Alrighty,

What started out innocently enough has now turned into a massive project for me. The new SpaceHulk box basically got me out of a 5+ year hobby hibernation when the first pics were released late last summer. I didn't intend to start painting large groups again, having painted a pretty large DA army back in the day and promising myself I would focus on single models as show-pieces rather than collect a range. Started out slow by painting an Ork nob that came with a WD a few years back, and then boom like a bad habit you can never really kick I got back into things full swing and ordered the box that enticed me back lol.

After slogging through the Stealers for a many, many hours and painting them all to equal standard (the Broodlord is currently sitting at 8.8 on CoolMini, and he received no more attention than the regular ones) and reading through my old original SpaceHulk rulebooks, I decided I wanted to create a complete range of models, allowing any version of the game to be played. This meant hybrids.

I started off with concept art, trying to figure out how to approach them, and drew up new versions of each generation. The thing is, at the time, I had very little experience with conversion beyond chopping and glueing, and had never tried GS or plasticard/rod conversions. That, combined with a pretty hectic career led me to the decision to consider hiring a sculptor and outsourcing the models themselves, leaving me to paint them. I proceeded to hire Inquisitor Earl based off his Mechanicus project, and sent over the materials. He will begin working on them soon. In the meantime, I have been studying GS and Plastirod techniques, and withheld enough bits for one of each generation so I could have a go myself, either to fail miserably, or to use them as a demo to Earl in order to show what I was picturing. To my great surprise, the results are pretty good so far IMO! Now don't get me wrong, I think Earl will kill this and I do not have enough time to do the number I intend in the timeframe I wanted so no regrets whatsoever if you see this Earl lol!

So here we go, 1st the concept art


Now the mini, note he is missing his weapon harness and loincloth as depicted in the concept, and I need to finish up the feet and smooth a bit here and there, but you get the idea -















This IP 1st gen hybrid is heavily converted from a stealer and ghoul parts, lots of GS. My first real gs conversion actually, work done includes sculpted ghoul head details, replacing hands on 'normal hands' arms with ghoul hands, bulked out wrists, shortened arms. Smoothing of rending hands and shortened rending claws. Shorter tail and sculpted lower abdomen detail. Feet made more human like and flattened, mostly gs, legs repositioned into a more human-like stance. All limb ribbing details smoothed except at joints. As per the concept art, he will have a heavy weapon mounted on a harness on his back, and a leather tabard. The idea is that they are intelligent enough to be told where to go, and strong enough to carry the weapons on their own, but the harness has a built-in targeting system that allows a 4th gen 'handler' to fire the weapon remotely. Came up with this to get around the fluff that says they are still not 'human' enough to understand technology beyond absolute basics.

The Broodlord -



So there is the Genestealer side as it stands more or less. I will be adding classic familiars to a few bases, including the Broodlord, and am debating a little OSL here and there. I will show the concept art for 3rd and 4th Gen as I complete the mini templates for them, but if you are really curious, they are all in my galleries.

In the end, I will have 10 4th gen hybrid troops, 4 3rd gen special weapons hybrids and4 heavy weapon 1st/2nd gen hybrids. And a magus of course . Next update will probably be him with his IP missile launcher harness, hopefully sometime this week.

Before that though, next post, Imperials -

That is awesome. Planning on making a 3D board for Space Hulk?

Now that the Stealers are covered, the imperials.

Tackled the dead termie objective as a testbed for the armor, although I intentionally made it darker than the live guys, it won't be too much lighter than the pic, I'm a crimson/wine/blood red kinda guy.



Next up was the CAT, I hated the little Gazebo and Xmas tree on the back, and decided I wanted this thing looking like a mechanicum bad-ass, So I chopped it up and gave it the plastirod/bits treatment. Much cooler looking now IMO



Finally, the termies themselves. First, I had already roughly basecoated the red and gold, but I couldn't deal with the featureless surfboard bases, so I stopped paiting and decided to chop them off the bases, and ordered FENRIS Sulaco resin deck plating bases for them. They have a few minor bits added, particularly the librarian,but for the most part are unchanged. Here they are waiting for re-basing -



In the spirit of the Space Hulk: Complete idea, I added 5 more termies into the mix - 2 SB+PF, 1 extra SB + sword Sarge, Cyclone termie and SB + Chainfist termie. These guys are designed to make sure I can accommodate almost any mission load-out I have seen. They have been converted subtly but pretty extensively, and were my first minor ventures into GS before hitting the first gen hybrid. I am quite happy with how they turned out, and I find they sit pretty well with the 3rd Edition box termies. Here they are, along with 2 forgeworld mechanicum models, meant to represent either objectives or possibly VIP's for escort missions. Minor conversions on these guys too -











Finally, the only one missing is a Captain. For this one, I am working with FreakForge from B and C, the job started before the new BA models were revealed, and to my surprise (still not sure if I am happy or pissed lol) many of the concepts I had for the model turned up in the form of the Sanguinian models. The concept was for a Dante-like Captaion in Terminator armor, with the classic loadout of sword, SB and grenade launcher. Here is my original concept first, followed by Freakforges more complex return concept, the final model will sit somewhere between the 2. all attached is an early green of the face, with some photoshopping to get it closer to the finished version -

My concept, Dante like Captain


FreakForge's Concept


Quick Digital painting of mask, close up


Photoshopped WIP green of head


That's it for the BA team so far!

The board is worth a mention too but later,small detailes like black edging everything so no cardboard shows, custom dice (which can be glimpsed in a few shots) etc, but that will be for another post.

Comments welcome!

Wow.... That's all I can say at the moment!

General Stubbs wrote:That is awesome. Planning on making a 3D board for Space Hulk?

Nah, not yet anyways. I need a place to put all this stuff, and frankly at this rate I won't be playing for quite a while (I promised myself I would not actually play a game until everything was done, gives a little much needed motivation lol). What I may consider though is making some kind of display board for them when all is done and ready! As it stands I have 16 termies, half a CAT, 2 techpriests and 18 hybrids to paint, and keeping them the same level as the broodlord up there, that will take quite a bit of time lol.

That and the resin 3d pieces are expensive as hell!

If that's the attention you put inot all your models.. Wow... I'm more of an army painter myself, but it's always great to see models being taken to the next level.

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

Inspiring...

Cool idea, looking forward to seeing how you get on with it!

I've actually been working on my own magus conversion a bit lately with a view to finishing him (been keeping it on the down low for now though...) so it'll be interesting to see your own take on a magus.

Great concept sketches btw, designer by trade? Would love to talk with you about maybe doing some for me in future if your interested?

Cheers,

Dante

Everything looks super, I'm definitely going to be keeping up with this plog.
If I may make a suggestion? atm the blood drop on Dante's mask looks a little "afterthought-ish" like you needed some type of BA heraldry and stuck a blood drop on there. It may look completely different when you gs it out, but just my two cents based on your drawings.

Lint wrote:Everything looks super, I'm definitely going to be keeping up with this plog.
If I may make a suggestion? atm the blood drop on Dante's mask looks a little "afterthought-ish" like you needed some type of BA heraldry and stuck a blood drop on there. It may look completely different when you gs it out, but just my two cents based on your drawings.

I hear ya, its one of the slapped on elements of the photoshop job as the current build doesnt have it. That element is actually copied off the current Dante model, in fact the whole helmet will be more or less a straight rip. Funnily enough, much as I was surprised to see my sword design come up with the new BA goldies, Freakforge's head design with the crown/halo half circle is also mysteriously similar to those models too lol, all done a month or 2 before the first shots started leaking out... weird!

If you have a suggestion that is neither of these I'm all open to hearing it! I like the blood drop on the original Dante, and I am not so fond of the crown/halo, so another option could be cool.

CMdante, hit me up with a pm or I will send a message soon, would be happy to brainstorm, and yes, guilty, I am in design and strategic marketing by profession lol, how did you know??? I didn't think I mentioned it in this thread but it was 2 am when I posted it lol.

Thanks for the extremely kind comments guys, it is really appreciated!

Good stuff, really liked the broodlord spots. Quick question, what did you use and how did you go about removing the stupid hulk bases from those sweet sweet termies?

Are those bases homemade or are they plastic/resin from some online place?

Breotan wrote:Are those bases homemade or are they plastic/resin from some online place?

same question! Cuz those bases are pimpage.

RogueMarket wrote:

Breotan wrote:Are those bases homemade or are they plastic/resin from some online place?

same question! Cuz those bases are pimpage.

You guys I dont think there the same but i found BETTER Jawa balls (the youtube famouse guy) makes his own resin bases fyi

and they look like this but they are tyranid infested!!! ill post the link....

and there his new sculpt and they look F***ing GREAT

its
http://jawaballsproductions.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=3

Gorgeous! How do I bookmark a thread, I don't remember where the button is.

Rutteger1 wrote:Gorgeous! How do I bookmark a thread, I don't remember where the button is.

Lower left hand corner of your screen, way under the thread. Small text. I tend to loose it every now and then...

Ooo those are pretty awesome! Might have went that way for the stealer bases had I seen them before.

The bases are from Fenris Games - http://www.fenrisgames.com/

specifically http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/40mm-round-sulaco-SF-chamfer-profile-resin-bases_W0QQitemZ150373082452QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Toys_Wargames_RL?hash=item2302ef2554

I looked at a lot of bases for this project, and I settled on these because I found them to be the most scale accurate and realistic looking. They are a little plainer than some of the flashier tech bases out there, but I find the competition can be a bit cartoony looking at times. I find these will provide the best effect without being too over the top.

sub-zero wrote:Quick question, what did you use and how did you go about removing the stupid hulk bases from those sweet sweet Termies?

Really carefully lol! I started out by clipping as close to the feet or other parts as possible, but delicately, if a part is in the way of the clippers, don't try forcing it. The plastic is strong but a bit more brittle than the normal GW plastic when that kind of pressure is applied. Once you clip away all you can, its time to get out the scalpel/modeling knife. Start by gently working it under the foot rim, then get the model in a stable position on a cutting mat and start rocking the diagonally up and down, don't saw, wiggle. If the model is positioned in a way that is putting its weight on a strong part, you will eventually reach a point where it just gives and smoothly cuts off the rest about halfway through. You will need to apply quite a bit of pressure though. To play it safe, I tried to angle the cut slightly away from the model and into the base just to ensure that I didn't end up slicing the Termies. Keep at it and you will get there, don't try to be a hero and cut it perfectly in one go, that way lies pain lol! Last hint, particularly on the models with dangling icons on their weapons, be careful not to put weight on that side as they will snap. This only happened to me on the AC marine, and it was just the stem of a chalice and easily glued back on, but some of the others could have had more meaningful damage if I wasn't watching for it after. Ok, I lied, this is the last hint - The feet on some models are slightly off level, I suggest you get yourself a sanding block or whetstone block and place the model feet down on them and work it back and forth one foot at a time. You will have the option to modify the base to accommodate the slightly raised feet, or sand them even, or GS one foot to be a little thicker.

That cover it?

Man! Your greenstuffing is awesome but those paintings sheer briliance! I love it!

Nice!

WOOOH

I'm snagging the ork head to genestealer hybrid for my eventual cult. : ) Great work!

First update on the 1st gen hybrid -

Added weapon pack, missile launcher and target array, continued some minor GS work on the feet and continued with the back.

After this, have to continue smoothing the GS, add straps to the pack, add some wiring from the targetting array to the pack and give him a loin-cloth to cover up his vesitgial human junk (or something lol), and then it will be priming time!

p.s, The targetter is a bit crooked in the shots because I had just glued it on, don't worry, will correct it!











As always, comments welcome, thanks guys!

nice

MajorTom11 I like these so much I tell you what... do you have your project hosted on any hobby site? If not, would you like to have some pages for your extremelly cool Spacehulk project on Buglands?

NAVARRO wrote:MajorTom11 I like these so much I tell you what... do you have your project hosted on any hobby site? If not, would you like to have some pages for your extremelly cool Spacehulk project on Buglands?

Whoa... that's awesome coming from you! You and Moloch have always been my Nid faves!

If you would like to host them np, maybe wait til there is more to see though, as InquisitorEarl will soon begin cranking them out too and I still have to green the other generations!

Navarro asked me to be on his site. *Puts hand up in front of mouth and giggles like Japanese schoolgirl*

thats a first gen hybrid? as in the baby of the origional host whih was bitten by the stealer, the first in the line?

if so i think it is way too genestealery. first gen hybrids are almost human, only difference being that they have those crests on their foreheads and baybe an extra arm, but not six limbs, a carapace and a hunchback. i would hink that would be the generation before it goes full genestealer.

You have it backways Walker.

1st gen is a lot of stealer. 4th gen is nearly human, like a magus. 5th gen can become purestrain stealers again.

Yup you have it backwards, 1st gens are extremely stealery, 4th is the human looking one.



