Looking great dude! the bases are beautiful and the ant guys are cool :-) shame about the cake though :-( I know what you mean about family buzzards! that's what caused me as a younger man to adopt the habit of eating a LOT in each sitting, no one could understand how I stayed so thin but ate so much!? but it takes a lot of skill and athleticism to shovel cake like a pro!
Bases look great, the delicate hues on the spear maiden are just right. Can empathize with your computer problems. A buddy of mine who works on computers (well, he's really a systems engineer but he still tinkers) sent me a bunch of cast-offs from his shop floor that will greatly improve the performance of my computer... so you can guess what kind of machine I'm running. I think I'll work on installing them today. So... this could be the last time you hear from me. :/
@WM: Appreciate it, but I found another keyboard here that we werent using. Its a Dell, too (Betcha its the same kinda barebones one, too). Hard to get used to it, though.... much smaller and the keys are closer together. Also Im really missing my media keys :/
@nerd: Haha! Yeah I acquired that particular habit as well... "Grab it while ya can cuz it wont be there in a bit!" My biggest problem with that is that I like to spread deserts over several days than a mass consumption. That way I can either begin or end my day with a nice little piece of cake!
@Gits: Thanks! And hey, Im sure you wont kill your comp (too badly, at least). Just remember not to force anything and its generally pretty easy to upgrade desktops. Failing that, Im sure one of the Things could point ya in the right direction!
@Theo: Excellent! Now I just gotta finish the guys that go on them!
But before that.... I was in an airbrushing mood today (in between helping my mom prepare to interview for a promotion (Which she deserves, to be sure- Just gotta make WalMart see it that way!).
So I went to work spraying the Contemptors up to their brightest:
At this stage, I think Im still gonna be hitting them with a black oil shade/wash. Theyre a bit bright yet. Could have darkened it during painting, but I felt that the color and transitions just wouldnt be the same. Plus the paint I use to wash gives the grays a nice warm hue, in addition to shading recesses.
I also worked on my own contemptor, starting with the most evil of colors- White.
I may yet go back and spray some of the shadow areas with a darker gray, and I still need to wash/draw in the shade lines in the deepest recesses. Might go with the Micron pen again, as I like the effect on vehicles. The turquoise is easy, as im getting way good at spraying color gradients!
Finally, Paul asked me to go ahead and bend the cables for the Titan today to see if we would need a replacement part for those as well. Turns out it went off better than expected, and I even bent some of the scrap cable to serve as the cables to the head! Now to get some clear decal paper and a big backdrop and I can call this guy 100% done!
@moonpie: Thanks! Really happy with it, myself and Im glad I had the opportunity to work on it. Should look real nice stomping some Separatists
@Alf: Sure thing! Ill bring it along with me this week.
Not very many pictures today, as much of the stuff is either nearly completed or simply hasnt changed much since they last were shown.
One thing I do have to report, however, is that the Contemptor trio are all washed and ready to get some more color!
Good ol' Brother Testie acts as a stand-in for the "old" colors which used the old GW paints. The new stuff is all Vallejo Air. The finish is a bit warmer on the new stuff, but not too terribly different from the earlier RS work.
Tomorrow I should have the rest of the Endless models finished up.
I'm having some similar issues with my Executioners. I am hoping my last quarter bottle of Necron Abyss gets me through what needs done this year. The equivalency chart says it is the new Cantor blue, but even I can tell the difference, so...
whalemusic360 wrote:I think once details are added, the difference will be negligible. Looking forward to more RS done, feels like forever since they got touched.
IceAngel wrote:Whales in need of a good touching.
whalemusic360 wrote:Did i stumble into nerdfests blog?!
Whaaa!? ...you do ONE little Slaanesh force........
Oh good grief, you guys! If it isnt cheese puns its innuendos. Its so hard to cope with I Camembert...
wait....
FFFFFFFFFFFFFF--
ANYWAY! @WM: I think it was around a year ago i was putting the final touches on the RS Termis, so yeah. its been a whiiiiile!
@moonpie: Yeah the "equivalency chart" is complete and utter bull. I cant help but feel screwed over with their choice to relaunch their ENTIRE paint line... At the very least they coulda kept the old formula and just given em the new stupid names! In my experience, its extremely hit and miss with the new stuff. the replacements for Astronomican and Codex gray are passable, but others like the replacement for Devlan Mud and Mechrite Red are completely different. Barely in the same family of colors! If you're hunting for replacements to Necron Abyss, maybe try and see if you can blend your own with some of Vallejo's stuff. Might be able to get a workable solution with their versions of Midnight Blue and Royal Blue. I'm sure there are other options, too.
Ok, so I didnt manage to get as much done today as I had planned- ended up going shopping with my dad, so that chewed up the afternoon. I did, however, finish the Dragoon. Hopefully it matches expectations
Im kind of conflicted on this one. First off, I can definitely say it was outside of my normal technique. In preserving the light colors, I limited my usual "base coat, wash, re-apply base coat" routine that I usually go through. The colors had to be strong in their own right, and in that case I think I succeeded. However, my skin tones completely failed me, even after several tries and an overall lighter hue than normal. Theres just something about this model that fought me every step of the way. Its just such a fantastic sculpt, but it has such delicate features. Before tackling another like this, I definitely need to step up my game and improve my skin painting.
The Beastmen on the other hand proved a bit easier. I got their fur color complete, including spots.
The dark areas are a bit glossy yet because of the ink, but they share the same fur pattern as the lighter areas. No doubt the effect will become more apparent once I put more color on them. Heres a bit of the official art to show what I was aiming for.
That beastman thingy looks really good Ramos! :-) love the colour, very subtle but very nicely done and damn close to the pic too!
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh and the Dragoon is beautiful! lovely pastel shades for something different she looks very delicate but lethal, I hope that's the aim you were going for? :-)
Just abandon GW paints entirely, and go back to the good old days of yesteryear.
--B.
The shipping restrictions make that company a non-starter for an American I'd guess. I suppose if you had lots of money to throw around you wouldn't care though.
@Brian: I actually stumbled onto that US distributor after seeing those ridiculous UK shipping rates. I dont understand it at ALL! May have to do an order later to try out some of those. I've heard good things about those paints.
@nerd: Thanks! A lot of time and experimentation went into getting the effect- glad it turned out nicely!
@WM*misk: See, Ive heard of the game, and even saw it in stores.... never actually played it though. Definitely need to pick it up sometime.
Today's update is Beastmen!
The Engineer:
And the Laborer. Theres something about this mini that I just adore...
Beastmen look absolutely amazing. I am just astounded (Not sure why, you're work is always great!)
VP1 or the PSP remake are not available on the PSN. They really should be. If you can find a copy of either on the cheap, pick it up without hesitation.
@Cyp: Updated and fixed! Couldnt remember what they were called, other than Beastmen xD
@Brian: Ahhh gotcha. Come to think, I remember hearing that. Good to know! Looks like Ill be able to replace dead paints with something better than the muck they're selling now!
@WM&misk: Hmmmm one of those games. (hard to find, but were apparently amazing). I'm sure at the very least I can find an iso of them floating around. I still need to look into playing games like Xenogears and ChronoCross too (started the latter, but the rom I had was bugged!)
I might have chronocross somewhere still. If you wanna run VP, I'll let you borrow the PSP. Hasn't been used in years. I think VP was the last game I played, actually.
Hahaha strangely enough, I only really got hardcore into gaming after the PS2 launched. Before then I was too little to have any money to get new games
On the subject of old classics... How about The Legend of the Dragoon for the original Playstation?
It is Fantasy Sentai Dragoonger (thats a joke, laugh at it.)
For the non-japanophiles among you, thats Power Rangers Dragoon Force, or something.
I would suggest it, just not as heavily as XG or VP. Like a lot of PS1 games, graphically it has not aged well. Still worth your time, and has an interesting combat system. A bit QTE for my tastes, but still.
One of the many games that needs a good follow up, but seemingly never will.
Hell, I'd buy a PS4 for a VP or LotD follow up. Xenogears was always a bit on the convoluted side of things for me, though maybe 12 year old Whalemusic just didn't have the attention span.
whalemusic360 wrote: One of the many games that needs a good follow up, but seemingly never will.
Hell, I'd buy a PS4 for a VP or LotD follow up. Xenogears was always a bit on the convoluted side of things for me, though maybe 12 year old Whalemusic just didn't have the attention span.
We're just completely derailing this thread...
I keep hearing rumors (taken with a mountain of salt) that LotD is due for a sequel on the PS4, but SQEX seems content to just abuse Eidos games, FF, and DQ in japan. That merger was one of the great business tragedies of the last decade. I'm also not sure I would trust them to do VP3 the justice it deserves, if Dress-Up Returns 3 is of any hint.
XG suffered from a rushed production cycle, and the second disc is almost entirely 'story mode' plot exposition, but I suggest giving it a second try.
Hey I dont mind it at all! Its not an issue till the mods yell at us In any case, I like the random off topic chatter (which is sorta on-topic, as we were talking about the Dragoon, then VP.... then LotD...) Its good to see activity and builds up the microcommunity native to popular blogs (just see Stein or Gits' threads!). I think its only natural to go off topic once in a while, so long as theres a bit of wargaming every now and again!
LotD is definitely one of my favorite games, even moreso than FFVII (everyones favorite RPG xD ). The story isnt too bad at all, and I love the Additions system. it really adds another layer of strategy to the combat. Sure you can plow through using the basic attacks, but if you can pull off the combos it really starts to shine. And this is coming from someone who hates QTEs with a passion! At least these are expected and have a set pattern (except for stupid counterattacks)
As far as a sequel... Ive heard those rumors too... While itd be awesome if they did make it, I fear that it could never be as good as fans want it to be. I dunno if you really could do it justice, cause everyone would be looking at it with a hypercritical eye while comparing it to the old one. Now a remake, on the other hand, I could get behind. Better graphics and controls could be nice indeed.
Anyways, I guess I gotta make a hobby post....
So today was a lot of playing with black paint, particularly on the Rhino/Razorback.
I dont know about it. not particularly happy with the color, and even with the usual extreme edge highlighting, I dont think the blends will work being that light. Still trying to figure out a decent black for hard armor like this. :/ Back to the drawing board, i guess.
