Looking forward to Deathwatch

Cap and Black Widow are very striking, looking forwards to the next installment.

Those two look the business! What sort of highlighting have you done on Widow's bodysuit? It's a bit hard to see with the shinyness of the paint, but it looks great.

What are you in school for again? Seems like you have so much time to knock these out that I think I chose the wrong path . Great job on the marvel Heros. Looking forward to more eye candy tomorrow.

 Theophony wrote:
What are you in school for again? Seems like you have so much time to knock these out that I think I chose the wrong path . Great job on the marvel Heros. Looking forward to more eye candy tomorrow.

Personally when I was in uni doing my bachelor and later masters I had so much time on my hands I didn't know what to do with it... in hindsight I could've probably had a full-time job alongside my studies had I had the inclination and discipline. I studied a couple of hours a day max and went to classes a few days per week. Business and economics at one of the most prestigious universities in Sweden... What did I do with my time? Play video games
-_-

I studied towards a civil engineer degree for about a year before I switched programs, and that was a whooole 'nother kettle of fish (although I've heard even that becomes quite lax after the first two years).

Thanks guys!

@Mymearan: That shinyness actually is the highlighting! I went from a black basecoat up to a grey-blue to get the shiny/smooth look the costume has in the comics, and to make up for the lack of detail elsewhere n the model, I had to accentuate the suit itself.

@Theo: Haha, I'm on Easter break at the moment, hence the progress! The last couple of weeks at uni I was far too busy to paint much at all! My course (military history) doesn't actually have a great deal of actual lecture time, but there's a ton of reading and essay work to get through. Fortunately, I'm quite quick on both those fronts. hence paint!

Now on to today's pics, painted yesterday.

He's the best he is at what he does, but what he does best ain't pretty at all...



And as promised, the first Deathwatch Marine, Drenn Redblade of the Space Wolves Chapter. Was a nice change of pace to go back to my more realistic comfort zone rather than the comic book styling of the Marvel minis, and also a really, really impressive model. I've painted a lot (understatement of the year! ) of Marines over the years, these Deathwatch are among the best sculpts, I hope I can do them justice.



That's all for now, maybe more later depending on how quick I can get the next minis done and if the light holds (without my good lamp at home, I'm at the mercy of the Great British weather, which today is varying types of grey and miserable). Any thoughts welcome, thanks for looking!

No worries Paradigm, you do not disappoint. Wonderful job on the DW marine.

Cheers Gits. Got the DA done as well, went for darker robes and the arm in a downwards position rather than outstretched, I think the pose looks a little more interesting like this.


Also got the BA done, but he'll have to wait until tomorrow as the light had gone before I could finish him up, so that's all for today! Thanks for looking, any thoughts welcome!

Fancy! That is one gritty dark angel, loving it.

Gritty'sdefinitely the word. Looks good, but two nitpicks. The purity seal direction on the plasma pistol ignores the law of physics with the arm pointed down and his base looks a bit unfinished.

Very nice on the space puppy and traitor para I can't wait to see how you paint the raven guard

The purity seal is better my lifted by the thermal vents around the gun .

They look splendid by the way. Wolverine reminds me of a weight lifter doing a clean and jerk.

Dear God you are prolific....

Drenn Redblade looks ace, really like the tribal marking on his face.

Loving the Marvel miniatures too.

I share your pain on the recent natural light, it has been awful

Space wolf and dark angel looking full beast mode.Fantastic.

Thanks guys. Really enjoying these Deathwatch fellows, the black armour is really simple but the detail in the sculpts makes them a treat to paint!

 sockwithaticket wrote:
Gritty'sdefinitely the word. Looks good, but two nitpicks. The purity seal direction on the plasma pistol ignores the law of physics with the arm pointed down and his base looks a bit unfinished.

True on both counts, the base I'll correct when I'm next at the desk, the pistol I think I can live with; if he's running, and that arm is currently performing a downward motion, it's not infeasible, if not 100% accurate.

Lovely job on Zameon fella. Not 100% sure about the face but the robes and armour are gorgeous. He realy looks like he has been running around in an underground mining complex slaying those filthy 'stealers!

Thanks. What is it about the face that looks off to you? The beard? I did have to tilt the mini about 45 degrees back to get the light on the face, so ordinarily you don't see much of it anyway (as the larger front shot demonstrates)

Not sure - i cant zoom in so it's harder to see but from the photo, the first thing i got was old wino with a bulbous nose! Soz Para - the rest I love but the face just isnt geling. again it could just be that i cant see it right from the photo

Aha, fair enough! To be honest, shouldn't be an issue, you can hardly see the face from the normal viewing angle!

I do like these Deathwatch Minis, the fact you know their Deathwatch, but are also instantly recognizable as marines from their respective chapters.

I also like the gritty color scheme you've gone for with these, It works well.

I like the realistic feeling you gave them. Very grimdark, very appropriated for their secretive nature.
Deathwatch for life !

 hk1x1 wrote:
I do like these Deathwatch Minis, the fact you know their Deathwatch, but are also instantly recognizable as marines from their respective chapters.

I think a lot of that is the sculpts. Yes, you can argue that several of them (particularly the SW, DA, BA and to a certain extent the Raven and Scar) are simply cariacatures of their Chapter, but to stand out in such an awesome range of minis they kind of have to be, I don't think the design suffers for it. Raven Guard with lightning claws or an Imperial Fist with a big-ass gun might not be original, but it sure looks awesome!

They are fantastic figs. Cariacatures or not...they wortk and work well. Looking forward to (eventually) picking uip a copy

 Paradigm wrote:

 hk1x1 wrote:
I do like these Deathwatch Minis, the fact you know their Deathwatch, but are also instantly recognizable as marines from their respective chapters.

I think a lot of that is the sculpts. Yes, you can argue that several of them (particularly the SW, DA, BA and to a certain extent the Raven and Scar) are simply cariacatures of their Chapter, but to stand out in such an awesome range of minis they kind of have to be, I don't think the design suffers for it. Raven Guard with lightning claws or an Imperial Fist with a big-ass gun might not be original, but it sure looks awesome!

And I'll say "aye" to that.

Good work Para, I personally like what you've done with the DA model, even the face I like. The DA sculpt was one of the few I disliked from the Deathwatch, because IMO you only ever have one arm in front when running at any one time, not both.

I'm liking the new stuff, Para! Wolverine looks excellent, and the two Deathwatch guys look pretty good too, very gritty which seems to be your style of painting Space Marines. I'm not 100% sold on your reposing of the Dark Angel, though. While it is true that most people do not run with both arms outstretched, I didn't interpret his stock pose as running so much as stalking forwards with pistol blazing. Honestly it's not a major thing, and as I said I do like your paintjob.

That's not Wolverine. Not swarthy enough Yellow is an unforgiving color, but you made it work. Good job.

Nice work, sir.

Ta gents.

Enter Antor Delassio, the chainsword-wielding, blood-soaked lunatic Blood Angel on the team. Leant him slightly more forward than the stock pose, I think it centres him better and gives more of a sense of motion.


That might be all for today, I doubt I'll get anything else done before it gets dark (Titanfall is being very distracting again, and Daredevil series 2 is eating my evening at the moment! )... Probably going to work on the Blood Raven or Iron Hand next, and of course some more Marvel stuff.

Cheers for looking, any thoughts welcome!

Nice work on Delassio. Bit too dark and gritty though for a Blood Angel (IMO, but to each his own right?)

Angry marine looks great . Daredevil season 2 has me tied up as well, along with watching Fringe again, and Breaking Bad with my wife. Star Wars Clone wars with the kids happens from time to time. No wonder I never get things done.

Thanks guys!

@AoV: Actually, I did turn up the grit to 11 on this guy for exactly that reason, I wanted to both emphasise and contrast the stereotype of blinged out, 'pretty' Blood Angels, On one hand he's got the fancy gear, the gold embellishments, the extras plastered all over him, and one half of is face (though it's hard to tell from the pic) is relatively unblemished, on the other hand he has the huge scar/burn on the outwards-facing half of his face and fancy though his armour is, it's dinged up from diving head first into any fight he can!

It astounds me how you get that gritty look to your marine armor. May I ask how you do it?

 Theophony wrote:
Angry marine looks great . Daredevil season 2 has me tied up as well, along with watching Fringe again, and Breaking Bad with my wife. Star Wars Clone wars with the kids happens from time to time. No wonder I never get things done.

The vast horde of zombicide models would say otherwise lol. Though the almost daily visits to MM don't help much either I'm guessing :-P

Ooooh nice work, the chainsword is making me a bit queasy!

As an aside do you tend to lose a lot of your basing materials whilst painting or do you just prefer not to base to the edge?

Thanks guys!

Gitsplitta wrote:It astounds me how you get that gritty look to your marine armor. May I ask how you do it?

At the moment, a lot of it is down to the basic process of using washes over a drybrushed metallic, that's what gives the black the depth and hues that then provides better contrast for the weathering and such. For these DW and my Iron Hands, I start from a black basecoat, drybrushed silver in an almost-zenithal style, some blue/purple/green/brown washes applied in patches then a black wash over the lot. Then sponged on silver for the chips.

Thraxas Of Turai wrote:Ooooh nice work, the chainsword is making me a bit queasy!

