Building and Painting 51533 Elf Line Dragoons - Croes Nest Article

We present a Modelling Article stage by stage by Sam Croes (designer of our modular Dragoons) showing the assembly options of the Dragoon Officer followed by a step by step painting guide to that miniature for making him of the 18th Dragoons.  Flintloque and Slaughterloo fans alike have already been placing their orders for the awesome new 51533 Elf Line Dragoons modular white metal 28mm miniatures set.  Its released on 7th October 2014 and until then on our Deals and Offers page you can find them on pre-release offer at 10% and 20% off release price.  Have a look and you will see lots more to follow this article.  Additionally the paints used in this article are all from our own Pebeo Studio Acrylic range which you can find on the website.  Thanks for Reading.  GBS

Assembling the Dragoon Officer:
Starting off by glueing together the two horse halves, Then, the body of the horse was inserted and glued into the matching holes of the metal base. The head was glued on and then the complete model was mounted on a cartouche cavalry base.

The rider's body was put together while the legs were glued onto the saddle. After drying, the upper body was glued to the legs. Any other equipment was then added to the rider/horse.

Filler was used to smooth out the base, and this was covered in coarse sand.  Once totally dry it was time to move onto the painting stage for this fine modular miniature.  It is important to note though that you can pose your horse and your officer in many ways but that my method will work for them all.

Painting the Dragoon Officer:
Starting off as usual with a white primer undercoat, the model was set aside to dry overnight. After that, the model was given a coat of thinned down white paint to ensure no patches of bare metal were left, and also this would ensure a better hold for the subsequent paint colours. Again, this layer was allowed to thouroughly dry before continuing. failing to do this would hold the risk of paint flaking or cracking, or washes to "creep" out of the recesses. It is always better to put extra time and care in the first stages of painting a figure than to regret it later.

White areas of the uniform were given a wash of dark grey (Medium Grey + Black) diluted with water and Acrylic Matt Medium as usual. This was then subsequently highlighted with Medium Grey and Titanium White. The green of the uniform was done by starting out with a base colour of chrome green. This was given shading by applying a wash based on Moss Green ink. Highlighting was done using Chrome Green and a mix of Chrome Green and Buff Titanium for a final highlight.

The pink for the uniform was created by mixing Dark Cadmium red with Buff Titanium. This was shaded with a wash based on Sanguine ink, highlights were added using the same pink mix, but with more buff titanium added to it.

Black leather areas such as the boots, scabbard and cartridge box were given a basecoat of Dark Grey mix, and shaded with a Black ink wash. this was subsequently highlighted with Dark Grey and Medium Grey.

The wood of the musket was done by first undercoating the area with Raw Sienna. This was shaded with a Black ink wash. The resulting dark brown tone was then highlighted subsequently with Raw Sienna and Yellow Ochre. Buff Titanium was used for a few select specular highlights. The same colouring was also used on the brown leather straps of the stirrups.

The metal the musket barrel, sword and stirrups were done by applying a Steel colour mix composed of Iridescent Silver and a little Mars Black to dull it down. This, like the brown wood/leather parts before, was given a Black ink wash. The steel mix was then used again to re-highlight certain details, with pure Iridescent Silver used for the final highlights.           

Skintone was done starting from a mix of Burnt Sienna and Titanium White. Raw Sienna ink wash was used for shading, and Titanium White was added to the skintone mix for successive stags of highlighting. The mouth and eyes were then first painted black, with teeth and eye detail picked out with white. Hair was painted Mars Black, and highlighted with the previously mentioned Dark Grey Mix and Medium Grey for final highlights.

Golden ornamentation and buckles received a basecoat of Iridescent Gold. To this a dark brown wash was applied, based on a mix of Raw Sienna Ink and a tiny drop of Black ink. Highlights were done with a mix of Iridescent Gold and Iridescent Silver

The horse was given a basecoat of Raw Sienna, which was then shaded with a wash based on Black Ink. The resulting dark brown shaded horse was then procedurally highlighted using a thinned down Raw Sienna paint (with extra Acrylic Matt Medium added), adding Yellow Ochre to the mix for every stage, and finally adding some Buff Titanium for the final highlight. The result was a beautiful deep brown tone with smoothly blended lighter tones, accentuating the musculature of the horse.

