few layers, so as to help me gauge how best to paint the officers and drummers found on the Epic scale Napoleonic British soldiers I pre-ordered from “Warlord Games”.

"Battletech" WIPs - This Panther is slowly having all its metallic parts 'picked out'

For starters I strongly doubt I’ll be gluing such figures in future straight onto the front of their bases, as I’m finding it quite difficult to apply paint to some of the models without repeatedly catching the upright banner-bearer. This has already caused the pretty fragile pole to partially break a couple of times, and despite some quite copious amounts of plastic glue, I’m not confident I won’t have another accident in the near future. Indeed, I’ve even badly bent one of the end riflemen due to mishandling the base whilst ‘attacking it’ with my brush-tip…

Lastly, I’m working on the first of two (more) German War Walkers using a couple of “Catalyst Game Labs” models. These plastic “Battletech” miniatures will be added to the Luftwaffe force I aim to field for the opening scenario of my Weird War Two campaign using some homebrew card-based rules. This first ‘salvo’ will see a combined British-French expeditionary army trying to bolster Poland in their efforts to hold off both the Soviet and German invasion forces.

“It’s Me! It’s Walter!”

“Walter is a good wobot… Walter loves humans… Weally he do.”

This 28mm scale metal model of Walter The Wobot was produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. The now long out of production (OOP) figure was originally part of the company’s Justice Department release as Code MGP10217, but was later made available by “Warlord Games” as blister Code JD20161.

“Originally a robo-servant at the Grand Hall of Justice”, the multi-piece figure was originally primed in “Vallejo” Gunmetal. However, having read up on Judge Dredd’s house robot, it became clear that the droid with a speech impediment was grey in colour. As a result, the miniature was re-primed using a coat of "Scalecolor" Thrash Metal.

"Power Fists smash the enemy at close quarters, and Autocannons and Heavy Bolters cut them down at range."

Walter was then washed him with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed with (more) "Scalecolor" Thrash Metal, and had his large video screen pigmented with a combination of “Citadel” Nuln Oil and (later) Ardcoat gloss varnish. I also 'picked out' his supposed "I'm Walter Try Me" sign using some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. In an effort to make the wording a bit more legible I later returned to it with a further, delicate application of (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red.

Alongside this entry into both the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) and Dave Stone’s Paint What You’ve Got Challenge, I have also painted another couple of 6mm Conqueror Robots from the long OOP Epic range by "Games Workshop". These two miniatures were painted to represent the Ultramarines and Imperial Fists space marine chapters, so were predominantly pigmented in either a permutation of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, or "Vallejo" Sun Yellow and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - These Panzergrenadiers have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

As with the other “hulking automations with limited scope for tactical manoeuvres” the pair’s Lascannons and Heavy Bolters were later picked out with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, rather than simply pigment the barrel of the Ultramarines’ “formidable Laser Weapon”, I ended up applying paint across the entire “favourite anti-tank weapon of the Astra Militarum.”

In addition, I’m continuing to work away at my backlog of “Battlefront Miniatures”, and have decided to extend my time working away on these 15mm plastic figures for the entirely of my fourth AHPC painting block. This is so I can hopefully get a few more stands of Grenadiers finished for my “Flames Of War” force German Beach Defence Force, as well as add some camouflage marking to the four-model strong Panzer IV Tank Company I built and primed last week...

“The Dark Angels Are Considered The Most Powerful…”

“…And secretive of the Loyalist Space Marine Chapters.”

These 6mm scale plastic models of a Conqueror Robot, Rhino, and five Assault Adeptus Astartes all used to be produced by “Games Workshop” as part of their now long out of production (OOP) “Epic” range. However, I was fortunate enough to obtain the vast majority of them either when the Nottingham-based company first released its “Space Marines” boxed set in 1991, or via the second-hand market.

In the past I painted “my finest warriors” as Black Templars due to the softy-detailed miniatures having already been primed in a thick black paint by their previous owner/s. However, both the Robot and Assault Space Marines were actually untouched, so along with a previously-primed black Rhino, I applied a couple of coats “Vallejo” Dark Green across all the models.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - Walter The Wobot

Next, I splashed plenty of “Citadel” Nuln Oil over the entire ensemble and later dry-brushed them all with (more) “Vallejo” Dark Green. I then ‘picked out’ all the tiny figures’ chainswords, bolters, lascanon, heavy bolters and numerous objects on the transporter with a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Finally, I dotted the eyes of the Robot with a little “Vallejo” Heavy Red, shaded them with “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, and subsequently highlighted the pupils with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red. I did consider potentially painting some of the Dark Angels’ weapons in red, but ultimately decided that I’d leave such finicky brushwork to any Chapters which would otherwise potentially clash with the First Legion’s colour scheme – such as the Salamanders; where I intend to give them black shoulder-pads.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - These Panzergrenadiers have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Alongside my latest contribution to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have been working on a sculpt of Walter The Wobot by “Mongoose Publishing” for Dave Stone’s Paint What You’ve Got Challenge. This 28mm metal figure was part of the manufacturer’s long-running “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game” Kickstarter, and will hopefully be the first of a handful of “2000 A.D.” related robots I will complete over the coming four weeks.

