Morning all - my name is Dysartes, and I may have a problem.....

I have far too many unpainted figures.

As such, I figured I'd try to get them painted up, and this blog should help, as a source of motivation and critique. As it stands, I've got 3 projects on the go, and rediscovering a plastic Dwarf army box over the weekend may add a fourth to the mix. So, here goes.....

Project 1 - Space Wolves

With the release of the new Space Wolves codex, and the impressive Wolf Pack and Wolf Guard sprues which accompanied it, I decided to construct a SW force as a painting project, rather than an actual army. As it turned out, I still had an unpainted Rune Priest from the Tale of Three Gamers I did for my old website, which makes for my first HQ choice - he currently looks like this:





(All images for this thread will be hosted in the Dakka Gallery)

Things to do on him:

- Metallics
- Clean up the plain shoulder pad when the metallics are done
- Washes: the bone, the fur, the metallics will all need washes, and the armour needs a second, darker, shade as well. I may well hit the face with a second coat of Ogryn Flesh, as well.
- Highlight the plasma cell and random blue cables to a brighter blue
- Attach him to his base (urban, already constructed & painted)

I've also bought a Wolf Pack box, a unit of Scouts and a Tactical squad box - from these I've made 5 Wolf Scouts, and will be making 10 Grey Hunters and 10 Blood Claws as well. I managed to find my bits bag from the ToTG project, which will give me some flexibility on construction.

The Wolf Scouts are also WIP, as shown below:





To do:
- Metallics
- Shade the armour
- Washes - all the leather, the metallics, whatever I decide for the fatigues, etc

I still wish the Wolf Pack set had come with a Wolf Scout torso, but there you go. I was considering an urban camo fatigue to go with the basing, but had it pointed out to me yesterday that that may lose the "Space Wolf" feel - instead, a very dark brown was suggested - we'll see where that goes.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I've got a reasonably sized Imperial Guard army already, painted in a field grey(ish) scheme. However, I found some assorted Tallarn while looking for my bits bag, and am considering painting them in an urban scheme, with similar basing to the Wolf Scouts above. I also found that I've got 2 of Captain Al'rahem, so I've started to convert one to have a more modern plasma pistol - the pistol is attached, I just need to work out how to attach the targeter to it - pics to follow tomorrow night (UK time) of what I've done, and I'll run through my ideas on the targeter then - in the mean time, and suggestions will gratefully received.

Oh, by the way - I've not yet picked up the latest IG codex - is Al'Rahem in it, or will I be using him as a generic Captain?

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

The Irregulars run a monthly themed painting competition - the theme for December being Silent Night. I've got two plans for this, and will post more details tonight/tomorrow, as I've just looked at the clock and realised I've got to be getting ready for work

Catch y'all later.

Right - time for a bit more on Project 3.....

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

As I stated yesterday, I've got two ideas for entries for this theme. The first of these is based around one of the Goblin Shinobi from the Confrontation line - specifically, the one that looks like he is aiming a shuriken at someone. I intend to build a base approximately 2"x3", with a mock-Tudor style building taking up the rear right 1"x2". This will leave me a pavement/street 1" wide around the front and left of the base.

The Shinobi will be on the left of the base, taking aim at a sentry - probably from the Griffin or Cadwallon line, though possibly a Tir-na-bor Dwarf - with the intent of silencing him before carrying out the kill. Cobblestones and dirtied up snow on the street, along with patches of snow on the roof, add to the flavour of the scene, as well as tying it to winter.

If they are released in time, I'll also get one of the new Victorian lamp posts which are being released by Wyrd miniatures, and add it to the front left corner of the base.

My second idea was to make use of the Canting Crew figures produced by Micro Art Studio to recreate one of the scenes from Hogfather - my original idea was to recreate the scene where Death has decided to redistribute the food from a posh restaurant, swapping it with the old boots and mud that the Canting Crew normally survive on. Taking a second look at the figures, they've been sculpted to fit with the scene where they're singing roughly three different carols, all of them out of tune. I'm not sure about this plan now, but I'll continue to think about it.

Thinking about it while typing, I've also realised I could model up the scene towards the end of the book, where Death is disguised as a snowman, with the aid of snow snow effects, some green stuff, and possibly a could of sacrificial Night Goblins to turn into the Auditors - again, I'll think further on this, and concentrate on idea 1 for now.

Project 3a - Christmas Decoration

While the above relates to December, I was really happy with my entry for OCtober - the theme was Winter's Bite, and I painted up two of the Frisky Penguins, from Copplestone Castings, in under a week, yet still managed to take third place:





I've already been asked to volunteer these guys for the Christmas cake my Mum is decorating, but I've still got half a dozen of the little guys knocking around. I was considering doing them up on 25mm bases, with a scenic (and very snowy) overall base to tie them together, possibly also featuring the Copplestone Walrus figure - it'd work as a desk decoration at work (where I'm generally viewed as one step down from Scrooge), as well as a display piece.

Any thoughts?

So, the Tallarn.....

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

As mentioned in my initial post, I'm looking to modernise the look of Captain Al'Rahem's plasma pistol. I started off by digging out one of the Assault Marine arm sprues from my bits box (from the first plastic Assault Marine box), and acquiring the plasma pistol hand from it, along with a SM Tac Squad targetter. Some careful clipping removed the plasma pistol from the hand, at which point I gave it a quick going over for mold lines, drilled out the barrel, and set it to one side.

Testing the strength of my clippers, I removed the metal plasma pistol from Al'Rahem's arm a section at a time, then filed the top of his hand flat. A quick dab of superglue later, and we have the following result.

Not attached to Al'Rahem



On Al'Rahem (not glued in position)



So, my question is how best to attach the targetter to the plasma pistol, to go with the classic Al'Rahem wasted-Wargear-card look? My current idea it to do a band of green stuff across the top of the plasma cell, so it is flush with the rest of the pistol casing, and mount the targetter on that. An alternative that was suggested to me on Sunday was to mount it in front of the plasma cell - possibly with the targetter the opposite way round to normal - it sounds a little odd, but I can see what the guy means.

Does anyone out there have any other ideas - or pictures of a similar conversion knocking around? I can see that there are some of you out there reading this, so please feel free to chip in with some comments

dude can i request you ak 47 all your tallarn soldiers?

i would recommend the sm captain plasma pistol it has a targetter on it and some gothic writing but i would say maybe wrap some bandages on the plasma pistol and paint it with detailed pattern for a kick ass finish those space wolves are looking good and are those penguins greenstuffed?

I was thinking about modernising the barrels of my troopers, physco - I can see what you mean about sticking AK's on them, but I like the lasgun look (especially if done up to look like the plastic Cadian lasgun, rather than the older sculpts).

I was intending on gathering up and sorting out what Tallarn troopers I've got this weekend, then starting with the special weapon troopers and Al'Rahem for painting. Not quite sure how Tallarn will look in an urban scheme, but its worth a shot. Don't suppose you lnow if Al'Rahem is in the latest Codex, do you? I know Chenkov is, but wasn't sure about Al'Rahem.

Good point about the Commander plasma pistol - I'd forgotten about that one when looking for bits, as I've got an unused SM Commander box somewhere. Might dig it out and see how it is mounted on there.

With regards the penguins, they can be found here, on Copplestone Castings' website - they're part of pack K32. Can't seem to see the Walrus on there, but I intend to pick him up on Saturday, and will post a pic when he is in my possession.

Not much happened over night.....

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

I started to draw out on a piece of foamcore the sections I'd need for the base. One thing this has made clear to me is that 3" by 2" is not Actually that large - for those of you in the audience who play Warmachine or Hordes, it is actually smaller than a unit stat card. Looking at it as drawn out, I think I may need to increase the size, possibly to 4" by 3"

This will allow me to have a slightly large building in the corner, but more importantly give the figures involved more breathing space, stopping the end result from looking too cramped.

I've also decided, based on the thickness of my foamcore board (roughly 3mm) that I'll need 3 layers for the base, rather than 2.

The final thing I've been thinking about is the height of the background building. If I make it too large, it'll draw the eye over and above the figures in the piece. I'm intending to give it a Tudor look, like this building, but with a slate/tiled roof, and have been trying to decide whether to go for one or two storeys. With the adjusted base, the building will end up being 2.5" by 1.5", in case the footprint influences your thoughts.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, guys.

OK, update time.....

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

As mentioned earlier in the thread, I spent some time going through my various boxes/cases of figs looking for Tallarn guardsmen. After digging through everything, I've unearthed the following:

1 Captain Al'Rahem (in addition to the one I'm converting)

1 Sergeant (Plasma Pistol & Sword)
2 Sergeant (Autopistol & Chainsword)

2 Meltagun crew
3 Grenade Launchers

1 Autocannon team
1 Mortar team
3 Missile Launcher teams

33 Assorted lasgunners

Not sure if the plasma pistol sergeant is WYSIWYG, but I'll check that when I get the new 'dex. In addition, I found the following advisers:

1 x Steel Legion Commissar
2 x Power Fist / Sword Commissar
1 x Redemptor Priest (Preacher)
1 x Wyrd Telekentic (Primaris Psyker)
1 x Primaris Psyker

Quite a few of these guys are going to need stripping to get rid of earlier paintjobs, so I'll break out the Nitromors next weekend. Even so, I've got the makings of a reasonable platoon here, though I could do with another heavy weapon or two.

Out of interest, I'm aware that heavy weapon teams are now meant to be based on 60mm bases - does anyone know of where I can get some plain ones cheaper than the GW Webstore? From what I can see there, I'm looking at £2.45 for 3 bases regardless of whether I go for the raised or Titan style bases.

I've also realised I should go through and split up my assorted horde of metal guard by regiment, but that'll take a while. I'm also a little confused about where the Vostroyan platoon box came from.....

Project 1 - Space Wolves

No actual work done on these guys, but I did find some useful bits as I was playing Hunt the Tallarn - an unpainted Ulrik the Slayer (minus base & Backpack) in a box of assorted stuff I got given by a past housemate, as well as unused SM Commander and Command Squad boxed sets - between them and the other bits I have on hand, I should be able to add some Wolf Guard and a Grey Hunter standard bearer to my force. Not sure yet whether to modernise Ulrik's plasma pistol - given the pistol is worked into the shoulder pad, I'd have to work forwards of the plasma cell, and theer is a noticable difference in thickness between the older and newer plasma pistols.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

The base has been cut, and is currently drying - I used 3 layers of foamboard at 4" by 3". Once that's dried, I'm going to edge it with some balsa wood - if I can work out the geometry of the building in time, this balsa wood will also cover the gaps at the back, given only a corner is being exposed.

For my victim, I'm going to be using one of the Cadwallon militia figures, which I've rooted out of a tray. Tomorrow morning, he and his Goblin assailant will be being separated from their bases, and pinned to corks for painting purposes.

With regards the building, I'm leaning towards a single story with a sloping roof - given the height of the Cadwallon dude (~36mm or 1 & 7/16") the wall will need to be roughly 1 & 3/4" - 2" before the roof, which will slope back at 45 degrees.As noted before, I'll then do some Tudor-esque wooden detailing, and a slate roof - how does that sound?

As before, I'd love to get some feedback from y'all......

Pretty cool SW painting.

Time for an update - while I haven't got pictures of the things I've worked on, I should be able to get them this evening.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

At the painting group on Sunday I managed to work on the plasma cells and random cabling on the Rune Priest. I need to give them a wash of Asurmen Blue, then see if any further highlights are required, so I may do that tonight, before taking pictures.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I finally attached the targetter to Al'Rahem's plasma pistol, after filing the bottom of it down a bit. I'm reasonably happy with the end result, so I need to finish off his base and then he can be undercoated, along with a squad or so of infantry.

I've decided that I'm going to spend some time over the next couple of weeks sorting out what IG I've got, whether they be metal, resin or plastic, and sort out a paint scheme for them. My previous scheme can be seen in the below pictures (all circa 2005, so apologies for the quality)





Colour scheme was a rough Field Gray (mixed with equal parts Codex Grey, Chaos Black and Dark Angels Green) with Rotting Flesh Camo stripes stippled on. While I found that the colour scheme tied everything together, it is both dark and a bit dull - also, I never want to stipple another camo stripe if I can help it I had, by the time I stopped working on the project, gotten Cadians, Valhallans and Steel Legion painted in the scheme, along with Ratlings and Kasrkin.

