TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:That looks superb Graven. Well done so far.
Thanks mate. It's coming along.
Anpu-adom wrote: Excited to see the crane... my orks need to loot a crane or somesuch for their scrapyard.
I've seen one built by metropolis - he for whom the warehouse was made. It's a lovely beast.
Paradigm wrote:This is going to be great when it all comes together!
I love it when a plan comes together
Red Harvest wrote:Graven, you are scaring me. Careful with the blades, hombre. ( Said while looking at some unusual scars on my own hands. Chisels, saws-- you don't want to see the sort of scar a Gent's saw can leave on a thumb--rabbits...well, just one.)
Looks like good progress on the diorama. Keep plugging away.
Managed to catch the cut on a grater this evening - with chillis never mind eh?
Theophony wrote:Glad you were able to save the fig, looks great and the diorama is coming along well. Competitions are meant to be extended so just keep plugging away. Remember we're all here for you.
Kind words my friend. I'm still not sure that the main main is ok, but we'll see.
Gitsplitta wrote:Very tasty graven. Don't worry about the deadline, I expect it'll be extended for a week.
You're a good man, Charlie Brown.
So tiny peeps are done, and now my eyes hurt Not sure what you can see from cruddy camera phone pics, but still: More in the gallery. Cannot believe I have painted tranquility camo and MW with pads at that scale. Bonkers Hopefully that gives you some sense of where I'm at.
Thanks for all your support gang. Head is a bit of a better place, just got to keep getting on with it. Graven
Camkierhi wrote:Fantastic work, it's looking brilliant bud. ikle teenie marines is looking good. Love the colour of the board.
Thanks mate. I've tried to go pretty low key with the glow. Could ramp up the osl. Not sure.
Gitsplitta wrote:OH, those bring back fond memories of my "Epic" days....
It's all fun and games until you have to paint several dozen of the little barsterds...
Oh my yes. My epic nova marines were just sprayed black with a sunburst on the shoulder. Eclipse Camo
ckig wrote:Ha! love the diorama and the tiny marines. Great stuff.
Oh, I hate the tiny marines! cheers.
GiraffeX wrote:This diorama is looking fantastic so far Graven.
Cheers mucker So, work is actually worse. I shouldn't be surprised but I am. Totally screwed by council - can't apply for job I've been doing for nearly 2 years because of downsizing Tbh I'm more angry than depressed about it. But we must move forward.
Anyway, my Mantis Maker contest entry is done! These are not final pics, those will be done in booth anon.
Generally I'm very happy with how they turned out.
That green, man. Nightmare 9 layers total I love how cross he looks Hopefully salvaged primer-gate.
So with the contest deadline extended till 31st, I've got time to check over for things to fix. C&C away!
What next? Well the current LOER contest finishes on 31st also, do check it out. Marking season is in full swing and next week is proper crazy - not in school at all!
Also, #2's birthday on Sunday. This will require true hobby collision with wife - foamcore will be involved! A 1:3 scale r2d2 cake I'm making the legs and a wee plinth, as well as doing the measurements.
On from that, well, next I need to get on with my TT combat stuff, building at least. There's a Bmg brag-painting contest (no prizes, just bragging rights) coming up for 20th June and I'm finally feeling inclined to build and paint my Court of Owls as they got a big boost from the new equipment list (the contest theme is to finish an incomplete project inspired by new rules expansion).
Also got some sneak peaks of Armoured Syndicate, a post apocalyptic boardgame mini game hybrid from the guy behind Mechabrick (lego wargaming) and Etchmaster (also a Slayer sword winner). I'll get them up here soon.
brilliant looking diorama... the bright and cheerful colours together with the muted down surroundings...this really makes the characters stand out and get a spotlight...
and a 1:3 R2D2 cake as a hobby clash between you and your wife...looking forward to these pics!^^
That is an ingenious and well executed diorama you have done. The only thing I would add (if they are real pieces and not holograms) would be one cast down on the floor by the loser
Looking great Graven. Well executed. No changes needed as far as I'm concerned, although Theophony may have a point about the discarded figure. See how much you can be bothered.
Birthday cake sounds brilliant, add me to the list of those who can't wait to see.
Re job - Shocking. Truly shocking. Happens far too often to good people. Hope something sorts out for you soon. Stay angry though, anger fuels the fire. Depression smothers it
Viktor von Domm wrote:brilliant looking diorama... the bright and cheerful colours together with the muted down surroundings...this really makes the characters stand out and get a spotlight...
and a 1:3 R2D2 cake as a hobby clash between you and your wife...looking forward to these pics!^^
Thanks. I'm glad you think the colours work. I'm trending away from using metallics at the moment - BMG minis don't look right shiny, somehow - so that's behind the muted tones generally.
Paradigm wrote:Yeah, that's an awesome piece, can't wait to see the final pics!
Me too
Gitsplitta wrote:Beautifully done Graven. The time you took really shows through.
Thanks mate. As always a high bar has been set but I found this an inspiring challenge, certainly.
Theophony wrote:Happy pre-emptive birthday to your son .
That is an ingenious and well executed diorama you have done. The only thing I would add (if they are real pieces and not holograms) would be one cast down on the floor by the loser
Cheers! My wife's family is huge, it's going to be crazy. Ah well. I thought about that actually, with one of the generic dudes, but they are supposed to be sorta holo figs. Also I'd need many many around the board generally - it would have become too cluttered. Oh, and I just plain ran out of epic minis
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Looking great Graven. Well executed. No changes needed as far as I'm concerned, although Theophony may have a point about the discarded figure. See how much you can be bothered.
Birthday cake sounds brilliant, add me to the list of those who can't wait to see.
Re job - Shocking. Truly shocking. Happens far too often to good people. Hope something sorts out for you soon. Stay angry though, anger fuels the fire. Depression smothers it
Yeah work is not good. Scunnered is the Scots' word for how I feel right now. It's less sweary than the alternative.
Knightley wrote:Very cool Graven, Very cool indeed
Cheers matey, appreciated.
Well my other court of owls set is en route - I want to do them in one batch, I think - and I salvaged a nice smashed paving base from my unfinished Clayface for the Gotham Butcher. We've decided that for R2's legs we're probably going full foam core so that's a fun night ahead; right now there is a foot high bullet of chocolate cake in my dining room
Wondering what TT stuff to build first - something wee like the shipping containers or just get stuck into the big stuff like the crane and cargo ship?
Red Harvest wrote:Fantastic cake. I can think of one person who will have a very happy birthday indeed. (Voted for it too. Will a 10 for coolness suffice?)
Diorama is nicely executed too. Good luck in the contest.
Scunnered. Okay, now can you explain the word haver? ( like from that song by the Proclaimers)
Haver is to hesitate. It's subtly different to Swither, which is hesitation over a choice.
"The new Scouts fared well?"
It was the first time that the Grandmaster had spoken, since acknowledging Artur's arrival and their bout had commenced. As ever, it was impossible to read his unblinking, sightless eyes. So like the Mantis itself, thought the honoured veteran Commander, encased in his metal shell. He cast his gaze across the board once more. Resignation, perhaps? The servos had by now relayed all permutations to the Grandmaster, and the pincer of Artur's remaining Astartes assured him victory against the ancient warrior. A ploy? Perhaps. But with only the Rex remaining, his choices were few, his options limited beyond noble self-sacrifice.
"Aye, my lord, well enough. They will be fine instruments of the Emperor's will, should he deem them worthy." He shifted his remaining Devastator to pin down the gleaming, golden Rex. "You are checked, my lord. And I believe the game is mine."
A statement, not a question.
"Tell me," continued the Grandmaster, barely acknowledging the inevitable, "Were they as attentive to all of the details of Tranquility as you once were?" A nudge from the servo-arm, prolonging the endgame. Artur frowned.
"I schooled them in full, just as you did me, sire." The towering Terminator shifted to his whim, "And checked once more, upon two fronts." The pause lengthened like a rift in time itself. "You have but one move, Grandmaster, and it ends in Regicide."
"Did you know that I was a Vanguard, Commander?"
Artur frowned despite himself, accessing memories deep in his core.
"My lord, there were no Vanguard Veterans of the Tranquility campaign."
As if from nowhere, the table shimmered, shifted.
"None that you know of, child." A rare crease at the corner of the Grandmaster's mouth - a suggestion of a smile?
A Vanguard, clad in corvid armour and streaked black on yellow, bore down upon Artur's Rex, and struck hard and true.
"A Mantis always guards his secrets, Commander. Regicide, I believe. As you say, I had but one move open to me."
There was nought he could do but let cry a wordless, furious yell, slamming his fist to the table and sending his slain Rex reeling.
"We are hidden even in the shadows of our own history, Artur. The treachery in the truth, the hiding in plain sight - the ancient art of the Mantis."
But his words were dust in the recycled air, as his Honoured opponent was long gone.
Inspiration
Spoiler:
So, the theme is "Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." I'm fond of David Mamet, from whom the quote comes (I am an English (& Media) teacher, after all) and this spurred me on to thinking about Stanley Kubrick's 'The Killing' (I also teach film) with its iconic chess scene (great movie, great director, and cited by Mamet as one of his favourite moments in drama - yes, I am a nerd, thank you). I got thinking about chess games generally, and Paradigm mentioned Regicide, the 40k descendant of the game. And so it came together. The venerable Mantis General howling in rage and frustration at the unexpected defeat!
Red Harvest wrote:Fantastic cake. I can think of one person who will have a very happy birthday indeed. (Voted for it too. Will a 10 for coolness suffice?)
Diorama is nicely executed too. Good luck in the contest.
Scunnered. Okay, now can you explain the word haver? ( like from that song by the Proclaimers)
Haver is to hesitate. It's subtly different to Swither, which is hesitation over a choice.
Thanks. Swither rhymes with dither, so easy to remember.
Thanks. Swither rhymes with dither, so easy to remember.
Yup. Then there's the weather - dreich, drookit, smir, haar and of course Baltic
I'm pleased with the skills I used for this build - brass etch (eg so pleased with how the tiny watches worked as dials, the brass sprue for flooring, the filigree details on the Honoured Mantis legs), making the plinth, dark gem on big servo skull, gs sculpting the Mantis pad, and all the bloody green! Only forward, as they say.
And so back to Gotham. Started on the pile of TT combat stuff I have to review (Oh, what a struggle ).
Their containers (£5.95) are nice, generic and chunky : Very easy to assemble. TT combat stuff is well placed on sprues to limit snapping of mdf, which is a bonus. I like also the doors being hinged; whilst mine will be sealed, it's good to have the choice.
The Refuse skips set (£3.95) is 2 separate lots of stuff. Dumpsters are nice Very similar to the Knight Miniatures ones but if anything slightly easier to assemble. The set also comes with these railings : I freakin' love these. Simple, modular, practical. My only niggle is I would love a couple more couplers. Great value though, a real steal at the price.
Again at £5.95 the HGV is great and perfectly in scale with your urban goodies: I've used blister packaging to make windows, not necessary but adds to the aesthetic. Again, all doors are hinged, so great for modification purposes. Slight niggle here as the axles were a wee bit off centre, but just meant shaving the end of one down slightly (along with the edge of my right ring finger, but never mind). Scale shot with Huntress and the Butcher: (he is preposterously vast ) And a Batmobile I... acquired.
All great stuff, excellent Urban ruination. But the real highlight for me is this, at £8: That's 1 x Sofa 1 x Refrigerator,1 door and 1 rear grille 1 x Broken TV 3 x Hobo in a sleeping bag (all different sculpts) 2 x Dustbin 2 x Bin Bags
Absolutely magnificent for adding character to games, beautiful definition on the sculpts and really well-conceived. Now I just need to start two of the more complex constructions, the Crane and the MSV Ironsides, a cargo ship.
