On the "Naughty" List????

 

One of the gifts I received for Christmas was a McFarlane Avatar A-99 Scorpion Gunship.  I always thought these were cool looking in the film.  The model scales well with the majority of my collection.  It was a nice surprise to get it.  Santa knows me so well.

New Digs

 For a long time I have wanted my own space to store/display my massive miniatures collection and to able to work on my hobby without being in the middle of what's going on in the house.  Soon the dream will become a reality.

Our fourth bedroom which has been used for a variety of purposes over the years will become my new sanctuary.  Recently I cleared it out and have been transforming it into my future hobby room.  It's almost ready.  Just a few more final touches and I'm there.  I hope to be in by the end of the week and back to hobby time.

Dead Again

 Heroscape is dead again.  Heroscape: Age of Annihilation is not to be.  Avalon Hill pulled the plug on the reboot of the game last Wednesday citing insufficient crowd funding as the reason.  I'm a huge fan of the game and have enjoyed playing it many times over the years.  I was very excited to see its return.  New generals, new armies, new heroes, new rules...you get it.  But as of now, it's not happening.  I'm including a link to Sir Heroscape's YouTube video about the failure to relaunch the game.  I agree with the majority of the points he brings up.  Give it a gander and see what you think.

Age of Annihilation

Full of Bologna

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to eat were grilled cheese sandwiches, especially with tomato soup.  Sometimes there were variations to the grilled cheese.  It might be bacon, tomato, or a a slice of bologna added.

The other day, I was in the store, and saw a pack of Velveeta American Cheese singles in the dairy case.  Close by were packages of Oscar-Meyer Bologna.  That was it, a sign from the Heavens.  I grabbed a loaf of bread and off I went.

I should be ashamed to admit this, but for the past few days, I have been a bologna and cheese junkie.  I've had it in a grilled cheese, on a toasted bagel, and on a sandwich with mayo and tomato.  Pure joy!  Each one bringing back great memories of growing up with this wonderful comfort food.

Perfection!!!

Not Happening

 Sorry all.  Yours truly is temporarily sidelined.  Orktoberfest fell to the wayside due to multiple family issues and me reinjuring my shoulder.  So my angry green-skinned friends will have to wait a bit to get finished.  Sad...very sad.

Speaking of sad, the Steelers and Penguins are not looking so good.  Can't even get a little satisfaction there.  It's just not happening.

What is happening is my favorite holiday is rapidly approaching.  I can already smell the pumpkin pie and taste the turkey.  Oh yeah!

"HEY, CABOT!!!"

 

A few years ago I was in Kennebunkport and stayed a small B & B.  Each day they served slices of this amazing cheese with breakfast.  When I got back to the 'Burgh, I couldn't stop thinking about how great the cheese was.  After a few days of being miserable without this cheese, I ended up contacting the hotel.  The manager got back to me in a day or so and informed me that the cheese they serve there is Cabot's Extra Sharp Cheddar. I found some at a local store the next day and have been eating it ever since.

If you've never tried it, you've been missing something extraordinary.  No matter what you it eat on or with, it enhances the flavor.  Eat it with other foods or by itself.  I like it with wine or even with beer and soft pretzels.  Try it.  I hope you like it.  I think I'll go have some right now.

*On the Orc front, all 13 are blocked out.  I'll give them a wash on Monday.  Tuesday or Wednesday I'll start to drybrush and highlight.  Pics to follow soon.

Keep on (W)Orking

10 days into the project and so far so good. Some figures are a tad further along than others.  Most models are fully blocked out.  The Jade Fire Tribe only has the skin tones done.  I'm keeping to an earthy palette: browns, greens, grays.  The exception is the red leathers on the Warg-Rider.  I want to have these done by the end of the month.  I should be in good shape.

Orktober has 13 Daze

Nope.  I 'm not going to argue about it.  They say 13, I'm going with 13.  The 13 in reference here is the number of Orc miniatures I'm going to paint this month...at least that's the goal.  Twelve are from Reaper Bones Miniatures and one is by Pathfinder Miniatures.  When all is done, I should have one mean green miniature Orc Machi.....Army.  Stay tuned to to see how things go.   I'll try to post as I go along.  (The Orc is this picture kinda looks like me...I'm not green... just so you know.)

The Terror of Talos

I purchased this Talos figure several weeks ago.  I knew when I bought it that I would need to modify it some for the purpose of my collection and the role it will have during wargaming.  Like many of you, my first knowledge of Talos was from Ray Harryhausen's 1963 classic film, Jason and the Argonauts.

In the movie, the statue of  the Titan, Talos, comes back to life after believing that the Argonauts are stealing from the Gods.  In Greek mythology, Talos was roughly 8 feet tall.  Harryhausen's version in the film is a giant that grabs the Argos and rids it of its crew. 

