Unfortunately a lot of my recent ones would be like this... (I have two kids under 4)

Pfft! Like it's hard mode when you can still pick Aliens.
But if I couldn't pick Aliens...

I like making scenery from junk. Unfortunately I'm not good at it but with a bit of practice... I'll probably still just be turning junk into different junk!

I'm currently debating how to fill the paddys. I'm not going so far as to get water effect but I'm thinking pva and paint with a varnish finish should do the job.

It's certainly not bad so far!
Let's see how it finishes up...

A solid choice unless you want to play Sharp practice. Even then it's not impossible but you'll have to squint.

Probably a good idea to get a non-blurry picture...

Black dragon. I believe they have 3 left. They had 4 til the start of the year when I got one.

www.blackdragonminiatures.com/epic-battles...

If you decide to go for the Warlord stuff are you UK (or even better, midlands) based? Only there's a shop not very far from me that has some original starters in which have more in than the current ones and are significantly cheaper. Just doesn't have the new zouaves and cav sprue in it.

I went for 28mm Perry's for Sharp practice, Rebels and Patriots and anything else that might work well at man to man.
And I'm currently working on the Warlord epics, primarily for Pickett's charge but also potentially for With hot lead and cold steel and Altar of freedom. Or Black powder actually.

Well I did rather hurriedly make this for a recent Mud and blood game and it is possibly my best scratch build so maybe you're right.
Maybe I'll try filling my 28mm deficit with some scratch builds...

I mean... in theory...
In practice I'm not so good!

Meanwhile I'm -

That just sounds awesome.
Now I'm imagining how Apocalyptica did Angels are calling but swap the cello for hurdy gurdy.

Is that Sabaton with Patty Gurdy?

Yep and it's a nice looking regiment too.

I've varied up the main colour of each regiment so far with splashes of variety thrown in.

I probably haven't done the kepi trick yet as I don't know what it is! I just paint mine tje "main" colour of the regiment and vary up the broad hats colours.