at wolfshadow and dantey, your ideas are very good, will keep that in mind, the wire idea is very easy, but thats so out of the box thinking that i wouldnt have come up with that idea myself^^ cool thinking.
and i too think it looks somewhat like a uzi or mac10 wolfshadow, which is good, this should inspire lots of gangsta themed sM armies^^.
as for sleeves i have experimented with these plastic rings my children build pictures...lots of rings built structures, then you iron it and the plastic melts together... do you know what i mean?
http://www.ikea.com/de/de/catalog/products/50128572

way cheep to do some barrels with, they´re a bit short... but they come in the millions like guardsmen^^

thanks for the quick help.

vik

Got the next color-up on the figs last night. They really start to pop at this point. I have one more shade to do which is limited to any edge highlighting or full-sun areas... then the yellow will be done and I'll post a pic. I *might* get these done over the Thanksgiving holiday... might not, but at least I'll move them along a bit.

@wolf: Sorry, forgot to comment... I really like the look of your gun! I agree that it looks like a suppressed uzi... which is very cool! Has a... "Israeli mossad is space" feel.

o-O The board ate Git's post.

Edit: there it is! (That was wierd....)

Yeah, its inspired by the DW bolters. I'm working on a trade to get a hold of a few of them, which I'll prob use for command squad/Sterngaurd members for my IH sucessors.
Git, I actually started my own little project log. Sofar just repaints of existing minis, and my supplies are limited. 6 colors of paint, primer and plastic glue so far. But I've started at least. Got 3 marines mostly done, with another 1 partially done. Its very nice to have exacto knife and paintbrush in hand. And oh the lovely smell of primer stinking up the house again. I'm sure my wife will be thrilled. :-)

Page roll-over has been the death of many of my posts... *sigh*

Holy mother, that was a long read... The painting, the modelling (love the sniper marines...) this is one crazy undertaking. At least I know what marine I want to make for Deathwatch... I'll probably have to borrow the idea for the helmets too... big fan of the Guyver-look.

Keep up the good work!

Progress on Pedro & the sternguard. Yellow is now complete. Next comes a varnish spray so I don't lose my hard work (especially since my eldest and I are planning a game this holiday weekend and these boys are needed for the war effort). After the yellow is properly protected I'll be sharpening the shadows and on to the other details.

I see you have got over your aversion to painting WIP pics - or was that just Orks? Looking good regardless

My aversion with WIP picks is only with my orks because of the screwball method I use to paint them. They look like absolute hell until they're just about finished. I'm actually putting together a tutorial for my MW Tranquility pattern, so at each stage of the process I'm taking a photo. All I'm showing here is when I accomplish enough to make for a noticeable change in the figure.

I <3 that Pedro Kantor model. Gonna have to grab one eventually.

wolfshadow wrote:I just cut a small length of styrene tubing and replace the barrels on mine. I dont think it looks too bad.

Note: The targeter cable is a bit off a CSM backpack. WIP Bolter:

If you turned the rounds/magazine into a handle and made it into a clip and extended it down a little bit you would actually have designed the first Warhammer 40k Uzi !!!!

Great work Gits, also love your sternguard sargeant.

Been a while since I had an update...

My buddy Solar_Lion painted this beautiful objective marker for me... the dead terminator from the Space Hulk set... all it needed was a base. Since I didn't have a suitable sculpted base in hand, and it didn't make any sense to have him sitting in the middle of a field, I decided to sculpt a cobblestone base for him. (It's a nice break from all the yellow.

So here is my progress. Just finished the sculpting this morning and am waiting for the GS to dry properly before the next step.





Will have it painted up in a day or so.

Very nice!

Hey can we have a pic off all the painted mantis warriors? I think it would look really cool! Love your work have inspired me to make an Imperial Fist army

Hey IHLBT... let me finish these last four guys and I'll give you a group pic... at least of what I have that's painted decently.

Glad to hear you found some inspiration here! :-) Now if I could only inspire someone to actually do a Mantis Warrior army... THAT would be something!

gits this army is so epic, you have helped inspire me to make a sige of trangcuilaty (spelling?) era mantis warriors army!

Woooot!! Thanks bigmek35, you just made my year!


Ahhh.... (inhale).... I love the smell of primer in the morning. Smells like.... victory!


Cool, now that someone else's taken up the torch... I guess I'm free to go do something else for a while. Needlepoint maybe. Meh... guess I'll stick with it just a bit longer.

Speaking of which, I managed to finish the base for my objective marker and get the ex-marine set in place. Looks pretty damn good... and I'm talking about Solar_Lion's paint job on the terminator... not my little bit of work on the cobblestones! I now have 3 objectives made for my army! That should keep me for a while, though I love objectives so if I get a good idea I'll just have to make it anyway.

WAIT I CANT TAKE THE TORCH IM NOT READY YET

That objective marker turned out sweet! Nice sculpt on the cobblestones. Simple and effective. Too bad it cost your pal one dead space hulk termie.

He am dead :( He still looks fantastic though.

Really awesome to see WiP shots, your yellows have dazzled and frightened me for some time, so seeing them being built up is a nice learning experience. Please keep going with the Wip's, cannot wait to see Pedro all done!

Dead never looked so good. :-P

Nice work on the cobblestone base.

well Git you inspired me too paint my whytches armour yellow

and you made me look for more old marines just yesterday i picked up 7 old space wolfs from way back 1992. i am making a kill team out off them

nice objective marker btw.

@bigmek35: LOL! Too late budd... it's all yours!

@Moltar: Thanks! I owe him something special for that. He's building a Lamentors army so he'll need an appropriate objective or two. I'll have to think about it, but I just love making objectives... little dioramas just begging for something creative.

@Ifalna: Thanks Iffy. I have step-by-step shots of the whole process this time & will get a tutorial up next week (travelling this week). With your skills you should be able to take my "system" and improve on it... in which case I'll be learning from you once again! I just kind of threw Kantor in there with the rest as I was going through the whole process anyway... but it's a very nice figure & will deserve a little special attention when it comes to the finishing.

@wolfshadow: Thank you sir!

@fatty: I'll take both of those as victories! Yellow is scary from the outside, but once you get used to it it's actually quite forgiving. One of the biggest issues with the yellows is that they tend to be more translucent that many of the other colors. In wet blending, that works to your advantage as the layers have less of a footprint and are harder to discern, making the "blend" look better. It does mean you have to do a lot of layers though, which does require some patience. It's not uncommon for me to do a single shade of yellow 3 times in order to get the color I want before moving on to the next shade... and my blends are still pretty crude. The up-side is for a single figure, each "layer" only takes a couple of minutes to apply, so it's goes pretty quickly.


OH, and you guys just HAVE to see what BLACKHAND's been up to....

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/330608.page#2171456



Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I'll be travelling for work this week, but I'm trying to decide if I can bring along a "mini paint kit" to move the process on the sternguard along one or two more steps. I'd like to have them complete by next weekend (and since my parents will be in, painting will be problematic then). I will have iphone access to dakka after tomorrow, but as such, any responses will be limited (I'm not very good with a tiny keyboard).
Gits

@ Git. I've been known to take a small toolbox full of stuff to work with me on occasion.

Well, painting at work is out of the question, but I will have a couple of evenings in a hotel with nothing to do. So painting then would be quite appropriate. Rather than bringing my loop I could just get a stronger pair of reading glasses than normal & I should be able to at least get the basic detail down on the figs.

I noramlly don't paint @ work, but assembling and converting @ work can be fun. I work Security, and night shift cna be terribly boring.

haha you guess warhammer at work Oke i confess i do it at school in between classes

Gitsplitta wrote: I will have iphone access to dakka after tomorrow, but as such, any responses will be limited (I'm not very good with a tiny keyboard)

Praise be the iPhone... I won't have to spend that many hours to try and keep up with all the things you usually write!!!

wolfshadow wrote:@ Git. I've been known to take a small toolbox full of stuff to work with me on occasion.

Agreed with wolfshadow... I usually need too many paints for a travel kit to be doable, so I usually pack a small cardboard box with a few bitz & sprues to build up some crazy conversions when far from home... Plus you don't need that much lighting, stability, etc... Meaning you can do that while in the train / plane / bus!!!!

Yggdrasil wrote:[Agreed with wolfshadow... I usually need too many paints for a travel kit to be doable, so I usually pack a small cardboard box with a few bitz & sprues to build up some crazy conversions when far from home... Plus you don't need that much lighting, stability, etc... Meaning you can do that while in the train / plane / bus!!!!

Yggs... you do chaos... they ALLWAYS looks like they've been assembled on the train/plane/bus!

Oh, and Git, dunno if you noticed or not, but I actually got off my butt and stared a p-log. Link is in my sig. Should be a major-ish update on wed or Thurs if the warp is kind.

I recently picked up an airbrush myself, and I've only been using cheap paints with it. What I've figured out so far is that sputtering is mostly caused by three things:

1) I didn't thin the paint enough, and it's clogging the tip. I can tell this is happening because if I go full blast, it knocks the clog loose, and tends to throw paint everywhere in very strong splotches for a brief second. This is counteracted by the obvious act of thinning the paint further, and making sure that I have THOROUGHLY mixed my paint.

To make sure I've mixed the paint well enough, I've taken a cheap two to three inch diameter plastic dish and I mix in it. When I want to check quality, I just swish the paint around in the bottom. If I can see anything other than a thin smooth coating or bubbles, I need to either mix and/or thin more. Sediment means mix more, and too thick a layer means thin more.

I'm not mixing to the amount that most people recommend, which is to the consistency of about 2% milk. However, I'm using Folk Art paints that are thinned between 3:1 to 5:1 windex to paint. It works great for me.

2) I have also found that if I turn down the air pressure too much on the regulator, I can get splatter as there isn't enough flow to properly mix the paint before it comes out of the airbrush. I'm using a cheap air compressor I bought at Harbor Freight for $60. It's a 3 gallon, 100 psi unit that flows about 1 CFM at 45 psig.

What I've found is when I spray, the pressure in the regulator drops. So if I dial it to 30 psig, it will drop down to 20 psig when I go to spray. This means I'm really only getting 20 psig out of the unit. So, check and make sure you're not getting a pressure drop when you spray, as it's your flowing pressure that you want to regulate, and not the steady state pressure.

3) The last reason I've found that causes splatter is insufficient paint in the cup (I'm assuming you're using a gravity fed unit). This is usually pretty obvious, as the splatter gets really bad and shortly after it will stop flowing paint properly.

If you think this is the reason, my advice is just to try adding more paint. Especially if you feel you have the paint thinned properly and the pressure where you want it.

I'm sure, since you've been in the hobby for like 20 years, that you have some cheap paints around. I would highly advise taking some cardboard from coke boxes, your cheap paint, and some windex and just spending some time playing with the airbrush. What you want to learn is how to make things like repeatibly sized dots, straight lines with consistant thickness, etc. I've been told that practicing with black on white or white on black is best, because it's the least forgiving. I've been using black on brown (the cardboard color), and it has really helped me to learn to use my gun properly.

You can also do things, once you feel more comfortable, like writing your wife or kids names in a dark color, then coming back with a lighter shade and holding the airbrush closer, and going over their names. Repeat this a few times going from red to orange to yellow, for example, and you'll get a great looking lava-like effect.

And if you're wondering, I got an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, as Hobby Lobby had a 50% off coupon.

I appreciate the advice Heff. I've just had the one "outing" with my brush and am still woefully clueless about it. However your comments give me several things I need to check on. I set my regulator so that "at rest" it was kicking out 20 psi (which is the low range of where the brush says it operates on), however I never looked at the dial once I started spraying... so my operating pressure is probably lower which could contribute to my sputtering. My paints and dilutions are good I think, but I was not operating with much paint in the cup... so that may have contributed as well.

The booklet that came with my brush as beginning exercises like the ones you describe. Before I start working with it in earnest, I'll work my way through it until I at least get comfortable with my equipment. Luckily I'll have a fair amount of simple base-coating to do before I have to try anything finicky... that in itself should help me be more relaxed with the brush in my hand and improve my control.

Nice brush. The Iwata's have an outstanding rep... just a bit beyond my price range.

With the coupon, the brush and a spare needle came in at just under $100, which I don't think is too far from what you've spent on yours. The biggest money seems to be the compressor, which for airbrushes with a tank, runs easily over $150. That's why I went for more of a light duty home use type of compressor, as while it's alot louder, it's also alot cheaper.

I know if I dial my regulator to 20 psi, when I push the button the pressure drops to 0 in the regulator, because it just can't feed enough air fast enough.

I've got a dragon I'm painting for my wife for christmas. I hope to finish it by Friday, as I'm leaving for India for a few days on Saturday. I will post pictures when it's done, and you can see how amazing an airbrush is at blending on the lava/fire base. I did in an hour what would have taken me at least 12 hours to do with a brush.

The biggest advice I can give is to have fun. You'll always win if you're doing that. =-)

I'm taking a serious look at a deal online with aPasche 2 stage with a 1/8 HP compressor for around $260 with shipping. If I have any $ left over after I buy my new computer in the new year, I may pick that up.

