DreadTober 2025 Week 1

 

Hi folks,

We are not quite a full week into the challenge, but I thought it would be good to post some preparation shots to help get the glue/paint flowing. If you are like me you have been busy constructing and priming your project. Some folks like to get ready a little earlier to increase their chances of finishing on time, so have quite a bit of progress already.

Others haven't torn the plastic wrap off the box yet 😅

Here we go; our challengers for 2025:

Name: Neverness
Project: Celestial Lions Dreadnought
Blog: https://nevernesshobby.blogspot.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/neverness92.bsky.social

By now, you folks probably know my love for old school models. This beauty needs some love; it is going to look ace with the Celestial Lion's paint scheme.

Name: Agis
Project: First legion Saturnine Dreadnought
Blog: https://agis40k.blogspot.com/
Instagram: @agis.40k

I was hoping we would see one of these in the challenge. The whole Saturnine aesthetic is so boss.

Name: Dave Weston
Project: Adeptus Titanicus Warlord Titan
Blog: 40kaddict.uk

I started my 40K gaming journey playing Epic 40K (Orks!!), so Imperial Knights and Titans will always hold a special place in my... gunsights. 

Name: XarfaiEngel
Project: 2 Adeptus Titanicus Reaver Titans; stretch goal: Ghrastak (Luna Wolves Contemptor)
Blog: https://abutterflyshobbytally.blogspot.com/
Instagram: @xarfaiengel

Reavers are my favourite Titan, particularly when they have a big meltagun and some kind of fist. These are armed with some interesting carapace weapon choices, looks like some conversion beamers and a grav cannon; awesome. 

Name: Wachtmeister
Project: 2nd Edition Dark Angels Dreadnought
Blog: https://wachtmeisterspatrol.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wachtmeisters_patrol/

Old school is the best school 😊Wachtmeister runs the 2nd Ed. Army Painting Challenge at the moment, so he is a man after my own heart. Glad to have one of the crew in the challenge.

Name: Wachtmeisterson 
Project: Ork Deff Dread

A new challenger has entered the arena... 

Welcome to DreadTober!! An auspicious choice of miniature; my son (who painted the DreadTober mascot) thoroughly approves.

Name: DAM
Project: Dark Angels Brutalis Dreadnought
Blog: http://262krieg.blogspot.com/
Instagram: @262_krieg

Such a beast of a "miniature". I am looking forward to seeing this one in the Dark Angels colours.

Name: Tom
Project: 2nd Ed Blood Axe Ork Dreadnought
Instagram: @university_dave

Tom's vintage 40K projects are consistently brilliant. I am very much looking forward to seeing what he makes of this classic Ork Dreadnought.

Name: Ed

Project: Night Lords Contemptor Dreadnought
Blog: https://berserkerbladeblog.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnage_x_scissors

As a "dyed-in-the-wool" Dark Angels player, I love to hate Night Lords. I hope we get to see some lightning bolts on this murder bot.

Name: jabberjabber
Project: Iron Warriors Contemptor Dreadnought
Blog: Warpstone Flux - https://warpstoneflux.blogspot.com/

Progress is progress, even if it is just opening the box and getting the base out 😆

Name: Thousand Eyes/Mac an tSagart
Project: A leaping hellbrute
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steppingbetweengames/

Phwoar!! Check out the pose on this beast.

Name: Sachiel
Project: Bray'Arth Ashmantle.
Blog: https://sachiel-returns.blogspot.com/2025/10/dreadtober-2025-fire-in-void-part-1.html?m=0

Ashmantle is such an amazing model. Salamander figures have a bunch of different colours in their paint scheme, it will be interesting to see how the venerable Sachiel tackles this project.

Name: Beanz
Project: Hive Fleet Leviathan Tyrannofex

Beanz and I go way back, like Han and Lando. He hasn't started his project yet, but I have seen his test models for the paint scheme and he is doing an amazing job. Looking forward to seeing this one on the tabletop, right before it punches a hole in my army.

Name: OzMonster
Project: Commander Farsight

Another new challenger; welcome to the DreadTober club! Commander Farsight is an iconic figure; I love the samurai vibes it gives off. OzMonster has hit the ground running with his first attempt at NMM and some glow on the engine vanes.