Hera informs Jason that there is a peg on the Titan's ankle that if removed, it will spill the Ichor (life blood of the Gods) inside Talos.  Jason removes the peg and brings about an end to the giant.

My Talos will be more or less along the lines of the 8 foot version.  I modified the base and gave it a repaint.  I think it looks great.  Look out Argonauts!

As I Bought It

Finished Figure

                        

George the Animal Coal????

If you were a kid growing up in the 1970s or 80s there is a good chance you watched studio wrestling and probably saw George the Animal Steele going through his usual antics in the ring.  As I was painting this D&D Nolzur's Deep Cut Cave Troll there was something about his face that seemed familiar.  I woke this morning muttering, "George Steele".

I bought the figure a few weeks ago and after all the tanks and drones felt I needed a fantasy creature to paint.  I primered the model with black paint.  I then painted it with a coal colored paint.  Next, I gave the entire figure a navy blue wash.  The pointed areas and eyes were painted metallic blue. Then, I gave them multiple very thin coats of metallic white.  After everything dried, I dry brushed the raised areas with a silver gray. The straight edges of the pointed features were highlighted with platinum.  Once all that dried, the entire figure was given multiple coats of glitter and metallic flake paints.  The mouth was painted a gray-blue and the base was given a dark brown wash.  Lastly, the model was coated in a high gloss finish.

Hot Stuff

Great song by the Rolling Stones and an appropriate title for this entry.  I purchased a Desert Dragon from Happy Hen Toys for $20.  The toy is made by Safari Ltd.  I love the look.  With the six eyes, razor sharp teeth, six legs, and the chelae, it looks like it came from an alien world.  I'll use it in a sci fi game or with the Dirz Faction in Confrontation.  Regardless, I'm happy to include it in the collection.

...and on the Ground.

 Here's the rest of the pics. I had mentioned.

Kriegshund (War Dog or Hound of War)

The gang's all here,  Run while you can.

*Of note, the Ukrainians use of drones against Russian tanks inspired me to create the Swamp Bug.  The "Mosquitos" and the "Kreigshund" models I created a while back.  I finally had the chance to finish the rest of the crew and went for it.  I like 'em.  I hope you do too.  Stay safe out there. 

"Swamp Bug" DT-350 AD

Nasty Pests in the Air

I just completed a bunch of war machines largely made from items from the Dollar Tree.  The 3 tanks were a buck a piece.  A bunch of odds and ends from Final Fraction accessory packs were added. *(See next entry.)  Additionally, other accessories became the nucleus of the drone models.  A pack of women's plastic curlers (landing gear) and a 2 tubes of superglue later (along with some acrylic paints) a full on mechanized unit emerged.  *Flying object stands and decals are from Games Workshop.  Enjoy the pics.

2 daytime "Skeeter Drones" DT-250 ADs

2 night "Skeeter Drones" with a "Swamp Bug" Drone  DT-350 AD

An entire "Nests" of the pests

Good Deed for the Day

THIS IS IMPORTANT PLEASE READ IT!!!!!!  I received this text message from "Amazon" this morning.  If you get one like it, ignore it.  IT IS A HOAX.  DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK!!!  I've contacted Amazon and they are aware of it.

Out of the Ashes

Heroscape is returning.  Avalon Hill announced recently that it will be producing a new version of the game.  There will be new generals, new background, new figures, new terrain, and more.  Unlike the original version, these figs will come unpainted much like the ones in MTG: Arena of the Planeswalkers.  Craig Van Ness is back at the helm (great news) with plans to stay onboard well into the future.

The new game is called Heroscape: Age of Annihilation.  I have added some pics and a video link to check out.  I'm stoked!!!  As long time fan of the game, I hope this goes well and is successful.

Age of Annihilation

G.I. Janes????

I picked these HeroClix figures some time ago with the intention of converting them into the G.I. Joe characters, Scarlett and the Baroness. With a little time to kill this morning I decided to finally do it. Scarlett is a HeroClix SHIELD Elite Agent. I painted all the white parts of her uniform black, gave her hair some highlights, and then drybrushed the black areas with a metalic blue. I attached an old LEGO crossbow to her back. The Baroness is a HeroClix Victoria Hand figure. Here too, I painted all the white parts of the uniform black as well as the red streaks in her hair. I gave the red areas of her glasses a flesh color. Her hair was given a drybrush with a light gray. The uniform, like Scarlett's was give a metallic blue drybrush. One more figure to repaint for Duke and then I'm done with the G.I. Joe stuff....most likely.

