'Empire' From AdamW: A fabulous Persian adventure in 15mm - Dunsterforce (502 pts)

This is my first 'proper' entry as part of a desire to wargame 'Dunsterforce', a WW1 mission into Persia and South Caucus in 1918.

For those who don't know anything about it, this was an expedition into the area with the intention of organising local units to replace the Russian Tsarist forces that were melting away as the Russian Revolution took hold.  

The Ottoman empire was bearing down on the area and one of the many concerns, as well as loss of the regions oil supply, was the threat to the Northwest Frontier of India. Ultimately the mission was a failure as the local forces in general would not fight. So I feel this submission fits into the Empire category, as it was another fall of the Persian empire and the defence of the British Empire.

The force was comprised mainly of officers drawn from across the empire. They travelled in, literally, hundreds of Model T Ford trucks and cars as well as Peerless Lorries. They were supported by 1918 pattern Austin Armoured cars.  There were other odd vehicles including Rolls Royce Armoured cars.

There is some debate over the use of Lanchester armoured cars. I come down on the side of them not being there, but I painted two I had while the brushes were out.

My submission is for  (All 15mm):-

12 Peerless Lorries

24 Model T trucks

4 Austin A/C

2 Lanchester A/C

3 Crossley staff cars

1 Dodge Touring car

1 Dodge pickup

1 Franklin car

A total of 48 vehicles @ 8pts  = 384pts

68 Seated drivers/passengers/MG operators @1pt = 68

Empire bonus  @ 50

Another 42 drivers and passengers @ zero as they weren't needed, so aren't 'based', but it's nice to know they are done if I ever need them!

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Total pts 502   and a squirrel

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This project took me a long time to bring to the painting stage due to the lack of correct vehicles. Minifigs do make a model T ford, but at £6.75 each I baulked at getting 24 of them for a few games. The Peerless car and the correct model of Austin armoured car didn't exist either.

The answer was to heavily 'kitbash' 3D models and then print them. The Lorry is adapted from an AEC lorry, and the Austin was modified from an earlier model.

The Model T was a lot harder as there was nothing close.  So for the first time I wrestled with AI to generate a number of models and then 'fiddled' with them until I had something very close to right.  I have to admit to making it a fraction over size, so I could squeeze in a cut down machine gunner.

The Crossley, Dodge, Franklin and Lanchester cars are all Peter Pig resin models. 

The loads for the backs of the transport versions are all printed separately, so they can all be removed along with the MGs.

I hope that the pics show, that although they appear all one colour at first they aren't, and it did involve more than just spray painting them.

Oh if anyone is interested, all printed on a Prusa Mk3S+ filament printer.

Model T Ford

Peerless lorry

Austin Armoured car

Lanchester Armoured cars

Crossley Staff Car

Dodge Touring car and pickup

Franklin car (heavily laden)

'Empire' From DallasE: Sisters of Battle Predator/Castigator (Empire) (70 points)

                                      

OK here's the second Challenge entry from me, and there's a bit of a backstory...  

                                      

Many years ago (2012 to be exact) I was working hard on a Rogue-Trader-style Howling Griffons Space Marine project. I used a bunch of MKI Rhinos for transports, and I'd done one up as a Predator. Unfortunately I didn't have sponsons to put on that model and although Predators needn't necessarily have sponson-mounted weapons... they just don't look quite right without them.

Sometime later I lucked into two Rhino track units and sponson-mounted heavy bolters. Although I did have some other spare Rhino bits like hatches and a rear panel, unfortunately I was missing a very important component - the hull itself. "No problem, I'll scratchbuild that out of plasticard" I thought, and so I did. And there it sat in my cupboard, unpainted and unloved.

While looking for something else the other day (does ANYONE know where my unpainted metal Daemonhost, last seen in 2013, went??) I came across the model and had an idea - "I should paint this!" (radical, I know). I have lots of Howling Griffons Rhinos and none of my other Space Marine armies are in desperate need of a MKI Predator... but it occurred to me that this model would go great in my classic Sisters of Battle army. While the Sisters of Battle army list from the edition we play (5th) never included a Predator per se, our group is pretty relaxed about this kind of thing, especially since it's generally me that sets up and hosts the games. And the current list includes a vehicle called a "Castigator" that is also built on a Rhino hull and is armed with an autocannon, sponson heavy bolters, and a pintle storm bolter/heavy bolter, which is exactly what we have here. "Close enough for Adeptus Ministorum work," as they say.

