I got back into painting miniatures the start of last year to have a hobby away from the computer that isn’t super analytical. I didn’t want to go back to Warhammer40k as the reasons I had for ceasing to buy from Games Workshop are still present, perhaps even more so. Miniature agnostic games piqued my interest as it decoupled the game and the models, if I didn’t like where one part was heading I could easily swap without all my models becoming obsolete. I painted a bunch of One Page Rules Robot Legions that year but the constant battle with the 3d printer has left me wanting to be rid of it. Finding Turnip28 I felt like it was the right next step for models to paint as I can get Perry Miniatures for a price I am quite happy with.

Turnip28

Turnip28 is a whimsical tabletop game created by Max FitzGerald. It combines elements of Napoleonic-era military aesthetics with a grim, decayed, and overgrown theme, where armies are covered in mud, moss, and turnips. Players build and paint unique, grotesque miniatures using kitbashing techniques, blending historical figures with absurd and surreal elements like roots and plant growth.

Turnipcon summarises Turnip28 nicely.

This tickles my bleak and grim aesthetic tendencies that developed playing 40k, Darksouls, Grim Dawn, etc but is balanced out by a whimsical comedy. Aside from being able to paint everything grey and brown, it also means a sloppier painting and not painting every detail on the model can still fit the theme.

However I was initially overwhelmed by no official models and the need to kitbash but thankfully the Swollen Maglet has good guides on how to make some basic models from Perry Miniatures kits and photos of models that are much more grounded than what can be found online.

The Fodder

Ok enough rambling, here is my first attempt at some black powder fodder.

Black Powder Fodder

I decided to go with black powder fodder first because they are the backbone of any self respecting toff’s force. Being a larger model count than any other unit means that each model is less scrutinised meaning I can gain skill with lower stakes.

Modelling Steps

I’ll omit this since I just followed the Swollen Maglet.

Painting Steps

I’ll do it by material rather than exact details, as that’s how it sits in my mind.

I started with a zenithal prime of Vallejo Negro and Gris spray primers.

Here A close-up of a model so you can get an idea of what I’m talking about below.

Metal

I wanted to go for a dull rusty look and I quite like the result.

  1. Base Citadel Leadbelcher
  2. Highlight Warpaints Shining Silver
  3. Wash Warpaints Dark Rust
  4. Warpaints Fresh Rust where water might flow

Mix a bunch of water into the Dark Rust to turn it into a wash.

Cloth

The Army Painter Warpaints have some nice colours in their desaturated blue grey triad. The name of the tried fits with what I am going for.

I much prefer directly painting shadows on cloth rather than using a wash or a contrast paint.

  1. Shadow Warpaints Night Sky
  2. Midtone Warpaints Thunderous Blue
  3. Highlight Warpaints Wolf Grey

Bag/Pants

I didn’t want this to be too bright or have much contrast as this isn’t where you’re meant to focus on the model.

I wasn’t originally planning on doing the straps, but after painting they looked like they needed it.

  1. Base Citadel Rhinox Hide
  2. Highlight Warpaints Leather Brown
  3. Straps Steel Legion Drab

Cuffs

This was another decision made after starting the model. I feel it gives them a sort frame.

  1. Base Citadel Corax White
  2. Wash Citadel Agrax Earthshade

Boots/Gloves

I already had a bunch of brown on the model so I picked the other common leather colour.

  1. Citadel Abbadon Black

Turnipy Bits

  1. Citadel Corax White

Varnish

I heard that this helps with durability. I noted before that I praised the ability to have lower standards in Turnip28 models but I put much more time into each model than when painting Robot Legions.

Even though I used a “matt” varnish I can help but feel it is still too glossy.

  1. Vallejo Matt Polyurethane Varnish

Conclusion

I had fun painting Turnip28 Black Powder Fodder. I think I prefer the bleakness of the muted browns and greys with just a dash of colour over crisp sci-fi models.

I moved straight onto some Black Powder Chaff.