Karen. Lucille & Barbie. Plus Scenery.

 Greetings. Some more progress with regard to my little toy soldiers has been made, but none of the newly finished are soldiers, just vehicles and buildings. I just wanted to clear that up.

Tanks A Lot

My Astra Militarum got bolstered recently when I finally decided to actually finish these, er, well ladies I suppose. Meet Karen, Lucille & Barbie, three vehicles to smash the face in of the enemies of the Emperor with. Karen is the Basilisk, Lucille the Leman Russ and Barbie is the Hellhound. They have my started-four-or-five-years-ago Olive yellow drybrush with some Aggaros Dunes camo stripes. Each one has roman numeral numbers from Green Stuff World, that were glued on then painted white. Another feature of these vehicles was the naming of them. Krablokistan tradition is such that military vehicles are named and are generally female. The names are trying to be witty, Karen because she reacts explosively to criticism, Lucille because of Negan's wife/bat and Barbie because she loves to cook.

LX, VII and DIII

Karen

Lucille

Barbie

All the Single Ladies

Meanwhile Somewhere In The Imperium...

Several years ago I purchased an Imperial Bastion, slapped Vallejo Yellow Olive over it and moved on to the next project, What I didn't do was fit the heavy bolters to it as I 'didn't have the time'. Now that I came across said bolters I tarted them up with Skeleton Horde and Soulstone Red and attempted to affix them to the Bastion. Several seconds of pushing took the parapets off. Never one to let a small delay snowball into a much bigger one (joke!), I decided to add some humor to the parapet area in what I thought would be good clean Astra Militarum fashion.

One thing that is very evident when studying the Bastion, enemies besieging it follow the double tap method as on each wall there seems to be many twin bullet holes. Also this Bastion has been given the numeral 104.

It can be a nerve-wracking time on guard duty so why not liven it up with noting kills.

Also the odd cry for help from above.

One of the main selling features of the CIV Bastion is the blood and offal vents that deposit remains directly to the galley for reclaimation.

A Seven Year Old Idea Comes To Pass

In March 2014 I put a page on here with ideas for new Necromunda territories, A ratburger stand. Now that idea is pretty much finished. Using bits of card pinned to foamcard to look like sidecycled building materials I have built Limpy's Diner, well it will be when he can afford tables. 

Limpy's is fully equipped with some sort of internal cooking device, that gives off smoke and fumes both inside and out.

Limpy has spared no expense stealing someone else's sign to advertise his wares.

Everything all neatly posed for maxmum enjoyment.

So that's it folks, this is what I have been  spending my hobby time on this past while. On the horizon (or possibly many horizons away) is my AM Valkerie and some assorted ne'erdowells to hang around the diner causing 41st Millennium mischief. So until next time.

Thanks for reading.

Sergeants Barker Punches a Primaris Marine in the face

Somewhere in the 41st Millenium;

+ + + Attention of Porfectus Von Neestleroi, Supreme Commander Hemmerdale + + +

+ + + Subject; Engagement With Asstral Spectres Debriefing + + +

+ + + Secondary Subject; Commander Lope Koodos' Disciplinary Revue + + +

Porfectus Von Neestleroi, as per fratricidal fire protocols here is my report regarding the skirmish between part of the Scargill Planetary Relief Force and sections of the Asstral Spectres Chapter. As previously documented our primary mission is to reinforce Scargill but unfortunately when our fleet exited warpspace instead of arriving close to our intended destination we were still some 60 light years away. This was when we received a distress vox from the planet Purgamentum Minor in the Spumae system. A message was received from Planetary Governor Pudendorum to send a rescue force to engage a large well armed force of void pirates who were currently occupying the inside of the Governor's Palace. As regulations stipulate formal requests for assistance carry large bonuses I sent a force down to eradicate the pirates. As we entered the ruins of the Palace it became clear that the enemy were actually Primaris Marines of the Asstral Spectres. The motivation for the Astartes besieging of the palace is unclear but as soon as they saw us they formed up into combat formation and opened fire.

As is Krablokistan custom a portrait of the relief force is captured and later presented to the Governor.