So with the decision made to paint this as a Sisters tank, I noticed that the hull I'd built years before was a bit wonky, so I tore it apart and made a new one for it that passes much better for the original. I found a few bits to stick on the hull top, fitted a storm bolter, a Sisters of Battle front hull emblem and the last of my purity seals from Chaostemple.cz and GW, and the vehicle was ready for paint! I painted it in my typical Sisters style of course: black undercoat, panel highlights in Dark Rubber, edge highlights Celestra Grey, metal parts and tracks Leadbelcher washed with Nuln Oil, and dirt weathering with Rhinox Hide/AK Dark Brown/Steel Legion Drab. I also handpainted the fleur-de-lys insignia on the rear hull.

The Chaostemple purity seals are great, they're cast metal so you can mold them how you like, unlike plastic or resin ones. Decals are from the GW Adepta Sororitas and Imperial Tank sheets. 

You might notice a bit of greenstuff work on the turret. This is a GW turret but there were parts missing, including the turret floor and hatch... so some scratchbuilding was done to fix that too, back in 2012 or so.

 

I almost forgot one of the most important additions here! That's the Wargames Exclusive gothic headlights - they are great aren't they? I have 'em on all of my Sisters vehicles.

Storm bolter mount needed a bit of carving up to fit.

Here's three Sisters with the Predator. My plan in getting this done was to use it in the New Year's Day game I host for our group, the game this year being a 40K 5th edition matchup between the Sisters and Orks - pretty much all vintage GW models in both armies. We had a great time playing the game (Orks won, 5vp to 3 - the battle report is now up on our blog) and enjoyed some delicious Red Swan pizza and beer afterwards. That's how a New Year's Day should be spent!

As for the theme, well the Sisters of Battle are part of the Adeptus Ministorum, the "religious" arm of the Imperium of Man in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, so I reckon that suits "Empire" pretty much exactly.

Points: 28mm vehicle, 20 points

Empire bonus: 50 points

Total: 70 points

'Empire' From DaveV - 28mm Weyland-Yutani Starship Crew = 20 pts plus Bonus

For my second post of Challenge XVI, I finished four more figures for my ongoing Sedition Wars project; we have also played some skirmish games pitting Colonial Marines against Aliens and Predators.These figs are also useful for other sci-fi games such as Stargrave, Rogue Stars, or Galactic Heroes. (Note: I also highly recommend John Lamshead's Sci-fi Skirmish Scenarios as a source of fun gaming material.) These are figures wearing space suits from the fictional Weyland-Yutani Corporation, as seen in the movie ALIEN (1979). These are all 3D prints from Modest Minis Studio. One is armed with an M-41 pulse rifle, not standard issue for civilian spaceship crew in that cinematic universe. For painting references, I watched the movie and looked at photos of the costume worn by John Hurt.

Weyland-Yutani Corporation

In the various Alien vs. Predator properties, Weyland-Yutani had numerous non-manufacturing interests; it possessed extensive assets in interplanetary shipping and transport, and operated human colonies outside the solar system through the Extrasolar Colonization Administration. Weyland-Yutani was the only non-state entity to have a seat in the Three World Empire’s parliament. I suppose, similar to the historical East India Company, the Weyland-Yutani Corporation was shown to be willing to sacrifice human life in its pursuit of monetary profits, including the exploitation of indigenous species. These figures illustrate suits contemporaneous with the Corporation initiating human contact with the Xenomorphs, the Aliens in AvP.

Painting

After priming with GW Chaos Black, I used GW Corax White for quick zenithal highlights. For the main suit components I used various GW shades and contrast paints (including 4 different yellows, LOL!). The knee and elbow pads were sketched in using GW Seraphim Sepia. The verdigris-stained brass helmet, chest, and shoulder pieces were rendered in GW Agrax Earthsade and Coelia Greensade. I added further detailing (e.g. straps, lights, and knobs), highlights, and shadows with a few tube oil paints. I weathered the toolbox and the bases with a selection of GW, Secret Weapon, Army Painter, and Vallejo washes and powders.

Below, in an alternative timeline, four hapless crew investigate a Strain-infested space station, at the instigation of the evil corporation.