As an aside do you tend to lose a lot of your basing materials whilst painting or do you just prefer not to base to the edge?

I think that's largely down to incompetence, I still have an unfortunate habit of half-arsing bases. Still trying to work on that, hopefully it's not too noticeable (other than on the DA who needs cleaning up in that department! )

Turns out I did get another one done today, the Blood Ravens librarian. I realised afterwards that the shoulder pad is actually the wrong colour, should be the BR beige/tan, but oh well, it works from a colour/composition standpoint so I'll go with it! Pretty pleased with his face and sword as well.


As ever, thanks for looking, any comments welcome!

Lovely work again Para, I like the shoulder pad better that way tbh. Never been a fan of beige.

I do particularly like the sword, perhaps it could have been exaggerated even more towards the tip?

Great stuff as usual

Love the marvel characters, if only they wernt too big for the rest of my collection :(

Thanks guys!

@Warboss: To be honest, I think the sword is fine as-is, I don't like taking my energy effects too overblown on this style of subdued mini.

Great work. Cap and BW look great, and the Deathwatch guys are coming along nicely. I think the Wolf and the Dark Angel are my favourites so far.

Stupidly pretty, as always

Plus painting him up that way means that he can easily slot into your BA army. Think he is my favourite of your DW quadruple so
far, the sword does look especially good.

Base wise I find a 2nd coat of PVA after the initial one has dried seals the basing material down really well, the obvious disadvantage is that it takes longer before you are able to paint your minis.

Cheers guys!

@Thraxas: Hadn't thought of that. The BA army is actually in the queue to be redone (again), along with most of my SM stuff, the idea being that I'll rebuild my various forces as one Grand Army of the Imperium; a few SM Chapters as the main force, and the assorted Deathwatch/Inquisition/Grey Knight/Ad Mech/Guard ect 'plug in' elements. Just need to strip a load of stuff and I can get to work on that.

I actually do all the basing after the minis, not sure why, but it's always the last thing I do. I may try a second coat f PVA or just be more careful.

oohhh lovely job on delassio. that extra bit of lean defintely works better than the stock. great job P.

Blimey, nearly a week since my last update! Where does the time go? Still, got some stuff done in between finishing Daredevil (it's awesome, watch it!), watching Batman vs Superman (it's even more awesome, watch it twice!) and assorted other bits.

First off, Iron Man, or as he's now known, licence for Disney/Marvel to print money. Wanted something a little different to the standard red and gold, and came across this scheme from the Marvel Now period (not as up to speed on Marvel as I am on DC, but I think MN was a soft reboot type thing a couple of years ago). The black and gold matched Widow nicely and looked awesome, so in it goes!


Next up, The Mighty Thor, in a more classic scheme. Sadly, I can't seem to get a pic that doesn't make his face look like an angry potato, but in real life, it's only angry, not potatoey. Pleased with his armour and cape, though.


And finally, an Avengers group shot, with some comicy enhancement.



That's all for now. Next up, more Deathwatch and the last two X-people. Thanks for looking, any thoughts welcome, sorry about the Thor pic being a bit off, I'll try for better ones at some point!

Absolutely superb work Para ! Iron Man and Thor look superb

Excellent job Para. Well done. Iron Man looks very cool

Thanks guys!

Great job one the avengers Para

Love the alt look for Ironman!

Yup, that alternative Iron Man is epic...makes the traditional scheme seem a bit dull by comparison.

Batman vs Superman has had a real mixed bag of reviews, glad to hear that you loved it.

Awesome work! I don't think it's my favorite Ironman color scheme but it's still effective and you've done well with it. Makes him look a bit more sinister.

They all look great, but I think your Thor wins the cake.

Cheers chaps.

Yeah, I do like the black and gold IM suit, it looks awesome and also balances the team visually (with the classic look, it'd have been a bit of 'red overload' going on between that, Thor's cape and Cap's boots and gloves)... We're almost certainly getting more IM variants as well, so I will probably end up with a 'classic' suit at some point anyway... or a Hulkbuster!

Personally, I think a lot of the criticisms levelled at BvS in a lot of the reviews I've read seem to be based on the expectation that it'll be just like a Marvel movie, colourful and fun, and it's certainly not! As a fan of DC comics, though I really enjoyed it, it got the tone (especially in the Batman scenes) perfect and visually, the set pieces are just stunning. I'd definitely suggest giving it a go if you're not sure, it's not perfect but it's as good as most recent Marvel/X-men films, though very different.

Your Avengers look awesome all assembled in the photo (okay bad pun intended)! As for BvS, I saw it and enjoyed it, although it was considerably more dark and edgy than the Marvel movies, which I do prefer. I wonder if there will be minis from the movie in the Batman miniatures game. If there are, I'm sure you'll get them and make painting them look easy!

Some solid painting there, Para. Quite liking Thor!

I am loving your dark and gritty take on the Deathwatch marines, Para! And Thor looks boss too! Keep 'em coming

Death Watch guy looks great. You did a great job on the Avengers too. And that's coming from a guy who gets a mild headache every time a Marvel movie comes on TV.

Cheers fellas.

Productive day today, worked on a pair of the most awesome sculpts I've come across in quite some time!

First off, from the Deathwatch, Ultramarine Chaplain Ortan Cassius, easily the best mini in the set (at least of the DW half, I can't speak for the Stealers... yet.... ). Only modification on the model was shortening the chain his Rosarius hangs on by a couple of links to make it less susceptible to breaking. Black was done the same way as all the others, on his face I wanted to play with some scarring on the left side, foreshadowing his later half-mechanical (but no less pissed off) look. I think it worked out quite well.




Next up, a fantastic new release from Anvil Industry. This mini, officially known as The Blacksmith, was done to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the company, and fittingly sold for just £5 at first, a deal I was more than happy to take advantage of! While it's technically a fantasy mini, with the addition of a shoulder pad and a bolt pistol, he was pressed into service with my HH army. I wasn't sure what role he'd fulfil, but considering that he has a big hitty stick and carrying the anvil into, would be something very inspiring to his fellow Salamanders, I decided he'd be a counts-as Chaplain Centurion. He's a beefy chap, a good head taller than your average SM, but he fits in well enough (the anvil gives him the standard SM silhouette without needing a power pack) and is a frankly stunning model!



That's a wrap for today, thanks for dropping in! Any thoughts welcome!

Beautiful job, especially on the dark skintone.

The salamander blacksmith is looking epic.

Nice job on your Salamander Blacksmith . Skin is great looking and strapping the anvil on the back is awesome as well.

Looking great Para, I really like how you did the flesh tones/scarring on Cassius.

Thanks guys. Really pleased with both minis, so I'm glad you approve!

Beautiful models Para. As much as I hate to say it, I'm going to have to agree that Cassius is the best sculpt.

Awesome work as ever Paradigm - love the Anvil Ind. Blacksmith, a very tempting model with lots of potential for conversions (and a steal at £5.00)

Cheers chaps!

Finished up Squad Donatus today, so here goes!

Ennox Sorlox, Iron Hands, toting a combi-melta:

Rodricus Grytt, carrying the squad's Frag Cannon for maximum dakka:


And the sergeant, Vael Donatus... maybe the most boring of these Marines, he is just a guy with a Bolter, but still plenty of detail to work with.



The squad:

And the team thus far:



That's all for now, cheers for looking, any thoughts welcome!

Nice Para. Really imposing gritty marines as always, and for the quality..the volume is pretty impressive.

Have you played any of the missions yet, Para? FYI The Iron Hands guy is called Sorrlock . Sounds like you got a bit mixed up with the Raven Guard guy..

No, I don't actually have the game (yet), just the DW half. I shall definitely give it a go as and when I pick up the full set.

Ah, I see. Oh well, these names are ridiculous enough anyway that I doubt it'll matter!

 Paradigm wrote:
No, I don't actually have the game (yet), just the DW half. I shall definitely give it a go as and when I pick up the full set.

Ah, I see. Oh well, these names are ridiculous enough anyway that I doubt it'll matter!

It gets a little rough after Mission I lol.

The stealer cultists should keep you busy painting wise for a good while. Gorgeous models.

They are looking really nice Para.

One but though which I've just noticed is you haven't drilled the barrels...

Probably something to do with not owning a working drill! I tend to just put in a black dot, I just forgot to here. Consider it fixed next time I sit down to paint!

I hadn't actually noticed on the others, it was only on the the Iron Hands combi melta that I noticed and then went back and checked the others

Great stuff, as ever, mate!

Very nice, I really like the frag cannon guy!

Donatus maybe the most boring of the DW squad but in-game (DWO), he's actually pretty badass.
Can fire twice at separate targets with different ammo and hits on 2+ with Kraken rounds.

I still can't get over how fast you are!

Great work on the Avengers, the Blacksmith and now the Deathwatch guys!

Finished the DW already??!! Damn you fast! But the quality does not suffer for it - they look absolutely fantastic. really great work Para.

You did a grea job on these guys.

Your Deathwatch are looking so so so damn awesome. Love the warpaint on the Space Wolf marine and the whole squad look so gritty and weathered - and you've done it so quickly!

Onto the Cult once you've finished off the final 2 marines?

Those Deathwatch are pretty sweet, drilled gun barrels or no drilled gun barrels. Looking forward to the Genestealer Cult models, as I'm sure they'll be suitably gritty.