More COVID 19 Reinforcements

Greetings. In a blatant attempt to get more traffic to this blog I have put COVID 19 in the title. But I do have some content that may or may not be worth looking at! Some more Astra Militarum/ Imperial Guard or whatever you want to refer to them as. Once again I have used contrast paints. They are more recruits for the Krablokistan 47th regiment, despite a recent bout of peace as far as they are concerned, I hope to get them back on the battlefield as 9th edition is imminent. As I seem to be flying through (relatively speaking) my painting backlog it is possible all my models will get finished in this lifetime and I won't have to put a stipulation in my will for my grandchildren to do the job for me. So anyway on with the little coloured in men;

Ice Warriors Of Valhalla

First up are a Valhallan special weapons squad. I say Valhallan, but as they're part of the glorious 47th Krablokistan regiment they are dressed for cold weather Now I'm not really sure about the new fangled 9th edition 40K  that is soon going to be causing rage quitting and brand new ways to be OP, but when I decided to paint up this unit I had a very definite plan in mind. These guys were meant to skulk around and when the opportunity arose leap out and use the  order that lets them shoot into combat using the aforementioned Valhallan specific order.. With three flamers it should thin out whomever is larruping  good Emperor fearing guardsmen fighting for humanity.

"Quick Igor, Vlad and Tamsin! Burn the enemies of the Imperium!"

Catachan Jungle Fighters

So next up are some Catachan Jungle Fighters. Not really Catachans, just some troopers dressed in traditional Krablokistan combat apparel. Here we have 4 lasgun operators and Joey Meltagun. I tried to give the guardsman second from the left a horribly scarred face by cutting it up then replacing bits with green stuff. The experiment  was in my opinion pretty successful so I'm happy enough. Not sure that he was when the Dremel came out though. 

Next up are some more heavily converted troopers. Three are from heavy weapons teams but as I like to have the option of using them as part of a squad. These four have had xenos creatures put on their bases. I like the idea that Catachan troops wander through hostile terrain all the while wringing the necks, stamping on the spines and generally efficiently killing any xenos wildlife that comes near them.

From left to right trooper 1 has stamped a Kildassian Fluffbeast to death, trooper 2 has beheaded a Tarrelian dog soldier, trooper 3 has gutted a Knurf IV Firenewt and trooper 4 has cracked open a Tunneltusk.

Next along the production line is four more troopers. Only one of these has taken any sort of trophy from the local fauna. That being the trooper on the right who has removed the tail (and in doing so, probably killed) a Senitient Flamefox. Sadly that resulted in him getting part of his face burnt off.

Some models don't get butchered up as much as others. Luck of the draw really. 

The whole gang.

Below are some close ups of the slaughtered xenos that my brave lads showed the error of their alien ways.

Tarrelian Dog Soldier **.

Knurf IV Firenewt ***.

The Tunneltusk****.

Killdassian Fluffbeast *****.

 

Regimental Personalities

Following on from last updates combat instructor for the regiment, I have finished some more models that have jobs in the Krablokistan 47th. Those gamers of a certain vintage may well recognise some of these beauties. In order of importance is 2nd from right an old Sensei who will be making his battlefield debut as a company commander. Either side of him are two regimental dismemberers, it's an old Krablokistan tradition that during wartime one deserter is ritually dismembered on the parade ground. Such is the horrible spectacle that Krablokistani troops are renowned for their bravery, -or more likely terrified of their own officers. Lastly on the far left is a converted Orlock Juve who can act as the commander's batman and valet. All I need to do now is finish painting up my company standard and I have a nice fluffy veteran command squad.

The hoods are ceremonial. Either that or they're hideously disfigured from all the bone chips flying about.

Next is some more fun models. First is a Necromunda bounty hunter who might make some sort of platoon commander character who is looking to make some extra *bunse apprehending intergalactic criminals who happen to be on the battlefield. Next to him is another Necrmundan, this time a Beastmaster Wyrd, I got him off ebay with his staff hand missing so I gave him a plastic Orlock lasgun for him to hold. He can either be a really scruffy guardsman or a veteran who has gone native. Lastly is an old chaos thug who can be part of a unit of Crusaders to protect the warlord on the battlefield.

At this rate I will probably be giving all my models roles in the army #jobsfortheboys.