In addition, I’m already beavering away at the “Battlefront Miniatures” set aside for my third AHPC painting block. Over the next seven days I plan to get a few more stands of Grenadiers finished for my “Flames Of War” force German Beach Defence Force, and perhaps a four-model strong Panzer IV Tank Company too. These reinforcements should enable me to field a second Infantry platoon, as well as a sizeable armour contingent, alongside my already completed Command HQ, Grenadier Platoon and 12cm Mortar teams...

“Hello, I’m The Angel Of Mercy.”

“I’ve come to give you both a lethal injection.”

This 28mm scale metal miniature of Oola Blint was produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. The now long out of production (OOP) figure was sculpted by Gary Morley and later made available by “Warlord Games” as blister Code JD20169.

“A strikingly beautiful woman” who visited “the lonely, the desperate, and the dejected to grant them the sweet release of a dignified death – whether they wanted it or not”, the serial killer was undercoated using two layers of “Abaddon Black”. She was then dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal and enthusiastically shaded with “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

"The Dark Ones guard it by night and by day they call out the Slayers."

To be honest, I was actually pretty happy to leave the mass murderer’s attire at that, and simply focus upon her deadly syringe containing the lethal drug zilocaine. However, having seen the ‘official’ paintjob I became more inclined to make Blint’s cuffs and collar stand-out a little bit from her dark dress; albeit not to the point of pigmenting them white, as this seemed to be at odds with the predominantly black clothing she wore within the comic book pages of “2000 A.D.”

As a result, I used a combination of “Vallejo” Dark Grey and “Citadel” Nuln Oil on her cuffs, collar and hat-feathers, before turning to some “Vallejo” Escorpena Green and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green for Oola’s aforementioned hand-weapon. Lastly, I decided to step somewhat aware from the cold-hearted character’s usual palette by ‘picking out’ her hair with “Vallejo” Steel Grey. This area was subsequently darkened with a double-dose of “Citadel” Nuln Oil, but still turned out somewhat bluer than it appears on the printed page so as to better ‘break up’ the figure’s largely black colour scheme.

"Gasosaurus is a genus of tetanuran theropod that lived... during the middle of the Jurassic Period."

Alongside my latest “Judge Dredd” related miniature, I have managed to finish another three 28mm Sorcerous Sentinels by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio”. These “otherworldly watchers” can be purchased from the company’s ever-expanding fantasy range as SKU: DEAL 304 and are clearly inspired by the “race of aliens that serve The Beast” in Peter Yates’ 1983 film “Krull”.

In addition, I have successfully re-based an old DIN109 Gasosaurus model I bought and painted from “Magister Militum” approximately a decade ago. The dinosaur was slightly damaged during its transition, but luckily a little “Vallejo” USA Olive Drab and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade seemed to fix the problem without any noticeable difference to the figure’s original paint-job.

"Take Your Stinking Hands Off Me…”

“…You damn dirty human!”

This 28mm scale white metal model of a 'savage Simian Minion straight from the lab' is produced by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and can be bought either separately or as part of their Simian Minions four-figure collection. The figure is designed to be used with the company's "7TV" United Radionics Programme Guide, but I intend to field it as one of many gorillas for my ongoing project based upon Franklin J. Schaffner's 1968 science fiction film "Planet Of The Apes".

Having super-glued a Leader Simian head onto the torso so it could denote the soldier was an officer of some kind, the miniature was initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being enthusiastically dry-brushed in Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal. It was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before having its trousers and sleeves pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three Simian Minions

The Ape with Baton's face, ammunition belt, rifle and strap were treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna", whilst the soldier's wooden stick was painted using some Charred Brown. All of these areas were later shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Finally, I 'picked out' the metallic parts of the gorilla's firearm with a little "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil.

