Wednesday 21 November 2018

Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge IX


It is, dear friends, that time of year again. The nights in the Northern Hemisphere draw in, the weather gets colder, leaves fall from the trees… 

And from all corners and parts of our planet can be heard the varied sounds of metal being filed and sanded, flash being carved from 28mm miniature figures and paintbrushes applying Humbrol matt enamel undercoat, as participants prepare for the annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge.


This year will be the ninth such Challenge, and my seventh (if I am counting correctly). It is one of my favourite hobby events of the year, as wargamers around the globe have fun painting miniature figures over the winter months when the weather is chilly and unwelcoming – or sit in shorts and tshirts in wonderful places like Australia and New Zealand and wonder if their airbrushes can work in the heat.

This year, I’ve gone for an ambitious target of 850 points. I made it to 1,272 points last year – but that was a special kind of Challenge for me as regards painting. Let’s see if I get off the starting grid before getting too excited for Challenge IX.

And before I say much more, three cheers for Curt (the organiser of the Challenge), Sarah (his wonderful and long-suffering wife), and all the Challengers past and present (and their partners and loved ones) who make the Challenge such a special event.

It’s possibly not giving too much away to reveal that, with the Flemish and Spanish forces for Laarden 1688 almost finished, its time for me to paint their adversaries, in the shape of the armies of The Sun King, Louis le Grand.

For those not bored enough to have clicked away from this page (thank you, patient friends), we will have a new, French, guide to the impending campaigns swirling around Laarden in 1688. I am very sure that you will be in the best of velvet-gloved hands in the company of the Marquis de Montchevreuil, the epitome of a courtier-soldier from the salons of Versailles.


Devotees of Don Fernando de Torrescusa, Marquess de Girona, Envoy of His Most Catholic Majesty, Carlos the Second, King of Spain should not be downhearted however. Don Fernando will certainly still be featuring on the blog through the winter months, along with his somewhat picaresque companion, the Flemish cavalier, Antoine de Gautier.

So, here are possibly some clues to things which might be happening here, on Roundwood’s World, in the next four months.






I hope you can join me for at least some of the fun.  

But now, as they say, 'every journey starts with a first prep'.  There's metal to be filed, and sanded, and undercoated... 

18 comments:

  1. SeƱor Roundwood, Humbrol enamel???? You should update your painting techniques of the 70s. Great to see you around again this year at the Challenge, your works were one of the best if my opinion.

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    1. Humbrol enamel indeed, Benito. I undercoat in nothing else, Sir. And all applied by brush. I know, old school, eh? Looking forward to seeing your wonderful British Airborne contributions as well, this year!

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    2. Forget enamels and forget brushes. Airbrush is all the rave. You should dip a toe in that world. Look for someone experienced to give you an introductory class. Last Sunday I did 60 x 28mm models + 3 vehicles paint base coating in 30 minutes and the paint coat is so thin that the details are fully preserved

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    3. That does sound fantastic. I have been tempted. I found spraying undercoat was never satisfactory as it never seemed to get into all the folds of the figures (as you can with a brush). Maybe it's time for me to think again....

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  2. I'm looking forward to seeing more miniature loveliness for this project Sidney, albeit of the French variety ;)

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    1. It will certainly be of the French variety, Tamsin... with a couple of old favourites, perhaps!

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  3. Looking forwards to seeing your progress. I hope to be able to sign up myself.

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    1. Hi Scrivs, that would be fantastic. You would be very welcome indeed!

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  4. Brilliant stuff Sid. I look forward to your upcoming Laarden entries.

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    1. Thanks so much, Curt.... Crikey, I'm now worrying they'll be a bit rubbish and let everyone down.... !

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  5. I shall eagerly look forward to the adventures of the Marquis de Montchevreuil.

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    1. Thanks Ray.... first installment of the Marquis' "MĆ©moire" is just about written. All I need to do now is the painting ...

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  6. Looking forward to the challenge, busily prepping and priming,I look forward to your French but I'm glad our friend from Girona has not been abandoned.
    I also look forward to renewing the Rennaisance duel with you (although obviously not the same result as last year!)
    Best Iain

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    1. It's going to be fun, Iain - and rest assured Don Fernando will be featuring in the nonsense to come.

      And yes, I'm happy to instruct my seconds on a new Renaissance duel - with every opportunity for you best me this time (very likely in fact!)

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  7. I'm looking forward to the challenge as well. Lots of 6mm Cold War and 15mm Napoleonics for me with a smattering of 28mm AWI for good measure. I've gone for 500 points this year, what with our first baby being due in the middle of January.
    Can't wait to see what you do with the French, your painted figures are always a work of art.

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    1. Huge congratulations to you and Laura, Ben - how exciting!! That's brilliant news!! I am sure you can get a few things painted before mid-January - maybe not too many afterwards (for this Challenge anyway)!

      As for the French... crikey. More pressure! They'll be rubbish, mate! Don't look at them!! ;)

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