Name: Marc

Project: Hive Fleet Numereji Tervigon
Blog: https://oldschoolg4m1ng.blogspot.com/
Instagram: @m4cr0dutch

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/m4cr0dutch.bsky.social

This chonky lady is going to take a heck load of painting to get finished; I guess that is why they* call this a challenge!!

* and by "they" I of course mean me 😉

That is all of our projects for now. It is never too late to join, so if you have only just stumbled across the challenge, feel free to down your gauntlet. As always, if you see a project you like, consider heading over to the blog or social media account of the challenger and giving them some feedback. In this age of bots and AI echo chambers, it is great to make a real connection with someone.

DreadTober 2025 is About to Start

 

By name and by deeds, they FEAR NOTHING! With October 10 days away, it is time to start planning your Dreadnought themed project for DreadTober. 

DreadTober brings people together from all around the world to share in the hobby we all love. Last year we followed the progress of 12 DreadToberteers as they awakened the machine spirit of their projects. Who will answer the call in 2025? Whether you are an ancient or a scout, the invitation is open to all.

How to Join

Collectors of every faction and game are welcome to participate; the only guideline is that your model should fit on a 60 mm base (or larger!). Something with legs, or equivalent, is more likely to fit the theme. If you would like to be involved, please post your name, project and site/blog address in the comments. If you post primarily on other social media sites, feel free to provide a link so that people can find you and follow your progress, or let us know which Discord server you like to haunt. Additionally, using the hashtag #dreadtober2025 will help people find your work.

Example:

Name: Marc

Project: Hive Fleet Numereji Tervigon

Blog: http://oldschoolg4m1ng.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @m4cr0dutch

Progress Deadlines

I will be doing a round-up of progress at the end of each week. The progress deadline is every Friday at midnight, with the aim of posting your work here every Saturday until the end of October, with a final post or two at the start of November to celebrate our successes. Note: this year, the first Friday is only the 3rd day of the month, so a photo to show your starting point would be appropriate.

If you have questions about participating please ask; I aim to be inclusive as possible. Feel free to share the invitation to join with your friends and followers.

Good luck everyone; eternal glory awaits!!

Coming Soon...

 

DreadTober 2024: The Grand Finale!!

 

Hi folks,

DreadTober is over for another year, and what a year it has been. We have seen amazing projects rise up from the paint table, from their moment of inception to their final completion. There have been highs and there have been gut-wrenching lows, when things haven't turned out as we hoped. The crew this year, however, had a wealth of experience behind them and resilience in spades. Let's take a look at the final results for this year's challenge!!

Name: XarfaiEngel
Project: Howling Griffons Chaplain Dreadnought Titus (with the option of another Blood Angels Dreadnought as a stretch goal!)

Blog: https://abutterflyshobbytally.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @xarfaiengel

XarfaiEngel has painted an amazing Howling Griffins Chaplain Dreadnought, Armand Titus. I love how gritty this model is; the weathering makes it look like it has been in the thick of an urban warzone. The splash of colour on the shoulder, so well executed, really sets this model apart. I'll have to borrow that idea...

XarfaiEngel also put a lot of work into some bonus Dreadnoughts. Even though they did not quite make it over the line, the progress has brought them very close to completion. Keep an eye out for them on the A Butterfly's Hobby Tally blog over the next few weeks.

Name: Neverness

Project: ultramarines Dreadnought

Blog: https://nevernesshobby.blogspot.com

Neverness has been working on one of the bug guys, an Ultramarines Redemptor with all of the trappings. Make sure you check out the blog to see the other weapon options; I am a real sucker for plasma.

Name: Siph_Horridus

Project: Imperial Knight

Blog: https://weemen.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @siph_horridus

A coupe of photos is nowhere near enough to do this Cerastus Knight Lancer any justice. I thoroughly recommend you go and visit Siph's blog to check out the amazing details on the model. While you are their, check out what Siph is working on now; it's BIG. Terrific job on a stonkingly great model.

Name: Sachiel

Project: Ork Mekka-Dread.

Blog: https://sachiel-returns.blogspot.com/

Real life got in the way this month and Sachiel has not quite made it through to the end. Still, the progress that has been made is significant on this Mekka-Dread. When I see it finished I'll post an update in the 2024 gallery.