Meantime, as you saw, I got on with Butcher. 12' high in scale. Hmm. Bit daft but has got a real boost in the revised Flash/Arrow supplement with the new equipment lists. And yeah, Huntress too. So, shuffling on Later peeps, and thanks for all your voices and voting! Graven
Graven!! I can't believe you are doing this to me! I've just gone and ordered those skips and fences from TT Combat along with their set of small sci fi crates after seeing that you were recommending
I'm not in that much despair really. They are a real bargain aren't they? £3.95 for 5 crates was impressive. I actually went there to buy a bunch of 32mm bases for my Dr Who miniatures and just figured that while I was there, why not. Really looking forward to getting them actually. So genuinely, cheers for the tip-off.
Paradigm wrote:That does look like cool stuff, adding it to the list for when I get around to eventually putting together a proper board.
I'm telling you, TT have it nailed.
Dr H wrote:Great job on the mantis-orama, idea and execution.
Nice cake too.
Thanks kindly sir. Cake was awesome, we're on to number 2 now, funnily enough it's a shield
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Graven!! I can't believe you are doing this to me! I've just gone and ordered those skips and fences from TT Combat along with their set of small sci fi crates after seeing that you were recommending
I'm not in that much despair really. They are a real bargain aren't they? £3.95 for 5 crates was impressive. I actually went there to buy a bunch of 32mm bases for my Dr Who miniatures and just figured that while I was there, why not. Really looking forward to getting them actually. So genuinely, cheers for the tip-off.
No worries mate. They are evil sellers of marvellous toys
ckig wrote:Nice terrain collection. Can I ask where the sleeping hobos are from. I'd like to get some. Great fit for Gotham.
Cheers! My thoughts exactly. TT Combat, I'll pm you the link.
So my court is built. My, but they are a pita to do. Pinning in the arms especially. They're tiny. The horror!
And so much GS. Butcher particularly. To be fair I have slightly repositioned arms and heads, but still. I am slightly dreading set 2 :(
I used a plastic based acrylic spray on the MDF terrain. No pics yet but initial impressions are encouraging. Also getting pins into Sandman's feet just now, going to make him properly drippy sticky feet rising up from the base.
However, might be a bit quiet for the next week or so. Marking season for the exams is upon us, so that will be all my time taken up. And stealing the wife's laptop so I'm not sitting next to the cupboard of geek. Still, it's nearly the end of the LOER contest, so I'll have judging to keep me busy Adios
Graven
@Graven - can ask your advice about the TT Combat terrain? I've not painted MDF terrain before and noticed you said you primed with an acrylic based spray. Is this an experiment or necessity? I was planning on priming with GW black spray primer - yay/nay? I mainly ask because I bought MDF bases for the first time and don't want to mess those up!!
evildrcheese wrote:Really late to the party, but the Regicide diorama looks great.
EDC
Many thanks!
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:@Graven - can ask your advice about the TT Combat terrain? I've not painted MDF terrain before and noticed you said you primed with an acrylic based spray. Is this an experiment or necessity? I was planning on priming with GW black spray primer - yay/nay? I mainly ask because I bought MDF bases for the first time and don't want to mess those up!!
If you prime with regular paint, you mustcoat the whole thing in PVA first - MDF eats paint otherwise. I got some plastic based acrylic spray that's rather magical, however, can't rememebr the brand off the top of my head (Got it from Wickes, if that helps) - I'll check tomorrow and put up a couple of pics.
Well hello there my lovelies!
Nope not dead, marking finally done, so I'm back in the saddle.
Whilst marking, kept myself sane with Clayface :
He's much drippier and I'm very happy with him.
I've also started converting my Arkham Ivy to Dr Pamela Isley - head turned, arm beckoning, and lab coat.
I've also been suckered in by review stuff from megaton's latest venture, Armoured Syndicate, a post apocalyptic skirmish boardgame and comic :
The various scavenger models are gorgeous, and the corporate mechs are huge and sinister.
That thing's about 60mm high. But the terrain is the real winner:
Clear fronted vending machine! Love it!
I've built most of my Court of Owls (finally) but the next big job is more TT combat stuff
Anyway thanks for swinging by, pop over to the LOER to take part in the public vote if you're so minded, and cyall soon!
Graven
Cheers mate. I'd love a mudpack set but hey, wishlists...
Gitsplitta wrote:All fantastic new stuff. Excellent work with Clayface. I think that new bit of terrain needs a NukaCola label, or failing that... Slurm.
Absolutely I think it needs some graffiti too.
TerrainWalker wrote:I'm liking the idea of those post apocalyptic bits. I could definitely use some...right now haha
there's a really nice Container too.
evildrcheese wrote:That vending machine is covered in win.
EDC
Isn't it?!
Solar_lion wrote:Hummmm.. Slurm..
It's highly addictive
Sorry for disappearing - vomiting children. Sigh.
Anyway.
Decided to throw some paint at some Armoured Syndicate models, as the kickstarter drops tomorrow.
Chico, a wee scuttling droid I thought about an R2 scheme for him (stock is plain yellow) but he's part of the Cuervos Muertos who are mexican nationalistas so went for the pinata egg look He'd like a drink And his owner, Maria: Altogether now:
Choices, choices... The building is Plastcraft post-apoc, btw. Also, new lightbox setup, which is working a bit better.
Other stuff: did an article on bigcomicpage.com on Court of Owls, KM liked it so much they're giving me a Marvel exclusive later today, apparently. Squee, etc. Need to build more TT combat stuff, and get ready for my soon-to-be annual "I am your father" X-wing match with my kids on Sunday
Nice work on those minis, it's always a good sign when you can bring sculpts and paintwork together to tell a story (no matter how simple) that can be appreciated even without knowing anything about the setting or background. The sculpts and schemes create a great sense of atmosphere.
I like the new light box and the little post apoc set up there. Nicely done on the pop machine. Congrats on your new-found fame! People are just throwing stuff at you now-a-days! Nice to see your talents get recognized.
Cheers chaps!
More post apocalyptic goodness to follow anon.
Busy busy. End of term and no let up. Took students to Sky Studios yesterday; Got to play with Oculus Rift which melted my brain slightly but was staggering.
Anyway, first a wee plug for Armoured Syndicate, why not pop over and have a look?
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/691743.page I've even lifted my self (read: wife) imposes kickstarter ban on this one
Now a wee while back the mighty TT combat sent me a hearty pile of stuff to paw over. I've finally started looking at some of the bigger pieces. First up: the Construction Crane.
Coming in at £13.95, it's a steal for what is a bit of a beast; standing nearly 2 ft high built, this is a towering addition to a table (although there's also the even larger dock crane, at £19.95, if you're so minded). It feels like a fairly intimidating prospect to build also, but it's logical and well organised, both on the sprue and in terms of instructions.
After an hour of building, I was at this point:
So the entirety of the base section built. The arm is completely separate and, to ensure that you get all those nooks and crannies covered, I would suggest priming it at this stage.
A little note on primer. As we know, MDF eats paint. However, I have discovered something rather neat: PlastiKoat. This is acrylic spray with plastic in it, forming an effective seal without the need for coating your mdf in pva (and even then potentially multiple layers of primer) - here's one I made earlier:
Available in black and white (I picked mine up from Wickes for £9, other retailers are avaialble...), I'm going with white because I want a nice clean base to get filthy from. I may even spray it yellow. I wouldn't use this to prime anything other than MDF - fine detail becomes too obscured - but it's perfectly suited to this.
The arm is slightly more time consuming, simply because it has to dry in stages. This back section took about half an hour to build, and left to dry on its side with a weight atop it overnight, and the front likewise:
More to follow, hopefully will score some good dad loot tomorrow
OK so now I have to go buy that sucker, that is just too awesome. Might have to buy two actually because I can see amazing opportunity for kit bash terrain, all that girder work.....oh hang on, all the rivets I would have to apply, .........................I hate you!
Will definitely need to get that crane. I'll also share the plastikoat trick with the owner of my flgs. He has a laser and has given up painting the terrain due to the amount of paint it takes.
I really liked your MW fluff, fantastic job, don't trust anybody over 400!
Good advice
Gitsplitta wrote:That looks like it's going to be an amazing piece when completed... definitely Gotham-like to have large construction booms around.
Yeah, I wonder whether to have it with a suitable sign hanging from it, actually.
Camkierhi wrote:OK so now I have to go buy that sucker, that is just too awesome. Might have to buy two actually because I can see amazing opportunity for kit bash terrain, all that girder work.....oh hang on, all the rivets I would have to apply, .........................I hate you!
Looking great.
They are seriously cool.
Anpu-adom wrote:Will definitely need to get that crane. I'll also share the plastikoat trick with the owner of my flgs. He has a laser and has given up painting the terrain due to the amount of paint it takes.
It's neat stuff. Smells horrendous mind you.
JoeRugby wrote:Crane is looking cool, looking forward to how it ends up.
Well it's a bit of a beast:
I am actually a bit annoyed: there's no instructions on how to build the hook mechanism. It's pretty self-evident, but it's deeply irritating.
I've added "glass" to the windows also, and flipped the hatch inside the cab so that there appears to be a means for opening it from the outside. I've also added a couple of off-cuts to be lights. The sides of the final box frame aren't glued, so that hopefully one primed I can slot them all into place neatly.
Got Arrow S3 for Dad's day; I have learned not to pester me wife and she gets a hankering again for a show after a while .Immediately back to thinking about painting up my BMG, especially Arrow and the rest of my Deathstroke crew. We shall see. No other geekery for Dad-day, to my surprise, but then I suspect it's coming for my birthday on Friday (or else ) If nothing else, though, Imperial Veterans for X-Wing releases on Thursday so that's going to be a happy geek day
Also going to get a game of Firefly Tuesday (next, that is) - I've reached that point in life where I'd rather geek than drink, given the choice. Besides, I can drink in my own house. Hopefully, after the summer, we should start to see a resurgence in gaming. I'm keen to get my BMG stuff out there! After finishing my Deathstroke crew, there's the other set of Blackgate prisoners, Dr Pamela Isley, Arkham inmates for my Penguin crew plus the Titan Penguin Brute, Court of Owls crew, Huntress, Red Hood...
Armoured Syndicate continues to tempt me also - one of the stretch goals is a shop "cut" from a cargo container, great piece.
Later peeps
graven
Beautiful job on that crane. Yeah, lack of proper instructions is for some reason a commonality with laser-cut terrain. Thing 1 is in the process of putting together some space-hulk corridor terrain that we picked up at Adepticon and it has NO INSTRUCTIONS. Idiots...
Gitsplitta wrote:Beautiful job on that crane. Yeah, lack of proper instructions is for some reason a commonality with laser-cut terrain. Thing 1 is in the process of putting together some space-hulk corridor terrain that we picked up at Adepticon and it has NO INSTRUCTIONS. Idiots...
Well that really is a bother. It bugs me when it's so easy to do free online - look at Plastcraft.
Theophony wrote:Nice looking crane, how does it stack up with containers?
Not bad. The dock crane is designed to hold them, but they'd suit this one too. They're about the height and depth of the base, and half the width. I'll try to do a scale shot once the beast is out of the garage.
Speaking of which:
It really is vast. Slightly unsure as to where to store it Pressing question: what colour should it be? Looking at cranes around me in the city, they're mostly white. Yellow tempts me, the issues of yellow notwithstanding.
Annoyingly, I've forgotten to add window glass to front of cabin. That'll be... Interesting to fix.
I believe most cranes are brightly colored as a mater of safety regulations. planes drones or people thrown by those possessing super human strength might want to see it in order to avoid.
What Solar' said, but if you don't want to do it all one colour, maybe a combination of yellow and/or white for the top piece and then a nice contrasting blue or green (or even red) for the upright part.