I've also managed to dig out the background behind my Guardsmen, as follows:

13th Armageddon Auxilaries

While the Administratum may claim that the Imperium runs on the paperwork that it generates, tracking the unit dispositions, supply levels and positions for the countless regiments of Imperial Guard is a drain on even their resources. This becomes most obvious in conflicts such as the Third War for Armageddon, where formations can go from full strength to below combat effectiveness in the space of a single day. In this sort of situation, a holding formation known as a "regiment of detachents" can be created to minimise the bureaucracy required to maintain regemnts at combat strength.

The 13th Armageddon Auxilaries are such a formation, created during the Third War during the fighting around Death Mire. Currently under the command of Kolonel Sergey Nikolaievich Golovko, the regiment has swelled as extra units were decimated and the survivors added to their ranks. Thanks to inertia within the Departmento Munitorum, the Auxilaries have also received most of the troops due to reinforce the regiments it was formed from.

No regiment within the Auxilaries has been forgotten. Each one has been inscribed within the regimental Roll of Honour, allowing new regiments to be founded on their Homeworlds. It is generally accepted that in such a formation, regimental rivalries will flare up, causing inefficiency on the battlefield - it is a credit to the staff of the Regimental Commissariat, then, that such incidents are kept to a minimum.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

Well, the base has dried. - need to look at framing that with balsa wood soon.

Also, undercoated and began to work on the Goblin Shinobi & Cadwallon Militiaman. Need better reference pictures fr both of them. I need to wash the skin on the goblin, probably with a Devlan Mud/Thraka Green mix, while the Militiaman needs at least another coat of Midlund Flesh before he can be washed with Ogryn flesh. I also need to sort out my many shades of bron for the rest of the figure.

As I said, more pictures will follow this evening, of things what I have actually worked on.

Morning all - time for some pics to accompany the last update.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

As I mentioned yesterday, the painting I did on these guys on Sunday was working on the various blue elements on the Rune Priest & Plasma Pistol Wolf Scouts, as shown below:








Project 2 - Imperial Guard

So, Al'Rahem's converted plasma pistol - here are 3 views, compared to a "stock" A'Rahem miniature. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, though I note that the arm is not glued in place in these pictures.




Also, as I'm fully aware of the internet rule that if you haven't got a picture, it doesn't count, here are a couple of shots of the Tallarn troops I'm going to need to work through:




Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

As mentioned previously, I've begun painting the two infantry figures which will appear in the diorama:

Rackham Goblin Shinobi - Skin basecoated in P3 Traitor Green, shoes in VMC Flat Brown, IIRC. I'll be washing the shoes with Devlan Mud, and the skin in a mix of Devlan Mud & Thraka Green, I think.


Rackham Cadwallon Militiaman - Skin has had one coat of P3 Midlund Flesh - needs at least one more, plus a wash of Ogryn Flesh. I'm surprised by the amount of eyebrow this guy appears to have.


So, that's where I'm up to at the minute. A friend of mine has sent me some building plans for a Tudor building in 28mm scale, so I'm going to get them printed off tonight ready to look at using them tomorrow. It will be a two storey building in that case, which I hope won't overload the restof the diorama. I need to loot some coffee stirrers from the canteen for use in detailing the building, as they should look good as beams, etc.

Quick question - do people think individual images (such as in the Space Wolves and Imperial Guard parts of this update) or composite images (such as the project 3 update) work better?

They both work just as well, if you ask me. I love your work on the Thirteenth Armageddon Auxiliary Its good.

Thanks, Brotheralexos - out of interest, was it the background or the paint scheme that you liked? I'm hoping it was the background, as a long-term goal is to get everything repainted

I'll post a more substantial update later on, including pics of the stuff I've been working on this week

Ooh, what psychic powers do the penguins have?

Nice practical application of your hobby gained skills. I need to start thinking up more
mundane applications as well (no christmas for me)

Aside from the insidious Psychic cuteness assault, malfred? None that I know of

Hmm - must crack on with getting the other 6 painted, really.

Anyway, other progress since my last proper update.....

Firstly, I've decided to go with composite images where possible, if only to save Dakka some hosting space

Project 1 - Space Wolves

Not much progress on the Wolves since the last update:

Rune Priest - Asurmen Blue was on the plasma pistol, Gryphonne Sepia washes on the teeth, skull & inside of cloak - still not happy with the colour of that section of cloak - Badab Black wash on the rune on his nicklace, the made the detail visible again:


Wolf Scouts - Asurmen Blue was on the two plasma pistols, Devlan Mud wash on the red pouches to dull them down a little - they were screaming red at me before, so I think this is an improvement.


Project 2 - Imperial Guard

Well, I've based five Tallarn Guardsmen and started working on them - I'd've done more, but the appropriate drillbit broke as I pinned the last guy (the one about to trip over a large lump of concrete), and I haven't had chance to get a replacement yet. The scheme I'm using is based on the scheme for the 89th Tallarn, shown on pg30 of the 4th Ed IG codex:


So far, I've done two coats of P3 Midlund Flesh on the skin, followed by an Ogryn Flesh wash. The turbans are a ~ 3:2 mix of VMC Basalt Grey & VMC Pale Greyblue. Shoulder pads and upper trousers are P3 Greatcoat Grey, while the brown bits of strapping are VMC Flat Brown. Guns will remain black, and most metallics will just be Boltgun Metal with a Badab Black wash. Might try using Gryphonne Sepia on the shoulder aquila to give it a gold look. Not sure about the tunic yet, but possibly a mix of VMC Pale Greyblue, Oxford Blue & Basalt Grey, washed with a mix of Asurmen Blue & Badab Black - I'm undecided on that yet.

I've also done some more digging for what other IG needs working on, and found the following - bear in mind that, other than the Tallarn missile launcher teams shown on an earlier post, I've not yet sorted out my cases:




Why do I get the feeling that this project is going to take a while?

Two quick questions:

1, Does anyone know a source of raised 60mm plain bases cheaper than GW Mail Order?
2, What are the rules on objective markers these days? Is there a standard size/number you need to have prepared?

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

More work on these two dudes, less on the building - need to check the scale, as it seems quite tall compared to a random IG trooper.....

Ninja Goblin - ~1:1 Thraka Green/Devlan Mud wash all over the skin, followed by Devlan Mud into various crevices. Picked out the metallics with Boltgun Metal, then washed them down with Badab Black. I think the brown was P3 Battlefield Brown. The two grey patches are two of the greys used on the Tallarn above - I'm thinking of doing the main part of the robe in Greatcoat Grey, as black stands out too much in the dark. Not sure about the triangulr trim, belt, etc yet - I think it needs some "spot" colours, but not too much. Also need to paint the dude's nails - I'm thinking misc. brown, then VMC Pale Sand, then multiple washes of Devlan Mud.

Any thoughts on spot colours, by the way? I'm thinking reds or possibly blues. Also, should the goblin's eyes be red, or "standard" human?


Cadwallon Militia Dude #3 - Hit the skin with Midlund Flesh again, then washed with Ogryn Flesh. Metals got the same treatment as the Ninja. I'm finding this guy more of a pain to paint than the Ninja, though I'm not sure why. Have also noted a couple of chipped points on the undercoat I need to redo.


Phew - so, what do y'all think?

http://www.litkoaero.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LAI&Product_Code=GMB245-100

They sell plywood laser cut bases. All you have to do is wipe
them down because of the wood resin where the wood was cut
by the laser.


Price per 100 count:

3mm Plywood Bases ($15.99)
1.5mm Plywood Bases ($62.99)
0.8mm Plywood Bases ($38.99)
Flexible Steel Base Bottoms ($15.99)
Magnetic Base Bottoms ($15.99)
Heavy Duty Magnetic Base Bottoms ($19.99)

Thanks for the link, malfred - may well end up ordering a couple of batches via USPS delivery - I'm not in a major rush for them (still need to finish painting a model this month ), and the delivery rate isn't hideous.

When you say wipe them down, are we talking just with a damp cloth, or are we talking sandpaper, etc?

Some people sandpaper the surface, but I'm lazy and I just damp cloth the edges.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Making_Removable_Front_Arc_Markers_with_Litko_Bases#Materials

Malfred, what is this Litko Aerosystems of which you speak? Are they the same ones that sell Industrial Towers and Space Corridors?

Owain wrote:Malfred, what is this Litko Aerosystems of which you speak? Are they the same ones that sell Industrial Towers and Space Corridors?

Don't you dare threadjack someone's P&M blog, or else we'll set upon you the fury of
a thousand grumpy Frazzleds.

Thanks again for the tip on the bases, malfred - will definitely get some of those ordered in the new year.

So, not much happened since Sunday, but I figured I'd give y'all a quick update to tide you over.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

Project 1 will be going on hold for now, probably until January - I need to concentrate on Project 3, so with the exception of possibly drilling out some gun barrels and possibly basecoating some more metallics on them, I'll be leaving the Space Puppies alone until Project 3 is finished.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I've just come back from putting a second coat of P3 Greatcoat Grey on the trousers and shoulder pads. I've decided to try the Gryphonne Sepia method of doing gold on the Imperial Eagles on the pauldrons and water bottles, as well as sections of their scabbards, and see what I think about it - brown basecoat and Boltgun coats are pencilled in for tonight, with the wash getting used tomorrow. I also hope to sort out my lighter blue/grey for the tunics tonight, and put a second coat of brown on the wrappings on the guns and lower legs, with a Devlan Mud wash going on them tomorrow.

Shall also try to get the drybrushing on the bases done - need to do a pale greyblue coat, then Morrow White - once they've been drybrushed sufficiently, a couple of coats of Devlan Mud should see the bases done.

Once I've finished the five Tallarn, and are happy with the colour scheme, I'm trying to decide on what to work on next for the IG - bearing in mind that, at this stage, I'm sorting out colour schemes more than anything else. At the moment, I'm torn between doing five Valhallan Ice Warriors (Sarge, 3 dudes with lasguns and a special weapon), 5 Praetorians or the unit of 6 Kasrkin I've got on my desk - both the Kasrkin and Praets are going to need stripping first, and I'm going to need to get a new drill-bit before I can start on them anyway.

Assuming anyone is reading this, what you you think?

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

Definitely going to go with the Greatcoat Grey for the majority of the robes on the goblin, washed with Badab Black and Devlan Mud (separate coats, not a mix). Lighter browns for various straps and handles, possibly red for the belt. Still can't make my mind up on the triangle detail yet, or whether he should have red eyes.

Must force myself to get started on the Militia dude. He'll mostly be in shades of brown, with the bottle, shield and possibly some other detail elements to break it up with spot colours. I was thinking of either red or blue on the shield, with the raised detail in gold/brass in either case. Probably going to give him grey hair/eyebrows, as his poses makes me think he's old.

Anyway, I intend for an update with pictures on Friday evening, where there will hopefully be some noticeable progress

Time for the promised update - with (more) pictures.....

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I got some work done on the gold on these guys yesterday, using the method described by grey_death on The Painting Corps:



Stage 1: Basecoat areas to be gold in VMC Flat Brown.
Stage 2: Go over with GW Chainmail, not really being that bothered if some brown still shows in recesses.
Stage 3: Wash with GW Gryphonne Sepia
Stage 4+: See stage 3

The stage 4 picture is after 2 coats of wash - I'm currently trying to decide if they need another to be a decent gold, so will check them in whatever ends up being natural light tomorrow. I'm fairly happy with the progress, though.

Other work includes a Devlan Mud wash on the brown straps on their legs and guns, and painting the frame and lenses on the goggles of Grenade Guy. Need to figure out a mix for the tunics, and do more washing.

I've also decided what regiment I'm going to try out next, and started basing them.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

Ninja Goblin has progressed:



All the robe bar the triangle trim got hit with P3 Greatcoat Grey. Needs a wash with a mix of Asurmen Blue & Badab Black, with Devlan Mud around the lower hem. Ninja also got a manicure, with VMC Flat Brown followed by VMC Pale Sand on his nails. As you can see, they looked a bit clean, so the Gryphonne Sepia came out again while I was working on the Tallarn:



While I don't think you can see it on these pictures, there's a scroll hiding behind the sword on his back, which has gotten painted the same way.