Am I missing the guy on bike and the terminator or did I miss something?

Awesome work on the Deathwatch. Really top quality stuff.

EDC

Thanks so much fellas!

Sadly I can't move onto the Cult, on account of not having them, I split the box for just the Marines as I couldn't justify £85-odd in one go, lovely as the minis are. I do have something else 40k in the pipeline, but I'm keeping that under wraps for now...

@Archer: You've not missed anything, they're just not done yet. The squad of 5 guys is Donatus, they're the ones that were done, over the next couple of days I'll complete the Kill Team with the biker termie and last jumper.

Looking forward to the Raven Guard guy, he's one of my personal favourites from the game (I've always had a soft spot for those guys ).

Looking great Para, and no problem misremembering the names of the squad...they are certainly a mouthful. Am especially looking forward to the Salamander Terminator.

I'll add my voice to the chorus. They look fantastic!


Note to all. As of this post there are only TWO votes on the final squad pick! Everyone jump in and get your votes counted! With a bit of luck we could get that fine squad on the gallery front page!

Haha, cheers Gits! I've actually had a few pics on the front pages recently, thanks to the votes and views I've been getting (I think the new pic format is helping a lot), and it is a great feeling, so if anyone can vote then it is hugely, hugely appreciated! Always good to put a number on things as well, see where I am and if/how much I'm progressing relative to some older work.

Just the one Marine done today, but I'm really happy with him, I actually thought this model was really awkwardly posed and uninspired prior to painting, but he's now one of my favourites, after Cassius, Drenn and Rodricus.



That's all for now, any thoughts welcome! Hope to get the lot finished by tomorrow's update, then (assuming Darksphere are prompt) it's onto Top Secret Project 01110011.... I wonder what that could be...

I really want of few of those beakie helmets now. Good job!

I love the way you've handled the helmet and the claws. Beautiful work!

Cheers guys!

 Gitsplitta wrote:
I'll add my voice to the chorus. They look fantastic!


Note to all. As of this post there are only TWO votes on the final squad pick! Everyone jump in and get your votes counted! With a bit of luck we could get that fine squad on the gallery front page!

Link?

That is an usual pose, but better than a static one by a long shot. Looks suitably grim. Nice work.

Just click on any of the pics and it'll take you through to their gallery page. To be honest, the squad pics really aren't doing the minis justice compared to the individual pics, Dakka is compressing them or something and losing all the sharpness, but any votes on any of them are much appreciated!

Got the Sallie done last night, about to go and make a start on the Scar.

Great work again para! Only one DW marine to go now right? (The white scar).

Yep, just undercoated him, so the full gang will be done by this afternoon. Then I'll probably take a break for a couple of days, finish my last two X-men and then move on to my next large-ish project...

Great Raven Para, I absolutely love the claw's highlighting. Wetblending I'm assuming?

Bit of wet blending, the starkest highlights were just drybrused to get only the very edges.

I really fear painting the White Scar as his bionic(?) bird thing is hanging on by a thread. You have painted these to an excellent quality in a very short space of time, we salute you Sir.

Full team finished up now!

Garran Branatar, which doesn't strike me as a very Salamadery name but oh well! Awesome model though, adds some real weight to the team.


Jetek Suberei White Scar on a bike (because of course), and a thoroughly fantastic model and a real centrepiece. If these guys hit the table, he'll probably be run as some kind of captain that will just be missiled straight at the enemy... Left the Cyber-eagle off, a) so it doesn't just snap off and b) it is the kind of bit that would be perfect for an Inquisitor conversion I'm planning.




And the full Kill Team in all their glory. Dead happy with this lot, a nice open-and-shut project that's come together exactly how I'd hoped it would.



That's all for now, I'm away from my desk for a couple of days so I'll probably be back with more towards the end of the week, hopefully my new toys from Darksphere will arrive by then. In the mean time, any thoughts welcome, cheers for looking!

Truly epic stuff! Your muted, realistic color palette and wear/grime effects really enhance your already stunning level of detail. I'm in awe.

Very nice work there, at your normal, rapid, pace.

I really need to stop watching people paint models I covet, and do awesome jobs on them. Willpower weakening...

Beautiful, beautiful work! Been a real joy watching the team being built Paradigm. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

Well done. I haven't even started on mine yet! But that is because I haven't officially been "given" it yet - it's sat waiting to be a gift for me at the end of August......


.....may end up breaking it open early though

Thanks guys!

Lots of comments about grittiness and weathering and muted colours... think you guys are going to enjoy my next little project too!

Did you finish the Badab Chapters as well? I started following along midway though, so totally possible.

Nah, still got 3 or 4 of those to do, I will get back to the project in the near future as I would like a complete set, I just got distracted by Avengers and Deathwatch!

Wow, great work, Para!

Cheers mate!

I did put a little more paint down this evening on some odds and ends that loosely fit in with the DW, so expect an update some time tomorrow!

Top notch - I'm off to do some voting

You've done great on those Deathwatch marines! I need to learn to paint that fast!

Thanks guys!

Here's last night's side-project, put together mainly because I just had to use that awesome alternate sword that came with The Blacksmith model! One Solomon Lok model, a Cyber-Eagle, a few cuts and some paint later this is what we have, Inquisitor Jeremiah Abraxas of the Ordo Xenos. He'll take the lead of my Deathwatch squad, and be in the upper echelons of my eventually forthcoming combined Imperial army


Also painted up some odds and ends from DW:OK and the CAT from Space Hulk to use as objective markers... they're not fancy, but they're better than just using 2p coins! I'll get some more done up soon, they were fast but pretty cool, I reckon.


That'll be all for a couple of days, any thoughts welcome and cheers to everyone who voted on my Deathwatch! Ta for looking!

Stellar work - I'm really liking your style and palette. Have you considered making a step-by-step guide of how you make a typical marine? I would love to see the stages you go through and techniques you use

Cheers man!

I have considered doing a small tutorial or two, particularly for my more obscure techniques I use like the metallic black armour I've been doing recently (which is dead simple for how good it looks! ). I can certainly put some together so if anyone has any techniques they want me to explain then let me know, I'll make a note of those and get something together in a week or two!

I'd like to see the black armour tutorial if it's going.

Oh and that inquisitor is supremely good. Probably the best of the Deathwatch contingent IMHO

Looks like I'll be cobbling together another Deathwatch Marine for that, then! It'll have to wait a week or so, but is definitely doable. Anything else anyone wants included in the tutorial, before I start planning the model (won't be for a couple of days yet, so no rush! )

Inq looks awesome. hands down my favourite fig of yours thus far. Colours are really rich. great job Para

High praise indeed! Glad you think the scheme works, there are a lot of elements there that will be replicated on my next set of minis. Grey robes, brassy metallics, red accents... I'm not just nicking your AdMech scheme, honest!

lol- no worries man. really does look good. love the metalwork. contrasts beautifully with the colour of the robes. Only thing that's niggling me is the base. Looks a bit scrappy for such a top score fig. great work though.

Yeah, the base needs redoing, I just grabbed the closest I had to hand. It's the resin topper that came with The Blacksmith, but I've kind of lose the cobblestone look with clumsy washing.

Very cool. Really digging the Inquisitor.

EDC

Very nice work on that =][=

Unique results.

Spectacular Paradigm. Your skill combined with your speed is truly remarkable!

Thats a really cool model. Ive always wanted to buy him but never had a reason. Great paintjob too.

The Deathwatch guys and the inquisitor look amazing Para, they really come together as a fighting force nicely.

Excellent work, everything is stunning and I'm hardly surprised. Nice consistent quality and at a fairly ridiculous rate!

Wow, lovely Inquisitor. I love the fabric look on him, it's subtly different to the black armour of the Deathwatch.

 WarbossDakka wrote:
Wow, lovely Inquisitor. I love the fabric look on him, it's subtly different to the black armour of the Deathwatch.

He's an inquisitor from Forge World, Solomon Lok.

Thanks guys! And page 75, woohoo!

Great stuff Paradigm. Loving the grimdark look of everything, especially that inquisitor.

It's AdMech time!

Yep, as most of you probably guessed from my less than subtle hints, my new 40k project is a small Adeptus Mechanicus force. The models wowed me when they first came out, pretty much perfect concept-to-mini transition, and the awesome saving in the Start Collecting set finally got me to pick them up... Assembled the infantry and Magos last night, and set to work painting up a couple of test minis.



Honestly, I didn't intend for them to come out looking quite so much like Januine's scheme, but I'd always known I wanted to avoid the garish red and go for something that was a little more muted; the effectiveness of these colours on my Inquisitor sealed the deal on this particular scheme. It's not exactly complex or technical, but it works, and I can probably bang out a Skitarii in about 35 minutes now I've got the scheme down (or work on a couple at a time). Very pleased with the look I've got.

The kit itself I'm in two minds about. On one hand, these models are very monopose, there aren't a great deal of options for posing or customisation (perhaps fittingly for a brainwashed cyborg army with a collective consciousness), on the other they're stunning sculpts, fit together nicely and the 'stock' poses do look good. The other great thing about the kit is the number of extras; being as cheap as I am, I quickly set about seeing how many extra models I could get out of the kit. A handful of Wargames Factory Shock Trooper bodies later and we have passable Skitarii Vanguard to bulk up the force a little, I managed to get 10 from the set, 2 squads of 5.


