Friday, November 20, 2015

The Die is Cast - The Sixth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge


In 49 BC Julius Caesar halted his XIII legion along the north bank of the Rubicon river in northern Italy. He knew that if he crossed with his army into southern Italy he would be violating Roman law, thereby making the lives of both him and his men forfeit, but Caesar also aware that if he returned to Rome as a regular citizen he would be censored by the government and quite possibly killed. After some deliberation he resolved to cross the Rubicon and risk civil war. Once on the other side of the river Caesar is reported to have said, 'Alea iacta est' - The die is cast. 

This year's Painting Challenge, our sixth, celebrates risk takers, daredevils and gamblers. 

Julius Caesar
The Basic Rules
The Challenge will extend from the beginning of Winter, 12:01 am December 20th , through to the first day of Spring, 12:01 am March 20th, Central Standard Time.
Figures can be prepared and primed prior to the start date, but no colour can be applied until December 20th. In order to be fully scored the figures have to be based and their groundwork completed. The figures have to be painted by you. The Challenge follows the honour system in the completion and entry of figures. Dishonour and public shaming goes (with perhaps the throwing of frozen vegetables) upon anyone who besmirches the venerable craft of painting toy soldiers! 
The figures can be in any scale and in any theme, including pulp-adventure, science-fiction and fantasy.
In order to be scored, photos of all figures/units along with a short descriptive note must be uploaded to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge blog. Up-to-date scoring will be maintained on the blog's main page. I will send out an email to all Challengers to provide further details regarding participation.
The Judge (me) will participate, but my score will not have any standing in the Challenge (I will continue my struggle to be amongst the middle-of-the-pack).
Since I can't leave well enough alone, I've again tweaked a few aspects of how the Challenge will be administered. I will still be the master of ceremonies, but I've called upon a Happy Few to assist me in keeping this joyous circus on the rails - more on that later. 

Rosa Parks
The Scoring
6mm foot figure = 0.5 point
6mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 1 pts
6mm vehicle = 2 points
10mm foot figure = 1 point
10mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 2 points
10mm vehicle = 3 points 
15mm foot figure = 2 pts
15mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 4 pts
15mm vehicle = 6 pts

20mm foot figure = 4 pts
20mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 8 pts
20mm vehicle = 12 pts

28mm foot figure = 5 pts

28mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 10 pts
28mm vehicle = 15 pts
40mm foot figure = 7 pts
40mm mounted figure, artillery piece or crew served weapon = 15 pts
40mm vehicle = 20 pts 
54mm foot figure = 10 pts
54mm mounted figures, artillery piee or crew served weapon = 20 pts
54mm vehicle, limber, etc. = 30 pts 
Other scales, miscellaneous models/figures will be scored on a submission-by-submission basis. 


Amelia Earhart

Challenger Personal Targets and Duels

Similar to previous years, I ask that each Challenger declare his/her points target that they hope to achieve by the March 20th deadline. I encourage Challengers to pick a target that is a bit beyond their comfort zone, but still achievable. Many participants have found this a great incentive to help maintain their pace over the three months of the Challenge. As a benchmark, 400 points is a manageable amount for someone who is new the the event and/or has a busy work/life schedule. Remember, many points can be secured by participating in the Bonus Rounds (more on this below).

Also, many folks have a lot of fun issuing 'duels' to other participants in order to race to meet a declared target, paint the most figures for a specific period, etc. I leave this to the participants to organize, but I'm more than happy to log the duels and keep track of the points.


Vo Nguen Giap
Challenger Target Thresholds & Prizes

There will be six point thresholds set out for the Challenge. Each time a participant reaches a Point Threshold his/her name will be entered for the prize drawn for that level. So, the more points you accumulate the more prizes you will be eligible for. We have many generous prize sponsors who I will introduce in a following post. The Threshold prizes will be drawn at the end of the Challenge.
Threshold I: 500 points
Threshold II: 750 points 
Threshold III: 1000 points 
Threshold IV: 1500 points 
Threshold V: 2000 points 
Threshold VI: 2500 points
Gebhard Lebrecht Blucher
The Fortnight Theme Bonus Rounds
Same as previous years, we will have a series of thematic Bonus Rounds. Each Bonus Round asks Challengers to enter a submission that illustrates a particular theme. The Bonus Rounds are not mandatory, they are just a little bit of fun to pace out the the Challenge and allow people to gain some points and fame through presenting vignettes and specific single figures.
Those Challengers who manage to submit an entry for a 'Fortnight Theme Bonus Round' will receive an extra 50 points on top of the regular entry tally. No scales less than 15mm will be eligible for the Theme Bonus Rounds but they can be of a historical or fictional subject.
The seven Bonus Themes along with their submission deadlines are:
  • January 3rd: Nostalgia 
  • January 17th: Epic Fail 
  • January 31st : Defensive Terrain 
  • February 14th: L'amour 
  • February 28th: Nautical 
  • March 13th: Gambler/Risk-Taker
The theme submissions are to be sent in by 12:01 am (CST) on the specified date (Sundays for all).
For each bonus round I'll post a poll listing all the round's entries so visitors can vote for their favourite. 
Neil Armstrong
Tipping the Croupier