To do tomorrow:
- Pick out the stitches around the patches, then wash the entire robe in some form of a blue/black wash mix.
- Paint the disc on his head a darkish red - it seems to fit
- Make a decision regarding his belt, ouch and other straps
- FORCE MYSELF TO WORK ON MILITIA DUDE!!!!!

Given today was the last Sheffield Irregulars meet for 2009, I was able to get some more work done - in addition to what I did yesterday.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

First of all, Ninja Goblin:


- Robes got a second coat of P3 Greatcoat Grey, stitches around the patches were picked out with VMC Flat Brown (I think), then the robes were washed with a 2:1:2 Asurmen Blue:Badab Black:Water wash.
- Disc on his head was painted VMC Cavalry Brown - 2 thin coats
- Sword & sai handles were painted P3 Bootstrap Leather (I think), then washed with Devlan Mud
- The pommel of the sai was painted Boltgun Metal, and now needs a Badab Black wash

Militia dude managed to get some paint time as well:


- Shield was painted with VMC Cavalry Brown - 2 thin coats - raised detail will be becoming gold, in the same way as the Tallarn shoulders (see previous post)
- Dagger scabbard got a coat of P3 Battlefield Brown, and some metal details on his front got a coat of Boltgun Metal - now in need of a BAdab Black wash. The scabbard needs a second coat of Battlefield Brown

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

The Tallarn are getting closer to being completed:





- Tunics painted with a 2:2:1 mix of VMC Pale Greyblue:Oxford Blue:Basalt Grey, washed with a 2:2:1 mix of Asurmen Blue:Water:Badab Black. They may get a second wash, but I'm not sure yet.
- Straps & knife handles painted with P3 Bootstrap Leather. They all need a Devlan Mud wash
- I think the gold got an extra coat of Gryphonne Sepia - I'm really liking how it has come out
- Shiny metal bits have been painted with Boltgun Metal, and need a Badab Black wash
- Bits of the water bottle and knife scabbard have been painted with P3 Battlefield Brown - a second coat is required

Other than steps noted above, finishing off the bases (a drybrush of Morrow White, then a couple of coats of Devlan Mud) and some form of wash on the turbans (probably Badab Black, though a darker blue/black wash may yet occur), I think they're done.

Up next for the IG - Valhallan Ice Warriors....

They've just had the one thin coat of Midlund Flesh so far - I'm quite happy with how the running guy on the front right has come out - though after basing him, I've decided to make sure I do all the work on the bases before I pin the dudes to them.

Any feedback, gys? I'm getting the impression I'm talking to myself over here

Despite any and all appearances to the contrary, I haven't actually disappeared off the face of the planet. However, being at the family home from the 23rd to the 29th has meant that I've not gotten much done in the past week or so.

What have I achieved? Well, I've managed to get my first Mordians into the new basing scheme, with the officer and two lasgun troops prepared. They, along with a Steel Legion Commissar will form the group to be worked on after the Valhallans - though I suppose that if I can get far enough ahead on the basing prep work, I could production line the troops.

I'm out tonight, but then I've got a three day weekend that will mostly be spent either lurking on Dakka, watching films and/or painting, so I intend to be giving an update per day over the weekend.

Regarding 40k Objectives, by the way - how many should I have prepared? What size base should they be on?

Dysartes wrote:

Regarding 40k Objectives, by the way - how many should I have prepared? What size base should they be on?

Isn't it three? Can't remember. I even watched a game recently that had objectives.

Five objectives at most, Tourneys usually put up 4 for grabs. It's nice seeing some old metal IG, looking forward to more of them!

Thanks guys - when I was hunting my guardsmen out, I found a set of FW Open Ammunition Crates, so I suspect 4 objectives should be fairly easy. Might get the tank crew involved, too

CommissarKhaine, given one of my resolutions, I expect you're going to see quite a few Guardsmen on here:

5, Try to complete at least a minimum-sized platoon of each metal IG regiment, in urban camo, with the exceptions of Cadians, Catachans and Attilan Rough Riders. By my reckoning, this would be Praetorians, Mordians, Valhallans, Tallarn, Steel Legion and Vostroyans. My only IG purchases shall be to make these legal platoons, with SW/HW choices for each squad.

So, managed to get some more work done on the Tallarn Five and the Cadwallon Militiaman.

Tallarn
- Bases were given a reasonably heavy drybrush of Morrow White, then washed twice with Devlan Mud. I'll take a look at them in the cold light of day tomorrow, but bar tidying up the edge of the bases the base should be done.
- Grenade Guy's grenade got hit with Boltgun Metal, followed by a Badab Black wash
- Meltagun barrel got a wash of Leviathan Purple, followed by the front half getting a hit with Gryphonne Sepia - going to check this tomorrow, see what I think

Valhallans
- Skin got 2 more thin coats of Midlund Flesh

Cadwallon Militiaman
- Metal symbol on his shield got hit with Boltgun Metal, then one wash of Gryphonne Sepia.

To Do Tomorrow
Tallarn
- Tidy up base edges with P3 Thamar Black
- Boots & gun casings get painted with P3 Coal Black
- Touch up turbans, then wash them with a Blue/Bluck mix (leaning towards the blue)
- Decide what colour to paint Grenade Guy's sash - the example in the scheme in 4th ED IG Dex is in ~ Coal Black, but that seems a touch dull. It works, but might be a good source of contrast, but I ain't decided yet.

With the above done, I think these guys can be described as done, bar varnish - and they'll almost equal my completed model output for 2009.....

Valhallans
- Flesh to get hit with Ogryn Flesh
- Paint coats with Greatcoat Grey
- Drybrush bases with the same

Cadwallon Militiaman
- Shield detail gets 2 more coats of Gryphonne Sepia, then the shield is carefully touched up with VMC Cavalry Brown
- Leg straps get painted Greatcoat Grey
- Decide which brown to paint the main part of his quilted armour

Goblin Ninja
- Decide on belt, scabbard strap and triangle border colours
- Paint some of the above

So, today was not as productive as I'd've liked - my fault for getting distracted by season 4 of Bones during the day, and chatting to a friend of mine all evening.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

Well, I've finished four out of the five Tallarn - Grenade Guy's sash being the only sticking point. I keep thinking about painting it in an orange, given the rest of the figure is most blue-grey, but that'd kinda defeat the point of the camo. Anyone got any ideas on that score?

Either way, here are my first completed figures of 2010:


I've also managed a bit more work on the skin of the Valhallans - I'll definitely get to the coats tomorrow:


Project 3 - Silent Night

Again, some small progress on the militiaman:


The gold still needs a coat or two of Gryphonne Sepia to tidy it up, but he's getting there - though slowly.

Hmm - a week since I last posted? We can't be having that.

Most of the last week has been taken up with frantic writing, proof-reading and editing for Irregular magazine issue 3, which was released yesterday. As such, I've been kinda limited on what painting I've done recently, but have managed to get some stuff done.

Project 3 - Silent Night

The lack of time mentioned above restricted what I was able to get done on the above project. In the end, I've just entered the Ninja Goblin, shown below. I do intend to complete the full diorama, probably in time for the event I'll be helping run in June, but we'll see.

The Ninja is mounted on a temporary base, which is meant to look like a tiled floor. Unfortunately, as I only started on it at lunchtime today, it isn't as polished as I would have liked.


Models completed: 5
Project status: On hold

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

First things first - Grenade Guy got finished off. I ended up doing his sash in VMC Pale Greyblue, washed with a 2:2:1 mix of Asurmen Blue:Badab Black: Water.


Models completed: 6
Hmm - looks like I may have matched the number of models I completed last year already - and we're only on 10/01/10. Result! Next stop? 12 completed figures, giving me an average of one per month.....

I've assembled 4 more Tallarn, including a Sergeant and Grenade Launcher trooper. They'll be part of the next batch of troops, after the Valhallans. With the exception of the meltagun dude, they'll form my first infantry squad - to be joined by an autocannon team once I've ordered the 60mm bases recommended by malfred.

I've continued working on the Valhallans - the greatcoats have had a couple of coats of P3 Greatcoat Gret, the trousers, where visible, got hit with VMC Flat Brown, and the bedroll-type kit they're carrying got hit with P3 Gun Corps Brown (I think). Need to wash the coats and kit bags, then hit the pouches with a different brown. Gun casings and boots with be done in P3 Coal Black. The very red sash is pained with a couple of coats of VMC Cavalry Brown, one of the nicest reds I've worked with. The braid on him will give me some direction for the Mordians which form part of the next batch.



Project 1 - Space Wolves
Project status: Reinstated

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening over at a friend's house, building Space Wolves. He managed to kit-bash a Rune Priest, Wolf Priest and Wolf Guard, while I managed one Wolf Guard (to go with a GH squad), 4 Grey Hunters (inc. Wolf Standard & Meltagun) and 2 Blood Claws. Pics shall follow once I've sorted their bases out - they're currently lying around in my case.

Now Silent Night is out of the way, I'll be able to crack on with these guys - if nothing else, I'd like to finish the Rune Priest by the end of the month.

Another week, another update.....

Project 1 - Space Wolves

I haven't gotten any painting on these guys, but I have managed to base the ones I constructed last week. They are all backpack-free at the moment, and some may need a bit more clean-up, but there you go.

Blood Claws x 2


Grey Hunters x 4, inc. Wolf Standard


Neither the bolter or meltagun in the first picture are glued in place yet, so I can get to the chest detail.

Wolf Guard

Wolf Claw & Storm Bolter - should be useful for Grey Hunters or Long Fangs.

I intend to base Ulric the Slayer this week, then get back to painting them.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard
I've been hard at work with Valhallans this week:



Mostly detail work left to go, along with the gun casings and boots. I've just added a second layer of Gryphonne Sepia to the gold sections, and shall add a third tomorrow, which should finish the gold off. All the brown areasneed hitting with Devlan Mud as well.

Does anyone have any thoughts what colour I should paint the lining of the greatcoats, where visible? If so, please leave a comment and let me know

So, there has been further progress - and, presuming I'm not talking to myself here, I could use a bit of feedback.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I've been workingon the Valhallans from the previous post. I'm pretty much down to doing the gun casings and boots in P3 Coal Black, followed by a black-blue wash on the boots, but I'm looking for some feetback on the officer's braid first.


I did a couple of thin coats of P3 Ember Orange, with P3 Cygnus Yellow over the top. I can't decide whether to give it another layer of yellow, followed by a wash of Gryphonne Sepia; wash it with the Sepia now; or leave it as is.

What do you guys think?

Hmm - 1687 views, but only 10 out of 30 posts by someone other than me?

Anyway - [ FAST SHOW VOICE ]This week, I 'ave mostly been painting Valhallans.....[ /FAST SHOW VOICE]

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

Anyway, I've gotten the batch of 6 Ice Warriors to the point where I'm happy to declare them finished - though if I ever decide to paint eyes, I may come back to do that.


Completed models: 12

I'm not 100% satisfied with the braid on the Officer, but he's OK. I still really like the guy running forwards - as I removed the tab to pin him to the base, I was able to get rid of that bit of metal attached to his upraised foot, and lean him forwards a bit - though on the next one of that sculpt, I might position him a little further back on the base.

Next group of Guardsmen is the metal Steel Legion Commissar, Mordian Officer, 2 Mordian Iron Guard with lasguns, 1 Tallarn Sergeant, 1 Tallarn dude with Grenade Launcher and 3 Tallarn mooks with lasguns - that should give me the majority of a Tallarn infantry squad, missing only the heavy weapon.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

No pictures for this part of the update, but I've done a little more work on the Puppies - areas intended to be gold on the Priest & Scouts have been hit with VMC Flat Brown, then Chainmail. I'm hoping to get the first layer or two of Sepia onto the areas concerned tonight. I've also re-attached the Rune Priest's axe arm, which had come off at some point

Shall get a progress pic when I'm happy with the gold.

Out of interest, does anyone actually want me to continue with this? I can't help but feel like I'm talking to myself over here - more so than usual, I mean.

The guardsmen look nice, if a bit flat. I like the colors except on the officer, the red and yellow don't fit the other color in my opinion. Golden brown would've worked better instead of yellow.