Also, while on a black paint kick, I decided that the Dread's shoulderpads should be black, in keeping with the scheme. However, I need to repaint these as well, as its definitely too gray (oops ) Ive also started blacking out the metal areas on the Dreads' legs and bodies.
Venerables will get gold trim, while the lone regular dread will get yellow. We've already discussed the Emperor's Children dread will be Venerable (lots of gold!), and I think i will be making the Death Guard one the second ven dread. It has a bit more trim to it than the IH one, and has a bit of damage/wear modeled on it. No doubt it is an ancient and revered warmachine!
Ooh, clever use of the brass over the Deathguard logo. Did that work on the termis too? Certainly helps tie it in more.
If you want to use some crimson and/or gold on the razorback to break up the wall of black, have at it. Black seems to be harder to do well then white some times.
I hear ya on a follow up, but a remake will be tough too. It has to take all the good, make it current, add some sort of new side quests (at the least), but still make it feel like the original game. Same reason FF7 wont get remade (despite the trucks of cash to be had), though I'd say to a lesser extent.
Very true. Im rather curious how theyre handling the alleged FFX remake or whatever theyre planning. Just so long as they dont remake FFX-2.... Honestly Im tired of bad FF games, especially the sequels of sequels games. 13 has to be one of the worst games ive played, and I really tried to like it :/
I actually haven't touched the Termis quite yet. Planning on waiting till I have that FW figure so I can do em all at once. Plus I've more than enough to work on in the mean time.
I think black is the color I have the most trouble with, especially on the big slabs of armor the Rhino chassis has. White I've gotten pretty good at shading, but as to black... well there are only so many dark colors. Im trying to think of a good way to implement the gold and crimson... Cause for great pondering.
the FFX series has been turned into a trilogy, so they are working on FFX-3. If you grab the latest Game Informer they have an article about it. They try to talk it up but I'm skeptical.
It all started with a simple trip to run errands today. No sooner do we sit down for lunch than we get a call from Ryan, one of my little brothers, saying his car died on him. At first he wanted us to drop everything, just so we could bring him my other little brother's car (hes just one of those people who think the world revolves around him. DAMN THE CONSEQUENCES!!). Eventually he settled on taking the bus around Cleveland to run his errands that way, having arranged for the garage to tow his car away, and we later would pick him up. "Well that sucked" I think, and we go to pick up groceries. Turns out theres a line a mile long for the only 2 registers open, and dad doesnt feel like waiting, so we abandon that idea and go home. "That, too, sucked."
Fast forward a few hours, and dad leaves to pick my mom from work. Nick, my other little brother with the car, and I then prepare to go to game night with Alfndrate and get some EFT going. We pull out of the driveway and notice an odd sound from the car... turns out the tire was flat! "Sucks" I once again think, now growing weary of the term. So we pull into a gas station to hopefully re-inflate the tire. Maybe it was just a slow leak?
Half an hour later in the biting cold, we are still trying to inflate the tire. No good. "..." I think to myself, having expended my allotted daily thoughts of "This sucks". So game night is cancelled, and I still have stuff I need to give him for Templecon next week.
Fortunately, however, Ryan still needs to be picked up.... In cleveland... What a coincidence! Just where I gotta go. So -hopefully- the sucky events are concluded for the day. Will be able to drop off some minis with Alf and get home. *fingers crossed*
@Ice: I refer you to the reaction at the beginning of this post. Ugh... sequel of sequels of sequels.... X2 didnt really have all that great of a story (rather a -terrible story) although it is something of a guilty pleasure... its kinda fun to just play xD
Cant see any reason for making a third, except to cash in on the fans :/
@Dee: Good games all around! I still gotta play Mass Effect... only ever messed briefly around with the second one.
@SL: Paint... Paint... Paint... Paint...
In between the 'fun' of today, I polished off the final marines for the base of the Titan (as well as some other minor detail work, now that I have the replacement part I needed), and I quite like how it turned out: No man left behind!
And a bit of a side experiment for an unrelated marine. Painting just to paint
I don’t mean to nitpick.. but I have a question.
Why does the chimera that the titan is standing on look like a pile of rust...
I'm presuming that it was destroyed as the titan is advancing and therefore the crew don’t care when they step on it. I can even see it being destroyed weeks or days ago. But not really that it was destroyed centuries ago and so happened on the same field of battle.
Don't get me wrong I like it...but it's just one of those things that I tend to look and ponder at... Now if it was blakend like it was on fire a few hours or even days ago. Then I could see that.
1) "Its 40k, I aint gotta explain gak." Y'know like magic. 2) Imperial Campaigns last for decades or centuries. The chimera could have been there since the fleet was last near this planet. 3) The planet's atmosphere is caustic, accelerating the rusting process. 4) Human blood has changed a lot in the 41st millenium, and the crew all popped like balloons all over it. 5) Chimeras are made of some future-metal that oxidizes much faster than iron. 6) Some weird chemical/bio-weapon was used on the planet in an ineffectual exterminatus.
I mean, the war part did run from 901.M41 to 913.M41, so if it got popped at the start, it would be pretty rusty by the end. And I can't imagine the Titans showing up wasn't at the end, cuz, you know, Titans.
@Denua: Hey Ive no problem with nitpicking. In fact, I encourage it!
The simplest answer is "Because I wanted to paint rust." It was partially a painting experiment, seeing how I could best rust a vehicle out.
As far as a storyline went, I imagined that it was a wreck from many years ago, and the titan simply trod on it like so much garbage.
You go bring up a point though- I think it would have looked a bit better with some fire damage on it. On a future display I think I will do that- currently Ive too much to finish already Definitely worth experimenting with though!
Today we were running around to get a new tire for Nick's car (have to get a brand new one cause it was run while flat >< ), so I made a stop at the local papercraft/misc supplies store for some new stuff for experiments.
I've decided to try something new for the black armor, specifically, lining the armor with a dark gray colored pencil!
Easier to control than paint... Results are interesting, to say the least.
(Also, I noticed two things today. The first, I've blown by 50 pages and didnt even notice. The second, This is the 15th consecutive day with a project update or other log entry C-C-C-COMBO! )
Yup yuuuup. This things gonna get several coats of varnish by the time im done with it. Just finished giving it a coat of matte so I can handle it without ruining it. After the whole thing's done itll get a good coat or two of clear gloss, then another of matte.
Lining looks interesting, certainly a novel approach. Titan base is looking pretty, I'll have to break the bank and get one eventually, definitely worth every little bit of extra attention.
Oh and I have to completely agree on FF 13 being awful, I've been playing the series since I was notably shorter than I am now and that was the most disappointing game I played that year.
Feel your pain on the painting black, having a nightmare with some white cloth I'm doing.
@Gits: The effect would probably be better with a darker gray pencil, but all I could get was a 50% cool gray (ideal would have been 70-80%). That being said, It does paint up pretty quickly, and actually doesn't look too bad. Definitely one of the easier and more effective methods for painting black that I've found!
@IG: The Warhound is a pretty sweet kit. Complex and hard to assemble in some respects (the cables are still the biggest pain in the ass to bend!), but the overall model is awesome. Big, Beautiful, and lots of opportunity to play with the base!
Sooooo another day, another update.
Lots of metals to paint. I've also burned through all of my black paint too! At least at this stage, everything is washed and ready to highlight, so Im getting there!
Ice nailed it. Picked up some faked up FW from a local trade for dirt cheap. It was all fixable, they just weren't familiar with FW resin. It's got the good parts of the current rhino and the old school ascetics of the MkI. Called Deimos Pattern MkIc pattern.
Yuuup! I rather like the look of it. I think it takes on some of the best of both worlds: The scale of the new with bits of the old aesthetic. This particular kit was a bit of a pain to assemble cause of the bending, but a bit of hot water and a lot of time and it banged out to a pretty serviceable rhino! The FW hatches were too far gone, though, so i subbed in the new plastic hatches/turrets instead.
Today's progress: a little more work on the Razor.
Messed around with the exhausts using a technique similar to the heat damage I used on the Assault Cannons last year, with a bit of flat black being sprayed at the top to simulate soot/burned metal. Ive also knocked out the lenses, keeping with the spot color of Red. The turret I've painted in a bare meal color. Something of an experiment. Should look nice against the black armor of the gun and main tank chassis.
The Dozer blade has a raw decal on it right now, currently pondering if I want to keep it or use something different. This one is similar to the pair I used last year on the two RS razors, but with a different verse on it. What I'm considering is to save this for another RS dozer and use a different design altogether specific to this Inquisitorial Razorback.
Other than that, I think Ill be popping more purity seals and litanies on it once the colors are blocked out. Theoretically I'll get this guy done tomorrow!
Also, i got the autocannons up to their full silver and black. The lustre will be knocked down considerably once matte varnish goes down.
The Contemptor's bodies and legs are unfortunately on hold, as I am now completely out of any kind of black paint. I even burned through the bottle of black primer! I'll need to swing out to the stores and pick more up. Fortunately the Hobby Lobby near here stocks a little bit of Vallejo Model Color.
Looking good dude! especially the Razor! did you stay with the pencil edging on it? I'd love to see how it turned out close up if you get a chance? I've a black Rhino to do and am putting it off due to fright :-)
@Nerd: Yup yup! I stuck with the edging. I think it worked out rather well! Close-ups will need to wait till tomorrow, though- the razor is complete, but i didnt get a chance to varnish it.
In the mean time, I thought I'd let you guys in on a bit of an experiment I tried out with my decal paper.
THE OBJECTIVE: decent, opaque colors on clear decal paper.
THE TOOLS: Paint, Photoshop, and Clear decal sheets
THE PROCESS:
After having laid out my design in Photoshop, I printed it out onto clear decal paper and clearcoated the design (see my previous tutorial on printing your own decals). Its very important to keep your design in mind while laying out your decal. All of the "white" areas will be colors of one sort or another. Think of it like planning a coloring book.
Here is my design cut out:
Next, soak the decal for 30 seconds or so. For larger decals like this one, it is important to make sure the decal is fully loosened from the backing paper. Otherwise, it may rip.