As in previous Challenges, I ask for a small memento from each Challenger. In keeping with this year's theme, the entrance 'fee' for this year's Challenge will be a single 28mm figure characterized as a risk-taker, daredevil or gambler. The figure will be supplied and painted by the entrant. This miniature can be submitted any time up until the end of the Challenge. Again, same as previous years, for each figure I receive I will donate $5 to the Saskatchewan branch of the Regina Humane Society.

Robert E. Lee
The Call

Please don't wait too long if you're interested - drop me a note below to get on the roster. I'll place notification in this space when all the participant slots for the Challenge have been filled.

Let the fun begin!

269 comments:

  1. wooo-hooo I'm in - Time to get my spreadsheet fire up with a mindlessly detailed painting plan that will likely have no bearing at all on the actual outcome.

    What's this? - did I see that one of the bonus rounds is entitled "Nautical"! Oh be still my beating heart.....

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    1. Ok put me down for 2K points and I'll issue a naval challenge to all comers

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    2. I can always count on you to be first off the mark Miles. As we had discussed, I have a little job for you that will suit your UberGeek skill set. We'll chat soon.

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    3. Is that a geek alarm I can hear ringing? We should buy Miles one of these...

      http://www.amazon.com/pal-PP0071-Love-Spreadsheets-Mug/dp/B001I3UBKC

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    4. Haha! Yes, he can keep it filled with coffee for all those late-night tabulation/confabulation sessions.

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    5. By all the Gods! I actually own that mug! Is this a sign, a portent from the heavens, perhaps...?

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  2. Please count me in!

    I'd better crack on with sorting out my flat to get my spare bedroom established as my office, lounge and painting room while my actual lounge is being refurbished.

    This year I won't be aiming for my usual high position and points total, but I think I said that last year and we all know how that panned out...

    After avoiding the bonus themes last year, I might join in with some of them this year.

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    1. Clint (Anything But A One) wants to take part again, but can't leave a comment for some reason, so I'm commenting here for him.

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    2. Thanks Tamsin. It seems I can post replies, but not comment myself. (Many people would say that was a good thing).

      Anyway Curt happy to take part should I be able to comment. I would put a target of 755 points this year but with a plan to enter every bonus round. (unlike last year where I just went for "Pure Points")

      Any problems email me I think you still have my addy. (I seem to have lost yours when I went to windows 10 then decided I did not like it! Not sure though this internet thingie is a bit complex at times.)

      If I am unable to take part please know that I will be following it and wishing everyone well.

      Best wishes Clint

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    3. It's wonderful to have you with us again Tamsin & Clint. Tamsin, I'll be in touch about me conscripting you to assist in the madness.

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    4. "It seems I can post replies, but not comment myself."
      Sounds like a fit up mate...

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  3. Excellent stuff, thanks Curt! I'm definitely in again. Probably aiming for 750 points this year due to work and other new hobbies consuming valuable painting time.

    I'll need to think of some interesting entries for the sub-challenges and Curtgeld... time to get planning and undercoating!

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    1. Great stuff Paul and thanks for joining us again!

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    2. Always a pleasure. Plus it clears some of the backlog ;)

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  4. Hello Curt! Please count me in. The next months look to be pretty busy, so maybe put me down for 1500 points for now.

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    1. Welcome Alan - I look forward to more of your excellent shields and rugs! :)

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  5. Oh yeah!

    I will, of course, be watching from the nearest safe vantage point and shouting encouragement to the challengers - so let the games begin!

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    1. Always a pleasure having your commentary Evan, but you really should kick-in with us. How about just a couple hundred points?