Paradigm wrote:I reckon yellow or white, since especially for Batman it'll add some nice contrast to an otherwise mostly-grey board. It's an awesome piece for sure!
Quite possibly. My “board” is a Quarantine Gamemat:
Spoiler:
Solar_lion wrote:I believe most cranes are brightly colored as a mater of safety regulations. planes drones or people thrown by those possessing super human strength might want to see it in order to avoid.
Good point. I’m so used to driving past the Clydeport crane, which is dark grey, on a daily basis that didn’t occur.
Dr H wrote:What Solar' said, but if you don't want to do it all one colour, maybe a combination of yellow and/or white for the top piece and then a nice contrasting blue or green (or even red) for the upright part.
I’d worry that it’d look messy tbh. This will be my colour scheme for “Bale Industries” (the TT Industrial corporation) so it’ll need to work for skips and containers also.
Briancj wrote:Many cranes are red, with white accents.
I had thought that too, but I’d worry it wouldn’t work with the plane warning lights.
I’m considering light blue actually, like the Titan crane (also - Titans reference for a DC board ):
Spoiler:
Would that work?
And here it is in all its glory:
It really is mahoosive. Apologies for state of my desk but there’s lots there for scale Frank Miller Bats on base and Bat-brat atop it, container down the front, etc, etc.
Lordy don't even get me started. The horror... Can't imagine what you lot make of it?!
Anyway, a tidier shot:
Built Arrow (comic) last night, great model and for once no pinning required. Started the Cargo ship also. Busy busy
evildrcheese wrote:Good gravy, that crane is huge!
All I can think of is something like fist fight in Casino Royale going on as a sub game during a game!
EDC
EDC
Well wait till the cargo ship is done! I shall call it... Thunderball!
Red Harvest wrote:Don't those laser cut terrain companies have downloadable instructions? They ought to. Impressive crane. That should be fun to paint...
...and think about how much fun it would be to operate one .
Yeah, their downloadable instructions are identical "fun" to paint... Right...
Camkierhi wrote:Two words on colour...............hazard stripes!
Red and white are more realistic.
It is a bit big, and I wonder how playable it really is, I mean it would take most of a game to climb the thing surely!
Surprisingly so for Batman - batclaws and grapple guns give you a 30cm move in any direction. With other high buildings, it should be pretty awesome. I have some plans for hazard stripes, certainly.
Tamereth wrote:That's a wonderful centre piece for a table. I can just image a fight along the top of it, with two guys trying to knock each other off.
I'd vote red for the colour, seems to be what any large crane I've seen recently is.
Now tempted to get one myself. I don't need it, should probably stop reading this tread, before monkey see monkey do kicks in.
Do it! DO IT NOW! Red seems to be the winner Pics of progress:
Very clever piece of design.
er....i beg to differ... why not add a bit of brightness to the table and have the crane yellow?...i remember lots of them that way...also...playmobil and lego cranes are always yellow...and who would argue with these...eh?^^
Vik is just saying that because Berlin subway cars are yellow It would work too. With red as the accent color.
That ship. Man, a dockyard table, with a few ships in dock, That crane, the ubiquitous shipping crates, obviously the docks themselves, and the water, and the usual sort of scatter... how fantastic would that look? Batman is on a 3'x3' table, no?
Other than that shizstorm, good birthday so far:
Beer making kit, cheese making kit, the doom that came to gotham, Tie interceptor, tie punisher and baked lemon cheesecake
Automatically Appended Next Post: Other thought - I'm debating cladding the prow in plasticard just to make it smooth. Good plan, or unnecessary?
Good plan, and it will open the way for application of rivets
Hadn't realized that today is yon birthday...May the gods bless such an old fart
Oh and as for the whole isle of fail...well...it was a shock for me in the morning...feels like you're sitting with the whole family together at a Christmas supper and then your parents explain to you that after fifty years their going to be divorced...
This weird and frightening in a tight an ugly package...
Damn right. Still, last day of term also. Determined to make the best of it. Lovely wife also got me a hutch for my p&m table, so that's most exciting also.
How about a Dark blue with White accents for the Crane? Anyway it needs lights the blue and white to help blend into the sky so it's not an eyesore. The lights are obligatory.
inmygravenimage wrote:I am beyond appalled, and ashamed to be English
From how close it was, it could have gone either way. Which only means that neither side explained anything properly and we ended up just to one side of average. Oh well, make the best of it when it happens I suppose.
Other thought - I'm debating cladding the prow in plasticard just to make it smooth. Good plan, or unnecessary?
Anything that smooths out (rounds off) mdf stuff is a plus in my book.
inmygravenimage wrote:...Lovely wife also got me a hutch for my p&m table, so that's most exciting also.
So that you have have an army of rabbits and guinea pigs to help with your modelling?
Januine wrote:Birthday eh??!! Hope you have a cracking one graven
Thanks indeed! Obscene amounts of cake and Italian food consumed.
Paradigm wrote:Indeed, have a good'un!
That boat is huuuge, should offer a lot in gameplay terms as well, lots of levels to play with.
Yeah I've not built the nuclear waste container that it comes with yet, which is roughly a double height container also. I'll leave it unattached so I can use it elsewhere. I also cheated by not building the interior controls - advantage being I can use them for something else
Theophony wrote:Happy Birthday Sir
How about a Dark blue with White accents for the Crane? Anyway it needs lights the blue and white to help blend into the sky so it's not an eyesore. The lights are obligatory.
Cheers Theo. I'm still torn on colour, it may depend in simple practicality of what I can get that works!
weetyskemian44 wrote:Lasers!! What cant they do?
Thats a nice lasercut mdf boat and crane combo. Bet your having fun.
Frickin sharks with Frickin Lasers, coming over here, cutting our mdf... yeah I need to actually lay out my full table at some point!
Dr H wrote:
inmygravenimage wrote:I am beyond appalled, and ashamed to be English
From how close it was, it could have gone either way. Which only means that neither side explained anything properly and we ended up just to one side of average. Oh well, make the best of it when it happens I suppose.
Other thought - I'm debating cladding the prow in plasticard just to make it smooth. Good plan, or unnecessary?
Anything that smooths out (rounds off) mdf stuff is a plus in my book.
inmygravenimage wrote:...Lovely wife also got me a hutch for my p&m table, so that's most exciting also.
So that you have have an army of rabbits and guinea pigs to help with your modelling?
Happy Birthday.
Cheers pal this is the hutch -
I just am saddened to see our nations divided. It's the trekkie in me I guess.
Adding to the geek-day carnage, my mum and dad (who've now moved up here, so had my first birthday with them in 20-odd years) took the hint when asked what I wanted ("spaceship spaceship spaceship!")
First time they've taken a geek hint for that matter given that wife let slip that at least one of her relatives be gettin' me more ties (as long as it's not neck ties) I anticipate Imperial ascendancy!
I think smoothing out the prow will definitely happen. I'm starting to plan my next raft of acquisitions... depends what my mates get me though. Hard life playing Firefly with them Tuesday, sadly I would rather do that than go to the pub. Also I have a job interview Weds so beer free night required.
Plan is to pick up Flash&Arrow expansion book, for starters, although I've decided to not pick up any more BMG for a while as I have 3 crews to finish building painting (plus Ivy). Apart from maybe Deadshot, Flash, Ravager... More keen to round out my rebels and Imperials, nearly there with the small ships need to see if I need more clutter for my city streets also.
Adios
Graven
Have to agree with Dr H never actually saw somebody state the simple advantages of remaining in the EU it was all rampant scare mongering or this bunch of suits say neither of which are particularly useful when trying to convince the middle ground.
Anyway back to important stuff nice haul with the space ship and nice work on the sea ship. I'm always impressed by how quickly those cranes go off. I can remember coming back to site to see the tower cranes had had 4 babies. Most of the ones I've seen about are white and fairly clean as they don't stay up long enough to get dirty.
Happy Birthday graven! Wonderful that you could share it with your parents again & that they've finally "gotten the hint". Mine never did, I finally gave up and started asking for conventional things like socks & stuff. Glad your parents could be taught!
I had to look up "hutch", and was very disturbed what for you might find a padlock/cage item useful for hobby...bunny blood for the bunny headed God of blood spilling???
Happy Birthday, Graven. The hutch has potential, especially since you could mount things to it, like additional lighting... unless you're getting all *trendy* on us and going with the arc lamp thing. Storage space is always a good thing. Lockable storage space is even better, especially with the little ones around. Won't go into the horror stories, but lessons were learned.
Happy Birthday Graven. I know what you mean about relatives never taking the hint. I finally got my wife to buy me something game related for Christmas last year. My family still has never done that .
First and foremost, thanks for all the kind wishes. Now have additional excellent nerd shirts also.
Llamahead wrote:Anyway back to important stuff nice haul with the space ship and nice work on the sea ship. I'm always impressed by how quickly those cranes go off. I can remember coming back to site to see the tower cranes had had 4 babies. Most of the ones I've seen about are white and fairly clean as they don't stay up long enough to get dirty.
I know you mean about cleanliness - that's an interesting point. I think yellow is winning, with red and white hazard stripes.
Ruglud wrote:Star Wars goodies - always a sure fire winner in my book.
That crane and cargo ship... You'll have a glorious set-up in the docks of Gotham
I need to get my other buildings done, they're languishing just now.
Gitsplitta wrote:Happy Birthday graven! Wonderful that you could share it with your parents again & that they've finally "gotten the hint". Mine never did, I finally gave up and started asking for conventional things like socks & stuff. Glad your parents could be taught!
Yup really glad, but to be fair they also got me some clothes vouchers
Dr H wrote:
inmygravenimage wrote:... this is the hutch -...
Well, I can't see how you're supposed to stop the rabbits from escaping that, there's no door!
They're breeding in the shelves.
Viktor von Domm wrote:I had to look up "hutch", and was very disturbed what for you might find a padlock/cage item useful for hobby...bunny blood for the bunny headed God of blood spilling???
There's some very dark places on t'internet.
Red Harvest wrote:Mmmm, now I'm craving hasenpfeffer...
Happy Birthday, Graven. The hutch has potential, especially since you could mount things to it, like additional lighting... unless you're getting all *trendy* on us and going with the arc lamp thing. Storage space is always a good thing. Lockable storage space is even better, especially with the little ones around. Won't go into the horror stories, but lessons were learned.
Wife has expressed similar fears. I used to have a lockable Edwardian writing desk. Wife felt it was too attractive to waste in geek cupboard. Boys know not to go near desk of doom. Baby girl will learn the study itself is lockable though.
Gitsplitta wrote:Ooooh, I haven't had hasenpfeffer in decades... since before my mom passed. Yum!
I love rabbit but Mrs is too squeamish, which is a shame as her uncle hunts, cleans and preps them for family freezers
Theophony wrote:Happy Birthday Graven. I know what you mean about relatives never taking the hint. I finally got my wife to buy me something game related for Christmas last year. My family still has never done that .
Mrs is always good that way. Amazon wishlist helps an awful lot mind she has a real knack with comics. Doom that came to Gotham was particularly inspired.
Build now done. The extra that come with the Cargo ship are also lovely:
And here's the full get-up (fair play - there are 3 more containers).
And now, New Desk!
Well, New hutch for old desk And oh, the shelf(-ves) of shame.
So much to do. So little time!
Of on my hols soon. So of I go quiet for a couple o' weeks, y'all know why. Still need to get a game of xwing in with the boys, but even in holiday time, life, etc...
Camkierhi wrote:Your shelf(ves) of shame are pitiful.
However the new hutch looks good, nice set up you have going on.
Crates look good, and ship is awesome.
If I don't see you before, have a great holibobs bud.
Thanks mate. Don't fear, there's lots more shame elsewhere
Theophony wrote:Very nice
You have no shame
Shameless, me
Solar_lion wrote:That's about 25 figures on the shame list. I'm guessing that it is less than 5% of mine and less than 1% of Whaley's. pftttttttttttt.
oh and Happy birthday and have a great Holiday!