HERE IS WHERE THINGS GET TRICKY
Dampen a smooth, nonporous work surface (like a styrofoam plate or your desk), and gently slide the decal off of its backing paper. Be super careful all throughout this process, as you will be manipulating what is essentially a piece of wet tissue paper. Take your time, and ensure the surface is kept damp.
You want to make sure to put it down face first, so the back is facing up.
Now, dab the top of the decal with a paper towel. You want to ensure a semi-dry surface for when you apply paint.
Fill in the various areas of "white" with your chosen colors. I used various foundation paints, as they have the best coverage from what I have available. Keep in mind that you will be painting in reverse, so any highlights should be painted on before their basecoat. I find that highlights are not really necessary, as painting flat colors actually lends itself to making the final product appear to be a silkscreened decal.
Dont worry about painting outside of the lines- the black is dark enough to hide any extra paint.
After all colors are applied and dried, give it a spritz with clear varnish (I used my airbrush to spray a coat of high gloss. This coat is to ensure your paint does not flake off.
At this stage, you are ready to apply your decal.
CAREFULLY use a wet brush to lift up an edge of the decal, and slowly pull it from your work surface. Liberal application of extra water can help the process. You will be left with something like this:
To apply, I brushed thinned gloss varnish on the back of the decal and placed it on the model. I burnished it with a damp paper towel to remove as many wrinkles as I was able to, as well as to force out any bubbles. A final gloss coat helps to seal the decal.
Now that looks great! what an excellent idea for another level of customization of our lovely models :-) the end result of the decal is stunning and i await it eagerly to appear on a dozer blade!
Heyyyy It'll keep ya coming back for more, right Gir?
@Cyp: After reading a bit on how cels are painted (I never knew you painted the color on the back), I realize that technique is exactly like an animation cel, save for increased fragility of the film.
Well here's the final shots:
And with Coteaz and his squad.
Finally, some close up shots of the edging for nerd- the graininess is either from my camera or some glare from the matte varnish/ errant weathering powder. Nothing looks good this close xD
Exactly. Clear decal paper is great for black, cause black ink is super opaque, but colored inks tend to be very translucent. They probably wouldnt show up against the black at all just being printed.
Although... Perhaps printing it off, then painting the white all over the back... Could work, but i wanted a specific color in this case. I wanted the red especially to match with the rest of the miniature, something hard to do with a computer and printer.
Normally I would use white paper for colored decals (like the RS dozerblades), but I wanted to try something a little different this time around (plus i didnt have enough decal work to fill up a page of white paper!)
That looks proper different than a standard Razorback, which was what I was looking for. Came out good, the grey grim will go nice with the urban bases and the red really worked wonders for the wall o black. Do you think that will work on the RS tanks? Grey on grey that is.
I think it'll work on the RS tanks. It may not be as bright, but I think it'll definitely be noticeable. Its a layer of a lightish gray sprayed on, then a smattering of weathering powders- a tan/brown one and the chalky gray which is most evident in the pics.
Glad ya like it!!
Thanks Ramos, that actually looks pretty damn decent with the pencil doesn't it! :-) certainly something I may consider after I try it with paint then get angry, cry for a while then re paint and use your method!
This is pretty epic... I've gotta keep that pencil trick in the back of my head. I've heard of people using them for battle damage and scrapes, but edging... Very nice.
Also that trick with the transfer is sick.
Excellent.. thou my one suggestion would be to highlight the dozer blade tines. Weather them a bit. The bottom of the blades should be showing some wear.
For What It Is Worth (tm): "Actual" decals are ALPS printed, which is what allows them to print bright, vibrant colors (as well as making white decals). Sadly, the prosumer market for ALPS printers died off, so this technique is one of the best replacements.
After you print the decal, you can get a layer or two of 'thickness' by spraying one or two extra coats of gloss medium over the top of the printed decal, before you remove it from the backing paper.
Hell no! Im on nearly 3 weeks now!! You guys are getting an update even if it means I need to arbitrarily pad out my progress!
@Gir: Thanks! Heres to many more visits in the future!
@nerd: Definitely gonna be watching your thread for some black rhino action! Wait a minute.... that sentence is starting to worry me...
@Anpu: Thank you, and welcome to the project log! Key to the pencil edging is to use a gray colored pencil, not a regular graphite one. The reason people use it for scuffs and scrapes is that its just very slightly metallic in appearance, looking like bare steel. Colored pencils give the color but not the shine, making it perfect for this application.
@SL: I see what you mean. They were highlighted a bit before weathering, though the gray seems to have covered it all up xD I may yet go back and do something. I dont know, gotta get the rest of the stuff finished up!
@Ice: Marines Errant are coming soon. Gotta take care of business before that though! 3 Contemptors and a batch of termis, then Im off to the land of white and blue!
@brian: Thanks! I remember reading up on ALPS printers when I first got decal paper (nearly 10 years ago for a school project ). The magazine I ordered from mentioned em and I was curious how something could print white. Recently looked at them and damn are they expensive! O_o'' I think Ill stick to an old photo inkjet.
@WM: God DAMN thats a cool idea!!!! Looks crazy expensive in bitz, though... I think ill have to settle on my concept simply cause its a cheaper alternative to scratch build stuff with materials I already have.
@moonpie: Yeah they're always a pain to put on curves. SM shoulders are a nightmare unless you slice the decal a bit. I recommend looking at getting some decal setting kits (I believe one is called MicroSol, or something like that). They soften the film and make it more pliable. Really gets into all the curves!
So today it wasnt anything super special. Just lots of black and metal on the contemptor bodies and legs!
Ramos Asura wrote: Hell no! Im on nearly 3 weeks now!! You guys are getting an update even if it means I need to arbitrarily pad out my progress!
Im joking, by the way xD
Anywho, I think doing daily project logs is beneficial- at the very least, its getting me to push through particularly tedious bits (i.e. tiny metal areas on the contemptors that need several washes.... meaning progress is sloooow and not particularly interesting to see more than once!)
Not a ton of progress today, as today we found out that my mother got her promotion! Not sure what store she's heading out to, but shes now a full fledged Assistant Store Manager at Walmart. So that'll be nice
Modeling-wise, I put finishing touches on the Titan, including the hoses and legion decal.
I will need to get some finished shots if I can ever have a big enough backdrop. i may just wait till the convention and do it there. Cons can make great backdrops, right? Definitely good lighting!
These things in particular were a pain. There HAS to be a better way to get these pipes done! On future models, I will certainly be looking at alternatives.
I've also been busy plotting future models. For Adepticon, I will be running a Khorne Lord on Juggernaut with the Axe of Blind Fury. Now the Jugger model is nice, but not loyalist looking at all! So I got to thinking what could substitute the model. in talking with WM, we came up with a few options. One that I really wish I could pull off was a full custom mount- essentially a six legged horse (robohorse, whatever) modeled after Sleipnir from Norse mythology. Unfortunately, this would take way too much time, being a completely custom sculpt with no real model to use as base. The second idea was to use a contemptor with an axe. The problem here is that I have but one Contemptor, and that is to be my counts-as Daemon Prince. Not to mention, the Jugger is fast- the dread is not. And so we came to the third option- Jetbike! Unique enough to stand out but fitting to the fluff, this would be the perfect choice. Should give me a kick ass looking lord, too!
I have the DA jetbiker guy on order now, so that leaves me to ponder his weapon. No existing weapon looks the part, either being too wimpy or chaos-ey. So I've decided to just make my own!
And thus I set to sketching: (fear my terrible drawing!)
Funnily enough, I will likely be painting an Asteroth the Grim for a commission down the line, and the client wanted to know if I could give him a meaner axe. Just so happens I had this page to show him (He chose to go with the bottom left one for that model.) For my Lord, I think I may go with the bottom most left one or the one second from the top on the right. They have the most pleasing profiles, and should serve my purpose well. Bear in mind, I will be making it a double axe, so the head will be mirrored on both sides.
I have some forge world power axes lying around. I meant to use them for the executioners but didn't need to. So, I have the mk iv melee weapons and terminator weapons kit. Let me know if you need one and I'll get Ice to send you one over.
Also, good for your moms! Promotions are rad.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, there is an empire mechanical horse with an Engineer on it. It has four legs and would need some work to be 40kish.
@moonpie: Actually i should be good- I appreciate it though! I'm still gonna go ahead and scratch build the axe. Its a small enough bit to build (relatively speaking, of course). I really want him to stand out, and this will definitely set him out from the rest! (that and the FW axes just dont look mean enough )
@Gits: Thanks a bunch! The model is absolutely exceptional, and I couldn't be happier how the gold and white worked out. Learning a ton about custom decals too, so thats been great.
So today, no progress! (just the start of new stuff )
WM came up today and we spent the day playing some Zombicide! (I still love this game!)
The game mostly consisted of me and my brother searching the garage over and over to find food items while WM drove around the city and squished zombies (managing to get more xp than all of the other characters combined!). Through the course of the game, I managed to find 4 out of 6 dog cards... in a deck of cards about 5 inches thick xD
Somehow we managed to win. Crazy crazy game.
While he was here, we did a bit of an exchange. He took completed models home (entailing a very teary goodbye to the beloved Warhound Titan. He had to go home after all.) and left a number of models to round out his army.
This included the Princeps and Moderatii:
A techpriest (very cool model. Really like the robes!)
I'm very curious as to how you are planning on turning those Talon's into Helldrakes. I hope you plan on modifying them heavily enough so that they don't look like Talons at all once their done.
But but but those aren't heldrakes! Really looking forward to how you do these, also found the decal work very interesting, was more than a bit surprised when you reached the 'and now I paint the decal' step, still something I need to do myself (got a nice pdf with red corsairs logos to try first).
@Ice:They'll still have elements of Talon in them, for sure- Im using the kit as a base, after all! Still, though, I think I'll be able to wrangle a good bit of new tech out of em.
@IG: I know. These are much better looking Definitely lemme know how the decal project goes!
So today saw the completion of all of the metal areas on the Contemptor Trio, and BOY were there a lot of them! Lots of washing and touching areas with a bright metal later, and I got this:
I love using the Secret Weapon washes, but damn do they take forever to dry sometimes!! During these many drying sessions, I decided to make myself useful and gave the Marines Errant some lovin'. At this stage, its pretty much just basecoats shaded with the airbrush. I had forgotten how much I enjoy turquoise These models are due for edge highlighting with pure white and lightened turquoise, respectively.