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    2. He's over for dinner tonight Curt. I'll corner him and get some points out of him before he's allowed desert.

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  6. Fantastic! I'm really looking forward to this challenge, it will encourage me to get on and paint!! I think I'll aim for 500 to start with, ease myself in.

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    1. I'm going to throw out a side challenge to Aidan (and anyone else that picked it up) to finish the core Dungeon Saga miniature set. First person to complete it (minus the doors and furniture as they don't count towards the points totals) wins bragging rights

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    2. You are evil! If I get my box in in time I'll go for it. What are the stakes?

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    3. Bragging rights and knowing that you've made a giant leap to painting your Dungeon Saga set? ;)

      I guess if all participants in the side challenge are willing, we could extend the stakes to the loser(s) paint the winner a fantasy figure (of the painter's choice) to go towards the winner's dungeon collection? ;)

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    4. I'm liking this a lot! You folks work it out and I'll log it on the Challenge page.

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    5. Aidan, please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  7. I'm in again! It was so much fun last year how could I not join in again! Put me down for 1500 that lower than my total last year but I wasn't planning wedding last year!

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    1. Please count me in. Thanks for the link Adam!

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    2. First, should I be extending congratulations Adam? Is this your upcoming wedding?

      And, welcome aboard Christopher!

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    3. Christopher, please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  8. I'm in! Your words extolling us to reach beyond our comfort zone are ringing in my ears. 1000 points, again. Maybe the third time is the charm.

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    1. Brilliant! A fellow Oldhammerer. Bring out the Orcs for us again Sean!

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  9. I'm game to give it another try this year if the offer is there. Been prepping figs just in case. Aiming for a nice round 1000 points. Looking forward to it!

    Scott

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    1. That's a great target Scott and it's great to see you with us again!

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  10. I have followed this each year, and have wanted to get in on it. I would love to get in on it as well if possible for this year! I will aim for 2500 pts but maybe a bit more. I have a few armies to get done over the holidays, and this could be very helpful with it. :)

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    1. Oh and it starts on my Bday! Huzzah! Easy to remember when to get going on it then :)

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    2. I'm so glad you're in, It will be a real pleasure to see your work up here!

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    3. Thanks Anne. Hope to pull out some great pieces to. ;) Need to get back at painting armies again :)

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    4. M. Lee, it's great to have you with us, please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  11. Fantastic news! Please count me in Curt, looking forward to it immensely.
    If I could have a 1000 points as a bench mark again, that would be grand.

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    1. You're on Michael! Wonderful to see you with us again this year.

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    2. Michael, still up for our Zulu challenge?

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    3. Aha, the Lord of the Vignettes has surfaced. So much for the rest of us winning any of the bonus rounds once again! :-)

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    4. Lord of the Vignettes - you cheeky so and so! It does have a ring though. :-D I see you are on top form already, it promises to be another cracking challenge.

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    5. Curt, Martin and I are going to locked in a side challenge this year.
      The 'Cetshwayo Challenge' - Who ever completes the most Zulus by the end of the challenge receives a painted Induna from the other. Martin has very generously agreed a handicap system and so for every one I paint he has to complete four!

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    6. I am definitely an idiot, off to buy brushes and brown paint

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    7. Sounds like an excellent duel! 28mm I assume?

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  12. Count me in! Points target to follow, but much less than those posted above.
    Cheers
    PD

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    1. Understood. Perhaps we need an Italian Wars duel?

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  13. Good stuff Curt! Please count me in as well. Extremely busy at the moment, so I will just target 500 points for now. All the best.

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    1. No worries Mark, it's great to have you with us again.

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  14. Jasper Oorthuys and I (Guy Bowers) of WS&S Magazine would be very interested to give it a go too.

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    1. Hello Jasper and Guy! Welcome to the Challenge! Please send me an email so I can get you both logged-in for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  15. Count me in once again Curt! Points total to follow as I have to figure out what is realistic since the wife and I have a winter project of building a 4' long version of the HMS Endeavour, but I think at least 1000 points.

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    1. You can always enter that in the nautical theme bonus round ;)

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    2. Lol, I wish.... My wife and I hope to have it done by that time next year, not this year. Those ships are hundreds of hours of work.... It would be nice to get it done, but impossible. Thanks for the thought though, I will include pictures as we make progress for any interested in another truly mad hobby.

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  16. Thanks for doing this again Curt. It is the biggest buzz on the blogging circuit for sure and I can only imagine how much of your time it gobbles up. Congrats on making six years, thats fantastic.