Do continue on blogging, I've followed this blog, but as I've also noticed it is nowadays hard to get comments here. It seems that most blogs are monologues these days.

Hmm - I've let this slip a bit, haven't I? To anyone who was following this, my apologies.

Anyway, during February I was trying to complete two dioramas for the Sheffield Irregulars Duel challenge - unfortunately, I got neither one finished - or, beyond their Guardsmen components, really started, if I'm honest. On the other hand, I've got a part-completed Commissar, Mordian and Valhallan out of it, and I was working on some more Tallarn & Mordians, along with another Commissar and the Space Wolf Rune Priest during the rest of the period between updates. I've not finished any of them, but I'll get some WIP pics of where the guys are up to tomorrow.

However, all current projects are now temporarily on hold - again, in the case of the Space Puppies. Earlier this week I was invited to join a team for the Warmachine/Hordes Team Championships at Maelstrom in July, and I'd kinda like to field a fully painted force. Unfortunately, I've not played Mk2 at all yet, so picking and learning a list may take me a little while. In the meantime, I've started working on any random Merc 'Jacks & casters I had lying around, along with an Ogrun Bokur - again, pics to follow tomorrow.

Hopefully I can get some sort of schedule to updating this thing, but we'll see.

Are you gonna bring Mercs to the Team championships?

I've enjoyed Mk2 as it seems to bring so much variety to the tables. I went to a 12 man tournament week ago and Siege was the only caster who was seen in multiples (two players had him).

I intend to, Metsuri - and I had a look through your Cygnar stuff the other day, and was really impressed. Are you likely to be attending the Maelstrom event?

So, yeah, getting pics of current WIP stuff hasn't really happened (yet), so I thought I'd best update with some pics of stuff I've completed previously - specifically, the three painted Merc Warcasters I've got.

In no particular order:
Magnus the Warlord

I tried following the face painting guide from No Quarter #23, which didn't come out as smoothly as I'd've liked - I think I prefer the effect I've been getting with Midlund Flesh + Ogryn Flesh wash, to be honest with you. Having said that, Magnus did take joint 4th place in the "Hero" painting challenge last year, which I was quite impressed by - and I suspect the photo helped as much as the paintjob, to be honest

Durgen Madhammer

First of all, my apologies for the quality of the picture - I thought I had a better shot somewhere on my hard drive, but I can't seem to find one. I suspect this means I may need to organise my photos. Durgan has also suffered through the NQ#23 face tutorial. I haven't yet had chance to field him or eMagnus on the battlefield, but I do like both figures. I'll try and get better pics of this guy (and the next guy) when I get the rest of my pictures - hopefully later today.

Gorten Grundback

Gorten was the original Rhulic warcaster, and was half of the team that helped me win the last Steamroller tournament I entered (the other 'caster being Magnus the Traitor). Never did get the gold cards from it, though.....

I'm currently at early WIP stages with Captain Phinnaeus Shae & Magnus the Traitor, along with an Ogrun Bokur, a Wroughthammer Rockram and a Mariner. Elsewhere in the painting queue we've got Alexia, 2 Thall Warriors and a full 20 Risen, Saxon Orrik, Professor Victor Pendrake and Brun & Lug. I also undercoated 2 Grundback Blasters, 1 Grundback Gunner, a Mangler and 2 Renegades yesterday - which should all keep me busy for a while

Dysartes wrote:I intend to, Metsuri - and I had a look through your Cygnar stuff the other day, and was really impressed. Are you likely to be attending the Maelstrom event?

Thanks, and sadly no I'm not likely to attend. As a father I get a little time for my hobby and the spring allocation was used couple weeks ago in local tournament. Currently I'm spending more of my time painting and try to attend couple local tournaments a year. The Maelstrom event seems to shape up to be really great and I would love to be able to participate.

Magnus looks good, and I like the green armor of your rhulic casters. Waiting to see more of your searforge.

The green armour was an accident originally. I'd been reading the Brushthralls article on how they'd painted the Gorten battlebox, as I liked the scheme and intended to copy it. The main paint they'd been using was a Vallejo Grey-Green.

The one I picked up from my FLGS and started using was Vallejo Green-Grey.....

It is now the unifying colour for my Mercs

I like the green, actually; I feel it'll give them more tabletop presence then grey would. The Rockram comes to mind especially - I think the green'll make him look a tad more menacing.

Well, I forced myself to sit down and take pictures of all my WIP stuff, and my Mercs for WM - I haven't taken pictures of the six solos that a friend of mine painted for me, though I can do.

Anyway, this first post will cover the WIP Imperial Guard as I've left them for now.


This aiming Mordian Guardsman was originally destined for a Duel type diorama, facing off with an on-coming Hormagaunt. Unfortunately, I bit off more than I could chew, and didn't get either diorama completed. Once he's painted up, though, I'll be sticking him on another uran base for the IG army, instead.



This pair were going to feature in a second Duel diorama, with the Valhallan running away while the Commissar prepares to execute him. I really do love the sculpt on the Commissar, ad hope to get him finished at some point. Both figures, when completed, will add to the urban IG army.




These three groups were some random IG figures I felt like working on. The Tallarn four will add to the ones I've already painted and, with the addition of a HW team, give me a fully painted squad.

I'll post the WM stuff later, as I need to sort out the images.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Time for update #2 for today - the current WIP list for my Warmachine Mercs.


My Ogrun Bokur. He's currently had both arms removed, though the weapon arm co-operated enough for me to wedge it into place for these pictures. While the chainmail has had its wash of Badab Black, most of the model is just flat colours at the moment, as I figure out what colours I want where.


The two warcasters I'm working on at the moment - Magnus the Traitor and Captain Phinneus Shae. Magnus should hopefully end up looking similar to his epic version, but with less blue on the armour.


Six of the 8 Gun Corps currently in this unit. I've now got the troops to expand it to a full ten, so I'm considering stripping them and restarting - the skin currently looks too jaundiced for my liking.


Little warjacks! In this instance, two Grundback Blasters. The poses are a little unusual, but fall into the pose school I like to call "What happens when you only think the Araldite has set properly".....


Keeping with the Rhulic theme, but stepping it up to a heavy, here's a Wroughthammer Rockram. A lot of the discussion I'm seeing about this 'Jack makes me wonder how good it is, but that's what testing is for.


Finally, the WIP Mariner - this will have more in the way of Greatcoat Grey used on it, so as to tie it to Shae a bit more.

I'll post a third update later this afternoon with some pictures of the finished Merc stuff I've got.

Nice foundation on the Bokur, it's one of my favorite mercs and it's nice to see you painting him.

The green looks still good on the mercs, can't wait for them to be finished.

Thanks metsuri - unfortunately, the only work I was able to get done on him this weekend was an additional basecoat on the skin, which I think has evened it out a bit. I'll have to see if I can get some of the shading done tonight, and mebbe even out the green on the two Blasters.

I've finally sorted the pictures of my painted Merc stuff, though, so you can see the finished green.

Warcasters

Durgen Madhammer

Apologies for the bottom right shot being a little fuzzy. Hmm - looking at the pictures, I should probably give the grip of his hammer a Devlan Mud wash.

Gorten Grundback


Units
Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps

These guys were painted by a friend of mine in return for some photography I did for him - unfortunately, I need to paint 4 more for a full unit, and the guy has vanished off the face of the earth.

Warjacks
Grundback Gunners

Because everyone needs a Gunbunny horde.....

Ghordson Driller

Apparently these guys are really good in Mk2, so I may have to acquire a second one.

Buccaneer

The only painted Privateer 'jack I've got, this guy got me a "Highly Commended" award at the IMP event I helped run - but not judge - last year.

Talon


I was a fan of the Talon in Mk1, but haven't tested it yet in Mk2 - the single shot is to show off the work I did on the firebox.

Nomads


Nomads - for when you just want a cheap heavy 'jack to smash someone's face in.....

Nice and coherent force, the green looks good on the armor. I like the dynamic poses you've given to the jacks and nice work on the firebox.

Nice work so far- like your Valhallans (always loved those models).

Metsuri> I suspect I was really bored the afternoon I decided to try doing that

CadianXV> Thanks, chief - I'm a big fan of the old metal Guard, over and above the current plastics. Having said that, the FW resin Death Korps are awesome - I picked up the command HQ, Commissar drawing his sword and Commissar on horseback at the FW Open Day on Sunday, and I should have a Tauros Assault winging it's way to me, too

Evening all - I guess this blog just won't stay dead.....

I've finally managed to finish off some more figures, in this case some Rhulic Warjacks for my Mercenary Warmachine army.

Grundback Blasters - Ack-Ack and Mole



Wroughthammer Rockram - Bellringer

Nice gun bunnies! The free hand is a good touch to make them more individual.

The rivet heads on the painted areas could use one more layer of highlight or additional wash in around the base to bring them more visible.

Otherwise solid painting and nice glow again in the furnace.

Love everything on the pages but the peguins.... THEY OWN dude they are the vest thing scince sliced bread amazing.

The shotgun-bunnies and Rockram might get some more attention before the tournament, but they're good enough for now.

Next on the agenda is a Basher, finishing the unit of 10 Gun Corps and a unit of ten Forgeguard.

Wow long posts But very worth reading

Love the Rockram!

I like your stuff, but i do think you need to do some washes and your models are lacking high lights? Is this because there not finished?

Finch Claw wrote:I like your stuff, but i do think you need to do some washes and your models are lacking high lights? Is this because there not finished?

Pretty much everything I do has involved the Citadel Washes somewhere, Finch, with the exception of the green on the WM Mercs, where I tend to mix up a wash of some form of brown or green.

I will hold my hand up to not being a fan of highlighting, however.

At the minute, my main concern is getting a chunk of WM stuff up to a table-top standard for an upcoming tournament. I know I'm not a competition winner, and I'm happy with the standard I'm currently working to.

Ok.

So, I've gotten some painting done this weekend. I finished a model from the Brutal range that I've got for review purposes, which is always nice, and I've blitzed my Basher (which sounds vaguely dirty).

Current WIP shots:




Apologies for the second shot being slightly soft-focus.

The green has only had one coat so far, and the gold needs more work, but considering I only undercoated him on Sunday (and was out last night), I'm fairly happy.

Just need to resist the temptation to freehand "Ramming Speed, Durgen!" on the carapace.....

The basher looks like a fine addition to your Rhulic force.

I've used it in a couple of games so far, and it makes a surprisingly effective 'caster assassin - slam a shielding warjack back over the caster, follow-up into base contact with the now prone general, use the Flak Field ability, then headbutt until the cows come home.....

That's nasty. I've played once against Rhulic force including this and driller, but managed to eliminate both before they could do anything thanks to Siege's feat and some heavy shooting.

Nope, you can't kill this thread after all.

I've finished two more figures since my last post - one for the Mercs, and one for the Sheffield Irregulars Grey Day challenge.

Ghordson Basher - Crater



OK, the base still needs a little work, but he's close enough to finished for now. The freehand on the ram reads "Speed Kills", while the one on his thigh says "Crater".

Sheffield Irregulars Grey Day Challenge - Conforntation Cadwe Undertaker




The Grey Day Challenge came about after we looked at the paints I'd been taking down on a Sunday, and found that over half of them were greys of some form.....

The challenge was simple - you were allowed to fetch one white, one black, and as many different greys and mediums as you have available. In my case, I fetched the following - P3 Menoth White Base, Coal Black, Greatcoat Grey, Ironhull Grey & bastion Grey, VGC Sombre Grey, VMC Green Grey, Basalt Grey, Medium Sea Grey & Pale Greyblue.

The one problem I'd say with this challenge is that we only have one brown between us (VMC Khaki Grey), and there were no reds or skin tones available. I'm reasonable with what I've managed with the Undertaker, given I only worked on him for less that four hours.

Valhallans look nice, the war machine looks nice too. I like the paint jobs, simple but it looks really well done. Have you used any washes? Might bring out more detail with the shading they would provide. Keep up the good work.

Almost every brown is hit with Devlan Mud, Stretch, and I use Ogrun Flesh on my skin.

I'm still trying to settle on a wash for the green I use on my WM stuff - as it stands, I've been mixing my own wash with greens and browns to dirty up the base coat a bit.

I'm painting to get things completed for a tournament on July 3rd, but once that is out of the way, I'd like to go back and add more definition to some of the rivets, etc.

