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May the 4th be with you
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An Ork Warlord
When returning to the hobby, back in 1999, I began building a 40K Ork army. I had big plans for this army but I soon realised that the changed Warhammer 40.000 game wasn't really for me. I came to Warhammer in the Rogue Trader years, and hadn't paid much attention to the big rule changes that followed. So after a short "love affair" I boxed it all and put it aside.
Years after, I gave it all to my oldest son, when he found an interest for miniatures painting and gaming. He did paint a few pieces but else played with it unpainted.
However, one miniature was special to him and he has often asked me to paint it for him. And like all dads I've answered in the usual "yeah, of course my son"-kind-of-way - but never got round doing so.
Years has went past as he has just turned 14, and I've almost forgot about it. Till recently, when he turned to me and said that it would mean a lot if I would paint it as a gift for his confirmation ..... I'd done similar for his cousin some years ago and apparently he remembered that. I couldn't of course turn him down and say "no" - so with only a few spare hobby hours and a very strict deadline, I set out to fulfil his expectations.
The figure, that's so special to him, was a simple head swap conversion - utterly stolen from and old White Dwarf Magazine back then. It has a metal Ghazghkull Thraka Ork Warlord base with a Black Orc standard as a head - nothing really special about it - other than it's size - and the huge power claw ...
Games Workshop: Ghazghkull Thraka
Years after, I gave it all to my oldest son, when he found an interest for miniatures painting and gaming. He did paint a few pieces but else played with it unpainted.
However, one miniature was special to him and he has often asked me to paint it for him. And like all dads I've answered in the usual "yeah, of course my son"-kind-of-way - but never got round doing so.
Years has went past as he has just turned 14, and I've almost forgot about it. Till recently, when he turned to me and said that it would mean a lot if I would paint it as a gift for his confirmation ..... I'd done similar for his cousin some years ago and apparently he remembered that. I couldn't of course turn him down and say "no" - so with only a few spare hobby hours and a very strict deadline, I set out to fulfil his expectations.
The figure, that's so special to him, was a simple head swap conversion - utterly stolen from and old White Dwarf Magazine back then. It has a metal Ghazghkull Thraka Ork Warlord base with a Black Orc standard as a head - nothing really special about it - other than it's size - and the huge power claw ...
Games Workshop: Ghazghkull Thraka
It was a tight deadline. It could have benefited from a few more high lights here and there but I'm overall pleased and so happy, that I could fulfil my sons great wish and present him with this on his big day - 6th of May 2017. Will probably never see play and therefor glued into this glass dome
Congratulations on your confirmation, son - mom and I are so proud of you.
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Mornegueule Brisedent
And back to fantasy and something more dear to me. Yes a chaos dwarf but not one of my own, no - this one is a bit special as this one is an event model created by the chaps on the french Oldhammer scene.
Last year (2016), they gathered together in Metz for their second event and for that occasion (in association with Bruno Galice from Via Ludibunda) they have produced a model to give all attendants on the day.
For obvious reasons, I didn't attend this event but afterwards Bruno offered the surplus off and I was lucky to secure myself a pair of these beauties.
The miniature is a conversion of a miniature already in Via Ludibunda's nice range. The base for this conversion was a dwarf miniature originally sculpted by Mark Evans, called Spiky, but a lot of work has been put into it, to set them apart. And the end-result is a magnificent little evil stunty that fits my old school collection very well.
The French Oldhammer event model: Mornegueule Brisedent
Last year (2016), they gathered together in Metz for their second event and for that occasion (in association with Bruno Galice from Via Ludibunda) they have produced a model to give all attendants on the day.
For obvious reasons, I didn't attend this event but afterwards Bruno offered the surplus off and I was lucky to secure myself a pair of these beauties.
The miniature is a conversion of a miniature already in Via Ludibunda's nice range. The base for this conversion was a dwarf miniature originally sculpted by Mark Evans, called Spiky, but a lot of work has been put into it, to set them apart. And the end-result is a magnificent little evil stunty that fits my old school collection very well.
The French Oldhammer event model: Mornegueule Brisedent
A big thank you goes out to Bruno for giving me the opportunity of getting this master piece - a fingers crossed, that we might see more stuff like this coming years.
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A lady in red
Or is she...? Cause a rather disturbed looking lady she is.
The miniature here is an early John Pickford miniature. I don't know exactly when she was made, but my guess would be in the early 2000s and she is probably the first human John did - and picture a female druid - but a druid with some necromantical abilities - and would easily go as a Necromancer in my games.
It's rather interesting seeing a human from this early period where most of John sculpts seems to be goblins or goblinoid inspired miniatures sculpted in a classic heroic fantasy style. So, quite nice to see him experimenting with the tiny female proportions spiced with some slightly large female attributes :) And I'm very happy having her in my collection.
That said, I'm not that keen on painting female miniatures. Females rarely suits my painting style, but I've tried hard keeping the transition subtle and the skin as light as possible. Worked to some degree but I definitely need more practise on this subject.