    Sadly, the timing of this event is very bad for me this year as I am moving across the world at the start and wont get all my modelling and painting supplies until the week before it ends or so. Which is a shame as I have worked so hard to build my lead pile over the last 18 months :-) I know that certain people (I'm looking at you Dux) will consider this a litany of flimsy excuses but c'est la vie

    Nevertheless I shall be among the many who watch with great interest - good luck to everyone and enjoy!

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    1. It will be sad not to have you with us this year Paul. If you can get a portable painting kit sorted feel free to drop me a note and I'll slip you in.

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    2. I've called Paul's bluff and offered paints, brushes and even some lead. Come on Paul, throw down your gauntlet!

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    3. Well with that offer it would be churlish to refuse despite the potential divorce! I will see you for 250 points as a starting point and we shall go from there

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    4. Brilliant! Another triumph for peer pressure. Nothing can keep us away from the noble craft of painting toy soldiers - no sirree...

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    5. Well done Paul! You can't make Dux paint your entire ECW force now can you?

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  17. Hi Curt,

    I would like to be in one more time.
    my target could be 1515 points to begin.

    All the best.

    Gilles "From Paris!"

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    1. Gilles! It's wonderful to have you among us again this year. I'll pencil you in for 1515 points...

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  18. I'm in. It was such blast last year how could I not be. I have 3 armies to paint so put me down for 2000 points

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    1. Three armies!! Excellent stuff. I'll mark you down for 2K!

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  19. I'd like to be in too. A 600 point target for me, I think.

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    1. It's great to have you with us this year Edwin! And 600 it is.

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  20. Hi Curt, splendid news and kindly put me down for 500pts again please. Plus I'm very much up for another Pulp genre Side-Challenge like last year if you (and hopefully others) are interested :-)

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    1. Ah, Simon, it's great to have you with us again this year. Regarding a Pulp side-challenge, you're on my friend!

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    2. Now what's all this Pulp side challenge all about then chaps?

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    3. Well if we go by last year's criteria, we add up the points of any Pulp Era models painted during the challenge and the winner receives a painted Pulp era mini from the others. By Pulp Era we went with anything linked to the first-half of the twentieth century (1900-1950's). So modern sci-fi such as B7 and Dr Who won't count but some super-heroes may. In the end I simply stuck to Bob Murch "Pulp Figures" and Curt proved a worthy winner.

      Probably not something you'd be interested in Michael, seeing as you predominantly paint Pulp figures ;-)

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    4. Oh go on then, I might have a couple of pulpy bits and pieces kicking around here. ;) Apart from anything else, they will prove a welcome distraction from all the Zulus Martin has talked me into painting.

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    5. Splendid news. I'm just basing up a load of Bob Murch's splendid fellows... ;-)

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  21. Yep. Count me in for the madness again.

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    1. Excellent Brendon, good to have you aboard!

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  22. Of course I'm in, but you knew that already ;-)

    I'll go for 500pts. You know why!

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  23. Hello Curt, i'm participating. 2500 Points from France.
    Fred

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    1. Welcome along Fred! Please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  24. Hey Curt, I see you took one of my suggestion (nostalgia), I'm honoured ;-)

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    1. Actually, you and I were of the same mind. I originally had it as 'Reminiscence' but this one 'hits' better. :)

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  25. I hope that this year will take me :) subscribe to 1000. no... 1500... no - 2000! :)

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  26. Life has been hectic and most likely will continue to be so (but in a good, happy way). So with that in mind can I get in for a mere 100 pts? That would be no Theme Entries from me this year as I would rather just vote and encourage people.

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    1. Glad to see that you might be able to do something Anne!

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    2. If Curt allows me in, it won't be much. But it would be more than I've done all year!

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    3. I'm looking forward to seeing what gems you pull out of the bag this year :)

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    4. Glad to hear it's a 'happy busy' as opposed to what you've had to endure with the past few years. I'll mark you down for 100 points but anything above 100 I get to keep. ;)

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    5. Thank you for letting me play Curt and thank you for putting this crazy, fun thing together again!

      @Paul, Hopefully I'll be doing WWII American and British para's. Mainly focusing on groups and teams, with only a few single figures.

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    6. Just like on Whose Line "the points don't matter" Anne! It'll be great to see even one of your amazing entries.

