'Characters/Scene from' KyleC, ClintB, IanW, SimonM - 'Do Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep?'

So with this years entry figure being a group collaboration, ClintB was kind enough to set up a small group of us to put together a set for Curt!

After batting around a few ideas, it was agreed that a few of us would paint up some Sheep. But what to do with them from there was going to be the question. Should we just base them separately or in mini groups, and then ship them altogether? Or should we do a larger scene?

I was not really in the mood for painting sheep ( cause the rest of the guys were doing a fantastic job on them already ) so offered up putting them all together onto a larger base and make a small diorama out of it!

I had no idea what I was going to really do with them so began to work on a few ideas first.. penciling in some scenes or theories of what could be done.

It was while chatting with Clint about how I had some robots kicking around that the idea of Philip K Dick book "Do androids dream of Electronic sheep?" came in... was more intrigued when I found out it was the inspiration for Blade Runner.. 

So off I went trying to find the most appropriate socket to fit this all on. And in the end I actually used 2! One for the main base there, and the other to help create a ledge/cliff for the robot to sit on. 

I think that the work that ClintB, IanW and SimonM put into the sheep to make this happen was really what pushed the project forward. And I was lucky enough to receive them to put together such a scene. Their faith that I wouldn't botch it all up at the finish line was great to have!

Now final photos are being taken, and the package being boxed up ready for the long trip to the Prairies, Canada to sit at its new home!

'Choice of the Challenge' from IanW - Body of Work

 

 

'Defensive Terrain' from IanW - 'Vauban Fort'

This could have been for the Nostalgia round as it's a VERY old Baccus produce from the days where Baccus supplied resin buildings. Peter sold this part of his business many years ago but the new owner never brought them back out as intended. So they are extremely difficult to get your hands on them. Of course this makes them rather pricey when they come to light but not in this case as a mate owned them and felt he would not use them as he dislikes the way the figures on bases stick over the walls.

So he was kind enough to give the set to me and it's been sitting in it's box for about a year. Whilst 6mm is normally not allowed in the bonus rounds Curt was kind enough to allow this to be included due to it's size. It comprises of six main defensive points with six walls making up the distinctive star shape and six outer points to break up attacks and protect the walls. The figures and buildings are old projects so don't count. An extra point and wall section are supplied showing breaches.

It has two wall sections with doorways and these have some nice detail that adds a bit of interest to the otherwise fairly drab walls.

I have used various greys built up from dark to light to try and get the look of worn stone. I also inked the walls at about the halfway point and once dry went with more drybrushing.

The interior area's I used flat brown and then a couple of highlights and then added static grass for the banks and other area's where less likely to be walked on. I am reasonably pleased with how it has come out and hope it gets a few games out of it. The last shot shows a pen so as to help the none 6mm painters get an idea of the size. The fact it's modules means we can use it in different ways.



 

'Nostalgia' from IanW - 15mm Hoplites

I am struggling with ideas for a few of the bonus rounds in the challenge but not this one. I immediately thought of one of the very first armies I ever built and the first to be fully ready to roll. That being my Later Achaemenid Persian Army for WRG 6th edition. One of my favourite units was the Hoplites, often the only troops left after a few morale tests. 

So in honour of these brave boys I have painted up another Field of Glory/Hail Caesar Hoplite unit. Back in my youth I liked to add the odd shield design that raised the odd eyebrow such as a smiley face or cafe advert! To keep this tradition going I added a little American Football reference, rather ironic as I painted this my team was lacking it!

The second rank advanced to the front. I have to admit that I have done much better shields but my eye was not really in the zone but they will manage OK. This is only the second unit of Hoplites I have painted in the last two decades.

Last pic shows the back of the figures. These are literally the old Chariot Miniature castings. I have enough for another three units and hope to get them done before the end of the challenge even though I really don't need any more units but they may come in handy if I get to play a REALLY big game.

Cheers
Ian