The horse’s hair and hooves were done similarly to the rider’s hair, a black basecoat with dark grey and Medium Grey highlights. The same was done to the horse’s bridle as well. the connecting rings on the bridle were picked out using the same Steel colour mix as mentioned for the musket barrel and sword blade.

The saddle was painted using the same techniques and colours (pink and green) as the rider’s uniform.The bedroll on the saddle was basecoated Raw Umber, into which Buff Titanium was added in increasing amounts for successive highlights.

Finally, the base was first painted Raw Sienna. This was then shaded to a deep dark brown with a wash based on Black ink. Afterwards,  the base was successively drybrushed with Raw Sienna, Yellow Ochre and Buff Titanium. The edge of the base was painted with Mars Black.

At this point, the base had Static grass applied to it and the whole model was sealed with a Matt Acrylic Varnish spray.

Thanks for your time and I hope you enjoyed this article.

Sam Croes

DH10 Dwarf Siege Bombard at Alternative Armies

“Not often I feel pity for the lesser races. No not often at all. But when the Hold makes out onto the open fields with the sky above them and our warriors arrayed in all their splendour and the mountains at our backs I do feel some pity. Those Orcish or Manling vermin will not only have to get through our iron ranks and our magickes but also our artillery. Pity comes to me as I watch the bombards be loaded with the powder that makes fire and then with the lead balls inscribed with runes that being death. I understand not their workings and speaking to a gunner is a nothing speech for their ears are a'waded full for the mighty noise. It is a work not for a sane Dwarf in my mind. I have seen the bombards at work and their work is bloody ruin upon the foe like the great club of a War Troll brought down upon them without being seen in the swing.”

This code contains three different 25mm/28mm white metal miniatures approx 24mm average height with the artillery piece in three parts. Great quality, great choice and great value too. Go HERE.

Poses in this code are as follows:

DH10-01: Dwarf Gunner covering Ears.

DH10-02: Dwarf Gunner with Torch and Instrument.

DH10-03: Dwarf Siege Bombard Kit (body and two wheels)

These miniatures are not supplied with bases and are supplied unpainted. Select your choice from the drop down product menu. Choose from a pack, three packs with a 10% saving applied and single miniatures. Total choice! Assembly is required with some white metal miniatures.

The Alternative Armies classic high fantasy range dates from the period of the early 1990's through to the end of that decade. Designed by leading names in the wargaming industry and highly successful in its day this range has been on hiatus. Alternative Armies, under the name 'Project Darkhelm' is dedicated to re-mastering, re-molding and re-releasing this entire range back onto the market. We will be doing this work at a measured pace and a weekly rate maintaining high quality and excellent pricing. During and beyond this process Project Darkhelm will see the range continue to be expanded in the mediums of white metal and high grade resin using top industry designers in new releases. Every pose in each pack is unique with no duplicates making them perfect for skirmish wargaming, roleplaying and unit building for any battle system.

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

Dampf's modelling page: 3o Bella Manicotti project complete!

Tony Harwood has completed another monthly pledge promise to paint up and complete a Flintloque section of soldiers for his collection.  This month it was the first limited edition unit code LEU01 The 3o Bella Manicotti sculpted by Rob Alderman.  It is one of our limited editions.  You can find the final part of the blog post series HERE where Tony explains the above photo and the terrain in it.

Tony supplemented the miniatures he had with an officer Toad from the 56505 Todoroni Militia code with miniatures being cleaned up and mounted onto 2p coins. The bases were built up with Milliput Fine White epoxy filler.  Go HERE for the first part of the series and then go from there for the other four posts down the right hand side.

The LEU01 code is long sold out but on occasion Alternative Armies gets a set in trade for our 'swop drawer' so if you are interested in being put on the waiting list for it then send me an email.  I will put you on the list.

Good work Tony!

GBS

Ferach Elf Dragoons Pre-Release Offers now online!

From today until Tuesday 7th October 2014 you can get 10% or 20% off your pre-release orders on the brilliant and brand new 51533 Ferach Elf Line Dragoons modular 28mm miniature kits for Flintloque and Slaughterloo.  The most varied and convertible modular white metal miniatures Alternative Armies has ever made. Designed by Sam Croes.  Go HERE.