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  27. Hi Curt,
    I have followed the painting challenge for several years but have never taken the plunge. If you will have me I would love to get off the side lines. Put me in at the 1000 point level.

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    1. Happy to have you join us Eric! 1K it is. Please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  28. Count me in for another round! Now it's off to the storage shelves to start counting figures and coming up with a reasonable points goal...

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    1. Likewise. Looks like my friday night will be taken up with dusting off primed miniatures and seeing what point level painting ALL OF THEM will get me to.

      A pity I've stopped painting so many models half-way through, maybe I'll create a pro-bono paint list that won't earn me any points, but will earn me peace of mind.

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    2. The two Davids! Welcome! Mr. Schimpff, please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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    3. Alrighty. Got a lot of 28s to paint this year, so put me down for 850 points. Thanks!

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    4. Less than I though in terms of completely unpainted. Count me in for 280 points.

      Looks like my pro-bono exceeds the ones for actual points, I've got 310 uncredited models to finish off. Yeesh.

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    5. Posting this felt like throwing the gauntlet down. Into my own face.

      http://atomicbananapress.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-sixth-annual-painting-challenge.html

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  29. Oh..go on then....

    Millsy,,, get yer handbag ready,,

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    1. Now what shall be a target.,,

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    2. Wonderful!! It would be a poorer Challenge without you Dave. Welcome mon ami.

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    3. Sorry Dave, I sold my copy of the Book of Far Flung Handbags on fleaBay...

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  30. What the hell, I can always fail epicly again.

    Put me down for 200 points - I might even make it this time!

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    1. You're on Robert but I'm going to hold your toes to the fire on this one! :)

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  31. I'm in for 1000 points :) Anyone want to race or duel on the sci-fi side of the ledger?

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    1. I might be down. I have a few Sci Do figures this go round.

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    2. I am going no where near you on a duel Greg, you paint like a madman!

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    3. Greg, I take your challenge as well.

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    4. Ohh, Scifi is my thing! I just got some MERC minis too! Count me in too. ;)

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    5. Ah, it looks like you struck a nerve Greg. This will be a great mosh-pit of darkness. Wonderful! What will be the parameters of the duel?

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    6. I suggest that who ever paints the most points worth of sci-fi figures could expect, in addition to some nice bragging rights and the joy of knowing we somehow scared Byron off without firing a shot, a sci-fi figure painted by the fellows who did not finish first?

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    7. Very agreeable terms, Greg. Most points for infantry, so you don't have another Titan lurking about?! ;)

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    8. No titans in 28mm scale, at least - although you never know...

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  32. I´m here, I´m here, with a lot of unpainted figures and new projects!!! With a 555 points objective this time.

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    1. Great to see you with us my friend. I'll mark you down for 555 points.

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  33. Put me down for 500 points. That's half again my current stock of lead.
    ;)

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    1. That's what it's all about - clearing the lead pile just to infuse it with more! Welcome! Pat, please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  34. Hi Curt,

    it's wonderful to see that you're organising the chaklenge again!
    Honestly I'd love to enter the challenge but this time I don't see me further than 250 pts. I'm afraid that I will not tackle all the bonus rounds and therefor slowly me won't finish much more.

    If you accept such lousy, tiny goals I'd joyfully join the bunch again.

    Cheers
    Stefan

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    1. No worries Stefan, it's great to have you along for the ride. I'll put you in for 250 points.

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  35. I'm in for 1500 points. I can take Greg's challenge on Sci-Fi.
    Cheers.

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    1. Ah, Sylvain, my fine Fransaskois friend, it's great to have you join us. I look forward to you and Greg trading body blows on the sci-fi challenge.

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  36. OK...after many years watching from the sidewalk, I may join the fun this year.
    Still need to ponder if realistically I can take on the effort. As a rookie and a well-known slooooow painter among my gaming buds, how many points would you recommend to aim?

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    1. Brilliant! Welcome aboard Benito! As to points, why not aim for 300? That is sixty 28mm figures, or you will get that if you participate in every Theme Round - not impossible over the three months.

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    2. Who said fear? Put me for 500 points to start. I've been checking my lead pile last night and have a couple of unfinished IIWW and a Napoleonic projects to use for the competition.

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  37. Hoi Curt, try keeping me away I am in for 1500 points! Cheers Sander

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    1. Top stuff Sander! I'll mark you down for 1500 points.

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  38. Hi Curt,
    My brother and I would love to team up for the challenge this year! I think we can pull off at least 1000 points this year!