Some cool stuff here

Thanks for that, Young_Logan.

As I move steadily towards my deadline of July 3rd, I'm signing off these 6 Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps as complete - I'll admit that I've not enjoyed painting them, and I still need to add another 4 and the UA :(




Takes me up to 23 completed figures this year, which is heading towards 4 times last year's output. At this rate, I might even manage 1/week.....

If anyone is interested, here's what I need to paint in a fortnight:
- 4 more Gun Corps
- Gun Corps UA (2 models)
- Herne & Jonne (2 models)
- MAster Gunenr Dougal Macnaile
- Ghordson Avalancher (Heavy Warjack)
- Ghordson Basher #2 (Heavy Warjack)
- 6 Horgenhold Forge Guard
- Horgenhold Artillery Corps crew
- Thor Steinhammer (though he's nearly finished)

21 models in 2 weeks - this should be interesting.....

Another couple of the days down the line, and I can mark Thor Steinhammer as finished - as a Rhulic Mechanic and Jack Marshal, he'll be looking after an Avalancher in my 50 point list at the ETC.




When I get some time (and a brighter green than I currently have available), I'll go back and add a touch more detail to the dial on his flamerthrower.

My new to-do list:

- 4 more Gun Corps
- Gun Corps UA (2 models)
- Herne & Jonne (2 models)
- Master Gunner Dougal Macnaile
- Ghordson Avalancher (Heavy Warjack)
- Ghordson Basher #2 (Heavy Warjack)
- 6 Horgenhold Forge Guard
- Horgenhold Artillery Corps crew
- Thor Steinhammer

Cool model! What was wrong with the gun corps? They look like decent models?

A little too much fiddly detail, and some areas (such as the shoulders and wrists) were kinda ill-defined as to whether they were armour, cloth or skin.

Still need to get the last 4 plus Unit Attachment painted, mind you.

Fiddly and unclear detail, always a pleasure . Still, only 4 more that's feasible goal!

True, true - at some point I'll need to go back and paint 4 more in an alternate colour scheme, to try to fit the ones a friend of mine painted for me, but that can wait a while.

I've mostly been working on the Avalancher this weekend, along with random bits on some of the other outstanding figures.

Need to get a bit more organised, I think.

Dysartes wrote:A little too much fiddly detail, and some areas (such as the shoulders and wrists) were kinda ill-defined as to whether they were armour, cloth or skin.

Thats the problem with PP's infantry figs, they try to include all of the equipment the fellows would carry in real life, that is a lot of kit in most cases. I hated to paint the cygnar trenchers for similar reasons.

The stunties look good, they have the foundation in place for more detailing when you are not under the deadline.

I really like the Runes on the Basher. I really should get me one of those some day.

Nice flames

The Basher is a very cool 'jack, malfred - I need to finish assembling my second one tomorrow night, get the sand on it's base and undercoat it. With a bit of luck, I might get some of it basecoated the morning after, too.

Finch, thanks for the complement - I wasn't sure how they'd turn out till I was done. I'm very glad I added a basecoat of a mid-grey over the black, though.

Well, I got the Basher assembled and undercoated, and as I type this the first two coats of paint are drying.

The current state of play on my painting table:

One of the pieces from the above picture is now complete.....

Ghordson Avalancher - Hammer of Thor



One more 'jack to paint, plus a swarm of infantry.....

Updated to-do list:

- 4 more Gun Corps
- Gun Corps UA (2 models)
- Herne & Jonne (2 models)
- Master Gunner Dougal Macnaile
- Ghordson Avalancher (Heavy Warjack)
- Ghordson Basher #2 (Heavy Warjack)
- 6 Horgenhold Forge Guard (will be painting 10 together, but only 6 required for army list)
- Horgenhold Artillery Corps crew
- Thor Steinhammer

Looks great. Keep it up.

Cool model! The runes could be a tad straighter, but I like the down-to-earth look you've gone for. This guys means business

When I get chance, CK, I want to revisit how I'm doing the runes - I figure getting vertical lines in place the length of the area I want them, then using the base green to trim them down to individual letters may help.

I'm getting there, slowly - 2 more Gun Corps finished off last night, and I'm not miles away from finishing off the remaining 2, the UA and the Basher, with Dougal only slightly further behind.

Build and undercoated my objective markers yesterday - they're essentially a slightly bulkier version of the ones malfred posted in this year's Pokemini's thread.

Proper update, with pics, coming this evening.

Progress so far today: Finished off the last 2 Gun Corps, the Gun Corps UA, and Basher #2 - pictures taken, possibly being uploaded tonight.

- 4 more Gun Corps
- Gun Corps UA (2 models)
- Herne & Jonne (2 models)
- Master Gunner Dougal Macnaile
- Ghordson Avalancher (Heavy Warjack)
- Ghordson Basher #2 (Heavy Warjack)
- 6 Horgenhold Forge Guard (will be painting 10 together, but only 6 required for army list - the 4 that aren't required have been abandoned for now)
- Horgenhold Artillery Corps crew
- Thor Steinhammer

Good progress on the painting, I'm waiting for the pics of the finished minis.

Decent progress, keep it up!

Metsuri wrote:Good progress on the painting, I'm waiting for the pics of the finished minis.

ASk and, while I'm eating my tea, you shall receive.....

Ghordson Basher #2

Freehand isn't yet in place, and I may have been a little liberal with the wash I used - a mix of P3 Battledress Green & VMC Green Grey.

Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps Unit Attachment
aka Wolverine and man-with-placard


Last 4 Gun Corps for full 10-man unit


Not to finish off a dozen figures in about 2 hours - wish me luck.....

Ah, get it done!

Thanks for those words of encouragement, mal

I didn't get my guys finished to the standard I wanted, but they were good enough to take.

I've added a new gallery for the pics I took - I'm knackered now, but I'll put together a coherent post about the event in a day or two.

In the meantime, here's a shot of the whole army, laid out for painting judging on day 1:

The army speaks for itself, nothing better than to make the goal in time. The army looks coherent and all of the minis look nice on the table top. Hope you had good games with the dwarves.

Metsuri wrote:The army speaks for itself, nothing better than to make the goal in time. The army looks coherent and all of the minis look nice on the table top. Hope you had good games with the dwarves.

Some would say that looking coherent is an odd aim for a Mercenary army

I had a lot of fun with them over the weekend - I managed a 3-2 record, and my team managed to get 11 wins, 1 draw and 8 losses - not bad for a group where the two halves hadn't met before the Saturday morning, and where none of us had been doing serious tournament preparation.

The two teams that ended up hammering us placed first and second, which makes heavy defeats that little bit more palatable

I'll be doing a proper report for issue 6 of Irregular Magazine (see my sig). The current issue, released on July 3rd, does include a look at my preparations for the event - or lack thereof.....

And the painting continues.....

I've been trying to ifnish off these Horgenhold Artillery Corps, who were one of the part-finished units I took to the ETC - unfortunately, I keep getting distracted:


I've also started work on a group of solos; Saxon Orrick, Harlan Versh & Professor Pendrake:

Lookign good Harlan Versh especially is off to a good start!

Thanks, CK - I'm enjoying painting him.

Thought I was starting to make a dent in my unpainted stuff, then got given more stuff at the weekend :(

I'm baaaack!

Randomly, this morning's update isn't going to feature anything from Privateer Press - instead, I'll be looking briefly at the two models I finished specifically for the IMP 2 event I helped run on July 31st. Before anyone claims fix, I took no part in judging, honest.

Minimus - Hasslefree Miniatures


Minimus managed to net me 3rd place in the Hasslefree category (any miniature from Hasslefree was eligible - I think we had 6 entrants). His eyes are one of the first two times I tried to paint them, and I'm reasonably happy with them. Quite a fun figure to paint, but very small.

Imperial Roman Optio - Warlord Games


The other figure I tried eyes on - looking at the picture, he appears to have developed a bit of a lazy eye. The shield is freehanded, and is based on an actual Roman shield design. He didn't do as well as Minimus, unfortunately.

I also entered Thor and my Avalancher as a unit, and Ack-Ack the Blaster as a vehicle - netting me second place in Vehicle, which was cool.

I enjoyed painting the Romans to such a degree that I ordered a Roamn army from Warlord Games, which arrived yesterday - just need to figure out what I'm going to use for bases.

My next update should see me returning to your regularly Privateer Press update.....

Good to see you back!

Nice work on the romans. Eyes can be tricky to paint, it seems I always have to learn the skill again after having had a break painting them. Nice colors, red and steel create nice contrast to the figs.

Thanks, Metsuri - the army will be in a pretty similar scheme, though I'm going to look to see how to customise them to be like the XXth Legion, as they were based in Chester - which is the closest city to where I'm from.

Maybe I shouldn't've been doing the eyes on the morning of the contest.....

Another month, another figure - I recently painted this as part of a review for Irregular - I present the Luggage, produced by Microarts Studios....

I love your work - especially the merc jacks! Don't stop posting...

Discworld-gotta love it!

I dont like that miniature. SImply because it has knots in the would that suggest eyes. In the discworld books the luggage is specifically described as being able to stare at people without eyes. Bah!

Ok, I love the paintjob by the by, looks great

weetyskemian44 wrote:I love your work - especially the merc jacks! Don't stop posting...

Thanks weety - I've currently got three in my active WIP pile, a Mangler and a pair of Renegades. I'm also working on Ashlynn, pMagnus and MacBain.

ghosty - I haven't got the Rincewind Discworld books with me, but I thought there had been mentions of knotholes that were in a suitable position for eyes, even though he doesn't have actual eyes. Either way, the figures are produced under license, so I would imagine they've been approved before production.

I can see that I need to tidy up the gaps between the legs, as that's a little messy at the moment. I'd also like to pick up Rincewind,and a plinth, and go for the mini-diorama "Trouble followed behind, on many tiny legs".....

So, time for a bit of an update - I've been taking part in a a Tale of Warmahordes on the PP forum, and need to finish at least 5 points of figures by the 25th.

So, true to form, I'm going to try to finish 15 instead.

On the painting table are the Horgenhold Artillery Corps (not really changed from any previous pics you may have seen), Master Gunner Dougal Macnaile (see previous comment) and three new items, whose WIP shots you can nw take a gander at.

Order of the Amethyst Rose Gun Mage Unit



Order of the Amethyst Rose Gun Mage Officer


Order of the Amethyst Rose Gun Mage Captain Adept


Hopefully, there should be some completed pics on Friday.....

So, got some stuff finished for a Tale of Warmahordes deadline over at Privateer Press - 7 points worth:

Master Gunner Dougal Macnaile - 2points


Horgenhold Artillery Corps - 3 points


Order of the Amethyst Rose Gun Mage Captain Adept - 2 points


I can only use the Adept with my Mercs if I use Ashlynn's theme list, so he might see double-duty with my Cygnar.

The Gun Mages shown above weren't quite finished in time, but hopefully will be done tomorrow.

Dysartes, thank you so much for showing me the luggage. I dont think I will be able to resist buying it as Im such a big discworld fan.

EDIT: SQUEAL! they have so many!!

Trilobite wrote:Dysartes, thank you so much for showing me the luggage. I dont think I will be able to resist buying it as Im such a big discworld fan.

EDIT: SQUEAL! they have so many!!

Yes, yes they do - and there are more to come.

There is a big set of all the ones that are currently available, I believe.....

Nice work, I especially like the mortar and crew.

Time for a couple more completed projects - these should've been finished to go with the last group, but I got them done yesterday before heading to the Derby World Wargames show, where the Sheffield Irregulars took the Best Participation Display award for our basing workshops, which was cool.

Order of the Amethyst Rose Gun Mage Unit


Order of the Amethyst Rose Gun Mage Officer

Another week, another finished figure - in this case, Harlan Versh, the Illuminated One



2010 Completed Figures: 48

Nice, and thanks, now I know where I got that sword from

Harlan Versh looks pretty cool - he is mazin mini

Nice clean work on Harlan. Good natural looking selection of colors.

Harlan's looking good! Makes me want to actually get around to painting mine. ^.^

Harlan is sweet. Good selection of colors.

Thanks guys - Beast Hide as the base for his overcoat seems to have worked pretty nicely.