Not as fancy as the Rangers, but they look the part, and all mixed in together, they should do a decent enough job for the moment, and hey, can't say no to 'free' minis. Assorted other spares will go towards some Inquisition conversions when I get around to it, and maybe a couple more AdMech bits depending on what I can find.

That's all for now, any thoughts welcome, and last call for any techniques you want a tutorial for that I'll put together next week. Thanks for looking!

There are worse things to do in life then take inspiration from Januine. Like pretty much everything.

How big a force you going with those guys? Very nice start you have there.

Honestly I'm not sure how big this force will get, at the moment it's around 500 points WYSIWYG, so a nice plug-in allied force, but since I know I can get 20 Infantry from the Start Collecting set, I'm very tempted to add another one. Only trouble would be doubling up on the Magos, who'd be very hard to make look different. I also have plans for including a few counts-as units, but I'm still not sure about them yet.

My goal for 40k going forward is to consolidate what can be rescued from my various Imperial armies into one force, all painted and based to a good standard, that gives me plenty of options to play around with for gaming. Gone are the days where I need 5 different Space Marine armies, though multiple Chapters will still feature.

 Paradigm wrote:
Gone are the days where I need 5 different Space Marine armies!

Obviously. You need more then that. 4-5 different loyalists alone, plus 2-3 modern Chaos armies. Then you need to go back to 30k, and get 2-3 there!

Gone are the days of 5, here are the days for a dozen!

Now get painting.
<cracks whip>

Well, there will be at least 4 Chapters in this Grand Army of the Imperium, not including Grey Knights; Imperial Fists and Dark Angels First Companies will be present, Blood Angels or a successor of theirs (maybe Flesh Tearers), and a Codex Chapter of some description will also feature.

That's actually a great idea for using the leftover Skitarii bits. If I ever get back to mine, I'll have to "borrow" your idea.

But...but...these Skitarii are not purple.

Congrats on the Get Started set...great piece of value there. The scheme looks great, and I also found them quite quick to paint. The amount of detail on them can either be daunting or an aid to the faster painter. I do find the shock trooper bodies ( especially the back packs) a bit slight but it is a cost effective way to bulk out the army.

One has a purple visor, does that count?

The bodies are actually a perfect fit for the arms width-wise, but yeah, the packs are too small, they're actually from the WGF Survivors sprue, they were all I had handy.

Any purple is good purple. I think the WGF Skitarii will look fine when mixed in with the other Skitarii, I am just a big fan of the back packs. Any plans down the line for the Onager as I know you are not that fond of painting tanks, and it is basically a walking tank.

And if you want any more Skitarii bits just ask.

Oh, the Onager will get done for sure, it's such a cool model. I actually hated it when I first saw the pics, but one of my opponents regularly fields one and seeing it in the plastic really sold me on it. It is last in the queue (the plan is to get a bulk of the infantry done, treat myself to the Magos, rest of the infantry, then the Onager to cap it all off), but it will definitely get done. It's a fair bit smaller and much more interesting than most tanks, so I don't have a massive aversion to painting it, it's just Rhinos and Land Raiders and such that bore me to death!

I'll PM you about the bits later, I've got a load of bodies that can take the arms. Happy to cover the postage or whatever.

When I opened this blog, I honestly thought I opened Jan's blog. The blue skitarii and the same photoshopping...

...Wait, are you Paradigm or Jan in disguise?

In all seriousness, they look great. And at 35 mins / model, even better!

Haha, cheers! Just don't look too closely and realise that what Jan does with a million glazes, several hours and the skill of some kind of paint-themed ninja, I do in ten minutes with some hasty drybrushing! Still dead happy with how they've come out, I got another couple done this evening and in a small group, they really do look how I hoped they would. Plan is to blast through another 5 or so infantry tomorrow, then start on the Magos who I'll be taking a lot more time over!

See Para, that's the logic trap that gets me every time. I could at least *try* to get better, but when dips washes and drybrushes get me to a passable (and sometimes pretty nifty) place.. hard to push myself to go that extra mile, especially without having any innate art skill or formal training. Your hasty drybrush and quick techniques look quite awesome, may have to go back over some of your stuff and discern how your painting method ticks as I think I've gotten worse at drybrushing over the years

I do appreciate what people can do with the extra time though.


Your skitari look pretty awesome, and the converted greatcoats guys work very well. I didn't even realize they were conversions at first I managed to sneak 3 extra Firewarriors out of my Start Collecting Tau box by doing something similar, subbing in a couple of spare cadian chests. Give GW anything and it's gotta be all of the extra bits you get.

The trick to the drybrushes and washes I thrive on (and I'll go into more detail in the proper tutorial next week) is not to think of them as simple beginner techniques, but to think about why using that particular method is a good one. So it's not that I'm not pushing myself, I'm still doing that constantly, but if I can get minis to a standard where they look up to scratch and by chance that's a quick process, I'll take it!

Take the metallics for example. The initial drybrush of bright silver over black gives me very well defined edges, lots of contrast and natural highlighting; the washes then add the colour over what is essentially a pre-shaded surface so there's no need for painstaking re-highlighting or edging or anything. The 'patchy' washes of purple and green give a depth to the brassy finish once the final wash has gone on, which again looks more natural than using different methods for different areas.

Similarly, the drybrushing on the robes is used for the opposite reason; you get very soft and smooth highlights, Really, it's sort of a hybrid dry-brush-wet-blend, as you're still thinning the paint a lot and mixing/building up almost imperceptible layers (there's 3 layers, then a wash, then another 4 layers there), you're just applying it on the areas and in the way you would apply a drybrush. It's faster than layering, but more importantly. it also gives a slightly rugged, faded finish that resembled worn thick fabric like robes better than layering does.

So that's the thing, I'm using techniques that happen to be fast, but that's more because they work than because they're quick, that's just a happy side effect; I'm not under any time pressure, so if I could get better results spending a couple of hours per mini then I'd be doing that, and if the model needs it, I do (examples being the Deathwatch characters, the Salamanders Blacksmith ect, where the extra time is needed and does pay off). However, I don't think these guys suffer from the approach, the speed comes from the fact that they're essentially 2-colour minis, and with a hairdryer on hand I can have the metalwork done in about 5 minutes, the robes in 15, then just add some details and effects, clean up anything that needs cleaning and get them based up!

Sorry, bit rambley there!

So what you're saying is that you're really just as bad as Jaunine and simply using faster techniques.

My hero is dead!

But obviously you're doing more than simple techniques because what you do consistently looks good and you keep getting better at it. Just because it's fast doesn't mean you aren't one of those successful arty people I admire and despise . Back on yer pedestal.

Paradigm, can I just send you a whole army?? Really, it won't be a problem for you... probably have it done in a week!

Tidy. Smart moves managing to squeeze some extra skits out of the kit though I can see what Thraxas means by the backpacks looking a bit 'slight'. Mind you, just bang a few 'admechy' bitz on them though and they'll totally fit in with their brothers

beautiful I really love the admech forces

Yep. Great job on the AdMech.

It's fascinating to hear you discuss your painting style. It isn't multiple glaze layers and highlights and so on, but it does work. Ultimately across a table they must look awesome and on display they look fantastic too. That's because you have found a style that works for you and works well. If you are happy with the minis, it doesn't matter at the end of the day.

You're staying on my pedestal too btw

Sweet looking Ad Mech.

EDC

Thanks guys!

@Jan: The more I look at the backpacks, the more I see where you're coming from, I'll see about bulking them up on the next batch.

@Gits: Maybe not an army... but I'd be more than happy to do something up for you if ever you wanted it!

TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Yep. Great job on the AdMech.

It's fascinating to hear you discuss your painting style. It isn't multiple glaze layers and highlights and so on, but it does work.

That pretty much sums it up! If half a dozen layers and glazes are needed (as they were on things like the Badab Marines, HH Salamanders/Ravens, most fantasy stuff) then that's what gets done, but these models are looking fine with washes and drybrushes, so that's what they need and that's what they get!

You planning on giving them any insignia/ a homeforge etc?

I may do, only trouble is I'm not sure what and where would work. SMs have big flat panels that are a great canvas for heraldry, on these guys I'm not sure there's anything like that, as I don't like the idea of painting livery onto their muddy and muted outer coats...

In other news, I stripped a whole bunch of stuff, so I now have plenty of minis to throw in to this Imperial Army project over the coming months.

Great skitarii there Para (I'm late the the party as usual)

Very cool indeed. You are king of the main dakkadakka gallery just now, congrats!

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Very cool indeed. You are king of the main dakkadakka gallery just now, congrats!

They are Januine's in the Gallery page actually. To be fair though, with the photo edging and scheme being the same it is an easy enough mistake to make!

Para you may need to alter your scheme or edging otherwise Jan will start taking credit for your work

Enter a whole raft of people now using the same edging in the hope of being mistaken for Januine

mortified, I am. Still the deathwatch are there front and centre...

 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
Enter a whole raft of people now using the same edging in the hope of being mistaken for Januine

Lets see, glazes check. Pretty efficient drybrushing, check. I'll be back in an hour

 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
Enter a whole raft of people now using the same edging in the hope of being mistaken for Januine

Damn, I've been rumbled!