Name: Tom

Project: Salamanders Dreadnought

Instagram: @university_dave

Watching this Salamanders Dreadnought come to life on the Crown of Command discord has been a real pleasure. The selection of colours, the attention to details, the free-hand, the gorgeous decals and the subtle conversions make this a real triumph of vintage hobbying. I take my commissar's cap off to you, sir.

Name: DAM

Project: Blades of Vengeance Invictus Warsuit

Blog: https://262krieg.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @262_krieg

DAM is a stalwart of the challenge and delivered a fantastic Invictor Warsuit this year. It is one of those models that I have been sitting on the fence about, but I think I will have to get myself one now. Inspiring stuff, bravo!!

Name: Dave Weston

Project: Norn Emissary/Assimilator [and 2 Genestealer Cult Sentinels]

Blog: 40kaddict.uk

Dave has put in a huge effort to get this far in his project. There are a bunch of steps left to go but you can clearly see that it is shaping up to be a centrepiece model. Again, a couple of shots really aren't enough to do this one justice. Give Dave's blog a follow and strap in for the long haul; this one is going to be worth the extra time and effort.

Name: Agis

Project: Domitar battle automata

Blog: https://agis40k.blogspot.com/

Agis' Mechanicus constructions are always a grim sight to behold. The finished Domitar is a harbinger of death. It looks fantastic with the rest of the crew, fitting right in with the overall aesthetic of the force. Brilliant work, particularly considering the challenges that needed to be overcome during the construction phase.

Name: Wachtmeister

Project: Dark Angels Dreadnought

Blog: http://wachtmeisterspatrol.com/

The added red details on this Dark Angels Dreadnought warm my heart; old school is the best school. On that note, I seem to remember this guy had a smaller friend at some point... next year's project, perhaps? Well done for completing the challenge Wachtmeister!!

Name: jabberjabber

Project: Leviathan Dreadnought

Blog: https://warpstoneflux.blogspot.com/

The weathering and bloodstains on the World Eaters Leviathan Dreadnought are next level. What an amazing finish to an already great project. This Dreadnought is brutal. JabberJabber was considering selling this model on eBay; if that is the case I hope it goes to a very good home. I hope JabberJabber keeps it though; a memory of good times (albeit a little... bloody...).

Name: Azazel

Project: Iron Warriors Legion Naismith Pattern (Contemptor) Dreadnought

Blog: https://azazelx.com/

A late but very welcome entry into the challenge. Azazel has come roaring in and dropped this one on us at the last moment. This is an excellent 3D print that takes us straight back to the hazy days of Rogue Trader. The paint job is sharp too; well done mate, you nailed it.

Name: Marc

Project: Blood Angels Death Company Dreadnought

Blog: http://oldschoolg4m1ng.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @m4cr0dutch

I finished my project, Moriar the Chosen a little bit early this year and made the mistake of thinking I could just coast towards the finish line. 

Then DAM, from over at 262nd Korps of Krieg, offered to send me a Chaplain Dreadnought he had stashed away for a rainy day. With the gauntlet so generously thrown, I had little choice but to pour my heart and soul into it. As a result, in addition to Moriar the Chosen, I give you Damodred, Light of Baal.

That's the final round-up for the year. I am very proud of everything that we have achieved; the effort put into all of the projects this year has been astonishing. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dave Weston from Confessions of a 40K Addict, who has again provided all of the designs for the blog banners this year. As has been the custom for a while now, he has also provided us with a cool digital badge to add to our blogs for participating in the challenge. I'll be wearing mine with pride!!

Over the next couple of weeks I will create a new gallery for this year's participant entries. If you were running late on finishing your project, I will make sure to get some photos of the finished model/s and tuck them away there for safe keeping.

Next year is the 10th year of DreadTober!! I hope to see you all again so that we can celebrate a decade of the challenge together. 

Until then, I'll see you across the table,

Marc

October DreadLine Approaches!

 

Hi folks,

The challenge deadline has already passed here in Australia. I was painting pretty furiously during the week, trying to get a bonus model finished, right up until midnight last night! Over the weekend I will put all of the final photos together and hope to get the last post out on Monday next week. That gives you a couple of bonus days to finish off you didn't quite make it...