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    1. Ah, Grant and Evan, it would be a pleasure to have you join us. Now, is that 1000 points each or as a brotherly team?

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    2. If you would allow it, I think we would like to work as the dynamic duo again this year for a starting team goal of 1000 points.

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    3. Sounds good Grant. You guys best start prepping your figures.

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  39. Thanks a bunch Curt, always a highlight for us painters. Just got to see how I can get another Dylan figure into the prize again LOL

    Put me down for 500 points as my painting time has been cut back so very much.

    Any one dare take on a 6mm side challenge? highest point total maybe? Yes I am looking at you Tamsin :-)

    Ian

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    1. Well, there is the Dylan song "Rambling, Gambling Willie"... maybe this year's model could be on a little musical diorama that plays that? ;)

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    2. Noo! Another Dylan... It burns!! It burns! :)

      It's great to have you in the scrum again Ian. I'm sure you'll get a bite on a 6mm (or microscale) duel.

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    3. Dylan would be great for nostalgia, I reckon. Happy memories for Curt.

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  40. Since I didn't manage to join in last year I'm throwing my lot in this year. Put me down for 500 points initially and we'll see how well hobby time goes through the winter.

    I'll also be putting a challenge out to Phyllion to match my points. Get them painting brushes at the ready bro.

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    1. Ah, it's great to have you with us this year Ian. I hope Phil takes up your gauntlet as he needs a bit of schooling. :)

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  41. I think I should give this a go. 500 points as a starter.

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    1. Great to see you taking the plunge Barks!

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    2. Excellent! Barks, please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  42. I'm in too. I have to get some motivation to paint my 10mm. I'll start with a low 250 points, since I'll be working quite a lot during that period.

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    1. You're on Seb! I'll jot you down for 250 points.

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  43. Just stumbled on this...I'd like another go, Curt. I'll try for 1500 since I eclipsed last year's goal. I'll also throw out the 1st Nation duel again too, Paint some War Paint! ;)
    As I just got out of the woods, I discovered a forgotten promise on my desk as I cleared it. It'll wait a bit longer though as I have just started an apology for tardiness for you and Lady Sarah.
    I got to store gear and clean some mud off for my Lady now! ;)

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    1. No worries David, glad to have you with us again. 1500 it is!

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    2. And don't forget the 1st Nation duel. The first Americans as units or hidden in the masses, cuz we hide real well. ;)
      But I suppose you all will let the Ole Potawatomi count coup on you Anglos again. ;)

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  44. I've watched this challenge with interest for the past 4 years so feels like time to get involved! Please put me down for a beginner's 400 points. I tend to go for quality over quantity, so I know my limit!

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    1. Welcome Samulus! Please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  45. Count me in please Curt, a mere 500 points for me!!

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    1. Excellent stuff Ray! 500 it is. Now, where is that Oirish friend of yours? Now that he is finally settled in his cozy bog he should be ready for a challenge. ;)

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    2. Count me in too, just to keep Ray honest and 500 as well!

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    3. Great to have you with us again this year Fran! I'll pair you in for 500 as well.

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    4. Wait... Was that the sound of sandbag being filled?

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  46. Hi Curt, I would love to be involved this year. Please put me down for 500 points if there is room. Thanks, Stephen

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    1. Sounds great Stephen, I'll mark you down for 500. Please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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    2. Good man Steve! That makes 4 Odinians so far.

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  47. I'm a glutton for punishment and see no reason why I shouldn't try to again and keep with tradition in failing to reach one points goal.....who knows I may actually succeed this time(no laughing please). I was so pathetic last time I think I even failed to do the entry figure which means I would owe you two figures instead of one. If you have space and you'll take me then please put me down for my usual 500pts.

    Christopher

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    1. It's wonderful to see you join us again Christopher. The past few years has just been the softening up of the target - now you go in for the assault! :)

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    2. Yes, that's it! I was just softening up the target all these years! Success will be mine!(Add maniacal cackling laughter)

      I assume you have my e-mail address and if not let me know. Also will we be using the same blog as last year?

      Christopher

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  48. Hi Curt, i would love to participate again. Put me in for the traditional 500 points and see if the other members of the dutch water-bicycle detachement will follow.

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    1. Hello Jake! It's great to hear from you. Absolutely, I'll mark you down for 500 and await the rest of the Water Bicycle vanguard. :)

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  49. Please count me in for 1500 points. I've been looking forward to this since summer, when I finally got over my hangover from the last one.