Honestly, though, Jan's work deserves the spotlight far more that mine does; I am overjoyed that some of the Deathwatch and Badab Marines made the front page whereas most of what he does (quite rightly) turns up there!

Back at uni now, so will be getting to work on basing the 5 Skitarii I painted yesterday then it'll be on to the Magos and a Deathwatch Marine tutorial.

Bah more loyalists to the false omnissiah

Far later than I intended, update time!

The main event here is the Archmagos, who is actually really bugging me. I keep getting the feeling he's somehow missing something, but at the same time, I'm wondering if it's just a case of having stared at the model too much now. I'm pleased with the metalwork, the guns and the axe blade, the robes aren't flashy but I'm not seeing the problem, there's just something I can't put my finger on...


Also finished up two squads, the Vanguard and Rangers:



Basically more of the same, but the Rangers in particular I'm very pleased with. I'm going to try and knock out the other 10 of this initial batch reasonably quickly as I want to get them on the table quite soon... probably won't happen for my game on Monday, but hopefully the week after. Also, a big thanks to Thraxas for donating a bunch of Skitarii bits to the cause, they'll come in very handy in bulking out the force! Cheers mate!


That's all for now, hopefully I'll have some more for you soon! Also, I'm getting back to some proper Codex Marines at some point soon, any suggestions for Chapters (for a small force, rather than one-offs this time)? Needs to be something that'll look good with my Deathwatch, Skits and GK, so preferably something reasonably dark but avoiding too much black or grey... Oh, and not Sallies, I've done enough of them already! Ta for looking!

Awesome work, Para.
I know what you mean about the Archmago, but I think it's a lack of a focal point(?). Dont get me wrong, it looks very nice, but there is nothing 'grabbing' my attention. Maybe the face can be picked out in a more attention grabbing colour? When I look at it, my eyes don't really seem to settle anywhere.

As for Marines... Maybe Ultras? A darker, more grimdak shade of blue. It would fit nicely with the blue on the Skitts and contrast well with your Imperial Fists (assuming you still have them?). Either way, you'd get a tonne of inspiration on Saturday when the new suppliment is released. New formations? Sweet!

Yeah, now you mention it, the face definitely doesn't draw the eye the way it should... It was originally grey, I upped it to white earlier and it does look a lot better... maybe I need to go further, though, do it in red or something?

Yeah, the Fists will still feature, they'll be contributing the First Company elements (along with the DA Deathwing). I considered Ultras, and they're definitely on the cards, my only reservation is that I've done them twice before, and I'd kind of like something a little more unusual and unique. I'd do my own Chapter, but I have all the artistic talent of a blind hedgehog in a bag when it comes to colour choice and such, unless I can base if off something then I'm likely to end up with a mess.

I have seen some of the new stuff, it looks cool. I tend to avoid formations on principle (I don't like the idea you get 'free' stuff just for taking certain combos, I think it undermines the idea of points-based 'balance' such as it is ) but I look forward to the new Psychic powers, they sound very fun...

What about filling out one of the Badab chapters into a fieldable force? Would be cool to see one of the less done chapters like Star Phantoms, Nova Marines, Marines Errant, Howling Griffons or Fire Hawks done up, and would certainly drag you out of the dull colors.

Having just purchased some vanguard heads and bodies I've found this a good read and inspirational, hoping if I achieve half the painted effect showcased here I'd be happy, really nice looking mini's

whalemusic360 wrote:What about filling out one of the Badab chapters into a fieldable force? Would be cool to see one of the less done chapters like Star Phantoms, Nova Marines, Marines Errant, Howling Griffons or Fire Hawks done up, and would certainly drag you out of the dull colors.

That is definitely something I'd considered. Only trouble is that there are a few Chapters there I just don't fancy painting an army of (Star Phantoms, Marines Errant, Mantis Warriors, Sons of Medusa) as the schemes are a little two involved, the only ones I could get my head around doing in any quantity are Red Scorpions, Carachadons (in both cases, just more grey, so probably a no-go) or Minotaurs, but with the Deathwatch, GK and Inquisition I already have that side of the Imperium pretty well covered, so I kind of want a Chapter that are warriors first and foremost... I was thinking about Templars, actually, but again, too much black...

Keep the suggestions coming, guys, it'll be a while before I start on this so there's plenty of time to convince me!

Alaricuk wrote:Having just purchased some vanguard heads and bodies I've found this a good read and inspirational, hoping if I achieve half the painted effect showcased here I'd be happy, really nice looking mini's

Cheers! If you need any tips on the techniques just let me know!

If you were wanting a warrior like chapter, I would say Flesh Tearers, but again too much black. Maybe White Scars? They have a barbarian vibe with them and with your painting skills you could pull off that white really well. White is also the complete opposite to black so there's that going for you as well!

Flesh Tearers are already on the list. when I get to reduxing my Blood Angels stuff (again) they'll be painted as FT. This is purely for the Codex: Space Marines stuff, the SW and DA will feature as themselves, BA as Flesh Tearers, maybe some Black Templars down the line...

Scars are scary, that much white would drive me nuts, I think! They also do Bikes and Transports, this force will be mostly footsloggers or in Pods. I'm not ruling out the Scars as and when I want to add a more mobile element, but I can't see that happening any time soon.

Thinking about it, I might experiment with metallic dark blue Ultramarines, that might work and the Chapter does have a special place for me, they were my first SM army back in the day.

How about a Fire Angels army using BT rules? They have similar background to Templars in that they are super Zealot-y, you could use a ton of the BT kits and whatnot to really give them that cruisader look. And the are Silver with red trim for the most part. While not bright, they also aren't so dull.



If thinking a darker blue, what about Crimson Fists? Kicking it old school is always fun, some fun lists you can do with them, and Imperial Fist iconography is fair game. Plus this is always fun.

Hmm... going Crimson Fists would tie in nicely to the Imperial Fist elements, and from a gameplay perspective make running the two as a coherent force somewhat easier... There are also going to be a fair few Bolter Boys in the C:SM part, so that works too...

It'll need a test model or two, but I might just be sold on that...

As much as I’d like to encourage you to paint more Ultramarines, Crimson Fists seem more up your ally. And you can never go wrong with them. Old School Iconic at it’s finest.

Edit:
How many marines you planning?

If you paint 15 marines + Cantor you have the Battle of the Farm.

3x5 man squads. 2 just pure bolters, one with a ML (with plasma missiles)
Cantor has a power fist and 2 bolt pistols

If you decide to go that way (or not, since you have IF), I have a spare banner from one of these guys I can send your way. Just let me know.

Awesome job with the admech the magos back carapace armor looks nice and worn!

I'd like to put a vote in for Rainbow Warriors true old school space marines

@Whalemusic: Cheers for the offer, I actually have that mini and banner, though, so they'll definitely feature as either IF or CF. Seeing as that guy has a right handed power fist, I will likely turn him into a counts-as Kantor.

@Nev: Not sure how big the force will go. Definitely 2 10-man Tactical Squads at the core, because that's basically obligatory. Command Squad/Honour Guard because they're cool, a Dread or two, maybe some Devs... not sure what else. The idea with this project is to end up with 6-7 small armies 500-1000 points) that can be mixed and matched on a game by game basis, so there's scope for just about anything really.

Thanks guys.

I came here just to suggest Crimson Fists, and here I am late to the party. So consider them thirded.

Also, they seem to really like doing special edition marines as CFs, so you could have some of the really distinct models to really make them stand out.

Well, if you decide to do a banner for both and want another let me know!

You can't do some CF and not do a Sternguard unit!

Painted up a Crimson Fists test last night, and I think I'm sold on the Chapter. They work from a fluff perspective, fit in aesthetically with the other elements, are a nice homage to 40k's origins and I think this scheme has come out rather nicely:



Same metallic method as my Deathwatch (I will get around to the tutorial on that, by the way, the first try didn't work out when I looked at the pics), but using a blue wash rather than black. Then black into the recesses, add details and weathering and there you have it.

@whaley: Thanks! I'll let you know if I do find myself needing another banner (or if I can't find my current one, I don't actually know where it is... ). Sternguard were going to be the core of the IF force, but I can probably find space somewhere in the CF for a squad now you mention it.

Maybe more later, I do have a fair bit of work to do this weekend so I may not get much painting done, we'll see. Any thoughts welcome, cheers for looking!

Interesting you did just the back of the hand as red and not the whole thing. Any reason in particular?

No reason other than that I thought that was how it was 'supposed' to be, having not done much research before painting Honestly, I tend to forget Space Marine fingers when painting, so they usually just end up staying whatever colour they get painted first!

Now you've pointed it out, I may go back and change it, but equally I'm not one for sticking absolutely religiously to colour schemes, so I may just leave it here, do it on some future ones and mix it up a bit.

Lovely gritty missile launcher there, Para! Is this part of your various astartes project or the start of an army? :-)

Crimson Fists all have one fist red. They paint the other one red as vets. I think that’s the modern ‘Fist


Looking at the back of the RTB01 box helmet stripes were red with the sarge having yellow borders. Both fist on everyone were red, without the vet cross hatching on the stripes.

But paint what you want, very nice marine you have there!

Nice work, sir. I really like those Skitarii

I don't know how I missed this Para, but a CF army to your standards! So excited.

Also lovely model as always.

