This metal model of King Theoden took some painting.

Paint the head, varnish it, paint to the waist, varnish it, paint the arms, varnish them etc.

The usual thing, the paint rubs off as it's being handled.

I've seen folk use a paint tub top and Bluetack to avoid touching the model but I find the figure comes off in no time.

He was painted using the DeAgostin magazines again (Number 29) and White Dwarf 277 and 316.

The Armour is Shining Gold (undercoat Warlock Bronze) and Undercoat Black rather that Abaddon Black as it's glossy.

The shield is Copper rather than gold, again with Undercoat Black decoration.

I use that black for horses eyes too as it shines.

The figure came from Ebay and the hind leg of the horse is rather bent.

I didn't risk trying to put it right.

Banner Bearer

Good grief. Is it really that long, as the actress said to the bishop.

Sorry to have been absent for the past two months but I've had a lot to contend with.

Summer hols means an invasion of grandchildren who seem more numerous by the minute.

Then there's the Test Matches and Olympics, the pacemaker op and a spot of gardening in the fine weather.

However, the biggest problem has been the addictive qualities of 'War in Middle Earth'. I must kick the habit but not when the nun is wearing it.

OK, so here's the Banner Bearer I started in July. Nothing special and I notice that the coat of gloss varnish has not been dulled down by the matt varnish that followed it.

He's on a rock rather than the streets of Minas Tirith so perhaps he's been defending Osgiliath.

Merry and Pippin

Merry and Pippin pretty much as per the painting guide in number 73 of the DeAgostini series.

The tunic that Merry (or is it Pippin?) is wearing came out more brown than green but I was happy with it.

As I was still having that trouble keeping the paint on metal, I varnished it before the problem could arise.

I can always paint it again, later.

The base that Pippin (or is it Merry?) stands on is supposed to be a wrecked area of Minas Tirith with a few bits of masonry and roofing wood laying about.

(I do actually know that Pippin served as a page to the Steward of Gondor - I chickened out on painting the tree and stars on his tunic -.and that Merry hitched a ride with Eowyn so wears Rohan gear)

Thinks - or was it the other way round?

Lurz

Here's Lurz, looking a little suntanned.

The base completed in a similar manner to the other recent Uruks.

He really does need those teeth seeing to.

Two Shagrats

 These two should have taken no time at all but War in Middle Earth took up too much of my time.

The silver look to the Mithril shirt doesn't show, as it should, in the photos.

Fun doing these but the usual problem with metal showing through the paint was a pain, despite a spray coat of brown and a brushed coat of 'Undercoat Black.
(I've said 'Two Shagrats but the one on the right is actually Shagrat's twin brother Cecil.

I've no idea where he found that Mithril shirt.

Ebay?

Uruk Warriors 2

These were spray based with Rhinox Hide and, at first, seemed to have a rather dowdy look to them.

The armour was duller.

I've weathered these a little and assumed them to have been the beastly lot that set fire to a village, sending everyone running to report it to the police.

A splash of blood, here and there.

Mostly there.

And Rocks.

This bunch have rocks.

Uruk Hai Demolition Team

 These guys benefited from an extra painter - Lewis lent a hand.



He also had the idea of using grains of black sand as the gunpowder.

Originally they were as bright and shiny as the Uruk Warriors but  I gave the armour a wash in Badab Black.



Again, no rust (except on the ladder) but that might change.

Uruk Hai Warriors.

Here's the first box of Uruk Hai Warriors finished.

I tried to keep the bases similar to those of the Scouts painted ages ago.

The armour was drybrushed rather than painted, with Gunmetal (a very old pot) highlighted with Chainmail.

Flesh of Doombul Brown with Steel Legion Drab added for the highlight.

I've not used rust or blood but I'll think on.

Three - One to Lewis

At last, Lewis and I got down to actually playing a game.

Well, four, actually.

Three 40K, all of which he won, and one LOTR in which he was pipped at the post.

Here he is, trying to find that elusive rule the says anyone a head taller than his opponent always has priority and can roll any dice if it fails to give the required result.

As well as playing, he even dabbed on a splodge of paint here and there on a set of Uruk Hai Demolition Squad.

They will be along shortly.

Minas Tirith Rocks

Specially imported from Ludlow - Minas Tirith or Osgiliath masonry dislodged by Mordor catapults.