I am trying to focus on creating a more linear blending of the looks, and with the first, this consists mostly of reducing the claws, humanizing the hands and feet, and smoother the carapace and ribbing. Of course the head has a still bestial but more human-ish face. 2nd gen will have less carapace and smaller again, using a ghoul body as a base, and again, much more human legs and head. 3rd gen is meant to be nearly human except with subtle details, but a blatant 3rd arm and maybe an atrophied limb.

The other goal is to give the generations a distinct function and character within the game, and have them be clearly distinguishable, which I found the previous versions of the models weren't particularly defined for 1st to 3rd.

With that info, hopefully it looks ok for you?

Awesome stuff. Some of the nicest Space Hulk painting I've seen.

EDIT - Sorry, meant to say your sculpting is pretty jaw dropping too.

Lol no need to be sorry!

Honestly I am surprised that my very first significantly sculpted model is going over so well... That being said I'm such a noob I don't even know if I can sand the stuff to smooth it lol.

Thanks!

Yep, you can.

Get some fine grit (1200 +) wet/dry paper and you can get a nice smooth finish.

Cheers,

Dante

Very nice all round work.

From the concept art to the GSing to the painting.

You're making me think I should paint up my copy as well.

If it turns out half as good as I think yours is on course to become then I'll be a happy man.

Love the bases you've chosen for the termi's.

I may just get some for myself.

Thanks for sharing this.

Time for another update!

I'm gonna call this dude 97% done, only thing left to do is the tabard details as soon as this round of GS dries, and a bit of sanding on the missile launcher and arms a bit more before undercoating.

P.S - special thanks to CMDante and his blog for the info on sanding! It was a big help!

So update wise, quite a lot of subtle detail added, the straps holding the pack on, the tabard, belt, tail diaper straps, wiring to the targeter and launcher, so bolts on the targeter and some gs on the launcher struts to blend them in.

All in all I am really quite pleased with this overall, I did not think I was capable of converting to this degree and I can't wait to study and learn more from the masters on here and other sites and improve my craft. Suddenly the idea of sculpting details and maybe even entire minis doesn't seem so daunting. The encouragement I got from you guys so far has definitely helped keep me motivated and I appreciate it very much.

On to the mini!











Comments welcome, thanks guys!

WOW!

MajorTom11 wrote:

NAVARRO wrote:MajorTom11 I like these so much I tell you what... do you have your project hosted on any hobby site? If not, would you like to have some pages for your extremelly cool Spacehulk project on Buglands?

Whoa... that's awesome coming from you! You and Moloch have always been my Nid faves!

If you would like to host them np, maybe wait til there is more to see though, as InquisitorEarl will soon begin cranking them out too and I still have to green the other generations!

Navarro asked me to be on his site. *Puts hand up in front of mouth and giggles like Japanese schoolgirl*

Sure mate take your time I have no rush, when you want to we can make some pages just for your Spacehulk project.

NAVARRO wrote:

MajorTom11 wrote:

NAVARRO wrote:MajorTom11 I like these so much I tell you what... do you have your project hosted on any hobby site? If not, would you like to have some pages for your extremelly cool Spacehulk project on Buglands?

Whoa... that's awesome coming from you! You and Moloch have always been my Nid faves!

If you would like to host them np, maybe wait til there is more to see though, as InquisitorEarl will soon begin cranking them out too and I still have to green the other generations!

Navarro asked me to be on his site. *Puts hand up in front of mouth and giggles like Japanese schoolgirl*

Sure mate take your time I have no rush, when you want to we can make some pages just for your Spacehulk project.

Cool man! Thanks very much, I think maybe when I finish one of each generation would be justifiable content, sound good? Am enjoying watching your thread as well btw, I like the feline/canine looking gaunts!

Ok so I took it a bit easy the past week or so but got back to it tonight.

1st gen sculpt is complete, sanded and cleaned up, ready for priming and paint... but first -

4th gen is coming along, new leg and shin armor, along with some steel toes for shizz kicking, scarf, and buckle are coming along. There is also a very subtle ridge added to the FW cadian head, but it's tough to see in the pics. Next up with be the bionic Stealer rending claw and las rifle, then a few small details and done! A lot less work than the 1st gen lol.

The lump of poop next to it is the beginnings of a 2nd gen 'controller' hybrid, he will be the guy controlling the RC first gens. He started out with a ghoul body as the basis but its for too small, so some serious bulking up is going to take place.

On the BA front, I received a large order of plastruct goods from Tower Hobbies, so it's about ready to start on that end as well. Was waiting for some diamond plate to blend one of the termies into the deck bases. So a little drilling and pinning and they will be up and ready to resume.

4th Gen Concept -


Group shot and size comparison -






I edited the shots to get a better view of the 4th gen,





Any advice? This is my first time attempting to sculpt fabric, so particularly on that I would like some feedback and/or good tutorials.

Cheers!

Just received these classics in the post today -



My question to the experts out there, is how would I accomplish sculpting similar ribbing onto my models as the armor on these ones? I am assuming some kind of press technique, but I am having a hard time thinking of a surface I could use. Any suggestions???

Also, I will be hacking the legs off the gun hybrid and sculpting some new ones on to bring it's stature in line with mine, and the Magus will have his shoulders head and torso removed and a complete resculpt on the legs and arms, again to proportion it a bit better, and also to give him a more dynamic pose along the lines of the concept art.

Advice please!!

You might want to ask Ed (troll forged) on the Troll Forged Miniatures forums how he does it, he does a lot of that Giger-esque styled stuff as you can see here.

I'll give that a go thanks very much Mal!

Nice work Major, I'm especially intrigued with the 'Dante' in terminator armour. Inspires me to have another look at my spacehulk minis.

Holy crap!! Your concept art skills are awesome, as your painting skills are

Amazing work. Your modeling skills are superb. It's a shame to mutilate those classic minis, IMO. I'm sure you'll come out with some great sculpts though.

The Good Green wrote:Amazing work. Your modeling skills are superb. It's a shame to mutilate those classic minis, IMO. I'm sure you'll come out with some great sculpts though.

Lol, I'm going to wait til I have a bit more experience before I start hacking at those two. Rest assured that I will be attempting to simply modernize them as opposed to completely screwing them up!

Update time, 4th gen sculpt is complete! For those who don't know, this is the hybrid generation that appears fully human. Again, I am surprised at how close I managed to get to the concept art on this one, and am very happy with the results. I've got to practice my robes and cloth, but not too bad for a first go.

Additionally, started detailing the torso of the 2nd gen, this guy I picture as possibly a controller for the first gen, guiding them to proper locations to deploy their heavy weapons. This is the only generation I didnt prepare concept art for, so I'm kind of winging it. There is a ghoul body under there, and I'm a bit worried the torso may be too deep. I may end up hacking it up a bit to thin it out. As you can see though, the back has carapace plates along the spine (5 of course) and the flesh envelops it after that. The rib cage is stealer, but the abdomen is fleshy with stealer style musculature exposed. Obviously, the legs are going to need pretty significant bulking, but I'm confident that can be sorted. Looking back now, may have been better to use human legs.

So here we go!













Advice really welcome here people! I'm looking to improve

I really like the 4th gen. hybrid, his subtle head mod really makes him a lot creepier. As for the 2nd gen hybrid: isn't he a bit upright? IIRC, these were really halfway between human and stealer, so a more hunched over look may be appropriate?

Im jealous...Im working on a genestealer themed army...and hadnt even though about the level of sculpting you got there. Guess I need to step it up for Gamesday.

I like the 2nd Gen guy If anything i would just hunch him over a bit as he's seems to upright for the curvature of his weird stealer spine something like this maybe (please excuse my hackjob on your image

Hmmm I think you guys are right. I like the detailing I'm getting from the front and back, but from the side the shape isn't right. It's also not helped much by the wheelchair legs lol.

I think an adjustment to the curve of the spine and depth of the chest will be in order, as well as photoshopping the legs to figure out what would be the best approach with them. The thing I want to do is make the steps between generations a bit more gradual and smooth than GW did the first time around. It was pretty hard to tell which was which besides the pure and 4ths before, so I'm trying to figure out some unique design elements each generation would have to distinguish them, yet still keep them very much a themed group you know?

Will update soon! If only with the photoshop of what I intend to do to the 2nd gen -

THANKS GUYS, seriously that's the kind of feedback that is really helpful for me, Cheers!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I think I'm going to go in this direction with it, very similar to tainted messes suggestion, but also de-bulking the back a bit, stealers just aren't that thick in that area...

Good solution?




Automatically Appended Next Post:
Stupid automatic append lol...

All looks very nice; you've done some conversions I've been planning to do, with greater success than I think I'll have! I look forward to further updates.

I like it; it captures the halfway-feel a lot more. How many arms will he have? I'd suggest a more bestial head though; it may be the sketch, but this one looks very close to your 4th gen. head. Looking forward to the next update

This is pretty god damn awsome

CommissarKhaine wrote:I like it; it captures the halfway-feel a lot more. How many arms will he have? I'd suggest a more bestial head though; it may be the sketch, but this one looks very close to your 4th gen. head. Looking forward to the next update

The plan for the heads and arms goes like this, I hope it is easy to picture by description -

1st gen as seen
head - ghoul face un-modified for the most part, large gs skull dome, stealer 'hole' ears, full forehead plates
clothing - only a tabard and belt to accentuate most primitive status
arms- all 4, forearm and bicep 'ribbing' removed, arm length shortened by shaving at the shoulder, rending claws shortened by about 1/3, backs of hands smoothed

2nd gen -
head - ghoul face, nose modified to be more human and less bat-like, smaller gs skull dome, stealer ears, 1 or 2 forehead plates, the rest under the skin but still bulging.
clothing -in robes below the waist, maybe bracers on the arms, still primitive but less animalistic
arms- 4 arms or 3. If 4, once of the arms will be an atrophied 'chicken wing', other arms will again be shortened stealer arms, reduced in size overall by shaving.

3rd gen -
head Human face, gs stealer dome but only slightly larger than normal, ears human shaped out edge but still plain holes inside, head plates completely under skin but still bulging out.
armor - Bulky armor, similar to the old hybrid models.
arms- 4,3 or 2. If 4, 2 chicken wings, no rending claws. If 3, 1 rending claw with vestigial pinky growing in, gs'd from a human hand, stealers claws at this point are too big. If 2, both human. at this point the arms will only have a few small areas with carapace, otherwise, they will be flesh only.
notes - To me, these guys have the full intelligence of a human, but benefit from superhuman strength as they still have enough stealer in them. The most powerful individual hybrid in a tactical sense, able to hold their own strategically, at range and in melee.

4th gen as seen,
head- All human, only a slight forehead ridge and baldness to give away heritage.
armor -Guard type armor but modified enough not to look like an ordinary guard model with a diff paintjob.
arms- 2 human
notes - fully human and focused on ranged combat.

As near as I can figure, this is the best way to show linear generational progression that still gives each their own unique design elements, yet still look very much alike. My ultimate goal is to line them all up when I'm done and have it look like those 'Evolution of man' posters you see so often in science classes and museums, each step leading smoothly and fluidly to the next, but distinct in silhouette and subtle detailing. If you want to see what 3rd gen and Magus look like, the concept art is in my gallery, I just didn't want to roll it out here until the models were started.

Alrighty, I'm about to pop in a movie and get started hacking up the 2nd gen sculpt to bring it in-line with the photoshopped shot above, thanks very much guys!

Dude! If you could do some fully sculpted versions of those hybrids Ed (over at TFM) might cast them. I mean, they would fit in greatly with the alien range we are working on!

For the 2nd gen can I suggest a normal set of forward arms and a set of vestigal, shrunken and wizened stealer arms behind it? to show that it has evolved from the 1st gen but is still not up the level of the 4th? Just thinking, your plog is pretty inspirational man!

Malika2 wrote:Dude! If you could do some fully sculpted versions of those hybrids Ed (over at TFM) might cast them. I mean, they would fit in greatly with the alien range we are working on!

INTIMIDATION

lol, I have only sculpted 2 things in my life and you are looking at them! Super flattering though thank you! Honestly I have no idea if I am ready for anything like that yet, i'm still a total noob when it comes to the green :S

BLACKHAND wrote:For the 2nd gen can I suggest a normal set of forward arms and a set of vestigal, shrunken and wizened stealer arms behind it? to show that it has evolved from the 1st gen but is still not up the level of the 4th? Just thinking, your plog is pretty inspirational man!

Not sure about 2 'vesties' at the 2nd gen stage because it would cut out the 3 full armed classic hybrid thing, however, 2 at the 3rd gen is definitely in the works, screw it, it's early, but here is the concept art featuring the chicken wing stealer arm lol

Nice concept shots. Don't they just help along brilliantly when your tinkering with new projects?