Crimson fists are great, and I like the history to the name. Basically one of adorns main commanders lost an arm before the heresy broke out, and it was rapidly regenerated, but was red (raw looking) during the regrowth. He was a hulking marine almost the size of the primarch, robot girllyman even said "My your a big boy"

Productivity happened. In my breaks I was able to paint up the first Demi-squad, I think I've definitely got the method down now so they're pretty quick to do and still look decent. This force is Post-Rynn, so there will be some models with veteran markings even in Tactical Squads, while others will be new recruits without many markings or such.



Did a quick inventory of the SM stuff I have to hand, came up with this as the first phase of the combined Crimson/Imperial Fists force:

HQ: Pedro Kantor (converted from 25th Anniversary Marine)

Troops:
2x10 Tacs, both squads Crimson Fists, 1 ML/Melta and HB/Flamer, couple of different Sergeant options

Elite:
1x10 Sternguard IF
1x 10 Sternguard CF
1x Honour Guard... should be CF by rights as they'll ride with Kantor, but the models are more suited to IF (counts-as HG with boarding shields and Power/Chainaxes), we'll see what they end up as...

HS: 5x HB Devastators.

Leaves me light on Anti-tank and mostly footslogging (though I have a few Rhinos and Pods back home), but in theory these will mostly be used in conjunction with other forces, so AdMech or Deathwing can handle tanks, Guard might give me some staying power and big guns when I get back to them, GK and Inquisition have me covered for Psykers... This is more a list of stuff to paint than a plan for a gaming force.

That's all for now, thanks for looking, any thoughts welcome as ever!

Lovely, gritty and grubby as ever

Thanks mate!

Looking pretty sweet. very nice job on the parchments

Need ork trophies

Those are some nice Fists indeed. Great timing with the big 30th just happening. I really, really, recommend you buy/obtain the Index Astartes Apocrypha that just went up for sale. It is soooo good. Are you doing a full army of these guys, or are you splitting your marines into different armies?

If you are still wanting a different chapter after these guys, then I envy you for being in a position at the moment to pick a chapter or create one as I feel overwhelmed with just my Sons of Orar and my custom chapter. but, since you said you would want to make one but, can't decide on a scheme, why not choose one?

All these chapters are from the limited edition booklet. Most have no history, so you could make them "straight up warriors." There are so many cool names and schemes. I'd almost say "please take a read," as I love watching your take on the astartes. There is also wiggle room as these chapters are never seen outside of this LE booklet (that has been posted online,) yet, by the same token they are canon.

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/309546-index-astartes-successor-chapters-gallery/

Edit: Also, again unrelated. I don't think I've ever seen you do a wounded marine for tabletop that is still in fighting condition (Ie: hand or leg blown off but, still firing or fighting, etc,) aside from that one you did for the display piece/contest.

Edit #2: I can see you rocking these guys, they are pretty warlike and could be dirtied and gritted up.

Awesome gritty marines, good stuff!

Nice work on the Deathwatch, Skitarii and now Crimson Fists. Bloody hell, you paint fast!

Thanks guys.

@Stormwall: In theory a full army, split between Crimson and Imperial Fists. Might throw in some Templars down the line for maximum crusading, though that would probably mean putting the Flesh Tearers to one side, so we'll see. Pretty much set on the various Chapters that are going to be involved, but I'll keep a note of that page as I'll likely do some more one-offs in future.

There's at least one one-armed Marine in my Istvaan force, but now you mention it, I have been thinking of ideas for more objective markers for the force, so that's added to the list!

@Az: Fast enough, I think (though Grim and Thraxas are both thrashing me in painted mini totals this year, you might be as well come to think of it!)... This new method for SM armour/metals in general is definitely speeding things up a bit, no need for a bazillion layers or anything.

Very nice, the whole army is gonna look sweet.

Cool. Interesting take on the Crimson Fists.

EDC

Ta chaps.

Fancied a change of pace from plain old Tacticals today, so I dived into the Bits Box and put together a Captain for the force. He's not overly blinged out, but the Crimson Fists, like their IF brothers, have always struck me as a no frills Chapter, they respect their gear but don't got making it all shiny like the BA or Ultras. The added bonus here is that I can get away with running him as a Vet or Sarge when Kantor himself takes command of the force.

Build was fairly simple, just whatever Marine parts I liked the look up plus the spare mechanical arm from the Archmagos... painted the gun up as Plasma Pistol, it should pass muster as such. Power Maul comes from the Skitarii Rangers.



That's all for now, thanks for looking! Any thoughts welcome!

The amazing models just keep coming and coming. I'm overwhelmed!

Cheers Gits!

I've just gone back a few pages to catch up,on what you've been up to, nice work! I love your gritty battle hardened marines, the death watch team from the new box set look awesome. I also like your paint job the on the Solomon Lok miniature, a great sculpt made better with the fire sword and psyber eagle (who doesn't love a fire sword!) your working at quite an impressive pace too.

Cracking job Para

Really love the paintjob on the face of Raez

Cheers mate!

Very cool. Excellent work on the face and mace.

EDC

More gritty Marines, I love it! It really captures the desperation of the CFs, which is great with all the character the chapter has.

Crimson Fists look pretty good, Para! As others have said, the gritty look really works well for that chapter, given their desperate situation and constant battle with no time for repairs or polish for their armor. That Captain's weapons look interesting; are they AdMech spares or something?

Cheers. Yep they're Admech, so is the bionic arm.

Grim and dark, just the way they should be, excellent finish on all of those marines.

Got a few more minis finished up today, a pair of Tacs and a pair of Rangers. Rather than do pics for each mini (a Tactical Marine is a Tactical Marine, once you've seen one you've seen them all! ) I shot the lot together, which does a good job of showing how the colours work between the forces. Pretty well, I think, so well done whoever suggested I go for the Crimson Fists!


And on a similar note, I pulled out a few minis from each of the main factions in this army, to give more of a sense of how it'll look all together. The only current faction missing here is GK, simply as I didn't have room to fit any Termies on the background (once I get this first load of Skits and Fists done I'll do a shot with everything for the force so far, old and new). Even where the colours are quite distinct (looking at you, IF, sticking out like... well, bright yellow things in a pile of grey and blue things!), I think the unified style does a lot to pull it all together, much like in my HH army.


And finally, a shout out for Gitsplitta's annual Mantis Maker competition. Open to everyone, plenty of time to enter and fabulous prizes to be won! All you need to do is paint up a Mantis Warrior before the 20th of May... well, there's a bit more to it than that, but there's the gist of it. See here for more info, and get involved!
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/15270/289929.page#8593253


Got my last essay for the term finished off yesterday, so I'm planning to step on the hobby gas a bit this week, my plan being to have both the Skitarii Ranger Squad and the CF Tactical Squad done by Friday, by which time I should have my Counts-as Kantor and the Dunecrawler put together for a weekend project...

That's all for now, folks, cheers for looking! Any thoughts welcome as ever!

Thanks for the shout-out Paradigm, much appreciated! I'm sure with the amazing work you've been doing lately more people will see my contest than otherwise would have.

I love the way the marines and skitarii go together color wise. That and they've all got the same "just scraped off the bottom of my boot" look, which is wonderful!

Glad you got the Skitarii bits I sent you Para, I know you will put them to good use. Nice job on the Crimson fists thus far, I think the Imp Fists do not stand out that much because of the muted scheme.

The Skitarii and Crimson Fists look great together! Nice work.

EDC

Ta chaps.

Productive day today, finished up the first half of my entry into the Mantis Maker comp, an aged Vanguard Veteran of that Chapter who's had quite enough of kids these days by the look of things...


He'll be facing off against a Scout from one of the Loyalist Badab Chapters, not sure which yet though... At the moment it's between the Star Phantoms, Exorcists and Fire Hawks.

Got another mini done, but the pics didn't come out too well and I noticed a couple of flaws, so he'll get cleaned up and reshot either tonight or tomorrow. In the mean time, cheers for looking, any thoughts welcome!

Nice. Gritty as usual

Cheers mate!

Could it be a legion of the damned come to seek his revenge? Since the fire hawks are LotD

Yeah, sure... *I* could whip that out in an afternoon... no problem!

Para is one of those annoying guys like Nerdfest that can put out high quality models in silly amounts of time. We're we all so cursed.

I thought Vanguard Veterans always had jump packs? Either way the mini looks awesome!

Vanguard Vet vs a Scout, a bit of a one sided match up, eh?!

The Mantis Warrior looks great.

EDC

Thanks chaps!

@EDC: One-sided, maybe, but the theme for Gits' comp is about age and treachery triumphing over youth and exuberance. So the cocky young scout will be charging in, straight into a trap the Mantis has prepared/

@Ustrello: Sticking to the Badab War period, so it's probably going to be an Exorcist now I've thought about it, the red should balance out the green and brown nicely.

@ZS: I think you can take them on foot these days. If not, you definitely could at one point, and as you'll see when I get to the Scout, these models aren't exactly game legal anyway... that said, I do now have 2 Mantis Warriors painted, I might see about building a couple more to add a 5-man squad to my army...

Looks awesome, Para!

An exorcist would work and you could use left over word bearers transfers (the script) from BaC for him since the exorcists has script all over their armor

The exorcist would be good. And now I'm having ideas...