Now I can finally start breaking up the masses of single colors!
Today saw the contemptors get their final edge highlights of gray as well as the reds! I even managed to get them assembled except for the EC dread- just too many details to get to on that one!
If ya like, they can be changed out. I did em red to bring a bit more color to the minis. I plan on giving them a bit of a burned/sooty look (like the lascannons for my Marines Errant) .
(Honestly I think the reason I gave em red tips is because I confused the RS LCs with my ME LCs xD)
Alternatively I could paint them yellow like the Lascannons on the Razorbacks from last year? Same kinda burned look would go on them too.
Ergh..... yes cause I'd just looooooove to do more black
I think Yellow is what we're looking for. Bear in mind that this is only the basecoat of yellow and a wash, but really its just going to get a light edge highlight of Iyanden before its done. Also, its of course gonna get the burn look to it, so it'll be toned down even further.
Bear in mind, the main bodies of the models still need considerable color added to them, not the least of which is gold. I think the front heaviness that the colored tips bring will be mitigated after all is said and done.
As to the silver and metal heat weathering... I went ahead and just did it, weathering down the red and yellow tips as well to show what Im going for.
(The yellow one is much more brown than black.... camera just seems to like black xD )
I have, but I don't really use Sternguard. Maybe down the road? I had thoughts of having the Ven Dreads done like that, but then we would have have 3 different looks for my 1000 point list, so I changed my mind.
Oooohhhh that'd be interesting on the Contemptors... A massive pain in the ass, but really damn cool.
Current progress: all golds blocked in.
This is as bright as they get, mind, as its a bunch of washes now! I think the yellow might just work (Definitely my favorite of the three). It has just enough of the middleground. My fear with the bare metal is that it wont have enough pop, even with the extra colors on it.
As far as the tips went, the Vens got yellow and the rookie got plain ol' silver. They also got helmets corresponding to their ranking, so the vens got the veteran white and the regular one got a gray helm.
@WM: Maaaaaaaybe.....
Could be a fun endeavor... not to mention a bad ass looking army!.
@nerd: As much as I love the effect, I just dont think it has the right pop compared to the rest of the model. it needs something to frame the rest of the body.... Or rather thats what I'm thinking its trying to do!
"Put your left foot in, take your left foot out....."
They came out very nice. To think that FW dude scoffed at as at Adepticon last year when you said you were going to use the dread for something other than EC.
I think now seeing them with yellow, it does frame them nicely! you were right! :-) they all look fantastic Ramos, very well done all of them, I think I've learnt from you that it's not specifically the grey that need the majority of work on it, it's the details that compliment it that makes them look so good! as always thanks for being so damn good at what you do! I love watching you work! (even if you don't know i'm there....)
@WM: I know, right! Ha! I love to go against the grain- especially when it turns out as well as this !
@nerd: Thanks, dude! And thats exactly it. The base color is simple, almost -too- simple. It takes me less than a few hours work to get the grays all laid down, minus drying times. The real kicker is in the details. It may not look like much after the gray- in fact, it may look down right dead! The models really come to life when all of the supporting colors come in. They not only call attention to themselves, but also to the delicate blends that you didnt even realize existed in the grays! Hehe and geez... You're gonna give me an even bigger head than I already have (and i have a big enough head as it is!) In all honesty, I've a ton to learn. Your incredible flesh tones, for instance, continue to baffle me. It remains one of my weakest points, and its so frustratingly difficult to perfect! And no worries on lurking- I'm notoriously bad at that myself (I really should be more active )! Nevertheless, I definitely appreciate it when you do stop by!
So after finishing the contemptors, I went and started the long and arduous process of cleaning my work area. Months of clutter and conversion debris.... And now I've gone ahead and filled it right back up with the next project!
TERRAIN! (not mine, but alas.... one day I'll have an actual table to play on xD)
The list so far is: 1x Imperial Strongpoint (with Macro Cannon and Vortex Missiles, of course) 2x Vengeance Weapon Batteries 2x Skyshield Landing pads
So now the question is how the hell do I paint these? In looking through the GW site, I've come across a few ideas:
Perhaps a utilitarian gray and washed out metals?
Or the classic gray and tons of gold? (I loooove me some gold!)
A very military green? (Lots of dark metals and coppers on these. Rather quite like the effect.)
Or maybe even some other theme I havent thought of? As far as where these guys are headed, its a terrain table that will be primarily bestial brown, with various other shades and colors. So what do we think?
Yuuuup. Thats a good catch. He does an ash waste theme, so grays and blacks.
In theory, Ill be able to tie in the terrain to both boards with a light gray/brown kinda grime where the building sits on the ground...
Personally, I really enjoy golds, and the stock paintjob for the Strongpoint really does look nice. (Giant gold eagle!) However the green one is an interesting spin, though with the green it may stand out -too- much on the board)
Much thought is needed...
Also, in a minor supplies-related update- I just got a DA Sammael model to convert into my Lord on juggernaut! I've also been working a bit on concepts for my Helldrake conversions...
@SL: yes indeed! thats my contemptor- still blacking out metal areas (wishing I hadnt glued the arms in their sockets >< Now I cant really remove em to paint!) In the oming weeks, Im sure we'll see more turquoise and white around here
I'd say we don't want the fortifications to become the star of the board, that should still be the models. The more subtle gold, black and grey scheme will likely fit better than the green one, I'd think.
I've got some Brushfire stuff done, but not as much as I should. Need to get the rest of my Axony up to Ramos after Adepticon, then we can get some games in. I've got a good chunk of Vandilands as well (I may have spelled those both wrong).
whalemusic360 wrote: I've got some Brushfire stuff done, but not as much as I should. Need to get the rest of my Axony up to Ramos after Adepticon, then we can get some games in. I've got a good chunk of Vandilands as well (I may have spelled those both wrong).
You spelled Axony right, and I've got easily 150 resources of Chugoku and Aquitar, and I'm working on Cult of Exomorphism right now, though it's a horde army, so I need like double the grunts I have, and a hero or two.
I've got like 20 of the Bulldog Regulars, maybe 15 of the Devon Brigadiers, 2 of the Heavy Brigadiers, but I don't think any of the Terriers, could be wrong. I think I have a robot and some sort of cavalry as well, though it's been a while since I got it, so I'm a bit fuzzy. No idea how many resources that comes out to.
whalemusic360 wrote: I've got like 20 of the Bulldog Regulars, maybe 15 of the Devon Brigadiers, 2 of the Heavy Brigadiers, but I don't think any of the Terriers, could be wrong. I think I have a robot and some sort of cavalry as well, though it's been a while since I got it, so I'm a bit fuzzy. No idea how many resources that comes out to.
That's about 275 FD for Axony, but the Regulars have a rule that lets you buy them for GD instead so you could fill out a smaller resource pool easily.
Seems the general consensus is the traditional gray and gold. That works!
@WM: Sounds like a plan! heh... "Subtle" isnt what id call the gold, especially on the macro cannon, but Ill definitely weather it down a bit more than I normally do. Make it look (in theory) like its been there a while!
@Alf: In this crunch-time before Adepticon, 40k is all I ever do (cause I cant actually start projects early ). Sure Ill get a bit of random extra projects in for OTL and whatnot, but majority is 40k right now!
As far as me getting into BF.... Maybe. I dunno- Its not quite my cup of tea (Im more of a high fantasy/scifi guy), however some of the models are definitely starting to grow on me. In particular, Tajir and that crocodile guy previewed a bit ago (Kardax?). I may yet start collecting a bit of Scyzantium... I find myself becoming quite a fan of the lovely cold bloods
@SL: A month off? I dont know what that means... I'll be painting till the end of time! That said, my job search efforts will need to redouble after the convention. I just REALLY need to get out of this house (and preferably this state). But the market suuuuucks. It kills me that I havent even gotten a hit on the hundreds of jobs I've applied to
As far as the contemptor goes, the grays are all airbrush mixes, and the final wash is an Oil wash using Ivory Black paint.
What also makes them darker is that I usually dont color correct my WiP photos, only the final ones. That (and the clean white background) might be what makes em look different.
So while I was waiting to hear you guys' thoughts on the terrain colors, I decided to do a bit of building:
So far just subassemblies. The main fuselage of the Talons will remain largely unchanged, plus Ill be using the engines somewhere along the design. Im currently working on a concept drawing or two... if I finish them before game night with Alf, I'll be sure to pop em up.
Look me up if I win the lottery. we'll set you up a room ( think like the 'keymaker' in the matrix movies ( but with better lighting) and you can paint forever ~~~ I mean for a decent living away from home wage.
Good to start on the flyers. Your a machine lately.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
whalemusic360 wrote: Well unless someone else sends a Titan to him, that should be a hefty amount of time saved. And who would do something like that......
Sister titan!.. I have to look thru the books ans see what is still available. Now where did I put those books?
My plan is to do a matching one to yours. Different load out, but closely related to the titans used in the conflict. At least keeping with the Badab theme. Ramos shoudl have a easier time as he already a titan painting expert. Probably the only thing I'll do different will be the base.
Not a Reaver..I'll let you break that barrier first.
@Alf: In this crunch-time before Adepticon, 40k is all I ever do (cause I cant actually start projects early ). Sure Ill get a bit of random extra projects in for OTL and whatnot, but majority is 40k right now!
As far as me getting into BF.... Maybe. I dunno- Its not quite my cup of tea (Im more of a high fantasy/scifi guy), however some of the models are definitely starting to grow on me. In particular, Tajir and that crocodile guy previewed a bit ago (Kardax?). I may yet start collecting a bit of Scyzantium... I find myself becoming quite a fan of the lovely cold bloods
Bah can't get more high fantasy than having 0 humans I mean it's only "not fantasy" because there isn't spells everywhere, but we're dealing with gerbils piloting mechs designed.to fight bears, chipmunks with chain guns, bird worship, and now Cthulhu Mythos-esque bug worship.
Solar_lion wrote: My plan is to do a matching one to yours. Different load out, but closely related to the titans used in the conflict. At least keeping with the Badab theme. Ramos shoudl have a easier time as he already a titan painting expert. Probably the only thing I'll do different will be the base.