Female Druid (Private collection)
For those who might like to see the original unpainted miniature you can find her on the Wikia - here: http://collectingjohnpickford.wikia.com/wiki/Other_unreleased_and_promotional_Miniatures#Female_Druid
The miniature here is an early John Pickford miniature. I don't know exactly when she was made, but my guess would be in the early 2000s and she is probably the first human John did - and picture a female druid - but a druid with some necromantical abilities - and would easily go as a Necromancer in my games.
It's rather interesting seeing a human from this early period where most of John sculpts seems to be goblins or goblinoid inspired miniatures sculpted in a classic heroic fantasy style. So, quite nice to see him experimenting with the tiny female proportions spiced with some slightly large female attributes :) And I'm very happy having her in my collection.
That said, I'm not that keen on painting female miniatures. Females rarely suits my painting style, but I've tried hard keeping the transition subtle and the skin as light as possible. Worked to some degree but I definitely need more practise on this subject.
Female Druid (Private collection)
For those who might like to see the original unpainted miniature you can find her on the Wikia - here: http://collectingjohnpickford.wikia.com/wiki/Other_unreleased_and_promotional_Miniatures#Female_Druid
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Collecting John Pickford: Dwarf knights of the Great Bear on foot on Kickstarter
Just a quick message to let you all know that the previously unreleased - but most awaited - Dwarf Knights of the Great Bear by John Pickford and made for White Knight Miniatures Imperium is now on Kickstarter.
The Assault Group (TAG) is running a short 4 day kickstarter campaign to found the final moulding and casting.
So pledge now to help TAG add these two new additional packs (8 miniatures) to the Dwarf Empire range.
You'll find the campaign here:
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Ask not what your Hold can do for you, but ....
When going through the lead pile I found this Dwarf Wizard - but judged on the pose he seems more like a missionary, town speaker or even an agitator.
So in these times of great fear, mistrust and isolation I found it most appropriated doing him as an agitator call the world to order.
You can almost hear him say: "My fellow Dwarves, ask not what your Hold can do for you, ask what you can do for our mountains, our sea, our air and the inhabitants of our world".
Unknown: Dwarf Agitator/Wizard
And yes, this agitator bears great resemblance to another unknown dwarf I did back in 2011, but this one is slightly different, though - but his origin as mysterious :)
So in these times of great fear, mistrust and isolation I found it most appropriated doing him as an agitator call the world to order.
You can almost hear him say: "My fellow Dwarves, ask not what your Hold can do for you, ask what you can do for our mountains, our sea, our air and the inhabitants of our world".
Unknown: Dwarf Agitator/Wizard
And yes, this agitator bears great resemblance to another unknown dwarf I did back in 2011, but this one is slightly different, though - but his origin as mysterious :)
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Maggie, Leader of the Miner's Guild
As I've been afraid of being accused of interfering with the election process in a sovereign state, vote manipulations, misinforming the people, hacking campaigns, planting fake news or what-ever seems popular these days, I've waited posting this till after the Brit's have had their General Election. It's done and dusted. Can't comment on the result, but I'm glad to see that 69% actually cared voting
I've waited with this cause I'm sitting on some news. The braking news is, Maggie is back :) Yes, I've heard that "the Bitch is dead" but I can present you with some alternative facts. She is most certainly alive. She might not be running for Parliament, no - but she has now taking the role of Leader of the Miners Guild at Mount Doom. If not in the real world, then in my alternative miniature world. Cause my DTB-Mags has now been painted
Dear Tony Blair: DTB2 Mags
The miniature is beautifully sculpted by Bob Olley and is available from awesome Dave Woods @Dear Tony Blair-blog
I've waited with this cause I'm sitting on some news. The braking news is, Maggie is back :) Yes, I've heard that "the Bitch is dead" but I can present you with some alternative facts. She is most certainly alive. She might not be running for Parliament, no - but she has now taking the role of Leader of the Miners Guild at Mount Doom. If not in the real world, then in my alternative miniature world. Cause my DTB-Mags has now been painted
Dear Tony Blair: DTB2 Mags
The miniature is beautifully sculpted by Bob Olley and is available from awesome Dave Woods @Dear Tony Blair-blog
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Collecting John Pickford: Dwarf Skiers from the OS Miniatures Company
After a successful Kickstarter for Alpine Gnomes (sculpted by Byron Harmon) the OS Miniatures Company is now planing their next Kickstarter - and an exciting one it is.
Their next Kickstarter will be about Skiing Dwarfs - a set of multi-parted dwarf skiers - all sculpted by John Pickford.
Here's a pre-view (taken from Facebook, courtesy Jamie Loft) of what we can expect seeing, later this year:
I can't wait - can you?
If you want to learn more you should keep an eye on their Facebook-page - here: https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolMinis1985
Their next Kickstarter will be about Skiing Dwarfs - a set of multi-parted dwarf skiers - all sculpted by John Pickford.