We have two tiers of offer.  A 10% pre-order tier and a 20% pre-order tier.  If you wish to get a pack of five, or ten or just one Dragoon you can save 10% off these but if you want Three Packs of five, or of ten or one then you can have 20% off it.  This applies to unpainted and also to assembled, painted and based options on each tier. Each tier is presented in its own product page on our website which is clearly marked.  Click on this LINK to go to them.  The prices are already changed and you can see the savings on the screen.

Here is what is in each code: 

51533 Ferach Elf Line Dragoons (5 Mounted Elf's).  

Officer, Standard Bearer, Musician, Sergeant and One Trooper all with horses. 

51533-U Ferach Elf Line Dragoons (10 Mounted Elf's).  

A unit code as per 51533 plus five more mixed Troopers all with horses. 

51533-T Ferach Elf Line Dragoon Trooper 

(1 Random Trooper with random horse kit).

The images show above a set of 51533 then a whole unit of 51533-U.  Below are the images of the white metal parts that make up the modular riders which will serve as a suggested guide and instruction.  If purchasing a set painted the savings are the same and you can request unit composition and uniform if you wish or we will supply the 18th Dragoons as shown in uniform and in good poses.

Go HERE.

There really is a lot to this excellent new set of miniatures and its the first in a long line of Flintloque and Slaughterloo releases that are now ready and lined up.  Plus every order with or without 51533 painted or unpainted will automatically get a free resin 56563 Trolka Jager firing worth 5.00GBP in the package (painted and based worth 10.00GBP if you order is painted and based too!).  Excellent!

Lastly there have been several really good blog posts about the lead up to the release of this set of miniatures.  Each of them deals with a different aspect of the build up.  They are all well worth a read and contain a lot more information, images and fiction too.  Firstly the IDEA for the Dragoons, then the PARTS and options in assembly and lastly the FIRST LOOK at the officer and standard bearer from the set.

Don't miss out on this great offer.  There is more to come as well as over the next couple of weeks we present a modelling article, a four page insert and a scenario all about these superb Ferach Dragoons.

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

Four Division Slaughterloo Battle Report from Australia

The World of Valon saw smoke and flame once more in the form of a Slaughterloo battle fought in Australia between two fine players.  The Grand Alliance forces of the Army of Albion taken by Mike Ward and the Ferach Empire represented by Simon Hutchinson.  Read on for a short report on the battle and this links to the pictures.  Enjoy!  GBS

Dogman Hussars make the Charge!

The battle took place in northern Armorica in the late spring. La Maison du Ferott has been fairly devastated by orc artillery from the previous day and was the hinge point that the orcs were going to use to swing their 2 divisions.  

The Glorious Albion side with 2 divisions of orcs commanded by Duke Burpsalot . 1st Division (General Fartsagale) on the left flank consisting of 20 Prince of Wales Orc Guard, 2 Regiments of 20 Orcs of the line (40th Foot & 79th Foot). 10 Orc Light Cavalry. 12 105th Rifles LI. 1 medium field cannon.

The 2nd Division (General Galopsaround) was situated on the right flank with 4 regiments of orc line (Lord Treetowers Own Foot, 81st Foot, 32nd Foot, 28th Foot) 10 Orc Heavy Dragoons. 12 Orc light Infantry and 1 Royal Horse Artillery.

Facing them was the Ferach 1st Division on the left flank consisting of 2 units of 20  Ferach elves of the ligne, 20 elven guard du royale, 10 Elven heavy cavalry, 10 elven Light Infantry, 1 medium gun and 28 Todoroni Militia with incompetence written all over them!

The 2nd division consisted of a 20 dog unit of grenadiers with 2  units of 20 dogmen of the line. 10 dogmen Light infantry 10 dogmen light cavalry with a unit of 28 Todoroni thrown in for the fun factor!