Also, you have some wicked Greenstuff conversions - I might nic som of them. heh.

wow not usually a big fan of space hulk but these mini's really stood out. I wanna see more of Dante/Captain! dont forget about him! i think your sketch was the best probably try some Grey Knight Parts (they seem to be the most upright and have your bolters like you want.) and theres more that enough dante masks with the BA release.

These sculpts and conversions are amazing, and I don't want to take anything away from that, but I've got to correct you on your fluff.

Genestealers reproduce by implanting humans, who will then give birth to the hybrid. This child looks mostly human, with just a bit of genestealer traits. Maybe slightly tinted skin, bald head, etc. These children grow and are then attracted to mate with each other, producing children who are more mutated. This continues until you get to the 4th generation, which are pure-strain genestealers. So, basically, you've got it backwards. It's merely a typographical thing, just switch your numbers around.

Of course, I haven't read the latest tyranid codex, so if they've changed it, I wouldn't know. But that would be a pretty big change.

Again, keep doing what you're doing. It's incredible.

It's weird, you are the 2nd person to mention that, but Im 200% sure its the other way, both from the source books in front of me and the specific fluff. 4th gen specifically are mentioned as the Magus generation, the human one, the humans then restart the process and birth purestrains again. The order goes as per this picture -



Plus wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genestealer

and lexicanum 40k http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Genestealer_Hybrid

They are very specific, and always have been, the stealer traits diminish til they are gone, then the cycle starts again. Maybe some people think it is backwards because they are thinking of the infectee cultist as a first generation? If you have a direct reference otherwise I would be curious to see it, not meaning to be combative or argumentative, genuinely curious if they ever presented it other than the way I am familiar with

Wow really like these.

When I first started collecting (92-93) the books Space Marine and Death Wing were all the rage. Tyranids didnt really have the focus they do now and it was really all about Genestealers and Genestealer cults. Thus this thread brings back memories!

I actually had the old Magus and Patriaarch with familiars but buggered if I know where that ended up...

Look forward to more of these.

Malice

Yeah I had the original SH DW and GS, with all minis, many still on sprue, a bunch of magi and hybrids, plus a running patriarch and a few familiars...

Let them in my parents place when I moved out, and several moves have happened since on both ends... If only I could find the box I kept all that stuff in, it would be saving me a few 100 on ebay these days lol. SH was the first thing that made me curious about 40k back in 89 when I was a pre-teen running around a comic shop, I remember it well.

Meanwhile, good progress is being made on the 2nd gen sculpt, very happy with the changes made thanks to some good constructive advice from you guys. Also started putting together the guard I will be over sculpting for the all important 3rd generation. That one involves the most complex sculpting so he has been left til last....

Update late tonight or early-ish tomorrow!

MajorTom11: Brillianty work and concept, love your work. I feel the vestigial arms will really add to that creepy, inbred look stealers always had IMO. As for the generations: you had it correct if my memory serves me right: only 4th gen bred purestrains, creating a cyclic process that could continue till the cult was strong enough to overthrow governement and/or attracted the attention of the hive mind.

Ok, so a bit done but not as much as I would have liked this weekend.

The 2nd Generation hybrid as you can see got hacked up, I basically extracted the chest sculpting and ditched the rest and rebuilt from scratch, this time with a must more muscular and less bulbous looking back, and with Cadian legs to bulk him out, although the only visible part of anything that is not green is the guardsman shin-guards.

Quite happy with changes made, much more threatening design. I also added some larger bare feet, with a vestigial pinky toe growing in as the foot continues its morph from stealer to human. The robes were added, as well as the classic hybrid ribbed knee-pads. I'd say the torso and legs are more or less done at this point, still a bit of work to do on the belt and robes but the silhouette is about right. Waiting on a bits order before I can get to the head, and am gs'ing and modding some stealer arms for the rending set, and debating whether to use ghoul arms which are skinny as hell but very vestigial looking, or normal human sized arms for the lower set.

While waiting for various bits of GS to set on the 2nd gen, I decided to get going on the 3rd generation. This guy as you can see has very stylized heavier armor, and is very much inspired by the design of the old metal hybrid models. Lots of ribbing and overlapping plates, knee-pads and a domed collar. The arms will be bare for the most part, again as per the classic hybrid look. I will be adding a backpack to him to give the illusion of the hunchbacked look, even if he is mostly upright and human in spinal posture.

Pics!













My design philosophy I've been trying very hard to stick to is that with each generation, the stealer characteristics get halved in their prominence. This may sound obvious, but what it really means is that the effect is compound. Take a second generation for example, genetically it is 3 quarters human, as the Genestealer parent would itself be half human. I take this to mean that stealer traits are quickly diminished, thus beyond the 1st generation, the hybrids are much more human than stealer. Make sense?

Hope you guys like, comments, advice and criticism are as always very welcome!

Major, These are absolutely fantastic. I love your GS work. Its just perfect.

I really like how you re-did the 2nd gen. I'm looking forward to seeing how you flesh him out.

Hmm, the non organic components don't seem straight enough, have you considered using Brown Stuff for those parts instead?

I like it a lot. The evolution from first to fourth generation is very obvious in your models, and they're all tied together visually. Nice work!

MajorTom11 wrote:It's weird, you are the 2nd person to mention that, but Im 200% sure its the other way, both from the source books in front of me and the specific fluff. 4th gen specifically are mentioned as the Magus generation, the human one, the humans then restart the process and birth purestrains again. The order goes as per this picture -



Plus wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genestealer

and lexicanum 40k http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Genestealer_Hybrid

They are very specific, and always have been, the stealer traits diminish til they are gone, then the cycle starts again. Maybe some people think it is backwards because they are thinking of the infectee cultist as a first generation? If you have a direct reference otherwise I would be curious to see it, not meaning to be combative or argumentative, genuinely curious if they ever presented it other than the way I am familiar with

Hello fellow cultist! You are correct regarding the order for hybridization. There is no source that I'm aware of that says otherwise. The point of the genestealer infestion is that it's an infiltration device. As the cult grows, the hybrids and cult in general becomes more able to fit into society. Then the final generation is an explosion of purestrains. That usually triggers the cult to action against the planetary government, etc.

So one original purestrain (which becomes the Patriarch) essentially builds an army of purestrains (and accompanying hybrids and brood brothers) right under the noses of the planetary authorities. And that's why -- rending claws aside -- purestrain Genestealers are dangerous.

Interesting GCult fact of the day -- this same process involving Eldar can require up to 20 generations before purestrains are birthed.

Great work...keep it up!

Wow, You're doing a great job on this

Excuse me, but I'm going to have to ask you to stop this. This forum is not made to handle such high volumes of awesome.

Seriously though, can't wait to see these guys finished.

Malika2 wrote:Hmm, the non organic components don't seem straight enough, have you considered using Brown Stuff for those parts instead?

I had read it is better for sharp edges, I would give it a go sure! That 3rd gen is still in an extremely rough state though, He will be attacked with a scalpel and sandpaper and generally tightened up before long, hopefully to noticeable effect. What about mixing more blue into the GS to have a stiffer putty, what's your take on that? Or prosculpt, I do have some of that lying around, do you know if that is any better?

gorgon wrote: Hello fellow cultist! You are correct regarding the order for hybridization. There is no source that I'm aware of that says otherwise. The point of the genestealer infestion is that it's an infiltration device. As the cult grows, the hybrids and cult in general becomes more able to fit into society. Then the final generation is an explosion of purestrains. That usually triggers the cult to action against the planetary government, etc.

So one original purestrain (which becomes the Patriarch) essentially builds an army of purestrains (and accompanying hybrids and brood brothers) right under the noses of the planetary authorities. And that's why -- rending claws aside -- purestrain Genestealers are dangerous.

Interesting GCult fact of the day -- this same process involving Eldar can require up to 20 generations before purestrains are birthed.

Great work...keep it up!

Lol thanks for the fluff backup! I had actually seen your stuff before I began this project, one of the many that kicked me in the bum to actually do it, thanks for looking

Darth Bob wrote:Excuse me, but I'm going to have to ask you to stop this. This forum is not made to handle such high volumes of awesome.

Seriously though, can't wait to see these guys finished.

LOL I actually took it seriously for a second, just the first line, I thought I had stepped on someones toes or mouthed off lol. (I do that sometimes when confronted with blatant retardism in other parts of this forum )

Will get back to it tonight, probably an update later on or tomorrow... I can't wait to finish these prototypes and get painting again though, those terminators are staring at me!

I will probably put it to a vote what to paint first, hybrids or termies before I start though, I'm a bit torn which way to go lol

Thanks all!

Just awesome.

I'll have to dig my books out of the closet. Which one(s) are you looking at, just out of curiosity? I very well may be wrong and have understood it backwards this whole time, but I will check.

I believe the life-cycle is specifically adressed in the Genestealer rulebook iirc, and various other WD articles etc. Those links I put up have specific reference I believe too. I am curious as well if they changed it at some point!

*Just checked -
Genestealer rulebook
Tyranid 1st edition codex
WD 114 and 115

Whooa, dude that is amazing!
Your green is pretty decent for a newbie and your concept ideas and sketches blew me away. I actually feel like stealing one or two of those ideas and sculpt them up right away

I agree with Malika2 that (at the current stage) the nonorganic components aren't quite rigid enough. But the overall feel is excellent, and the organic parts are amazing!

Trying a different mix is a good idea, or perhaps another material for the non-organic parts. If you ever need to do a large plate, plasticard will be a lot easier than making a completely smooth panel of GS!

Ya it's difficult to get super sharp lines for me at the moment, not outside edges, but interior details. The organic stuff makes sense and is very natural in terms of methodology. You have a lot of latitude moving stuff around and it's very forgiving. Hard surface is more about technique than anything else, and i'm just muddling around for the most part at the moment.

I plan to frame the ribbing parts by putting a sharper raised border around those sections, which will at least put a hard straight edge on some parts. But ya some spots are a bit warped. I hope layering up will go a ways to solving it, and a little scalpel work. I trimmed some small details and edge work last night, along with a new loingcloth etc, its working out fairly well.

That's why I ask for advice all the time though! Pyri, Mal, if you could point me in the right direction for hard surface sculpting I would be all over it!

Thanks all!

Sure but as I dont have the time right now to read all this over again and look for specific problems please condense it for me, that is show me exactly what you have problems with and what you would like to achieve and I´ll help you out as much as I can.

Hmm, I know I wasn't asked for advice, but in my own experience doing hard sharp lines (trim on jackets and what not) was always been attempted once the GS had "gone off" and hardened a fair bit. I would blutack the figure being worked on onto the top of an old paint pot as per painting - and simply drag the pointy tool/bladealong the contour of what every I was detailing. There are spots where ridging occurs due to the gathering and displacement of the softer, these are left to set in place and sanded down once set.

And that's how I normally skin that proverbial rabbit.

Pyriel- wrote:Sure but as I dont have the time right now to read all this over again and look for specific problems please condense it for me, that is show me exactly what you have problems with and what you would like to achieve and I´ll help you out as much as I can.

Hey Pyri, The man area I am having trouble in is the ribbing on the 3rd generation hybrids sides. I at trying to get a very even texture, but as I go areas seem to get slightly pushed up and out, resulting in some uneven areas depth wise, and some uneven between the ribs. I thought I would be able to go back in and spread them a bit once it was dry but that's not doing too much. It is a similar effect to the bottom vents of your pre-heresy jump packs, but less deep. Thanks man!

Archibald Jack wrote:Hmm, I know I wasn't asked for advice, but in my own experience doing hard sharp lines (trim on jackets and what not) was always been attempted once the GS had "gone off" and hardened a fair bit. I would blutack the figure being worked on onto the top of an old paint pot as per painting - and simply drag the pointy tool/bladealong the contour of what every I was detailing. There are spots where ridging occurs due to the gathering and displacement of the softer, these are left to set in place and sanded down once set.

And that's how I normally skin that proverbial rabbit.

Hey Jack, first thanks for the advice, I am open to anyone's words no worries!

The technique you describe is pretty much what I used, I let the GS: set for about 15-20 mins before putting the ribs in. I did this by dragging the tip of the tool at first, but I found that was dragging the GS and creating furrows sometimes so I switched to sequentially denting it in first with the long edge, and then dragging it out after that which resulted in less bulging. I sanded it down a wee bit since and that has helped out. I think when I try again I will put the base down first without ribbing it, then once it is dry put a thinner gs layer on top and try working with less depth.

Thanks guys! I received some much needed bits to finish these 2 up today, so possibly a fairly progressive update later tonight!

Thanks guys

Ah I think I get it, you are doing "ribs" on the sides, or is it some sort of armour-fabric since the same texture is on the knee pads?
I take it its not real bone ribs since those arent as thin.

I would also need to know if you intend a rounded surface on the "ribs" or sharper like "vent grill bars".