And as they say in cricket, that brings up his century. Yep, passed the 100-mini milestone by finishing up these chaps:


Not my fanciest work, but they're coherent and to a standard I'd be happy to put down on the tabletop. To celebrate passing the landmark and having finished up the squad, I took a bash at turning my 25th Anniversary Marine into a counts-as Kantor:

Astartes%2C%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.html][/url]

Pretty pleased with him, the face especially though the pics aren't overly kind to it. I did have him on a 40mm base but he just didn't fill it, I do think the 25 is too small but as I didn't have any 32s to hand that's what he's got.

Also painted up this guy for Thraxas's Hawk Lords army in exhange for the Skitarii bits, a nice change actually to do something a little less beat up and weathered. The Librarian from DV will also be coming in a day or two.


That's all for now. The plan is to finish up the Ranger squad tonight or tomorrow, then take a break from this rank and file stuff to work on a few fancier minis... I need to finish up my X-men, put together my Dunecrawler, do the Hawk Lords Librarian and I've got a couple more Batman minis coming tomorrow as well... lots to be getting on with.

Thanks for looking, any thoughts welcome!

Very nice work. The Hawk Lord is a great change of pace. Love the purple!

Excellent work Para, I will be delighted to add him to the army. Cannot wait to see the Libby too.

The Crimson Fists look great, the Kantor is especially good. And congrats on the 100 up.

I think the Cantor counts-as really sells the Crimson Firsts look. The tac squad alone looks a bit ambiguous as to what army they are in, which is fine as they are tac marines.

Thanks guys.

Yeah, the Tac squad do all have freehand icons on them but dark red on dark blue isn't really that noticable! Still, I think once they are deployed alongside Kantor and the guy with the CF banner and my Honour Guard squad (all of which have boarding shields as counts-as Artificer Armour so a nice canvas for some big CF symbols) it they should look the part.

Ooooooh I very much like the Hawk Lord chap. Splendid colour choices, he looks most fierce !

Thanks mate!

Just adding the Hawk Lords Librarian since I got him finished up as well:


All in all, a very productive day! Any comments on that chap are of course welcome!

Nice job on the librarian. I'm still trying to finish that model up from the DV.....get there evventually!! Too many other things distracting me lol

Man I can't take a break for a day or two and you knock out a dozen awesome marines. Love the color on the hawk lords, now you just need some thunder Hawks for them .

Really interesting to read your views on technique. The models look great and it's hard to argue with that!

Wow, 100 minis for the year already AND you're in college? Dang, share some of that talent around instead of hogging it for yourself (I'm at like 13 minis for the year)! Seriously, those Crimson Fists look great, and the DV minis that you did as Hawk Lords are pretty good as well. I have those figures painted myself (of course mine are painted as actual Dark Angels); they were two of the first 40k minis I ever did. Anyways, congrats on 100 minis, and keep up the great work!

Just a quickie today, I finished up my X-men with Rogue and Colossus (though I'll be adding the superb Gambit model as soon as he's available).




Sadly, I left the others at home, so no group shot for the time being, but they are at least all done now, just in time for my newest Knight stuff... but you'll have to wait to tomorrow to see those...

That's probably it for today, ta for looking, any thoughts welcome!

I like those Hawk Lords

Rogue need breast reduction surgery...

(great paint jobs though!)

You are a paintasaurus. Freakin awesome.

Cheers guys!

Really cool to see the stream of painting being done. Your style is nice as well. Good work.

Great job there Para. Esp like Colossus - really nice job on him

Ta chaps.

Staying on the comic book theme but heading from Marvel to DC, the latest additions to my Batman collection are done! While playing the game a lot over Easter, my brother and I reached the conclusion that we really needed some more Free Agent villains to bolster various villainous crews, so to that end, like the current (and excellent) series of Gotham, I'm all about the baddies at the moment!

First up, Hush, the man in the shadows pulling everyone's strings and hell bent on revenge. If there are an Bat-fans reading this who haven't read the comic arc Hush, it comes highly recommended, it's a great starting point for getting into Batman comics as well. I think.


And something a little more unconventional, the Watchmen Nite Owl model done up as Owlman, another of my favourite villains. He's part of the parallel universe Crime Syndicate, which for characters based on 'what if the good guys were bad guys?' are actually really cool.


Also got a stat card done up for him, I'll post that down in the BMG discussion thread in Misc Minis game.


Got a bit done on the 40k front as well, the Skitarii Ranger squad are finished and I put together a Chapter Champion for my Crimson Fists, with Honour Guard to follow.




That's all for now, not quite sure who or what will be up next... thanks for reading, any thoughts welcome as ever!

Very nice Para, however this may just be me but the Owlman guy doesn't really have anything that makes him "pop". May just be his design/colour scheme. Everything else though is as usual top quality.

You could paint up the onager

I actually really like owlman. His cloak is fantastic... just cant tear my eyes away or figure out how you did it.

Cheers guys!

@Gits: The cloak is basically a bazillion and one glazes, basically the same thing I did on Hush's coat ( though I did a better job on Hush, I think).

You did a pretty good job on those Skitarii! Your style suits the Ad Mech stuff very well. The Crimson Fists guy reminds me of my days playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and trolling with the Riot Shield. Good times...

Awesome stuff Para. Every time I stop by there are more and more fancy minis to greet me.

Wow you have been busy.

Lots of lovely minis Rogue, Colossus, Hush and Owlman and all of the Fists look amazing. I wish I could paint minis that quick I might actually get somewhere if I did

Thanks guys. Must admit I'm not quite sure where this sudden surge in productivity has come from, it'll probably have to drop off a bit as I start going into exam prep mode over the next few weeks.

I do have an Age of Sigmar demo game set up on Monday... not committing to anything yet, but if that goes well, it looks like my summer project may end up being AoS-based, though I've no idea what yet. Probably some kind of Elf/Dwarf/Empire combo-army, basically what Bottle has been doing.... But that's a plan for another day at the moment. Just out of interest, though, is there anything in particular you guys would like to see me do on the AoS front?

You're tearing through the Fists and Marvel models as usual. I can't keep up with all of the stuff you manage to produce. Every time I've got time to check the thread there's another three pages and another dozen models done!

The new orks are pretty sweet to be honest

Great looking stuff as usual para.

The coat on Hush particularly looks amazing so does everything about the Skittari Rangers

Great job on owl man

Loving Hush - he looks awesome. The cloak on Owlfella though is stunning - really looks gorgeous. Great job

Great job all around, love the company champion with a shield, he is smarter than most emperors champions who rely on the blessing of the emperor to get across the field .

Rogue doesn't need surgery

Thanks everyone!

@Theo: Honestly, I've just been desperately looking for a unit I can legitimately use these shield guys as, Honour Guard seem to cut it with the 2+ armour.

Painting up the Onager now, though this will take a while in all likelihood.

Also ordered a few models to get started on an AoS force, they're coming from a small indie company in Spain, MOM Miniatures, who I stumbled across yesterday and who have a great array of fantasy minis at a very reasonable prices. They're single-pose resins, so not massively customisable, but for AoS I won't be needing a ton of models anyway. My initial order consist of a unit of Not-Empire Not-Halberdiers and command, a Not-Sigmar Not-Priest and a Not-Elf Not-Prince... 15 resin models for about £25 including shipping across Europe! This small order is just to test the quality, but if they're good I'll definitely pick up a few more units over the summer, the prices and designs are great!
http://www.momminiaturas.com/divine-rage/

I'll throw up a review when they get here, which should be in just over a week.

Cool stuff going round. If you do have the spare £20 (less if ordering from a FLGS) I heartily recommend the Grand Alliance: Order book. It is a weighty tome and has all the Warscrolls you will ever need for such an army.

Have you got any particular parts of the respective army in mind? Ironweld Arsenal is basically a mix of Dwarf/Empire artillery and contraptions and seems pretty cool, but based on your Spanish purchases it looks like you are starting with "Free Peoples".

Yeah, that book is definitely on the list, I'm playing at the GW tomorrow so I'll take a look at what's in there. £20 is definitely more palatable than £35 or so that codexes go for these days, and it does seem to have a load of good stuff in.

The army will really be a bit of a mishmash, the idea being that various groups end up crossing paths via the realmgates; some are looking for adventure, some for a good fight, some just too curious about the big glowing hole in the universe for their own good... ultimately, they're united on a quest to travel the Realms and find their way back home...

This first group will be a noble from Azyrheim and his retinue that blundered through a gate whilst out hunting and are completely out of their depth, who come across the Priest who's wandering the Realms to spread Sigmar's word and an Elf force that held the rearguard while their allies fell back through a Gate, and are now stranded...

Down the line, I plan to throw in some Dwarf mercenaries, a villain or two that seeks to manipulate this band for his own undoubtedly nefarious ends, maybe some Orcs that are just out for a good fight... who knows? It's basically an excuse to buy cool minis!

Yeah, I'm putting too much thought into this, but the ultimate plan is that this army will have a fully fleshed out backstory, even some actual fiction pieces written around these characters and such. AoS is something of a sandbox setting in terms of tone and style, so that appeals to me, you'll see as we go through that I'm taking influence from all over the place. A little Tolkein, a little Pratchett, a little Old World Warhammer ect... Should be fun!

Sounds all good to me, AOS has obviously come into a lot of criticism but the possibility of one day having a grand alliance of Elves really excites me.