Cheers buddy. I've still got a mountain of X-wing repaints to do also, but at least they feel less shameful
Gitsplitta wrote:Enjoy your break! The cargo set up looks fantastic. My mind is alight with gaming possibilities!
It definitely opens up a lot of possibilities. With my bell tower and cathedral pieces there's going to be crazy amounts of scenery, but then it's a game that depends on much multi-level, rooftop action.
Well excellent birthday shenanigans were had. Played a big game o' firefly, and against all probability, won on the last turn! Also given that my friends are incredibly competitive I know that it was a real win
Also scored Cthulhu Gloom (a card game of squamous horror!), a Jumpmaster (Dengar's ship) for X-Wing (dammit, I was avoiding Scum stuff ) and...
Some fantastic scatter terrain from erythromycin. The highlight is a toss-up between the working hinged gate and the USS GOTHAM statue. It also came with extra posters and a couple of X-wing promo cards Very chuffed.
Was thinking about my skips. It occurs to me that I have never seen one empty. So I've been hoarding the mdf frames for no particular reason - however...
Result! I have 4 skips. I think I'll leave two already painted empty and do two like this. The empty ones are painted underneath also so can be flipped over for superheroic silliness or filled with some TT combat scatter terrain (sofa, broken TV, fridge) accordingly. Might need to score a toilet off Dr H to complete the look
So, much good nerd loot acquired. Will probably treat myself to FlArrow book but am certainly geeked to the gills for now.
Piles on dunnage is very common on ships, especially those loading and unloading. You'd find piles of wood like that on the docks near an unloading ship too.
I've seen an empty skip only for about five minutes after they've been delivered to a site. One of the weirdest jobs I've done involved carrying buckets of spoil from the hoist out of a window and dumping them into a skip for a week. We were digging the archaeology out of a new lift shaft at the Cambridgeshire Council Offices. As it was built in the top of a castle straight on top of the roman town we actually got a fair amount of finds. Including 2 brooches.
Regarding your skips I had the same plan, but with a tweak. The skips should be multi-use so I am going to line both of mine with cling film and use the skip as a mould. Do a couple with rubble and soil, with a few girders etc, just girders in some more, a few corpses for Zombicide etc etc etc
Gitsplitta wrote:Piles on dunnage is very common on ships, especially those loading and unloading. You'd find piles of wood like that on the docks near an unloading ship too.
Yeah, I'd like to just create some stacks of wood also. Mdf, is there anytihng it can't do?
Llamahead wrote:I've seen an empty skip only for about five minutes after they've been delivered to a site. One of the weirdest jobs I've done involved carrying buckets of spoil from the hoist out of a window and dumping them into a skip for a week. We were digging the archaeology out of a new lift shaft at the Cambridgeshire Council Offices. As it was built in the top of a castle straight on top of the roman town we actually got a fair amount of finds. Including 2 brooches.
Nice I'm considering simply filling one with stoor from my basing tub - grit, bricks and offcuts.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Regarding your skips I had the same plan, but with a tweak. The skips should be multi-use so I am going to line both of mine with cling film and use the skip as a mould. Do a couple with rubble and soil, with a few girders etc, just girders in some more, a few corpses for Zombicide etc etc etc
That's an interesting idea. I like the notion of making the filling "modular".
Anyway, going dark after today for a fortnight mes amis. Cy'all mid July!
graven
Well hello once more my friends!
Back from a lovely break in Ibiza and feeling much better for it Also got a new side-job for the exam board, a promotion which compensates for my in-school promoted contract running out, and the guy in the level above retires in a year So things looking up, doesn't stop me being a grumpy old sod mind you
So set about the Crane with yellow Fiat car spray:
And a test with cassandra yellow on the cab.
Think that worked. Going to eat all my cassandra yellow mind you, then you get the gw paint fear - when will they stop doing the paint on which i depend?!
Here's the yellow over black primer:
Good for more damaged yellow. This will get ogryn flesh as its wash instead. Skip will get filled with rubble, I've decided. Other skip earned itself a sofa and a TV:
Might try Honda red for the boat (or at least the hull) over black and the other "branded" cargo crates.
Getting other stuff primed. Shelf of shame is slightly less shameful toy Batmobile has worked particularly well:
More terrain incoming, this time from Multiverse: tattoo parlour, bus shelters, and fast food joint. Heads up that there will be 2 prize contests for them on my big comic page blog (good plug huh? ) I'm getting to review DC stuff too now which is jolly cool.
So lots of bmg to do. Also got my new xwing Imperial stuff to jazz up: Veteran Tie Defender & Bomber, punisher, interceptor, 2 regular ties and the Gozanti, plus Aggressor and Jumpmaster for Scum. The standard of Fantasy Flight's prepainted minis is improving, so they're a fairly low priority tbh. Applying to be a Sidekick (Knight Miniatures volunteer) so bmg is more so.
Speaking, vaguely, of which, anyone want some SciFi terrain? I have a pile of Systema stuff I'm not really using.
It's part-built (each main building is done) and unpainted (apart from the comms relay which is painted light blue; it also has yellow rather than orange sections). If you'd prefer I can provide stuff built, primed or even painted I can do that too, deal being negotiable. There's some bmg stuff I'm after too (Katana, Ravager, templates, other misc!) plus I will ship abroad. Will also simply sell the lot for £50 or equivalent $€¥
A bit too Sci-fi for my tastes. Cheaper for you lot if interested
Got a set of lovely modcubes from Gitsplitta. Jeez, they're awesome! They need to do a Batman token set though, exactly what's needed.
Anyway, lovely to be back! Be sure to catch the current LOER contest too, btw. It's... Wet Cya
Graven
Alaricuk wrote:The crane looks great, was eying one up the other day so found your post very interesting,
TT makes great stuff. Well worth a look.
Dr H wrote:Yellow is indeed yellow.
Look forward to more.
Yes indeed! Now it is more yellow (well, actually, shadier yellow):
Starting to grey in concrete and windows. Hook and panels will be white/red hazards. It's actually not as massive a job as it seems. On consideration and research it's going to get some sponge weathering also just to break up the wall of banana.
The skip and crate were done over black primer as mentioned, now have been shaded also:
Trying something a bit outré: I've not painted the rubble. After all, I'd be painting it to look like, well, that. What do we reckon?
Got my Ford Pepper red for the boat and other crates. I'm going to try converting one crate into a makeshift shop of some dubious sort, or possibly a takeout place. Thoughts?
Good news on the job Graven, congrats. Crane looking good. It needs the white and red stripes though to break it up, may need some more too depending on how it looks.
Great choice of red for the boat hull, would have been my choice too.
Shop in a container sounds like a fun plan and would fit with the BMG aesthetic I imagine. Is it better for it to be a shady back street gun shop or even better a weapon cache for Batman and his allies?
Gitsplitta wrote:Crane and crates are looking fantastic graven.
Well thanks mate you're very kind d.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Good news on the job Graven, congrats. Crane looking good. It needs the white and red stripes though to break it up, may need some more too depending on how it looks.
Great choice of red for the boat hull, would have been my choice too.
Shop in a container sounds like a fun plan and would fit with the BMG aesthetic I imagine. Is it better for it to be a shady back street gun shop or even better a weapon cache for Batman and his allies?
I think "legitimate business" it'll be a closed-up shop of some sort - Toy Shop, maybe
Camkierhi wrote:Looking fantastic, and yellow, but mostly fantastic.
Liking the red hull also, and think Weety is right, crane needs a few more patches to break up the over all.
Like the idea of a secret stash container.
Well, ammo is a specific in game objective is the thing. However I like the idea of it so it'll evolve somehow, I'm sure.
As for the crane...
It's getting there. Tomorrow, hopefully, it'll be done, along with some wip boat pics Thanks for comments y'all!
And what's that without some figs to set the scene?
I was worried I didn't have enough terrain... I still think a couple more small buildings wouldn't go amiss but I'm pretty happy.
Had a great day with my boys, saw Secret Life of Pets, watched some Dr Who, got eye tests (kids fine, new specs for me), made bacon mac & cheese, played X-wing, now watching force awakens. Good times!
All that terrain together is looking fantastic. Such a great board to play on. Really sets your minis off. Funny really,how a very large yellow crane fits in so well too. You would think it would be at odds with the gothic, but not at all. Looks spot on.
I was stunned how good that terrain setup was. Did you plan it around the mat because it all fits perfectly with it. Hope you get some games out of it soon.
Awesome shots of the city board with minis all over it. Much cool.
EDC
Many thanks buddy!
Paradigm wrote:A simply awesome setup, and those shots really show off both your amazing terrain and the extent and quality of your BMG collection.
Have you managed to get a game in on that board yet?
Thanks mate! Really need to get through the shelf of shame though! Just the one game on it, doesn't help that it's wider than my dining room table I will be (hopefully) getting my geek on a bit more once the kids are back at school.
Camkierhi wrote:All that terrain together is looking fantastic. Such a great board to play on. Really sets your minis off. Funny really,how a very large yellow crane fits in so well too. You would think it would be at odds with the gothic, but not at all. Looks spot on.
Cheers, I'm surprised too because it is fairly disparate but I suppose industrial-Gothic isn't unreasonable.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:I was stunned how good that terrain setup was. Did you plan it around the mat because it all fits perfectly with it. Hope you get some games out of it soon.
Your day sounded great too!
yeah we had a lot of fun, although little guy was proper scared of the Zygons. I didn't plan the board, it really is a hodgepodge, but having played a fair bit I knew what kind of road:building ratio would work for a board generally.
Anpu-adom wrote:Looks great! I especially love how the terrain fits with the mat (As Deputy Manager said).
Thanks, it does help that the fences (birthday gift from Erithromycin) are in 6" lengths rendering them highly adaptable
Solar_lion wrote:Very nice to see this come together. Now game away.. time to get the pay off you been working towards.
wait,,, Bacon Mac and cheese.. yummm
So tasty. There were peas and mushrooms also in it, but mostly all the tasty fatty goodness
Thank you all for the very kind words. Still to come for the table (checklist of shame for my reference ):
Boat - hull base coated red, super structure primed black (any suggestions here?!)
Skip with furniture (sofa, TV) - primed, sofa base coated
3 hobos in sleeping bags - primed
2 bins/trashcans - primed
HGV - primed
Fridge - primed
Metal fencing, 5 sections - primed
Hazardous waste container - primed
2 small crates - primed
3 Cargo Containers - primed
Batmobile - primed
Toy Motorbike - plastic
And...
Is it shady dive? A back alley gun merchant? An illicit toy shop? A hipster cafe serving unusual (but ethically sourced) meat?
Back view
3/4
So it's made from a container with a few leftover bits from other kits. Pretty happy with how it turned out, not sure what (if anything) else it needs? Surprised that it actually possible to kitbash MDF (beyond the console I made before). Might try to make an ATM for the city streets also.
Other news: tattoo parlour, fast food joint, hot dog cart and bus shelters coming from multiverse
Also got confirmation today of Route 666 review copy (dark future, essentially) AND (drum roll...) The new trek rpg so super psyked for that. Merrily we roll along Cya, anniversary tomorrow, 10 years of being tolerated graven
JoeRugby wrote:But late to the party but the table and crane look great.
Really like that Joker acid bath you've got I there
Never too late to a bat-party, as long as you know the Batoosi and many thanks!
Camkierhi wrote:Excellent kit bash, add a light, so you do some nice OSL, other than that spot on.
Grats on Anniversary, 10yrs huh, not bad, 26 years in to my sentence shortly.
Impressive. Lights added, wips below, boss.
Solar_lion wrote:Congrats on the anniversary. 30 years for me.
Looking forward to the new building additions.
You and me both speaking of which...
