Skarloc's Wood Elves from a Different Dimension

Still Looking

Skarloc's wood elves is one the best regiments of renown and whilst I couldn't quite stretch the budget to a complete set. But I did manage to get Skarloc himself and painted an ex-Grenadier command group to join him including my choice for Wardancer captain. 

Obviously the proper Skarloc's wood elves were sculpted by Jes Goodwin and the ex-Grenadier ones by Mark Copplestone.  Both sets are excellent but where I think Jes Goodwin's elves just win over Mark's ones. Because Jes has sculpted his figures with a wider variety of kit and looks. The ex-Grenadier minis just look like they all went to the same hairdresser and clothing stylist.

 As usual on to the beer.

Rob

Minotaurs Better Late then Never

More Army Building

Look back a couple of years and the first army I built since restarting painting was a Malal chaos army. In this army I had unit of minotaurs. At the time I was using some ex-Grenadier  Hobgoblins as proxies (not pixies). As I really like the models and they have enough weight to act the part.  Anyway fast forward a couple of years and I picked up these minotaurs for £2 each at Salute. I now realise I am still one minotaur short and hopefully I won't have to wait another couple of years to complete the minotaur champion (I have a couple of figures in mind).  But the rank and file are nearly done.  

Nearly done with the third minotaur.

The original 'minotaur' unit for Malal's chaos army. 

Rob

Ted Sandyman - Friend of Sharkey

The Miller's Son 

Not all halflings cheered the return of Frodo and company. Some like Ted Sandyman supported Sharkey in exchange for money and power. 

I originally did a simple weapon swap but soon realised Ted needed a bit more work. He spends his time working in the mill. So I decided to remove the original short sword and slingshot pouch and replaced them with apron and money pouch to make him more industrial looking.  He would be a good stand in for a blacksmith. 

With only a dozen miniatures in Mark Copplestone's range of halflings for Grenadier. Most miniatures get used more than once.  But this is the first time I have turned one into  a blacksmith type. 

Not all hobbits are so easily cowered!

 

Forgot to take a picture of the back after he
was painted. But you get the idea. 

Halflings by the dozen 

Rob 

Wargames Bingo Part 4

 Halfling Knights, Finishing Off Figures & Chrimbo Duels

I continue to work my way through the Wargaming bingo card and now I am having think about what projects are need to complete the remaining squares. Which is an interesting way to drive some unusual projects. I got a scenery kit at Salute which I plan to do to finish another square. 

No.13 - Break out a game or army you have not played in over a year, Play it and paint at least one new model for your force.

Now this is a technical choice, as I haven't played any games for over a year prior to the Fantasy Warrior's game last month. So technically any figure would count against this square. However, I haven't played Fantasy Warriors for at least a couple of years prior to Lockdown. So I think this follows both the letter and the spirit of the request.

My unit of revenants have been missing a standard bearer for dome time and this is a Bob Naismith sculpt done for Grenadier (via Fornlorn Hope). This figure seems to respond very well to a bit dry brushing after the washes. Making a quick and fun job of completing this figure.    

14. Paint a new version of one of your old character models. (Maybe the same sculpt, an updated sculpt or a newly converted version)

Before Repainting!

During Repainting

I have posted this figure before Halfling Knight and as seems to be the case at the moment, this figure is the one that inspired me to (re)create my current halfling army. The halfling army like the undead and Chaos armies which were all started as a mini-project to paint one or two figures. 

I had a unit of five halfling knights, so have painted this model at least six times now and may paint another of the remaining halfling knights with a bit of light modification. Sadly I don't have all five knights now and don't have any pictures of the original paint jobs. 

and After

No.15 Make a diorama (Simply placing a unit or army on a display board does not count)

Barbarians vs Fighting Men

Undead vs. Halflings

Now I have just completed  three small dioramas (third one with pictures to follow) as Christmas presents. So this completes this bingo square. The theme of the dioramas is Fantasy Warrior duels. So not surprisingly the figures are all old Grenadier figures by Mark Copplestone and Bob Naismith. 

The undead giant is still available for just over £4 which seems an absolute bargain from Fornlorn Hope. 

Rob 

Lone Wolf Nidnuks & Emerald Prince

Only One Lone Wolf Figure left & the Emerald Prince

Easy Prey?

So I have nearly painted all of the figures in my Lone Wolf collection. Only one Giak left to paint. Whilst I will keep an eye out for the remaining figures. The prices are usually beyond what I am prepared to pay so my collection is almost finished for now My Lone Wolf collection Picture.  Anyway the two Nidnuks have now been been finished. These Nidnuks  are small mouse men who act as scavengers in the Lone Wolf world. 

The figures are really small, only about 10mm high. So time for the small brushes!

Gary Chalk has done a couple of pictures (One shown below) of them for the Lone Wolf books. Which nicely capture the spirit of the characters. I am not sure that these sculpts quite meet the high standards of the drawings. Fortunately other figures in the range do a much better capturing the spirit of the books and Gary Chalk's illustrations. 