Here's a pre-view (taken from Facebook, courtesy Jamie Loft) of what we can expect seeing, later this year:
I can't wait - can you?
If you want to learn more you should keep an eye on their Facebook-page - here: https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolMinis1985
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Collecting John Pickford: Otherworld's Giant Stag Beetle
Otherworld Miniatures have just released their latest Pickford sculpt. This time it's the Giant Stag Beetle added to their Wilderness Encounters range. It's a multi-part model of 6 part and approximately 6½-7cm long.
WE30a – Giant Stag Beetle
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©Otherworld Miniatures |
And you can even buy a convertion kit for it and have it turned it into a huge flying beetle :)
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A doctor's appointment
Sorry for the quietness, but I have had a doctor's appointment - an appointment with the FU UK! Faceless Stalker/Asylum Doctor - another gem from my Pickford collection.
The Doctor was an entry for the 2006 FU UK! Sculpting Contest: "Asylum" (@the Frothers Unite-forum).
The miniature didn't win anything but was picked up by White Knight and moulded, but unfortunately never released. Luckily I have been given a copy of the initial master run of this wonderful piece (though I wish it would have been commercially available so I could have had two, as it was very hard to decide which head/hands to use) - but I went for the Asylum doctor's look - but instead of using the knifes hand I converted him slightly and gave him a pen.
WK Minis: Asylum Doctor/Faceless Stalker
The Doctor was an entry for the 2006 FU UK! Sculpting Contest: "Asylum" (@the Frothers Unite-forum).
The miniature didn't win anything but was picked up by White Knight and moulded, but unfortunately never released. Luckily I have been given a copy of the initial master run of this wonderful piece (though I wish it would have been commercially available so I could have had two, as it was very hard to decide which head/hands to use) - but I went for the Asylum doctor's look - but instead of using the knifes hand I converted him slightly and gave him a pen.
WK Minis: Asylum Doctor/Faceless Stalker
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Collecting John Pickford: BOYL 2017 and a mystery solved
For the last five years (or so) the Oldhammer community have met up at an annual "Bring Out Your Lead (BOYL)" event in Newark. The event is hosted by the wonderful people at Wargames Foundry.
Apart of being a day of friendship, fun and gaming with old lead it's also a gathering of great knowledge and history. Though, the focal point of the event is around the Citadel Miniatures' golden ages (the eighties and early nineties) the hosts (the Ansell Family) also have time and energy to talk and share information about their historical ranges but also their "New-Age" fantasy ranges including the John Pickford-years. As an example the beautiful Pig-Faced Sci-Fi Orks (Sporks) was shown off at the 2015 - as blogged about here.
As much as I would like to go myself my weak health simply don't allow me a weekend in Newark, unfortunately. So, when the optimal ain't possible, what's the second best thing to do? Well, sending a friend to town for you, I guess.
Luckily, I have such a friend, a dear friend who is also passionate about collecting and painting miniatures, Mr. David Wood of the "Dear Tony Blair"-blog - and Dave volunteered being my eyes and ears (and later wallet) in Newark. Thank you, David. I'm very grateful and I'm very happy that you'd allow me using the information and documentation provided on the day. Thank you very much.
So, the next few updates here on the blog will be about what came out of this year's BOYL - including the huge pile of new Pickford pieces I've succeeded finding with the help of David and a few other friends at the event.
But first thing, first - as it's no real event without an event-only miniature, right? So this is Olivia:
BOYL 2017: Olivia
She's a commemorative figure made for the event. The miniature picture a female imperial guard and is based on original 40K Rogue Trader artwork (seen down here below)
She is sculpted by John Pickford and was cast by Foundry for the attendees at BOYL 2017. Luckily, a kind person gave up their copy so I could have her. Ain't she cute?
But that's not the only event-only Pickford gem I've been given. At BOYL Axiom (@Magpie and Old Lead) ran a little Grox herding game. A Grox is an alien creature out of the 40K Rogue Trader lore. It's described as a large reptilian creature, but like any larger reptiles, it start out small. So, as a little participation-token, Axiom have had John making this wonderful little Grox coming out of it's egg - and a friendly soul have kindly donated an unclaimed copy to my cause.
Unofficial BOYL 2017 Game Token: Baby-Grox
With that out of the way - back to the history part and lets talk about the Pickford/Foundry years because a mystery got solved - and finally, the 3 variant heads for the (yet unreleased) greater demon have been found and have now been showed off.
Back in 2007/2008 John did a small range of Demons for the Wargames Foundry Fantasy range. For a long time they where unreleased and the only proof of their existences where a painted picture of Aquizalor Slayer of Souls in Kevin Dallimore's Painting and Modelling Guide Master Class from 2010. However, in 2012 Foundry finally released them - and they where announced in a newsletter with holded this ad:
The trained eye will here see that the "Demons of Death and Destruction Collection" where listed as 8 packs DM005-DM012 - but this screen shot might help:
I immediately ordered a set but to my surprise it came with just the codes DM006-DM012. When approaching Foundry they started looking for the DM005 - Golztariusbous The Ever Turning, but came back with a rather surprising message, that there was no record of a Golztariusbous and no miniature with such a code (DM005) had been made nor mastered - and the demon disappeared from the store again.