If real ribs (that means rounded things)
I would let the GS pancake cure some using lots of blue in it and then press the texture out with the back of a pocket knife where theblade is dull and rounded, never minding the ends, those would be cut away after curing and the next section/segment of ribs done the same way.
The end would see small amounts of green on top of the rib joints shaped by a knife tip.

If sharp grille vent bars are what you are looking for then sadly the best way to do it is wait till the gs cures all the way and then carefully cutting out the spacing between with the finest scalpel you can get your hands on.

If it didnt help then explain better to me what you want to achieve and the exact problem.

No that's it man, thanks!

The ribbing is a throwback to the orginal hybrid models which featured similar textures on the armor, it is meant to look the same as the kneepads yes.

So it's definitely not option 2, its the rounded shallow version, corrugated looking more than vent grill you know?

Thanks again for your time man, I appreciate it! Now I am going to get cracking on both of them -


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Alrighty, so a bit of progress done thanks to a timely arrival of bits.

2nd and 3rd each have their torso's more or less complete, small touch ups and minor details to add, and of course, some sanding.

Heads have been added, and I am particularly pleased with the 3rd generation's sculpt, a seriously modded Ig 'scar head'.

For the arms, the 2nd gen got his rending claws, shortened in length incrementally from the 1st gen and purestrain, now featuring even nubbier claws lol. For the secondary set, I went with a ghoul arm to hold the shotgun, and a gs 'vestigial' on the other side. Before anyone says it, I say he racks the shotgun with his nubby rending claw! lol

This pretty much leaves the 3rd gens arms and the great hybrid project moves into Inquisitor Earl's hands to duplicate and improve on the concepts.

Almost there sculpt wise! I will be relieved to get to some simpler work basing the terminators and enhancing the hybrid bases, and then, finally, it's long overdue to start painting!

Thanks guys, here are the pics!

The fresh update is right above this! Stupid Auto-append... lol

WOW..; You've really taken it ot the next level here, I really like the 3rd gen, he has the whole fantical and evil face going on! Nice work!

Thanks Khaine, I'm really happy to hear that it comes through, that head ended up with a lot of character. Puttying in the scar on the face ended leaving the upturned part of the mouth where the scar was pulling, I decided to leave it on because I thought it looked appropriately cocky and evil lol.

Speaking of heads, I realized I forgot to mod the nose and tweak the face of the 2nd gen to differentiate a bit more from the 1st head-wise, will be fixing that tonight

Excellent job, Just amazing...I really like it. Cant wait to see them painted and ready to go.

Lol neither can I, I'm itching for a paint brush again, but I still have to pin the termies on their bases, add some extra basing touches to all of them and finish these sculpts before that's going to happen.

Thank god I don't have to sculpt the rest of them alone lol, although I did order an empire wizard as a magus base, I am feeling guilty about chopping up the classic... although I am going to have to mold that buddha stealer staff

Oh yeah these are looking better and better... Keep it up!

The middle guy is really really cool now.

You need to build one of the Genestealer Coven Limos

And you right Lifecycle gose Purestrain, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Purstrain

3rd and 4th generations tend to be Psykers

Well, the day has finally come... All hybrid generations are scultped! Nothing left but a bit of sanding here and there, and they are good to go for priming.

I'll let the pics do the talking this time, this is the shot I wanted to see most, evolution of man, stealer style , if you want bigger views just click the pics and you can go to the large one's in my gallery.

















Next up, pinning termies to bases, and a few extra touches to the hybrid bases too!

Looking good! The cult seems to have some good connections if they have acces to Elysian-attern meltaguns

Those look excellent the side on pic really shows there evolution from 1st gen through to Purestrain.

Fantastic GS sculpting there MajorTom, I'm really impressed with how fast you've done so much quality work.

As a long-time fan of the Cult, I'm really impressed with your project, it's inspiring me to go tackle that box full of stuff I've been collecting to build a Cult of my own.

CommissarKhaine wrote:Looking good! The cult seems to have some good connections if they have acces to Elysian-attern meltaguns

lol maybe they just came from an Elysian key-party:

For the record though, attaching both of those Elysian guns was one of the biggest b**ch's of my modelling career... Holy crap they look nice on the sprue and all but try to put them on Cadian arms and you are in for a world of hurt. The 4th gen started out with a Bullpup lasrifle, but as with the Melta, there is just no way to get the gun on without carving away 3/4 of the forearm or making them hold the gun 70 degrees to the right or left on the y-axis...

Solution 4th gen - cut off the stock and put the mag on the side of the gun, giving a ww2 looking weapon.
Solution 3rd gen - cut right arm in 3 pieces, shave a good deal of forearm down, cut bottom of the stock off, pin shoulder to upper arm, pin upperarm to forearm, pin melta to hand, sculpt left hand from scratch.

:S

FW should put a warning on them, may cause swearing loud enough to wake up your wife and scare cat.

Thanks for the comments guys

Just outstanding. Wonderfully crafted, and convincingly terrifying. Well done.

You might look into some corrugated plasticard to make uniform armor shapes that way the armor ribs have a constant thickness and stay straight. I quite like what you are doing with this.
Have you looked at http://www.hirstarts.com/ he is working on 3d hulk stuff right now and it looks just perfect for a 3d board.

Corrugated plasticard, looks it up and the thinner grades might have done the trick, where were you 2 weeks ago??? LOL

Im going to leave them as is, and dirty them up or scalpel any ares which are severely rough. Next time though... plasticard would be the wiser move both for the abdominal plates on the 3rd gen and ribbing.

Thank for the advice!

Back to pinning termies...

WOW!!! really liked the way they turned out. But i wanna hear more about DanteCaptain!

Great job.

I think you've inspired me to do some sculpting once I get back to my GCult. To this point, I've been working with the original metals for my Hybrids. But they get expensive to procure and even with 20 or so poses they get a little repetitive. Some fresh sculpts might be in order...

sc0ttfree wrote:WOW!!! really liked the way they turned out. But i wanna hear more about DanteCaptain!

Lol, Dante Captain is still in early goings with FreakForge, we are still figuring out the exact approach to take. To be frank the realease of the sanguinary guard box has really diminished the uniqueness of the design, so we need to figure out how to handle that. Also, after seeing this month's WD, I will definitely be giving him the NMM treatment. Metallics work great for most applications imo, but for that chromed look there is no other way to go.

Will keep you up to date as it comes, I am getting a bit anxious to see it too! Meanwhile, hopefully the other 15/16 Terminators will tide you over until then

gorgon wrote:Great job.

I think you've inspired me to do some sculpting once I get back to my GCult. To this point, I've been working with the original metals for my Hybrids. But they get expensive to procure and even with 20 or so poses they get a little repetitive. Some fresh sculpts might be in order...

Indeed, I love the old models tbh, but they are wickedly out of scale at this point. The old hybrids next to the new ones look super short, like 13 year olds almost lol. I will probably use them, but I am reconsidering not chopping them up, I think A torso extension is in order...



Meanwhile, I continue to base the termies, and I broke my word on not working on the hybrids more, They now all have gs'd stealer icons somewhere on their armor. I am giving myself til monday night for any further conversions on the bunch, because painting needs to start!

p.s - BTW, when you guys reply, let me know which you want to see painted first, termies or the hybrid prototypes!

p.p.s - 100+ posts... woot!

You were talking about sculpting from scratch and putting out your own stuff using the plasticard will make the ribbed armor uniform throughout the line and making pressmold armor is how scibor does it.

sonofruss wrote:You were talking about sculpting from scratch and putting out your own stuff using the plasticard will make the ribbed armor uniform throughout the line and making pressmold armor is how scibor does it.

Definitely, now that I looked at the kinds of textures available on plasticard there was stuff that would have been perfect for these. When I started I was pretty clueless about using GS, Styrene of any kind etc. I was more just a painter doing minor chop-ups but no major conversion. At this stage though I am a bit remiss to go back and tear up what i've done on these particular guys, but next time I will be doing it the way you suggested for sure!

It's exactly that kind of info that makes this blog so rewarding, you guys have been great with the info, like CM dante and his sandpapering tips, pyriel and several others for sculpting, too many to count really. But it's all been fantastic. I really appreciate it Sonofruss, in fact, if you had a particular scale and maker for a specific plasticard for the ribbing use that would be great too

Cheers!

HO scale would be perfect I think but I would go to a model train store and see it in person before ordering it online.

The closest decent one is in the downtown core or in a boon on the other side of the island, places I rarely go, in the day anyways... There is one close by but the selection (and store in general) is really piss poor.

Judging by the diamond plate styrene I bought though I think you are pretty spot on with the estimate, worse to worse I will order a sheet or 2 of a few adjacent sizes.

Thanks again Russ, really appreciate it!

Great sculpt! I wish they'd put hybrids back in the nids codex.

Thanks guys,

It's been a while since last I updated but I have not been idle.

First up, put the final detail on the hybrid sculpts, raised genestealer icons on their equipment/armor -







Next up, the termies are all based! As usual I had to embellish on perfectly good bases, but I am quite pleased with the results. Some bases were left as is, others got special treatment -





I decided to put another few coats onto the purestrains, the blending was smooth, but on the first run I intentionally didnt highlight too high as I wanted something more realistic. This time I highlighted the skin to much brighter hues to up the contrast a bit, I found the originals had the detail drowned out a bit.

Unfortunately my camera did not do a very good job picking up the colors at all :(, not in the artificial light without set-up shots anyways lol. They are significantly, significantly brighter and more vibrant in real life. The broodlord shot on page one is much closer to how they all actually look, although there are 3 varieties of skin tone, purple blue, purple pink and purple orange and three varieties of carapace, tealish blue, electric'ish blue and grey'ish blue, it doesnt come out much. What the hell I will throw up the shots anyhow, the purestrains didnt get too much photo love on this blog -







Now a bit of fun. One of my earliest minis from way back in 91 or 92, compared to one of my latest, purestrain first edition vs 3rd lol -



And a metal hybrid I received off ebay compared to my versions, the old one is tiny! It is about the height of an 11 year old compared to the new ones, although I realize now I didnt put them lined up to really show it, I think you can still tell -



And a group shot of the whole Space Hulk: Complete project models so far... quite a bit of work left to do! Not to mention the 15 more hybrids I commisioned and of course, the Dante Termie.



Last but not least, I am mulling over schemes for the hybrid armor and clothing... I am thinking I want to avoid the usual all blue/purple look and do something more military in nature... will probably still color the scarves and other small touches in purple and blue though... I am so far attracted to these three scemes -







That last shot was an inspiration for me to do my own, and although he painted his stealers in a khaki green scheme, I still think the colors could be made to work with my more traditional take. Especially as I plan to dampen the blues and purples of the stealer hybrids significantly til they are nearly non-existent by 3rd gen, more like hints, claws would go fingernail colored and carapace will possibly be bone colored as opposed to blue. In the end though I doubt I will use red, it's a shame because I think some crimson would look really good but I don't want to compete with the BA side with reds... sigh.

I am also attracted to Archibald Jack's Hounds of Krieg Killzone scheme too, although I am not sure it would work too well with blue and purple mixed in. Right now the front runner for me is definitely the 1st option though, I like the greyscale'ish feel as I think it will make the color really pop where applied, as well as being distinctly different from the other side.

Alright, lots to digest I'm sure so that's it for now, painting will begin soon on the Termies. Any comments on the possible hybrid schemes (and anything else) are most welcome!

Cheers!

Lol missed some of the updates.. great work! I really like the purestrains as well. As for the colour scheme: the dark gray and bone would be my choice, since it'll contrast nicely with their skins and icons (if painted purple).

My vote is for number 1 also. The reason being it has some contrast amongst its self but is unified enough the purple will stand out without clashing.
Amazing work BTW.

Yup definitely going to be #1 though, although I will mix in a touch of khaki into the grey highlights, just a touch. Will likely base myself off CM Dante's blog tutorial too, he had a very similar scheme that went of beautifully!

I am going to take some better pics today while the sun is out, a scale shot of the metal hybrid, hopefully some better color capturing on the purestrains, and some close ups of the modded bases, it bugs me that the details didnt come out in the one's above!

*Stares, salivates, licks chops*
...Inspirational.

Pretty sure some of this will get "assimilated" for my Cult, when I get around to it.

Alright let's try this again in better lighting conditions and some exposure setting tweaks -

The side by side hybrid scale comparison shot, that old one is tiny! -



The Tech Support section -




http://www.dakkadakka.com/core/gallery-viewimage.jsp?i=99959&w=800

The marines, with better shots of the custom bases -





















And finally, Stealer pics that actually show the colors even remotely close to the real life -



















That should show where I'm at a bit better than the previous pics today!

EPIC WIN!