I would think that the point of a compressor with a tank would be to give you steady pressure without the need to be constantly pumping... odd that it does not. I just got a little Paache used for $70, but it doesn't have a tank. It's good enough for now at any rate... if I really get into airbrushing I can upgrade it at a later date. (when I'm not also covering the cost of the brush, needles, paints, solvents etc. as well)

I'm really hoping this works... having my army ready for Adepticon is really riding on my figuring out how to use one properly for more than just base coating (I can do that much with a can of spray primer).

that new picture tripped me up Git!

Just checking in on the Mantis Warriors. I dont know if I ever commented on it, but I love the conversion work you have done to the bolters! I love the look of the sniper rifles and I also like that you have incorporated subtle, antiquated mechanical conversions to them (like the ammo pack clipping from the side of the gun). Again, excellent work as you continue to traverse through building/rebuilding your Mantis project.

Also love what you did to your avatar...happy holidays!

Hey man,
I'm also struggling with my first airbrush. The compressor does, however, help. My mistake, I think, was deciding to practise with the freebie non-gravity one they sent me, and getting utterly frustrated in the process. I will say that Vallejo model air paints are a joy to use, though, and initial work on my Valkyrie's been encouraging. I'm less sold on it for priming, but I can see that laying down a really smooth white over grey primer is going to work well (try to get a pic up later). I'll keep at it if you do!

GITS YOUR PIC IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys, thanks for the comments on the Avatar... just trying to get with the spirit of the season.

@Element: Thanks! I really appreciate your comments and am glad you're checkin' in from time to time. I have fun, I share what I do, I try to do better each time. Pretty much sums it up!

@graven: Glad to hear you're in the same boat. My work with the airbrush won't start seriously until I finish up my sternguard... but then I'll be neck-deep in it. Have got 2 razorbacks & 3 drop pods that are all dependent on the airbrush to get painted in a reasonable time frame. I'm really hoping to do some dynamic lighting blends on the vehicle plates, so when I really sit down with the brush in a couple of weeks, I'll be in touch.

@inmygravenimage: A siphon feed airbrush can work fine. You will typically need a little bit more air pressure than you would in a gravity feed, but it has the advantage that you can have multiple bottles of color mixed up and all you have to do is spray a bit of cleaner between color swaps. The bottles can also be used to store paint, so you don't loose any custom mixed colors as easily.

With my gravity feed, I have to thoroughly clean between colors to avoid contamination, and I'm pretty much mixing up the colors each time I need a special tint. I do have some dropper bottles I will eventually fill up with select colors, but haven't gotten around to that yet.

@gitsplitta: A tank offers three advantages that I can think of:

1) You have a constant pressure stream coming out. A compressor works on a cyclic action where sometimes it is pushing and some times it is not, so you get pulses. If you have a pressure regulator installed (I'm assuming you do) then this can alleviate or eliminate the pulses, especially when regulated to below what the compressor is pushing out.

2) As you have a tank to fill up, the compressor only needs to run long enough to fill the tank, and then can be turned off. Even better are the units with an auto-shut-off feature, which is found on pretty much all compressors with a built-in tank.

3) As an expansion on point 2, you can also do airbrushing without ever turning on the compressor if you have pressure in your air tank. This is useful if you want to air brush late at night without waking the kiddies.

Just to make sure there are pics on this page, I'll show my project for Git. In order to get ready for adepticon, I told Git I would do some modeling for him. These are pre-GSing, of course. I'll fill in the leg joints after the squad is done. Anyways, feedback. I need it. For at least the 1st squad, Im going to use just RT legs (with mods of course). The 2nd squad may use some other stuff (worked out with git before hand)

o-O

Nice casts.
Really like the Skulls on that one backpack.

Thanks, the legs on the RT guys REALLY suck, lol. I'll probably use more skulls (from heritic and corrupt marines) on at least the Sgt.
AFAIK, they are original RT marines, not casts. Was very interested/confused by the green plastic though. Git can explain better then me (they are his).

i love those models whale, good work!

Slight change of subject, I thought I would post up a pic of how far along I am with the wings just to let Gitsplitta and all you loyal readers know I have actually had some progress....

So here are the first 7 sets of wings



I ended up casting twice as many of these and only getting a few usable casts before I changed talcum powders and now every cast is a dream! I also discovered that tapping the the mold with a piece of plasticard broke up the bubbles in the mold and spread the excess resin out evenly giving the back of the wings a nice smooth face and thinning out the flash. All in all I learnt a lot getting that mold to work so it has been totally worth it, I will try and get some pics of a marine kitted out with the resin wings in the next few days for you Gits.

Cheers

BLACKHAND

WHOA! Thats a lot of wings. Nice work Blackhand!

We need 20 sets so I have a bit more casting to do

BLACKHAND wrote:We need 20 sets so I have a bit more casting to do

80 panels? o_O

Each set only uses a few MLs of resin, the real problem is having enough molds for things I need that I can pour the extra resin into

Luckily I have started a project that requires roughly 25 custom Marine pads......

@WM: those are looking great my friend! Some of you younger guys might not realize how static those figures are... The dynamic poses that WM has given them are really extraordinary. I usually shorten the feet... They're huge.

@blackhand: just beautiful! Looking forward to the finished product.

Gits

Not shanghai your thread - hope you don't mind - but here's a little something for you:






Anyone order a Mantis Warrrior Vanguard Vet with custom jumppack and oversized Katana? Still needs some detailing added, obviously, but you get the idea - hope you like him bud (and adherents to this awe-inspiring project log generally).

i dont like those wings too much, love the rest, def those shoulderpads on this guy, but im thinking maybe those wings will look a lot better painted!

Paint 'im up man! He looks great! Jeez... pretty soone EVERYONE is going to have a "modern" Mantis Warrior except ME! I'm stuck doing RT era models until April!

:-) :-)

I love it! You guys are GREAT!!!

Back from my trip, got no painting done... too busy drinking with old friends and colleagues. Got our first snow of the year too! Will crank on those 4 sternguard figs next week and have a "state of the Army" shot when they're complete. Next weekend is the deadline.

Gits

Hey git those Mantis bits just arrived! I'll get the shoulder done and on the Sgt this week and get him in the post back at you asap!

Snow eh! lucky bastard I've only seen Snow once and it was one of the best weeks of my life!

We had the first snow of the year to here in the uk, bloody cold but the Sprogs (The Kids) love it..

Jim..

Snow is only cool if you dont have to live with it. It is currently attempting to snow where I'm at. Its cold and just generally not nice out at the moment. Ah well. Lots of time to spend planning my army and conversions for it.

inmygravenimage wrote:Not shanghai your thread - hope you don't mind - but here's a little something for you:






Anyone order a Mantis Warrrior Vanguard Vet with custom jumppack and oversized Katana? Still needs some detailing added, obviously, but you get the idea - hope you like him bud (and adherents to this awe-inspiring project log generally).

he inmygraveimage like the model exceopt two points.
point one : the wings look a bit odd
point two: in danger of sounding a bit knit picky but the katana is up side down and imposible too draw without breaking it or cutting yourself. the cuved side is suppossed too go up not down (commen mistake) and when you draw your sword you turn it 45 degrees with the curved side going left. like this

its the most common way too draw your sword but then again everybody draws his sword differently.

i am just trying too help not nage what you do with this info is your choice i tend too make thing some times a little too realistic (and that with little oplastic guys and girls and aliens dont forget the aliens)

Gitsplitta wrote:Paint 'im up man! He looks great! Jeez... pretty soone EVERYONE is going to have a "modern" Mantis Warrior except ME! I'm stuck doing RT era models until April.

It really does seem like "EVERYONE" is now doing it. On an unrelatated note, I'm getting some Sanguinary Gaurd today for Honour Gaurd conversions. It's a pity that I have to keep those single thrust jump packs and maybe a Katana or two. Just can't think of what I could do with them, an armless SM, and some plasticard...

Looking forwards to seeing a "State of the Army" shot.

I actually kind of love the fact that other folks are taking a whack at making mantis warriors... even if it is just a one-off thing rather than an entire army. Makes me feel like I've accomplished something beyond my own little army.

Gitsplitta wrote:I actually kind of love the fact that other folks are taking a whack at making mantis warriors... even if it is just a one-off thing rather than an entire army. Makes me feel like I've accomplished something beyond my own little army.

That must be a nice feeling. If I manage to make one I'll be sure to most a picture of my "modern day" Mantis Warrior. In fact, just for the fun of it I would be happy to trade it to you in exchange for one of yours.

I think having one of the most popular threads on Dakka is decent accomplishment too

It's true enough Git. Your chapter has spread across the galaxy, pulling recruits from every corner of the Imperium. With such a polarizing reputation, it is easy to see how some might take to the Mantis banner while the rest tow the (more) official line of Mantis' tainted condemnation. It would appear their redemption is not too far off... for death finds us all.

I love the nit-picky-ness of the katana angle business... it is indeed a common mistake, but I can hardly see a curve in the models sword. As well, it depends on the angle of their strike. A vertical slash would benefit from a katana turned to curve down, though the back end would tend a bit more upward... I think.

I think a slightly different pose would benefit the wings, too. If he were advancing as he drew the sword the wings would look more natural.

And lastly, Whalemusic, dem beaky boyz got some big feet... are they thinner or longer than the newer SM?

Yeah they are quite clown-ish Ive got #3 cut up, but not yet together. Anyone have a good action pose for bolter boy #4?

The Good Green wrote:It's true enough Git. Your chapter has spread across the galaxy, pulling recruits from every corner of the Imperium. With such a polarizing reputation, it is easy to see how some might take to the Mantis banner while the rest tow the (more) official line of Mantis' tainted condemnation. It would appear their redemption is not too far off... for death finds us all.

I love the nit-picky-ness of the katana angle business... it is indeed a common mistake, but I can hardly see a curve in the models sword. As well, it depends on the angle of their strike. A vertical slash would benefit from a katana turned to curve down, though the back end would tend a bit more upward... I think.

I think a slightly different pose would benefit the wings, too. If he were advancing as he drew the sword the wings would look more natural.

And lastly, Whalemusic, dem beaky boyz got some big feet... are they thinner or longer than the newer SM?

vertical slash would be drawn like this. the curve still pointing upwards. then you pull the sheatting with the sword up vertical while you press it against your body. then you let the sheat slide downwards while you pull the sword further up and turn it with the point upwards. and then step and cut. it sounds difficult but is really easy once you know.

Keep in mind all (besides fatty... he already knows), that Japanese swords are designed to kill on the draw. I know of no other swords, certainly none in western culture... that have this purpose as part of their basic design. There is a specific Japanese form that practices the single stroke kill as it's primary motion. Draw ---> kill, sheathe. (Can't recall the name of it at the moment.)

Very mantis like actually as you go from "rest" to "kill" to "rest" again in a single swift motion.

You forgot the "clean sword" part of that routine, eh? I was just listening to a podcast about seppuku that recommended participants of that school to be the second, as it were. It is rather Mantis like, playing a rather intimate role in ones death.

Nyss hunter katanna cool.

Gits, since I still have unpainted marines, I think Im going to paint one up as a Mantis Warrior.

Awsome BBL, I can provide a shoulder pad if you want it... would even part with one of Blackhand's special heads if you ask nicely and promise to post your results here.

:-)

How about I paint you up a model in exchange for a pad and head, if you want one.
If not, I promise to put it up in this thread
And its OT, but did you ever send that grot way back when? If not, dont worry about it
(if you did, I never got it)

If I get a head and pad from you, the Mantis will be in a robe. I may even try some cool free hand on his robes ( I'll have to look up the cherry blossom tutorial I saw a while back )

@BBL

1) That would be wonderful! I'm always looking for extra marines for my pseudo Deathwatch squad!

2) Damn, I forgot. Please remind me what I was supposed to send and I'll send it with the pad and head. It was a rigger, wasn't it?

3) Would love to see that. I haven't been brave enough to try robes yet myself. Luckily with the tranquility guys, robes are kind of superfluous as there's so much pattern in the armor. Though I did have fun with Stone's cloak (my Telion figure).

I dont remember what you were supposed to send actually
Do you want a Blood Angel, or can I paint you up a Son of Ouroboros?
If you want a BA, it'll be a BfM or AoBR marine.

Son of Ouroboros please. Though a BA would be fine too.

If TiB doesnt reply soon, I have a pre made BA in need of a Death Watch pad
[edit: non AoBR or BfM]

Well, got a couple of solid hours of painting in. One more night like this and I'll take a pic of my progress. Lots of little stuff... power cables, guns, pouches, plasma gun, sergeant's head to name a few. Discovered that there was still a Imperial Fist symbol an Kantor's back pack... took care of that (surprised how well it went). Things look kind of half-way done right now but should shape up in another night... just getting the basic color/wash/highlight down on the odd bits. I'd forgotten how crappy those old bolters were... even painted up they look like hell. Luckily the camo pattern can be used to cover up a lot of issues (both in my painting and in a crappy model).

Gitsplitta wrote:Well, got a couple of solid hours of painting in. One more night like this and I'll take a pic of my progress. Lots of little stuff... power cables, guns, pouches, plasma gun, sergeant's head to name a few. Discovered that there was still a Imperial Fist symbol an Kantor's back pack... took care of that (surprised how well it went). Things look kind of half-way done right now but should shape up in another night... just getting the basic color/wash/highlight down on the odd bits. I'd forgotten how crappy those old bolters were... even painted up they look like hell. Luckily the camo pattern can be used to cover up a lot of issues (both in my painting and in a crappy model).