Other bloggers taking part in Movember 2021 are:

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

PMPainting

Wargames Terrain Workshop

With the first of my Simian Minions completed for this year’s Movember Challenge, I thought I’d try to progress a few more of them for my next entry. Two of these miniatures utilise the self-same Ape with Baton body as used with my Gorilla officer, but I’ve also added a third model to the mix which carries a man-catching noose.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - A Gorilla Gangster, a Jimp and Walter the Wobot

In addition, I have been working on a few more of my old metal figures from the 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter by “Mongoose Publishing”, as I still need quite a few more criminals (and the odd non-combatant) to stop my games simply being a Justice Department verses Undead affair. Foremost of these, and with half an eye upon my Movember Challenge, is a Gorilla Gangster, who may well enthuse me enough to actually work my way through the Apes Of Mega-City One boxed set.

However, I have also dug out a rather emaciated looking Jimp and Judge Dredd’s house robot, Walter. I’ve actually got quite a bit of clean-up work to do on the former Grand Hall Of Justice robo-servant as having permanently attached his individual hand-claws in place, the super-glue would appear to have made something of a mess down the figure’s left-hand side…

“Shoulda Stayed In Your Graves, Wormfodder!”

“Pick your targets and shoot for their heads!”

This 28mm multi-part walking cadaver is predominantly made up of plastic pieces taken from the "Kings Of War" Undead Zombie Horde sprue by "Mantic Games". However, it has been slightly converted using the head of a metal “Mongoose Publishing” Zombie Judge, so as to better represent the shambling corpse of Judge Miller – who was killed by a ravenously hungry zed whilst defending Mega City One’s Gate One during the Judge Dredd epic storyline “Judgement Day”.

Like all the living dead figures I painted five years ago during Zomtober 2016, the doomed Judge was undercoated using a double layer of “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand and later washed with “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. I then dry-brushed the living cadaver with (more) “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand, before picking out any exposed internal organs a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

"The weapons’ advanced smart lock-targeting system robs its targets of the defensive benefits of cover."

The dead lawman’s visible left knee-cap was treated to a layer of “Vallejo” White followed by a splash of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I applied some “Vallejo” Heavy Red and (more) “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade to the Judge’s damaged helmet edging. This made the headwear actually appear a shade darker than the colour I usually use for this part of the Justice Department uniform, but I wanted to illustrate that the griminess of death had already started to take effect. I also used some “Citadel” Abaddon Black for poor Miller’s shredded lower uniform.

Finally, I decided to dirty my zombie up by applying some “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade” sporadically over the model, in order to give the impression of shadows and rotting flesh. As a last touch, I did the same thing with a little “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, predominantly concentrating on the parts surrounding the walking corpse’s deeper wounds.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2021 are:

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

PMPainting

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Dead Lead Project

Colgar6 And The Infinite Legion Of Toy Soldiers

Guru PIGS Blog

Apocalypse: Earth

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - These Sorcerous Sentinels just need shading and dry-brushing 

Alongside the last of my entries for this year’s Zomtober, I have finished the second of three 35mm scale metal Paladin Annihilators produced by “Privateer Press” for Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika. The multi-part miniature was painted in precisely the same palette as its recently completed predecessor, and takes me one step closer to being able to field different five units for my Iron Star Alliance army.

In addition, I have almost finished four of nine Sorcerous Sentinels by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” I intend to have tabletop ready over the next few days. The quartet of Slayers have now had all their base layers finished, and just need some washes and dry-brushing before being ready for a coat of varnish and some static grass…

“A… A Walking Corpse!”

“How do you stop --”

This 28mm multi-part walking cadaver is predominantly made up of plastic pieces taken from the "Kings Of War" Undead Zombie Horde sprue by "Mantic Games". However, it has been slightly converted using the left gloved hand of a metal “Mongoose Publishing” Zombie Judge, so as to better represent the shambling corpse of Cadet Judge Krowe – who was literally torn wide open by a hungry zed at the beginning of the Judge Dredd epic storyline “Judgement Day”.

Like all the rest of the living dead I originally painting during Zomtober 2016, the hapless aspiring Judge was undercoated using a double layer of “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand and subsequently washed with “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green. I then dry-brushed the monstrosity with (more) “Vallejo” Iraqi Sand, before picking out his exposed innards with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and Squid Pink. These areas were later splashed with “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson.

"Mantic Games" WIPs - The 'converted' zombie had its flesh shaded with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green

The ghoul’s lower spine, rib-cage and skull were treated to a combination of “Vallejo” White and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I applied some “Vallejo” Heavy Green and “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green to the dead cadet’s glove. This is actually a shade darker than the palette I ordinarily use for the Justice Department uniform, but I wanted to show that some of dankness of death had already saturated the piece of clothing. I also used some “Citadel” Abaddon Black for poor Krowe’s tattered trousers.