Not a Reaver..I'll let you break that barrier first.
@SL: Hahaha Sounds like a plan! Start winning the lottery already and secure my future! Chop chop!
@Alf: Sure BFs world is fantasy, yes. I was saying Im more of a High Fantasy guy. Its specifically the swords and sorcery kinda medieval setting that so interests me
I do like the mechs, though (they appeal to my inner Big Mek). Im quite curious to see the bears... from what you guys have been saying theyre gonna be maaaassive!
And I loved the idea of the siege tortoises from the get go... Big gun on a big reptile. Now THAT'S Orky!
Hi there!
I'm kinda new here - well, new to posting anyway.
I read through your blog today and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I look forward to seeing more of your work!
In that case, Eyeam, Welcome to the blog!! I love seeing new faces pop up around here.
Im glad the early years of this blog didn't scare you off. Looking back, its rather shocking how much has changed. Terribly spaced out updates, disjointed writing, projects that never saw completion or mention again... I'm honestly considering putting a "Skip to the good stuff" button on the front page, so people can jump right over the early years of slow progress and go straight to the meat of the blog!
Hope to see you stick around, cause there's a LOT more to come! Not only do I have the rest of my army to prepare for Adepticon, but I've also the terrain and a new batch of stuff from On The Lamb!
Im gonna be painting till my arms fall off... Or until I go mad, but what are the odds of that?
I'm glad there wasn't a skip to the good stuff button. I enjoyed reading the whole thing and watching the progression of the blog. I think it's all been good stuff!
@Eyeram: you're way too kind, and braver than most. I actually just read a bit of the first few pages (a trip down nostalgia lane) and couldnt believe how much changed...
@SL: Sure thing, boss... paintin' away, boss...
So I think I've worked out a concept for my heldrakes. Forgive the bad photochop- At best its a rough sketch.
Of particular note in these plans is that I hope to extend the model by about an inch, cutting off the bottom fin. This looks like it may involve a near complete rebuild of the tail section. A majority of the fuselage will be kept, however.
The engines will be blended into the main wing assembly, which will continue at an angle from the turbine housing similar to the Valkyrie and Nephilim's wings. The dorsal section will be blended into the main wing, giving the plane what is essentially a flying wing.
I kinda like the aggressive silhouette I got with the front profile, and the angled fins on the back should work out.
I wanted to style the model as an attack jet, with a larger and more aggressive wing structure. The Heldrake's Vector Strike ability will be signified by the inclusion of multiple rocket pods on the wings. I figure the pilot would fire the scatter of unguided rockets at a passing enemy before engaging his primary targets.
Also included under the fighter's wings (maybe) will be a pair of fuel tanks for the baleflamer turret, with lines running out of them and into the craft/turret.
Grays have started on the Imperial Strongpoint and Vengeance batteries. At this point its about half done with gray. I really just gotta throw shadows and a brighter highlight on it then its off to a new color.
Im starting to really understand how people like dsteingras really enjoy terrain... I'm just finding myself getting into this really smooth rhythm and unusually positive mood. Really really enjoying all the brushwork
Hopefully it goes smooth and easy. You're gunna be sick of grey by the time Adepticon rolls around. Hopefully something else floats your ways after for a change of pace....if you know what I mean.
Heldrake concept looks interesting, one of my apoc group has done something similar with his flying boxes and they come out looking much nicer. Looking forward to seeing how it looks off the paper.
Love the contemptors, I'd love to have even one never mind three, really look good as a group. Great stuff as always!
Thanks Ignatius! Many moons ago when they first launched, I hated the look, cause it was just a fat space marine. Now I love the things... It was a treat to work on three of em!
Really nothing super special to report today. Kept trucking away with the terrain, and cleaned and assembled a box of Tanuki Samurai for OTL:
Had to actually go back and gap fill a lot of the gaps on the skyshields- I thought I could leave them, but some were just too big. Some couldnt be filled just cause they were on a rivet, but ah well... You shouldnt be able to notice once its painted.
Yarp. To be honest, I sorta forgot xD Well its all gap filled now, so should look pretty. Got the biggest ones, and the rest are really just a case of the pieces not being physically welded together. So a seam, i guess, is the term that Im thinking of.
Lucky for me, I avoided an unfortunate smelting accident...
Anywho! The gold has begun, and MAN is there a lot of it! The Macro Cannon turret, for instance, is nearly 100% painted gold. Now the trim on the vengeance batteries and the main fortress were somewhat easier to cover, as the paint looks great on narrow surfaces. As of the time of this writing, I've got the first panel or so of the fortress painted a shiny new gold.
Never before have I tried using the Vallejo Gold over such a large area. Initial results were not good...
The paint just wasnt sticking enough. I would go over a previously dried layer only to have it pop back into solution with the amount of alcohol I had on my brush. This resulted in what you see above. Streaky and uneven. This is possibly just as much a mistake in my choice of brush- The alcohol metallics dont play well with water and water based paints (though theyre fine when they dry) and you never can quite get all of the tiny metal flakes out of the bristles no matter how hard you try. As I dont want to subject my nicest brushes to this rather harsh paint, I usually use cheaper ones. In this case I used a harder-bristled brush with a wide flat head. I think it was a nylon bristle one (white hairs). The hard bristles acted as an abrasive on the delicate gold layers, resulting in the streaking.
"So now what," I think, and my gaze falls upon my airbrush. Why not? Assuming I thin the paint with enough alcohol, the flakes should be more than small enough to spray without issue. This would also prevent it from drying in the brush.
And so i experimented:
Before attempting this, make sure you've got good ventilation!!! The metal particles are super fine, and I DEFINITELY dont think its healthy to breathe them in, to say nothing of the alcohol you are spraying with it. Overspray is unavoidable when spraying this stuff, so wear a mask and cover up your desk! (that is, unless you want everything to have a fine gold dust on top of it)
Other than that, it seems to spray fine by mixing the paint 1:1 with 91% rubbing alcohol (anything less has too much water!) The coverage is solid, and it was far quicker to spray, even taking into account a longer than usual cleaning process. I flushed the system with copious amounts of alcohol before continuing to clean with windex, paper towels, and pipe cleaners. Assuming you work pretty fast, the paint shouldnt be in any danger of solidifying in your brush.
Still a lot of gold work to do, and then a bunch of washes and highlights. Guess its back to the brush! Thanks for reading!
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only...GOLD!
I'm going to get a little crazy here, but did you think about maybe using a water based gold?
I'm just going to throw a thought out there - maybe you could just play Space Marines and the Storm Talons could be, you know, Storm Talons. I've spoken my piece and that's all you'll hear of it from me. The rest I save for Ice.
Only weirdos play Space Marines as actual Space Marines. For someone who plays two almost heretics, you seem to have an awful lot of Ultramarine in you.
Tch... Damn kids... Looks like the Emprah's finest are gonna have to teach these heretics some manners.
@moonpie: I have given a number of different paints a try, especially with a prominent color such as gold. The reason why I use Vallejo Alcohol paints is because their finish is one of a kind. No other paint gets quite the luster, smoothness, and color that this stuff does. It just has an effect i've not been able to find elsewhere.
And pfft.... space marines. I decided to go with a far better codex (with far more interesting conversions!)
So.... goddamn, am I sick of painting gold trim....
At this stage, one vengeance base is basecoated, and all but the large door and one panel are painted on the strongpoint. To get to this stage has to have taken no less than 8-9 hours... Hell, I havent even gotten to the Vengeance guns yet!! Its all just so fiddly, The details are many and the paint dries faster than others, so i need to work swiftly... but If I go to fast, itll flick paint off the brush and spatter the rest with drops of gold! The hardest parts are the blasted buttresses and recessed skulls on the strongpoint, especially if I want to preserve the black recesses on the armor panels.
If I make a mess of the details, though, that'll mean even more time spent cleaning up... Its a no win scenario. However, this is the worst of it all. The only other major basecoats are a darker metal (water-based, so easier already) and touch ups of black. The gold gets a bunch of washes, so thats all just a big brush and a bit of time.
In other gaming-related news, I got a Kickstarter reward from something I backed last year (took em long enough). Its called the Tabletop Doppleganger- essentially a digital miniature that can be configured to display different images, and even animations. Plus you can put counters on it like HP or other status effects. Its primarily a DnD-type miniature stand in, but could be used for wargames (if you were insane enough to buy a ton of them xD). I think i might try my hand at writing a bot of a review on it after Ive played with it some. You know, get some of my thoughts written down on it. That is.... if I ever finish ALL THIS GOLD!!!!
At least you have a new color to hate for the moment. Does look like you are nearing the end of the tricky parts at least. At least the sky shields will have little (no?) gold on them.
Tricky parts should be pretty much done after today. Its really just the Wall of Martyrs stuff that has all that intricate trim and stuff. Skyshield has thankfully few areas that will be gold- really just an aquilla here and there.
moonpie wrote: What's that even mean almost 2 heretics? I will chop off your head. Can't yap your yap with no air to your yapperflaps.
Did the Executioners even have that crusade? I always thought they got a pass? Or at least a nominal slap on the wrist.
Yep you got to walk away! Thou we Lamenters and MW got the big slap at least we wern't the Fire Hawks! There were a few other chapters that had to go home early as well!
Ramos...On second thought I think you should paint the V. Battery green!
I just battled through 15 hours of painting all this crap gold, so YOU'RE GONNA GET GOLD AND LIKE IT!!
So yeah. FINALLY all the gold is based, and I even went and washed everything with Agrax Earthshade (and now I need more wash!)
The one on the left is before the wash. The right side is after.
Its at this point I am reminded just how poor of a product the new washes are. If I had done this stuff with Devlan Mud, the results would be night and day!! Instead, Im left needing a second wash to get the desired color... Heck there are even a few tide marks here and there (fixed most of em tho). Utter crap.
I'm gonna have to order some army painter ink... Ive read its preetty much the same stuff as Devlan mud and Badab Black. Fingers crossed, right?