These came today from Multiverse and their Dark City range:
Spoiler:
Also got confirmation of some stuff from WargamesTournaments and Sarissa Precision (retro Americana ), very exciting, and lots of giveaways a-coming - including a non social media one right here on dakka! I'm that kind to you
Had a great anniversary, amazing Italian food with the kids and my folks, and have had some good cinema trips too - Ghostbusters and Star Trek Beyond, both enjoyed by us all. Got an ace game of xwing last night against erithromycin, which is always interesting because he is one of the top UK players - he beat me, but it was satisfyingly close, very narrow point difference and went to time (75 mins). It's great to see how an optimised list plays, and he likes the fact that because I don't net-deck or meta - I am what's known as a Fly Casual player - I do stuff he just doesn't expect.
And progress on stuff - the boat has a name!
Used leftover movie signs And here it is all big and red
Did a couple of clean containers
And the container shop takes shape -
Better shot of sign
And the back
Nearly there
C&C as always my friends, thanks for the ongoing support,
Graven
And nice layout. Looks great.
I like the bell tower the best, but you knew I'd say that. I thought you'd found a matching bell there, but no, it's a ducky.
Paradigm wrote:Cracking stuff! It's little details like those posters that really bring your work to life!
Thanks mate I've added some new graffiti too but feel like there's maybe a wee gap on the front?
Dr H wrote:Nice progress, Graven'.
And nice layout. Looks great.
I like the bell tower the best, but you knew I'd say that. I thought you'd found a matching bell there, but no, it's a ducky.
Do like the fences though.
It is always the highlight it's such a great, practical piece in game too. Ducky is my penguin-themed Loot objective wakwakwakwak! The fences are indeed tasty.
JoeRugby wrote:Cool stuff dude.
Cheers mucker! So the shop is largely done.
Storefront
And rear
Bonus points if you get the reference on the roof graffiti Does it need anything else?
Tempted to do another one as a trendy coffee shop...
And started on the tattoo parlour. Amazing to build, lovely detailing, though the window frames are verrrrry fragile.
Roof is a separate piece, as you can see, though I'll be attaching mine.
There's more detailing - lights, grilles etc - to follow, but loving Multiverse's work thus far. It also comes with a rack for displaying tattoos in the window but, as I'll be glassing mine, I get a free bench! I also need names for the parlour (it comes with a TATTOO and a TATOO sign). Something Cthulhu-ish maybe? Squid, Inc for example?
I feel that the lettering of the sign could be picked out more, a stronger contrast to the background of the sign. After all it's supposed to be an advert and they are all about being clearly read from as far away as possible.
However, if you are going for long-closed and flaky, worn-away paint, then it's fine. But maybe the knife and dice are too defined then.
The graffiti is nicely done. Mutants? Could be all kinds of things to me.
Maybe a small tag (or tags) on the back of the sign. If someone's got up there to do one piece of graffiti, then more people will have.
I feel that the lettering of the sign could be picked out more, a stronger contrast to the background of the sign. After all it's supposed to be an advert and they are all about being clearly read from as far away as possible.
However, if you are going for long-closed and flaky, worn-away paint, then it's fine. But maybe the knife and dice are too defined then.
The graffiti is nicely done. Mutants? Could be all kinds of things to me.
Maybe a small tag (or tags) on the back of the sign. If someone's got up there to do one piece of graffiti, then more people will have.
I don't think I can beat Squid-inc at the moment.
Thanks matey.
I have added green to the lettering, as you are wise:
Quick pic, hopefully clear?
Mutants are the gang in dark Knight Returns Glad graffiti works. I shall add another tag behind the sign too.
Squid-inc has a certain charm, don't it?
Threw this together:
Vandal Savage. Recycling your junk into evil.
Azazelx wrote: The MDF tablescape is looking more awesome each time I look at it. Really impressive work, mate!
Many thanks indeed, and there's more to come!
In fact...
Back to the tattoo parlour.
This is where the niggles appear. Minor irk: there's a fractional gap either side of each door. Easy to cover with a bit of spare pdf but still. Less minor irk: the ac unit above the door has about a 1mm gap either side of it once fitted.
More major irk: the tattoo display stand needed about 2mm carved out of each tab slot to fit the back section. These slightly spoil what's otherwise generally excellent as a kit. The fact also that there's no instructions for the security light or signs vexed me a little. It's still a beautiful kit and great to build, but these are somewhat frustrating, and would be even more so to the novice.
The use of matte board is interest. It's not something I've encountered before in a kit and, being like very thin foamcore, it's used to add fine detail - here, door handles, the window frame and grille at the side, and sign frame. Easy to use, though do be sparing with the glue.
Overall it is an excellent kit, albeit not perfect, and at under €20 good value at that.
So of course, I modified it:
Leftover matte board for Windows rather than blister packaging. I plan to add squidy goodness
But what would any city be without infrastructure? What we need are... Bus stops!
These are incredibly quick to build - 5 minutes, and you're done:
A great addition to any city street, and they come with printable signs, bus timetables, posters for Ferris Air, the circus, Mask of Zorro and more! Fab for under €10.
Now, you want to win your own, right? head over to bigcomicpage.com when I post the link to find out how! Crucially, to win the Bus Shelters you MUST comment.
Good work, Graven.
Interesting thoughts on the kits.
I'm not really sold on the laser-cut mdf kits, as a whole (not just these). Mainly due to the lack of rounded edges, which especially shows on things like railings.
Personally, I would have to set about these kinds of kits with some sandpaper.
Good to see these include additional material for added details. Hope it's the start of using the right thing for the right job.
The MDF terrain makers are starting to experiment a little more these days. They are doing some interesting stuf. Shame that the tattoo parlor has such ill-fitting components. The recessed entrance is a nice touch.
I suggest "' Squidllies' or 'Mr. Squidlies ' in honor of the old TV show.. " Holy Squid Nipples , Batman"
Might do that
Dr H wrote:
Oh indeed. I woz 'ere, without being 'ere.
Good work, Graven.
Interesting thoughts on the kits.
I'm not really sold on the laser-cut mdf kits, as a whole (not just these). Mainly due to the lack of rounded edges, which especially shows on things like railings.
Personally, I would have to set about these kinds of kits with some sandpaper.
Good to see these include additional material for added details. Hope it's the start of using the right thing for the right job.
These are the most interesting I've seen, despite the flaws. I did consider adding WOZ ERE too.
Red Harvest wrote:
'Grats on the Anniversary, 'Graven.
The MDF terrain makers are starting to experiment a little more these days. They are doing some interesting stuf. Shame that the tattoo parlor has such ill-fitting components. The recessed entrance is a nice touch.
Anyway, had a fantastic night last night, playing Arrow vs Deathstroke.
The game's weaknesses and strengths really came to fore. It suffers from chronic keyword syndrome - or rather, the card layout at times inhibits understanding. However, it is categorically the most cinematic miniature game I have ever played. My opponent played Arrow, Huntress, Black canary and a couple of cops, whilst I had Deathstroke and his Militia (plus an escapee from Iron Heights).
Arrow took position atop the ruined cathedral to snipe, while the cops immediately fell foul of some militia who snuck onto the same side of the board. Black Canary hit them with her cry despite their hiding in smoke (me forgetting Canary Cry isn't an attack ) so the brute set about her and bludgeoned her senseless. One sneaky militiaman snuck up to steal Loot behind the swat van, dodging arrows remarkably well! Deathstroke challenged The Arrow to a duel and... Lost ! (Seriously, I rolled 6 attacks needing 3+ and got 5 1s and a 2!) However, the bad guys still scored the most Victory Points. A great game, and a great night.
So there we are - more to come, batmobile pics soon (needs tidied), scenics, and maybe some spesssheeps!
Graven
Good stuff, the game sounds like a good one. I find Black Canary very easy to underestimate, even when I'm the one using her. Especially against low WP Henchmen, if she can hit two or three with the cry they're just such easy pickings for a harder hitter (BC+Batwoman or Nightwing with their then-unblockable 2 Damage attacks is lethal!).
Paradigm wrote:Good stuff, the game sounds like a good one. I find Black Canary very easy to underestimate, even when I'm the one using her. Especially against low WP Henchmen, if she can hit two or three with the cry they're just such easy pickings for a harder hitter (BC+Batwoman or Nightwing with their then-unblockable 2 Damage attacks is lethal!).
She is a beast, and I should know better - I built the list! Ah, Batwoman. Now she is fantastic, so much better than a cheap Batman, and amazing for GCPD.
Knightley wrote:Sounds like a fun game even with the whiff on deathstroke. How do you feel he is as a heavy hitter normally?
He is, arguably, the most potent close combat fighter in the game. His other attack - up to 5 dice of blood damage with rerolls is even scarier. However, the potential to do 6 stun would've won me the game there and then *shrug* and hey, it was every kind of fun plus he has a once per game heal. Basically he's terrifying, but he is one of the most expensive characters in the game - it's very well balanced (for reference, Arrow is cheaper despite having an unlimited ranged weapon) - up there with Swamp Thing and the most tooled-up version of Batman.
So made a bit of progress. I want to get my remaining guys based, built and primed, if only because I want to start brewing in the garage so need everything sprayed and ready to go. So...
Remaining blackgate inmates, court of owls, red hood, arkham inmates and penguin thugs. Some GS required, some litter needed for the owls' bases, and pinning of mannnnnnnnny arms oh, and a toy motorbike cleaned up and a pink fridge started And stuck some green on bus stops and park bench:
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Paradigm wrote:Good stuff, the game sounds like a good one. I find Black Canary very easy to underestimate, even when I'm the one using her. Especially against low WP Henchmen, if she can hit two or three with the cry they're just such easy pickings for a harder hitter (BC+Batwoman or Nightwing with their then-unblockable 2 Damage attacks is lethal!).
She is a beast, and I should know better - I built the list! Ah, Batwoman. Now she is fantastic, so much better than a cheap Batman, and amazing for GCPD.
Knightley wrote:Sounds like a fun game even with the whiff on deathstroke. How do you feel he is as a heavy hitter normally?
He is, arguably, the most potent close combat fighter in the game. His other attack - up to 5 dice of blood damage with rerolls is even scarier. However, the potential to do 6 stun would've won me the game there and then *shrug* and hey, it was every kind of fun plus he has a once per game heal. Basically he's terrifying, but he is one of the most expensive characters in the game - it's very well balanced (for reference, Arrow is cheaper despite having an unlimited ranged weapon) - up there with Swamp Thing and the most tooled-up version of Batman.
So made a bit of progress. I want to get my remaining guys based, built and primed, if only because I want to start brewing in the garage so need everything sprayed and ready to go. So...
Remaining blackgate inmates, court of owls, red hood, arkham inmates and penguin thugs. Some GS required, some litter needed for the owls' bases, and pinning of mannnnnnnnny arms oh, and a toy motorbike cleaned up and a pink fridge started And stuck some green on bus stops and park bench:
Speaking of which, go get into that contest! win free stuff!
Been up to this and that . Final week of the holidays
I had a great game of xwing with the boys, playing through Dash Rendar's scenario, Outrider vs Tie F/O & The Inquisitor. Very pleased with how the game works in a non-waac, kill everything way.
Getting everything primed, pleased that I'm nearly at the point I wanted to be at the end of the summer. Only my last 3 court talons aren't primed - decided to add some brass etch straps and knives as they're rather plain.
Started my radioactive containers. Testing using just micron pen for the black -
And fun with fridges
Oh dear, someone's had a bit too much fun...
Fast food set coming soon, hurrah! Remember to get into the contest gang. Cheers, Graven
Januine wrote:That fridge is awesomely gory.........chilling even great stuff graven
Thanks man always humbled when the dakka 'eavy mob swing by
shasolenzabi wrote:Nice touches! smaller terrain pieces that add character to a city scape!