Kantor's rules are really quiet good. Not OP, and he's got some nice little flavorfull touches. I'm thinking about using his as my chapter master, although I may do a conversion in plastic.

I've been really delving into the SM codex the past few days, and there are some seriously neat options.

did you remove the Ultramarine symbol from Sergeant Stone's Boltgun?

Btw any news on the bits arriving?

dantay_xv wrote:did you remove the Ultramarine symbol from Sergeant Stone's Boltgun?

No, but that was on purpose... part of the back-story on Stone.

Btw any news on the bits arriving?

No, but it's been a week since I've been at my office (which I use as my shipping address). Or were you talking about bits I was supposed to send to you?

Gits, I have to write a letter for civics (I'm partway done) But after, I am going to be building the warrior sans pad and head.

Quick question before I do, what arm would the Mantis pad be on, the Left?

I am going to attempt to give him a katana and the arm holding it will be a normal bent bolter arm (well, DA bolter arm) so he will be positioned similar to this

That would be great BBL! The mantis pad would be on the same shoulder as a normal marine's insignia pad... which I believe is the left as it's switched since the old days (used to be the right).

Alrighty.

For your SoO, do you want him to have a hooded helmet,a beakie Helmet (DA insignia on it) or a hooded bare head?

Finally an update:

Progress on the sternguard. I've kind of let off working on Kantor only because the others are rather formulaic and he is not. He will require some colors and techniques that the others won't, so I'll set him aside for now and work on him slowly as the inspiration strikes me.

Got most of the details done. If you wonder why I do the details before the camo, it's because the camo can be very useful for covering up flaws in painting, design and construction... so I save it for last. Big challenges left are primarily the eyes and face of sergeant & free-handing the chapter insignia on each shoulder pad. I feel like I should do *something* to the power fist... but a lot of the typical designs would be counter to the whole "camo" idea. I'll sleep on it. Perhaps I should just accept it as a good platform for a camo grouping and leave it at that.




@BBL: As you wish, though my Deathwatch squad is supposed to be modern, so there is no need to be beakie. Checked my minis and all of the rest have the deathwatch pad on the right, their own pad on the left.

Gits

love them! I def like the one for our trade! It'll be great to see him in person!

as for the powerfist I would maybe have some warning label on it or some heroic passage that way it fits with the camo scheme but does give a bit of an added detail tothe fist. whatcha think?

Looking sweet gits

For the powerfist, how about reversing the scheme like on the ven dread's head?

Only thing I dont like is the plasma weapon. It looks a bit odd from that angle. Otherwise looking good

@Timesiral: Can you be a bit more specific? Is it the weapon itself (which is molded as part of the figure) or something about my paint job? I must admit that I'm not looking forward to the lighting effects from the plasma... it'll be an all-or-nothing kind of thing that probably has a better chance of trashing the figure than it does making it look good.

im looking forward to seeing how your lightening effects work!

Well then Gits, you Get a Son of Ouroboros after all.
I'll give him a robed bare head, so I can paint his face up. (and possibly try to give him a tattoo)

I'll begin working on him tomorrow. If you can come up with a suitable name for the Mantis Warrior, I am going to write a bit of fluff. (the marines being swapped are going to meet, and have an honor duel, or something cool like that)

Anything Japanese... since he'll be one of the new generation. Not Musashi though... that name is saved for someone special.

On a related note... I may have found a katana that will work. I have them in hand (just got them all they way from Nottingham in Merry Olde England). They aren't as large as GW swords, but the are large enough to be believable, at least until I find something more appropriately sized.


Not too bad at all. Not quite "heroic", but from my experience... perfectly proportioned to the miniature for a real-life sword.

Nice! Good for a 'combat blade' but I wouldnt want to do power weapon effects on that.

I have been following your Blog's for a couple of months now, but have finally decided to register and post a reply. I have a 7 year old that is starting to express interest in what I am doing (though at the moment its primarily Orcs and Goblins for Warhammer Fantasy), and have enjoyed seeing that you have been introducing your kids to the hobby, but have also found the time to paint up your own army. I love your style of painting, and the pushing yourself to get better by trying new things.

I like the kitana, not over the top, but fits in nicely.

For the sternguard I have a couple of thoughts.

The first one on the left is the best of the bunch, great pose, good paint job so far, really fits in with the overall feel to the army. For the guy in the middle it just looks like the plasma gun is to heavy for him (probable just the sculpt). To me the figure is saying, oh man why do i have to carry this thing, can't someone else have a turn.

And the sarge which is the main reason for my post. The eye is drawn to his chest straps, I realize that you worked on reposing the figure and did a good job, but I would suggest maybe another tweak. To me the whole figure is looking off to the left, so having his power fist come across his chest would improve the overall look and feel to me. Like he is in the act of turning to the left to shoot at something, but the turning of his torso forced his right hand across his chest. I realize its a bit late for the suggestion since you have started to paint, but its a thought. Maybe the camo will help to draw the eye away.

Cloudburst

Grr. Stupid page wrap eating posts again...

monkeytroll wrote:Looking sweet gits

For the powerfist, how about reversing the scheme like on the ven dread's head?

Boo, I was going to suggest the same thing, but I was afraid Git would think I'm really STUBBORN with my reverse-camo thing...

So I can see I'm not the only one, so I'll go with it:

Git, why wouldn't you try reversing the camo on the Sarge's fist?

1. It would make him stand out ;

2. It would match the Dread ;

3. It could be a sort of "rank badge" for the most veterans among the tranquillity veterans. The highest-ranking Marines of the Tranquillity Campaign would have the right to own a single piece of gear with reverse camo on it.


On a side note : Welcome to Dakka, Cloudburst!!! Git, you have to add another thing to your long list of achievements : one guy joined Dakka thanks to you!!!!

The katanas make sense to me sizewise, like they are the weapons the marines used before they were "upsized" and crammed into power armour to become marines

The katana looks good, but I think the arm holding it should be at ease, or something.

wolfshadow wrote: Nice! Good for a 'combat blade' but I wouldnt want to do power weapon effects on that.

Meh, my power weapon painting pretty much stinks as it is... a smaller weapon just means it's less obvious how bad I am at it.

Cloudburst wrote: The first one on the left is the best of the bunch, great pose, good paint job so far, really fits in with the overall feel to the army. For the guy in the middle it just looks like the plasma gun is to heavy for him (probable just the sculpt). To me the figure is saying, oh man why do i have to carry this thing, can't someone else have a turn.

And the sarge which is the main reason for my post. The eye is drawn to his chest straps, I realize that you worked on reposing the figure and did a good job, but I would suggest maybe another tweak. To me the whole figure is looking off to the left, so having his power fist come across his chest would improve the overall look and feel to me. Like he is in the act of turning to the left to shoot at something, but the turning of his torso forced his right hand across his chest. I realize its a bit late for the suggestion since you have started to paint, but its a thought. Maybe the camo will help to draw the eye away.

Very good comments Cloudburst, and welcome to the blog! The guy on the left was an old, old metal melta-gunner that I added the bolter bits to in order to fit the idea of a combimelta. Took some creative thinking to get the scope on in a way that makes sense with the pose, but it worked out. There are so few 40k figures that are in shooting poses that every time I find one I feel obliged to use him... this guy was a good addition to the force.

As with the previous figure, this is a very old... solid metal model, indicative of the time it was made. All plasmas back then were the "Foster's Lager" style so there is little I can do about that or the pose as it's a solid casting. This one is actually destined for Sageheart as part of our trade, as such... it works out as he's armed with a combination of weaponry that my army can't use but apparently Sage's can.

I agree with your comment on the power cables and have been unhappy with the look myself. While this is the same way I've done all of my power cables, they are mostly hidden on the other figures. I don't like they way they look here and will probably re-paint them in order to make them blend back into the background. Keep in mind though that once the camo is on, the power cables will be no where near as visually prominent as they are right now. I see what you mean about the power fist, though for the same reason as you suggest, I modeled it where it is. I figure something startled him and he whipped around to face the threat, when your body moves like this, moving a heavy object like the power fist around your body would in essence force your whole body to rock until stable, messing up your aim. The heavy fist "behind" him acts as a counter-balance to the gun and adds stability without adding unwanted momentum to his body motion. Stylistic preferences aside... if you remember the sergeant is a "frankenfigure" cobbled together of bits and pieces, all very old (20+ years). I'm not sure I could pull off the shift at this stage without doing major damage to the figure and these bits were never made to be very poseable in the first place. Changing the angle of the elbow 90 degrees is pretty major surgery.

Thanks for sharing your ideas, please feel free to pipe in whenever you feel like it!

monkeytroll wrote:For the powerfist, how about reversing the scheme like on the ven dread's head?

Yggdrasil wrote:Git, why wouldn't you try reversing the camo on the Sarge's fist?

I'll consider it. Of course that means all my nice blending on the fist is for naught. His damaged helmet will by lying on the ground next to him... should I do that in black too, so all the sergeants have black helmets w/ black fists (if they have them)?

BLACKHAND wrote:The katanas make sense to me sizewise, like they are the weapons the marines used before they were "upsized" and crammed into power armour to become marines.

Yeah... they look like normal weapons, as opposed to space marine weapons. I could see all troopers of Asian origins (as opposed to western) wearing them not only as a side-arm, but as a way to set themselve's apart from the "old order". I need to work out how to make a good scabbard & then we'll see where we are.

battle Brother Lucifer wrote:The katana looks good, but I think the arm holding it should be at ease, or something.

Don't get hung up on the figure, he was just stuffed in a baggie and had a hand in the right configuration to experiment with the sword. He's actually one of the original color "test models" as noted by the "4" on his base.

Thanks for your comments guys, most helpful.
Gits

Gitsplitta wrote:I actually kind of love the fact that other folks are taking a whack at making mantis warriors... even if it is just a one-off thing rather than an entire army. Makes me feel like I've accomplished something beyond my own little army.

I painted a mantis warrior once but he died and so I put him in a chair and sent him home. : )

It's nice to see all the intrest you have generated brother! Keep up the good work and congrats on a long lived blog. But I lament...

Thanks for the kind words on the terminator!

Oh. Well he has a great pose (save the awkwardness of both hands raised)
Do you have other models with that pose?

Also, I'm going to go put on my painting & modeling attire (old charity T-shirt with tons of paint streaks, sweatshirt with tons of paint streaks, cargo pants with tons of paint streaks and glue drops) and build both marines, and attempt to paint both. So no right pad for your Son of Ouroboros?

@Solar_lion: Long time my friend! How've you been?? (rhetorical of course on the blog... but still... glad to have your input again). I take it that it's been a while since you've been able to check in... the termie was like... 8 pages ago! LOL! Hopin' to have a good progress shot by this weekend... keep an eye out. I want to finish up the details tonight so I can start the camo pattern tomorrow.

@BBL: LOL! What? Is he giving up already?? I know my dice rolling is bad but at least give me a chance... That's right, leave the right pad off please... I've got a nice Inquisition pad sitting here all filed and ready to go.

Gitsplitta wrote:I'll consider it. Of course that means all my nice blending on the fist is for naught. His damaged helmet will by lying on the ground next to him... should I do that in black too, so all the sergeants have black helmets w/ black fists (if they have them)?

Well, I rather think one piece of equipment would be enough... Plus, at the time of the Tranquillity campaign, they had a real need for camo, so I don't think they would have gone too far with custom outfits!

On the other side, a black helmet would definitely look good... That's a good question!

Lol, no worries, they said a week to 10 days for shipping, and there is also the weather here to consider.... just excited to see if you got them.

I do not recall arranging for any bits to be shipped to me, however feel free to send over bits if you want, I would be honoured to make something for you.

Yggdrasil wrote:Well, I rather think one piece of equipment would be enough... Plus, at the time of the Tranquillity campaign, they had a real need for camo, so I don't think they would have gone too far with custom outfits!
On the other side, a black helmet would definitely look good... That's a good question!

Yes... I know it's a good question, that's why I asked it! What I need is a good answer!

dantay_xv wrote:I do not recall arranging for any bits to be shipped to me, however feel free to send over bits if you want, I would be honoured to make something for you.

Thanks dantay, but I only have about 4 more infantry models to build (for Adepticon) & I'm guarding those jealously. Besides... building is the easy part. It's painting that's the real bugger to do.

Like the katana, where was that from?

On the reversed camo, if you're thinking of giving it to all the sarges then I'd have to go with the helmet over the fist, don't really want to start reversing out a variety of different areas, it'll get a bit messy. Thinking about it, that would look pretty cool actually (the helmet idea that is, not the messy look ). But that doesn't help you with what to do with the fist in that case

I always thought it would be fun to do the palm of a power fist the same way as you'd do a power sword... all blue and crackling with energy. Risky though... I'll have to see how the glow from the plasma gun turns out.

Interesting idea, know I wouldn't be able to pull it off as nearly all my power weapons are plain, never got that crackle effect to look good. You thinking just the palm, or fingers too? Possibly throw a tiny smidgeon of OSL in there too.