@SL & Tigurius: Thanks- Definitely agree with you on it needing to be way darker. Pity I ran out of Devlan Mud- It was my go-to technique for painting really awesome golds, and it had just the perfect consistency for what I needed it to do. Agrax is still crap :/ Ran out though, and Im on a schedule, so I'll have to buy some of the overpriced GW stuff tomorrow. A pain, but Army painter is DEFINITELY on my next order (hopefully soon!)
@Eyeam: Thank you- I think what really started getting to me is not only the amount of gold and fiddly bits, but also the sheer size of the thing! Its almost like painting another Titan, though imho far less interesting/fun/impressive. now that washes have started, though, I should get to colors I actually like painting.... Or at least can tolerate better
Today was another assembly day, as I didnt have the supplies for washing anything else. And so I got my "Cultists" ready to go!
I do love the DKoK models. Really really gorgeous, and I dig the WWI trenches theme they have.
These guys were a bit of a rescue job, as they had been stripped earlier in their lives, and many parts were damaged or stuck with glue. They cleaned up rather well, though, and just need a bit of GS to fill in all the gaps in their arms.
Dunno how much Im gonna get done tomorrow, though. Earlier this week my dad got news that his aunt passed away (whom I had met only in passing, and not very long), and the funeral is set for tomorrow morning. I'm going along with my dad as something of a favor for him, and I guess as some emotional support for the family. Then today he learned that his uncle Bernard passed away (whom I actually did know... they babysat me all the time when i was a little kid...). All in all, a rather heavy week for the family :/
Sorry for you losses.. Still supporting your dad is the right thing to do. They are still you family and one never knows how much you miss them till they are gone.
@SL: Aye, I know. No worries, man. Its just difficult to deal with family sometimes. At least its partly over now... Second funeral is tomorrow or Saturday, so i suppose we shall see what comes of those.
No hobby progress today, but I got to play a game of Brushfire with Alf this evening.
Aquitar vs Chugoku, 100 resources and 4 hero levels
My little brother and I took Aquitar as Alf wanted his chicken riders
I controlled a 5 man band of Mongoose Legionnaires and a Mole Tactician, whilst my brother, Nick, took a 6-badger group with Iron Claws and a Medic.
Alf took a pair of Red Wu squads, one shooty, the other stabby, a flock of Lem Han (Lemon Chickens), and a pair of heros that I'll never remember the names of!
Immediately I start the battle off wrong by telling Nick to hold the Badgers back and deepstrike them (Ambush) later in the game. This would be only the first in a series of blunders.
I then charge the Mongeese (Mongooses?) towards the front lines, and immediately they are set upon by a volley of crossbow fire from the Red Wu (killing two of them). The Mole Tactician, left alone in a forest, was cut down by the Lem Han.
Clearly it wasnt going too well... so second turn, we roll for the Badgers... Who decided they were lost for the time being (Should have taken the left at Abancourt... ).
This left our field looking something like this:
Come turn three, and the Mongeese retreat, firing at the chickens from over their shoulders. It is at this point the badgers FINALLY appear. Right in the middle of the Red Wu.
Clearly Alf is terrified. Getting battle advice from the rest of the OtLG crew, Im sure.
From there, the combination of miserable poor dice rolls and overwhelming odds all but wiped out the badgers, leaving a lone mongoose to charge one of the cursed Lem Han!
He was promptly pecked to death.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Dont leave tactics up to me
Though its a fun game, to be sure. I may yet start to acquire some lovely cold-bloods
"I controlled a 5 man band of Mongoose Legionnaires and a Mole Tactician, whilst my brother, Nick, took a 6-badger group with Iron Claws and a Medic.
Alf took a pair of Red Wu squads, one shooty, the other stabby, a flock of Lem Han (Lemon Chickens), and a pair of heros that I'll never remember the names of!"
I've heard of brushfire and have seen models( which are excellent), but I must admit reading those sentences without being prepared made me lol . It would be the type of thing I would say to. Coworker out of the blue to see if they are listening to m o have tuned me out
This is going to be Greek to most of you, but our lists:
Aquitar:
Tactician General w/Rapid Deployment rank 4
Five Mongoose Legionnaires w/Rifles and medium armor.
Five Badger-At-Claws w/Medium Armor, Iron Claws (character badger), and a Marmot Medic.
Chugoku:
Celestial Tactician w/Classical Warfare rank 2 and Lay of the Land rank 2
5 Chugokan Color Guard with crossbows and heaters (small shields)
5 Chugokan Color Guard with Poleaxes, heaters, and Changshu Dun (character color guard)
5 Lem Han with Medium Armor and Rifles
It was a closer game once those badgers came out since my armor wouldn't mean a thing if they hit with their claws, but Ramos and his brother were rolling terribly all night.
Intresting game..Not sure I can relate to farm and woodland miniature combat. I guess I'm too old fashion Sci-Fi/ Fantasy. Still thats what great about the hobby something for everyone.
Ramos... You'll feel better after your loss if you PAINTED SOMETHING!.. Seriously thou .. good to take a break once in a while! Sounds like you needed it!
@Cyp: ooooh! Silence foul temptress!! Its hard enough not buying boxes and boxes of stuff as it is xD
@Gits: Thats Alf texting! Obviously he wasnt too concerned about our army by then.
@Theo: Hahaha! I getcha exactly. its the sort of mad gibbering that really gets people off their guards! Context is a funny thing.
@SL: See... Im not really in any different of a mood than normal. In both cases my Dad knew them better (even though they were still pretty distant relatives), so he's the one who lost someone rather than myself. I never knew the first person, and the second I only ever spoke with perhaps once a year at reunions.
In my experience, however limited it may be, it's not the dead who are the hardest to deal with, but those still living. I'm generally very logical and keep my emotions on a very tight leash. This is opposed to my dad and one of my little brothers- Theyre the emotional ones in the family, prone to great outbursts of emotion and tend to make rather rash decisions. I dont know if its just how my mind works or what, but I come at nearly everything from an extremely objective and analytical point of view. The hardest thing for me to do is deal with people whove lost loved ones... Guess its why I dont work in a funeral home :/
Anywho, All of that is over with, so hopefully things will start to return to normality around here.
Today we had the second funeral, so again not much got done.
Mixed up some washes, and got the gold nearly completed. Just a highlight and another chestnut wash to warm it up a little.
And at long last, Im done with the golds!
After washing several times with various premixes of chestnut and brown ink (as well as the pitiful Agrax Earthshade), I brushed the edges and raised surfaces with mythril silver. This is then followed by a final chestnut wash to give an overall warm golden tone.
The following shows this step, the top being prior to the final wash.
The giant turret eagle got the same treatment, though as I look at it, I think I will be going back and bringing some of the highest areas back to mythril. Just to give it that extra pop!
Today was a huge assembly day as well. In addition to all of the Tanuki and Terrier models I have for Brushfire, I assembled the Techpriest (I love this model, though I worry for how spindly the servo arms are!)
Other resin bits were given a wash to remove mold release and are now drying, including a Sammael on jetbike, three Brushfire Trolls, and a Gabriel Seth for a small commission!
In full on overdrive now- Time to put the pedal to the metal!
Love the look of all the terrain! Got some really good stuff here.
I must admit I haven't taken the time to go through the rest of this thread yet - only seen since you first got the terrain going. I'll get through it at some point though
@Cyp: Ahhhh im having Anime Con flashbacks xD "Seig Zeon" in particular was something of a running joke at one of them... Tanuki and Terriers are well on their way- Just finished their assembly and the basing is dry now. A bit of cleaning up the plaster and they'll see some color!
@Brother Payne: Hey thanks! Hehe, have fun reading through the rest of the thread. it starts out quite shakey, but around page 8 is where I start commission work, and the projects really start getting interesting. Hope to see you stick around!
@Ignatius: Thank you, and yeeeeeeah hes not particularly happy. It might be because I broke him off of the rest of his body and skewered his head on a wooden dowel.... Or maybe its displeased with how long the terrain is taking me to finish... Or the many projects Im working on other than him, and hes jealous.... <.<
Today was a bit of everything. Assembled and based the BF stuff, washed new resin models of mold release, filled gaps on various chunks of the armies, painted the silver highlights on the gold, and started painting the Kriegsmen and a Gabriel Seth model.
Some of the Kriegsmen ended up with rather peculiar character quirks. Like this one, staring longingly into the distance...
And then there's Seth, who's just so damn angry its not funny
The red is a bit glossy from the wash (unfortunate as it knocks out a lot of the shading I did), and the Kriegsmen are all basecoated gray. It is here I encounter a bit of a conundrum: What color to paint the inside flaps of their trenchcoats?
On the DKoK Quartermaster I painted a while back, I painted the inside of the coat red. I really like it as a spot color, but i dont know if I want to just keep it for the sergeants and such or not. I know I do want to paint it a different color than the coat, the question is what?
@WM: Any particular preference? I think that a dark tan could work well enough. Neutral enough of a color to fit with the overall utilitarian color scheme, while still enough of a change to stand out.
Another day, another chunk of painting. I actually got in a pretty good rhythm today and not only got Gabriel Seth pretty much complete (really its just one color and then varnish), but I got black on all of the Vengeance weapons and Strongpoint fortifications.
The black REALLY sharpened the look of the batteries. Not too much longer until these guys are completed. V. Weps just need their silvers painted. The fortress will follow soon after, and then the skyshields should be a quickie!
Ramos Asura wrote: The giant turret eagle got the same treatment, though as I look at it, I think I will be going back and bringing some of the highest areas back to mythril. Just to give it that extra pop!
@Payne: He is definitely one depressed bird. Dont have any clue why... In the far future of the 41st millennium, there is no such thing as avian xanax....
@WM: Well huh... who'd a thunk it. Should I glue em in now orrrrr....?
So alright! Its after midnight, but Im still totally counting this as continuing my streak. (Photoshop takes time to make photos look nice!)
Gabriel Seth is complete!
If I ever need to build a footslogging Khorne lord for my CSM list, I think I may use this model as a base. Lots of Iconography to fill in/shave off, but the pose is quite nice (if a little bubbly!)
And some detail shots:
Also completed are the Vengeance Batteries!
The novelty of painting terrain has faded... Im sick of it now xD
@WM: If only he had an actual power weapon...
At least he can be good conversion fodder.