Cheers, really appreciated. I absolutely agree, and it adds a lot to the game, especially as KM continue to add in more firearms (which are utterly deadly) because of the chance of cover saves (Ping! rolls, as they are known - and I say that as a someone who tends to play gun-heavy villain gangs (Penguin/Deathstroke) or SWAT-heavy cops.
Speaking of which, got my bus shelters done, along with a bench:
Lovely sets those shelters. They come with good posters and Lost Cat/Harvey Dent signs added to make it match other stuff too The bench has a little love note on it (along with all that blood)...
And progress on this:
Given that it's mostly going to be a static scenery piece (though it is the same scale and loadout as the in-game version ) not sure how much more time I want to spend on this. Sitting on my bench are 3 hobos (wait, that sounds wrong), two trash cans, 2 crates, rad container, HGV, Tattoo parlour and the giant boat. So plenty to be going on with Crucially, with everything primed, I can also start brewing in the garage I'll let you know how that gets on too Cheers for swinging by,
graven
Paradigm wrote:Good call! Have you seen Suicide Squad yet?
Truck is looking good, suitably grubby for Gotham. Just noticed the HQ/MrJ on the bench, neat!
She <3 her puddin' alas, tiny people mean got to watch in dvd. I enjoy crusting up the crud
Gitsplitta wrote:Wonderful work graven. You're really pushing yourself now and it's showing in your work.
That's kind of you indeed. Scenery is my niche, clearly
Briancj wrote:I really enjoy seeing the terrain, but I REALLY enjoy thast you're playing a different miniatures game, and getting games in. Rock on, Graven!
Thanks matey. Indoctrinating my children helps, i'm planning ahead
Automatically Appended Next Post: Liked Assault on Arkham a lot. I think it's pretty tenuous making it a 15 - if it were live action it'd be a 12A, I suspect. Violence and gore, no cartoon bewbs on showing despite a couple of saucy bits. Stylistically has anime elements that work, mostly. Certainly worth a watch.
DVD, it's about the only Batman animated that's not on Amazon Prime. But I got it for a £1 so I'm not complaining. It has a bit of an early 90s vibe to it (not a BTAS vibe, almost more X-Men oddly) but it works for all that. Thanks for your very kind words but there's some extraordinary folk here - check out the League of Extraordinary Riveters.
But in the meantime...
Rough times on the mean streets of Gotham.
Knightley wrote:Heh, I wanted to say they look like little multi coloured worms, pretty cool looking man
Thanks buddy. Lovely bits and pieces TT make.
Dr H wrote:Good job on the rusty truck. The windows have a nice comic-book look to them.
Those sleeping dudes look like they need a nice cardboard box to lie on.
Thanks, I was worried it wouldn't work. And I spend a lot of time on motorways behind rusty trucks. Boxes? Good idea. Hmm. I have some left over matte board actually I could use. Hmm.
Trying to decide how to do my Hawkgirl, which I've been putting off.
Spoiler:
Lovely model, however I wonder whether to (a) do her in a CW colour scheme (bronzes) and (b) hovering either perched on a bit of roof scenic or flight stand. Thoughts?
Started building my Multiverse Fast Food bar :
The roof is not on permanently on, just to ensure the walls are trim and true. However the support struts are extremely well designed, attaching in front of as well as in peg slots. We'll see how it pans out
Later,
Graven
Paradigm wrote:With HG, I'd go the Legends colours, since you already have the TV-based Arrow crew. Speaking of which, any plans to pick up the CW version Flash?
I need any version of the flash, frankly
Dr H wrote:
inmygravenimage wrote: ... Boxes? Good idea. Hmm. I have some left over matte board actually I could use. Hmm.
And you only need look in the top of your broken bell tower for inspiration and/or a pattern for cardboard boxes.
... whether to (a) do her in a CW colour scheme (bronzes) and (b) hovering either perched on a bit of roof scenic or flight stand. Thoughts?
You make that sound like they are mutually exclusive...
So true, so true, so true I do have some ideas but I need to tidy through my bits boxes and see what leaps out.
shasolenzabi wrote:Ah, seems the new meme of heroines, yoga pants with sport bra, exposed midriff to show of the muscle belly.
so very true. But I prefer it to a lot of the cheesecake out there.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Busy times Graven. You've produced some great pieces there. Love the van. The in-jokes are what make it fun
Thanks mate. It's the little things
Finished as it is in the instructions
Had some productive chat with the company about the design and they agreed that there should be a door. From my perspective, an easy fix:
Simply the MDF from the gap in the wall, with a line scored to suggest swing double doors. Still, it could do with a bit more internal detailing; so, I made a hatch from leftover matte board:
So I'm happy with that I think. Although my frame of reference for this joint is basically the Krusty Krabby I need to do the hotdog cart also.
Exciting news also that one of my mates has scored me a Black Flash promo he's not a playable character in game but rather the scariest token in existence, running round trying to eat speedsters the chum has some other goodies for me too, he's moving primarily over to marvel, but he's also playing some AoS so I've sorted him out with various odds and ends. There's a strange continuity in the flow of miniatures in this universe
shasolenzabi wrote:THat is a very cool looking open diner.
Isn't it just? And I can see it being used for so many different games.
Solar_lion wrote:Nice addition to the Gotham scene. You'll have to get e better shot of the sign so we can read it.
Ask and ye shall etc:
Built the food cart:
Incredibly quick to build (22 mins including drying time) - what a great addition to any urban scene.
And the finished pair:
Hadn't even noticed the diner came with hot plates too A fantastic set, really amazing value at under 15 Euros. Of course, now I need to paint it...
Oh, and want to win them? Well head over to my bigcomicpage.com blog when the post goes up (check back here) and you can!
looking oread to seeing it after you get some paint on it
You and me both
Meanwhile, I picked up a couple of the excellent hard plastic Reaper Bones dumpsters, because no city is complete without, right? At £4 each, complete steal. I had it in my head that they were £7 ($, maybe) so justified getting the 2.
Also, am in a bind: no idea how to paint the radioactive waste containers from my TT boat: You can see what I'm blocking in grey and black. I want to keep a lot of it yellow; it's the actual hazardous waste cuboids along the top that I'm not sure about. Any advice, fellow dakkanauts?
shasolenzabi wrote: Ah, seems the new meme of heroines, yoga pants with sport bra, exposed midriff to show of the muscle belly.
To paraphrase George Takei, "If my midriff looked like that, I'd take off my shirt all the time!"
Cafe is looking really sweet! I gotta say, reading your blog, the only thing separating me from a pile of MDF buildings, an empty bank account and a furious wife is not playing any games that use scenery more modern than the late 1800's. It's a close run thing, I gotta say
Red Harvest wrote:Keep everything yellow. But black as the secondary color in very small amounts. And warning signs. LOTS of warning signs.
Very true. I planning on a LOT OF YELLOW (sorry, didn't mean to shout but seemed to do fitting to change )
Dr H wrote:Yeah, if all the grey bits are going to be black, I think keeping those yellow would be fine.
Well the grey will be grey. The hazard warnings will be black. Looks like theres's going to be a lot of yellow
Wehrkind wrote:
shasolenzabi wrote: Ah, seems the new meme of heroines, yoga pants with sport bra, exposed midriff to show of the muscle belly.
To paraphrase George Takei, "If my midriff looked like that, I'd take off my shirt all the time!"
Cafe is looking really sweet! I gotta say, reading your blog, the only thing separating me from a pile of MDF buildings, an empty bank account and a furious wife is not playing any games that use scenery more modern than the late 1800's. It's a close run thing, I gotta say
I shouldn't tell you about their new wild west range Tombstone then? I like that the models are less cheesecake than before, at least. And thanks! I feel the roof is a little bare, I may stick an extractor fan or a crow on it or something
evildrcheese wrote:Man, you've been busy. Everything is looking great. I especially like what you've done with the truck.
EDC
Thanks matey
However, I am distracted, and not just by hobby ADHD. I've been asked to do as bit of commission work by someone who's taking my overgrown crypt off me (I have plenty of scenery now ) - I'd kinda decided not to take any commission work, flattering as it is, as I do this really for me and my pleasure, but it's for a mate and in exchange for a couple of the Marvel miniature game starters, which saves me a buy-in to a game. Also, I have free reign to do whatever I want - just something that goes with the crypt. So...:
Going to make a couple of overgrown wall sections. A bit jungly, a bit neither fantasy nor SciFi - both part of his vague Want; something generic and useful. I've taken the opportunity to make some ivy press moulds that will just generally come in handy, and the straws will give bulk to the palm-type trees. Some twisted roots, a bit of rubble, and we should be done in no time. Pay day Thursday equals green stuff restock.
Other than that, really need to paint something.
Later peeps
Graven
Avengers and Guardians. Tbh I am not a marvel fanboy but the game is quick and simple - ideal for the kids. And cheers! Currently my finger tips have superglue crust on them
inmygravenimage wrote: Avengers and Guardians. Tbh I am not a marvel fanboy but the game is quick and simple - ideal for the kids. And cheers! Currently my finger tips have superglue crust on them
Orange peeling will get that glue crust off very nicely, it also strips paint off of fingers too!
tony_nids_10 wrote:It's been a while, good to see you're still going strong! Nice work.
Hey buddy, great to hear from you! Just getting my geek on
Dr H wrote:Good progress on the walls. Should match perfectly well.
That's the aim but I'm paranoid nonetheless - and then I've got to send them safely to Brazil...
Anyway, a brief distraction, finally getting round to work on the Emperor's finest:
What, you were expecting someone else? Finally in the mood to work on my Imperial fleet. As well as these (which still need spot colours etc) there's the Gozanti, 3 regular ties, a phantom with cloak effect, an interceptor, 2 defenders and another bomber to do. One defender will be red (I <3 countess ryad) and the other converted slightly to be a tie x7 (defender prototype) - no hyperdrive or missile launchers. The other bomber will also be converted to a shuttle (no guidance doodad on the bottom, slightly modified pod front). I Because converting at 1/270 is fun!
Meanwhile, I also got hold of the official objectives and street furniture for bmg, just in case I ever decide to play in a BMG tournament. Least that's my excuse One lamppost broke, poorly designed, brass rod will be replacing all of them I expect.
And finally started some billboards:
Tbh I'm not 100℅ on the Arkham City ones, as they are a computer thing not a comic thing, but they look pretty snazzy so I'll not complain too much.
Also picked up mountains of base toppers (like, seriously, crazy amount), an explosion template and a black flash promo. A good day
So there we are! Typical gamer ADHD at least I'm still sticking to the same couple of games... Least until my marvel stuff arrives Later,
Graven
inmygravenimage wrote:That's the aim but I'm paranoid nonetheless - and then I've got to send them safely to Brazil...
Paranoia is normal (although they are out to get you ). Matching things, even with a recipe, is hard.
But variations in weathering etc. are your friend.
inmygravenimage wrote:That's the aim but I'm paranoid nonetheless - and then I've got to send them safely to Brazil...
Paranoia is normal (although they are out to get you ). Matching things, even with a recipe, is hard.
But variations in weathering etc. are your friend.
Good job on the ship. Looking good.
Well indeed. The Ivy press mould seems to have worked okay too, so I'll be making up some with gs to add texture and growth. It does use quite a lot of gs though, so I don't want to go crazy.
Gitsplitta wrote:Indeed you did!
Oh, and there's more where that came from
Anpu-adom wrote:Nice. I've got a second YT-1300 I've been meaning to modify. Glad to see that you've done something! Looks good!
It's not a particularly hard conversion to do, although I'm surprised by quite how dense the X-wing plastic is. The cockpit pops off easily, so from there it's just a matter of patience, really.
shasolenzabi wrote:All kinds of work all at once!
