From Millsy: 28mm ECW Charles I & Edmund Verney (30 points)

Millsy presents to us Charles I (with his head) and Edmund Verney (with, well, all his parts). 

From Millsy:

Here are some more 28mm English Civil War mounted figures from Bicorne Miniatures. This time it’s Charles I, by the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith. The King is accompanied by his most loyal servant Sir Edmund Verney, carrying the Royal Standard.

Lovely work, Millsy. I've alway really admired those Bicorne sculpts and you've done a brilliant job with them. (Hmm, I should do an 'After' version of Verney where all that is on the base is his hand still grasping the Royal Standard...)

These two will give him a base of 20 points but I'm going to give another 10 for the excellent basework and the proud Royal Standard (am I showing my true colours?).

From BenG: 20mm WWII Soviets & 28mm Ronin #2 (92 points)

Ben sends in this great group of 20mm Patriotic War Soviets and his 'Challenge Tithe' of Ronin #2.

From Ben:

Here's a few pictures of what I've been able to squeeze in between family visits and over-indulgence in Xmas fare: 11 Soviet infantrymen, 1 command base and 1 anti-tank gun and crew, plus the obligatory 28mm Samurai figure.

The Soviets are by the Plastic Soldier Company and are part of a painting commission I'm doing for a friend. He gave them to me about this time last year and although this is the end of the infantry, I've still got a few support weapons (mortars, light and heavy machine guns) plus an AA crew with 4 Maxims and a forward observer team to go. I'm hoping to use this challenge to pull the finger out and get them finished!

The samurai is from Eureka Miniatures and provided a bit of a challenge, as it's only the 2nd 28mm figure I've ever painted, and is the 1st samurai figure I've ever painted! I tried not to get too hung up on patterns and colouring, so after the briefest exploration of images on the net, I used my imagination to come up with the colour scheme. The figure had very faint stars, like those on the gloves and earpieces, moulded into the sleeves and legs of the kimono, which I originally painted gold. This made him look like he'd put his armour on over his pajamas, so I eventually painted over them! 

Beautiful work here, Ben. Those Soviets are the business (really like the AT Gun) but the pièce de résistance is the Samurai! :) Well done.

This group will give Ben 92 points to add to his total. Great job Ben and thank you.

From DaveD: 28mm Cowboys, Mexicans & Indians (88 points)

From Dave:

So it has been crack on time - all 28mm stuff . Clearing out the remainder of the unpainted for the Old West . With the campaign action starting next week some of them are going to be needed sharpish - one of the guys managed to role having his motley crew in the " Indian Territories" - so first up we have the  "Davaches Warband"  out for trouble and the only force guaranteed to unite the warring factions in the territiry.  These 9 figures are all by Artizan Designs  - the Apaches sets. 

Also the Trail Boss by Artizan I can't praise the Artizan Old West figures enough they have all been a joy to paint.

Next up the completion of the "Banditos" set and one of their victims - again all by Knuckleduster.   

Also another recreation of the "The retired Marshal" by Crusader Miniatures. I already have one in the collection. I have done this one as as present for a friend. Method in the madness of course as it will start his Old West collection.

Finally a mount for one of last years entries (The Man With No Name") - A mule from Irregular Miniatures. They are a great source for animals. This one has had a blanket added from greenstuff , and twisted copper wire "rope" bridle made. Don't go  frightening  the mule - you may have to apologise - and you know what that means - Get 3 coffins ready.....  

This now completes  painting all the outstanding Old West  miniatures  - and you  know what that means ... I will have to buy some more!!!

Now what to do next ......

Excellent work Dave! I love the pattern on the ponchos and you just can't deny Mr. Cogburn...

These rootin' tootin' bad lads will give Dave 88 points. YeeHaw!

From MikeP: 6mm Napoleonic French Artillery (12 points)

The Mad Padre (Mike) enters the Challenge with a very nicely painted battery of 6mm French Napoleonic artillery.

From Mike:

My entry consists of four stands of Napoleonic French foot artillery, in 6mm scale, figures from Baccus.  

This is a new scale for me, and only my second group of Napoleonics figures in that scale.   I like the fact that it is a fairly forgivingscale to work in.  I painted these figures in a day and had the basing done within a second day.  That's incredibly fast for me.

So far I like the Baccus castings, and have several regiments of French infantry to do next.  The biggest learning curve for me in this period is the uniforms, but again, the scale is fairly forgiving so I don't worry too much about being challenged by grognards taking issue with the colour of facings on my figures.

Great work Mike! This battery will give him 12 points for his debute on the points board. Welcome Mike!

As an additional note, we now have over half the Ronin with scores on the points board - not a bad showing for the first week. Thank you all!

From MilesR: 28mm WWII American Paratroopers, Japanese Mule Train (190 points)

Miles adds some armour and logistical support to his growing Japanese collection while also branching out with some U.S. Paratroopers.

From Miles:

This time the total is 31 infantry, 4 pack mules and a tank all in 28mm. Picture one (above) shows the whole lot. 

The second is a 10 man squad of US paratroopers (Warlord Games Bolt Action line) 

The third picture is of 10 more Us Paratroopers from Black Tree Designs, 7 of which have BAR's and three have Thompsons.  I think I prefer the Black Tree Figures over the Bolt Action ones.

The fourth photo is some US Paratrooper Command and support - a two figure Bazooka team, a 30cal MMG, a mortar (60mm but I'll let is sub for an 81mm!) a artillery or air observer and an officer with his trusty colt.

The fifth picture is of a Japanese Mule Train which I plan on using as an objective in some upcoming games.

And lastly a picture of the  HoNi tank, like all Japanese tanks it's protected by paper thin armor but at least this baby mounts a 105mm Howitzer!

Great work Miles! I love the various mule train sets that Warlord produces for virtually every range they support - they are just so handy and add such character to the table. I also quite like your Warlord paratroopers, especially that mortar section.

These figures will give Miles a very tidy 190 points. You're keeping consistently near the top of the ranking Miles, well done!