Basically the whole hand as you'd look at it from the palm side... OSL techniques and all. And there's the rub actually... my OSL form is pretty rough. Going to be scary enough doing OSL on that plasma gunner, not to mention my own sergeant. That's the kind of thing I practice on a spare power fist before trying it on a figure.

Just because I would love to see some "New Mantids" in your army I have a proposition for you Gits.

I would be quite happy to make a Vangaurd Squad for you (with Katanas and Angelous weapons). Like I previously mentioned I have 5 spare single-thrust jump packs. I also still have 4 pairs of the running SG legs, so if you could provide me with: 5 BLACKHAND sculpted MW heads; ; A pair of running legs and 5 sets of BLACKHAND's wings I could start work on them. I would also be happy to paint them if needs be. (NB. I'll buy some MW pads from Chapterhouse)

So...

does this seem like a fair proposal?

Done, and Done.

Your finished marine my good sir




(The ink wash is still drying of course. I took these pics the second I finished.


Hey, shoot me your addy so I can get him to you right away
Also, when you send the pad and head, think you can hook me up with a katana if you have an extra?

liking that marine BBL!

Lucifer, did you just build, paint and get pics up in an hour and a half? By the Emprah's right teat how do these peeps do it? mumble..grumble...bullet time..snazzle...frazzle..sniggle...hypnotise the lot of 'em...bibble..babble..young whipper-snappers...burble


edit: oh yeah, looks good by the way

Yep. I also wrote up a song about the traitor primachs to the tune of a muppet song, bought Minecraft, and finally joined Facebook.

For serious, it takes me a damn month to make a Dreadnought!

OH, forgot to answer the question.... the katanas (actually sold as nagis) are from Perry Miniatures in Nottingham.

@GS: I appreciate how it must be torture to wait for me to get the work done, but I actually do enjoy building my own figures... especially for things like the vanguard where I have a very specific mental image in mind. When I get all the parts from BLACKHAND... I will drop whatever I'm doing and make one of the new Van just to give it a try. Promise. I do really appreciate your offer to help out... but much as I gripe, I want this to be my own work no matter the time involved.

@BBL: Looks beautiful... and amazingly fast. Wooosh! Color me impressed. I expect a U-tube video with you singing your song soon??

If I was batter at drawing, I was going to animate it myself

Gitsplitta wrote:@GS: I appreciate how it must be torture to wait for me to get the work done, but I actually do enjoy building my own figures... especially for things like the vanguard where I have a very specific mental image in mind. When I get all the parts from BLACKHAND... I will drop whatever I'm doing and make one of the new Van just to give it a try. Promise. I do really appreciate your offer to help out... but much as I gripe, I want this to be my own work no matter

Yeah, that's fine. I'll still be making one to trade to you (along with the 30 odd Chainswords and the marine I promised you). I'll probably give him the katana style weapon. Fluff wise he could have been a new recruit or use him as an objective maker. It's just I don't have any use for some bits as I don't have a loyalist force any more.

With all these folks makin there own MW, maybe you could have a squad of five MW painted/modelled by others. Kinda like another Deathwatch where they're all Mantids.

That's certainly a possibility... be pretty neat actually.



Automatically Appended Next Post:

Update: All the eyes are done. Also completed the sternguard sergeant's head. It looks incredibly crude in this magnification but even a close inspection with minor magnification it looks quite good. I made all of the suture and attachment points look angry and red... nearly infected, as well as tarnishing the metal side of the skull prosthetic. Trying to show the uneasy melding of man and machine I guess. I could try and touch up the eye but to be honest it's so small that anything I could do would be a wild guess and as likely to muck it up as anything.



Tomorrow night... the shoulder insignia!

I agree that perhaps the greatest achievement of gits's project is how it's inspired others. Katana's now flipped ([facepalm]), added a Wakizashi but looked too cluttered, so I might just leave it.

@ gatheringstorm: I've got a couple of BH's MW heads, and a pad from gits. And, like, we're local to one another: saves deranged shipping costs.

Congrats on the 100,000 views! Thats pretty damn cool my man!

Ps, don't worry guys I am getting around 5-6 sets of wings cast every week so I am almost ready to send a care package to Gits. Trust me I want to see what Gits can achieve with his vanguard as much as anyone

Great work on that head. Incredible detail work. Gives me some nice ideas for my bionic bitz. :-)

Wow Gitz 100,000 views and it wont be long till its matched in posts....lol

Great work on the vets on last page there coming along very nicely.

jim..

P.S got some pic's up of my second custom sternguard squad ive used the FW Mk V Heresy armour for them. Take a look when you get a min bud...

@GS: Just because I don't need you to build my vanguard for me, doesn't mean I'm not willing to share my MW bits... I have a lot of pads and some extra helmets, I'd be happy to send you one of each so you could "play" with your own MW.

You don't need to scavenge from graven... I got ya covered.

Lovely!

Someone would have to do A mantis warrior taking on a lictor.

Idea!

You guys want to be impressed by numbers... just from my own subscription list there are:

"Grey_Death's Random WIP Thread" has over 100,000 views in only 19 pages.
"Roleplayer's Blood Ravens (And other miniatures)" has 175,000 views in only 41 pages.

It really speaks to the quality of work provided by the OPs that they get so many views with so few pages of content.

That being said... I like my chatty little blog. I'm not GD or Roleplayer... I don't paint to that level, and at this point where my eyesight and hand-eye coordination will only degrade... never will. But there is (I hope) a real sense of community, and comradery here. Certainly my sons and I have been the recipients of a lot of generosity in figures, talent and advice. All 65 pages are stuffed with people sharing ideas and discussing options in order to make my little project a successful one. That's... wonderful! There's no other way to express it. It is my sincere hope that we are not the only one's to have benefited however. I certainly try to support others in the Dakka community by supporting their blogs, pointing people to other good blogs like IceAngel's fiction or BLACKHAND's skaven P&M, encouraging people to post their related materials & announce new blogs here, writing tutorials, supporting vendors like Chapterhouse who have worked with me to help bring my dream to fruition or by simply ponying up $25 to help keep Dakka running for another year.

One of the most interesting things from my perspective as the OP, is that in the 8 months since I started this blog (that's right... only 8 months... actually a little less) the people who are actively contributing has completely rolled over 3 separate times. If you skim thought the blog in groups of about 20 pages... you will see completely different sets of contributers dominating the discussion at different points. There are, of course... a few folks who've been helping me since the beginning, but even many of them though still around, contribute much less now than they used to. What happened to all those people? Are they still lurking? Have they lost interest? Have the started their own blogs & are now too busy to contribute regularly to mine? Are they off Dakka entirely? I have no idea... but it is interesting to speculate and I'm very grateful that others have stepped in to pick up the torch in their absence.

So, I've been thinking that I should do something to commemorate this event... I've seen other Dakkaites embark upon ambitious projects such as ranking the primarchs, codeci or some such... usually with very controversial and sometimes really amusing results. Something like that while very entertaining... isn't what's made this blog a success... so I have another idea.

... Ahem...

In recognition of 50,000 views (I figure *I* probably account for the other 50,000), I would like to give all the people who have made this blog a success a chance to do so again... but with a bit of a twist. I declare the rest of this week... "Take a Shot at Gitsplitta Week". That's right! For the next week I invite you, the dakka public... to say whatever you'd like pertaining to the past, present or future content of this blog... my skills... my style... my personal habbits... my wordiness, whatever... without any negative ramifications from me! (though you still have to obey the dakka posting rules of course)

Things I'm hoping to get are...

"I really like X, I wish you'd do more of this."
"You spend too much time doing X, do more of Y instead."
"Your such a self-absorbed prig, I don't care about your life... paint more minis."
"Your painting is pretty good but your X technique sucks, try going to this web site over here... it helped me out a lot."
"You're just not that interesting... sorry."
"I want to hear more about what your kids are doing in the hobby, update your other blogs."
"This (X) is what I find most valuable in your blog."
"This (X) is what I can't stand about your blog."
"I'm tired of hearing about how old you are, live in the now or die... but move on."

Those are just some suggestions of course... you can comment on anything. Negative criticism is FINE... I can handle it. If you don't want to publicly flame me you can PM me... that's fine too.


Ground Rules:

- follow all dakka posting rules
- this is a family show... please don't post anything I wouldn't want my 10-year old to read, you can be as critical as you'd like... just not vulgar
- if you PM me, the above rule does not apply
- please don't get in arguments with each other over differing opinions. Each of your opinions is valid... just give me your feedback and trust me to sort them out.
- and finally, as I stated in the OP... while I do not promise to take your advice... I do promise to give it careful consideration. If you don't see your changes it does not mean I necessarily disagree with you, just for whatever reason that adjustment wasn't possible at this time.

Lastly... because I am a bit self-absorbed... I will do my best to answer any question posed to me as long as it does not compromise my family's security. So if there's something you're curious about... just ask.

Thanks to you all for a *really* fun and challenging experience. Let's hope it continues to be both for all involved.
A special thanks to Lego, Frazz, the Mods & other DCMs for making it all possible in the first place. I know how demanding it's been just to maintain a couple of blogs... can't imagine what it takes to pull off a whole forum.

Thank you.

Gits

Stop being so self-absorbed!!!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
So, was I the first to answer ?!?

Great!!! Do I get a treat for this? No? *sob sob*




Automatically Appended Next Post:
Ok, so I'll have to admit I'm more of a lurker in here... (and my previous posts were jokes, I like reading your "self-absorbed" ramblings)

I've following the thread nearly from its beginning [I clearly remember the series of pics on page7, with the step-by-step painting of a Tranquillity Sniper], but I usually find myself at lack of words to show how impressive your work is...

Still, I guess I'd have one thing to say as a criticism, but I feel I am guilty of this also.

You keep complaining about how slow you are, and how little time you have to spend on your minis, yet you seem to spend hours each day updating your threads & contributing to ours...
So, though it saddens me (for I'd have less amazing things to see on Dakka), I'd suggest that everytime you're home and want to go on Dakka, go to your paintstation instead!

(And, sadly, I should do the same lol)

Keep up your enthusiasm & simplicity !

One final thing to add : Reverse Tranquillity camo rulezzz!!!! *gets swallowed by a warp rift in his living room*

Yes. ... and ... No. Because you didn't say anything substantial. Treats are reserved for those who contribute positively to the classroom. Now sit down and raise your hand next time you want to speak.


Oh darnit... now you went ahead and DID contribute something.... so I have to adjust this post. *sigh*

Gitsplitta wrote:Yes. ... and ... No. Because you didn't say anything substantial. Treats are reserved for those who contribute positively to the classroom. Now sit down and raise your hand next time you want to speak.


Oh darnit... now you went ahead and DID contribute something.... so I have to adjust this post. *sigh*

Am I allowed to write something like : Yggdrasil 1 / Gitsplitta 0 ?

Oh, maybe that would be rude?

Ok, I won't write it then...

[had a good laugh with your edit ]

Git, it's been nothing but a pleasure trolling and following your thread. It has definately played a key role in getting me back into the hobby. I think it's due to your drive to keep at it on a daily basis (or as daily as possible) but also a lot of it is due to you. You always do your best to answer questions and comment on received criticism, but your attitude through it all stands out the most. Cheers to you and your Thread-success! Keep up the good work!

I do have two questions for you:

Since, we all sit back and ponder what the next thing will be, do you have a clue as to what your next project will be? New Grey Knights perhaps?

Second question?

Can you paint colors other than Yellow and Green? Is it all Mantis Warriors, Bad Moons and Striking Scorpions?

Congrats on everything Git.

I have to say, Im impressed how much has happened and developed in this blog. Even as you say "Oh I hardly have time to paint, I never get crap done" You get a surprising amount of progress through pure concepts and ideas!
That being said, I do wish you'd get have a bit more painted up... Though Im not really one to talk in that regard. I paint slow too!

But heck man... Ive been around since the beginning (lurking lurking!) and followed the plog with great interest! I just so rarely can think of anything to say/suggest/add, so for the most part im silent, though still admiring the spiffy helmets and wings, yellow paints, and custom bolters.

The thread here is still running strong, and im hoping we get many more miles (and models) out of it!

I really like this blog for:
- the community that you have created around it.
- the cool models that you have converted and painted since beginning this thread.
- making people join Dakka Dakka because of the thread.
- the fun chat I can have between people in the thread.

Now some points I should make:
- I really like the Tranquility Vets, but I think that the sarge should have reversed Tranquility scheme on the PF.
- You should definately drop all of your painting as soon as the "care package" arrives from BLACKHAND and get on with building (even if not painting) the Vangaurd.

Oh, and yes, some bitz for making MW would be nice sir.

@Moltar: Thank you! It's very gratifying when a "lurker" comes out of the woodwork to comment as it's a member of the group that I'm largely unaware of, so comments like yours are completely unexpected and most welcome. To answer your questions...