I was a bit disappointed, as the price of $20 were indicating a rather larger demon, as it was almost double of the price of each of the other 7 packs.
But Golztariusbous The Ever Turning has now been found, I think - both Marcus Ansell and John has confirmed that the guy you see down here (in this recently made mould) is very well my missing code. Although, John have aslo replied that he has a suspicion that a medium sized Demon where made, too. Mystery solved? or am I on to another mystery.
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©Dear Tony Blair |
And the wonderful people at Foundry have kindly sent me the miniature that was missing from my original order back in 2012 - and here he is. The long-lost brother
Wargames Foundry: DM005 - Golztariusbous The Ever Turning
Not as big as price might have indicate, but how do you price a miniature you haven't seen :) And very happy finally getting this little creature.
You can find the Foundry Demon range (made by Kev Adams and John Pickford) here: https://www.castingroomminiatures.com/collections/demons
For this range of Demons a huge beast was also made - probably 6" tall and an as huge wingspan. Marcus and Brian Ansell have kindly shade photos of a finished and painted version of it (one of a very few successful master casts, I've been told) previously but at BOYL 2017 it was even out of the cabinet. Again, David proved a true friend and captured this "moment in time" with his camera.
Wargames Foundry: Unreleased Greater Demon
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©Dear Tony Blair |
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©Dear Tony Blair |
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©Dear Tony Blair |
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©Dear Tony Blair |
All three variant heads the demon was sculpted with. Hopefully this means, that the demon can get an actual release. I'd do anything retaining a copy of this beauty (almost).
This ends my first post about BOYL 2017 and my BOYL-haul - but over the next couple of updates I'll make a coverage of most of these items here:
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BOYL-haul 2017 |
So you can be looking forward seeing updates about Pig-faced Orcs, Architectural detailing, Alpine dwarfs and more. Till then, take care
- Clam
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Collecting John Pickford: The Sporks (Unreleased Sci-fi Pig-faced Orks by Wargames Foundry)
Well, I said the next couple of updates would be about my Pickford BOYL-haul but to my dismay I've just realised, that I'd never shared my set of Pig Faced Sci-Fi Orks with you.
In 2012, when the Ansells took over the everyday management of Wargames Foundry again, John where about to finish a range of of Pig Faced Orks in Space with the working title "Sporks". The ranges consists of several sculpts and war gear items and got finished and delivered but stayed unreleased, unfortunately.
For a long time the only proof of their existence was this picture from Foundry:
But at BOYL 2015 people saw them and a few Oldhammers even picked up samples of these - and if you remember, I have (with kind permission of James Halloway (@Gonzo History: Gaming Edition)), shared these here on this very blog.
April 2017 I got approached by good friend Jamie L (@the OS Miniatures Company) who had purchased a set set of these unreleased Pickford Sci-Fi Orks of eBay. But as he didn't really had any plans for them, he offered me a chance of having them. One of those offers you can't refuse and a few days later 16 crisp Sporks landed on my desk. And how awesome they all looked
And now, they have all been photographed and documented on the Collecting John Pickford Wiki - but they deserve a blog-update here as well:
Wargames Foundry: Spork Command
Wargames Foundry: Sporks with pistols
Wargames Foundry: Sporks with assault weapons
Wargames Foundry: Sporks with heavy Weapons
Wargames Foundry: Spork Sergeant
Still a few more to be collected - like the weapons team on the original picture, the 5 jump-pack guys and the Dreadnought Axiom spotted at a visit at Foundry and then the beautiful Grotz standard bearer, I'v heard so much of, but never seen - but it's a start - a good start - and I'm very happy having all of these.
Only catch here really is, that I've committed myself painting them all up, but I can't come up with a colour scheme I like. So if you have any ideas feel free to comment and I'f you got any inspirational art or pictures please share.
Thank you
- clam
In 2012, when the Ansells took over the everyday management of Wargames Foundry again, John where about to finish a range of of Pig Faced Orks in Space with the working title "Sporks". The ranges consists of several sculpts and war gear items and got finished and delivered but stayed unreleased, unfortunately.
For a long time the only proof of their existence was this picture from Foundry:
But at BOYL 2015 people saw them and a few Oldhammers even picked up samples of these - and if you remember, I have (with kind permission of James Halloway (@Gonzo History: Gaming Edition)), shared these here on this very blog.
