Long Awaited Update

I have not had much chance to paint or play recently. With the workload on my current course, and all the usual things that life throws our way, time has been in short supply. In lieu of painting, I have been using the opportunity to read up on various topics, ranging from the English Civil War, to the Russian Civil War, and of course, the Polish campaign of September 1939. 

In the last few days I found a few hours to put paint to miniature, and the fruits of my labour are shown here:

I finished this Ravenwing Veteran Sergeant a while back, but I haven't had a chance to photograph him in the light box yet with the snazzy camera. I have another Ravenwing biker who just needs his weapon arm and shoulder pad finishing. 

I bought some Agema Velites from Northstar in their January sale and painted and assembled these fellows in no time. They will be making an appearance in my YouTube video review of the Agema Velites boxed set.

A work-in-progress British staff officer from Great War miniatures. A pleasure to paint. He will be part of my BEF lot. Not much movement on that front, but then I indulge myself occasionally with this project. 

Polish infantry! Yes, they are coming. Their bases are done, and I have made a start on their uniforms. I'm reading a lot about the campaign, and I would love to finish up with the forces necessary to play the battle of Lviv. 

Three sections of 15mm American riflemen for the Italian campaign. These chaps are just waiting for a highlight and then I can finish off their bases with some static grass. I'm planning on using these guys with Chain of Command and I Ain't Been Shot Mum from TooFatLardies, in particular the supplement Sicilian Weekend which will give the project some shape.

Finally, some Frenchmen being based. These three companies will be brought up to strength when I pick up another box of Perry French. I can't wait to try out Sharpe Practice II, again from TooFatLardies, from what I have seen so far it looks great. 

Review: Forgeworld Legion Mk III Power Weapon Set

Another video review from the humble scrivener of this electronic rag. We present, yet more Forgeworld resin!

Review: Forgeworld Legion Mk II Crusader Armour

I did another review video. I hope these closer look and talk-through videos are helpful. Suggestions  and comments are always welcome.

This Week in the Hobby: January 24th 2016

I've had a rather productive week, as the record shows. Two battalions of Napoleonic infantry and a few loose chaps for Sharp Practice amongst all the building I have been doing. Not bad at all. Here are some of the things on my table at the moment:

U.S. "Big Men" for I Ain't Been Shot Mum, these are being based, basecoated and then painted.

More Frenchmen done. Just basing them and they will be good to go.

More U.S. Infantry for I Ain't Been Shot Mum. The bases are now painted so I can begin work on their uniforms.

Near complete Ultramarine. I am just working on his shoulder pads now, but otherwise, done.

I'm rather busy this week with work. Amongst other things I need to deliver a paper on the latter days of Hannibal Barca, so I'll be working on that in the evenings. Sadly my hobby time is likely to suffer, however, I am confident that I will be able to complete at least some of the above. 

Review: Forgeworld Horus Heresy Ultramarines Upgrade Bits

I did a video review of these bits today. Have a look below:

Mid-War American Infantry Test Scheme

I painted up a quick test base this morning, just to get a sense of how they will look and what painting time is likely to be per base. I'm building a company of American infantry given to me as a gift from Lady K, for the Allied invasion of Italy, starting with Sicily. As a basis for my plans I am using Robert Avery's excellent Sicilian Weekend supplement for I Ain't Been Shot Mum.

After a quick ink wash these chaps look a bit drab.

As such, I am aiming for a nice arid looking base and those lovely washed out brownish American uniforms of the period. It took me almost no time to paint up this base, the only impediment is waiting for the shading wash to dry. After which the fellows were given a quick highlight using the same colours as before. Actual brush time for these guys was less than an hour. Now that the method is nailed, I'll be able to crank these out at pace.

A quick highlight makes them pop.

I'm satisfied with the result. However, I do think that I shall rebase the Big Men from Flames of War rectangular bases to circular ones so that they are more immediately apparent. I did this with some of my Soviet Big Men, and I think it works well. Basing isn't complete, A bit of dry grass and some paint around the edge will finish them off neatly.

In due course I'll pop a tutorial on here for those who might find it useful. 

24e Regiment d'Infanterie de Ligne

Another unit of French infantry complete. This time the 24th Line Regiment. Figures are Perry Miniatures plastics, blocked and dipped, standard by GMB Designs. 

Again, the dip gives them a weathered look which I quite like, settling into the folds of their trousers. On this unit I highlighted the cross belts just to retain their dimension.

Again, six bases for the six companies, but this unit is lacking a mounted officer. I might add him later, but based individually.

These figures look good from a distance, but don't hold up under close scrutiny, but for generic line troops, that will do. Another 24 miniatures added to the complete list!