1) I think my two next projects will be determined by my boys... there haven't been a lot of updates to either of their blogs lately as they've been mostly busy at school, but Thing 1's necrons and especially Thing 2's nids are going to need significant involvement from me if they're going to pull them off. My 7-year-old's nids in particular as he's no where near as advanced in the hobby as his older brother. Now, if you're asking me what the next project is for myself? At this time I don't have any solid plans as to what army is next as there is so far to go with my MWs and even my orks... however there is still one army that I have alway's LOVED the idea of... reaching wayyyy back into the foggy past that I have never pursued. If there is to be another pet project (like my MWs)... it would have to be a Sisters of Battle army.
2) I dream of painting red or blue... doing a good white like Ifalna, or a clean, crisp black with highlights and shades. I think my gold is good... but that's more for details than an entire figure. Yellow is actually easy to paint for the same reason that makes it hard to paint. It's semi-translucence means that wet blending becomes fairly brainless... because no matter what you *want* to do... you end up having to layer it to get it to work at all. Making a good yellow really just means you stop fighting it and let the paint itself tell you what to do.

@Ramos Asura: Thank you my friend!

As to my painting speed... I think that the hard deadline of Adepticon in April is going to force me to improve my painting discipline. Whenever I finish a figure I seem to have a little bit of painting burn-out and need time away to re-charge before tackling the next project. This time off can add up quickly and really reduce my productivity. I just need to get better at forcing myself to do an hour or so each night come hell or high water so I make steady progress towards my goals.

@GS: Thanks! Those are all things I find really neat as well.

- Sergeant.... got it.
- Yes, the vanguard will happen the day the bits arrive.
- Got you covered, do I have your shipping addy? (PM)

First off congrats on your epic blog. It's been a blast watching it and the community evolve. It seems your blog has created its own Mantis cult which I think is fantastic.

I've always appreciated the feedback you've given me on my blog. I look forward to seeing the Adepticon army first hand. I am not sure I have any criticism to give other then you should quit blogging so much and get to painting. You thread is very addictive and your picture doses are infrequent!

Hey Ice... thanks!

One last comment here (and I do not intend to answer everything in real-time... but this is pertinent), much of my blogging is done from a situation where painting is not an option... so while I can make fewer non-photo related posts... I can't simply replace blogging time with painting time. I can however... simply post less & save my posting for those times when I have something to show.

As Ice said it IS addictive... and I *want* to respond when there is a new comment on the blog, but I can sit on my hands and wait until I have some progress to show in P&M to do it if that's what folks would prefer.

In my mind you're an elderly man who stays at home with his kids playing games by a computer that is permanently on Dakka. If that isn't the case and you can't always paint then please continue to post.

ERRRRRRR criticism? well sometimes when you take your jewelery saw to a vintage mini I cringe a little - But then I look on fee-bay and sigh with relief as there are still more of them left for me to buy and hoard.

That said you usually convert them well and they become great minis in their own right

IceAngel wrote:In my mind you're an elderly man who stays at home with his kids playing games by a computer that is permanently on Dakka.

LOL Quality!

I am in the same boat Gits, my Dakka time is quite separate to painting time. If I spent all my time downstairs in my painting room my partner would leave me pretty quick ( no really she told me ) So I spend "quality time" with her by sitting on the couch "watching" tv and posting on Dakka.

My only nitpick with your blog Gits is that it I have been posting longer on Dakka than you and your blogs are more popular than mine! How's that for self absorbed

Can't remember the last time I commented here - probably on the Bug Boy, not surprising really - but I continue to keep up! Rest assured, if I had something pertinent to say, then or now, I would have said it I'd quibble about lack of painting and group shots - but pots and kettles. Though I have been away from my work desk for an age now... (back now, no excuse - other than replying to your blog!)

Anyway - keep up the good work. See you for another 100k!

@weety: You know... I never thought of it that way. I'll consider that carefully next time I'm about to butcher some poor old mini. At least the one I'm making for Sageheart is unmolested... that should suit, yes?

@BLACKHAND: This from the only person I've ever just "handed" my blog over to...

@Arakasi: Your blog is one of the many that I use as a source of inspiration. You post there... the ramifications are seen here. I'll keep it up if you will!

The one with the plasma gun and hand flamer? - he is definitely one of the better ones and I'm glad he is in one piece.
But dont sweat it - The more of them you convert, the more special the originals become.
mind now some of the rarer characters and special troops are worth more than their weight in gold (well maybe silver).

Well, I could chip in with the comments about more painting, less blogging etc, but I don't think I can
For a start I just need to think about my own blogs, but more importantly, if you made any changes to the way you blog, it would change the blog. (Yeah, right, that was profound huh?) What I was trying to say there was I like your blog because of the banter, the free-flowing ideas and general chatiness of it. This to me is one of those blogs to pop into, check out the chat and get to see some cool stuff here and there.

Oh I've actually just remembered something I keep meaning to ask, but always remember when I'm off Dakka. Where was the original fluff for the MW? I knew I'd seen them before, and I think someone mentioned a WD they were in, but you've mentioned the original rule-book a few times and I can't find them in there. Now my copy is missing pages 17-32 (roughly) but that's the combat rules (heh, that was fun playing before any of my mates got a copy) and I'm not sure it would have been in there
Cheers and keep up the good work

@weety: Come to think of it... the other guy (not the sergeant... but the OTHER, other guy... is from that era too. I didn't chop him up at all, just added the bolter part of the gun... so he can be safely "purified" of 'splitta taint for future generations to enjoy!

@monkeytroll: Thanks, I appreciate that. It was my faulty memory fueled by my ego (I suppose) that placed the original MW fluff in the rule book. It actually appeared in the Warhammer 40k Compendium... which hovered somewhere between first and second edition I think. My earliest days of playing 40k were spent with my eldar, playing my old...old eldar pirate figures (which I still have most of). Oh if they could only be armed that way now...

I really like the pictures that are on this blog, I would like to see more, since this is one of the few blogs on dakka I can actually see the pictures on.

Other than that, I really enjoy reading this blog.

Take a shot at you?
You take too long to reply to pm's and posts

Anyway, I'll let you know when your marine is shipped

Gitsplitta wrote:Hey Ice... thanks!

One last comment here (and I do not intend to answer everything in real-time... but this is pertinent), much of my blogging is done from a situation where painting is not an option... so while I can make fewer non-photo related posts... I can't simply replace blogging time with painting time. I can however... simply post less & save my posting for those times when I have something to show.

As Ice said it IS addictive... and I *want* to respond when there is a new comment on the blog, but I can sit on my hands and wait until I have some progress to show in P&M to do it if that's what folks would prefer.

Gits run the blog as you see fit, its more about what you are taking away from either experience that is important. For me either path is a useful contribution in my eyes.

Well as I really havent had anything to do with this blog or the others, I dont feel right doling out wouldas and shouldas.







BUT you should quit inspiring me to do overly ambitious projects. Ive got plenty of boring ones to do first!

I love this blog since it is very chatty, and I can tune in whenever I wish despite the lack of updates. And it also is always getting something new unlike others which I check up on and see almost nothing new haha. I also like how you read my blogs and I assume most of the blogs of people who chat with you here and I think that, and the chatie aspect of the blog really gives a good sense of the dakkadakka community within this blog.

I also love your work, and the conversions you plan on doing, but but but! But!! BUT! do it! hehe, nah, I am in no rush for your work to come out, when it does its always great!

I also love how you always go into new things, explore new worlds! its nice to see in your work! It makes this blog want to go on forever hahaha.

overall I just love this blog to the max! I check it all the time even if I don't reply! I only wish I could offer more to it, whenever I get an idea I'll make sure to post it?

@btemple0: Thanks! I'll try to improve my output but I'm glad you enjoy it.

@BBL:

(smart *ss)

@Lennysmash: Thank you sir, noted.

@shalemusic: Don't be modest... you've been hangin' in with me since the beginning with advice and encouragement. You're as responsible for this blog as anyone! And you originated & maintained the GMS! Pretty big accomplishments for a robotic cat with bad eyesight...

@Sage: Thanks Sage. Your enthusiasm is always welcome and one of those things that keeps me coming back to post again and again (and again and again).

awe welcome, glad to respond

I like that you respond to everyone

Also how you take the time to explain why you went a certain direction with a conversion, and you always seem open to suggestions.

Back to the sarg and his power fist. From what I read it looks like there are 2 ideas.
1) invert the camo on it
2) try and paint the glow / crackle of a power sword on it

I am partial to the second idea because I think it could look really cool. Good luck with whatever you decide for the fist.

Cloudburst

I feel that if you are sending me bitz (and I wiil PM you my addy tomorrow), that you should hold off for quite a bit. Most airports are closed right now, as a result airmail and local mail have been disrupted due to snow then -10C temperatures freezing said snow. Unless Britain gets the 'big thaw' that has been promised, then mail services may not be very reliable for quite some time.

Who knows, you may need to actually wait until after Christmas to send me anything (and vice versa).

Gits, I have got to say that you are producing some great stuff. I check your blog every week and after skimming through yet another 4 or 5 pages of chatter there is always some nice little bit of inspiration or one of your beautiful mantis warriors at the end of it

Always eager to see more.
Cain

Gitsplitta wrote:
@shalemusic: Don't be modest... you've been hangin' in with me since the beginning with advice and encouragement. You're as responsible for this blog as anyone! And you originated & maintained the GMS!

Hey dont go blaming me (or who ever shalmusic is) for that stuff, its not my fault!

@Cloudburst: Thanks! I will keep those points in mind as I continue forward. Time has taught me to be open minded... the end results are so much better and the whole process is so much easier if you let other people help.

As to the power fist... I may do both... unfortunately it's a closed fist & as such is probably not a good candidate for OSL... however I like the idea and may keep it in mind for a future figure. Would be a nice touch on a commander eh?

GS: I have them set aside for you, you just give me the head's up when you're ready.


And to all, tonight's progress. In keeping with my promise to be more disciplined about my painting. Got the insignia done on the shoulder pads. Not perfect... but as good as I can do. These were done with little micro pens, not brushes. I find my control is better that way.



Tomorrow might be futsed up due to one of the boy's Christmas concert at school, but I think the camo will be the next step. Then I'll decide what to do about the power fist and helmet. I have Friday off so I'm hoping for some power painting time then.

Good idea with using micro pens for detail work. Might have to steal that. :-)

Your blog is inspiring to read due to the community that it has fostered, and the way that everyone jumps in to the project. Stuff like the wings and helmets are jaw dropping.
I hope my own log gets half the level of community involvement that yours does at some point in the future. :-)

My stuff in on hold waiting for conversion parts to come in the mail, and hopefully a few trades to get here so I can start converting some of the marines I got in trade, and hoping a couple of other trades/sales happen so I can affort more conversion bits from places like ChapterHouse and Maxmini.

nice work, im digging the symbols!

nice free hands. and a late call on the katana it looks about the right size. the blade looks too be as long as the arm and thats a normale size katana.

Thanks gentlemen, small steps. Just noticed that I need to do something with the back of the scopes... funny all the things you miss that a simple photo can reveal.

From this point on I'll work on them individually, starting with Sage's trade (the middle guy in the picture above).

Pics'll do that to you...Pretty logical though, since you usually look down on a mini, not straight at it like the lens does.

The micropens seem like a good fix for small detail work, I'm definitely lootin' that idea!

Did you add something to the helmets? The old beakys I have dont have the big ol thing in the middle.

May have to get you to a head/pad set to make a modern MW too. Ive done a sniper and some old school, but am yet to actually paint one

I really like the shoulder pad detail on these minis. It is the one thing that i keep on looking at in the whole picture.

@Khaine: Thanks man. Feel free. I looted the heck out of it when I asked how people did the writing on their purity seals, this just seemed like the next natural step.

@WM: Nope, not a thing... that's just the way these old mini's come. My plastic beakies all have a raised area (check my gallery) but not as pronounced as these are.

@btemple0: Thank you. I built up the little disc from green stuff as a lot of the older metal beakies had round plates on them for the insignia. After that I just sat the original artwork in front of me & did my best to copy it on the pad.
As I've mentioned before... these look so stark and YELLOW because there is no camo pattern on them to break it up. Once the leaves go on, you'll be surprised by they change in character.

Going to be a long night... have to stay in town for the Christmas concert, then a long, late night drive home into the teeth of a snow storm. I can't wait...

Even with the green on it the pad would still draw my eye, but then againi like to look at things like that on minis, even my own, which is why my salamanders never had both shoulder pads finished.

Insignia's looking mighty fine there Gits. I've never found a red micro-pen yet, closest I've got is a browny-reddish tone, guess I'll try looking for one on t'internet instead of just the odd art shop I pop into. I find I have better pen control than brush control too, use 'em for any writing, occasional black-lining and damage.

Micro pens worked very well! They must be great for mass producing insignia without using the hated transfers. How well does the colour stay on? I thought that it would just wipe away if you tried something like that. And I have got to say that the yellow armour is perhaps the best I have ever seen and that is saying something!

One of the most interesting things from my perspective as the OP, is that in the 8 months since I started this blog (that's right... only 8 months... actually a little less) the people who are actively contributing has completely rolled over 3 separate times. If you skim thought the blog in groups of about 20 pages... you will see completely different sets of contributers dominating the discussion at different points.

I am still here! I am just taking a break from discussion, enjoying everyone's work. I think the talking rollover is just an effect of people adding their input, and like me, stepping back to see where all this goes.