Nidnuk Chieftain by Gary Chalk

Finishing off Some Fae

After my Fantasy Warriors game, last month. I was inspired to finally get round to finishing off one my Fae units, The Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt was missing the leader of the hunt - The Emerald Prince. In the game, the Wild Hunt couldn't finish off the Grateful Dead A Finely Balanced Encounter and fight lasted nearly all game. So I think the leader of the hunt would have helped tip the balance in favour of the Wild Hunt. This just leaves the sprite unit from my original Fae army plan. Maybe I might get them finished before Christmas...

I chose a classic Mark Copplestone wood elf warchief  from Grenadier (via Fornlorn Hope). As with all of the elves in the Fae army. I have avoid going for 'normal' flesh colours, so as the name suggested I went all in with the colour green. Which was an interesting change to stick to a smaller range of colours. He looks a bit darker in the photos than in 'real' life but overall I think he fits the bill. However, I would of liked a couple of extra different greens. So I could do with a wider range of paints. It is always more exciting to buy figures but a few more paints is a must over the next few months.

Rob  

Halfling Ranger Captain - Finished

 Captain of the Three Shires Rangers

Mk. 2 photos which seem to have come out better

I have finally finished the ranger captain. Who will be be my entry to the Golden Gobbo competition. There are already some really great entries. So go take a look at Oldhammer Forum • View topic - Golden Gobbo 2021 RULES AND SUBMISSION

Rangers of the Three Shires

The Rangers tackle marauding goblins

He completes the small unit of Shire rangers. 

Rob 

Defenders of the Three Shires

Halfling Army Progress 

The Whole army with nearly 20 years of painting. 

Finished rebasing the halflings that I wanted keep with their early 2000's paint jobs. They do sport a bit of 'battle' damage  but I hope this just adds to the character. Along with the first of the four rangers. These painted units plus a unit of militia will complete the allied contingent for the moment. 

The New Guys

The rangers were painted in a mixture of dark greens and browns to fit their role. Plus each had couple of minor modifications, mainly weapon swaps. I would have liked to use axes as their standard weapon as I thought this would fit the rustic role. However all the spare plastic axes had previously been used on other models so opted for spears instead. Which also seem appropriate as if you are normally facing taller opponents then anything that levels the fight is bound to be preferred. I still have a couple more rangers to do but these need to have the previous paint removed.  It also does mean they match the rangers of Ithilien for weapons. 

First of the Rangers

Next up, paint stripping on the militia and a couple more rangers. Which will pretty much use up my remaining Grenadier halflings. The militia will get a green / yellow paint scheme similar to some of the 2000's figures  which I quite like and a  nice banner to compliment the Giant Killers.  It is also tempting to get a few more from Mark's - Copplestone Castings. As he has done a few nice militia figures however, they are mixed across multiple packs. 

When I finally get round to doing the paint stripping.

Rob

The Giant Killers of Hambrook - Part 2

 The Unexpected Victory

The Giant Killer of Hambrook

Dimluk Grimtooth watched as the halflings drew closer around the hill, he was ready for the final blow. He had been fortunate to find a hill giant willing to join his raids on the ripe halfling lands. There had been plenty of easy pickings, but this was the first time his warriors had faced a real battle. By skirting far to the east of the Darkling woods he had avoided the dread queen Morgana. His cousins who served the dread queen had warned him she was not to be treated like rotten meat.

-----

The queen studied the halfling messenger. He looked wearied from the road and agitated by the delay.

The queen turned to the chamberlain ‘Fetch Maeve I have need of her spear and her wings.’

-----

‘We cannot stand against this giant much longer’   stated the Mayor.

‘But at least I can look him in the eye on this hill ‘ said the bloodied sergeant at arms Tolman Grout and he swung his sword to show he was still ready to fight.

‘How many arrows do we have?’ asked Brock.

‘Enough for one more volley’ said Tolman.

‘Good, we will give the giant a volley when he gets close and hope that will be enough.’  

There was a snort from banner bearer Sam. ‘We will not go down without a fight’  he said with as much gruffness as he could muster.  

The giant had stopped to examine a dead pony and poke it with his bloody tree branch. Dimluk ordered a couple of his lackeys to get the giant moving and finish the halflings. He wanted this battle finished so he could get to the plunder and the slaves before anyone realised, he was here.

-----

The faerie captain Maeve skimmed across the treetops and looked back at the elven war runners following her towards the goblins. She could clearly see the giant  and the few remaining halflings on the hill. They would be too late to save the halflings, but they could at least avenge them.

-----

With a bit of prodding from his helpers, the giant turned to face the last remaining halflings and the goblins made way as he approached the hill. The goblins started chanting ‘Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!’.

‘Get ready lads, fire when I give the command’ ordered Brock.

The giant trudged up  the hill with the goblins still chanting. ‘Fire’ yelled Brock and the volley of arrows hit the giant. The giant tried to swat the annoying arrows and took a forced step back. As he stepped back, he tripped and fell. Tolman sensing his moment leaped forward and landed on the giant’s chest. Not wasting a moment, he drove his sword through the giant throat.

The goblins fell silent and Dimluk stepped forward and roared ‘Who’s spoiling my fun?’  