Next guy I'm hoping to finish is my Cygnar Grenadier:



Having said that, I should be working on Magnus, my Mangler and a Renegade, so I can go for my two-Merc-starter-set Press Ganger application....

How far from done is that Grenadier?

malfred wrote:How far from done is that Grenadier?

Not miles off, malfred - armour needed a highlight (done), pressure gauge on the gun needed painting (done), and the metallics needed tidying up where I'd been a little messy with the blue (doing now).

With a bit of luck, he should be finished tonight.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
And here's the finished version, malfred:

That grenadier is excellent.The blue armor could use another highlight, but the metals look good and the gauges along with your trademark furnace glow look stunning.

Thanks for sharing!

Luggage- I love Terry's stuff. Shame he has Amnesia.

Nice model, very dynamic. I like the deep blue you've achieved, very striking in combination with the bronze!

Hell yeah, that's a pretty blue. The dial is a nice touch (I always forget they are gauges)

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

metsuri: The furnace look is a trademark now? Cool

Finch: Alzheimer's, dude, not amnesia. I'm looking at ordering the three witches on broomsticks tomorrow, as a birthday present for my mum.

CK: Good to see you back on Dakka, dude.

malfred - I figured I'd give painting the dial a go for once - base of Menoth White Highlight, VMC Cavalry Brown for the red, P3 Iosan Green for the green. May have to revisit some of my older jacks and paint them in, as well.

The blue was painted using the method described in the Forces of Warmachine: Cygnar book, minus the final highlight. 2 thinned coats of Cygnar Blue Base, shaded with Exile Blue, then again with a mix of Exile Blue & Battlefield Brown - I'd guesstimate about 75/25 there, though you could go deeper. Highlight with Cygnar Blue Highlight. You can take it a step further with a mixed highlight of Cygnar Blue Highlight & Frostbite, but I didn't.

Getting chance to use it again, as I'm just starting on a "classic" metal Defender.

OK, it's official - I've gone mad. Over on WAMP, a challenge was set - paint an army (defined as at least two units and a character) by February 1st 2011.

Now, that seemed a little easy - if I felt like it, I could do a cygnar force like that in 6 models - so I decided to puch myself a little. I said I'd cover that minimum for not one, not two, but three armies - WM Cygnar, WHFB Dwarves and WAB Romans.

It gets better.

Honest.

Having thought about it for a while, I went back and said I might up my aim - to six armies by that date, adding Trolls, Minions and Mercs into the mix.

I'm hopefully going to stop whimpering overnight, then I can figure out in the morning what I'm going to paint, and what (if anything) I'll need to buy to achieve it.....

Loving it so far!

Silly me.

Finch - no worries.

--------------

Anyway, having failed to sleep properly overnight, I've moved on to planning for this ker-azy project. In fairness, the minim criteria are fairly straightforward, and I've got roughly 3 months - so let's call it 2-3 weeks per army. Some would argue that it is even easier, now I've had clarification that current WIP stuff is OK, and that 2-3 warjacks/warbeasts can count as a unit. So, bearing that in mind, here are my plans for the various armies. Anything in italics is currently WIP, anything in bold needs to be bought, and anything underlined is an if-I-have-time option.

In the order I declared them.....

Warmachine: Cygnar
Commander Coleman Stryker, alternate sculpt
10 Sword Knights + UA (UA and 2 SK need scabbarded swords attaching, all need basing & painting)
Defender heavy warjack, Hammersmith Heavy Warjack, Firefly light warjack (Not really thematic 'jacks, but they need doing)
10 Longgunners

Warhammer Fantasy Battles: Dwarves
Lord/Thane
20 Miners
12 Thundererererers
Bolt Thrower
Cannon/organ gun (haven't decided which yet)

Warhammer Ancient Battles: Roman Legion
General
8 Western Archers
30 Legionnaires

Hordes: Trollbloods
Grim Angus
2 x Impaler Light Warbeast
Axer light warbeast
10 Scattergunners
10 Burrowers

Hordes: Minions
Lord Carver
War Hog Heavy Warbeast
2 Gun Boar Light Warbeasts
10 Farrow Brigands
Full unit of Bone Grinders

Warmachine: Mercenaries
Magnus the Traitor
Mangler Heavy Warjack, 2 Renegade Light Warjacks
10 Steelhead Halberdiers
10 Forgeguard

Total (minimum):138 figures
Total (all in): 173 figures
Timescale: 14 weeks, give or take a couple of days.....

Can someone go get me the white jacket with the fashionably long sleeves now, please?

really like the look of your work

Thats whole lot of model there. As I've painted whole total of 20 figs this year that amount sounds completely insane. Good luck on your quest, I'll be keeping close eye on your progress.

Dysartes wrote:

Total (minimum):138 figures
Total (all in): 173 figures
Timescale: 14 weeks, give or take a couple of days.....

Can someone go get me the white jacket with the fashionably long sleeves now, please?

173 models in 14 weeks is 12.3 models a week. I say try to get 20 done a week in the first few
weeks to make the back-end of the project easier.

First model out of the way - mostly painted on Saturday, with a couple of bits of detail yesterday:



1 down, 137 to go.....

CK: Good to see you back on Dakka, dude.

never really gone there, just watching in the shadows

OK, it's official - I've gone mad

Nah, for going mad dwarves should've been skaven or night goblins - nice try though, the edge of sanity is slowly approaching . On a more serious note: bes tof luck with those; will you aim for quantity over quality, or will you paint each model to the best of your ability? I'm askign becasue I think the the thane is very nice, especially the face, but the armour looks a tad flat in comparison.

CommissarKhaine wrote:Nah, for going mad dwarves should've been skaven or night goblins - nice try though, the edge of sanity is slowly approaching . On a more serious note: bes tof luck with those; will you aim for quantity over quality, or will you paint each model to the best of your ability? I'm askign becasue I think the the thane is very nice, especially the face, but the armour looks a tad flat in comparison.

It's not just the Dwarfs, though - there are five other armies as well.....

I think I'm aiming for quantity of a reasonable quality, CK.

Sounds reasonable Good luck with those, will be following this with anticipation, trepidation, and a healthy dose of Schadenfreude

Good clean painting on the dwarf. You could have gone with different color on the beard to get more contrast between it and armor, but it looks good and characterful the way it is. Nice start, now where are the rest 137?

There should hopefully be another two checked off today, Metsui (Stryker and the Defender), and I'm hoping to get the block of 20 Miners done this week - or the Sword Knights, or the Legionnaires, or.....

Well, good luck with getting an unreasonable number of models to a reasonable standard in an unreasonable time span

Speaking of which, monkeytroll, I managed to get two more crossed off the list today - though the picture of the Defender isn't brilliant.....

Cygnar - Commander Coleman Stryker


Cygnar - Defender Heavy Warjack


By my reckoning, that's 3 complete out of 138 thus far - and I'm working on the unit of 20 Dwarf Miners next.

Want to assemble the Legionnaires and Thunderers by the end of the week, too.

Nice alt-Stryker and the Defender. I like the color placement on the Defender, the brass plates break the monotony well.

Keep em coming

Brilliant blue

Thanks guys - by the way, if anyone is interested, I have been posting daily progress updates over on WAMP, in the thread Dysartes' Army Challenge - The Six Shooter.

Looking good, keep it up! Always one to nitpick: I find the dials look a lot better if you blacklene around the white-red-green part.

Better Defender pictures, as promised:



I don't think the cast quality helped, CK - it had bevelled edges, rather than vertical ones.

And time for another completion....

Cygnar - Hammersmith


And time for a family shot.....

Stryker & Battlegroup


Technically that's a unit and character done for Cygnar, and I've nearly got the Optio finished for the Romans.

Group shot looks great, really like that blue, especially on the defender.

Really really juicy. (blueberry juice I think) You continually tempt me to move beyond buying old GW figs from ebay and get some minis from the many other great makers out there

Nice work as usual, keep up with the task. It's nice to see your progress.

Hammersmith's looking good

I don't think the cast quality helped, CK - it had bevelled edges, rather than vertical ones.

Was it just this one, or is the casting quality a bit subpar in general?

CK - I've only encountered it on this Defender, tbh, but I need to go back to some older 'jacks and add the dials to them, so it might be on others, too.

Got another figure finished last night - the Optio to lead the Roman force:



Want to get another unit finished today, so both the Sword Knights and the Western Archers are on my desk atm. The Archers are more likely to get finished, but we'll see.

Vidi Vici Veni!

Veni Vidi Vici, technically speaking:= I came, I saw, I conquered.

What scale is the that model?

I suspect Mal reordered that on purpose, CK. The Optio is a 28mm figure from Warlord Games.

I saw, I conquered, I came? Must've missed out on that one; if it's 28mm, the cast seems a lot less defined then warmachine or GW stuff - was it fun to paint?

He wasn't too bad to paint, CK, though I preferred the other pose that I've painted. Need to finish the 8-man unit of archers and start building the Legionnaires, though.

Anyway, time for a couple more completions. Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to present Professor Victor Pendrake and the Cygnar Squire.





Now if I can just get some work done on these Sword Knights.....

Pendrake's looking good, looks like a cool model to paint - a lot more defined then the legionnaire as well. One nitpick though: I feel spending even a few minutes more on the glasses woud enhance the whole model a lot, since they're such a focal point. Love the eyebrows though

Keep up the good work!

Pendrake had been on my painting table for about six months, CK, so I was just trying to get him done out of the way. I may come back and do a bit more work on the glasses down the line, but for now he's on the complete bookcase, at last.

Oh, one of those minis. I know the feeling .

Quite.

Finished another unit off today - the 8 Archers for my Romans:


Optio - Done
30 Legionnaires inc command
8 Western Archers - Done

Made some progress on the Gun Boars today, so we'll see how far I can get them tomorrow.

So, time for a bit of an update, as I've finished a few things since I last posted over here.

2 Gun Boars



Ghordson Driller #2


While not originally part of the challenge, I was trying to get it painted up in time for a tournament last Saturday - due to some rather inclement weather, I was unfortunately unable to make it. Here's a picture showing them both.


Magnus the Traitor


So, what'm I working on at present? Well, Lord Carver and the War Hog from my minions contingent, Dannon Blythe & Bull along with the Mangler from my Merc contingent, and a figure for a diorama I'll be entering into a competition over at WAMP in February. I've also been getting the Longgunners ready for undercoat - I figure I'll be able to get on with them a little easier than the Sword Knights, even though the Sword Knights are mostly metal.

Those gun boars are pretty cool minis . The earthy tones also suit them ver well. Nice!

Nice minis, the mercs fit well among your army and the gun boar is looking natural and sharp.

I'm going to try and get a whole army shot of my completed Mercs this weekend - that's a lot of warjacks.....

I knew I forgot to do something.....

On the other hand, I did manage to finish off Lord Carver, BMMD, Esq. III:

Lord Carver looking good there, like the turquoise runestones. Are these 'hog' figures from the PP range?

Aye, monkeytroll - they're Farrow figures, which are part of the Minions line/faction.

Looking good. The boars really seem to suit your painting style, I think they're a notch or two above the romans.

Carver looks good, the cloak could use more highlights on the back. The metals on the other hand look really nice.

Metsuri wrote:Carver looks good, the cloak could use more highlights on the back. The metals on the other hand look really nice.

Thanks Metsuri - if I have time before the end of the challenge, I do want to come back and do some more work on the reds on Carver, as well as on my next guest.....

FRANKENPIG! (OK, War Hog, but I prefer Frankenpig as a name for him.....)



Finally finished him off last night.



Frankenpig and Lord Carver - I might try and get a whole battlegroup shot, including the Gun Boars, later today.

Looking good. I agree the red could use an additional coat. Also, the skin around the sutures would be a nice candidate for some extra work - if you have the time!

The Big Bacon is looking good! It is a great fig and your paintjob has nicely brought out the detail. The only place looking flat is the red as you said yourself, but I understand the pressure of time to finish these. Please do take the battlegroup photo as I would love to see the whole family together.

Whats coming next?

FFrrrranken-pig!!! That really is great. It combines funny with scary and a little drop of smelly. Plus a great paint job from yourself. I just might get one of those if I see one second hand

Nice A little bit of red wash around the sutures and body modifications would be a fantastic finishing touch. Time permitting of course

I'm thinking I might have to look out for some of these 'war-pigs' for my cy-boars, i'm really digging them. Although the franken-pig is probably a little large

Finished this Hunter on the 30th, but only just got around to posting it on here.