@Theo: It was either live lemon chicken or golden lemon chicken... sadly inedible in both cases. Looks like we're just gonna order in pizza...
@Gits: Thanks! Its crunch time now.... Time to pull my one month army spree!
@SL: Thanks! No RS logos- just red doors with metal scrapes on them.
Today was another assembly and conversion day, as I wanted a bit of a break from the terrain painting.
Got three of my counts-as Reaper autocannons built up, and have somehow managed to lose the final heavy bolter... Actually looking like I never had it, as the bits are nowhere to be found!
Also spent a good bit of time assembling and getting rid of some of the DA icons from Sammael, who is to become my Khorne Lord on Juggernaut.
Gone is the plasma cannon, and I think Im going to either replace it with a semi-circular air intake or an armor plate. Not sure what to do with the "hood" of the bike though. stock model has a book, but Im chucking that bit in favor of something else.
In other more painting-related news, the Macro Cannon turret is about done. Should have that to show tomorrow.
You can actually just leave the book off and it looks ok. I'm voting for armor plates because its both easier to do and would make sense to protect the engine.
@nerd: Nah thats alright man. I fear that shipping times from Aus to here would be too great (I think its like 10 days to 2 weeks or so. Im hoping that I'll be well into the painting stage of my project by then :/
If I had more time between the event and now, I'd gladly take ya up! For now, though, Im gonna have to look into sourcing them locally. Way appreciate it though, man, Thanks a ton! (you're still a lifesaver with that Mud!)
@WM: I think somethin still may need to go up there. Maybe not as large as the book, but the cast I got is a bit rough on top. Have to play it by ear, though.
Im more of a fan of the armor myself. Intake might look more like a weapon that I want it to.
@Theo: Shhhhhh! Hes a totally loyalist marine! Just happens to be particularly bloodthirsty is all!
Skull or two may be in his future... I know that some chains definitely are!
So the Macro cannon is done.
Today was just painfully miserable on progress. Just couldn't get going at all! I cant afford to have too many more days like this!
Hopefully Ill get more motivated tomorrow!
Another day of blah all around... So no painting. (this terrain is really wearing on me, I think.)
Though I did get the remaining items from WM for his scorpions, and just finished assembling them.
Deathshroud Termis, including a converted Psycannon:
And leading the group is a converted Typhon miniature. Having painted the Typhus model a few years back, I really appreciate all of the design choices they made to his pre-heresy armor. The spiked helmet, the larger hunched back of the termi armor... A fantastic model.... well except for the bare head, imho, but what can ya do, eh?
Good use of that brass, make him look more important (even though he's already way bigger). This unit has to be a first. Deathshroud and Typhon, counting as Grey Knights, in Red Scorpion colors.
@WM: A first for sure! Gonna be a pretty sweet looking unit, if I do say so myself. Brass aquilla is like it was made to go there. I filed down the pad before putting it on, so instead of a layered armor its a single panel. Once it was nice and smooth, I picked a piece of brass and it happened to be perfect. Then I went and glued back on the spikes I cut off earlier.
Oh yeah... I ran out of the RS icons, so ended up using the skull and cross brass pieces for a pair of them. Looks good, alright. Shouldnt be an issue denoting them as RS once theyve some paint on em!
@Ice & Payne: Thanks!!
Today i finished the gray on all of the Kriegsmen. Not quite the same color as the Quartermaster I had painted earlier, but like the RS grays, I originally used the old GW colors. This time around I used VMA colors, so its much easier to replicate now.
Should look close enough, though. Next stages are the colors!
Kriegsmen are almost ready- just need to do black and golds, plus a couple smaller detail colors. Hes not nearly this bright in reality, but the camera just has that tendency. Went with a darker brown for the coat flaps. I think it works.
This guy is another of those that got an interesting pose just from the assortment of bits I was given. The Posterchild of Krieg
@Ice: Absolutely! And below it looks like a TON of cultists!
@Ignatius: Even though his rules are crappy, hes a gorgeous model. Plus red is my favorite color and as a bonus is super fun to paint!
Kriegsmen are some of my favorite models, too... If I had the cash, Id totally start a Krieg army!
In the mean time, ill have to make do with just painting others' pretty models.
The pic isnt quite as sharp as I'd like, but its late and I cant be arsed, as the saying goes I really need to reshoot these dudes on a black backdrop- white makes them too dull. Ah well... Future plans!
So I didnt notice till I was already a ways into painting, but several of the Kriegsmen had curiasses over their coats. These guys ended up being something of the "command squad", as they got a touch of red that I think really sets the model off. Almost wish all of them had the sash!
This pic also showcases the Sergeant of the group, who took a bit of inspiration from the female commissar I painted a while back. His coat is a very drab gray like the rest of his unit, but inside I gave it a rich velvety red and gold piping. Who knows how feasible this would be in reality, but in this case I think rule of cool definitely applies! It really sets him out as an officer.
Next project? Eh. Who knows. Im gonna go sleep now!
Till next time!
Hehe Thanks guys! now to work out some kind of play on words for the squad name that includes "spiffy" (And QUIET ALF! THEY'RE PLENTY CULTIST-EY ENOUGH! )
So its a bit of an early update today! Worked on the Juggerlord and his mighty axe!
Close up of the axe:
The axe handle will be getting another little extension of a thicker rod, and the pin will have parts wrapped in coils of thin wire once I finalize its position. That should serve to thicken it up. Likewise, the axe head will be getting more detail work once its all set.
Originally, I was thinking on making it a double axe, so the head would be mirrored on either side, but scrapped that in favor of a single axe head with a spike opposite.
I also dont know if i want to make it more sciencey (so cables and standard PW gubbins) or leave it more traditional medieval axe. I think Im gonna have small chain wrapped around his arm and the axe handle, though.
Still able to change a lot at this point, though... Any thoughts?
Alright. More detail on the haft of the weapon, including chains binding it to his arm (its mounted on either side of his shoulderpad). I used the smallest gauge chain I have on hand... Its sorta in scale with other minis Ive painted with chains. Im not really sure, even with all the time I put in it already xD What do you guys think? Good to keep it or should I look for smaller chain?
Today I started a number of projects, the most notable of which are a squad of Termis for WMs Red Scorpions. This is the final unit before his army is complete!
5 Deathshroud Termis:
And the Typhon mini.
Currently they are at their base grays. Black wash is the next step.
One month to go before Adepticon... Will I finish in time!?
I think all your new models are totally rad except for the fact that I am a WYSIWYG fascist. You can find smaller chain at Hobbytown USA at 88th and Allisonville just north of the 465 interchange.
Maybe you could have him riding a juggernaut that "counts as" a...Juggernaut. Just saying. Imperial Fist chapter tactics FTW.
@moonpie: 465?? Thats around Indy, isn't it? Thats about 400 miles from where I live!
Hobbytown USA are amazing stores though... Used to have one not 10 mins from here, but it has since closed up shop, leaving the area very hobby-barren. I think the closest one I know of is in Columbus!
You may be a WYSIWYG fascist, but Im addicted to outlandish conversions... Looks like we are destined to be mortal enemies for all time
@Nerd: Hmmm.... maybe. I think im gonna roll with this chain for now, then upgrade at a later time when i have more time to faff about the details.
If WM and me go with a future Adepticon plan (and I mean like a year or two away, at least), Ill definitely have need of some small chain... (and big ones too!)
If you havent shot off the Mud yet, definitely go ahead and throw a little bit of it in there. I can definitely find a use for it in my conversions
Todays Progress:
The Termis got oil washed, and are looking much more like Red Scorpions.
And I knocked out something of a simple base for the Juggerlord. Its going to be painted with the black and white marble tiles like on my flyer base last year. With this, I think hes almost ready to get paint on him.
I also spent a bit of time messing around with a custom helmet for a marine, possibly for use on the lord.
A bit rough yet, but its close to the idea I had in mind.... Thoughts?
(you damn kids and your Slaanesh worship.... *grumble*)
Hmmm....
What about it aren't you liking, WM? The whole plan? Something I need to add/take away? My pitiful skills at sculpting? Trying to get some feedback so I can judge what to do next
I kinda do want to do something special for the head on the lord... I remember there used to be a desert-themed SM painter on here who did a lot of the customizations (had wire "handles" on the one shoulder instead of heraldry). If I could mimic even a fraction of what he did, id be happy.
Really wish I was a better sculptor!
In related hobby news, I broke out the Marines Errant from their foamy hibernation, and started popping arms off. Hopefully this'll save me a lot of time. Already im seeing Ill need to play with the gun arm positions on most of them ><
I get the concept, but I don't think the sensor looks right. I know youre not a big fan, but check out the Halo 4 helmets, maybe some inspiration to be had there. The GUNGNIR and Locus seem the closest to what you are trying for, but there are other good choices there too.
You better watch out. I'm a killer fist shaker, making me an excellent nemesis. Though, I can get down with outlandish conversions-you just haven't seen my Space Wolves. The terminator with antlers and a crucified person on his back come to mind.
Liking that base.
What is the armament supposed to be on that Termie squad? Now that I see where you are going with changing the armament, I am digging it. The scythes are just sooo Death Guard it is distracting.
They are Grey Knight Termis. The scythes are Halberds, the chem laucher things are the storm bolters. The thunderhammer and psycannon are, well, you get it. I thought some converted Death Guard worked better as Red Scorpions then grey Grey Knights, ya know?
@nerd: EXACTLY! Those are the ones I was thinking of! I just love the sculpting he did. most of the helmets are really subtle changes but they look exceptional.
@WM: I can see what you mean about the sensor looking off... i think its still too large yet, and sticks out more than youd think it should. I think im gonna primer it and see what it looks like while I mess around with more sculpting.
And Halo is an OK game. Ill still play (and suck at it) when the opportunity arises. Really FPS games just kinda merge into one with a few rare exceptions.. Though im a gamer who plays for an experience, not to win (at least all the time ) Im much more of the RPG and strategy gamer. Much of the reason Im more of a Playstation and Nintendo guy.
Gotta say though.... that last helmet is just -awful- Who thought that was a good idea!?
Today got more painting done (and Im still going, too.... just one of those days of inspiration, I guess).
