From TimB: 28mm Assorted Sci-Fi Figures (30 points)

 From Tim:

Continuing on with the theme of "I'm sick of painting Samurai"... I finished off a few odd sci-fi-ish figures last night. 

A pair of Citadel Miniatures/Games Workshop Rogue Trader era Eldar. 

I have NO IDEA what make or manufacture this fellow is... I found him in a bargain bin a number of years back for $1 (or maybe it was $1 for a pack with two in it...? I can't remember...) anyway, I thought he looked kind of cool and figured I could use him as some sort of techno-whatever in some sort of sci-fi game or even a superhero (or supervillain!) with some sort of electro-techno powers.

Finally three Cobalt-1 figures from Black Hat Miniatures. I thought the middle fellow looked like he could be a Rogue Trader (or a senior advisor to a Rogue Trader) and so picked him up recently along with these two others. 

Very cool! Those early Eldar figures take me back and I quite like the black girl with the white bobbed hair and the portly Rogue Trader as well.

These half-dozen non-Samurai figures will give Tim 30 points. 

From AaronH: 28mm WWII American Infantry (50 points)

From Aaron:

Here is the second squad for my 28mm WWII US GIs.  These are, again, the Warlord plastics.  I’m really enjoying painting these, enough that I might have to pick up some more GIs.  I free handed the rank and division insignia again.  They guy in the back, who appears to be running away, is actually just waiting for his shot in front of the camera.

I’m happier with the shoulder patches this time around.  My expectations were too high with the first batch.  Now that I know what to expect I was able to achieve it in a more consistent manner.

The rank insignia really only came out right on the Cpl.  The Sgt is bad enough I decided not to let you see his arms.  He’s lurking in the back in shame.

Great work Aaron! The rank insignia are excellent though I feel some sympathy for the poor Sergeant.  How will his lack of sartorial conformity affect his morale? Will the Corporal take leadership of the squad due to the sharp turnout of his insignia? How will the men react? I suppose only time will tell...

This squad of American GIs will give Aaron 50 points.

From BenD: 15mm WWII 'Soviet' Armour and Infantry (138 points)

From Ben:

Hello All

While I was painting the US from my last post, I finished off a load of half painted soviet bits and pieces I had meant to get around to to help brake up the Brown Violet. These were a couple of Captured Panthers, a Spetsnaz Unit in Captured German Half Tracks and the Infantry for a Rota Infantry platoon (need to start the Transports...).

I will be honest I was dreading the Soviet infantry, base after base of guys to paint.... this and I much prefer painting tanks (I think because it's a lot quicker for me to do). But with all that I must say these guys were fun! I used a few quick methods I have been  messing around with since I did my US winter Infantry and the end results while not stunning are up to a very good table top standard (really my goal with 15mm).

The Panthers were a lot of fun to paint, I love captured equipment (probably why the Fins are my favourite army as it's almost all captured!) I thought about painting them in German Camo, but thought I'd give them a go in Russian Green first. Part of my wishes I had done German Camo, but I'm still happy with the end result.

And Finally the Spetsnaz, the half tracks are green for the same reasons as the Panthers. I tried to paint the special Soviet camo, but I really struggled with it, so in the end I used the colours from it and used my own pattern. After a quick ink wash I think it works well, if not 100% accurate.

Until next time 

Great work Ben. I'm sure all this captured equipment will provide a rude surprise to their German adversaries. Also, it's nice to see some non-armour entries from you as well - they are every bit as nice as your vehicles. Wonderful stuff.

This collection of Soviet armour and infantry will give Ben 138 points.