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    1. As an aside, I have challenged Paul O'G to a side challenge. He'll be painting in 6mm. I'm going to match him in the same genre in 28mm. I am, of course, counting on the chaos he is facing to make this even remotely possible. Now, what are we painting mate?

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  50. As a newbie, I'm a bit unclear on how this will all work. But I'm up for the challenge. I assume you'll be emailing the details. Let's start at 1000 points and see how this goes. Also, I am a commission painter. Should I count all figures I paint or only those which are mine?
    Ken

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    1. Sounds great Ken. We've had a few commission painters in the past and what we ask is that you try to keep your entries to your own collection. Please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  51. I'm in of course once again, but then you already knew that. :-)

    I'm "putting my feet up" a bit this year and taking things at a more sedate pace so please put me down for a "low key" 2000 points. And before Messers Dave and Miles start throwing challenges about the place I'll decline those gracefully also.

    We've all said it countless times now it seems but that doesn't mean it can't be said again. You're a gent and scholar sir for putting the show on and investing so much time and energy. Besides that, Lady Sarah is a goddess walking amongst us mere mortals for putting up with both yourself and the rest of us for three months of madness...

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    1. Yeah.. Yeah..

      Time to paint those camels matey

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    2. Welcome back Millsy! Good to see you starting so..."low key" once again...are you going to join in our sci fi smackdown?

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    3. I think he is trying to lure us into a false sense of security.

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    4. I do hope he's taking the mickey as I'll miss the smackdown's between he and Dave.

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    5. Thank you Millsy, it's wonderful to have you with this merry bunch of maniacs again. I'll pencil you down for 2000 points but I have a suspicion you will be breaching that target sooner rather than later. :)

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  52. Please put me down for 500 pts Curt. That smooth talking rascal Dux Homunculorum has issued a group challenge to the Odin's Night Gamers. Despite my handle being "slowpainter" I cannot let the opportunity pass.
    Look out Alan, we may have to change some Wednesday nights to group "paint-ins".
    John "slowpainter" Shoemark

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    1. Group paint-ins sound great. Last time I did that was with a mate during long wet UK afternoons with beer to hand and classic war movies on in the background. Game on, Mr Slowpainter.

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    2. Sounds great John! Let me know how many points you want to go for and please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  53. With such an august audience who am I not to take up the gauntlet?
    Just as matey Axebreaker it seems like I'm a sucker for castigating myself too.
    Put me down for 500 pts again, would you?
    Glad you're runnning the show again and my heart felt admiration to Lady Sarah for having to make do with an completely over-occupied husband again this year.

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    1. Great you are entering as well Nick! As extra incentive could I interest you in a side bet of whoever accumulates the most straight non bonus points at the end wins? The loser has to paint a figure of the winners choice?I already have an idea of what I want. :-)

      Christopher

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    2. Of course I'm more than happy to accept the challenge my friend. I'll make up my mind as to what I want you to paint for me.

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    3. Thank you Nick! It's always a pleasure having you and your brushwork featured during the Challenge. I'll mark you down for 500 points.

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  54. I really would like to participate, count me in for 500pts and lets see if I can go further.

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    1. Welcome aboard Toturi. Please send me an email so I can get you logged for future communication. curtcampbell at mac dot com

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  55. I'd love to participate again please Curt! Put me down for 1,000 points as a stretch.

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    1. You're on Jamie! I'll put you down for 1K and see how long it takes you to crash through that. :)

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  56. I'm in again if you'll have me, although I may have to paint something other than lord of the rings this time! I've got to go for the stretch goal so put me down for 1000 this time.
    Hmmmmmm, whatever shall my theme be?

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    1. Excellent Ste, I'll peg you at 1000 points of non-LotR (though I won't hold you to that). :)

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  57. Hopefully I made it in time this year. Put me down for 1000 points. Thanks.... Doug Rosson.

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  58. I enjoyed watching last year's challenge, and I'd like to enter this year. Please put me down for 400 points.

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  59. Having watched the Challenge last year, I'd like to join for the first time - unfortunately, I'm no risk taker, so I'll go for 200 points… Thanks!

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  60. Every competition needs spectators, so good luck to all! It will be entertaining to watch from the sidelines.

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Thanks for your comment! As long as you're not a spam droid I'll have it up on the blog soon. :)