Termis all got metal and black areas blocked out in black, and their power weapons got airbrushed. i decided to treat them as single-edged weapons (like axes) and so painted them with the gradient parallel to the blade. They will be getting a fine line of dark purple running along the back of the blade, and a brighter pink along the blade edge. Typhon on the other hand got a double bladed weapon, so his will only be getting the lighter color.
I'm still rockin the 360. The xbox one is sweet and all but it doesnt do enough nor is there anything I can't get for the 360 to warrant me dropping 500 bucks yet. When either the price comes down or an xbox one exclusive game comes out that I must have, I'll keep my 360's.
Dang vidjamagames! Cloggin up mah thread about non-vidjamagame games and sitch. This here's a place fer huffin paint and moonshinin'- Git yer city talk off my property! [/offensivesouthernstereotype]
One day I gotta pick up a 360, so long as its ultra cheap. I have a lone 360 game I got years ago, and wouldnt mind putting a few more hours in on it. Plus for all the gak I put it through, Halo Reach was still pretty fun to play.
Anyways! Paint progress! Termis got more colors, including their silver.
IceAngel wrote: I'm still rockin the 360. The xbox one is sweet and all but it doesnt do enough nor is there anything I can't get for the 360 to warrant me dropping 500 bucks yet. When either the price comes down or an xbox one exclusive game comes out that I must have, I'll keep my 360's.
Man, love the tech priest! the off white hood with red main robes is really cool! I seriously want to do that model one day :-) you are doing a sweet job so far!
@Nerd: Thanks dude! Its definitely one of my favorite minis. Such a fun model, and its gorgeous!
So a late update today.
Thought i could do a final push forward and get everything done, but I cant gloss coat cause its so late! Ah well... Finished pics tomorrow on the Termis and such!
For now, I leave you with two things.
Firstly, A shot of the marines in my Adepticon army as it currently stands (give or take a few extras). This saves me a good bit of painting, as most of them are gonna be single arm swaps!
And secondly, a surprise.
Spoiler:
BOOGA BOOGA BUG!
This guy is a priority mini for OTL. Should be easy enough to get him painted up nicely for em by Adepticon!
OK so it turned out I had a lot more to paint on the Termis than I thought! (good thing i didnt varnish em, then). I hadnt even hit the gray with an edge highlight!
Anyways, here they are, and with this, WMs army is officially 100% complete! *confetti*
Well, almost. We made a last minute decision to do an arm swap for the Psycannon guy. The extant arm just wasnt looking right! Other than that though, the sixth dude is all done!
And of course, a few close ups.
Also complete are the Moderatii and the Techpriest!
WHEW!
Well I'm definitely breaking some of my past records... I've never painted this hard and fast. I think im starting to see smoke coming from my brush...
Good news is (other then the arm, which should be there tomorrow or the next day), the Red Scorpions are done. Just some arms and shields, your HQ and Dragons, and you are good to go too. And the Sky Shields. And the Bug.....
Don't forget Ramos, that I'm using that Sky Shield in my army!
Fantastic job on the termies. I really like the choice of purple power weapons. The white helmets also greatly break up the vast patches of gray. Excellent job. Typhon looks awesome as well.
If I could back up a minute though. Is there any reason why you're basing your jet bike guy with marble squares? Wait, let me rephrase that one. Is there any reason why you didn't tell me while I was making our display board that you were going to have marble squares on your bases?
@Cyp: Thanks! Dont worry, your bug'll show some paint on him soon ^^
@Gits: Oh I dont know. I dont think being a winner is all that bad, honestly Lookin forward to the MOAB!
@GX:
Sadly it seems to be chipping a little... combination of no varnish and the primer these guys got was terrible stuff (for use on metal! Remember, kids... Read the label!). Gonna need a touch up before hes ready for the fight.
@Ice: No worries! It'll be done by then! (in fact, thats my next project... Im still not quite ready to go back to the fortress just yet....)
Funny you should mention the purple power weapons. As I was painting them, my little brother came down and gave me a weird look. "Purple?" he says, "I'd of figured the weapons would be like a primary color, like red or blue..." Honestly though, Purple just looks damn good, and I think it adds a unique flavor to the army that not many others have. I dont even know how I came to use purple. It just kinda started with the Sergeant weapons on last years army and grew from there. Funny how these things happen!
As to the marble basing.... erm... well to be honest, I didnt even think of it. At the time, the idea for my Lord hadnt even materialized yet, much less his base. I was just building a base for the jetbike and it all fell together quite randomly. My flying base from last year had a ruin with marble tiles in it, so I carried that over. I think the second flyer will have a similar base...
Sorry, man
Past little bit Ive been sifting through my army, judging what all needs painted yet. Surprisingly (or should I say "distressingly") the arms popped off from the marines relatively easily. Some just fell off when i gave them a little tug. I have reason to believe its cause of the primer. Damn clean metal primer. Though i suppose its beneficial in this case, as otherwise the paint job is undamaged. I even managed to save the shoulder pads!
So now I have a squad of 10 marines ready for shield arms (and two plasma guns!)
True to the fluff, an above average number of my marines have served time in the Deathwatch, including my captain (lord). Modeling wise, this works out for me, cause the white shoulder pad is a pain to paint! A dry fit of the shield arms is promising. So far its looking that I dont need to pop off the other arms. I love the flexibility that the massive pads give you as far as covering gaps goes.
Additionally, I finished assembling the fourth and final gun for my counts-as Havoks, thanks to the kind generosity of SL. Still have no idea what happened to the 4th Heavy bolter from my Dev kits last year!
So next up, as I mentioned earlier, are the twin skyshields. Already they're basecoated and have their gray gradient (gray-dient?) ready for highlights and more color. In theory they look way simpler than the fortress.... A lot less damn gingerbread in any case!
Seems I've missed a lot. The blades on those DG my only critique is Typhon's - I recon it should get a bit dark towards the middle; it's looking a bit flat at the moment.
The blue on the Moderatii is a really nice touch too breaks up the red and metal really well. Any chance of working some into the tech priest?
And my god that sergeant's blade! What colours did you use? It's awesome!
As to the colors, Its based Golden yellow, then Blood Red, then I mix some black in the red to get that final burgundy color. I dont clean the airbrush as I progress from light to dark, so the colors meld and blend closer together in the brush.
@Payne: I can see what you mean, and Ill admit the picture isnt very flattering to the blade. In reality it is a shallower gradient, but its darker than it looks. I would have gone darker towards the back, however my airbrush has been having flow issues (I need a new needle and tip, but cant buy one till after Adepticon!), so my control isnt as fine as it needs to be. So the blade got oversprayed a little more with each brighter layer, particularly in the middle where the two blades meet. I decided to leave it as it was rather than botch it with malfunctioning equipment ^^;
The techpriest has a little blue on him, but there weren't too many spots to put the color other than a few wires on his head and some of the lenses. He really is just one big red robe!
Still no rest for the wicked, so Im painting along...
Started on the Skyshields and got everything except the legs to their final gray level. There will be an extreme edge highlight later to bring out the edges.
Loooots of little pieces!
Im actually kind of surprised with my compressor- It ended up running for several hours with little issue other than getting a bit toasty. Pretty sure I've gotten rid of the water issue
Parking on that lower level Skyshield is going to suck.
"Nice and easy, keep coming, little more. *crash* Emperor Damn it Brother Gary, I just repainted that Storm Talon!"
-Techmarine Bob of the Recently Painted Marines.
Yes, but down there you get a re-rollable 2+ invul. Unless you're a screamerstar, in which case it's a 2+, 2+, 2+ re-rollable. Ah hell... you just win automatically.
Maybe a sign is needed saying "Compact Transports Only" or maybe "Jetbikes only" "No Trucks"
In any case, this is what happens when a skyshield uses a skyshield for cover
Painted all of the gray now, so its just in the details now (I dont want to spoil any lofty goals here, but I think they might be done tomorrow <.<
Decided to do the top gray as well, and I will have the diamond plate as metal. Doors will probably get hit with red paint. The eagles, both on the pad and walls, will be hit with white.
I still have to touch up the stripes, as some of the mask slipped and got the yellow. Not bad for an airbrush in need of replacement parts, though!
Currently pondering whether to paint a large roman numeral in the center (like the rusty-colored GW example) or simply leave it metal and using the nameplates as identification.
I Think the hazard stripes look a little off and I'm not talking about the slip in the masking tape. Just kind of odd to look at on side of the Sky Shield and see the hazard strips going in two directions. I would do the Hazard stripes in a "V" shape like this...
Spoiler:
That way no matter what side you look at it from all the stripes will be in the same direction.
I do like the idea of "V" stripes, but unfortunately at this stage its hard to go back in on em. Its all been painted now and I cant afford to do a respray. The masking alone took the better part of 3 hours with all the stripes, I'm running out of time as it is
That said.... I really -do- like double stripes.... Maybe in the future...
@WM: The lights as well as the yellow paint I used. I dont know what it was about it, but the surface was glass smooth and refused to let the tape stick. I actually had to resort to using scotch tape to mask parts of it! Very weird behavior...
===============
So... Just.... goddamn am I growing to hate this project.
I dont know if its the infinitely expanding details or the fact Im on a tight schedule, but all this terrain is just really bogging me down. For the first time in a long while, I actually felt like quitting and not coming back...
Every time I think Im making good progress, more stuff appears that makes me feel like I just took 20 steps backward. Its all becoming one massive nightmare.
The white aquillas here, for example, took a staggering 90 minutes per pair just to get the basecoat on.
At this stage, its the lamps and diamond-plate areas to paint silver, then a ton of little white eagles on the defense shields. Curiously enough, I dont mind the little ones nearly as much. In fact, I look forward to them as something of a respite. Though maybe Im just being delusional once again...
If I never paint terrain again after this, I feel it will be far from too soon...
Hang in there.. they are daunting, but they are looking exceptional.. At some point I stop progresss on mine so I could take a break with something else.. Try that.
I think I'll work on installing them today. So... this could be the last time you hear from me. :/
that's exactly the route on the bases I would go. I like the fire ants as well.
) Ive also started blacking out the metal areas on the Dreads' legs and bodies.
GOLD!!!!
my only critique is Typhon's - I recon it should get a bit dark towards the middle; it's looking a bit flat at the moment.