Fartsagales 1st division was poorly inspired with only form cards and morale cards being dealt to them all game! Even with Duke Burpsalot aiding in the ordering of troops nothing seemed to go right for the Albion left flank. Disorder was the order of the day! The stalwart  dogmen carried the day by either destroying the the guard and foot regiments or forcing them to flee. Only the 105th Lights managed to tenaciously hang on to La Maison du Ferott. On the 5th and final move they managed to head for safer ground but shot 5 of the 10 dogmen light cavalry in the back before exiting stage left! As expected the Todorini struggled to form square on the first move but managed it disordered. The third move saw them break formation and march forward. But then once again move into square disordered on turn 4. Their lack of organisation was a wonder to behold!

Albion Orc Command Vignette

The Albion right flank however fought a glorious battle with the Ferrach heavy cavalry getting the advantage and hacking the orc heavies up badly on turn 2 with a charge and a +4 melee order inspiring them on. A round of good Albion steel shot from two regiments saw the Ferach heavies withdraw to a safer spot. But the revitalized Albion heavy cavalry burst upon them on turn 4 with a +4 melee order of their own which forced the remaining Ferach heavy cavalryman to leave the field leaderless and in disgrace.

The Ferach Light infantry tried a toe to toe shooting match with the brilliant Albion light infantry who shredded them to pieces in two turns with accurate fire. The Albion lights then took on a Ferach Ligne unit with boosted melee incentives and forced their retreat but the cunning ferach general had sent his Guard and a ligne unit to put pressure on the Albion left flank which helped destroy the 1st Albion division along with their dogmen allies and thus denied the 2nd Albion division the outright destruction of the Ferach 1st Division. However the Todorini regiment attached to the 1st Ferach Division tried to mimic it's brother regiment by also going into square disorganized but in the end was forced to withdraw by cannon casualties.

So realistically the Ferachs had the day but not without some severe punishment being taken by them.

A really great game with both sided having 4400pts each over two divisions and the game lasted from 9am until 4pm. The game was played in Perth Western Australia.

If you are keen on Slaughterloo you can find it on the Alternative Armies website now.

51533 Ferach Elf Modular Dragoons release offer coming soon!

We have been showing you the build up to the creation, molding and soon release of the awesome new Armorican Elf Dragoons. The most modular miniatures ever created by Alternative Armies with both riders and horses possible in dozens of poses. While you can refer to back to the previous posts for a lot more information and images of this build up including a look at all the parts and just what can be done with them this short notice has another twin purpose. Firstly to show you the first picture of the finished unit and secondly to give you a date. A date on which we will be putting this new set up for release with a special pre-order offer.

Here the whole unit of 51533 Ferach Elf Dragoons. Ain't it wonderful! Just think of what that can do in a game of Flintloque or Slaughterloo. The other image is an identity one which shows a typical composition of a whole unit. The Officer, Standard Bearer, Musician, Sergeant and four different Trooper kits (the additional two troopers for the ten Elf unit are randomly chosen from 1 to 4). Horse parts are supplied in the correct number but randomly which you then choose how to assemble. You also get a resin cavalry base with each. Here are the codes:

51533 Ferach Elf Line Dragoons (5 Mounted Elf's). 

 Officer, Standard Bearer, Musician, Sergeant and Random Trooper all with horses.

 

51533-U Ferach Elf Line Dragoons (10 Mounted Elf's). 

 A unit code as per 51533 plus five more Troopers all with horses. 

51533-T Ferach Elf Line Dragoon Trooper (1 Random Trooper with random horse kit).

 

We will be offering all the codes both unpainted and painted and based. Unpainted sets will of course require assembly. Painted and Based units will be provided in the uniform of the 18^th Dragoons and assembled nicely but randomly posed by our staff. This is unless you ask for something else. For example if you order a painted unit you can email us with your order number and ask for it to be in a different uniform or all troopers armed with sword or all with carbine at no extra cost.

The special pre-order offer will be as follows. On Monday 22^nd September 2014 all of the codes of 51533 will appear on our website and be announced. From that time until Tuesday 7^th October 2014 they will be on offer at 10% less than release price OR if you purchase three of a 51533 code it will be at 20% off release price. This includes painted and based purchases. You will also get the free Trolka Jager in resin worth 5.00GBP and we have several special offers currently on which go well with these new Dragoons friend and foe alike. All orders containing a choice from 51533 will be shipped out worldwide on 7^th October and the prices re-set to full release.

More on Monday!  Have a good weekend.

Thanks for Reading.