The stealers really give that scuttling horde feel; love'em!

lol now i'm sitting there looking back and forth from my new awesomepaintjob.com weathering powders to the stealer bases... and considering some osl flame from one or 2 pipes, then I'm looking at the stealer familiars I just got in the mail and wondering where to stick them too... Christ and I thought I was going to get to the termies 3 nights ago lol... too obsessive for my own good :S

Wow, the the 3rd and 4th generations (?? the most human looking stealers) are simply amazing. Their faces and poses ooze character, can not wait to see them painted. I like the last paint scheme, from the Golden Demon entry, just sayin'...

I am with the clans on this one, in that number one looks the most solid. Though I would sub out the white tone for something a little more confrontational - maybe a deep red, or a dark gery with red detailing - I mean, if I was the genetic descendant of something that lurks in the shadows I would favour darker tones and have minor colour touches to indicate descendancy.

And also, how much time do you pour into those bases? they look most righteous, especially the termine tearing up the floor.

steempunk wrote:Wow, the the 3rd and 4th generations (?? the most human looking stealers) are simply amazing. Their faces and poses ooze character, can not wait to see them painted. I like the last paint scheme, from the Golden Demon entry, just sayin'...

Thanks man! Can't take too much credit for the 4th, the FW head was a nice sculpt to begin with, but the third was fortuitous coincidence, I noticed the smirky look he had after filling in the cadian command scarface head with GS and decided to just run with it. I love the golden demon theme too, A LOT, but I don't think it will work quite as well with a blue/purple based stealer force, and although it's my favorite, I want to avoid Red to keep them distinct from the BA... :(

Archibald Jack wrote:I am with the clans on this one, in that number one looks the most solid. Though I would sub out the white tone for something a little more confrontational - maybe a deep red, or a dark gery with red detailing - I mean, if I was the genetic descendant of something that lurks in the shadows I would favour darker tones and have minor colour touches to indicate descendancy.

And also, how much time do you pour into those bases? they look most righteous, especially the termine tearing up the floor.

I totally would love to do red, but I am very, very reluctant because of the blue/purple stealer colors, and also because I don't want to compete with the BA scheme and have the 2 opposing forces be super distinct from each other. I am going to go with number one, what I think I will end up doing is darkening the undersuit to nearly black, and have black boots etc too. For the armor, I like the white'ish look because it will definitely distinguish from the red-gold BA, and also because I don't want to go the super obvious route and have the uniforms directly reflect the stealer scheme, in my head they would wear non-obvious armors and clothes in order to infiltrate better into society. Or something. lol.

I also think the white will provide a strong contrast to the very subtle blue and purple scarves and hoods, and other hints to their heritage. I definitely think a Charcoal Grey/blue/purple/white scheme could be made to work well. I do wish I could have red in there though... I loved your KZ stuff after all .

Ill be paint up a test model (probably the 4th gen) soon'ish and get your opinion again though, it's going to be a challenge for me after only painting SM and Stealers pretty much my entire hobby life, I never really tried a normal unhelmeted human before! CM Dante did a similar scheme that looks awesome, substitute the yellow with purple or blue and the green with charcoal grey and you get where I'm going with it -


The bases actually weren't too tough on most of them, the Fenris games bases themselves are pretty awesome, and with the styrene products I ordered it was pretty easy to put the detailing you see on there. Some I wanted to spruce up a touch like the Culln based sergeant to have them stand out a bit more, but some needed extras because of mismatched feet heights after clipping etc. The tearing up the floor model would not have integrated well if just stuck on the grates, so he needed some plating to tear up, believe it or not he was pretty easy, the styrene board was just the right thickness to fit under his thumb nicely. Callistarius will be one of the focal points, so I wanted his based pretty well integrated, which meant filling that weird hole behind with pipes etc, and putting the trim around to provide smoother transitions. particularly happy with the candle stealer skull, if I can pull off the osl I want to, it should make for quite a moody piece.

One termie is on a base with ripped up flooring, and right now it looks like crap because there is the top bit of a ripper just sitting there, but when he is done I will be filling that tear with water effects, I think that will actually be one of the best bases when it's done.

But before I get to all that, I will be weathering my stealer bases with the powders I got in from awesomepaintjob.com, so the hybrids and termies will be waiting juuust a little bit longer!

Cheers guys

yeah definatly go for the first scheme!
thats basicly what im doing for my guard regiment but the armor plates are a light grey instead of white

wow amazing stuff and I also want to see the Dante captian and as for the paint scheame I like the third one it looks like it fits genestealers.

You have some good looking stuff, and you did a bood job painting that guardsmen.

Karl Deathwolf wrote:You have some good looking stuff, and you did a bood job painting that guardsmen.

Oh no no no! lol, That last pic is CM Dante's, not mine! All glory goes to him!

I too would love to see the Dante model lol, it seems Freakforge is dealing with some issues at home at the moment, I am very much hoping that he will start posting his progress on here sooner than later though. I am sure when he gets to it it will be EPIC, or if he has too much going on and has to cancel, I will tackle it and it will be AVERAGE.

LOL

Dude, the color sheme would be great. Great idea to add some khaki color into the gray also. I like it. That way you will get a nice crisp highlight. That will give it the pop.

I agree that you shouldnt go with the normal blue. These are far too unique and awesome to just let them fade into all other space hulks. I would go with the white, but you may want to base the white with gray, that way you get a darker shading. I like that military idea.

You really should keep to the color you want. If you need any advice or ideas let me know man. Always here to help.

Here is a pretty cool update!

Freakforge and I continue to refine the design of (this is for you Vlad!) the Dante in Terminator armor, and I am very close to calling this design final, in terms of details and pose, the only if for me is to go with either a traditional dante mask, or go with my very similar but a bit more unique 'Blood Crown' design? What do you think???





(blood crown alternate head in this one)


various angles of the pose for clarity


So this concept is now pretty spot on for me, and I am sure Freakforge is only going to take it to the next level.

Now, our good friend Inquisitor Earl has also been in touch, and sent over pics of his start on a nearly completely scratch sculpted Magus! It is early going but I think it is off to a great start, the only thing I mentioned was that the legs and lower body were too short/small, so he is going to extend them out about 3mm (adding about an extra head of height), on the left you can see my photoshop instructions on where to proceed, and I bet he will kick out a clone of that, with a few extra flourishes of his own.

And here he is -


Meanwhile on my side, besides sketching for the boys, the genestealers got 3 or 4 different weathering powders applied, a few mods on the bases, and the metal hybrids, magus and familars got clipped off their bases and drilled, almost ready to be based themselves!
When they are, they along with my hybrid sculpts will get primed, and then it is, hopefully for real this time, time to stop sculpting/converting and prepping and time to start painting! I say this now, but sooner or later GW will actually send me my sanguinary guard and death company boxes and I may end up going on another conversion spree on the termies one last time lol.

Comments on the Dante sketches are especially welcome, now is the time to debate it before too much detail work get's done!

And Brush-slip, I would love to chat with you about the techniques you used on your deathcorps cloth applications, and skin blending. The cloth I am very confident about already but I want to know if you are lending the way I think you are, but the skin I am not so confident on so that I would love that tutorial on!

Thanks in advance guys, I am getting excited about these 2!

i tihnk the blood crown will give it more character, and as the concept looks, he looks as badass as papa smurf himself!

Give him that Blood Crown and a longsword!

The day has come, I have finally posted on this thread!

I would like to publicly thank Tom for getting me out of a modelling ditch with this great project. I think we are together taking the genestealer hybrid imagery to new levels. Hopefully I can do the concept art justice as I think you will all agree, the concepts are just right.

Here is progress as of this morning. I have added extra height to the robes and done some folds, following closely that done on the GW Astropath figure. The boot needs a bit more on it I think; always room to improve. I guess the hard thing is capturing the concept and adapting it to a wargaming 'heroic' scale and proportion. This figure is larger than others but I think that adds to his status.









Anyway, lots more to do so that's all for now folks,
Inq Earl.

You know, this thread (and many others on P&M Blogs) are what WD should be about. Rather than wasting all that print on the big release of the month, the magazine should focus more on this kind of fun. It's what keeps the hobby alive.

Dante and the magus a relooking great! To me, the original Dante head seems to suit the model best. And if you're going for a glaive-style weapon, consider making the handguard and grip assymetric as well; it'll suit the design of the blade better. If you look at historic swords, assymetric blades usually had assymetric hilts as well. Just my two cents!

I've just realised that I haven't posted on this thread yet, and that's just criminal. This is inspiring, incredible stuff, and I'm sure there are a hell of a lot of people following this as religiously as I've been who are just keeping quiet

This is the thread that's inspired me to be far more ambitious with Green Stuff - thank you!

Great work here. I especially like the extra detailing on the bases for the terminators. It makes them fit in with the industrial look of the stealer bases much better, and arguably is what GW should have done in the first place.

I'm also looking forwards to more of terminator Dante, the concept drawings are looking very cool.

grrr

YES!

Earl joins the fray lol, now you guys will get to enjoy his work and updates as much as me, excellent! The proportions on the magus look spot on now mate, excellent work! p.s, what is the beige stuff you work with excatly, and what are its qualities? Is it an off ratio mix of brown?

For the Dante, I am definitely going to be doing the longsword, I designed a glave like weapon in the original concept art well before the Sanguinary guard box was ever revealed, so I was pleased/disapointed to see they resembled my captain so much. I obviously want to keep the general aesthetic, but I am glad things have been changed to distance him from them a little bit. In these particular sketches the blade had an asymetrical hilt as you mention Khaine, but once I decided to go back to a more traditional sword I added the other wing picturing the longsword blade in there.

I am more and more on team bloodcrown too, both because it is a bit more kingly, and because it is a fraction less of a rip off of the original design lol.

So far that is 3 votes bloodcrown 1 vote dante original head, keep em coming!


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Scarper wrote:I've just realised that I haven't posted on this thread yet, and that's just criminal. This is inspiring, incredible stuff, and I'm sure there are a hell of a lot of people following this as religiously as I've been who are just keeping quiet

This is the thread that's inspired me to be far more ambitious with Green Stuff - thank you!

I was wondering about those 8000+ views lol, thanks for coming out of the woodwork! It's not that I look for praise neccesarily (although I'm not gonna lie it is nice lol) but when people post something, anything, it is a reason to keep coming back and be excited, and more importantly motivation to work knowing people are interested and I don't want to let the project fizzle out uncompleted as so often happens with this lovely hobby.

If my efforts made you more ambitious with GS, that is AMAZING, as Earl up there is one of the people who inspired me to give it a go too, it is really nice to be able to pass that on, and once you get into it, it's hard to go back bud!

Definitely the bloodcrown, it's has so much more character. Keep it up!

Yup, definitely going the "Blood Crown" route based on the feedback it is pretty unanimous, I just spoke with Freakforge and he is down with things, and maybe, just maybe, there will be an update from the man himself this weekend!

Things are amping up now, instead of updates from just me, you guys will get to watch the 3 of us churning the work out! It's going to be awesome!

yeah that blood crown really shows how its a custom character not a terme with sang. guard head swap and GS ornamentation.
lol stupid GW for stealing your ideas

MajorTom11 wrote:p.s, what is the beige stuff you work with excatly, and what are its qualities? Is it an off ratio mix of brown?

It's a brand of epoxy putty sold in Australasia called Epo Putty.

http://www.alteco.com.sg/products_epoxy_a&b_epo_putty.shtml

I can get 100g for $7 in New Zealand. It is softer and finer than green stuff to begin with but gets quite strong as it sets. Very good for getting small detail. It is much better for sharper edges on armour etc. It also dries rock hard and can be drilled etc. I tend to do a lot of work after it has set to make sharp armour edges. It doesn't have the elasticity of green stuff though. Highly recommended if you can get it.

I am waiting for a package of procreate to arrive so will compare it to that and let you all know. Haven't tried brown stuff yet so can't compare to that.

Sounds like brown stuff, able to hold hard edge detail etc, I just received a ribbon of that today. Although having never having tried it myself I'm not sure how soft it starts out as. I have been sitting on a batch of procreate for a while too... Think I will give the pro-create a go tonight while I base the old metal hybrids!

I'll have a look around to see if we can get a hold of it over here, If you like it I'm sure it has it's uses!

Thanks for the info bud!




Automatically Appended Next Post:
A small update -

I decided brother omnio should join the cult of mars, and added a few cogs and a servo arm to his armor, pics are a bit fuzzy but you get the idea. As you can see, an engineseer has also joined the tech-support group, will add a servo skull and a scratch build servo arm.





Magus and old hybrid 1 are based, with the magus having a little fan/body guard/ infant stealer with him. Will add something to hybrid one's base to even it out a tiny bit.



And, our old painted friend from ebay, hybrid two,taking a bath in some pinesol, along with some marine friends formerly of the dark angels chapter.