April 2017 I got approached by good friend Jamie L (@the OS Miniatures Company) who had purchased a set set of these unreleased Pickford Sci-Fi Orks of eBay. But as he didn't really had any plans for them, he offered me a chance of having them. One of those offers you can't refuse and a few days later 16 crisp Sporks landed on my desk. And how awesome they all looked
And now, they have all been photographed and documented on the Collecting John Pickford Wiki - but they deserve a blog-update here as well:
Wargames Foundry: Spork Command
Wargames Foundry: Sporks with pistols
Wargames Foundry: Sporks with assault weapons
Wargames Foundry: Sporks with heavy Weapons
Wargames Foundry: Spork Sergeant
Still a few more to be collected - like the weapons team on the original picture, the 5 jump-pack guys and the Dreadnought Axiom spotted at a visit at Foundry and then the beautiful Grotz standard bearer, I'v heard so much of, but never seen - but it's a start - a good start - and I'm very happy having all of these.
Only catch here really is, that I've committed myself painting them all up, but I can't come up with a colour scheme I like. So if you have any ideas feel free to comment and I'f you got any inspirational art or pictures please share.
Thank you
- clam
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Collecting John Pickford: Pig-faced Orcs
Prior to the Sporks I showed you Friday, John did a small range of Fantasy Pig-faced Orcs. The range were sculpted during 2010 (I believe), but again unreleased til 2012 when Foundry published the God of Battle's rule set, written by Jake Thornton.
In GoB the Pig-faced Orcs are part of The Thousand Tribes. In here Thousand Tribes are described as a loose confederation of tribal people how share similar believes of animistic spirits.and ancestor worship. The Pig-faced Orcs seems rather useful as such.
The original range consisted of following 8 sets:
However, the initial release only included these 4 set - here (all available from Casting Room Miniatures):
But with the help of Maria Ansell and David Wood I can now "reveal" the missing codes from this wonderful range:
So lets open them and see what's inside, shall we?
Wargames Foundry: TT401 Pig Faced Orc warriors with hand weapons
Wargames Foundry: TT404 Pig Faced Orcs with Crossbows
Wargames Foundry: TT405 Shaman and forge
Wargames Foundry: TT406 Pig Faced Orcs (slightly armoured) with hand weapons
All new pig-faced orcs have been added to the Wikia - here: http://collectingjohnpickford.wikia.com/wiki/Wargames_Foundry_-_Pigfaced_Orcs
In GoB the Pig-faced Orcs are part of The Thousand Tribes. In here Thousand Tribes are described as a loose confederation of tribal people how share similar believes of animistic spirits.and ancestor worship. The Pig-faced Orcs seems rather useful as such.
The original range consisted of following 8 sets:
- Orc Command (Chieftain, Champion, Shaman, Standard Bearer, Musician)
- Orc Warriors armed with a mixture of crude hand weapons (5 models)
- Orc Warriors Slightly armoured, armed with a mixture of crude hand weapons (5 models)
- Orc Warriors armed with a mixture of crude spears (5 models)
- Orc Warriors Slightly armoured, armed with a mixture of crude spears(5 models)
- Orc warriors with Crossbows and arrows (5 models)
- Orc warriors with bows and arrows (5 models)
- Orc Warrior characters (5 models - incl. Black Smith, forge, helper)
However, the initial release only included these 4 set - here (all available from Casting Room Miniatures):
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TT402 - Pig Faced Orcs |
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TT403 - Pig Faced Orcs Command |
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TT407 - Pig Faced Orcs |
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TT408 - Pig Faced Orc Archers |
But with the help of Maria Ansell and David Wood I can now "reveal" the missing codes from this wonderful range:
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TT401 Pig Faced Orc warriors with hand weapons |
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TT404 Pig Faced Orcs with Crossbows |
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TT405 Shaman and forge |
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TT406 Pig Faced Orcs (slightly armoured) with hand weapons |
So lets open them and see what's inside, shall we?
Wargames Foundry: TT401 Pig Faced Orc warriors with hand weapons
Wargames Foundry: TT404 Pig Faced Orcs with Crossbows
Wargames Foundry: TT405 Shaman and forge
Wargames Foundry: TT406 Pig Faced Orcs (slightly armoured) with hand weapons
All new pig-faced orcs have been added to the Wikia - here: http://collectingjohnpickford.wikia.com/wiki/Wargames_Foundry_-_Pigfaced_Orcs
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Collecting John Pickford: the Alpine Dwarfs on Kickstarter
The OS Miniatures Company (OSM) are running their third Kickstarter campaign and again its involving John Pickford. This, third campaign, is all about a general release of the Alpine dwarfs - yes, those dwarfs I preview back in June 2017.
I've been fortunate to pick up a set of these skiing dwarfs as OSM sold a limited number of sets through their FB-page.
And they are truly magnificent:
So, if you like what you are seing - why not stop by the Kickstarter campaign and also have a look at the beautiful painted samples Jamie did - just click the widget here
Oh, and don't forget to check out the awesome stretch goal that'sjust been added - a verynice little OSM signature piece - also by John:
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The MM90 countdown - the beginning.