For me, the MantisQuest (tm) has taken an interesting turn towards Asian themes in the army. I am curious to see what develops when the marine swaps are through.

The pens I have are Sakura, Pigma Micron 005, #1 archival ink. I've used them for all my purity seals and litanies and once sealed, have never had an issue with them. On lighter colors they cover with no problem what-so-ever.

I got a whole set off the net for very little money (don't remember how much now, but I remember being shocked at how cheap they were). I have red, purple, black, blue, green and brown. The brown is very handy when you want something like text but black is just too jarring and red is to pale. I have thought about them for the things you mention CC, but I haven't tried them yet in those applications.

Home after a very harrying ride through the snow... my front tires aren't worth beans... Car is parked at the base of the driveway as I can't get up the slope. However, all are home and safe. Concert was cute as all things are that feature the little tikes. Time to grab a cup 'o Joe and contemplate whether I really want to tackle some painting or just go to bed early & see if I can shake this cold.

Gits


OH, Hey rashad... you ninjad's me... :-) Nice to have you back.. Lurking is more than acceptable. But make sure you pipe in if something tweaks your curiosity or you have an idea to share.


Speaking of taking an Asian twist... anyone know where I can find appropriately sized Asian looking heads for my helmetless guys? Not much of a racial mix in the GW stuff and I'm not capable of sculpting my own.

Paint, paint, paint!!!

chug the coffee and get to work!
haha. I cant wait to get home and see my younger siblings in their little shows its always wonderful and cute!

and sorry about the car, that seems like a drag, I'm trying to go my entire life without learning how to drive. Being a city boy I may be able to pull it off, I've gotten through three years of college without one in the middle of nowhere!

No driving!?!°c?!? That's like my favorite thing in the world, bar none (pg conversation). I'll use my spare time between pretending to study for finals and pretending to do work stuff to scour the internets for ya.

Glad that you are now home and safe. Now you can get on with painting your MW

Forgot to comment on the cool details on the sarge's face, he seems to remind me of the Terminator, in T2, near the end when he is missing part of his face.

Like the MW insignia designs on the shoulder pads, those detail pens must be brilliant. I may try and pick up a set. I seem to really like the raised discs for some reason, they appear to bring more focus towards the badge than if it was just directly on the pad.

Still need to get round to PM my addy to you.

whalemusic360 wrote:No driving!?!°c?!? That's like my favorite thing in the world, bar none (pg conversation). I'll use my spare time between pretending to study for finals and pretending to do work stuff to scour the internets for ya.

I love being in cars, just I don't really want to learn, its kinda a game to me to see how long I can last, plus I plan on living in some sort of city so having a car is awful...

Hrm... Have to look for a retailer of them around me, along with some paint shapers, and a retailer for GS.

I too hate transfers witha passion. THey always seem to tear on me when I'm trying to put them on a model.

Sageheart wrote:

whalemusic360 wrote:No driving!?!°c?!? That's like my favorite thing in the world, bar none (pg conversation). I'll use my spare time between pretending to study for finals and pretending to do work stuff to scour the internets for ya.

I love being in cars, just I don't really want to learn, its kinda a game to me to see how long I can last, plus I plan on living in some sort of city so having a car is awful...

Must say that back at home, the city I live in is pretty well impossible to live in without a car, so I don't know what sort of city you live in... By the way, Mr. Mr. Mr. Gitsplitta. I must say that I have, recently, discovered this thread and though I cheated and skipped to the summary, this is quite the amazing project you are undertaking, especially in your use of the old old models. I applaud you in this, especially since you balance this, a family, work, and the burgeoning hobby lives of your kids. I thus take off my hat to you, in admiration of this and of your good work thus far. -Kaesar II

Looking excellent as always buddy. Your blog continues to be an inspiring example of the very essence of dakka - or at least p&m - and I'm even going to stop dragging my heels and get back to working on stuff myself! Go Team gitsplitta (though not in the snow, it seems)!

Sorry guys... cold has moved into my chest, sleep was necessary. Also an old friend found me and I got effectively "mugged" on Facebook by 20 people who haven't seen me in a decade or more. Nice.... but a bit overwhelming.

On driving: I have driven everywhere my entire life, so I can't imagine my life otherwise. However I have lived in major cities for short stretches and can see how you could get along quite nicely without ever owning a car.

@Lord Kaesar II: Thank you and welcome. Going to the summary was a good idea... the blog has just gotten too long to expect anyone to really sit down and read through the whole thing. I sometimes wonder how well I balance all those things... I'm sure my wife would give you an interesting opinion on the subject.

@graven: LOL... "team gitsplitta". That modified avatar of yours is funny and disturbing all at the same time. Thanks for your nice comments... I just plug along & hope what I do is interesting.

Today should see at least on of the figures really come together... perhaps two if I'm lucky Lot's to do outside of painting today though... none of it fun, especially with a chest cold.

Gitsplitta wrote:
Speaking of taking an Asian twist... anyone know where I can find appropriately sized Asian looking heads for my helmetless guys? Not much of a racial mix in the GW stuff and I'm not capable of sculpting my own.

Here are some options:

This being the most obvious:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/miniatures/micro-art-studio/conversion-lab/nezumi-samurai-heads.html



But seriously,

some of these guys look pseudo asian...
http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/miniatures/micro-art-studio/conversion-lab/elf-rangers-heads-set-1.html

a few of these (1,2 & 5; left to right) you could pull off...
http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/miniatures/hasslefree-miniatures/bits/human-male-heads-a-sprue-of-5.html

and if you wanted to exaggerate it...
http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/miniatures/hasslefree-miniatures/bits/elf-male-heads-a-sprue-of-5.html

Only thing I'm not sure of is if they're truly appropriate in scale. As to where you would find a beef-caked-out-space-mariney-asian-faced-dude...

I live in Brooklyn, NYC. My parents have a car, they have to move it every two days haha or get a fat ticket...
They subways are pretty good overall for transportation.

Those asian heads look pretty cool. I don't know where else you can find them, maybe build them.. if you want to be a bit of a GS Hero!

Actually a number of those have potential... they're cheap enough. I can always order a few and see how they look.

Thanks Moltar!

Anytime, Git. Sorry about the first link, I couldn't resist the absurdity.

Sage I almost made it to 40, but work re-locating has now forced me to start learning. I've always believed there's enough other maniacs on the road without adding to their numbers

As for the asian heads for your helmetless guys you should probably PM mwnciboo, he found some custom heads for his marines, maybe he can send you in the right direction.

OK guys, bit of an update for you. Remember this guys? I needed a warm up for the camo pattern on the sternguard (new brush so I had to break it in). So I painted the camo on his CCW claw arm.



In other good news I was able to convert one of my already painted sternguard to having a combimelta... so that saves me one figure. At this point... that's major!

Gits

I can't get enough of that Dread!

Arakasi wrote:I can't get enough of that Dread!

Seconded, That dread is a thing of beauty..

Very nice DCCW Gitz, Maybe a thin highlight of silver around the edges of the blades might bring the blades a tad more depth, but it looks great ether way..

Jim..

That thing makes me jealous.

CommissarKhaine wrote:That thing makes me jealous.

Yeah, I want one for Xmas too!!! Santa Git, we've been nice all this year, could you send us a Dread each?!?

*Speechless*

. . . I . . . I wish there was some kind of award I could give you for your work on that vendreadie. Hmm, you'll have to settle for this:

Just beautiful work!

I feel kind of bad posting a shot of the same figure again... but it is a slightly different configuration so what the heck.

@Arakasi: I must admit, I like it too.

@jimmy: I take your point. I'd thought I'd done that, but looking at the photo it's not obvious. I'll take a fresh look at the claw & see if I can't brighten it up a bit.

@CK: No need to be jealous! When I'm done with the sergeant I'll publish my tranquility sniper tutorial and you'll be able to whip one of these out yourself... no problem. It's all very formulaic.

@Yggs: Ho, Ho, Hope your used to disappointment!

@Limbo:

@Machu: LOL! It's like a gold star on your paper in grade school! Thanks my friend, I'll try and figure out how to put that in my signature.

Love the CCW.

I'm really wanting to get the Drill-DCCW from FW for my vul dread. I think the drill one screams ZOMGWTFBBQGURGLECRUNCHSQUISH awsomeness more than the regular DCCW and the bladed FW one.

I have the drill on one of my regular dreads & it looks great. I just chose the blades because they go along with the theme... Come to think of it, I was going to paint the blades black in order to be consistent with the camo and forearm blades on the sternguard... shoot! What do you guys think... black to match the camo or keep them metallic?

I like the blades mettalic. Having said that, if you paint them black you can then post another pic of the dread for us all to drool over

Blacd witha Metallic edge, like a command knife blacked out would be cool.

Gits, your dread alone has convinced me my next Warhammer purchase will be a Ven. dred and the aegis defense line


(well, and the vanilla SM codex )

Wow that dread is awesome!

Thanks guys!

I'm working on the camo for Sage's marine (the plasma guy). It's coming along very nicely and I should have it finished this morning. I've mentioned that I'm working up a tutorial on how to do this... thought I'd give you a little sneak peak.

I use 3 separate methods for creating the camo pattern on these marines. All are very straight forward and simple to pull off, though all need a light touch and very good brush control Since I'd produced a clean pattern on sage's guy, I took a quick shot of it and thought I'd post it.

My first of 3 method for making the tranquility camo pattern. use the brush to outline the individual blades, then fill in the black. This is a good technique where you have limited brush access or have uneven surfaces to paint over (like the roundel on the shoulder pad shown here). You could also use a micro pen to get the same effect if that was more comfortable for you.



Until you get comfortable with blade shape... this is a good method because it allows you to follow the edges of each blade across the whole pattern. This helps keep your blade width, angle and curve consistent with respect to the rest of the bunch. When I do the filling in, I will then re-tip the blades that need it so they're nice and sharp (important), and adjust any of the edges that did not come out with a smooth line (also important).

Please Note: For all these procedures it is critically important that your paint be thinned some so that if flows off the brush cleanly and smoothly!

monkeytroll wrote:Sage I almost made it to 40, but work re-locating has now forced me to start learning. I've always believed there's enough other maniacs on the road without adding to their numbers

This gives me hope!
I honor your ability to go that far. And I agree on the maniacs on the road, I have been into too many near accidents just from other drivers being insanely dangerous that I can't see how I wouldnt be the same haha... just knowing me I think driving would be one of the unsafest places to put me. There is just something about me and moving objects that doesn't work well together haha.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
the camo is good!

My GF (most-trusted advisor of the World Tree's artistic office) and I for once agreed on one thing : they're better off metallic! It matches the autocannons' metallic parts on the right.

What Ygdrassil's gf said: keep the metal, it looks more balanced, and there' splenty of black on the model already to tie him in with the othgers.

Been lurking on this for a long time and I was always wondering how you got the black lines on the camo so crisp!
Now i know! Thanks for that and i look forward to more / seeing your tutorial!
*returns to lurking*

Mukkin'About wrote:Been lurking on this for a long time and I was always wondering how you got the black lines on the camo so crisp!
Now i know! Thanks for that and i look forward to more / seeing your tutorial!
*returns to lurking*

Then maybe you should get your username to "Lurkin'About" uh... Ha ha ha...

Like the metalic claw blades. Got to agree with Yggdrasil on this one, the claws suit being metalic more than if they were painted black. Camo looks great as always.

That was a bad joke Ygg's . . .

Metallic blades it is.

@Sageheart: Do you want your guy with my typical sternguard basing system, or do you want me to leave him unflocked so you can make him fit your table or army?

@Mukkin'About: Glad you stepped forward. In the tut I'll have examples of all 3 methods so you'll know all I know about making the little grass blade things. A bit tricky... but not complex.


We're getting a mix of sleet and freezing rain at the moment which is supposed to be followed by a lot of snow. Given the vagueries of satellite internet... this may be the last you hear from me in a while. Feel free to post all you want, I'll update if I can. I will be continuing to work on the camo pattern for all the sternguard figures as the evening progresses.

Gits

Glad that your sticking with the metallics.

We've had our snow now. So mailing should be fine. That is unless we get more snow on Monday (prays that this will not happen).

OK. Were in full blizzard mode here. As long as the electricity holds out well be fine. The satellite of course... is out. But my phone works (go figure). So you'll have to be satisfied with a text update.

I completed two of the sternguard, only the Sargent is left and I'll work on him tonight yet. I really like the way Sage's turned out, going to be a shame to see him go. I have not done the OSL on him as I can't quite bring myself to risk the whole figure on it.

Keep your fingers crossed that the power lines don't go down (no light, no painting).

You should be snowed in with plenty of power and food. :-)

Then you could get lots of painting done.

damn Git i hope you hold out there maybe we need too send a sercue crew .

well i love too see your updates once the satalite is back in action

Gitsplitta wrote:OK. Were in full blizzard mode here. As long as the electricity holds out well be fine. The satellite of course... is out. But my phone works (go figure). So you'll have to be satisfied with a text update.

I completed two of the sternguard, only the Sargent is left and I'll work on him tonight yet. I really like the way Sage's turned out, going to be a shame to see him go. I have not done the OSL on him as I can't quite bring myself to risk the whole figure on it.