And finally, I spent last night adding weathering powders from lbursleys awesomepaintjob.com series, worked like a charm. All the purestrains got the treatment, some heavily and others lightly, but it looks pretty good! There are actually 4 powders in the rust effects, it looks a bit orange in the pics, but you get the idea. Also, my solitary ork friend got a go over with them too, you can see the finish you can achieve with them, very matt and textured.







That's about it! The one's shown are drying from their priming in the garage as I write this. Tomorrow hopefully I will be able to base old hybri #2 and build the servo-arm for that engineseer, and put a servo skull on each of them. I also ordered some apothecary bits off of ebay tonight, so one of my Terminators will also get bumped to termie apothecary, rounding out the roles nicely overall.

After that, I am again faced with the dilemma of what to paint first! I kind of know what to expect with the BA, so the starting with the hybrids is very tempting as they will be 100% my own models and scheme... what to do what to do...

Cheers!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Stupid auto-append...

Inquisitor Earl wrote:

MajorTom11 wrote:p.s, what is the beige stuff you work with excatly, and what are its qualities? Is it an off ratio mix of brown?

It's a brand of epoxy putty sold in Australasia called Epo Putty.

http://www.alteco.com.sg/products_epoxy_a&b_epo_putty.shtml

I can get 100g for $7 in New Zealand.

Dude! can you PM me where you buy the EPO putty from, Id love to give it a try.

Just a quick question on one of the frst pics where do you get the round round bases.

The bases are from Fenris Games, they work through an ebay store - http://www.fenrisgames.com/

specifically http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/40mm-round-sulaco-SF-chamfer-profile-resin-bases_W0QQitemZ150373082452QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Toys_Wargames_RL?hash=item2302ef2554

Highly recommended, nice lads too!

Wow, stripping minis sucks!

I can however report pine-sol works great on metal, but I recommend diluting it a bit, 1/3rd to half water on plastics, it seems to have... fuzzed up or melted it very slightly.

Fortunately the only model I cared about in that bunch, the old metal hybrid, came out just fine.

I like the look of the middle generation hybrids - great job mixing the human and stealer there. Having tried a bit of that myself, its not easy! Hats off to you.

Another small update, just a grip study as I am very particular about how I want Dante holding the sword, and also a colored in and slightly modified version of the blood-crown head.





Sorry for the quality, extremely rushed doodles lol.

Later or tonight or tomorrow, should have a more substantial update on the minis, I don't think I can resist starting painting the hybrids, and also did some more conversion/sculpting on omnio and the soon to be plastirod armed engineseer.

Feeling good about the crown though!



Automatically Appended Next Post:
probably worth a click on the image so you can zoom, they are a little small at the default size...

It worries me that he'll look like if he's holding a weightless PVC pipe instad of a real sword.

In fact, if you like, I'll take pics of my own hand holding a sword if you're interested.

Wow those drawings are great

Dark wrote:It worries me that he'll look like if he's holding a weightless PVC pipe instad of a real sword.

In fact, if you like, I'll take pics of my own hand holding a sword if you're interested.

Sure, i'll take a look at any valid suggestion!

That being said, I am not really too worried about the look of weight for 2 reasons - A He is wearing Termie armor, so he can probably bench a Rhino lol, and B, the hilt is under the wrist, counterbalancing and bearing most of the weight on the muscles holding the arm in that position, the upper shoulder. Kind of like a lateral raise with a dumbbell is hard on your shoulder, not your hands. Bearing those two things in mind I don't find it a stretch that a Terminator could casually hold a longsword in that position.

Does that make sense?

I appreciate your interest and offer of pics!

While I took all that in consideration, whay bothered me the most was the thumb. I'm out now, but when back at night, I'll take pics and will post them here.

Ya I hear you on the thumb, it seems a bit off to me too, I think I drew it a bit wrong too, it looks like it is laying flush on the side and it too straight compared to the photo, where it arks in and hooks under just a touch.

Thanks again though, we can touch base again tonight!

And finally read through the thread so I can let myself make a post! Weee!

This greenstuff working is crazy. As previously noted, you're inspiring us who usually only make small fixes to really go crazy with the stuff. And if not that, the captured evolution is sweet enough to make Darwin himself goo his pants. The whole work process has gotten me interested in the Cult in a major way, concidering that I've sort of... cast it out of hand untill now. The blog has crept that Lovecraftian dread for the Cult in me. A decadent cult, performing carnal blasphemies with Aliens from beyond the reach of our stars, dancing along to the mad piping from the Shadow from beyond the Void to come and deliver them. *ahem* Sorry. Get caught up.

A bit late to make an impact, but if I were you (or had joined Dakka long ago enough to manage feedback during the production stages of the hybrids) I would have made casts of the parts of each evolution. Basically so you could more swiftly make more of them. I guess you can do that now, but you'll end up with whole resin casts. Which I guess is still easier to switch up and alter clothing/weapon/stance of. Anyway, I think that's something you really aughta concider so you can get more out of all this awesome work than "only" four (although be it fantasticular) minis.

As for the weight of "Dante"'s sword, I don't think it's much of a problem in this here WH-universe. Nearly every mini ever produced from GW has had disproportionate weapons. Feck, the lighter ones are freaking single-handed chainsaw swords. Those have GOT to weigh more than can be plausibly used efficiently in one hand if they were made in RL. So, I think the whole GW-based wargaming culture is WAY past concerning themselves (ourselves) with weapons weight. To some extent.

So very much looking forward to seeing those hybrids painted. My tip is to start with the termies however. Save the plump and tasty bits 'till last, or your termie work may well get alot less enthusiasm. If not from yourself, than maybe from Dakka. I mean, there's a reason the climax comes last, right? And the hybrids sure as hell are the climax of this blog. Maybe Dante too, but certainly not 15 terminators. Even if I'm sure you'll make a pretty awesome job on them too.

I was going to make the same offer as dark, but I guess he got it all covered! And for the record: on the last pic, his elbow should be facing out, not down if you want it to be realistic. Sword nuts ftw!

Wow Tom , you have good eye for conversion and painting.
They look dynamic yet never over the top. Me like!

I used my Anduril réplica since it has a long handle and pommel.

Ok Dark, I guess you convinced us all that a mere human has problems wielding a blade horizontally...

As for Space Marines, IIRC, they have bio-engineered enhanced muscles, in addition to their POWER armour, which, as its name can tell us, adds to the strength of its bearer.

So I don't think the weight of the sword will affect Dante's grip on it!!

Yeah, having all that would be good, but if you put your thimb laterally, as depicted on the concept art here, there's no grip at all, but I'm sure that you knew that allready

Yeah of course, I'm sure he did get that thing uh...

I hadn't seen your comment that way, sorry dude!

Cheers,

Wolfed wrote:And finally read through the thread so I can let myself make a post! Weee!

This greenstuff working is crazy. As previously noted, you're inspiring us who usually only make small fixes to really go crazy with the stuff. And if not that, the captured evolution is sweet enough to make Darwin himself goo his pants. The whole work process has gotten me interested in the Cult in a major way, concidering that I've sort of... cast it out of hand untill now. The blog has crept that Lovecraftian dread for the Cult in me. A decadent cult, performing carnal blasphemies with Aliens from beyond the reach of our stars, dancing along to the mad piping from the Shadow from beyond the Void to come and deliver them. *ahem* Sorry. Get caught up.

A bit late to make an impact, but if I were you (or had joined Dakka long ago enough to manage feedback during the production stages of the hybrids) I would have made casts of the parts of each evolution. Basically so you could more swiftly make more of them. I guess you can do that now, but you'll end up with whole resin casts. Which I guess is still easier to switch up and alter clothing/weapon/stance of. Anyway, I think that's something you really aughta concider so you can get more out of all this awesome work than "only" four (although be it fantasticular) minis.

As for the weight of "Dante"'s sword, I don't think it's much of a problem in this here WH-universe. Nearly every mini ever produced from GW has had disproportionate weapons. Feck, the lighter ones are freaking single-handed chainsaw swords. Those have GOT to weigh more than can be plausibly used efficiently in one hand if they were made in RL. So, I think the whole GW-based wargaming culture is WAY past concerning themselves (ourselves) with weapons weight. To some extent.

So very much looking forward to seeing those hybrids painted. My tip is to start with the termies however. Save the plump and tasty bits 'till last, or your termie work may well get alot less enthusiasm. If not from yourself, than maybe from Dakka. I mean, there's a reason the climax comes last, right? And the hybrids sure as hell are the climax of this blog. Maybe Dante too, but certainly not 15 terminators. Even if I'm sure you'll make a pretty awesome job on them too.

1st paragraph - LOL, those freaky alien sex cultists, gotta love'em

2nd paragraph - I wasnt even thinking of casting when I started, most especially since these are my first ever sculpt jobs, but it could have been good. That being said, since Inquisitor Earl is sculpting the rest I want on commision, I kind of want each one to be unique. For example, the size and type of 3rd arm on the middle hybrids can vary a great deal as far as I'm concerned, on the 3rd gen arm, the the 2 middle fingers are fused into a vestigial rending claw, whereas on the 2nd gen the atrophied arm is still all rending, but completely chicken wing style lol. Also some arms can have carapace, some not, etc etc. Variety is going to be key to these guys.

Were I to want any more than 3 of each (well 9 for the 4th but they dont require much in the way of scratch sculpting) casting would definitely be a very good option. Sound advice anyhow, were I to do this kind of thing again, I would definitely consider it.

3rd paragraph - will cover below

4th paragraph - You know what that is actually some good advice... I should really get on with the Terminators! That being said, I may do just the 4th gen as a test scheme, as I may get Earl to basecoat the others before he sends them over!

Thanks very much for your very flattering/helpful comments!

LunaHound wrote:Wow Tom , you have good eye for conversion and painting.
They look dynamic yet never over the top. Me like!

Thanks Luna!

CommissarKhaine wrote:I was going to make the same offer as dark, but I guess he got it all covered! And for the record: on the last pic, his elbow should be facing out, not down if you want it to be realistic. Sword nuts ftw!

Lol, to both my friends Commisar Khaine and Dark, I see where you are going and understand the concerns. I promise that the thumb will be adjusted to wrap. I did a little experiment with a garden shovel to see if I could pull off the same pose, and I could, so long as the handle was under my wrist/forearm, I only needed my fingers wrapped around the haft to provide a fulcrum and the weight and balance were nicely placed under my arm, not on the hand.

I think the key I'm going for is for him to look like he is pointing with the sword, not swinging it. I want it to be almost casual, an arrogant gesture, with the sword elegantly and seamlessly continuing the line of the arm. I have seen this pose used, though I cannot show it because I cant find a screenshot, in blade 2, pirates of the carribean and spartacus blood and sand, although I admit that it was with more gladius or rapier type swords.

Although I am not taking direct inspiration from your pics Dark, (and advice from Khaine) I really, really appreciate you taking the time to make the effort on my behalf, very kind, and I hope no offense is given. I also hope wrapping the thumb around will help alleviate the technical wrongness with the pose.

Alright, back to painting for me, thanks to all of you!

Hi everybody!

Here I am jumpimg on the MajorTom´s Space Hulk project.

I was commissioned by him to do an special character: Dante in Termie armor.

If you read the whole thread already know that, but I like to said it again .


Here´s a couple of pics of the work so far. Don´t expect something amazing ... yet.
The work in the model just begging, and the first steps of my style of work are usually very boring to see.

So, without futher ado, the basic shapes on chest, leg armature, "sandals" feet, and WIP shoulderpads.











Until soon!

FF

Great to have you join the party bud!

If you guys are interested to see what this gentleman is capable of, I highly suggest you simply google 'freakforge' and check out the images... a true talent!

On my end, I should have a completed model to show tonight or tomorrow, it's taking forever, but hopefully the results are worth it! It is one of the more elaborate pieces though....

Nice (early) feel to that Termie Dante.

Dante is looking good!

MajorTom11: I agree that it looks like he's pointing the sword, no discussion there. I only added the comment since you seemed to want the mini to look as realistic as possible, that's all. In the end, it's your mini, and realism is always a dodgy subject when discussing 2m-high superhumans facing alien monstrosities . So, in short: no offense taken at all, just trying to provide additional information.

What CommissarKhaine said.

Also, that termi armour will look good.

Thanks guys, thought the wrist and orientation will stay as is, the thumb has changed from the sketch at least

I just wanted to make sure to let people like (you guys) Khaine who has been keeping up with the thread and helpfully commenting multiple times throughout, and Dark who took the extra time and effort to take photos for my benefit, that these things are the reason I put this up in the first place, and participation like yours is really appreciated and encouraging. So a big Thank You to you guys and all the others who have been following!

I will be posting some pics tonight I think, So far I am at about 24 hours of painting on one mini lol, I really would like to get him done and move to the next, but at the same time, I can't until I know I've bumped up to the limit of my skills lol. Rock and a hard place and all that

This is a really nice project, MT11.
It's going to be the envy of a LOT of people, when you're done.