Scoring: Four 28mm figures = 20 points, plus any bonus points

'Empire' From Kerry T- Is the bow mightier than the sword (290 points plus terrain)

Morning, afternoon & evening all

I'm not sure if its my inherent Western bias but initially I felt I was struggling to find a theme for Empire until I remembered my Arab armies. 

I suppose when I think of historical empires then the words Roman, British & Napoleon seem to spring to mind. To paraphrase an osprey " the dramatic eruption of Arab peoples from Arabia after their adoption of the Muslim faith in the 7th Century remains one of the most extraordinary events in world history. By the end of the century they ruled a state that stretched from the Atlantic to India, from Southern Arabia to Central Asia covering an area far greater than that of the Roman Empire"

The Reconquista (1050 to 1492) was the struggle to rest control of Spain from the remnant of that Arab empire.

The figures I've painted are all 3D prints from Reconquer designs with the background walls from the Printable Scenery Port Winterdale Ramparts and Ruins range. I bought these and printed them off more than a year ago. My intention in getting these was to have some terrain/ city walls suitable for Southern France, Spain & Italy so being very different in appearance from the more classic castles of the Western European/Norman era 

The figures are Berber horse archers and Military order nights from Reconquista. The horses in this range are a joy to paint. The knights are painted to represent the Knights of the Order of Santiago whose initial function was to provide safety for pilgrims visiting holy cites in Spain . The bows on the Berbers are pretty fragile and 2 broke during basing so I decided to use wire spears for the knights lances rather than risk more breakages.

I painted the walls late this afternoon and am typing and taking photos as quickly as I can to meet the deadline. 

Fortification dimensions are 120 cms long, 8cms wide with the walls being 11cms wide. 2 towers are 24 cms high and 2 are 21cms high. I've not painted the inside of the towers only giving them a basic initial coat. I'm not sure but at some stage I may give this a wash but I was afraid to do this today in case I ruined them 

  

So in summary

12 Berber Archers @ 10 points = 120 points

12 Knights of Santiago @ 10 points = 120 points

Theme Bonus = 50 points

Not sure how much the terrain is worth and would value Byron's advice

2 squirrels I think

Many thanks

Valleyboy

'Empire' From MartijnN: The Empire Strikes Back [Empire] (90 points)

Well, I guess I am finally off the blocks! I am always a bit of a slow starter during the Challenge, and I am afraid this year is no exception. So, some long overdue Best Wishes for the new year for all you fine folks and your loved ones. May your paint pots never dry up!

I do have some excuse for not having been very busy painting. Just after Christmas this joined our family:

She is a little girl labradoodle, a companion for our Lucca. Siena, as we have called her, gets along well with her big sister, but as the dog owners among you know having a puppy in the house is not unlike having a newborn baby: constant attention to food and its smelly consequences, and thus broken nights and sleep deprivation… However, she is a joy and a delight.

In all this turmoil I have only painted these eight Late Roman infantrymen for Saga. They are 28mm Crusader Miniatures. They are not difficult to paint, but I like them very much.

I used mostly Contrast paints. I tried the Speedpaint Markers by The Army Painter/ Deep Cut Studio, and found them a mixed blessing. Some of them are really good, and for some work they are quite handy. However, I used the white for the tunics, and that turned out to a not so light grey. I ended up painting the tunics with conventional white paint. I think they look sort of okay, and the Little Big Men transfers really do a lot for them.

Obviously, these valiant soldiers are the steadfast defenders of a crumbling Empire, threatened from all corners by uncouth and wild barbarians, and from within by tax shirkers, fraudulent officials and scheming politicians. A fitting entry for the Empire Bonus Round methinks.

Finally, I am a great fan of Darts (watching it, I'm not a great player), and one of the most sympathetic players I know is Ryan Searle. Even though he manages to play darts at the highest level, he suffers from a hereditary eye condition called ADOA, which he has unfortunately passed on to his daughter, and for which there is as yet no cure. So for my entry fee into the Challenge I donated to the Cure ADOA Foundation, which is a Charity he supports..

So that’s it, but I will have to step up my game if I am to get anywhere near to my target!

