From SebG: Ronin #38 and His Two Compatriots (30 points)

From Seb:

My new entry is about the long awaited ronin! Since I didn't have any in stock, I bought a set of three from Black hat miniatures, and they look pretty good. They have characterful faces and I enjoyed painting them, even though I really don't like 28mm. I kept the painting quite simple. 

After all, they're supposed to be ronin, and according to the story, they had to stay low. So, too fancy a dress, and Bob's your uncle. 

Curt's ronin will the red one. 

The thing, I really don't know what to do with the other two. If someone has an idea ;)

Lovely stuff Seb! You've done a great service to a wonderful set of sculpts. I really like how you painted the kimonos on each of the three models, they work so well together. In fact, it would be a crying shame to break them up...  

Just sayin'.  ;-P

Ronin #38 and his two bow-armed pals (as opposed to bow legged) will give Seb 30 points. Thanks so much, mon ami!

From Greg: 28mm King's Royal Rifles for the Sudan (120 points)

From Greg:

More Sudan figures for the Challenge Gods.  As before, these are 28mm sculpts from the Perry Twins' Sudan collection. These lads will represent the 3rd battalion, 60th regiment, King's Royal Rifle Corps, on the table. 

The KRRC fought with General Graham's force out of Suakin in 1884 as part of General Buller's brigade.  They saw action at both El Teb and Tamai.  

Their uniforms were consistent with the other British units of the time and theatre i.e. grey(ish) khaki and stained helmets with a pugree   But they are still rifles, and of course rifles always have to be DIFFERENT somehow, or they will go over to one side of the table and pout the whole time.  

In this case, the difference was slight - the webbing and all of their gear was black leather, not buff or white clayed.  It does not confer any extra range for their shooting on the table top :)

There are 19 "advancing" rifle figures, two NCOs, a musician and an officer.  I find the Perrys do an incredible job with their sculpting, such that 20 guys with the same pose still manage to look slightly different enough that the clone-wars look is avoided. 

On to more Sudan stuff as the deadline approaches...

Beautiful work on these Rifles, Greg, and not a mullet amongst them, amazing... Seriously, these guys are fabulous and I can't wait to see them on the tabletop. Is the idea to to put them into sabot trays for larger 'Black Powder' games? 

The KRRC will give Greg 120 points to add to his tally. Great stuff!

From RossM: 28mm Vikings for SAGA (66 points)

From Ross:

First up are 2 points worth of Vikings for SAGA. The figures are 28mm from Gripping Beast and have been great to paint. The warrior base are shown mostly saboted for Impetus, but on this occasion will also be used for SAGA. 

The Ulfhednar are going to be used for Berserkers in SAGA and were great to paint. Lots of character in these guys and they owe a lot to DeanM of the WAB Corner for inspiration.

Excellent work Ross. This is a suitably fierce lot and I especially like their groundwork and sheilds.

These two Viking units will give Ross 66 points. Well done!