...a lot more people than already, that is. LOL

Eric

Looking forward to the termie and the painted versions of all the other minis

Still touch-ups here and there to do, and right now he is a bit shiny in spots waiting for his matte varnish (and not shiny enough in some other spots, waiting for gloss varnish lol), but over-all, it's good to go. Forgive the shiny-ness of some spots, its late and I'm shooting in artificial light.

I present you the first finished BA of my project, Sgt.Lorenzo.







Hope you like, this mini was pretty challenging and time-consuming lol!

Hopefully more updates on the hybrids and Dante soon, I am going to have to start production lining the termies in groups of 5 if I'm going to be any kind of productive doing them.

Cheers guys!

/+ Like

Looking good, thought he face and hair seem lacking depth a bit compared with the armour - maybe it's the lighting?

I'm not sure, it could be the lighting, but then again, of all the things to paint, hair and skin are probably the things I have the least experience with. They have a ton of layers on them, but in order to blend them nicely I ended up going over them to smooth them out, maybe it killed the depth too much?

Advice is welcome to fix it if it needs fixing!

It works well with me... A bit of wear, a deep red... You got it right!!!

That looks beautiful.
Extremely nice blending going on there my good man.

MajorTom11 wrote:I'm not sure, it could be the lighting, but then again, of all the things to paint, hair and skin are probably the things I have the least experience with. They have a ton of layers on them, but in order to blend them nicely I ended up going over them to smooth them out, maybe it killed the depth too much?

Advice is welcome to fix it if it needs fixing!

Ogryn flesh is your friend here . I'd try adding some depth near the mouth, under the cheekbones and the hairline; scorced brownb might also work, but that makes for a very stark contrast. But, like I said, it could be the light, real-life viewing is the best remedy to that; it's just that the rest of the mini is so full of depth it would be a shame if the focal point of the model didn't match up; maybe the other readers of the blog can comment on it as well?

Here are some pics shot in daylight today, I think it should give a bit better impression of what he looks like -











What do you guys think of the skin in these better shots???

Oh yes, looks alot better. Smooth, but with definate creases. Just maybe the forehead lacks a few creases though.

I love what you are doing with all of this, and even the spin with sculpting some of your own pieces. Cheers MajorTom!!

Really nice termie MajorTom, love the reds

Looks a lot better, so it was the lighting. his face has a lot more depth now, love it!

Lovely paintjob mate!

I really like the weathering on the model.
Definetely was a light problem at the first pics.

Here´s a little update on the robes. This kind of details it´s very time consuming. I have to sculpt the basic shapes of the cloths, the basic wrinkles and twist of the fabric, then let it dry a whole day, and finally sanded with a lot of love, and patience .

I take a pic besides a regular termie (well, regular about height, it´s a little bit converted) to compare sizes. Dante it´s a couple of MM taller, because his legs are almost straight.

The torso looks a bit displaced to the right, but it will be corrected in the next steps of the convertion work.







More pics to come in a day or 2.

Regards!

Looking good Tadz, and damn, nice Grey Knight dude lol!

very nice and if you could add me and show me your progress that would be the best thing in the universe.

You can subscribe to the thread and have yourself emailed when it changes at the bottom of the page, but unfortunately that is nullified when I update the thread title... which is kind of counterproductive lol.

Best you can do is just check back often! It will always start with Space Hulk:Complete.

Usually things are updated at least once a week, sometimes more often when work is being done on individual mini's, but right now I am production line painting the other terminators, so things will be a little slower barring updates from Inquisitor Earl or FreakForge.

Thanks for your interest though!

OK kool thank you very much. Can't wait to see the termies.

hi, me again. just wondering, i looooove that broodlor model and im lookin to do a similar thing with black carapace and tan head/arms ect. any chance of a bit of a tutorial?

Would written be good enough? I don't have any purestrain stealers left to paint :S

Ok, long time no update, but our hands have not been idle!

On my side, production lining the SH BA termies, they each have about 3 layers of reds on them, but at least 4-5 more to go. Once the red is done i'll throw up a few pics.

Dante not much progress in the past little bit, hopefully see some soon!

Hybrids are coming along, a lot of rough wips.

A 1st gen with conversion beamer - up first an old school beamer with image so you know what we are going for -



and the mini -






A very, very rough 2nd gen, you get how much sculpting goes into this particular generation though -



and the magus sprouts a pair of rough arms -



So far so good, I am pleased with how Inquisitor Earl is handling things so far compared to my prototypes and concept sketches.

Finally, this isn't exactly related, but it is for my Blood angels... wip Astorath the Grimm in NMM, being done by Pedro Rufo, an absolutely masterful painter. I do not feel like I am a slouch by any means in terms of skill, but this guy is so smooth, so tight and vibrant, I had to commision him to do a Sanguinor and Astorath for me in NMM so I could study his work.







When this is done, it will blow away just about any other Astorath I have ever seen!

On another front, I am basically making a magus coven at this point lol. With the classic metal magus, Inquisitor Earl's Magus based on my concept sketch, an empire wizard conversion by me, and then I saw this guy on Coolmini -



If this guy isn't begging for some hybrid armor and icons, I don't know what mini is! Basically there are 4 magi, so coven it is lol.

Hopefully will update a bit more often, progress is just slow at this point as things moved from 1 model at a time more or less to production line work! From now on, a few non-SH BA will be in the mix too -

Cheers!

isn't it part of the enjoyment that you paint the models yourself then? Personaly I think it feels weird to use models somebody else have painted for me, but maybe that's just me..

Well normally yes, I would have felt similarly, but these 2 commisions for painting are really to watch the process and learn... I don't play 40k, just collect and paint stuff, and in this instance, I just really want to be able to see how these guys come together and be able to study the real mini's afterwards. Plus, I have seen the final results (he already sold 2 of these guys) and they are nothing short of stunning. Like I said, I don't feel like a slouch in the modelling or painting dept, but I am not so full of myself as to think I have nothing to learn, or able to appreciate the work of real-deal masters!

That being said, there is also the time factor, I am 31 and am a partner at a busy business, got the wife, new house, a yard and all that jazz, I simply don't have enough time anymore. I am doing my share at painting over 50 models for it vs 2 I think, but for the converting, I did not want to dedicate that much time once the prototypes were finished.

In any case, comments are always welcome, hope the above explains a bit more why there are 3 commission guys working on stuff, and what I am personally working on... It's a pretty huge project, to me it is anyways!

Cheers!

Oh okey that sure does explain alot!

Looking great as usual! If you want some pics of a conversion beamer, I believe I have one lying around somewhere.

That model does look like a great basis for a Magus.

My WIP is quite similar in pose--made out of a Flagellant, the Empire wizard scythe, a Ghoul's outstretched arm and some green stuff. Am thinking of putting him on something based on a Corpse Cart or Screaming Bell and having him counts-as a Tervigon.

EDIT: Typo

Sweet first reply on my iPad, it is neither magical nor revolutionary, but it IS convenient and better than a kindle for the same price....

CommissarKhaine wrote:Looking great as usual! If you want some pics of a conversion beamer, I believe I have one lying around somewhere.

Merci mon ami, trops gentil comme toujours. Are you talking about shots of the original plastic Beamer? Not too worried about being ultra accurate to the old one, I kind of told Earl to start there and then go nuts! Kinda like you do with your awesome coptas

Magos Explorator wrote:That model does look like a great basis for a Magus.

My WIP is quite similar in pose--made out of a Flagellant, the Empire wizard scythe, a Ghoul's outstretched arm and some green stuff. Am thinking of putting him on something based on a Corpse Cart or Screaming Bell and having him counts-as a Tervigon.

EDIT: Typo

Those flaggelant bits sure do come in handy for us eh? I spent a good deal of time looking for a magus model, but couldn't find one that seemed right overall, it was always nice head, bad pose, nice pose, bad detail etc etc etc. This is the first one I saw that said magus to me immediately but didn't require much cutting, just some sculpting.... Hell, you don't even necessarily have to sculpt armor on, a creative paint job alone might do it.....

Today is going to be a painting day, so hopefully I'll be able to post some pics of red complete termies soon! cheers guys!

Just a quick note whilst I am browsing Dakka,

Just finished some more sculpting. Am doing the arms and small detail on the Magus and have finished bulking out the 2nd gen. Conversion beamer is getting there too.

Have been slack of late (unexpected trips, sickness and some procrastination), but am now in full production mode with updates required every 3 days if I can. Must get more green stuff, it's being used up rapidly!

Expect an update with pictures within 24 hours. Also will have an update for my Mechanicus Log which has been dormant for months. Am sculpting up some robed legs to fit cadian torsos so as to make some Skitarii. Will be casting them too.

MajorTom11 wrote:Sweet first reply on my iPad, it is neither magical nor revolutionary, but it IS convenient and better than a kindle for the same price....

CommissarKhaine wrote:Looking great as usual! If you want some pics of a conversion beamer, I believe I have one lying around somewhere.

Merci mon ami, trops gentil comme toujours. Are you talking about shots of the original plastic Beamer? Not too worried about being ultra accurate to the old one, I kind of told Earl to start there and then go nuts! Kinda like you do with your awesome coptas

Je sais parler Français, mais techniquement j'habite dans la Flandre, la partie Néerlandophone de la Belgique . And yes, I mean the old plastic beamer; I believe I still have one on a sprue somewhere, together with the old skool missile launcher . If you want a pic, you or Inquisitor Earl can just say the word. Glad you like the coptas, I wasn't too sure about the megadeffkopta, but a lot of people like it so I guess it's OK - this is where feedback comes quite handy!

The coptas are great dude, the whole army is huge and viciously impressive, especially with all the unique conversions you have! One day I'll get orky, but first...

Small update on Termie Dante -









The head is proving a bit troublesome, I sent on this as a suggestion for correcting it -



Basically the nose needs to be adjusted for sure, it's a bit too big of a honker lol, but the other proportional corrections may just be a result of it's wip nature, most other adjustments are additive.

I have big plans to severely convert a sanguinor into a PA Dante too, but that will have to wait till after a bunch of terms get done! I can say the pose will be greatly modified, and a lot of extras will be added, to me, it has be as far above.the sanguinary guard as they are above a normal marine in terms of artificer detail.

But first, back to painting red termies!

Expect updates from Earl shortly too, more hybrids on the way!

The coptas are great dude, the whole army is huge and viciously impressive, especially with all the unique conversions you have! One day I'll get orky, but first...

Thanks! I'm curious to see what you'd do with greenskins, but that's for your next blog

Dante's mask does look a tad like a harlequin's, in that it's more stylized then the regular Dante mask. Can't really judge till it's a bit more finished, but holding it irl always gives a better feeling of whjat nees to be changed. The body and robes are looking good, this is going to be one impressive model once finished!

I am going to put this here it might be of some use to you
http://www.hirstarts.com/hulk/hulk.html

That's an awesome link Russ thanks!

Righty ho, bit of an update for you guys:
















Few more pipes and bolts etc to put on the Beamer. Tomorrow I will do the last bit of armour and detail on the Magus and he should be just about done. I've done some sculpting on the 2nd gen but the pictures came out rubbish, will get some tomorrow when theres more light. I'm pretty happy with the 1st Gen. Certainly wouldn't want to face it if I was a poor guardsman.

Another update coming tomorrow or Friday. I'm getting into a rhythm and am getting more capable at greenstuffing at a rapid pace.

Looks Awesome dude!!!

I can't wait to see that Magus done, it is coming along perfectly so far...

Looking good, really want to see that finished termie

Things are starting to pick up nicely for our old friend Dante, rough detailing has begun!





The simultaneous projects are really starting to get moving, should have another update from Earl shortly, and an update on the non SH nmm angels as well.

Meanwhile, red is almost done on 5 termies, I hope to have Squad Lorenzo completed by the end of the weekend, I may actually play my first game of Space Hulk at that point as the models needed for the first couple of missions will be done... Imagine that! lol


Automatically Appended Next Post:
PS, comments would be great guys, response has slowed down a bit lately, but the views keep going up and up! We really appreciate hearing criticisms in order to get things as perfect as we can, so as things come along, you guys are vital!

Comment - Awesome!

Ctriticism - How am I supposed to find something to criticise?

Keep it up guys

Those will be splendid when finished. What are the ideas for the staff? I'm figuring it will be a very important part of the magus.

Commissar - I am making a greenstuff mould of the original magus staff icon and making a copy. I'll touch it up from there. It's a pretty hard thing to sculpt any other way.

Let's think about embelleshing it a bit with some kind of element, either spruce up the staff itself or possibly add elements to the top?

The only reason is I have that classic magus with the same top, so some small differentiations wouuld be good.

On the same topic, received that maow mini, looks awesome, a tad on the small side which is perfect as it keeps the stature priority on Earls Magus with the other coven members looking like juveniles. Sweet!