Keep your fingers crossed that the power lines don't go down (no light, no painting).

love this! I'm sorry its going to be a lost! I will tell you I'll keep great care of him, and he will see battle!

Hi guys. We survived. Got about 15" and I had to spend all day yesterday clearing snow (we have a very long, steep driveway), cooking ribs in the smoker, and entertaining friends in the evening. After the storm blew through the sun came out and the view from our house was stunningly beautiful. White everywhere with a piercing blue sky above. Looked like a Christmas card. Cold though. Kids played in the snow & then spent most of the day working hard to help us clear the snow. Roads are a mess though... took me 2.5 hours to get in to work this morning... uugh, and that was in spite of taking my 4WD truck.

As a result of course, I didn't finish the figs... but they are close. I will completely finish two of them tonight, and should get all but the basing done on the sarge as well. What I don't know is when I'll be able to post pictures of my work. Satellite at home is still hit-or-miss. It's supposed to be sunny (though very cold) for the next couple of days, so the direct sun might clear the dish in spite of the cold temps.

Thanks for your continued support guys, with my painting, my blog and on the personal level. It's nice to have friends.

Thats a crapton of Snow, even for me :-)

Some areas about an hours drive from me got about 1.2-1.3 meters, or about 4' of snow. And that was only over the course of about 3-4 days.

We've just got the Uber cold temps right now. (-24C with windchill)

Ah, don't we all love the snow! Although you do eventually get bored of it after the 8th snowman. "grumble, grumble, Canadian winter..."

Aanyway, hope you are busy painting Gits, looking forawdd to seeing pics of the vets.

I always wonder how all those Canadians north of us survive the winters. I don't mind winter really, but as bad as ours can be it pales in comparison to those up north and there's an entire country north of us! It amazes me...

missed you asking about the basing.

I would love you to base him!

Gitsplitta wrote:I always wonder how all those Canadians north of us survive the winters. I don't mind winter really, but as bad as ours can be it pales in comparison to those up north and there's an entire country north of us! It amazes me...

So I read that as Cadains, not Canadians. Makes way less sense my way.

On a side note, I spend to much time on 40k.

@Sage: I'd already started... I'd dug around in our PMs and found where you asked me to base it... so it'll be done tonight. The flocking is all done, just need to add the foliage.

@WM: Thanks... that was a good laugh & I needed it this morning. I empathize with your remark... though for it its the painting that seems to suck up every available minute of my life. Kids and I started a game two weeks ago, we have not even finished turn 1 yet. My little one keeps asking me if we can finish our turn and I keep saying "yes"... then something comes up and we don't get it done. I feel so sad... he's been such a good little helper lately.

Cant wait till my boy is old enough to get into the game

First of two updates for today: (home satellite is still down but I found a work-around)

This is Sage's marine for the GMS trade. Hope you like him buddy, if not.... I'll gladly hang on to him.

Love those bases.


I would love to see you do a bnch of terrain for a tabletop board with that style of basing for the terrain. Just awsome.

Here's the second one... The big challenge with this batch of which he is the first, is that I'm trying to stay true to the period by using only parts available 20 years ago when I started. Converting the original umbra pattern bolters which are much smaller than modern ones and pretty poorly detailed and cast is a major challenge. Does not look anywhere near as good as my figs made with the newer bolters... but at least I'm staying true to the era.

To Me, that dude just screams "BOOM HEADSHOT!"

Both look great! The addition of the long grass makes them look even better. Like wolfshadow said, some terrain in the same style as the bases would be very cool. Keep up the good work!

Aww I want a multi-melta-sniper-bolter from Santa

i love him! great model! the paint job really works for him!

Looking good,as usual. And: that's one huge plasma pistol on the crouching marine

Actually that's a full plasma gun. He's also got a flamer pistol which makes for a quite unique combination under the current rule set. Sage says he can use him though so I'm all for that.

The old plasmas were huge and kind of torpedo or WWII bomb shaped, then they became more like Foster's Lager cans. Then finally they moved to the narrow, rectangular modern versions which I must admit a greatly prefer. Aside from looking more plausible, they are far easier to model.

Sage what are you going to use him as? A Sternguard?

Gitsplitta wrote:Actually that's a full plasma gun. He's also got a flamer pistol which makes for a quite unique combination under the current rule set. Sage says he can use him though so I'm all for that.

The old plasmas were huge and kind of torpedo or WWII bomb shaped, then they became more like Foster's Lager cans. Then finally they moved to the narrow, rectangular modern versions which I must admit a greatly prefer. Aside from looking more plausible, they are far easier to model.

That explains it .

Wow nice work Gits!

Love the retro Tranquility Vets, shame the casting tech isnt as good as it is nowadays, GW (not FW!) should totally retool the old marine sprues!!

Keep up the awesome work!

Nice jobs on those two Gits

Great work on the vets as always. I'm really fond of the Vet with the 'shooting' pose for some reason. Just seems to fit the Tranquility vets so well. I've always been a huge fan of the way you pull of such a cool colour scheme.

Gathering Storm

whalemusic360 wrote:Sage what are you going to use him as? A Sternguard?

so far from my trades i have 2 assault marines, 5 tactical marines (the serg is your marine!) and two honor guard, so I will prob use this marine as an honor guard! I don't really care much if it ends up being a viable weapon layout, I want all the weapons to be chosen by the people sending the marines so I end up with an interesting army. If i get more models this guy may be moved to a sternguard serg position!

Hey Vit, thanks! Yeah, I've been saving some of the old marines for a long time and couldn't figure out what to do with them. Now at least I can either move them into my sternguard or paint them up as trades and send them somewhere that they'll be properly appreciated.

@monkeytroll: Thank you my friend... two more down. Progress marches inexorably onward.

@GS: I agree. Most of the T-snipers that I've made are in shooting positions. Guess I figure they don't get paid to stand around all day!


Good news is that my internet is back up at home... at least for the time being.

Gits

I love these old marines, I am so happy you are willing to trade them out! I've always been looking for models like that! its great to have one now!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I was just rereading the fluff of the Badab war on Lex, and read this:
lexicium quote: "In the year 904.M41, the Fire Hawks agreed to investigate the disappearance of the Kartagan punitive fleets earlier sent into the Maelstrom Zone. Shortly afterwards, a Fire Hawks vessel - the Red Harbinger - entered the Endymion Cluster, an area of the Zone controlled by the Mantis Warriors. Refusing to stand down and explain their presence when hailed by a Mantis Warriors naval force, the Red Harbinger was first crippled and then boarded by a detachment of the Mantis Warriors. The Fire Hawks refused to surrender themselves into the Mantis Warriors' authority and a fierce firefight broke out, resulting in defeat for the Fire Hawks.1d"

It would be interesting to see if and how this would come into your fluff and modeling. maybe some fire hawk trophies but that may seem chaos like


Automatically Appended Next Post:
are you going to have units of Praying Mantidae, and Mantis Religiosa (which sound almost like DC)

interesting ideas
not too keen on the old models though

I'm sold on the models myself - that Sargent is cool

@Calas: Do not dispair, I'm tied up in the old models until Adpeticon in April, however after that I will start working on my "modern" Mantis Warriors Penitent (i.e. after the end of their crusade) that will be in all modern armor with extra mantissy bitz thanks to Chapterhouse and BLACKHAND. So bear with me. I do think the old models are well suited to this purpose though.

Can we have a group shot of all the mini's so far?

I have been admiring your work for a lot of time and love the paint scheme and all the little kitbashes/conversions.

-Alexgm101.

I'm looking forward to seeing these OOP guys all dolled up and stomping bad guys table-side... well there's a ocean actually stopping me from doing that so I'll settle for some photo's of how it all goes.

@ Git... The really real world has kept me from finishing those Mantis off for you I'll try and get to it this weekend after the Big kit modelling comp on Saturday. Oh and I had an Idea for a Terminator Chainfist/Mantis Talon will you be using Termies in your new age Mantis? and did I send you the download link for those mantis artwork pics yet I can't remember if not I'll do it tomorrow!

As soon as I finish the sergeant... he's almost done. Have about half his camo to finish, then just the basing (which I've already started).

Hopefully tonight.

Good morning gentlemen!

Bit of an update... though no pics as of yet.

I have been working on the sarge and his camo is now complete. It's just amazing how you can change the visual impact of the figure by carefully choosing where you put the patterns... looking forward to discussing it when I do the tutorial. Have one or two minor touches on the figure, but in essence he's done. I am at a decision point however and would appreciate some input.

OK, I'm at the point where I do the power fist... and I'm good with doing it reversed (yellow on black), but I have a couple of options that I'd like to get feedback on.

1. I can either do yellow on black... or I can *try* to do the power fist as if the energy was crackling across it... like a power sword. I am not sure I can succeed... but I can try it. So, should I go with the reverse camo, or the energy field?

2. No matter which way I choose, how much of the fist should be involved in the design? i.e. just the "shield" part of the fist or the fingers as well? Is it the same for both or is it different for each style?

Thanks, appreciate your input.

Gits

Morning Gits,

My vote would be to go for the crackling energy across the fist. If it pushes your ability as a painter I say go for that one. I always pictured the energy field of a powerfist being concentrated on the knuckles of the hand up to the first joint... so that a punch would have the field at the point of impact. You could probably bleed that back into the top shield so that the very tip of the shield is included, and maybe include the rest of the hand, so that it is recognizable on the model.

Either way, can't wait to see more

1. I can either do yellow on black... or I can *try* to do the power fist as if the energy was crackling across it... like a power sword. I am not sure I can succeed... but I can try it. So, should I go with the reverse camo, or the energy field?

Crackling power fist means osl as well IMO. If you feel you can pull it off, I'd say go for it since it would add an extra level of cool to the mini, but make sure you know what you're doing; it would be a shame to mess up a good paintjob becasue you messed it up with 'special effects'.

2. No matter which way I choose, how much of the fist should be involved in the design? i.e. just the "shield" part of the fist or the fingers as well? Is it the same for both or is it different for each style?

The way I always understood it, is that the whole fist is sheathed in an energy field, so thta would imply the fingers as well.

Do the reverse camo on the "shield" part

I personally think you should go with the inverted yellow on black for the fist, but think you should use a spot color on the fingers. I would go with red fingers, not bloody, just red. I believe attempting the camo pattern over his fingers would probably cause some frustration and make the power fist sort of disappear in all the camo.
I would stray away from the energy effect as I personally think that the look, even when pulled off right, is kinda of cheesey. Not to mention the fact that a giant glowing blue fist would contradict the point of being in camoflauge.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
-New updates for FW's Imperial Armor Volume 10 can be found here:

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2010/12/sneek-peek-ia-10-badab-part-2.html

but I thought you'd appreciate this quote,

"Mantis warriors have a duelling librarian with his own special psychic power and allows for infiltrate"

i would do both why not the inverted camo pattern on the shield and over the whole hand the crackling power? that is what would be most real and it would be awesome and it would be an awesome eye catcher.

Moltar wrote:but I thought you'd appreciate this quote,

"Mantis warriors have a duelling librarian with his own special psychic power and allows for infiltrate"

Oh damn... now I'll HAVE to buy it. Still just a fandex... but it would be fun to read their take & see what they've come up with. Question is... allows him to infiltrate with what? Just by himself? Not all that useful and likely to get him killed. This is one of those situations where you need more info and some context so you can fully evaluate the situation before drawing a conclusion.

Git, I think this is the perfect opportunity for you to try our your airbrush. Airbrushes are great for things like OSL and glowing effects.

What I would do is look at how the fist is positioned on the model, and decide how much light you want coming from it. Since this is an early attempt, I wouldn't have it be a strong light source except very near the fist.

What I would do, based on my somewhat limited experience, is to place the mini in a plastic bag like a Wal-Mart bag, with a hole cut out for the arm. Once I got the arm through the hole, I would tie off the bag behind the mini reasonably tightly, so that the bag won't shift much.

Then I would mask off the arm where I don't want the glow effect. Assuming a right angle at the elbow power-fist, I would mask off the side and back of the upper arm. I would then cut a small hole in the bag roughly where I would expect a glow on the torso. Cover this area with masking tape, then cut out the center of the tape. The masking tape should keep the bag from slipping or puffing out. If it doesn't, consider a stronger tape.

Airbrushing Steps:

1) Before painting, I would run air through my airbrush at around 15-20 psi to check and make sure the tape isn't lifting off of the mini.

2) Then, I would airbrush a light coat of white paint over the entire glow effect area. You don't want a heavy coat, especially at the edges, as you want this to be your transition.

3) Reduce your air pressure by about 5 psig, so you're running 10-15 psig. Use a very light amount of paint, and try not to get the edges (you want white at the edges). Low psi is critical for getting smaller area coverage and avoiding spidering.

4) Reduce the air pressure by 5 psig again, so you're running around 8-10 psig. Use a slightly darker blue, and just hit up the center areas. I would have most of the fist in this color, but none on the arm or torso.

5) Finally, depending on how it looks, I would probably break out a drybrush and drybrush the light blue onto the finger edges and other edges of the powerfist.

Heff, you are pure eeeeevil aren't you? You just KNEW that my airbrush had been sitting there calling to me for the last month or so as I worked on other projects after my one little trial run.