The Gang's All Here

Sir Gilbert (with bent flag)

 I received my Sir Gilbert Flagbearer Figure yesterday in the mail.  He is the flagbearer for Jandar in the game, Heroscape.  His flag was a tad bent but I got that taken care of with the old hot-cold trick.  I purchased all of the flagbearers when they originally came out.  I didn't really like the figure at the time and didn't get it.  Years later, I had a change of heart and wanted the complete set.  The figure came without the card, dice, and bag, but for the price I'm cool with it.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you welcome Sir Gilbert.

The Backyard Brawl, Y'All

It's back!  After more than 10 years, The West Virginai Mountaineers and The Pittsburgh Panthers went at it at Acrisure Stadium here in Da Burgh.  It was a good one.  A hard fought one.  A punch and counterpunch kind of game.  Every fan of both schools programs I'm sure felt the same highs and lows as the scored changed multiple times throughout.

Both teams look pretty solid as their seasons begin.  The Pathers came out on top 38-31 with a "pick six" by M.J. Devonshire late in the game.  It was a very exciting game to watch!  A nice win for the Blue and Gold.  Looking forward to the rest of the season.  As always...Let's Go Pitt!!!

Nectar of the Gods

I made a discovery recently...Mead.  I'd heard about mead.  I read Thor in Marvel comics and there was mention of it on occasion.  However, I never knew what it was.

Recently, several meaderies have opened up in the area.  Being the curious type, I decided to try some.  I got a bottle of  Blueberry Honey Mead from Laurel Highlands Meadery in Greensburg, PA for my birthday.  I'm really glad that I did.

Mead is a fermented beverage made of honey, water, and yeast, it’s often called “honey wine.”

This mead was made with blueberry honey. The bees were pollinating blueberry bushes. There are not blueberries in the mead.  It has a light delicate taste.  I find it quite good and refreshing.  Unlike the God of Thunder,  I enjoy sipping it over ice.

Mead may not be everyone cup of tea, but I'm glad I tried and will continue to drink it into the future.  It never hurts to expand one's palate.

About a half dozen years ago or so, I tried moonshine and have added it to my array of beverages.  Now I have mead as well.  

I do want to point out that I'm an adult (for far too many years than I want to admit to).  I enjoy beer, wine, and other spirits in moderation.  I like the taste and savor the experience.  I also want to remember the good times with family and friends.  You can have a glass or two and be responsible at the same time.  Cheers!

Welcome to the Family

I was down in Jacksonville, FL this past week.  I had a little time on my hands one afternoon so I set out to investigate some local hobby shops.  First, I went to the Games Workshop store.  Super nice place.  An amazing amount of GW figures, sets, and more.  Several gaming tables and display cases.  I picked up the Adepta Sororitas Palatine model.  She will be heading up some Sisters of Battle at a later point.

My next stop was at Cool Stuff, Inc.  It's a very nice spacious facility with plenty of room to play games.  The staff was very friendly and helpful.  In the end, they just didn't have what I was looking for.

To complete the tour, I stopped at The Coliseum of Comics.  Super great store with anything any nerd, geek, or fanboy(girl), could ever want.  After taking my good old time walking around, I settled upon a D&D Nolzur's Deep Cut Cave Troll.  Very cool looking miniature.  Now broke, I decided to head back to the hotel and get some much needed sleep.

Look for pics of the two newest members of the family in the months to come. 

Some Savory Snacks

 

If you've never had Beef Jerky from Bridgford then you've missed out.  I love beef jerky and by far this is my favorite.  The Sweet Baby Rays Teriyaki Flavor, in my opinion, is the best. Try some.  Trust me on this one.

I got turned onto Cheese Straws by a friend of mine from Alabama.  These things are quite addictive once you get started.  Several companies make cheese straws.  Most brands I've tried are good.  My favorite kind is made by Harris Teeter.  They make a Jalapeño flavored one as well.   

Oz Never Did Give Nothing to the Tin Man

 

That's because this guy didn't need anything.  Welcome Necron Destroyer.  He is totally bada$$.  I picked him up on eBay for relatively cheap.  He was fully assembled and partially painted.

I revamped the paintjob.  Did some detailing and highlighting and presto...one super nice model.  

Recently, I also purchased the Necron Patrol Box.  I got a great deal on it.  It includes a ton of figures, but no Destroyer.  So over the months to come you can bet on seeing Necrons, Necrons, and more Necrons on this old blog of of mine.

I already had a set of Necron Warriors.  When all is said and done, I'm going to have me one nice army of these nightmarish xenos.

I Think I'm Turning Japanese

The title is from  a great tune by the Vapors back in 1980.  I got to see them live in NYC.  Good times.