Finally, I decided to dirty my zombie up by applying some “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade” sporadically over the model, in order to give the impression of shadows and rotting flesh. As a last touch, I did the same thing with a little “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, predominantly concentrating on the deep wounds already layered with “Vallejo” Heavy Red on its leg, arm and chest, as well as the severed hand the zed was carrying.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Company" WIPs - The Sorcerous Sentinels have been shaded and dry-brushed

I currently have another pair of these converted “Mantic Games” zombies on my painting table, both of which use pieces cut from the same “Moongoose Publishing” Zombie Judge this particular figure was assembled from. I plan to use these to represent Spencer and Miller; two Judges who fell before the zombie horde invading Mega-City One once the metropolis’ great wall was breached and the undead overran the Justice Department’s perimeter.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2021 are:

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

PMPainting

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Dead Lead Project

Colgar6 And The Infinite Legion Of Toy Soldiers

Guru PIGS Blog

Apocalypse: Earth

In addition, I have made some more progress on a few of the Sorcerous Sentinels by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” I aim to pigment for this week’s painting challenge. Having previously primed the “race of aliens that serve The Beast in his conquering of planets” in “Vallejo” German Grey, I have managed to give them a seriously shading of “Citadel” Nuln Oil and dry-brush of (more) “Vallejo” German Grey…

“There’s More Of ‘Em Back There, Judge!”

“Judges! Thank Grud!”

This 28mm scale metal miniature of a Cleaner was produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. The now long out of production (OOP) figure was later made available both alongside a Sleezy Lawyer in a single blister, as well as part of the “Warlord Games” Mega-City Street Gang boxed set Code JD021.

Reimagined in my own mind’s eye as one of the lucky citizens saved by Judge Dredd from Jakky Bilebag’s Hopshoppery during the zombie invasion entitled “Judgement Day”, the model was undercoated using two layers of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and later shaded with some significantly watered-down “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The figure’s boots, gloves and belt were then treated to a little “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before his belt buckle, helmet and hand-weapon received a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - Oola Blint is slowly having her base colours layered

I also considered applying a little “Vallejo” Gunmetal to the supposed juve’s visor, as per the official “Mongoose Publishing” paint-job. However, I thought this would clash with the perp’s helmet, and as I have another two Cleaners currently working their way up my hobby queue, felt I could use the glasses as a means of differentiating each of the miniatures with alternative colours. As a result, I simply ‘picked out’ this particular visor with “Vallejo” Dark Grey and “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2021 are:

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

PMPainting

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Dead Lead Project

Colgar6 And The Infinite Legion Of Toy Soldiers

Guru PIGS Blog

Apocalypse: Earth

With my the second of this year’s Zomtober challenge entries finished, I have managed to spend a little time working on the so-called "Angel of Mercy", Oola Blint. As with the Cleaner, this serial killer was one of my rewards from the “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter, and recently caught my eye whilst I was sifting through my backlog of “Mongoose Publishing” figures.

"Flames Of War" WIPs - These Mortar Loaders have all have their details 'picked out'

I’m hoping to get the mass murderer with a penchant for “administering a lethal injection” finished quite soon, as I’d like to use her as a ‘wandering encounter’ for my homemade “Judge Dredd” rule-set the next time I settle down for a game. In addition, I’ve dug out a handful more characterful casts, such as Walter the Wobot, the Midnight Surfer and Judge Anderson, to keep my enthusiasm for Mega-City One’s toughest lawman maintained.

In addition, I’m just putting the finishing touches on the last four plastic 15mm miniatures sold by “Battlefront Miniatures” which I need so as to field a (minimum strength) German 12cm Mortar Platoon for “Flames Of War”. Once done, I aim to pigment a further four Panzergrenadier infantrymen before embarking on a four-vehicle Panzer IV Tank Platoon for my Beach Defence force.

“The Mortars Give Greater Firepower In The Artillery Role…”

“…At the cost of direct-fire infantry support.”

These four plastic 15mm miniatures are sold by “Battlefront Miniatures” and can be found inside the company’s 12cm Mortar Platoon blister for “Flames Of War”. The models consist of a two-piece mortar and four mortar loaders. You actually get four teams in the blister so as to build a full-strength platoon, however I picked these particular figures up off “eBay” as a single sprue.

As with all my other “FoW” German soldiers, the figures were initially super-glued onto wooden strips, before being primed in “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, shaded using “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII. Their details were then ‘picked out’ predominantly using “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, Gunmetal, Buff, German Camouflage Dark Green, Heavy Brown and a series of “Citadel” Shades.