In reply Brock picked up a bow and shot straight at Dimluk. It hit him in the eye, and he fell back reeling.  Before the goblins could react came the unmistakeable war shouts of the elves to rear of their line. The goblin line wavered and rippled before it suddenly broke and every goblin was running for his life.

-----

Mayor Brock sat smoking his pipe as Maeve landed nearby.

‘The goblins are on the run, but I could not find Dimluk. You must put more rangers to scout the Downs to guard against further raids.’ Said Maeve.

Mayor Brock nodded, ‘I think the other Shires may listen now’.  

Budding Halfling contingent

Painting Practice

Finished the Giant Killers for now as I have run out of halfling archers. The other halfling archers will keep their existing paint jobs. But will be rebased to match in.  Now on the militia and some scouts.  Both of which will need a bit converting and modding. 

Rob 

The Giant Killers of Hambrook

Home Brew Regiment of Renown

First group of four of the Giant Killers

The Story so Far (Part 1)

After the brassy note from sharpshooter’s horn came the cries of ‘Too Me’ as the shattered halfling warriors rallied around the blue and white banner of Hambrook on top of a small hill. The hobbits retreated, as the goblin warriors snapped at their heals. Mayor Brock ordered another volley of arrows to drive the goblins back and give the few stragglers enough time to reach the relative safety of the hilltop.

The militias from all the other villages had been scattered and it was left for the halflings of Hambrook to make the last stand. A few brave hobbit scouts harried the goblins at the edges but it was not enough stop the goblin’s  advance on the last remaining enemy still left on the battlefield. The black skull banners of the goblins advanced warily. None of the goblins wanted to miss the post battle feast due to an unlucky arrow.

------

The halfling messenger bowed so low that his nose almost touched the ground as he greeted the Fae queen in her summer court.

‘The goblins have been raiding all of homesteads along the northern borders of the three shires  and have now gathered to strike at the Winter stores.’ He announced in a hurried tone.

 ‘This cannot be allowed or will not just the halflings that will go hungry,’  the queen’s chamberlain interrupted. Morgana fixed the chamberlain with a stare, and he fell silent.

‘Who leads this goblin rabble?’  the Queen demanded. 

 
Painting & Repainting Notes 

After repainting the halfling knight. I had a look at other some of the other old halflings. I still have a enough for a  sizable allied contingent. So after searching in the loft. I pulled out several boxes of halflings. Mostly Mark Copplestone's Grenadiers figures from the nineties. Most of them have decidedly dodgy paint schemes and I want to pull the contingent into a more cohesive looking group. 

Quality seems to have varied quite a bit!

So the plan is to repaint them as local militia  units. First up will be a group of archers. They all needed paint stripping and rebasing. They will go back to the classic 20 mm bases so they can be ranked up properly and offer a bit support to my Fae army.  After thinking about a colour scheme I settled on a blue and white scheme. Which gives a unified look and speeds up painting. 

Test paint scheme

I also want add a bit of background to the main units and characters. So I have decided to have a go and write a few background pieces. So the archers have become the Giant Killers of Hambrook. I still need to work how I am going use the giant skull (from the Citadel Skulls set) but the most obvious seems as a top for the banner. 

Rob 

Grenadier's Halfling Knight

 Repainting a Favourite

Back in the nineties when I was running display games for Grenadier. I had a halfling army made up of Mark Copplestone's excellent halflings. Prior to the reimagining of halflings following the Lord of the Rings films. These were easily the best halflings on the market and haven't really been beaten.  Now I have repainted a number of the halflings from their original nineties paint jobs in an effort to 'improve' them. Plus rebased them twice to suit the rules of the day.  My only gripe was the lack of militia types which Mark fixed when he did some more for Copplestone castings. 

In their nineties glory with bog standard flock bases.

An 'improved' set from the 2000's

Anyway, I decided it was time to have a go at repainting the halfling knight. Who was one the best from a great lot of figures. It is a pity that it is not a two piece casting so that it would be easier to swap the rider for other figures. 

Mark 1 Paint Job

As the base shows, sculpted in 1992 and named Fluffy...

Painted using citadel paints and inks. I did use a contrast paint for the horses body. But wasn't entirely happy with result and I ended up adding extra highlights and washes. But overall I am pleased with the final result. 

Mark 2 Paint Job

Against orc raiders

Rob 

Warrior Part 4

 Warrior  9 - The One with Skeleton in the Crypt

By now we had really begun to hit our stride with a mixture articles from Grenadier and the display/Warrior team. We also started to get a few contributions from other interested people. I believe the cover for this issue was from an bit of old Grenadier box art. But haven't been able to identify the kit. It was the only one not originally created for Warrior with the exception of the previous one which used the Kill Zone artwork. 

First up the second part of Doug's Little Wars campaign.

A battle report between Fighting men and using experimental dark elf rules. The picture is isn't great but seems to be a photocopy rather than printed. 

The first of the Kill Zone scenarios.

And finally a few adverts for new figures from Mark Copplestone & Nick Lund.

Rob