Three little (well big actually) robot walkers

I have waited for the Salute hubbub to die down. It will not be out of everyone's minds yet, nor would I wish
 
it to be. Personally I am in a wargames limbo at the moment  with lots started and little finished and absolutely NO desire to paint at all.

So I selected 2 old models and painted them for my 15mm sci fi Alien force. While 3 are in the pics the one on the left was already painted and has been seen on the blog before.

These are Brigade Models (LINK) old 15mm figures. So old They no longer have them on the web site. Yeah well forget that as I have some! And am determined to paint them.  So I have 3 of these now and they are actually an easy paint! (Yippee!)

Elsewhere on the painting table I have some 28mm "Wild west" figures. Which I really do need to get done. AND some 15mm US cavalry that I really do need to get done. So those 2 projects are in the works! I shall most likely do the 28mm Wild west next as they are most of the way done. But be warned I may just skip back to 15mm Sci Fi, It's the kind of logic I have at the moment! Or just to be perverse some 1980's 6mm figs that I am umming and ahrring about. You are warned.

Until then all the best  Clint

First troops

Yes the first actual troops for this project as opposed to "vehicles"! This morning  I have finished my first squad of "snake-men" (Astragar as Critical Mass games call them.  Here is a LINK)

I find painting Sci Fi Figures hard. Yes you are right what ever colour you paint them is "right" there really is not a "wrong!!" So for now these will do and do well. There is some tidying up to o..... when is there not? But overall I am happy with their progress and finished look.  They are not perfect but non-the-less I am happy with them.

The vehicle is an APC or Battle -bus by Brigade games (see previous blog posts for a link and know that they are no longer easily available). It is an organic breed in a tank "Vehicle!" As such  factories might well be very different from our assembly plants. They might be so different that it might be easier to transport to a new world. (something to think about!)

This APC seems to fit well with my concept of the race and how they are. As such I shall say no more about them I have yet to stat them for the Grurntz rules so perhaps my initial thoughts might change. At present I have 3 of the APCs so that limits me to the size of the force. (Just 3 squads.... what ever I decide a Snake-men squad is.

This picture shows what I have painted so far in the vehicle range by Brigade  Models But I have 3 more varieties of vehicle yet to paint before I get sidetracked. (And I shall soon like it or not! I know what I am like)

The last pic just shows me that I have at least 2 more squads to paint (possibly more) and I have at least 9 more "vehicles" to go (Not pictured). Therefore I have enough 15mm sci fi to keep me going for a bit.

With luck I shall do the next lot quicker as NO decisions or re-paints need happen (although I bet they shall as MY typically hap-hazard way of doing things unfolds)>

Until next time take care, have fun and get some painting done!

All the best Clint

more 15mm SF

Not done a huge amount of painting. But a little is better than none!

Here is another "Brigade Models" 15mm Cimexian Bugs. As mentioned previously not easily available as they no longer appear in this scale on their web site. It is called a Walker Bug, so may be a robot or maybe a walker suit. either way it bothers me NOT one jot.

Clearly there is a weapon in the left hand and a claw in the right. so it could be quite versatile (if it actually existed). From my point of view it will add to my "Snake-men" army without any difficulty.  I only have 1 more of these in my box of goddies and this one was selected Just as a sample to get the colours right! Which I now think I have done.

More again as soon as I pull my finger out and stop procrastinating. Until then take care ave fun and paint if your heart desires.

All the best Clint

the VERY very first of my next force!

These are for "Gruntz" 15mm sci fi. They are on the 4th repaint that I know of one by the person I got them from on e Bay and 3 by me. I am finally happy with they way they look.

Top photo a little blurry and the "chassis" is the wrong way around! Now these figures I am not sure are still available! They were originally from Brigade {LINK} Models. They used to be part of the 15mm Cimexian Bugs range which is not part of the web site in 15mm but is in 6mm. So if you want any good luck and you may need to speak to the Brigade guys at a show.

I got these on eBay some years ago when I was looking at doing a game set inside the human body in a "Fantastic Voyage" kind of way. But waste not want not and they can be used as part of my new force of Alien Gruntz!  (hence at least 1 of the re-paints!)