As always Gotta have me some busy work
evildrcheese wrote:Cool stuff. The jungle terrain is looking good so far.
It's always cool to see some X Wing repaints too, looking forward to seeing what you do with the cloaking effect foe the Phantom.
EDC
Cheers! This was my first phantom:
I'm thinking just now of reversing it - starfield along most of the body, foil tips uncloaked, lightning crackling along the foils maybe?
So a little context. A mate asked me to do him a YT-2000 for his star wars RPG campaign. The 2000 is very similar to the falcon but with a central cockpit, and his players' one is a real Hodgepodge of parts. I don't mind a commission when it's for a chum, though I need to watch this doesn't get out of hand - was up till way too late working over-excitedly on this!
First stab at colour scheme also:
Happy with this, I think.
Got a bit of engine glow on, too:
So now I need to get it even grubbier and chipped - time to break out the VJ smoke and the wolf grey! The black lines on the new section need to be redefined also. With luck I may get it finished today, and it's paid for me to (finally) get the Flash & Arrow sourcebook for BMG. I figure that if commissions are on a "specific stuff I want for current projects basis" that stops me (a) taking on too many and (b) buying too much other crud. I have kept a rein on my geek spending so using my services in exchange for goods seems a reasonable balance, I reckon. Separately, it's also nice to be painting - it's not something I have much time for at the moment what with Little Miss; it's easier to squeeze in 5 mins of modelling than painting when juggling a baby, that's for sure. I'm not going to make the foolish prediction of what I'm going to work on next other than the walls, though.
Thanks mate. Discussed it with its new owner, and this is what we've settled on:
He's very happy with it, so that's a job with a big tick next to it! Now, back to the jungle...
Very cool. The central cockpit conversion looks awesome.
The Phamtom you posted looks awesome, great effect. I totally agree that your second you should reverse and have it de-cloaking. My only minor criticism is the effect looks too controlled with it being a straight line, maybe try it a more of an angle?
shasolenzabi wrote:Great work on that YT-1300! I had no idea it was that beefy until you did the pic of it in your hand! as big as a snack!
Thing looks great! nice dirtying cool color code scheme, an Ion engine bank, just good overall,
Yeah, and actually it's small compared to the Ghost which is an absolute beast. The 2400 is a bit more compact.
Paradigm wrote:Cracking conversion and paintwork!
Cheers. Might brave my way over to the fine painters society at some point...
TerrainWalker wrote:Man that ship is nice..
It was a lot of fun to do. Thanks buddy.
Red Harvest wrote:Man, those palm tree leaves are ancient. 3rd edition box, no?
Yup. I had some and then got more from Vik, and they are just peachy for this.
evildrcheese wrote:Very cool. The central cockpit conversion looks awesome.
The Phamtom you posted looks awesome, great effect. I totally agree that your second you should reverse and have it de-cloaking. My only minor criticism is the effect looks too controlled with it being a straight line, maybe try it a more of an angle?
EDC
The cockpit was easy, actually, it was getting the surfaces on the gap that was a killer. Used brass etch frame in the end along with styrene. Cheers for the comments!
That's a good idea about the phantom, I might have it almost entirely black with some crackling at the tips of the foils?
So alas I have not had a productive week, though with good reason: I have a new niece! Which is rather lovely. Small, squeaky, and very lovely.
All I have managed is a bit of progress on my objectives -
Although somehow I have misplaced a sewer grate somewhere. Bugger.
Also, the inevitable diminishing of time with being back at work. Had to do an exam board day yesterday too so just wrecked. It's hard to avoid the no-geek-time blues.
Anyway. Enough self-indulgence. Priority is finishing the tweaks to my current batch of Imperials, shouldn't take long. We shall see
Automatically Appended Next Post: That not do anything for you? Fine have a bloody great spaceship then:
Happy now?
Interesting... good Objectives were fun to do. I have a nice wooden crate that needs done for the board too
TerrainWalker wrote:Love that green on the dumpsters! What ink/wash/glaze did you use?
Cheers! It's Vallejo Sick Green (my go-to), very opaque, ideal for a strong base (it's proper Ork skintone), then washes of Camoshade and Greenshade, a very light patchy drybrush of Ryza Rust and highlighted with Kreig Camo.
There will be tiny spess-sheeps later on once I do some pics: tidied up the first lot of the imperial fleet and added some more distinctive markings to a couple of my basic TIEs, just make them stand out.
Interesting is always good in my book. I'm trained as a scientist after all.
Lord, I'm married to one of them Okeydoke
Quick pic of the imperials so far, on my kitchen counter And some glowy butts...
And a couple of Veteran TIE details :
Red on the back left one is a variation on the classic red stripe. The middle one (disregard the back right, that's simply a first order repaint) has the start of battle damage and an Imperial insignia. This is the TIE that baby snapped, so I decided to make it a survivor that was allowed to wear its scars with pride some exposed copper to follow.
Looking great bud. Loving the objectives and the bins from earlier. Ties are looking great. But really like those lamp posts. Really nice subtle OSL, good work. Maybe just a hint of light playing down the front of the post, just to top it off! Just a thought.
Camkierhi wrote:Looking great bud. Loving the objectives and the bins from earlier. Ties are looking great. But really like those lamp posts. Really nice subtle OSL, good work. Maybe just a hint of light playing down the front of the post, just to top it off! Just a thought.
Thanks mate. I think it's crap photo syndrome, as there is osl down them already. I also have a broken one, might use it as a base for a super when i get my marvel toys.
Paradigm wrote:Great idea on the Phantom, I don't think I've seen top-down cloaking before! Will you repeat that on all 3 'wings'?
Yup And speaking of which, now with glaze
So more lightning and some thin layers of asurmen, guilleman and whatever the edge blue is. Pretty happy, I think. Thoughts?
So, sucky week. Grandfather died. Sharp as a tack, he knew what was going on: docs Tuesday, gave away all his clothes Wednesday, found dead Thursday morning. Classy old bastard to the end.
Still, worked a bit on converting the bomber to tie shuttle:
Sorry to hear about your grandfather's death, but his life seems to have been good right up to the end, so I am glad for him. I am sure your family is missing such a man, my condolences.
Thanks for the condolences one and all. Couple of weeks till the funeral so going to be in a slightly weird holding pattern until then . Still, got the TIE shuttle done Didn't actually realise this thing was canon till I researched it - it's the one captain Needa takes to apologise personally to Vader oh-so-successfully in Empire. I have also done the defender conversion to prototype but they're such minute changes that no one but me really know or care I suspect just smoothing over missile tubes (none on proto) and the ion engine exhaust (cos no hyperdrive).
Had a bit of a tidy of workspace. Found a £20 Amazon voucher (!) which I lost like 3 years ago. Also got thinking about putting together a project box (not the insanely expensive GW one, but similar idea) just to do a bit of painting in front of TV of any evening. Does anyone else do this? Any suggestions? Later gang Graven
Automatically Appended Next Post: What? Oh, fine. TIE X/7
Thanks buddy. I have tweaked it from from the official design in that the real one has only a tiny window over the front of the ordinance pod, whereas I've used a full TIE window (from a broken tie advanced).
Started putting together a project box, for painting in front of the TV with the missus rather than hiding in the "study". Modelling will stay there at desk, but here it is as it stands
Wondering what else to carry about it in - thoughts?
And the fruits of my labours thus far:
Repositioned arms and head so that she is turning to beckon, and labcoat built up from gs and tomato paste tube. The aim is now to darken ivy's ivy with vj dark green and nightshade. We'll see how that works.
I've started a little shelf of shame thread in the Arkham City limits Facebook group to motivate myself and others. I'm also now an admin of the Marvel group so I imagine I'll do something similar there too eventually.
Thanks, as ever, for your support and c&c
Your work once again puts me to shame. Respositioning metal is such a pain, but you make it look beautiful and easy.
Your work on these is so good that I've been digging into the Knight Model's catalogue and trying not to drool.
Not that I need another miniature game in my life, but this is something that I could just paint up to have sitting on the shelf.
I do have a question for you... how is it that they haven't done a TAS Joker yet? I could actually see myself painting the whole set of the TAS models.
Anpu-adom wrote:Your work once again puts me to shame. Respositioning metal is such a pain, but you make it look beautiful and easy.
Your work on these is so good that I've been digging into the Knight Model's catalogue and trying not to drool.
Not that I need another miniature game in my life, but this is something that I could just paint up to have sitting on the shelf.
I do have a question for you... how is it that they haven't done a TAS Joker yet? I could actually see myself painting the whole set of the TAS models.
You're most kind it's such a nice game, especially with the Suicide Squad game box coming. Intricate, a bit rules heavy, but soooooo cinematic. I really don't know what's happened with the TAS stuff, it seems to have stopped abruptly. There's a lot of speculation about Freeze coming through TAS finally. Given that we get jokers with every release I wouldn't be too worried.
GiraffeX wrote:Ivy is looking really nice so far Graven
inmygravenimage wrote:... Also got thinking about putting together a project box (not the insanely expensive GW one, but similar idea) just to do a bit of painting in front of TV of any evening. Does anyone else do this? Any suggestions?
Does the fact that my hobby space, computer, tv and all other entertainment items are all in one room count as painting in front of the tv? I don't even have to stand up.
Good work on the little shippies, and Ivy's looking nice. Good job on the changes/additions, look seamless. As for additions, she does seem to need a touch more colour. I can't think of anything other than some flowers (to keep with the plant theme).
Lab coat's also very clean. Mine had all kinds of stains down the front and on the back where I would wipe my hands. Not to mention the dragons and flame patterns I had drawn on, but those aren't necessary.
Lab coat's also very clean. Mine had all kinds of stains down the front and on the back where I would wipe my hands. Not to mention the dragons and flame patterns I had drawn on, but those aren't necessary.
Mine always have burns on the butt where I accidentally sit in something that spilled on a counter. That and the side pockets always seem to rip out.
She does need a touch of color, maybe some variation in the vines. A name tag?
I'm sorry about your Grandfather. Best wishes to you and the family.
Nice work on the Star Wars stuff. Now, the painting kit. Neat idea. I'd look at one of those laptop tables, that have the adjustable height and casters. It might prove convenient as a mobile painting table. And if you spill, not such a big deal. Now, a spill on the coffee table...
Dr H wrote:Does the fact that my hobby space, computer, tv and all other entertainment items are all in one room count as painting in front of the tv? I don't even have to stand up.
Good work on the little shippies, and Ivy's looking nice. Good job on the changes/additions, look seamless. As for additions, she does seem to need a touch more colour. I can't think of anything other than some flowers (to keep with the plant theme).
Lab coat's also very clean. Mine had all kinds of stains down the front and on the back where I would wipe my hands. Not to mention the dragons and flame patterns I had drawn on, but those aren't necessary.
Hmm. I've taken up the contrast on the skin, and added red to the lips. I am tempted by something planty as an addition. Further discussion below. I'm just going as close to comic versions of her labcoat as I can (not a fan of the barely contained chest-in-shirt look )
Anpu-adom wrote:
Mine always have burns on the butt where I accidentally sit in something that spilled on a counter. That and the side pockets always seem to rip out.
She does need a touch of color, maybe some variation in the vines. A name tag?
Possibly an id badge, aye. Hadn't thought of that. I shall think on.
Red Harvest wrote:I'm sorry about your Grandfather. Best wishes to you and the family.
Nice work on the Star Wars stuff. Now, the painting kit. Neat idea. I'd look at one of those laptop tables, that have the adjustable height and casters. It might prove convenient as a mobile painting table. And if you spill, not such a big deal. Now, a spill on the coffee table...
Cheers bro. I just use a simple folding tv table. What I need, I reallise, is a small, powerful, directional light. I actually ended up using my phone's flashligh, which worked, albeit a bit precariously.