"Privateer Press" WIPs - These three Paladin Annihilators have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Disappointingly I was hoping to have also completed a second 12cm Mortar sprue I own, so as to field a minimum-sized platoon. But I still need one more dedicated hobby session with some of them to get the quartet finished and ready for action. However, there’s still enough 15mm figures on this single large base to satisfy my recent two weekly painting challenge targets.

Speaking of my Weekly Challenges, randomly chosen via a deck of playing cards, my seventh goal will be to pigment three 28mm miniatures. To be honest I have plenty of partially-painted models which I could have selected for such an objective, but ultimately went with a trio of Paladin Annihilators for "Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika". These metal "Privateer Press" castings were originally started way back in April of this year, and will help me ‘flesh’ out my starting Iron Star Alliance force rather nicely.

"Mongoose Publishing" WIPs - Three Cleaners from the "Judge Dredd Miniatures Games"

Sticking with ‘groups of three’ I have also been working on some Cleaner sculpts by “Mongoose Publishing” from their now OOP “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game”. These are essentially juve perps carrying a hand-club, and should be ready in time for my next Zomtober entry. All my submissions this year are based around the classic “2000 A.D.” comic strip “Judgement Day”, which contained a great action sequence inside the Romero Block Hopshop where Dredd, Hershey and Spencer saved a group of hapless citizens from some flesh-hungry walking cadavers.

In addition, I wanted to be able to field some minor threat-level criminals for my games of “Judge Dredd”, which could also become the targets of the living dead should the different random hazards crop up within the same game. This actually occurred in one of my most recent battles, where a mob blitzer was suddenly supported by some zombies. At the time we simply had the zeds ignore the gun-toting potential meal so the game could continue apace. But it would be nice in future if the criminals could suddenly find themselves fighting off the living dead, and even seeking the co-operation of the Justice Department against an overriding common enemy.

“My Side's Clear, Krowe.”

“Converge on Krowe! Now!”

This 28mm scale metal miniature of a Cadet Judge was produced by “Mongoose Publishing” and formed part of my rewards from the company’s 2012 “Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War” Kickstarter. The now long out of production (OOP) figure was later made available by “Warlord Games” as Code JD20013 Cadet Judge 1, and could apparently also be found inside the Nottingham-based manufacturer’s The Justice Department: Mega-City Judges boxed set code JD001. 

“Usually inducted into the Academy of Law at the tender age of five”, this model was undercoated using a double-helping of “Citadel” Abaddon Black, before having his boots, kneepads, belt, elbow-pads and gloves ‘picked out’ with “Vallejo” Heavy Grey. All of these areas were subsequently shaded using some “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green.

Having faced Judge Death, Judge Dekker tackles a Mob Blitzer who has been gunning down Street Judges

The Cadet Judge’s belt buckle, helmet badge and shoulder-pads were given a layer of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, and then later treated to a combination of Gold and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. I also used some “Vallejo” Gunmetal on the miniature’s lawgiver, and subsequently washed the firearm in “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

Other bloggers taking part in Zomtober 2021 are:

Rantings From Under The Wargames Table

PMPainting

Wargames Terrain Workshop

Dead Lead Project

Colgar6 And The Infinite Legion Of Toy Soldiers

Guru PIGS Blog

Apocalypse: Earth

With my the first of this year’s Zomtober challenge entries finished, I recently paid another visit to the LVL Up Gaming Store in Bournemouth in order to continue play-testing some homemade 28mm Judge Dredd rules. The two scenarios used various figures taken from my collection of painted “Judge Dredd: The Miniatures Games” by "Mongoose Publishing", and used some of the excellent Industrial Range scenic pieces produced by “TableScape” to represent Mega-City One.

Judge Dekker and Judge Giant battle a horde of flesh-eating zombies

Our opening game saw Judge Dredd and some additional Street Judges having to swap the contents of a couple of randomly located safe houses. Judge Giant definitely took on the lion’s share of this ultimately successful mission, which was much needed considering just how many of his colleagues a lone Mob Blitzer somehow managed to gun down throughout the conflict.

We then played out a straightforward zombie invasion similar to “Judgement Day”, which saw a horde of brain-hungry cadavers making their way through the streets of Mega-City One. Judge Dredd simply had to hold a number of strategic objectives within a certain time frame, but this proved easier said than done as the zeds started to dismember the Street Judges around him. In the end, the battle was only won by the Justice Department on the very last dice roll of the confrontation…