There shall be more to follow but at present they are all I have finished. I have a variety of models so expect some more soon.

Until then take care and have fun. All the best Clint
 

Zombtober 18-03 (And SELWG loot)

I was awake at 3:30 am this morning In order to get this single Zed  done! I had a busy morning BEFORE I went to SELWG. But more of the show LATER!

So I fulfilled my quota and did manage to get a zombie  painted before I went. Here he is, based when I got back and Photographed in the  dark! I say this in a feeble excuse to distract shoddy painting and basing and very shoddy basing. Oh well can't be helped now and looks pretty good in real life if not due to my photography. Right self pity over now!

A Mantic "Walker" from the all out war set. Another "walker" for the horde. And he should fit right in. A mature gentleman and dressed only in jeans. he's missing shoes and a shirt but I guess in a zombie apocalypse being well dressed is no longer a priority.  28mm hard plastic part of the starter set.
 
 LATER:
As you know I went to SELWG. Firstly let me say I had a brilliant time.

And this is what I bought.
4 items missing as they shall be part of my Christmas gift  as no one KNOW what to get me and when I write a list NO ONE still knows what is on the listr as NO ONE in my family speaks wargame-ese.

So this  is what I can show you at this stage! Top to Bottom and Left to right)

• 7TV2e box set (Starter casts are for Crimbo) nothing is opened just yet so It is possible (Although very unlikely) that it is just an empty box.
• 8 Jet bikes from Brigade Games these are for my "scout" unit in 15mm sci fi.
• 1 pot of Dark angels green paint! From Col Bill.
• 2 Paint brushes £1.50 each and I hope they shall be just brilliant) a nessercary evil am told as part of the wargaming hobby.
• 1 Pack of Peter Pig heads. Other parts of the order are to stop blushes and yet others are reserved for Christmas.
• 1 pack of Victorian Policemen with pistols. Best  if you do not ask any questions about them for now!
• 1 Pack of GZG FSE  Mortars again for 15mm sci fi. I meant to buy more but alas the ones I wanted are old stock and need to be mail ordered or picked up at a show.

I forgot to but some vehicle to carry the Mortars Mostly because I was flustered AND I did not want to make a snap decision. However as Tony from Brigade is Local and has an invite to the club I am sur if I want them I can get Brigade models quite easily! If I decide on GZG for the mortar teams I will need to send of to get the other figures so again that is no hardship!

Thanks for looking and more of the SELWG show in a day or two.
all the best Clint.

Red and White spearmen and SELWG plans.

Firstly I have finished my next unit for "Lion Rampant". This time Red and white spearmen. You probably worked all that out from the blog title. Oh yes you did! Anyway these are 28mm Plastic Perry miniatures,  from the box  "Agincourt French Infantry" there is enough in the box for a unit of x bow as as well. And if I buy another spure  a total of 2 crossbow units and 2 spear units can be made. It would be rude not to!


By painting them red and white they can fit into either of the two forces I am building so quite versatile. I will like wise do the same with the Crossbows and then I shall change colours, Perhaps Green and yellow I am not sure yet.

 I  did not paint the faces well, but well enough. I found the spears and helmets were just too much in the way. And I do not regret painting then as I have done.

CHANGE OF SUBJECT

I have several "Plans" for Selwg show. Yes a show report soon and Zombtober entry SHALL be late. Sorry real life and all that. I have started it and HOP to finish today or MAYBE tomorrow but it may need to wait until Monday.

Here are my planned spendz, I wonder how tey shall compare to what I actually buy.

• Crooked Dice. Maybe if I am feeling flush buy 7TVe2 and 2 starting casts.
• GZG I only desire 2 packs from Jon Tuffneys 15mm Stargrunt range. Saying that is one thing but maybe I am looking at a lot more.
• Brigade Games. Again some 15mm Sci fi stuff. IF I do not get it from GZG.
• Peter Pig, the Spanish Civil War rules. and a pack of heads, (All pre-ordered!)
• OPTIONAL
• Tumbling dice, some 1/600th scale aircraft! And maybe a Check you 6 rule book
• Too Fat Lardies. Maybe a "Bag the Hun" rulebook.

Well those are the plans at this stage. but I am sure I shall bet some impulse buys as well.

