Sunday 28 August 2016

Martian Metals' unreleased minis...........


Came across an interesting review of 2 pieces slated for release in 1982 that I've never seen before - 'Fallen Dragon' and 'Panzerdillo'. The former being self explanatory and the latter....well......a cross between a WW1 French tank and an Armadillo.......certainly an interesting design! Martian Metals went out of business following a fire at their warehouse which destroyed their molds.....the masters survived and everything was insured.....not sure why they didn't carry on but I assume there were reasons......



Panzerdillo is obviously based on the ELP Tarkus album cover.....


Lots of interesting links across the internet for Martian Metals - if anyone knows more please add them in the comments.

Catalogue PDF


15mm Article 


Various Pics and For Sale


Lost Minis WIKI


OGRE Miniatures


Traveller 15mm


As always I'm on - enquiries@deartonyblair.co.uk

Sunday 14 August 2016

Northumbrian Tin Soldier - Time Robbers II - Evil existed long before good....


Following in the recent footsteps of the Time Robber dwarven types, that purveyor of lead goodies at Northumbrian Tin Soldier has had the talented Martin Buck sculpt up some additions that fit the bill for many evil geniuses across the fantasy genre. 

All painted by the awe-inspiringly talented Andy Taylor...




The minis released so far are available here (please let David know I sent you).

I also realised, once again, that one could use these for games based on certain movies if you were that way inclined.....Classical Greece meets Napoleon meets Robin Hood's England and so on....all in the vain pursuit of a map which will allow, well, the understanding of digital watches for one thing. 

Previous release blog post;


Films to watch for inspiration..........


This would also make a great Frostgrave quest....suitably weird warbands abound within the Time Robber range and, of course, my favorite Nightfolk one....(more of my Nightfolk posts here).

Comments below or to me at enquiries@deartonyblair.co.uk

Friday 12 August 2016

A taste of Oldhammer.....Tainted Hobbit 1.


I think I have been infected once again by the love of old Citadel by that wonderful 'Bring Out Your Lead' meeting of Oldhammerers at Wargames Foundry in Stoke. Marcus, Diane and Bryan Ansell, along with a host of others, do a fantastic job of organising the gathering including supplying food and alcohol.....I can't think of a much better weekend's pursuit! There are a veritable plethora of blog postings out there for the 3 day event, a list of some I have found are at the bottom of this post. One day I will get down there...my good mate Tony Yates keeps telling me to come. Kev Adams was there again this year sculpting heads on minis for charity. Top blokes. Anyway, I had recently picked up a job lot of old bits and pieces and found this particular Hobbit minus his sword....slightly to the left of rear middle in the pic below.


How the figure should be, courtesy of Pmc815234 of the CCM WIKI.


Due to the greyness of the lead I decided to give him a controversial overnight soak in vinegar....this has been recommended by some to get rid of the dreaded lead rot......after an overnight soak he had a severe toothbrush scrubbing with soap and water. I have to say this brought him up a treat although it has to be remembered that the acid in the vinegar can also cause the chemical reaction leading to lead rot so ensure ALL residue is removed......potential screams down the years will otherwise haunt me. I then decided to cut away the remnants of the sword hilt and drill through the hand (using a pin vice) and also into the base. As below, he was ready to hold a spear or standard....


Whilst looking for suitable bits for him I delved into a couple of recent pick ups - plastic remains from other hobbyists' Games Workshop kits - these are a boon to anyone for conversion fodder. I noticed a Skaven Warp sign shield piece that fitted perfectly on his shield and realised that tainted waters could drift through the water table even to the far reaches of the Shire......I then found a suitable standard and removed the skulls and chains, then added a Skaven tail and skull along with a spearhead. The spearhead was possibly the most tricky as I wanted to keep the flanges at either side of the shaft (having to drill it out for the steel wire replacement). Thinking that the skull top to the standard wasn't particularly 'Hobbit' like, even for a tainted one, I found a candle that cried out 'YES!' in a little eureka moment. The piece is from a Scotia Grendel accessory set - they have far too many tempting bits.... 



I have since wrapped the tail around the spear to make it look as if he uses it as a 3rd hand and also added a rat (GW plastic) to the base. Undercoated already and hopefully the painting will start tonight.

13/08 A little progress tonight whilst watching the latest couple of episodes of Outcast on Netflix....really should turn the TV off and paint more.....at least you get to see the rat...


The full range of Citadel (solid base) Halfings can be seen here and, having had a look at them, it reminded me I have a bunch somewhere and may do some other conversions......

It mustn't be forgotten that Marcus' Warmonger side to Foundry has a wonderful selection of Halflings sculpted by the inestimable John Pickford....the set of Bulmoon's Bar and the Villagers are a must for everyone.....tell them I sent you.....



The full range is here.

A few 'Bring Out your Lead' posts






There is also a T-shirt to commemorate the weekend available from Warmonger Miniatures here. Marcus' sister Maria commissioned this.



'Our first t shirt featuring an Orc lllustration by Paul Philburn, artist and nephew of the late Wayne England, is now available for pre-order.

"Wayne was a massive influence on me... my artwork and love of gaming in all aspects of building and terrain loonacy which I've passed onto my lads...the circle is complete" (Paul Philburn)'

Any C&C as always to; enquiries@deartonyblair.co.uk

Monday 8 August 2016

The Holy Grail has arrived.......................


Sometimes the postman makes me grin.......I'll take full pics at a later date. 


Now I need to think of a new Holy Grail.....this has prompted me to a new project....top secret for now though....