Capitan painting competition: Milicias Provinciales Ciudad Real

My entry for the Capitan Miniatures painting competition. I went for the classic Spanish 'Milicias Provinciales' in their white with red facings. Given it is a competition entry, I even did the eyes. I've not done eyes for years, these aren't perfect but a passable effort.

The standard is hand-painted and an approximation of the design for the Milicias Ciudad Real. Though Capian offer free downloadable flags on their website (which is good of them), my printer just wouldn't give out a decent colour, so I had to make my own.

I find the Capitan miniatures a bit slight compared to Perry. These were test shots, I've seen a few minor things which I might tidy up before I enter him.

Ah, that's not fair!

So I saw on TMP that Capitan are running another painting competition, check it out. Now Capitan's miniatures look pretty nice but with the Napoleonic project on ice and many still to be painted, I don't think I'll be buying any of their minis soon.

I thought I'd enter their competition anyway, they send you a free model (yay) and I'd be able to see what the minis are like in the flesh. This is what was in the jiffy bag from Spain:

Yes, a standard bearer! That's twice the effort - I've either got to buy or make a Colour for them. And have you seen Spanish Colours?!

Now, which regiment to choose...

Post-Christmas plotting and planning...

Happily stuffed with Christmas grub, I find the mediocre TV on offer is encouraging me to ponder hobby projects. Now, a few years back I started a new tradition - after Christmas I would spend a little money on myself, guilt free. This is by no means because I don't get good Christmas gifts, I fact, my family are all very kind and choose great presents. However, they will lean towards be household items, clothing and luxury goods - rarely hobby supplies!

So, I'm in the Market for a few bits and bobs. If the Challenge goes well, I should deplete my stocks of miniatures to paint. But what to get? Possibilities include:

>random Perry bits (British RHA, Light infantry, Wellington, other bits)

>Old Glory rocket troop (because rockets are fun!)

>A second unit of Spanish line infantry (torn between new Brigade Games or Capitan miniatures - anyone recommend either?)

>Spanish cavalry, probably made out of Perry plastic French Hussars

>more Peninsular terrain (won't score me Challenge points though)

>sidestep for variety into Brunswickers or Portuguese (metal-only, so pricey)

>something for Pulp gaming (needs my brother to choose a setting/theme, he's in charge)

>A new project for 2012?!

The alternative is to think about Napoleonic French. My brother and regular gaming partner is about to have his first child, so I expect his (already limited) hobby time will be minimal for a few years. Perhaps I could help, to ensure fully painted forces for years to come. Torn between making the offer and picking up some bare plastic when I visit in February, or perhaps picking some new stuff up on his behalf, painting it in secret and giving it for his birthday in April. But what to buy? I'm pretty spoilt for choice for French!

Or perhaps I don't want anything enough? Nah, who am I kidding, we all want more lead...

PhilH