 

GBS

VNT2 Wraith on Pteradon at Alternative Armies

“The whip and creak of leathery wings and that wicked screeching cackle assures that the Pteradon will never leave your darkest nightmares once heard. Watch to the shadows in the sky as warning is slight before the swoop and grasp of the wicked claws. Or worse the snapping of that razor beak upon your neck. Impossibly saddled upon the beast's back is a creature that even the ancient bird fears as it will not crane its neck to see its rider. A glowing magical mace in its hand and a cloak that thankfully covers a countenance which could freeze the marrow in living bones. Skeletons, Zombies and even Vampyres yes but save me from the Wraith, from the death in the skies.”

This code contains one 25mm/28mm white metal miniature kit composed of a flying beast body, two wings and a wraith rider approx 35mm height and 80mm width assembled. Great quality and great value too. Go HERE.

Poses in this code are as follows:

VNT2-01: Wraith on Pteradon kit.

These miniatures are not supplied with bases and are supplied unpainted. Select your choice from the drop down product menu. Choose from a pack, three packs with a 10% saving applied. Total choice! Assembly is required with some white metal miniatures.

The Alternative Armies classic high fantasy range dates from the period of the early 1990's through to the end of that decade. Designed by leading names in the wargaming industry and highly successful in its day this range has been on hiatus. Alternative Armies, under the name 'Project Darkhelm' is dedicated to re-mastering, re-molding and re-releasing this entire range back onto the market. We will be doing this work at a measured pace and a weekly rate maintaining high quality and excellent pricing. During and beyond this process Project Darkhelm will see the range continue to be expanded in the mediums of white metal and high grade resin using top industry designers in new releases. Every pose in each pack is unique with no duplicates making them perfect for skirmish wargaming, roleplaying and unit building for any battle system.

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

5026 Flintloque Death in the Snow book Youtube review

We have a fan ranting in a fun way about Flintloque over on Youtube.  Brandon Harris from the USA has gotten into Flintloque 3rd edition and has started making videos about it.  He has begun with 5026 Death in the Snow which he got as a Shilling Starter Pack with miniatures and dice etc; a complete game.

I enjoyed the video and I hope to see more.  As Alternative Armies moves more into the realm of social media there are more and more bits of quality content popping up across the web from players and fans of The World of Valon.

Have a watch to see what Brandon is talking about and I will add other items of interest here for all you wargamers as I find them or they are brought to my attention.   All comments are welcome and if you have something to show Alternative Armies let me know.

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

September 2014 Offers at Alternative Armies

The autumn is here and its time from a new series of deals and offers as well as a new free item in all orders placed too. We had excellent feedback on the last offers and we took comments on board. So most of this month's offers are based on feedback. If you have something of ours in mind and would like to suggest we make a deal on next month just drop me a line and ask. You never know. Read on!

Here are our new deals and offers for the next month or so. These can all be found on our website offers page. 59000 The Armourers Pack (32 Random Muskets) is 25% off meaning you can convert or add to your Flintloque forces with ease. From the classic Asgard Barbarians Range we have an extra saving on the BP13 Barbarian Warband giving you 15% off a set of twelve 28mm characters for any fantasy system. In gunnery terms for fans of Slaughterloo and Flintloque we have a superb half price offer on the 59501 Grand Alliance Artillery Set (three cannons and two limber sets). For personalities we have 15% off the great 51507 Elf Command Set for fans of the tyrant Emperor Mordred. Our popular boxed set 5104 105^th Rifles with 18 different Orcs in it is also 15% off so if you want to get some back up for Captain Sharke and his Rifleorc's this is your time. Lastly by request we have an offer of 25% off the VNT1 Eternal Guard skeletons pack of five fantasy miniatures re-released under Project Darkhelm. Excellent!

Free in all orders from today, taking over from the resin riding pig, is another brand new conversion to resin for Alternative Armies; 56563 Trolka Jager firing. It is our intention to convert the entire 28mm range of massive Trolka infantry away from white metal and into resin instead. This will mean a price reduction and it starts with quite a reduction. That being one free Trolka Jager in every order automatically. A wee gift worth 5.00GBP which you can also purchase more of it you desire. So 56563 Trolka Jager firing free in every order and on general release at a lower price too. Superb!