While we wait for the final glorious reveal, here is some progress Tom posted during the week as he completes a classic Salamanders Castraferrum Dreadnought. I think you will agree with me, it is going to be AMAZING 🤯

DreadTober 2024: Week 4

 

Hi folks,

How is everyone going?! I hope you have had a productive week and feel like you are going to be able to finish your projects. I felt like I had completed my Dreadnought a couple of days ago but, after taking some "final" photos, decided it still needed to some work on it. Ahhh, the joys of miniature photography.

Let's take a final look at the work in progress, before we get the big reveal at the end of the week.

Name: XarfaiEngel
Project: Howling Griffons Chaplain Dreadnought Titus (with the option of another Blood Angels Dreadnought as a stretch goal!)

Blog: https://abutterflyshobbytally.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @xarfaiengel

XarfaiEngel has not posted any additional progress this week, so I will just let you see another shot of the final product. This photo focuses on the heraldry, which looks sharp as heck. You can also see the date of birth on the back! Hopefully, Engel can get some bonus Dreads completed before the Dreadline.

Name: Neverness

Project: ultramarines Dreadnought

Blog: https://nevernesshobby.blogspot.com

Neverness has emerged victorious from the warp. Well, maybe not victorious, but at least not lost!! With construction and the undercoat complete, painting will still be a huge job. Neverness has the chops, though. I think this one will sneak in under the deadline as if nothing happened.

Name: Siph_Horridus

Project: Imperial Knight

Blog: https://weemen.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @siph_horridus

Siph is yet to post any final shots on the WeeMen blog, so here is another photo to show that the Knight Lancer has friends in the pipeline as well!! It will be well worth staying in touch with Siph to see how the rest of these knights progress after October is done and dusted.

Name: Sachiel

Project: Ork Mekka-Dread.

Blog: https://sachiel-returns.blogspot.com/

Another DreadToberteer keeping their progress close to their chest. Here is another photo of the torso progress just to show what a beast this model is compared to a diminutive Kill Kan.

Name: Tom

Project: Salamanders Dreadnought

Instagram: @university_dave

Tom has been distracted by some smaller battle brothers this week. Though if the paint job on these little guys is anything to go by, his Dreadnought is going to be mint*.

Name: DAM

Project: Blades of Vengeance Invictus Warsuit

Blog: https://262krieg.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @262_krieg

DAM is in a great position to complete this Invictus Warsuit now, with some of the highlights and details complete and the base well on its way.

Name: Dave Weston

Project: Norn Emissary/Assimilator [and 2 Genestealer Cult Sentinels]

Blog: 40kaddict.uk

One photo doesn't really do Dave's work justice. With the turquoise highlights added this Tyranid looks like it is getting close to completion. I know how much goes into the process behind this scheme though, so there are challenges ahead. This project may not be completed by the deadline but the progress up to this stage is seriously impressive. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for when it is finished so that I can update the final gallery.

 

Name: Agis

Project: Domitar battle automata

Blog: https://agis40k.blogspot.com/

Agis is very close to finishing now, with just a few minor details to add. As always, the close-to-finished-product is grim/dark as hell. A real pleasure to follow the process!

Name: Wachtmeister

Project: Dark Angels Dreadnought

Blog: http://wachtmeisterspatrol.com/

Oh no!! The Meister's old school Dreadnought seems to have left his school bag at home 😆 Ahhh well, I guess we will just have to be content with the much larger and intimidating Ballistus. There is a lot still to do, but I believe in you Wachtmeister; for the Lion!!

Name: jabberjabber

Project: Leviathan Dreadnought

Blog: https://warpstoneflux.blogspot.com/

I am really speeding though this post tonight, because it has been one of those weekends. This Dreadnought, however, stopped me in my tracks. I always find it confronting to add weathering to my models once I get that clean finish, but it is always (always) worth it and you can never really have too much. This model just blew my mind; FANTASTIC.

Name: Marc

Project: Blood Angels Death Company Dreadnought

Blog: http://oldschoolg4m1ng.blogspot.com/

Instagram: @m4cr0dutch

Here is a sneak peak of my finished model. I have actually gone back and brightened up the red saltires a little. I wasn't too happy with how desaturated they looked compared to the banner, which is probably a product of the black undercoat; the banner was over white paper. I'll take some better photos over the next couple of days for the finale.

I wish you all the best over the next couple of days if you are trying to get your project finished. Remember; even a but of progress is still a good result!