So here's the skin contrast ramped:
Zooming in, I think in the process I've lost the red on the lips. This may be because of a minor eye incident which led to a hurried repaint of one side of her face - a problem with a project box that doesn't have everything you need to fix a problem immediately Some ideas (although I do really like the idea of an id badge, possibly something in blue), all of which are to do with the base: a plant, either an Audrey2-style carnivorous maw, or a single long-stemmed rose; and/or, a hand, upstretched, like some poor consumed victim. I've made gs flowers and maws for my regular, comic ivy's base
Spoiler:
And indeed built extra plants for her...
Spoiler:
(back row l-r 1, 3,4 and front row 3 are all home-made)
So I'm not averse to a bit of modification, even at this stage. However, I worry that anything would distract from her generally (and I'm rather pleased with her, especially the coat tbh).
Thoughts mes amis?
Incidentally, next up is (in theory) a Frank Miller Batman (Well 19th is Batman day, after all) and the other Blackgate prisoners (as chosen by the ACL folk as part of our 1 mini-per-week challenge). But might try to get my Yt-2400 done quickly also, as I'm so nearly uptodate with all my X-wing (and hey, 22nd is new release day ) Also got shipping notification (finally) on my 2 Marvel starters though coming from the US, so who knows eh?
Later,
graven
I would say, nothing big needs adding to Ivy.
The ID badge is good.
Maybe just a few, small, sprinkled flowers about the lower 1/4 of the model. Just to break up the green, but not to distract from Ivy.
Solar_lion wrote:Does this mean we'll see a Battle report?
I should be so lucky unless I can get a game with the boys.
Dr H wrote:I would say, nothing big needs adding to Ivy.
The ID badge is good.
Maybe just a few, small, sprinkled flowers about the lower 1/4 of the model. Just to break up the green, but not to distract from Ivy.
and by small, I mean no bigger than her hands.
Quite possible, actually. That could work.
I dunno, her skin still feels a bit too flat to me. We'll see. Might have to blend through some mid greens and see.
Anyway, meantime - scum and / or villainy!
Particularly happy with IG2000's red tinted windows. Just a couple of quick pics.
Hey ho
Graven
There are times when your blog really makes me doubt my geek credentials.
Between showing ships from the star wars universe and characters from Batman that I've never heard of, and showing comic characters that I have heard of, but in versions that I don't know of... I feel I've led a sheltered life.
Dr H wrote: There are times when your blog really makes me doubt my geek credentials.
Between showing ships from the star wars universe and characters from Batman that I've never heard of, and showing comic characters that I have heard of, but in versions that I don't know of... I feel I've led a sheltered life.
Good work on the ships. Very effective.
Dr. H... being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven. :-)
Dr H wrote:There are times when your blog really makes me doubt my geek credentials.
Between showing ships from the star wars universe and characters from Batman that I've never heard of, and showing comic characters that I have heard of, but in versions that I don't know of... I feel I've led a sheltered life.
Good work on the ships. Very effective.
Well, I am bit of an uber-geek. I accept this. And cheers
Anpu-adom wrote:
Dr H wrote: There are times when your blog really makes me doubt my geek credentials.
Between showing ships from the star wars universe and characters from Batman that I've never heard of, and showing comic characters that I have heard of, but in versions that I don't know of... I feel I've led a sheltered life.
Good work on the ships. Very effective.
Dr. H... being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven. :-)
sig'd
Quick update. Redid Ivy's skin tone:
Quick pic but hopefully apparent that it's generally more varied. I've also tried to smooth out the white on the lab coat. Id badge next, plus further face work and elusive spot colouring,
Dr H wrote: There are times when your blog really makes me doubt my geek credentials.
Between showing ships from the star wars universe and characters from Batman that I've never heard of, and showing comic characters that I have heard of, but in versions that I don't know of... I feel I've led a sheltered life.
Good work on the ships. Very effective.
Dr. H... being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven. :-)
Thanks guys. I've added an id badge, rosebuds, a rose, more shading to the hair and ramped up the skin tone:
I've also been working on frank miller Batman's cape, a push-pull of wet blending:
The grey is just proto layer, but I like where the blue is just now.
So a minute bit of progress!
Ivy is looking good, the spot colours add a lot and the lab coat is a great addition!
Wish I could still get hold of that model without having to go direct, it'd round of my Birds of Prey nicely and I'm not a fan of the other version of Ivy.
Paradigm wrote:Ivy is looking good, the spot colours add a lot and the lab coat is a great addition!
Wish I could still get hold of that model without having to go direct, it'd round of my Birds of Prey nicely and I'm not a fan of the other version of Ivy.
MillerBat is coming along nicely as well!
Cheers. I was very lucky to get one from a mate. I don't mind about AO Bats or even Adam West being direct only but when it's a major competitive variant seems a bit harsh.
GiraffeX wrote:Ivy is really nice Graven, great work
Means a l ot Chief, many thanks!
JoeRugby wrote:Great Ivy dude
Cheers mucker!
shasolenzabi wrote:Liking the classic batman colors, and the very plant-like Ivy
Thanks, I'm hoping I can rock the grey too.
Solar_lion wrote:Ah... Love the retro batman cloak.
Me too, thanks, it is a beautiful sculpt here.
Dr H wrote:Good job on Ivy.
Cape is looking great.
Cheers one and all! Thanks for the input with Ivy, I think I am ready to call her done:
As for the colours on the cape, they are getting there
Ignore the grey, of course.
So the ongoing plan is one mini a week, ish, to a decent standard. Can't do it without you gang - many thanks!
I almost want to see some yellow highlighting on parts of poison ivy, TBH. Maybe detail the eyes a little more. ( my current fixation is with eyes. Forgive me.)
Solar_lion wrote:Holy color wheel Batman! Looking good. Nice touches on Ivy's base.
Thanks mate. Just going classic with him.
shasolenzabi wrote:So far so good there!
GiraffeX wrote:One mini a week, thats not bad thats what I'm trying to aim for, instead of one a month which Ive been doing for the last few months!
Ah, but you are painting to a muc higher level than I. I'm taking S-L's advice, working on one thing at a time to a presentable tabletop level.
Red Harvest wrote:I almost want to see some yellow highlighting on parts of poison ivy, TBH. Maybe detail the eyes a little more. ( my current fixation is with eyes. Forgive me.)
You are forgiven, I have actually gone back and lightened them further. I'll try to get a better pic. I've had a look at the OTT on amazon, thanks for that, I think I'll try to pick one up.
Anyway, in a fit of pique last night, decided to work on the grey as it was annoying me:
Washed with black ink and then blended up with Wolf Grey. Getting there. Lovely model, all told. Feels very shiny at the moment but that's inevitable.
Swung by my local club last night, only for an hour or so once kids were away to bed. I dunno, it was nice to touch base and all but slightly demoralising at the same time - you can't really do much of a game in an hour (fine for beer and pretzels games, naturally, but that's a separate thing after all).
Suicide Squad box is out, and da-yum but I want one. Can't justify the cost of ordering direct from KM for a promo Bombshell Harley, may work on the family to get me the regular boxset - still on a general BMG buying hiatus as I have soooooooo much stuff anyways. But still, didn't stop me finally picking Imperial Aces so at least my star wars collection is where I want it to be (till the new releases tomorrow )
Later peeps
graven
Bats is looking mean, that grey is dead on I think, and lets the blue and gold bits really stand out without being flat itself. He could end up your best Bat yet!
I'm definitely down for a SS set, it's just an amazing deal! 2 full crews, terrain, counters, the lamppost and sewer bits that I've put off buying for far too long and that amazing new Batman, at the places you can get it for about £60 it's practically daylight robbery! So long as KM don't screw up the distribution or anything, they seem to have knocked this one out of the park!
Thanks chaps, appreciated. For your trouble... Batman's back!
Started my imperial Aces
And thought I'd share this beauty one of my mates made, a scratchbuild studio scale Eagle from Space 1999:
Note the star wars ships for scale!
This thing is mostly paper, straws and juice bottles. LEDs too. Extraordinary stuff eh?
Yeah, bad photography. I'm actually tempted to start using shots of scenery for backgrounds.
Right my lovelies, I need your help.
I decided to start my planned Hawkgirl conversion. She'll be getting an armoured midriff because I don't believe in cheesecake with abs of doom, and also I'm going for a more CW look for her. But, more important, she's going to be hovering.
Pinned to heck at arms and wings.
Now the question is, does my planned stand work aesthetically?
She'll be pinned into it at the knee, and attached at the back of one wing.
Does the illusion work?
Yeah, that pose / attachment can work.
Could you have her leaning more forward; attach further back on the wing?
What I'm seeing for the pose is that she's just passed the lamppost and the wings have folded in and just now unfolded and ready to beat.
Like birds do when the go through small gaps.
With her as close as you have there's not much space for the wing to have unfolded and drawn back.
With her leaning more forward it gives more space and gives the impression of more speed.
That is all assuming that you see the pose in the same way as I do.
The problem I see with what I'm thinking is that the head would now be too far forward (she'd be looking at the ground), and that'd need to be re-posed.
The alternative (you can see I'm thinking as I go here) is that she is just raising up vertically... and then it's all fine really...
Thanks for the detailed thoughts! Yeah, I could position her forward and down slightly - and ultimately, she d be looking at a fight below her anyway though I was assuming take off. The pin through the lamppost and into the wing will be a challenge mind...
So, made a bit of progress on her belt:
There will be another strap across the middle also, before adding some to the left leg also. And then, there's the arms. May just GS at the cuffs.
Stole some abandonned toys from the kids also -
And thanks too to whoever tagged the life out of this!
Paradigm wrote:Awesome, looking forward to seeing her painted!
Ha! You and me both. Oh, alright then. I've added some basing gravel in front of the light to become broken glass.
GiraffeX wrote:She looks very nice, do we get a stripper terminator as well?
Naturally...
Spoiler:
Been there, done that
Dr H wrote:Nice job on Hawkgirl. Like the belts.
Yeah I'm really impressed by etchmaster (which is now part of Black Phoenix games), and looking forward to Armored Syndicate in its new miniature-based board game incarnation.
The mini a week is not going well but this was a funny week, obviously. Still, wife and I are getting our first night off the 3 kids in, well, ever on Saturday (a wedding) so that hopefully will be fun.
Anyway, talking of the mini:
So I'm happy with the basic brown. However, I've just laid down a basic skin tone only to realise that for CW Hawkgirl it's wrong. Hmmmmmmm. However I'm going to be darkening the majority of the leather brown right down so I'll worry about the skin later I think; I'm considering just taking it down with brown washes, thoughts? Likewise, the wings have been done in light grey with a very thin sepia wash before I wash them black and start taking layers of grey into three bands through to white on the leading edge.
Generally I'm pleased about how the basic conversion is looking now got the first colours done. Hope y'all like!
Cheers
Graven
So, an experiment. I used black ink with thinner on the wings to give me a transition on them. I'm not adept at using thinner but it's good to try!
I wasn't going to post this, and in fact she's further along than this but I think it's worth documenting the full process.
The colours were inspired by gulls and the extraordinary work of Ramos Asura on Hordes stuff.
Thanks dude!
Honestly not sure about vehicles. I think I'll pop the board off the van so models can stand on top, but beyond that not sure. Any suggestions?
Excited to see the crane... my orks need to loot a crane or somesuch for their scrapyard. 
Not sure what you can see from cruddy camera phone pics, but still:
9 layers total 
I'm making the legs and a wee plinth, as well as doing the measurements.
). 
and she gets a hankering again for a show after a while 
but there’s lots there for scale 
Red seems to be the winner 
the blue and white to help blend into the sky so it's not an eyesore. The lights are obligatory.
the chum has some other goodies for me too, he's moving primarily over to marvel, but he's also playing some 
Objectives were fun to do. I have a nice wooden crate that needs done for the board too 