Like most "real" Chaos Dwarfs fanatics, I considered the Marauder Miniature range of Chaos Dwarfs (the MM90-range) as being the ultimate and most true chaos dwarf line ever made - and they have had a huge influence on my own Ewal Dvergar-range.
Marauder Miniatures was set up by Aly and Trish Morrison back in 1988. Till then, the two had been working with Games Workshop for quite a few years when they decided to set up there own company. Their's lots of rumours why this happened , but like many I was stunned by their art direction and choice of style and how they put distance to the well-known Citadel ranges.
In 1993 the Marauder Miniatures where merge into the Citadel range, but not many of the sculpts survived in the long run, unfortunately - and soon became collectables.
The MM90-range where produced by Marauder Miniatures back in 1988-89 and were all sculpted by Aly Morrison.
Now why is this relevant you might ask, well the answer is rather simple.
Marauder Miniatures was set up by Aly and Trish Morrison back in 1988. Till then, the two had been working with Games Workshop for quite a few years when they decided to set up there own company. Their's lots of rumours why this happened , but like many I was stunned by their art direction and choice of style and how they put distance to the well-known Citadel ranges.
In 1993 the Marauder Miniatures where merge into the Citadel range, but not many of the sculpts survived in the long run, unfortunately - and soon became collectables.
The MM90-range where produced by Marauder Miniatures back in 1988-89 and were all sculpted by Aly Morrison.
MM90 Ad from White Dwarf #117 (Autumn 1989) |
Back in the '80s I wasn't allow to buy huge quantities of miniatures by mail order and sending money to an unknown company abroad. For a danish kid back then, it was rather expensive with international money orders, taxes and shipping nor were my parents that supportive, and they were pretty sure it was some kind of scam, cause "what company could make a living from making gaming pieces"? So I could only droll over those awesome pictures and dream of having my own set.
So it wasn't till around 2005/2006 I actually began collecting the Marauder Miniatures and by then they had become rather hard finding - and it took me quite a few years (and a lot of helpful friends) finding and complete collecting a full set.
I achieved it, but I haven't had the guts to paint them. Those of you that have been following my paintings will know, that I've only painted two - the Mage and the crosbowman (but I even gave him a Blunderbuss to hide what he really was).
I'd given it a go quite a few times, but stripped them all again, every time. They are the corner stone in my collection, but I struggle giving them the paint job they deserve.
But now it's time to try again. Good friend Sjoerd Trouwee (yes, the sculptor of the Son's of Siegward ) has re-found his painting mojo and has even started blogging about it - go check it out here @Evil Little Buggers. So we have agreed doing a little "paint of" - challenge and see if we can succeed painting the complete MM90 range - a MM90 painting countdown so to speak.
I've given him a head start, as he is down with 3 - and he has now painted the MM90/5a,c and d. He called the challenge for painting MM90/5d last Thursday (5th April) and posted the finished piece yesterday (9th April) ... pretty sure he has cheated a bit - hasn't you Mr. Sjoerd "Slow Hand" Trouwee? Also unfair calling it, while I'm away, ain't it? Anyway, I better get cracking, right?
And just to prove I'm not a cheater :-P
MM90 Painting Countdown: 24 (on your mark, get set, go!)
And I'm pretty sure I'll have it painted before his done basing - lol :-P
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MM90 painting countdown: 24
Like said earlier this week, I've challenged my good friend, Sjoerd Trowee in a MM90 Paintaton. Last Friday, Sjoerd called the MM90/5D as our next subject and I'm to paint that one, now.
Sjoerd finished it Monday, and then posted his piece on the blog. He did a stunning job.
Sjoerds mission is to replicate the original paintjob from the Marauder Miniature Catalogue - or as close as he can with the limited supply he is destined to being deployed in the Arabian dessert. Where I'm going to try out a more modern approach - and try prove that they still have a place in mordern war gaming.
Here's Sjoerd's finished piece - but do take a look at the blog as well: https://evillittlebuggers.blogspot.dk/2018/04/mm90-painting-countdown-22.html
Am I the only one who's missing an important part to call this one "done"...? Pretty sure something important is missing ... it's not a shield as it's a two-handed weapon ... but still something ...?
Well, never mind - cause I'm down on 23, now - let me present "Mr. Red":
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/5d
Now, that's what i call a finished piece, mate - note the little round thingy he is sitting on ;-) Muahahaha! :-D
And then, I'm to call the next one ... I might be down on 23, but Sjoerd is on 21 and have already painted the MM90/5a, MM90/5c and d, so why not let him complete the MM90/5s - I call the "so sort after" Marauder Chaos Dwarf Crossbowman - the MM90/5b:
EDIT: Change of plans. It seems like Sjoerd has left his Crossbowman back i Holland so I'll pick another one, soon.
Sjoerd finished it Monday, and then posted his piece on the blog. He did a stunning job.