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

First Finished Modular Elf Dragoons

“Captain Sharke did not even flinch when the carbine ball struck the cork tree he was taking cover behind. Too many musket balls, cannon balls and even rockettes had tried to end his life for it to bother him anymore. Instead he thought about his next move. It was only his strategy that his half orc mind dwelt on for the mechanical action of reloading his Bakur Rifle was so ingrained that he was only barely aware of the ram rod that he was forcing down the barrel with its spiralling groves. A few seconds later he lifted the rifle and readied for firing. He had made a choice. They were going to retreat but not before giving the pointy eared buggers a few new holes to leak out of.

A dozen Elf dragoons sat astride their horses, carbines in hand, taking aim at the small grove of cork trees where the Orc infantry were sheltering. The stand off had lasted some five minutes and it was clear with the open ground around the grove the slower moving Orcs would be sabre fodder if they tried to make a run for it. They were prepared to wait. Unlike Hussars or any other Ferach cavalry they had black powder fireloques and could harass the Orcs from a distance. Once enough of the Albion filth were wounded or killed they would either run or surrender. Either way they would die for the Dragoons were in no mood to take prisoners.

Sharke had five Chosen Orcs with him. In their faded green jackets they were like their officer armed with the lethal rifle. The rest of the group were a scattering of red coated Orc with their smoothbore Bessie Muskets. The Captain ordered the musket carrying Orcs, snarling with tusks bared, to emerge from the trees with their bayonets fixed. To give the appearance that they were going to make a desperate suicidal charge at the Dragoons having run out of powder for their msuekts. Suicidal it would be for the Dragoons would fire and then just canter away before firing again; never being caught by the wicked bayonets. But Sharke knew, he knew, that that the Elves would wait for a shot before riding away and he was counting on it. He and his Chosen Orcs would sneak out behind the others and then at the right moment pop up and at such close range for a carbine they could not miss with the rifle. With near half their number killed or wounded by the ruse Sharke was sure they would hesitate long enough for the bayonets to rush in and carve them to the bone.”

Now in the final stages of readiness for release are the 51533 Ferach Elf Modular Dragoons. We will be coming along soon with final details and a release date for these multi-pose chaps but for now here are some pictures. The images show the Officer and the Eagle Bearer from the unit in the uniforms of the 18^th Dragoons which is the regiment we have chosen to represent the massive choice in build and uniform you can make with this set.

There will be extras alongside the release of the 51533 set and these will include the following:

• A Modelling Article stage by stage by Sam Croes showing the assembly options of the Dragoon Officer followed by a step by step painting guide to that miniature for making him of the 18^th Dragoons.

• A Booklet featuring fiction, artwork, photos along with an account of the Dragoon regiment of Armorica and their role in battle. Statistics for Flintloque and for Slaughterloo feature as well. Written by Gavin Syme GBS.

• A free Flintloque Scenario written for players of War in Catalucia giving the brand new Dragoons their debut into the World of Valon stage. Two player or solo play options.

• Dragoons Dismounted. A blog article about our next stage of Dragoon development for skirmish players of Flintloque.

So lots to come. Keep your virtual eye on the blog here!

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

Skeleton Staff

The Summer has been really busy for us.  None of us got any time off or a break.  So before there is a spark of mutiny we will be going quiet for a little while.  Hopefully catch the last of the good weather.  From the 4th to the 11th of September we will not be releasing any new products and aside from vital email and communications we will be silent online.  There is nothing amiss but in these days of hi-tech living we try to speak every day and since we will be all going our separate ways this will not be possible.  

The normal Goblin staff will be replaced with a temporary 'Skeleton Staff'.  Listen for the rattle of bones!

Continue to send in your emails and comments, orders and questions as normal and they will be attended to in a week or so.  While I cannot speak for the others and what they will be up to I myself will be using the time for a bit of a jaunt about and also to do some fine calibration of some wargame rules I am working on.

As a little hint for what will be happening from the 12th onwards across ...here we go!

Alternative Armies - First Look at Finished modular Ferach Dragoons!

15mm.co.uk - Corporate Ashigaru are Coming!

The Ion Age - Sneak Peek at the Mullo AFV!

Thanks for Reading.

GBS