Lastly are two models that's been on the painting table for yonks but never getting much more than undercoat. First on the left is a Warhammer Quest Necromancer who can join a rather eclectic Wyrdvane Psyker unit that seems to be more like a halloween fancy dress party. The other model is a Necromundan Ratskin Shaman who will also be part of said Wyrdvane unit. He is quite the unpleasant chap as he has a couple of severed hands on his belt and a large stick for belting enemies of the Imperium. Also various skulls an animal skins show he's not particularly eco-friendly.

The skull in the hand of the Necromancer is very probably some sort of high powered laspistol, whereas the guy on the left obviously hasn't seen the Imperial directive that states Wyrdvane Psykers do not get issued lasguns as it promotes mental lazyness.

Here's the lot! All arrayed in a nice jungley scene. 

So that's all the models I've finished since the last time. Coming up fairly soon are some genestealer Brood Brothers and a Scaly to name but two. I've decided to assemble my Valkerie for my Astra Militarum to swan about in so that could feature in an update soon too!

*Krablokistan slang for extra cash.
** Tarrelian Dog Soldiers are a bit arsey because of the Imperiums attempt to wipe them out. A bit of an overreaction really, typical xenos.
*** Knurf IV Firenewts look innocent enough but they secrete a poison that infects the unwary with curiosity, earning them an Astra Militarum kill on sight order.
**** Tunneltusks are a family of subterranean species that lurk underground until they strike causing a nasty foot injury similar to that of standing on a nail in light footwear.
***** The Kildassian Fluffbeast isn't on any Astra Militarum kill lists but an unofficial order is to neutralise them before they try anything "funny". 

Anyway, thanks for reading.

Just Another COVID 19 Update

Aloha! Welcome one and all! Just a quick (that may end up long) update on my painting progress. I would say hobby progress but as there's a global pandemic going on, bugger all gaming is happening. As previous posts have alluded to 2020 was going to be this brilliant gaming fest when we played a 40K league and everyone had a great time. That's obviously on hold now so on the plus size I have managed to paint some shit up.....

Colonel Schaeffer's Last Chancers

Probably my favourite thing about the Astra Militarum fluff is Colonel Schaeffer's Last Chancers, a nod towards the Dirty Dozen movie where a group of army criminals attempt to assassinate a high ranking German officer in WWII. GW brought out a version out with their 'crimes' in a White Dwarf and a series of rules for each model to make for interesting suicide missions. They were modeled as coming from different AM regiments from across the galaxy and really showed out the diversity of the army with various uniforms and two female troops. 

The whole gang

Once again Citadel contrast paints were used. Colour-wise I used Militarum Green for the trousers (and skirt), Creed Camo for jackets, Gullimann flesh for skin tones and Goregrunta Fur for most of the webbing. A lot have Basilicanum Grey and Black Templar in there as well.

Warrior Woman, Ox, Fingers, Rocket Girl, Hero and part of er, Wheels?

Animal, Colonel Schaeffer, Shiv, Demolition Man, Brains and Scope

They all had cool sounding names and each had special rules that possibly worked well in 3rd or 4th edition 40K (I never played it much). For example Brains (second from right in the above picture) could hack and computer system on a 2+. Very thematic and useful in small skirmishes but in the Grim Darkness Of The 41st Millenium 8th edition not so useful. another rule Ox (second from left picture above this one) lost his shit if Brains died and doubled his strength and toughness for the remaider of the game. I am tempted to recreate the rules for the Last Chancers for the current edition, but with the general lethality of the game 12 models with special rules seems like effort.

Catachan Jungle Fighters

Next up are some more Catachan Jungle fighters. Using contrast paints I knocked these up in pretty much record time. They seem to be much brighter then my previous units so I hope they can blend in without too much visual trauma. These were done at the same time as the Last Chancers so I used the same colours.

Three grunts and a meltagun guy.

A company commander and two cronies, one with a plasmagun and another with a bolter.

The two pictured above with the Commander are both plastic models I got in an eBay job-lot. The one with plasmagun is known as trooper Beard and has the distinction of killing a Screamer Killer during the Second Battle of Lernin Kerv. Trooper Boltgun has no such stirring war story. Maybe he will for the Third Battle of Lernin Kerv that hasn't occurred yet.

Genestealers

No painting update would seem right without some Genestealer Cult models sneaking in to here they are; three Hybrids that have certainly seen some action, like trooper Beard, but due to me not having ever mentioned them in a battle they will remain anonymous for now (just how they like it). Contrast colours were once again the heroes.