My favourite picture in the book is of an Azyrheim Lancehost, basically Dracoth Knights, Silver Helms, Cold One Knights, Demigryph Knights and assorted chariots/mounted heroes on the charge.

This... didn't take as long as I thought it would! Enter the Dunecrawler.


The weapons aren't magnetised, but with a little blu tac I can still swap out the Eradication Ray and Neutron Beamer, which are the only two weapons I'm likely to use to be honest.

Group shot of the Skitarii thus far, the Start Collecting set and the kitbashed Vanguard.


That's all for now... up next will be probably more Space Marines of some flavour, maybe some Deathwing or Grey Knights to mix things up a bit. Thanks for looking, any thoughts welcome!

Beautiful work Paradigm. Your force is looking top notch.

Awww.. I thought when you put Fighting Machine in the title, you meant this:



Never mind! Cool stuff, Para!

I'm glad someone got the reference! GW missed a trick not building a 3-legged AdMech walker based on that!

Cheers guys.

Dune walker looks great, you a good start to a mechanicum force amassing.

 Paradigm wrote:
I'm glad someone got the reference! GW missed a trick not building a 3-legged AdMech walker based on that!

Cheers guys.

Are you kidding? I love me some War of the Worlds. The Horsell Common and the Heat Ray part used to creep me out as a kid! (Shame none of the film adaptations used England as the setting!)

The Onager Dunecrawler is one of my favorite Ad Mech minis, and you, sir, nailed it! Awesome stuff! I guess that's the whole Start Collecting box, isn't it?

Yep, that's the Start Collecting set done now, still to come are a dozen or so kitbashed Vanguard and I'll probably add at least a squad of Ruststalkers down the line, but not for a bit.

@AoV: Me too. The original musical version has to be one of the finest albums ever, and the book is a brilliant example of early sci-fi... don't really care for the film though!

The Dunecrawler looks excellent, really nice weathering

Sweet work on the Onager. Really is an awesome model

Dune Crawler looks great. I think mechanicus armies are really sharp in alternate color schemes.

Looks great. I like the way the fold in your cloth makes it look like smoke's coming out the stack too

I love the crimson fist champion!
Really nice control on hush
The extra effort you put into you pictures with the border and text is a really cool touch!

Thanks guys!

Finished up my Mantis Maker entry, swapping out the Scout who didn't really fit for a Star Phantom Marine as the victim of the Mantis's treachery. With this scene, I wanted to convey the moment at which this Mantis fully embraces his role as the traitor his brothers have already branded him as. There's a short fluff piece attached to add context.



The Star Phantom's offer was clear as he approached. An honourable fight, a good death, and at the last absolution. Galen readied his blade, shifted his weight, and stared in silence at the approaching warrior. A split second to think...

No. No, he would not die like this. Not at the hands of his brothers, not at the hands of the ones who would leave him nameless, call him faithless, let him fade away into nothingness. Fate had made him a warrior. Fate had made him a traitor. Now, as he raised his bolter and unflinchingly, hatefully pulled the trigger, fate would make him a survivor...



Also references a film somewhat obliquely, let's see if anyone can work out which one!

That's all for now on the painting front, and I can't see myself getting through much until my first batch of AoS stuff gets here. I had a demo game in the local GW the other day with a couple of my regular 40k opponents, really enjoyed it despite the beating my borrowed Stormcast army took... It's going to take a while to wrap my head around the new way of playing, I was a bit careless and didn't pay attention to how fast the Elves I was facing could get the hell out of dodge and leave my battle line in the middle of nowhere for my Skaven 'ally' (we were playing 1v1v1, but the Elf army gave us both a beating early on so we teamed up to take it on) to stab in the back! Definitely sold on the game, though, it was great fun and played very quickly and smoothly. So I'll definitely be Sigmaring it up over the summer, the idea being that I can come back to uni and the gaming group in September with a fully painted army.

Anyway, enough rambling! Cheers for looking, any thoughts on the minis welcome and if you could take a moment to vote on it in the gallery, that'd be much appreciated too!

Beautifully done Paradigm. Love the story.

Very nice!

Cheers for the link to those minis. They look nice.

Thanks guys!

@spyguyyoday: I'll post up a review when they get here, the Not-Empire stuff only came out last month and so far there don't seem to be any reviews online.

Really nice work - and I like the fluff too, really fits well.

And I might be completely off-base here, but is the reference to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the lost ark?

We have a winner! Thought the nod might be a little too subtle, but yeah, that was the scene that inspired this piece.

Oh, yeah that was subtle. I don't do subtle.

Poor beakie helmet dude

Woah, I was going to guess that but thought it was to much of a stretch. Guess not, must be something to it if 2 of us could see it.

Excellent diorama!

Sweet work Para!!! Really nice atmosphere and dio. Another beakie out of circulation - great job all round

That dio is awesome! Now, maybe I missed it, but which army are you thinking you will do for AoS? If I could recommend one that would fit your painting style, it would be the Khorne Bloodbound. They have a nice gritty feel that you could capture very well.

Nicely done Para! Also, I wouldn't have been able to guess the reference either sadly.

Wow. Lots of excellent work since I last dropped by. The diorama looks great and I really like the Hawk Lord characters.

EDC

Thanks guys!

It did pain me to take what may have been my last spare beakie out of commission, I actually really like those but it suited this mini so it got used!

@ZS: I outlined my AoS plans on the last page, I think. Basically a mix and match of Order forces starting with Freeguilders (Empire), Wanderers (Wood Elves)and Dispossessed (Dwarfs). In all honesty, the Bloodbound do nothing for me, aside from a couple of the characters. Not sure what it is, about them, I just couldn't get inspired to paint them, I reckon.

Cracking stuff as per Para

 Azazelx wrote:
You're tearing through the Fists and Marvel models as usual. I can't keep up with all of the stuff you manage to produce. Every time I've got time to check the thread there's another three pages and another dozen models done!

You essentially just took the words out of my mouth lol

I swear there's easily been another three four pages since I last looked at this thread

@paradigm absolutely love the look of your onager beautiful job! lovely model.

great stuff paradigm. you have a definite knack for channeling the grimdark!

No idea how I missed the Onager and diorama, both are looking really good. The Onager is a great kit and you have really done it justice, quite a Skitarii force you have already...any plans for Dune/Ironstriders in the future?

Ta folks!

Working on my entry into this month's challenge at the moment, pics tomorrow if all goes according to plan.

@Thraxas: Probably no Striders for the time being, they're nice enough models but I don't like the fact I'd have to pay £27 or whatever it is for a 45-75 point model that needs to be in multiples to really be effective. I'm more likely to get another Start Collecting box, the only trouble is I don't necessarily need another Archmagos.

Couple of quick bits today, just to keep things ticking over.

First off, what was going to be my challenge entry but isn't now (I don't think he's good enough), a Space Wolf Grey Hunter. There's some up-scaling going on here, not a lot just extended legs, bulked out torso and Terminator arms, it doesn't go as far as some but just gives him a bit more bulk. Not something I'm likely to do more of in future, as the effect isn't that dramatic for how much effort it takes, but it's one of those things that is good to know I can do.


And I also painted up a couple of Honour Guard for the Crimson Fists, though the pics aren't great so I'll have to retake them at some point. They do look good in the flesh, and should be fine accompanying Kantor into battle... Two more to do at some point, and when I get home another with the 25th anniversary CF banner.



That's all for now, hopefully by the end of the week I should have some AoS stuff to start showing. Heading into exam season for the next few weeks so there might be a bit of a lull in here, we'll see... revising makes anything else seem fun, so maybe that'll give me a kick up the backside to knock out some more Skit and CF troopers...

Thanks for looking, any thoughts welcome, and cheers to those voting on my pics, I had 6 on the gallery front page at one point yesterday! By the way, I'd appreciate it if anyone could take a moment to vote on the Mantis Warrior diorama, it's one of those pieces I'd really like to put a number on.

Isn't good enough. You make me laugh Para!

Lovely Fists also, though I don't know if I like the Kantor conversion. Maybe I'm just used to the normal model

Will look forward to the AOS stuff, will be good to see what you'll do with those models.

Looking good there Para.

Like the tone you've taken with the Crimson Fists.

And... more beautiful stuff. Shoot me now.

Loving the CFs Para, and I must say I cannot wait to see your AoS army come together. Are you still going for a ragtag group?

Cheers guys.

@Bottle: yep, the plan hasn't changed, still working toward 'a little bit of everything', mulling over a few more fluff ideas... Starting out with Freeguild/Empire and High Elves, planning Dwarves and Undead down the line... First stuff should be in by the end of the week. Since it looks like most of my play will end up being at the local GW, I maybe can't go quite as 'out there' in terms of models/manufacturers as I'd like, but there are still a few bits and pieces that I can probably get away with, especially with some GW stuff in there as well...

The MOM Miniatures Empire stuff looks close enough to the regular Empire minis that they should pass muster, likewise I'm hoping some Mantic skellies will slip under the radar, though it might be a while before I buy any as I kind of want to get the initial forces up and running before I go for any weirder elements that'll need a bit more explaining. The fluff concepts behind the alliance are there, but it's much easier to quickly explain why my Men and Elves are fighting alongside one another than it is to explain how these skeletons dressed suspiciously like Old World Bretonnians are hanging around as well...