I was going to meet an old friend, but he cannot get time from work so that shall be a miss.

Thanks for looking. More again soon.
I hope tomorrow with a loot post and Zombtober figure finished!

Take care, hav e fun and paint if you can. All the best Clint

 
 

More Gruntz. 15mm sci fi

Let me start by saying I thought I had lost my camera, but instead It was put somewhere "Safe!" And we  all know  what that means.

Yes I know the line is not perfectly straight. BUT it is close enough for me on a small vehicle. All the figures are 15mm Sci Fi. Look away now if you only like historical.  First up a specialist Medic in an ambulance or as I am going to call it a MASH vehicle. Mostly I will just say MASH, (Mobile Army Surgical Hover-Vehicle). You wil I am sure note te French roundals on the  door. (A common theme on all my Sci Fi Gruntz  French Interstellar Legion (FIL) Troops. He also has a medical robot with him but still has to carry a couple of (No doubt) both heavy and delicate cases. Things do not change.

Ok the Specialist Medic is as follows.

Base cost 1 Point
Wounds 5 ( he's a non-combatant) 5 Points
Guard Average +3 points
Soak 10 +0 points
Shoot green +0 points
Assualt Green +0 points
Mental (veteran =5 Points)
Skill Green +0 points
Total 14/2= 7 points

Perks Medic +4 Points =11 points.

No weapons at all. His job is to heal NOT fight)

MASH
base Cost 1
Scout  size +8 points
Hover motion +2
NO weapons at all

Total points cost 10 points .It's just a run about for the medic. All it does is transport te medic and his equipment. Nothing more. But I am sure some players will target it you know what they are like.

Not sure where the Robot came from, but the medic is part of Brigade games crew pack and the MASH is a Brigade games Mercenary hover jeep (A nice kit modified but costs £3)

 Next uip are some Ground zero games figures that were NOT part of the French Interstellar Legion But they needed a lick of paint. in my head (only) they are corporate mercenaries set to  guard a site. What they are aculally is a mystery. I must have either bought them while feeling flush of they were given to me I do not recall at this time.

Brunehilde

Brunhilde was a Frank leader/chieftain of the early Germans. She is also a shield maiden in Wagners "Ring Cycle" commonly called a Valkyrie. So I thought it was a fitting name for  my carrier in aeronef.  It is so large I have had to make my own flying stand. (Still work to do on that). It is by Brigade models (LINK). They do not have any suitable bases either, so no short-cut there. At present it dips down slightly in the front, but that shall be rectified. The model comes as a multi part kit in both resin and white metal. But goes together easily . (except whan you loose 2 turrets)

I have included a pic of Wagners Brunhilde just so you know what I am talking about. The aeronef Brunhilde is quite the largest aeronef I have seen (as yet) and as such dwarfs many of the other nations carriers. I have yet to see the stats for the ship but am expecting Large medium and small guns as well as the ability to launch 2 wings of fighters each turn. (Assuming I have paid the points for them) and Can field them on the table. Yes I feel an order to Brigade coming very shortly as I feel I will need torpedo bombers!

 Showing the other side it only has one runway. Tis is not a problem as The aircraft (not shown) easily fit on it. matt has expressed some envy of it as it does make the British carrier look small. But as we all know size is only one solution. The whole model costs £9 but is a pain to paint. There is no where for it to rest. Theerfore you have to paint a bit and the Vanish it or else rub paint off with your hands as you handle it.  I suspect It has had 5 coats of varnish in all. Including a top coat when all the painting is done.

 Just to hint at how large it is the photo shows a small Patrol Aeronef sitting on its stand. As you can clearly see the patrol nef can fit inside one of the hangers (if put at an angle). It was a beast to paint and I am glad it is over. No Matt I do not want to paint any more!











Unrelated. I have had a mini spend on eBay. The books are to give me a bit of a boost with Lion Rampant and the Video with Pup alley. I hasten to add there will not be dinosaurs and cowboys in pulp alley this time. So forget that idea. But something to watch in the small hours when sleep does not come.

Next time some more Lion Rampant. And an accident with  a figure.

Until then have a good weekend and do something to reward yourself.