These Hybrids seem somewhat lost as they are not dressed for jungle combat.

Another unit sat on the nearly finished area was my Magus and his two little bug eyed friends. Familiars are fun and they can give the Magus some additional spellage at crucial times of a game plus some extra attacks to thin out some rank and file. This gets my GSC army to well over 80% painted by my guess. The main item to finish now is the Patriarch and then  its off to convert up some vehicles to finish the army off.

The familiar on the left has seen lots of action judging by the missing claws on his gnarly little paws.

More Asta Militarum Types

My final three models are a little bit more interesting I feel, if only because I have given them back stories. On the left is an Orlock Juve that's been given a shotgun to play with. Not the best weapon to shoot single handed but it's a testament to cadet Onanism's wrists that he even attempts to shoot it like a pistol. In the centre is an old confessor model. Given the same colours as the rest of the guardsmen he will, (more often than not) represent a veteran with a plasmagun who is the squad's unofficial chaplain when there are no sanctioned Preachers around. He may wend his way into the entourage of an Inquisitor as plasmaguns are a good way to teach the ungodly about The Emperor. Thirdly on the left is a model I bought several years ago from Iron Mammoth Design. Now they seem to be available by Rattrap Production but I can't see them on their website. Anyway, the model on the left is a Shaolin Monk whom I stuck to a rock as he looked all meditatey and then lost interest in painting. Then came Contrast paints and an idea for a combat instructor for new recruits in my Krablokistan army. So Master Xhuc Pan Tang was born. A monster in close combat (for a human) due to his martial arts. Carrying nothing but a staff (which in game terms has to be a blade of conquest) he will more than likely be hitting the tabletop in a batrep near you when the restrictions lift.

So that's it for now 27 more models have made the big time. Hopefully, in the not too distant I can get rolling dice for these little soldiers  and create magically theatrical batreps to enthrall and excite all and sundry. Anyway, feel free to comment below and tell how great I'm doing without much effort. Until next time (there's a very good chance there will be more Catachans) cheers for dropping by.

Thanks for reading.

Tally Ho For The Imperium!

The armed forces of Scargill were experiencing somewhat of a purple patch of invading hostile  forces, first the Death Guard attacked the PDF (Kinnock region), then came the Necrons, shortly followed by the Tau. All in the same region, against the same commander; Balto Krudditch. Krudditch was becoming a minor celebrity on account of his successes and willingness to use anti xenos profanities whilst giving interviews to the local press. After the defeat of the Tau there seemed to be no further incursions from off world, and that would seem to indicate some R & R for his troops. That was until the vox net chittered some coded signals to advance to Stoop, a heavily industrialised town located near the entrance to the Sciatica mines, west of Scousehatton. It would seem according to the message that a force of Elder from the Biel Tann craftworld  have taken offence at something and were intent  on murder and mayhem. Krudditch's force had not been fully reinforced so he had  to conscript some riders from the Scroxix Hoghunter Dragoons - a volunteer group who keep the numbers of porcine predators at a managable level -into the force. His valued associate Revs Cantalope was still receiving his leg transplants so a slightly smaller than usual battle group entered Stoop to engage the perfidious Aeldari....

Some vile Biel Tan Aeldari.

Scraping in before 2019; Astra Militarum, Sexually Unattractive female and Alien Buskers

Howdy. A quick post to display all those last minute additions to my painted model family for 2018. Last year I managed a review of the year, not sure I will achieve one this year so this may be a slight nod in that direction too. Firstly, here are completed toy soldiers;

Imperial Preacher

After recent games I've noticed that my Catachan troops aren't all that bad in combat with their strength of 4. Give them a preacher and they get an extra attack so doubling their effectiveness. Giving them the order Fix Bayonets improves their shit-kicking ability even further. So a bloke with a sword and a big red book is ready to smite the ungodly. Think I'll call him Eamon.

"Tonight, heathens and xenos, this is your death!".

Grunts

Below are some assorted guardsmen, firstly Valhallan mortar crews still waiting for their mortars to get delivered from the stores. Annoying in particular for the guys holding the shells. I'm hoping they can be deployed in the near future making my mortar squads doubly able to wipe out lightly armoured infantry not in cover.