So, we've reached the end of 2010, and what have we done? In my case, painted 71 models, which means I surpassed my goal of 1 model per week.

Time to rest the counter.....

Nice, love the sharp highlights on the blue!

Thanks CK - I'm not overly happy with the one on the carapace, so may be revisiting it tomorrow.

Granted, the big one one the carapce could be a bit more defined. Still, I like the effect; it shows you know where to place your highlights for maximum effect.

Grats on reaching the weekly goal!

I just found your thread (yes I know it's been around for a year but I just found the site a couple months ago) and I must say you're an inspiration. I've tried setting goals for myself but they don't usually get accomplished as I have an attention span smaller than a gnat.

And perhaps I missed something, wasn't paying attention or 'cause it's 1:45am, are some of those models Confrontation or am I on something?

Your painting is fantastic btw. Keep it up! Be my inspiration to get something done on my end of the line.

There's maybe one or two that are Confrontation figures, bunnygurl - I may have posted the Cadwe Undertaker that I did as part of a Grey Challenge, for instance. There's also the Ninja Goblin and Cadwe Militia I did, too.

The majority of the figures in here are GW and Privateer Press, with a sprinkling of other manufacturers as well.

And no worry about missing the thread - it drops like a stone, only to get dragged back from the depths when I post something

CK - I'll see how I get on with fixing it today.

BlutEisenRegel - Cheers chief - now to see if I can outdo myself this year.

Like the latest hunter, I was unsure of that carapace highlight but you're already on the case

And bravo for exceeding your goal.

I've toned it down, monkeytroll, but I'm not sure when I'm going to get a new photo of it.

In the meantime, here's my first finished figure of 2011 - the Pyg Burrower Burrowing marker:

Someone asked me to get a Farrow Family Portrait when I posted the Carver/War Hog shot.....



Hang on, someone blinked.....

Family portrait's looking good. Very coherent force!

Thanks for the group shot, they look really nice together.

The group shot is nice, they look good together.

Time for another update.....

I've lost my home net connection, so updates may be even more sporadic than normal at the moment.

Since I've last posted, however, I have managed to finish off two units.

Mercenaries - Dannon Blythe and Bull


Minions - Farrow Bone Grinders


The Farrow mean I've now painted the minimum amount I need to for the Minion army, so that's one down out of eight. With a bit of luck, I'd like to get three more forces to the minimum requirement this week, though that'll mean finishing 60 figures.....

60 fig sin one week? Wow... I can only dream of that

Nice work!

These are all already started, CK - I just need to get them finished.

Even then, unless it's finishing touches... Impressive - unless you got a week's vacation

Yeah, that's an impressive goal, good luck with it.

Well, I didn't manage 60 in a week - but I did get 50 done.....


Not a bad week's work


Mercenaries - 10 Horgenhold Forgeguard


Trollbloods - 10 Pyg Burrowers



Romans - 30 Legionnaires

Thats impressive, even if they were only lacking finishing touches. Especially the legionnaires look good, the ranked up units are great sight when fully painted.

The Legionnaires needed quite a lot of work, the Forgeguard a reasonable amount, and the Burrowers just finishing touches.

Lovely! It's great getting huge numbers of models done.

Great work. Congratulations!

Impressive, well done indeed sir!

lovin those romans mate,they look class ranked up.good work all round.

Took an army shot after playing a game with the Farrow last night:


This led to the following army montage for the Army Challenge:

Looking good together, a very coherent force. Quite impressive what you're doing here!

Another week down, another model finished - this time, Grim Angus, Trollblood Warlock.....



Competition deadline is now a week on Monday, and I'm still trying to get the Trolls and Cygnar finished, along with an entry for their Hasslefree category. At the minute, that means three warbeasts, ten Long Gunner Infantry and two Dwarfs.....

8 days for 15 models? Sounds like something you can manage, gof or it!

Grim is my favorite Troll warlock and you've done him justice. The metals are excellent as usual and whole fig is in good balance.

Two new completions.....

Trollbloods - Axer Light Warbeast


Imperial Guard Commissar


Now to get back to the rest of them.....

I'm lovin' the commissar, but the troll's face seems a bit off, maybe toning down the teeth might help?

Hmm - looks like I didn't update this when I finished the stuff for WAMPed! - and as I've barely painted since then (possibly due to burn-out, unsurprisingly). I've got a couple of WIP pieces, and picked up some Black Scorpion Dwarf Pirates & Rogues to use as Sea Dogs in Warmachine, but it's been fairly quiet on the painting front here for a few months.

Anyway, time for some "eye candy".....

Rackham Pixie Trickster


Aye, I know the top pic is a bit fuzzy. I left this guy with a typical Rackham base, mainly due to running out of time to do any more. I think he was painted in a day, mainly to bulk out my entries for WAMPed!

Hasslefree Miniatures - When Good Meets Evil


I put this diorama together for the Hasslefree Miniatures category of WAMPed!, which was meant to have a theme of good vs. evil - having said that, only two entries went for it. I enjoyed putting this piece together, though I leave it to the viewer to decide which side is which.....

Warmachine - Mercenaries - Drake MACBAIN!


Not my finest work, but it got him finished.

Warmachine - Mercenaries - Vanguard Light Warjack


Stowage? Check. Furnace glow? Check. Gold? Check. Moving on.....

Hordes - Trollbloods - Impaler Light Warbeast


Hmm - I'd forgotten how poorly this picture came out.

Hordes - Trollbloods - Impaler Light Warbeast (Troll Scarlett)


The other Impaler, with a different colour theme to differentiate him from the green one. I ended up calling him Troll Scarlett for some reason.....

Space Wolves - Rune Priest


Remember that guy from the first post? Yeah, he finally got finished.....

EDIT
Been back through this thread to count this year's work. I get the following list, giving me 70 models so far this year - nearly as many as the whole of 2010:

- Burrower marker
- Dannon Blythe and Bull
- 6 Farrow Bone Grinders
- 10 Forge Guard
- 10 Pyg Burrowers
- 30 Roman Legionnaires
- Grim Angus
- Troll Axer
- IG Commissar
- Pixie Trickster
- When Good Meets Evil (2 figures, 1 base)
- Drake MACBAIN!
- Vanguard Light Warjack
- 2 Impaler Light Warjacks
- Rune Priest

Good to see you back. Nice paintjobs, as usual for you the warjack stands out.

Thanks for sharing.

Metsuri wrote:Good to see you back. Nice paintjobs, as usual for you the warjack stands out.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the comment, Metsuri.

Current WIP paintjobs are:
- Thunderhead (aka the neon jack )
- Stannis Brocker (possibly my first cavalry model to paint)
- Farrow Razorback Weapons team (Pigs with Rocket launcher!)
- Rorsch & Brine (Oink.....)
- Ulrik the Slayer (with wolf's head backpack. Needs urban base building)

Constructed, but in need of basing
- Troll Bouncer
- 4 Black Scorpion Dwarf Pirates
- 4 Black Scorpion Dwarf Rogues
- Sedition Wars Barker with Pulse Cannon (I'm leaning towards urban rubble for this dude)

So, time for some pics of the WIPs I mentioned in my last post:

Ulrik the Slayer


Thunderhead - aka Tron 'Jack


Farrow Razorback Crew


Rorsch and Brine


Stannis Brocker


And, for further proof that I should knuckle down and concentrate on one project at a time, the figure I've been working on this week.....

Cadian Company Commander - Picked him up for around half price off eBay, made a base and started working on him.


For those who might be interested, here are the steps taken thus far:
- Undercoat with chaos Black spray
- Touch up missed bits with P3 Thamar Black
- Heavily drybrush base with VMC Basalt Grey
- Drybrushed the base with VMC Medium Sea Grey
- Drybrushed the base with VMC Pale Grey-Blue
- Lightly drybrushed the base with P3 Morrow White
- Basecoated the bricks on the base with VMC Cavalry Brown
- Highlighted the bricks with P3 Khador Red Highlight
- Washed the base twice with Devlan Mud
- Basecoated the armour with P3 Greatcoat Grey
- Basecoated any skin with P3 Midlund Flesh
- Basecoated the greatcoat with VMC Medium Sea Grey - two coats
- Shaded the greatcoat with a mix of VMC Medium Sea Grey and VMC Basalt Grey
- Washed the greatcoat with a 1:1 wash of Badab Black and Asurman Blue, with a little water added - deliberately left blotchy, for a bit more of a camo effect
- Basecoated the sash with VMC Royal Purple (and a fine brush)
- Washed the power sword power pack with Badab Black, as well as using it to shade parts of the armour
- The rather large pistol holster and over-the-shoulder armour straps got a basecoat of P3 Battlefield Brown
- Washed the skin with Ogryn Flesh
- Picked out the belt, sword handle and pistol handle with P3 Coal Black

All look to be progressing nicely. Tron-jack and the piggies my favourites.

Tron-jack is unusual with the setting, as he is powered by electricity (a storm-chamber) instead of a coal-burning, steam-generating furnace. So, for once, my traditional furnace glow won't be present.

But you get to play with tesla coils instead

This is very true, I do.

Not sure it's clear from the picture, but Ulrik has the plastic wolf's head backpack from the old Space Wolf Accessory Sprue - anyone got any tips on placing highlights on the diamond-shaped gem?

Even your speed painting looks great! 50 models in a week? Never tried it, never will

I particularly like the flames that you do on your jacks. Nice blending in such a small area.

Keep it up

Cheers,
Rawson

Thanks for that, Rawson - and don't forget that that was 50 figs in a week I was working, if I'm not mistaken.

Did some more work on the Cadian today - he's most of the way there now, I think:

Great progress. I like the blues on thunderhead, looking forward to seeing you pull of the electrical arcs.

Dysartes wrote: anyone got any tips on placing highlights on the diamond-shaped gem?

I highlighted the edges of the cut as I would when painting round gems and the result is pleasing to the eye. Just place the darkest spot up and go lighter as you go towards the edge and down.

The lense on the eye looks sharp.

My only concern is that is blends perhaps too much with the pinkish tone of the skin.

The gold is also particularly fine.

DarkStarSabre wrote:The lense on the eye looks sharp.

My only concern is that is blends perhaps too much with the pinkish tone of the skin.

Thanks - I need to go back and redo the metallic edge of the bionic eye, as I got a little sloppy when basecoating the lens. Might also use a touch of Badab Black or Devlan Mud for a deeper shadow in the eye socket.

OK, so I managed to finish off the Cadian Company Commander last night - I redid the edge of his bionic eye with Boltgun Metal, did the bionic eye cable in VGC Sombre Grey, and touched up the edge of the greatcoat with VMC Medium Sea Grey, washed with Badab Black.


Total completed figures for 2011: 71

Any comments on the end result will be appreciated.

-----------------------------

I picked up some metal old-school Catachans on eBay last week at a reasonable price - £15 (inc. postage) for the Lieutenant with bolter, a missle launcher team, 1 dude with heavy flamer, 2 guys with flamers, 1 with meltagun and 8 "grunts". There was also the guy below, who was listed as a Catachan with Grenade Launcher. while I don't deny that he fits in with the rest of them, I don't recognise the figure, and he weapon doesn't look anything like the GW Grenade Launcher of the time. Can any of you guys help me to ID him?



I've just started painting the bases on my next group of four figures - each of which come from different manufacturers. Expect an update on Sunday.

Yeah. That's not GW. No clue where i's from though.

The bionic eye on the commander is much improved! The edging stopped it blending as does that bit of black around the edge!

Commander looks great, monocle looks much better with the edging

The grenade launcher looks similar to some of the I-kore stuff, I remeber using some as catachans before, not familiar enough with the range to deny or confirm that though. Is there anything on the tab?

Thanks, DarkStarSabre - he really is a nice figure to paint.

I've found some Tallarn, a Commissar and a Mordian Officer than were WIP last year, so I've added them to my next group of "victims".

