From Curt: 28mm Japanese Peasant Warriors (30 points)

I currently have about a half dozen projects on the go but each seems to be hung up on some critical aspect which is creating delay after delay (wrong bases, incorrect flags, additional models needed, etc, etc...) Its a bit aggravating, but I know they'll come together given time and patience.

Anyway, I decided to work on something a little more straightforward to get some sense of completion, so I quickly dashed out these six 28mm Japanese peasant warriors from Perry Miniatures. I thought I'd run a Seven Samurai themed game sometime in the future, using the Challenge Ronin and a swarm of these folks. I think it'd be a hoot!

Pretty straight forward stuff here, nothing out of the ordinary. Excellent models and quite fun to paint. I particularly like the two lads trotting ahead in their 'hay-armour'. I worry somewhat to its effectiveness but I suppose it could work reasonably well against certain types of slashing weapons. Probably rubbish against arrows and spears though... 

These six brave (suicidal?) rice farmers will give me 30 points as I slowwly inch along...

From Kevin: 28mm WWI German A7V Tank, British Lanchester Armoured Car & Ronin #23

From Kevin:

Here after some delay are better pics of the two Mk IVs, male and female.  I've also completed their nemesis, a German A7V, named "Nixe" purchased as a resin and metal kit from Old Glory. I was quite happy with the quality of the model, and it compares favorably with another A7V I painted up a few years ago from Brigade Games.  I based it on illustrations from Osprey's book on WW1 German Panzers, together with a few historical photographs.  It doesn't correspond to any one A7V but is more like a combination of a couple of German tanks that fought near Villiers-Bretonneux in 1918. 

 I've also completed an Old Glory British Lanchester armored car. 

And finally, after what for me is a monumental week of painting, you have Ronin Number 23, from Old Glory's Samurai Wars.  

Also, here is an action shot of the two British Mk IVs from my previous entry.

This is really wonderful work Kevin. I particularly like the splinter pattern camouflage you've done on the A7V and the Samurai figure, of course, is fabulous - thank you very much!  

Finally, that last trench photo is awesome! Kevin, I think your work in the WWI oeuvre rivals that of Sidney. I find both of your work amazing, unsettling and inspiring, all in succession.

These WWI vehicles and Ronin #23 will give Kevin 50 points. Well done!

From BenG: 20mm Late Antiquity Archers (10 points)

From Ben:

This little Late Antiquity archer stand is all I've managed in over a week. The figures are by Miniart, from their Late Roman set, but I reckon they are non-specific enough to be included in both Roman and Gothic armies. 

I've based them off centre so that they fit in with a base of Roman archers I've already made. When positioned behind the first base, they'll have a clear field of fire and not look like they're about to take out the front row!

I have used bristles from a kitchen brush to simulate taught bowstrings; fairly simple and very effective IMHO!

I suppose I should use this opportunity to spruik my Late Antiquity blog, Romani in Tenbris. It's not as active as my Napoleonic blog, but I intend to get enough forces on both the Roman and Gothic sides to be able to launch a small game of Comitatus later this year, and this blog documents my (slow!) efforts in reaching that goal.

Wow, the use of brush bristles for bowstrings gives an excellent effect! Great job. Ben's guide to how he did this can be found on his new blog - check it out.

This pair of archers will give Ben 10 points, with a little extra added for the bowstrings.

From JamesB: 28mm Seven Years War Cavalry (283 points)

From James:

I have been told I am all brush and no chat so here goes, for this entry I give you 3 units of Cavalry for our French Seven Years  War army. 

First up 12 Foundry Miniatures Hussars, these do not have the correct headgear for French troops but I bought all my Hussars as a horde from foundry, I used all the mirliton wearing figures on the Prussians so I have made do. I like the light blue color of their uniform it contrast well with the red.

The next two units are from Front Rank and are painted up as 2 units of Royal Allemand with their bearskins. I love the contrast again between the blue coat and red cuffs. 

I have 2 more Front Rank units of heavy Cavalry which will in Grey-white coats and red cuffs. I love the Front Rank SYW range 90% of my Dads retirement present was Front Rank.

Whoa! That is a heap of gorgeous cavalry James! Those hussars are quite the flash lads in their light blue pelisse and the bearskinned Royals are class as well. Very, very nice. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the the heavies in their grey and white with red facings.

These three regiments of cavalry with their colours will give Jame a very impressive 283 points. This will see him back into first place and also has him breaking the 2K mark. Bravo!