First... thanks everyone for your input... and please, feel free to continue to voice your opinions, I am by no means closing the book on the subject with this post... just giving you my opinion based on current feedback and my own judgement of my own abilities, etc.

As it stands....

This issue with OSL is that I am very new to it and as a result, lacking in confidence. This is shown by the fact that I did not do OSL on Sage's plasma T-vet even though it was a near perfect format for it. Part of the issue is my unfamiliarity with OSL, the other is that there is so much to lose if a screw it up. As you've seen, it takes me so bleedin' long to get these figures that that it's a really hard swallow to think about using a risky special effects technique that might end up setting the project back a week while I try and fix it. Granted, OSL done well is nothing sort of spectacular... but I question my ability to do it well at this point... so it is a big risk with a lot of down side. More specifically, with this figure the power fist positioning is in a poor spot to use an airbrush to accomplish the OSL, especially if I focus the power emanation from the hand and fingers as opposed to the shield of the fist. I would have to remove the arm, do the OSL on the hand and facing leg, then reattach the arm. Not impossible, but incurring damage that would then need to be repaired even if the OSL was successful.

At the moment then, I think what I'll do is the reverse camo on the shield of the fist alone... and leave the hand and fingers yellow (without camo on them). Once that is done, I can freely come back to the hand later if I want, once I have more OSL practice under my belt (keep in mind this figure isn't actually "due" until April 1st) and perhaps add the OSL then. I will also add the discarded helmet on the ground in the reverse camo pattern as we discussed a few pages ago... I think it's a nice touch to echo the pattern of the dread in the sergeant and reinforce the reversed pattern in the head and fist.

I remain open to suggestion or further persuasive arguments... but at the moment these are my thoughts.


On to a slightly different topic:

When I finish the sergeant, it will be the last substantive update to this particular blog for a week or so. I have a couple of other important painting projects for a couple of other important people that need to be finished by a certain date in order to be relevant. (Those of you familiar with my other blogs can, I'm sure... put two and two together.) As these are supposed to be surprises... I can't make any WIP postings... but I will post the final results in the appropriate places after the certain date has passed. The bonus to this effort however, is that I'll be using my air brush to accomplish what would otherwise be a nearly impossible feat of painting (for me anyway), which will pay big dividends in the next stages of the Mantis Warrior project by making me more comfortable with air brushing and perhaps even encouraging it's use for things like OSL.

So... I'll have the sergeant done soon... after that it'll just be the normal chit-chat until other priorities are taken care of. I will of course, welcome critiques on the 'ol sarge in the interim. I will also be working on the Tranquility Pattern tutorial which I'm quite excited about. Lots to talk about in that tutorial (more that I thought when I began it to be sure).

Gits

Wow... How lucky those things must be...

BTW, I sent Brother Tanaerum last saturday... Who knows, maybe it'll reach you on time for a certain date?

That would be swell Yggs! I actually have two other swaps that folks did for me that I'm finishing up the pad or basing on at the moment.... should be able to post those shortly. I'll have a full squad soon! Actually have enough that I'll be able to start on squad #2... which is *very cool*, save the fact that I'm behind in my halves of most of the swaps... but that's the next thing to worry about.

Try something like this

ooooo me likey

That would be a cool effect to try Gits.

I'm still thinking a black power fist w/ yellow fingers would be better (though your model's nice, BBL!)

My vote goes for the reversed camo on the fist shield, leaving the fingers yellow.
The power effect does sound interesting, and does look pretty cool on that chaplain Lucifer posted, but not sure how it would look against the primarily yellow guys. Could you do a trial piece on a spare power-fist for our delectation and delight?

Not my model, Its a part of a commission painted army in the dakka gallery.
I found it a while back

monkeytroll wrote:My vote goes for the reversed camo on the fist shield, leaving the fingers yellow.
The power effect does sound interesting, and does look pretty cool on that chaplain Lucifer posted, but not sure how it would look against the primarily yellow guys. Could you do a trial piece on a spare power-fist for our delectation and delight?

That sounds like an excellent suggestion!

And prudent... which I like as well.

Damn, a prudent AND excellent suggestion from me? I must be slipping

Got MW #3 done. The obligatory reloading marine. Pics.......eventually.

Good to hear WM! Every little bit is a step forward... at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Believe it or not guys I have been steadily working on the sergeant. There has been a bunch of fiddly little things to do and I just got to the point where I've painted the shell of his power fist black. This is compounded by the fact that I've been pretty ill for about 2 weeks now and I've just kind of run out of stamina so the last couple of nights I've pretty much gone to bed the same time as the kids. Still... I sneak in a little painting time each day. Have a friend up this weekend so painting time will be minimal... but will try to keep the process moving forward.

Gits

Take it easy Gits, its christmas after all!

As for the Power Fist "energy field" issue maybe it would be possible to take a look at the animation from Dawn of War II, IIRC it just seems to glow much more than have its own field of energy running across the surface

Power-fist energy field model tut from a mate at my local - if you want to go down that road.

Step one... Gets some wood

Step two... Measure the fist in question

Step three... Drill a 4 to 6 millimeter hole in the balsa-wood with a flat nosed drill bit (or clip/snap the bit to have this result) that matches the measurements of the fist.

Step four... With a fine tool and some modeling files make irregular grooves in the sides and bottom of the hole (think lightning pattern or electrical arch)

Step five... Press Blue tac/Green stuff/clay/whatever into the hole lightly so it makes a general copy of the shape thin it out if needed

Step six... Pour resin into the hole and wait for it to semi cure.

Step seven... While still mostly liquid (most use a fast setting resin and it only gives you a minute or two of play time so time this right) press your GS plug into the hole, this will force out a lot of the resin through the grooves you made and make it really thin. Keep a millimeter or half of one out of the hole (I would place a copper rod in the back so it's easy to pull out).

Step eight... Remove plug and break open the balsa wood, you will be left with a curving open capsule of resin covered in your etched pattern that fits over the power-fist in question
you can then trim this for effect and paint in groovy electrical colours etc.

I've not done this but I have seen the results and it looks good, however it looks amazing if the fist in question is in a motion pose as if the field is flaring up due to the air friction along it's surface, you know like the marine is about to punch out some deserving heretic lights.

Now all that said your could cast the hole so it would be reusable over and over instead of the one use balsa option.

Thanks Santobell, I'll have to mark that process for later use. Do you have any photos of the effect that you could share?


FYI: Special project is going well. Thanks to the airbrush I was able to paint 20 guys in one night (minus detailing). That was 3 layers with the airbrush, a wash, a dry brushing, and a second wash... plus painting the base-color (black) on the bases! And this wasn't a full night as we had company over for most of it... maybe 3 hours painting time at most (including model prep & drying time). I think they turned out really well... even my better half thinks so. Color me impressed. I think my chances of completing my Adepticon army just improved...

pic's?

Not until after a certain date which fast approaches... (see avatar) <----

Gits is a good Dad :-)

It just dawned on me that the reason for my stealth in this is that at least one of Thing 1's friends monitors the blog, and I didn't want him spilling the beans... but they're off from school now so I expect I don't have to worry... so I think it's OK to post some pics. Do you want me to post what I have already, or wait a bit until they're complete? Shouldn't be too much more work as I'm just getting the basics nailed down with these (tabletop standard) to get him over-the-hump with his new army.

TBH, I think it would be better safe than sorry, just in case. You don't want to spoil the surprise by accident.

wait. stick with your original plan. I can wait.

wolfshadow wrote:TBH, I think it would be better safe than sorry, just in case. You don't want to spoil the surprise by accident.

+1.

Great work git , i can just imagine whoevers xmas present it is hunched over the computer eagerly.

Pleased to know you are having success with an airbrush, they seem to be storming the world of hobby

-Alex

I agree with wolfshadow. Just hold us over with tantalizing descriptions of your further plans

indeed you dont want too do that.

Git a little off topic question is it ok for me too use your warboss in the fluff storie of my own warboss? warboss Poeky that is his creed is : there is nothing as stealthy as a squiggoth

wolfshadow wrote:TBH, I think it would be better safe than sorry, just in case. You don't want to spoil the surprise by accident.

Some nice words of wisdom...

Agreed, I'll sit on my hands. Be one hell of an update when I get all this done and photographed though. Really happy with how the airbrush worked. I'm not sharp enough with it for details yet... but for the task I put it to it was just amazing.

@fatty: I'd be honored my friend. He's yours.

Yes more Gitsplitta fluff!


Soon the entire story of WAAAAAAAAGH Gitsplitta will be written without Gitsplitta actually having written any of it, lol.

Now THAT'S what I'M talkin' about!!

No pics on me no but I will give it a shot and post the results, as I said not tried it but it looked damn cool on the minis(s)

Project #1 is complete. There is one more bit of paint that I'd like to add (the crusty verdigris as opposed to a wash), but that will have to wait for later. I like how they turned out though... and the process is very repeatable so if he likes the color we can easily apply it to everything from infantry to vehicles.

I am very worried about getting project #2 done on time as there is a lot more hand painting involved on that one, however there are fewer layers & colors involved. Tonight I'll try to stay awake long enough to get the models prepped and primed. Tomorrow then will be the airbrushing and hopefully most of the brush painting. Keep your fingers crossed...

Who says Christmas only comes once a year?

I got a package from New Zealand today!!

that sounds exciting! show us please

Wow, talk about cutting it close Gits...

And show us the package!

OMG! Pics! Pics!! PICS!!!

You have to show us. Please sir, can we see some Vangaurd?

Great news Gits that you've got all the stiff. On a related note, I've bundled together all of the bits I'll be sending you.

Excellent! I always worry when I send things around christmas whether they will even arrive

Seasons Greetings, Git!

Here is the lates from The FW Badab War Volume II on your Mantis Warriors...
It's hard to squint hard enough to read it, but regardless, I thought it might get you a little warmed up.

@Moltar: Thanks! I was wondering about that. I can see the folks at FW/GW has *still* not bothered to ever look at an actual photograph of a preying mantis. Kinda drab... but it could be much worse.

@everyoneelse: Keep your pants on! I'll take pics... keep in mind these are just bits! No completed vanguard is magically going to materialize out of the bits. But once I finish the kids Christmas presents and my sergeant... I'll put one together as promised.

IIRC a praying mantic comes in something like 15 colors, including pink, and even a yellowish color. Anything OD is very boring to look at, honestly seeing as I have a bunch of stuff in that color.

Do like the carapace look of the shoulder pads though maybe brighten the green and yellow a bit?

btemple0 wrote:IIRC a praying mantic comes in something like 15 colors, including pink, and even a yellowish color. Anything OD is very boring to look at, honestly seeing as I have a bunch of stuff in that color.

I wasn't commenting on the color but the huge mandibles, which mantids do not have.

Evil Ant Warriors perhaps?

i guess so. i have a school assigment too build a home for a insect, reptiel ect... guess what insect i picked

Its xmas eve, merry xmas Gitz and thing 1 and 2...

Also merry xmas to everyone who follows Gitz blog...

Jim.

Well said Jim.


Merry Christmas Everyone!



And for your Christmas Eve treat... the necron pics are up on Thing 1's blog. Here's the link: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/840/285111.page#2259135

Still working on the nids and make slow, slow progress... but I'll keep plugging away on it.


Twas the night before Gitsmas, and all through his diggs
Not a creature was stirring, not even the squiggs.
Except for Gitsplitta, alone in his chair
Furiously painting, his youngest 10 pair
Of something called gene stealers, all pointy and nasty
And needing some clothing, and rhinoplasty

Now primer! Now base coat! Now highlight and washes!
On details! On eyeballs! On talons and claws!

... and... I can't think of the rest. *sigh*

Merry Christmas from Gits & the Things!

Ah so the Firehawks were not the only ones to get a paint job and icon facelift for the Badab book I see.

Oh and Git... Pics Pics Pics Pics go go do it now!!!!!

@Santobell: Follow the link in my sig to "A Doom Eagle Odyssey", pics are there.

I've seen a small shot of the entire poster and all the chapters are depicted in muted colors... must have been what FW decided to go with as a color palate. I've got no beef with that... and really not even with their MW insignia... but I'm a biologist, have to point out the obvious.

The IA books will be fun to read, have to get them eventually. Since my path is set for my interpretation of the chapter, I can just sit back and enjoy their interpretation without feeling threatened by it. Who knows, some day I may even meet another Mantis Warrior player... that would be cool.

Santobell wrote:Ah so the Firehawks were not the only ones to get a paint job and icon facelift for the Badab book I see.

Everything In that book got a face lift.. even the story!

Im not sure of whats real anymore!?

Gitsplitta wrote:

The IA books will be fun to read, have to get them eventually. Since my path is set for my interpretation of the chapter, I can just sit back and enjoy their interpretation without feeling threatened by it. Who knows, some day I may even meet another Mantis Warrior player... that would be cool.

Thats a good way of putting it. I think I will follow suit.

merry x-mas everybody

Merry Christmas Gitsciples, eat lots, drink more and keep safe!

Let's go with the Mantis Warriors begin based off an alien Mantis of some sort that does indeed have large mandibles. Merry Christmas as well.

SoG