All the best Clint

Imperial skies game aar.

Jon's Carrier was not used,
BUT looks so good I had to phonograph it!

Sundy at the club we had an Imperial skies (aeronef) game. Jon a friend of mine from years ago agreed to tear us the rues as he was a playtester before they were published.

Before we started I suggested 2000 points, Jon cut that to 1600 points. When he saw the play area it was cut again to 1000 points. I am glad he did, it made a better  game.

He also introduced us to a pair of house rules. Again these made sense and did improve the game. Rule1: Small ships could activate in a flotilla of three and a single command pip would allow all sips in the flotilla to gain that benefit. Again this made sense as one ship would have seniority and would signal  the other ships.

Rule 2: When firing if you rolled 3 ones in a row then another d6 was rolled. This roll would on an even score be a magazine hit and on an odd score it would represent the gun overheating and cooking of a round in the breach!

We agreed to both of those house rules and play started.

Here is what happened::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Jon's US fleet at 1600 points!

Matt's 1000 point fleet

Jon's 1000 point fleet

Jon's first turn

End of turn 1.
Matt British fleeton the left
and Jon's US fleet on the right

Veiw from the other end. Turn 2 about to start.

The Us Fleet unleashes 2 flotillas of torpedo boats.
They were very successful and
destroyed one of the British Cruisers
in a single turn.
Matt was not happy!

Most of te US fleet has still to get into action.
The Torpedo boats still have "Steel fish" yet to fire.

Devastated Matt continues to push on. But his Big ships are slow.

Disaster trikes the US fleet and a gun overheats
and his aeronef is destroyed by it's own firing>
Remember house rule 2!

The Us Torpedo boats continue to
launch torpedoes claiming a British destroyer next.

Despite Matt losses He does manage to down
some of the torpedo boats and by the end of the turn
is managing to fight back

Turn 2 ends. The Torpedo boats seem to be doing all the work.

From the other end things do not look any better

Slowly very slowly the bigger ships start to get involved.
Jon moves his battleship forward,
but it is still (at this stage) out of 30" range.
(30" is the maximum range of the biggest guns)

It now starts a war of attrition. As both fleets get in range
with their biggest guns.

Turn 3 ends.
The two fleets now start battering each other.

Some ships are now in short or medium range and they
all start to take damage.
Each ship faces several others and each ship
has several targets

it is a case of who will break first.
then the US torpedoes claim another victim.

It becomes a close in ruction and while the US fleet
continues to do well. glimmers of hope are seen from the British.
The salvation comes in two forms.
Firstly the |Torpedo boats have just about run out of Torpedoes
Secondly the British Carrier  is launching wave after wave of fighters

Turn 4 get underway.
The big ships have lots of guns.
Also they are not shy of using them.
The smaller crsers and destroyers fare the worse.

The US big battleship is matched by an equally big british ship.
Worse yet Matt has 2 of them.

I recall being surprised at how many dice
 the US battleship was able to roll.
But Then the British fleet had just as many in return.

Turn 4 ended and turn 5 started.

The British Fleet digs deep
and several of te US larger cruisers are destroyed.
And then Tragedy struck
Fuel was spilt on the deck of the British carrier
and in a single turn it was
consigned to the burning scrap heap.

The game ended.

 Conclusion: It was a fair fight and either side could have one. The US fleet got some early kills due to torpedoes but in the end the British gunnery was up to the task. While the small ships started the game. the big ships ended it. While I was just observing and not playing boh sides played both with élan and fairness. Both admirals can be proud. So who won? Basically it was a draw! Theer was no clear winner. But importantly I got to learn the rules. Which from my point of view was the reason for the game.

Jon has been looking online fore the cheapest and most effective points cost of vessels to counter torpedoes. Matt has been looking online at tenders and planes that are able to carry torpedoes. While I have started to paint "Brunhilde!" but more of that another time.

The game was a success. all players enjoyed it and all players have spoken to me at least about a rematch. (Different fleets though). So all three of us learned something. And while I was going to do the "Taking of Borkum (123)" a straight even match up was better o the day. perhaps next time it will be Borkum. I have a map and have visited the place (twice as much work if you do not speak German!)

So that was Sundays game.