Sjoerds mission is to replicate the original paintjob from the Marauder Miniature Catalogue - or as close as he can with the limited supply he is destined to being deployed in the Arabian dessert. Where I'm going to try out a more modern approach - and try prove that they still have a place in mordern war gaming.
Here's Sjoerd's finished piece - but do take a look at the blog as well: https://evillittlebuggers.blogspot.dk/2018/04/mm90-painting-countdown-22.html
Am I the only one who's missing an important part to call this one "done"...? Pretty sure something important is missing ... it's not a shield as it's a two-handed weapon ... but still something ...?
Well, never mind - cause I'm down on 23, now - let me present "Mr. Red":
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/5d
Now, that's what i call a finished piece, mate - note the little round thingy he is sitting on ;-) Muahahaha! :-D
And then, I'm to call the next one ... I might be down on 23, but Sjoerd is on 21 and have already painted the MM90/5a, MM90/5c and d, so why not let him complete the MM90/5s - I call the "so sort after" Marauder Chaos Dwarf Crossbowman - the MM90/5b:
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Just to prove I haven't jumped the gun and already painted him :-) |
EDIT: Change of plans. It seems like Sjoerd has left his Crossbowman back i Holland so I'll pick another one, soon.
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MM90 Painting Countdown: 23, 22 ...... - and counting
It's Monday and it's now my turn to post a finished piece after less than 72 hours calling the challenge and then claim the score .... I thought I had a stressing job, but it seems like my relaxing hobby can be even more stressful....
So, Sjoerd this one is mine - the MM90/5b is done or Ipkiss, cause you love naming them, don't you?Though I can't see whats wrong with letters and numbers.
And he even comes with an appropriated shield and scenic base.... (Sjoerd, that's the two round things you see down here - the one with the black rim he is sitting on and the round piece in his left hand, should you be in doubt).
I'm fortunate to have found about 20 of the original Marauder Miniatures Undead shields that came in the MM90-blister packs, back in the day - and I will be using these little gems for this countdown-project here (as they are almost as hard to find as the miniatures themselves):
And without further ado, led me present Mr. Golden-Green, the:
Marauder Miniatures MM90/5b
Not an easy one doing - not only is this a poorly cast miniature (slipping mould issues) but I really struggled doing the gold right. I'm still not 100% happy with the metal work, and will have to practice a bit more (Darn, cause I'd had great expectations after finding the Vallejo Metal Colors. Love the silver ones - but the gold has a strange green tint to it ....?) Any good golden metal recipe is very welcome.
And that's not all ... no, cause when painting single miniatures I'd like something else to work on, while paints and washes are drying. So why not start on one of those the Evil Litte Bugger had alreday painted. So as the title say and to even the score a bit, another one is done - this time it's the MM90/5a - (yes, the hair ball) that has received some paint as well.
I think Sjoerd called this one "Cousin Itt" after some old (probably black and white) movie from his youth. I'd have called him Chewie, though (but that says more about my ages, right?) :)
But here he is, Mr. Blonde:
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/5a
So Sjoerd, what are we painting next? My brushes are getting cold .... :)
So, Sjoerd this one is mine - the MM90/5b is done or Ipkiss, cause you love naming them, don't you?Though I can't see whats wrong with letters and numbers.
And he even comes with an appropriated shield and scenic base.... (Sjoerd, that's the two round things you see down here - the one with the black rim he is sitting on and the round piece in his left hand, should you be in doubt).
I'm fortunate to have found about 20 of the original Marauder Miniatures Undead shields that came in the MM90-blister packs, back in the day - and I will be using these little gems for this countdown-project here (as they are almost as hard to find as the miniatures themselves):
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Marauder Miniatures Undead shield sprue |
And without further ado, led me present Mr. Golden-Green, the:
Marauder Miniatures MM90/5b
And that's not all ... no, cause when painting single miniatures I'd like something else to work on, while paints and washes are drying. So why not start on one of those the Evil Litte Bugger had alreday painted. So as the title say and to even the score a bit, another one is done - this time it's the MM90/5a - (yes, the hair ball) that has received some paint as well.
I think Sjoerd called this one "Cousin Itt" after some old (probably black and white) movie from his youth. I'd have called him Chewie, though (but that says more about my ages, right?) :)
But here he is, Mr. Blonde:
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/5a
So Sjoerd, what are we painting next? My brushes are getting cold .... :)
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MM90 Painting Countdown: 21, 20 ... (it has become a trend - lol)
I was so close, but I had to call it in at 11 pm, yesterday. Base wasn't done and light was to bad for photos anyway - but then I woke up to this - https://evillittlebuggers.blogspot.dk/2018/04/mm90-painting-countdown-18.html - even with a little base - but I do miss the free hand on helmet and the wrecking ball :-P
Darn, beaten again. Sjoerd called it Friday at 11am (while I were at work). I rushed home to prep it and I had it based and primed before the day was over.