8x 28mm foot @ 5 points = 40 points 

Empire Bonus Round = 50 points

Total 90 points

And a Squirrel…

'Empire' From MartinC The Empire of Mars (74 pts)

As we all, hopefully, had a happy new year, little did we realise we were being watched. The evil empire had sown division amongst us, making us distrust our neighbours. The more stupid of us started to believe in dumb ass stuff, making them believe that if they travelled too far they would fall off the edge. They had placed evil men in charge of some of our great powers and brain washing many of  us to fall for their snake oil and aggression. Wars had been started in the name of peace and leaders of small countries kidnapped from their palaces.

The world was ripe for invasion, and they came in huge machines to conquer. 

The tripods with their terrifying death ray

The crab walkers with its tearing claws

These 4 are the advance party to capture Regina, Saskatchewan. Little did they know that earthlings are at their best when faced with a common real enemy, and not a fake one.

These 4, massive, 10mm walkers are from Pendraken and were a Christmas gift. 

Scores on the doors

4x10mm vehicle = 24pts ( note they are massive, with the tripods being 60mm tall, so points massaging by my brave minion would be appreciated)

Empire bonus = 50pts

Total = 74p5s

'Empire' From Mike W - 28mm Holy Roman Empire mercenary Crossbowmen. (95 Points)

To participate in the Empire Theme I have produced 9 x 28mm Mercenary Crossbowmen in the pay of the Holy Roman Empie, some time in the mid 15th Century.

Nine mercenary Crossbowmen in the service of the Holy Roman Empire.

With a mind to be able to use these little guys in a number of settings & scenarios, I have given them a distinctive theme - namely Red & Yellow, to give the unit some presence on the tabletop.

I used a pike arm for the flag pole but this had gotten slightly
bent whilst languising in the loft for many years.
The horrors of war....

The figures are froom a couple of old frames of Perry Miniatures WoR plastics that I found in the loft. They were undercoated in a cream base coat followed up by adding the yellow halves / quarters on their livery coats before adding in the red as the 'darker' colour to cover mistakes etc. Padded armour was left cream but the whole figure was then washed in a watered down light brown ink.

Another view...

Crossbows were painted in natural colours and then flesh colour was added to hands and faces, prior to a flesh tone wash. The flag was made on the computer in Microsoft Paint, based on a design I found on the internet.

The Crossbowmen in column of march.

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Basing was kept simple, just fine sand and electro static grass.

POINTS

9 x 28mm Crossbowmen @ 5 Pts ea.                        45 Points

Empire Theme                                                            50 Points

TOTAL                                                                        95 Points

'Empire' From Millsy: Late Roman Infantry (475 points)

G'day All,

The Battle of Adrianapole (aka Battle of Hadrianopolis) in 378 AD was a pretty significant setback for the Eastern Roman Empire. A crushing victory for the Visigoths, it resulted in the death of Emperor Valens and was a catalyst for the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire as well.

As such it seems an appropriate subject for my entry for the Empire Theme Round. I've used the opportunity to kick off my Eastern Roman Army with eight units of infantry and a couple of attached generals.

Ostensibly for To the Strongest! they can be used for any rule set that uses units on single large bases. I've been painting these since the first minute of the Challenge this year, and using other entries as a breather.

In total we have...

• 2 x armoured Legionarii (legionaries, duh!)
• 2 x unarmoured Sagittarii (archers)
• 1 x skirmishing Sagittarii (archers)
• 1 x skirmishing Funditores (slingers)
• 1 x skirmishing Lanciarii (javelinmen)
• 2 x deep Franci (allied warriors)

Legionarii

Legionarii

The attached generals are on small half-moon bases so they can be used with a unit or left off depending on army composition at the time.

Sagittarii

Sagittarii

These are all Gripping Beast plastics and although the paint up nicely and are fun with the brush in hand they're an absolute bugger to base. All stand on a 2mm+ thick plinth that means you have to build up all the ground around them to avoid it looking like everyone is standing on a hillock. Not so bad with the lights but increasingly hard with the larger units and frankly a nightmare with the deep warriors.

Lanciarii

Funditores

There's shield decals from Little Big Man studios which were mostly OK although getting the backing off some of the older ones proved a bit tedious. They look great though so worth the effort.

Franci

Franci

All up this is 85 x 28mm infantry - 475 points including the 50 point round bonus.

Thanks for looking!

Cheers,
Millsy