I don't understand it, I filled in the required purchase order but the mortars haven't arrived. 

Next are some Catachans who will form my shotgun/meltagun tag team. My last game underlined the gap in my army for a heavy hitting squad to jump out of a chimera and let fly at close range. The moment in question was when I deployed a unit of vets to shoot up some Wraithguard approximately 5" away. The difference between ST 3 lasguns and ST 4 shotguns could have been crucial. Anyhoo I have now plugged that particular gap in my force, I have also painted up two more plasma pistol armed sergeants to assist with general enemy of the Imperium extermination duties. The shotguns were cannibalised from the metal Necromunda sets and the plasmas are Orky in origin. I had simply cut off the ends of the lasguns and pinned on the much larger barrel of the shotgun. 

"Buckshot for the enemies of mankind!"

The next pic has a similar collection of xenophobes with the sergeant having a converted Mad Robot Miniatures head. There is quite a lot of cool bits over there to individualise your models. I like to think this particular vet sergeant has had part of his face destroyed by aliens/bacteria/heretic weaponry in the name of The Emperor. He is horrifically scarred and only takes off the mask to scare new recruits and upset Aeldari with his unasymmetrical face. War is hell! I have also sculpted some eradicated alien species on a couple of bases to emphasise the rather gung ho nature of the jungle fighters.

Sergeant Basterd has one of the body of one of the terminally peaceful Q'bork alien lifeforms at his feet. During a volunteer mission deep into their Q'bork tranquility system guardsmen from the Krablokistan 47th acheived 78% kill ratio. What was even more astounding that many units returned from their mission with complete powerpack batteries on their lasguns. Truly heroic.

Another view of Sergeant Basterd.

a better view of the Q'bork.

Trooper Buckshot with an exterminated alien mammal at his feet.

Heavy calibre weaponry is ideal for peacekeeping.

Blind Beggar Miniatures Ensemble

I've been a fan of Blind Beggar Miniatures for a while now and have got some more denizens of that particular range finished. First up is the Mayoress. She(?) comes with a choice of a large laser weapon or a bunch of flowers in her paws. Not a looker this one but an interesting model nonetheless. I think she can have a variety of uses in games, in particular Thatcher Magz, planetary governor of my campaign setting planet Scargill.

"Hot laser death for you luvvie?"

"Or is it posies?"

Juggenfloot is a 6 piece band that play the cabaret circuit of bars and clubs in any disreputable Imperial world that allows xenos on the planet without an instant execution. Juggenfloot (not the name I would have chosen) play a mixture of acid hymns and hallucinogenic swing music. First up is what appears to be a simian lifeform playing a stone necked lute. A bionic arm ensures that 14 hours lute solos are the norm.

If Slash was a species similar to a Jokaero, he might look like this.

Next up is my favourite model in the band, a huge shouldered lifeform sporting some sort of keyboard instrument levitating around his chest, in fact he could actually be rattling his own ribcage. I like to think the instrument is called a Hypnocordion® and it is banned on many planets due to large scale rioting and civil unrest caused by it's operation. This particular instrument is played by Jowey "the knuckles" Faygin and has racked up a score of four riots, two religious pogroms and civil war due to his playing.

  

Jowey "the knuckles" Faygin

Next comes the aquatic percussionist Blap Blap Mmkadzee. Armed with concussion bongos this diminutive hat wearer can provide a steady beat or medium range support with a slight adjustment to his (or her) stance.

WIPE OUT!

The last band member I have finished is this guitarist in monks robes. Probably from the order of the shredded epiphany, this musician is probably called Brother Wahwahpeddle. Before joining Juggenfloot his previous group; Godfunk Soup Kitchens had to disband due to an outbreak of mental leprosy infected 3 band members causing a difference in musical directions.

Kumbaya

Finally, not a band member but a humanoid in robes and a gas mask. This model has many different possible uses. Some sort on nun with a HAZMAT suit is one of them. Armed with what looks like a WWII rifle this model can be many things. An acolyte for an Inquisitorial force for one.

Nun with gun.

So there you have it. Twenty two more figures finished and ready to star in a batrep (or similar) in the near future. All that's left for me to do is wish everyone a happy new year and a satisfactory amount of hobby time to you all!

Thanks for reading.