Started Saturday at the annual "Road-Day" (we are partly responsible for the upkeep of the common areas around our little road here) - but I rushed backed late afternoon, and I began painting.
Gave it a good 3 hours, but couldn't make it, before calling it in at 11 pm - but I did sent Sjoerd a WIP-shot, this morning, to show how close it was.
Due to the wreaking ball I actually named this one - and called him Mylo Cyrus (and not Miley, you son of a .....) - cause, I'd never give a guy with a ball in chain a girls name. How stupid do you think I am? So it's Mylo after our male dog, of course ;)
But I shall forgive you! :-) Here is Mylo Cyrus:
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/4b
But that's not it, cause it's almost become a tradition posting two, so why not continue this trend. I challenge Sjoerd to paint yellow, so I thought I better challenge myself doing that difficult colour a go, too. So I've painted another one from Sjoerd's earlier countdowns. His first actually.
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/5c
And then it's my turn to pick one. This time I've chosen a piece already primed and based - should give me the upper hand .... :)
I call out the MM90/3b - the Khorne guy, but I shall try not to paint him red :)
But in all fairness, cause Sjoerd is actually on a stop-and-go trip to the Netherlands (as I write this), and maybe because I'm away the next two days, I won't rush this. Don't expect seeing it painted till next Sunday.
Darn, beaten again. Sjoerd called it Friday at 11am (while I were at work). I rushed home to prep it and I had it based and primed before the day was over.
Started Saturday at the annual "Road-Day" (we are partly responsible for the upkeep of the common areas around our little road here) - but I rushed backed late afternoon, and I began painting.
Gave it a good 3 hours, but couldn't make it, before calling it in at 11 pm - but I did sent Sjoerd a WIP-shot, this morning, to show how close it was.
Due to the wreaking ball I actually named this one - and called him Mylo Cyrus (and not Miley, you son of a .....) - cause, I'd never give a guy with a ball in chain a girls name. How stupid do you think I am? So it's Mylo after our male dog, of course ;)
But I shall forgive you! :-) Here is Mylo Cyrus:
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/4b
But that's not it, cause it's almost become a tradition posting two, so why not continue this trend. I challenge Sjoerd to paint yellow, so I thought I better challenge myself doing that difficult colour a go, too. So I've painted another one from Sjoerd's earlier countdowns. His first actually.
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/5c
And then it's my turn to pick one. This time I've chosen a piece already primed and based - should give me the upper hand .... :)
I call out the MM90/3b - the Khorne guy, but I shall try not to paint him red :)
But in all fairness, cause Sjoerd is actually on a stop-and-go trip to the Netherlands (as I write this), and maybe because I'm away the next two days, I won't rush this. Don't expect seeing it painted till next Sunday.
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MM90 Painting Countdown: 19
I'll just leave this here ... just to claim this one before Sjoerd will take advantage of the time difference, again.
It's nearly midnight here, so lightning is to bad for taking proper photos and the P520 is out of battery anyway - but to prove I'm done ... here's the
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/3b
I will do better pictures in a coming update.
Now finish yours, Sjoerd - and let me know what to paint next :)
I'll go sit and wait ... with this:
Cheers :)
It's nearly midnight here, so lightning is to bad for taking proper photos and the P520 is out of battery anyway - but to prove I'm done ... here's the
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/3b
I will do better pictures in a coming update.
Now finish yours, Sjoerd - and let me know what to paint next :)
I'll go sit and wait ... with this:
Cheers :)
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MM90 Painting Countdown: 18
The countdown continues and I've only got 17 MM90s left to do (and that's only if I find a genuine and decent priced new copy of the MM90/1a "the Mage"). But with another 16 to go I won't run out of miniatures to paint the next week or two.
I posted my paintaton-piece on Thursday, but I'm still 2 miniatures behind Sjoerd. The above mentioned Mage and then the Assyrian, who is probably my favourite MM90,
So while waitin for Sjoerd to call the next one, I've finished the Assyrian
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/3a
And yes, that is a shield transfer - one of the awesome Carthaginian ones from LBM studios Perfect for this one, as the similar Marauder Miniatures Dark Elf shield with same type of facing is way to big for these chaos stunties.
And then I promised better pictures of the MM90/3b - here's Mr. Gunship Green:
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/3b
I posted my paintaton-piece on Thursday, but I'm still 2 miniatures behind Sjoerd. The above mentioned Mage and then the Assyrian, who is probably my favourite MM90,
So while waitin for Sjoerd to call the next one, I've finished the Assyrian
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/3a
And yes, that is a shield transfer - one of the awesome Carthaginian ones from LBM studios Perfect for this one, as the similar Marauder Miniatures Dark Elf shield with same type of facing is way to big for these chaos stunties.
And then I promised better pictures of the MM90/3b - here's Mr. Gunship Green:
Marauder Miniatures: MM90/3b
And with the end of April - a interesting month with a lot of MM90 painting - here is progress so fare:
Actually rather proud of them :)
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