I've been a fan of Japanese Pop Culture for as long as I can remember..  I loved watching Ultraman and going to see Godzilla Movies at the theater as a kid.  I've also always enjoyed Anime and Manga as well.   The thing that really got me were Mecha cartoons.  Which leads me to today's blog about a Gundam kit I bought a while back.  It is a Zaku II model and I'm pretty much digging the way it turned out.

I picked up this bad boy on the Amazon for around $5.  One thing I can tell you is if you ever buy one, follow the directions CAREFULLY.  It will save  you a lot of hardship.  After battling this for hours, it finally came together.  I like the pose.  I gave it metallic black and pewter armor with flat gray contrasts.  I made a scenic base for it as well.  It turned out fairly decent.

Take a gander or two.  Don't forget to vote (see previous blog). Sayonara. 

I Need Your Input

I'm trying something new in the months ahead.  I want to see what kinds of miniatures you would like to see on my humble little blog here.  I've selected 12 categories' based on the miniatures that I own.  Click on the link below to chose 1 category that you most want to see minis from.  Take a minute to cast your vote.  I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

Click the link below (highlighted in yellow) to cast your vote.

Which minis do you want to see? 

Johanna 

Dust 1947 Girl

Wargamer Game Studio

There's No Clouding My Judgement

 

I just finished this Cloud Giantess from Reaper Bones Miniatures.  I've had the figure for sometime but never seemed to come up with a paint scheme that I was happy with.  When I found the photo on the internet of one someone painted, I knew this is what I wanted to do with mine.  Not a 100% copy (the highest form of flattery, so kudos to whoever painted the other one), but close to it.  I went with a light blonde hair color instead and kept the rest of the colors to gold, tan, white, silver, and metallic blue.  I think this little giantess looks pretty decent.  Check her out.

Thou Shall Not Pass

I just finished this Frost Giant Bodyguard from Reaper Miniatures.  It's a part of their Bones collection.  I am 99% satisfied with how it turned out.  I feel this is by far my best paint to date.  I saw the Frost Giant Painting (to the left here) on a website and used it as inspiration for the project.  

I went with a black, silver, and pewter color scheme with pale blue skin.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

Repaints

 A little while back I posted about picking up a bunch of a stuff from the Dollar Tree.  I included some pictures of a few of the items.  Over the last couple of days, I did a repaint on three of them.  Here's a picture of the finished models.

Sisters of the Orange Lotus

Beautiful, intelligent, DEADLY.  These miniatures are from the CMON game, Rum and Bones.  The hero set expansion is called Mazu's Dreadful Curse.  The set includes 3 female Asian Pirates.

It was fun paint for me.  I wanted to do something different. I went with an orange and off white theme for their clothing.  I gave them some metallic green and gold accents as well. The colors contrast nicely with the jet black hair.  

They're not perfect, but I'm pleased overall with my effort.  I hope you enjoy this band of salty sea sisters.  Take a look, Matey

Get on the Boat

 

Had one of these at a local restaraunt the other night.  I have to say, I really enjoyed it.  It's from Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville, Florida.  Jon Boat Coastal Ale has great flavor and nice rich carmal color.  It's clean tasting and light.  Very easy to drink.

 

The Sign Says

 ...long-haired freaky people need not apply.  Great line from a great tune.

This sign was in town the other day (Fernandina Beach) and I saw the truth in it.  Brilliant!

Bark AND Bite

Look what followed me home from the hobby store.  Great looking nicely detailed Treant miniature from the D&D Nolzur Line.  There is a rock (boulder???) included with miniature as well. This guy looks angry.  I wood (LOL) definitely play him in most fantasy games.  

It's Cool in the Carolinas

Temps have been in the 90s all week but everything is cool in the Carolinas.  We've been in the Charlotte/Rock Hill area for the past few days and can't believe how kind, friendly, helpful, and decent the folks are around here.  It has been a true pleasure.  Literally everyone we have met has made us feel welcome.  Thank you.  We greatly appreciate your Southern hospitality.

Dodged One

Headed on vacation to Florida.  Doing 70 mph on I-77 South when suddenly my Dodge Journey starts to come to screeching halt in the middle of the highway and I'm not touching the brakes.  I quickly managed to get over to the berm without getting hit by any other car or truck.  Someone was watching over us...we could have been killed.

I bought the car new in 2016.  Since the time I purchased it, this is the second brake lock up and I had to steer into a embankment once when the brakes failed going down a hill.  I literally have had the braking system redone several times.  No one at Dodge can ever seem to get it fixed right and/or there is an inherent flaw with their brake system (I've had it to 3 different dealerships).

I've been reading online about other Dodge Journey owners having similar experiences going back to 2009 with the brakes.  My advice, steer clear.  If you don't it could prove costly (or worse).