Got him - Viridian Marine with grenade launcher, Void range from i-kore

http://www.nobleknight.com/ViewProducts.asp_Q_ProductLineID_E_2137418607_A_ManufacturerID_E_-1112556033_A_CategoryID_E_5_A_GenreID_E_0_A_Page_E_3_A_hidepictures_E__A_ItemsPage_E_20

8th guy down

Thanks monkeytroll - I'm going to have to see what I think of his face once he's been stripped, but he'll do as a Catachan with grenade launcher, I reckon.

Been drybrushing bases all evening - need to pick out some bricks and steel, then I can wash 'em with Devlan Mud.

Also ordered some 60mm round bases from warbases.co.uk for heavy weapon teams, so I'll work on the Tallarn autocannon when they turn up - get that heavy weapon done, along with these troops, and I'll have finished my first full squad in the new scheme.

OK, time for an update - before I begin, I'm going to be trying to do updates on Thursdays and Sundays moving forwards - hopefully a declared schedule will keep me working on things

Second quick question - can anyone recommend a bits store for 40k in the UK? I have an idea for a piece, but need to price up a couple of components first.

Anyway, on with the work. As I mentioned, I prepared a group of four figures from different manufacturers last week, and started working on them this week. I've also pulled in some WIP Imperial Guard that were lying around, as well as a warjack that I need to finish this week - oh, and Ulrik is still being worked on. So, without further ado, let's see what I've got to show off.

Ulrik the Slayer


Inquisitor Gideon Lorr - limited release a few years back. I think that's the right name, anyway.


Death Korps Kommander


Steel Legion Commissar


Sedition Wars - Barker with Pulse Cannon


Beasts of Bolsover - Mutant with Chemical Weapon


Mordian Officer


Four Tallarn Imperial Guard


Mangler Heavy Warjack

I managed to finish off my Mangler this morning, taking me to 72 completed figures so far this year:


I've also managed to do some noticeable work on some of my WIPs, as shown below:

Inquisitor Gideon Lorr - now with shiny bionics and, if you can make it out, a painted eye!


Steel Legion Commissar - now with shiny sword, and drilled out boltgun barrel


Beasts of Bolsover - Mutant with Chemical Weapon


In unrelated news, I updated my blog for the first time in a while on Tuesday, looking at how the change from the 4th to 5th edition books would affect my Imperial Guard army. I'm going to be trying to update it weekly, and am about halfway through the next entry as we speak.

After the last update I found I had a week and a day to paint the last model I needed for my ETC army - the ETC is the Warmachine European Team Challenge, which I went to last year and am attending again this year, as part of Maelstrom's "home" team.

This Mule has been sat around for a couple of years, with the torso not glued to its legs, not even undercoated until Thursday night. I started painting him on Friday - and finished him off this evening, leaving me a bit ahead of myself:

Mule Heavy Warjack


The Mule takes me to 73 completed figures this year.

Moving on to WIPs.....

Firstly, I've started to model up a metal Catachan Missile Launcher team, which will be fitting in with my urban Imperial Guard army. Its in the very early stages at the moment, as I had to wait for the bases to arrive and strip the Catachans before I could start work. The infantry aren't attached to the base in this pic, but it should give you an idea of the positioning I'm aiming for.


Next up is the big mutant guy I've been working on. He's not had too much done to him, just basecoats on the trousers and boots. I'm having a bit of trouble deciding on a skin tone for him, as well as what colours to paint the pipes from his gun to the drum - any suggestions on the pipes?


The Steel Legion Commissar has had his sash painted purple, and the casing on the bolter-of-many-skulls painted to match the Tallarn Guardsmen. Need to painting in his gas mask, holster and tubing, as well as the epaulettes - any suggestions on a good scheme for those shoulder decorations? I tried yellow on a Valhallan, and wasn't overly happy with the result.


The Inquisitor has had the most work done on him, outside of the finished Mule. His hat and boots were painted using my black leather technique, though they may need one more wash. His intermediate layer of coat has been painted grey, and I've picked out the stake with Chainmail.

Impressive going, 73 is over double what I've managed over the past 12 months

Mule looks good, any chance oif a group shot of the guys you're taking?

For the mutie I'd say red, yellow or mettalic for the pipe, but ut would really depend on what skin tone you end up with.

If you're not liking yellow for the epaulettes I'd probably go for red, maybe a brighter red than that used on his coat?

Gideon is looking noce, and look forward to seeing the heavy weapon team take shape.

Morning monkeytroll - I'm aiming for at least 104 painted this year, which would be an average of 2 a week.

I'll see if I can get a group shot of my Mercs before I go to the tournament, but I'll certainly be getting one while I'm there.

I was half thinking of continuing the red theme on the epaulettes, and I could make it a could of shades lighter fairly easily.

The Mule is nice and subtle.

102 should be within reach!

malfred wrote:The Mule is nice and subtle.

102 should be within reach!

Thanks mal - how's your painting going this year?

Aye, 102 shouldn't be that much of a problem - even if I just clear what's on my painting tray at the moment, that's another eleven models already, ignoring the Catachan missile launcher team for now. That's without my Pimp My Wizard entry as well, or the Dwarfs from Other Manufacturers I'll be painting for my blog.

You have a lot of things on your plate, sir! Bit of a project butterfly, are we

I have always loved that Inquisitor model. I vote you finish that one first

Keep it up!

-Rawson

Morning Rawson,

Looking at the state of the various figures on my work tray, I suspect it'll be the Steel Legion Commissar who'll be finished next - I want to spend plenty of time on the Inquisitor, and do as good a job as possible. With a bit of luck, I might get the four Tallarn finished in time for my next update as well.

Evening all - time for the Thursday update.

Before I break out the pics, I just want to let you know that I won't be updating this blog on Sunday, as I have been recently - I'm attending the European Team Challenge Warmahordes tournament at Maelstrom Games over the weekend, so won't be getting any work done with the brush until Tuesday or Wednesday. I will, however, be back next Thursday with the next progress report.

Anyway, time to show off the shiny pics.....

Steel Legion Commissar - Completed

2011 Completed Figures: 74

There's a reason the Officer is looking a bit nervous in the next picture - I think I need to hold off painting any more Commissars until he calms down.....



Tallarn Imperial Guard - WIP


Ulrik the Slayer - WIP


In addition, I finished writing a review on three figures I bought recently, and added it to my blog, The Renaissance Gamer - I've looked at the Avatars of War Dwarf Noble, Blck Jack from the Secrets of the Third Reich range, and a Finecast Lord Commissar.

Evening all - another week down, another four figures completed:

2011 Completed models: 78

They blend in fairly well with the rest of the squad so far, who were painted a year and a half ago.....


Now, earlier in the thread I talked about getting pictures of all 159 points of my Mercenaries - as it turns out, its actually 165 points.....




And here are a couple of pictures of the army I took to the European Team Challenge:



Time for some WIPs.....

Ulrik the Slayer


Inquisitor Gideon Lorr


Orin Midwinter, Rogue Inquisitor


Cygnar Stormsmiths

Time for another update - wonder if I'll get any comments this time. In addition to what is shown here, I've also started work on 5 Ironbreakers (plus the shields for an additional five), and I've cleaned up and mostly based 11 Tallarn - 6 grunts with lasguns, 2 Sergeants (one of each sculpt), a meltagunner, a grenade launcher and my converted Captain Al'Rahem from page 1. The plasma pistol Sarge and meltagunner will join the meltagunner I've already painted as the start of a traditional Chi-Melta squad - I'm trying to decide if I want to covert one of the throwing-a-grenade guys to by throwing a demo charge instead. Guess I'll have to see if I've still got any plastic melta-bombs lying around from the Assault Marine sprue.

So, let's look at the progress since Thursday. First up is my Ogrun Bokur - this guy has been languishing in WIP hell for quite a while, but I dug him ot yesterday to finish him off. I went a little mad this morning, and tried to freehand the design from the top of the Hammerfall High Shield Gun Corps standard onto his belly plate - it hasn't turned out too badly, I don't think. Anyway, here's model 79 for the year so far.

Might come back and do some Rhulic script on his shield, but we'll see.

Moving on to the WIPs with pictures.....

Boris the Referee, from Heresy Miniatures

Anyone got suggestions on the uniform colour for the terrified lineman?

Inquisitor Gideon Lorr


Cygnar Stormsmiths


Ulrik the Slayer

Tried to highlight his armour, but even with a 3/0 brush they seemed to be a bit thick - thoughts?

Hmm - I wonder if we'll get any responses this time.

So, I missed my usual update slot last night due to the workload involved in getting ready for the Irregular Miniature Paintfest I'm helping run on Sunday. Unfortunately, I've not finished any more figures off since Sunday, but I do have some updated WIP shots.

Cygnar Stormsmiths


Referee Boris


Farrow Razorback Crew


I'll be skipping Sunday's update due to the show, so my next scheduled update will be next Friday.

Looking forward to seeing Referee Boris painted up, looks like a fun model.

You're not the only one, GiraffeX However, he hasn't had much attention this week, as I've been trying to get a few pieces finished off...

Cygnar - Three Stormsmith Stormcallers


Minions - Farrow Razorback Crew


Space Wolves - Ulrik the Slayer


The above take me up to 84 models painted this year - I'll need to paint 20 more by the end of August to carry on with the goals I raised in the "goals for the summer" thread in General Discussion. Of course, me being me, I've had some new WIPs on the go as well.

Cygnar - Commander Adept Sebastian Nemo

FOR SCIENCE!

Khador - Orsus Zoktavir, Butcher of Khardov

FOR RAGE!

I've also based Dr Arkadius ready for undercoating, as well as 10 Farrow Brigands - if I can get them and Rorsh & Brine painted, I'll be up to date on my Thornfall Farrow, at least until I buy Targ next month. Unfortunately, after today I'm away for a fortnight, which curtails my painting time somewhat.

Time for an update, now that I'm back from my two weeks away. Due to some challenges I'm taking part in, I've done a spot of prioritising for August, leaving me with the following on my painting tray for now.

Rorsh and Brine - Rorsh carries the gun, for those unfamiliar with the pair



Not sure what to do with the two horizontal studded panels on the back of Rorsh's jacket - should they be the same colour as the rest of his coat?

Commander Adept Sebastian Nemo


I decided his backpack arcantrik generator needed more gold

Alten Ashley


Saxon Orrick


Inquisitor Gideon Lorr

Gideon's looking good, and I'm really liking Rorsh and Brine. Definitely going to have to look at these Farrow guys when I can afford to grab some more minis, they look like they're fun to paint.
I'd use a different colour on those panels, probably whatever you're plannng for the reinforcements on the corners, maybe a metallic?

What colours do you have planned for the cabling and 'coils' on Nemo's staff?

The cabling will be a simple Boltgun Metal washed with Badab Black. The coils are going for a full Tesla look - P3 Arcane Blue, shaded and highlighted for extra lighting looks.

I'm definitely going to do the corners of Rorsh's coat in a metallic, washed down with Devlan Mud and Badab Black.

Time for a bit of an update, then. I've managed to fulfil my first pledge for the One Thing a Week Challenge, so I'm off to a good start there.

Minions - Alten Ashley, Monster Hunter


Progress on my WIPs...

Minions - Saxon Orrick


Cygnar - Commander Adept Sebastian Nemo


Minions - Rorsh and Brine


I've also done the undercoating I said I'd do, but there's little point in posting that.

Another week, another update.

Newly completed, Rorsh and Brine...


That's now 87 completed figures this year.

New WIP pictures.

Dr. Arkadius (Minion Warlock)


Farrow Brigands


[b]Saxon Orrick[b]

I think the teal spot color on Sebastian Nemo is a great choice. It really adds some pop.

More pressure to finish Gideon Lorr; He's still my favorite

Keep it up!

Cheers,
Rawson

The teal spot colour needs quite a bit of work doing to it, Rawson - it is meant to represent what are effectively Tesla coils, after all.

Gideon hasn't been relegated to the "on-hold" shelf, but I've been concentrating more on getting the various Minions painted. Of course, the fact that there's a lot more in the way of accessible source pictures for the PP stuff helps, too.

Finished Dr Arkadius off this morning - I'm not happy with his eyes, though.



88 completed figures this year.

Now to see if I can complete 10 Farrow Brigands today.

Well, I didn't manage to finish the Brigands last week - but they're done now.



I also managed to get Targ done.



WIPs

Gudrun the Wanderer


Commander Adept Sebastian Nemo