Can't wait to see the next update dude, I have a feeling it will be a big one!

On my side, I am really, really, really over-doing it on the red for the termie armor, the amount of blending i am doing is getting out of hand lol, need to focus on speeding up. At least I am getting through that first squad, all be it slowly...

very impressive greenstuff-fu.

cant wait to see dante when hes done ^_^

me too!

Can't wait to get these guys painted up, I know the normal Termies are a bit boring, but as someone pointed out earlier in the thread, don't want to do the hybrids and blow my load at the beginning of the scene lol.

Well, maybe not in those exact words but you get the idea

Inquisitor Earl: Sounds like a solid start

MajorTom11: Take your time man, it's not like you have a deadline. You'll be gaming with them for a long time, so make them look as good as possible!

I am taking my time, believe me! At his point though, the wife is getting antsy, and the project has been going on for 9 months, so good progress is highly desirable!

Still, can't say I'm rushing wet blending 15+ layers of red onto those damn terms lol! It's a really satisfying project in all seriousness though, it was a big goal to set, and the fact we are making it closer and closer and things are still trucking along is really great! A big part of keeping motivated and excited is friends like you who have been helpful and supportive the whole ride, so thanks man!

am taking my time, believe me! At his point though, the wife is getting antsy, and the project has been going on for 9 months, so good progress is highly desirable!

True; it needs to keep moving... I'm lucky to have a very supportive wife (she figuues it beats going out all night and getting drunk )and a dedicated modelling area.

Still, can't say I'm rushing wet blending 15+ layers of red onto those damn terms lol! It's a really satisfying project in all seriousness though, it was a big goal to set, and the fact we are making it closer and closer and things are still trucking along is really great!

True, that's not rushing . I also agree that seeing things 'grow' is very statisfying; it's what keeps me motivated with the grots as well.

A big part of keeping motivated and excited is friends like you who have been helpful and supportive the whole ride, so thanks man!

Most welcome and right back at ya! This is why I enjoy the dakka community: it's always friendly and helpful (except in YMDC maybe ).

Ok, so FINALLY finished the red on the first squad after 2 weeks straight lol. I am happy with the result but petrified that this is only one of 3 squads I have to tackle, on only the red is done!!! Everytime I tell myself to move it I end up putting a kajillion layers of blending lol... sigh, just have to face this project will not possibly be done in 2010.

Photos seem to have dulled out the edge highlights a bit, in real life the are a bit more contrasty. Still, overall, very happy with the blending.















Here is a better illustration of the steps, only 4 colors were used, burnt cadmium Vallejo model color base, GW mechrite red, Vallejo vermillion model color, in many, many thin layers, and finally and edge highlight of Vallejo Fiery Orange Game color -



So, obviously chipping and weathering will wait til the end, but so far so good. Next up, metals, which should go a fair bit quicker hopefully! Should be some updates on Dante and the Hybrids shortly too.

Hope you like, if it sucks let me know lol -

A very vibrant red, congrats on that; I never get mine like that - then again, I don't spend two weeks on one colour either . Very nice!

CommissarKhaine wrote:A very vibrant red, congrats on that; I never get mine like that - then again, I don't spend two weeks on one colour either . Very nice!

I don't recommend it lol, not on rank and file anyways! Unfortunately I can't bring myself to make the distinction :s

Khaine, shoulda known first reply would be you, you are rock solid sir!

Happy weekend everyone! .

Well here´s a couple of pics of the current status on the Dante´s model.

As you may see, I take all the elements on the sketches and make a new version... more in a Helenic-fantastic way.

Dante has to have a unique armor, not only a little bit ornated one.

I´m not sure to include the Laurel´s crown on the head.

This version that sculpt it´s more "angelic" in some way, the crown becames a halo, and the blood tear on the cheek make him look a little bit twisted (IMHO suits better in a bunch of vampires from the space).

I hope that MajorTom11 like what I´ve been doing .


I will be playing with the droopshaped gems. I was thinking to add a pair on the sides, over the collumns, or in the DAnte´s forehead.
The next update surely will have a couple of mock-up options.


C&C are welcome.






@ Tom:
I really like the way that the red turn out. I also know that the things that are done with extra care, ussually takes EXTRA TIME.
So, don´t be angry, or sad, just relax, and paint the models with the propper care... even if a unit takes a couple of months to be done.

@ Commisar Earl:
Charming work on the Magus!
I suggest to modify a little bit the head of the magus. It looks to human right now.

Until soon!

FF

That looks AWESOME!

Definitely like the head as is, no laurels, but I still would like to see some form of the blood crown.

The face is looking fantastic!

REALLY impressed FF, thanks!

<3 looks great Pleas KEEP THIS AWSOME STUFF COMING!!

Khaine, shoulda known first reply would be you,

My name is Khaine and I am an addict

Freakforge: love the face, but if you look at hellenistic (sp?) age statues, bthey all have more 'rounded' noses. Up to MajortTom11 to decide if it's good or not, just pointing it out. Very nice work!

Major that squad looks just amazing. I love the red. It looks great man. The colors just pop, yet hold a dark sinister appearance as well. I have not idea how. They really just reach such great shadows and the highlights hit all the right spots great work man.

The shading on the red is just perfect, very nice work! I'm glad your dante is coming along nice to very talented modeller you have hired and your idea on a dante conversion really deserves it!

That red is quite gorgeous. It looks so rich and deep. Highlights + shading are both silky.

Awesome sculpting work on Dante as well, this is really fantastic!

sA

Thanks for the replies... I will try to update before the weekend.

@CommisarKhaine:
Thanks for pointing up that detail.

The pure helenic style will look like a baby face (all the face will have to be more rounded), and give to the model a child look.
That´s the reason why I said that I tried an Hellenic-Fantastic style.

Hellenic in inspiration, but fantastic to fit better with the lines of the rest of the Space Hulk models.

Thanks again.

Back to the work.

I agree with Khaine about the look to a degree, but overall I quite like the aesthetic you achieved FF. It looks like a mask and not a face, which is what I wanted, but on top of it there is a bit more character to it, pain wise, than a normal greek style sculpt as per my avatar pic.

Give and take, it is not precisely what I asked for, but I like what is happening with it and am more than happy to be pleasantly surprised!

Having seen FF's work before, I can tell you guys he layers on detail very incrementally, and many times when you think he is done, he just continues to add tiny refinements and layers. I am VERY excited not that the base stage is over and the awesomeness begins!!

On my side, work continues on the terms, metallics are now going in on the bases etc, this is another extremely time consuming step so I don't think I will be done for another few weeks, but I will try to document the steps a bit more this time, just in case anyone is interested.

Now, If only we could dig up Earl from somewhere this would be a rockin week for the thread lol, closing in on 20000 views, crazy!

Nice work, good job with the GS to.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, buf you should consider not painting the head and chest at all, but rather using them to make resin casts, or perhaps 'selling them' to one of the current resin parts makers. I know I'd buy one of those Dante torsos!

It's been mentioned

Several people have asked/suggested in regard to the hybrids already, and Dante as well. It is being considered, but not a huge priority, first, we want to get all these done! If we were to cast, we would need to sculpt from scratch, no gw bits whatsoever. The 2nd gen hybrid a few pages back is pretty much 95% scratch sculpted, while the other generations are 50 percent or so. It's tricky going.

On my end, based are getting the ink and metal treatment at the moment, while I couldnt resist painting up the decapitated stealer one of the termie's is holding, I think it is suitibly gross , went with squished bug rotting flesh'ish blood, spatter all over.

Possibly will post pics later on -

Cheers guys!

@CommisarKhaine:
Thanks for pointing up that detail.

The pure helenic style will look like a baby face (all the face will have to be more rounded), and give to the model a child look.
That´s the reason why I said that I tried an Hellenic-Fantastic style.

Hellenic in inspiration, but fantastic to fit better with the lines of the rest of the Space Hulk models.

Thanks again.

Point taken - we all know BAs have baby faces, but let's not take it too far

I agree with Khaine about the look to a degree, but overall I quite like the aesthetic you achieved FF. It looks like a mask and not a face, which is what I wanted, but on top of it there is a bit more character to it, pain wise, than a normal greek style sculpt as per my avatar pic.

Give and take, it is not precisely what I asked for, but I like what is happening with it and am more than happy to be pleasantly surprised!

This is the more important bit of course! In the end, I'm not the buyer of the mini, so all I can do is voice my opinion.


Looking forward to more stuff!

And your opinion is ALWAYS welcome sir! Your point is 100% valid and in fact mirrors my original intent. I have a feeling, when all the extras are in, pipes, tubing, other details, it may stand on it's own.

Can't wait to see the pieces start to come together, really dying to see it with arms and legs, and watch the layers fly on from there!

Tadz, keep doing what you are doing dude!

For me, got a surprising amount done today, 2 layers of gold, bases boltgun and ink wash, a few other metallics here and there. More importantly, the one holding the stealer skull and spine predator style is getting some special lovin, the base will have water effects on it, the stealer bits are painted up with gore, but the coup de gras will be using a hot glue gun to create strands of goo dropping from the gibbed bits. Will be awesome! First need to run a few tests to make sure I'm not going to screw anything up, I think I will use toothpicks to put strands and stick them on just before it sets, then use watered down paints to color them a touch, but not lose the translucency.

Should be cool!

Great looking stuff here. I really love the detail work you are giving to models for this classic. Brings back memories. Space crusade, space hulk days... <sigh> Good times.

Subscribed!

Wow that red looks pretty good! I like the one ripping up the floor!

Brilliant work, with both the painting of the termies and the modelling of termie dante.

Very nice, really looking forward to seeing Dante finished, btw can Dante have termie armour or are you just building the model for modeling purposes?

I don't think he can in 40k, but for my purposes, he is simply a stand-in for a Space Hulk Captain. I just call him Dante as it's pretty clear where the design inspiration is from, and fluff wise a chap master having Termie armor isn't off base. Hope that clears it up!

20000+ views! Woot!

Heard from Earl, updates tomorrow on a variety of hybridy goodness!

Everything sounds promising Looking forward to the pics!

Here are some updates on the Sanguinor and Astorath, not exactly SH: Complete material but cool none-the-less!

Will update the termies later tonight, but for now, Astorath nearly done, and Sanguinor, painted in metallics, but using NMM techniques, looking good! -

Very nice, I love the greenish hue on the face. It's also nice to see the two opposites of the spectrum together, I feel it really illustrates the dichotomy within the chapter.

About to start on the Termies again, figured I would take a few shots as an intermediate step while the glue gun in warming up -











I must say, I am amazed how much my camera kills the red depending on the light and background just from changing angles!! In some of these shots it look like they are just 1 tone red, no shading or highlights whatsoever! :S

Alright, off to make some stringy goo on that Stealer carcass, and also start on the boltgun, black, stone and parchment basecoats -

Commisar Khaine, I think the Dakka autoadjust added a bit of green into the tone, I am pretty sure it is all browns, golds and silvers with some chestnut and yellow washes in between. It is not a bad effect though in the pic! I was very firm that they should really embody their respective aspects of the chapter personality, I think it is coming out nicely so far! The Astorath looks sick imo.
As always, thanks for being such an awesome participant buddy!

There looking amazing so far, really cant wait to see the terminator captain finished. Also what red did you start off with as a base coat?

Thanks man,

-Mechrite Red and then a watered black/brown wash
-Vallejo burnt cadmium model color to smooth out any shading gradiations
-Mechrite red
-Many, many thin layers of Vallejo Vermillion Model Colors (blood red equivalent)
-Edge highlight with Fiery Orange Vallejo Game Color (blazing orange equivalent)
- Extreme edge highlight Fiery Orange/Vomit Brown

Hope that helps!


Success! Glue gun ftw!







Thanks guys!

Nice "goo" work

Commisar Khaine, I think the Dakka autoadjust added a bit of green into the tone, I am pretty sure it is all browns, golds and silvers with some chestnut and yellow washes in between. It is not a bad effect though in the pic!

Could be- I love the autoadjust function, but sometimes it'll do weird stuff to the colours.

I was very firm that they should really embody their respective aspects of the chapter personality, I think it is coming out nicely so far! The Astorath looks sick imo.

I think you succeeded

Thanks for the painting list.

Thanks guys!

Didn't get as much done as I wanted, my cousin stopped by, but at least I have colored goo -











I gotta say, I'm enjoying the goo lol.

Dude great job on the sanquior, I love the metallics used in a NMM technique and shadowed just right to paint the armor. As well the long haired dude, dont know his name , looks awesome as well. I see you got a great skintone there! I swear i will post my techniques soon, I just really need to find a good subject to work with to make a good tutorial.

Ah unfortunately those are not my work :S!

Those are being done by Pedro Rufo Colas, a Spanish GD winner, I saw his work and couldn't resist, I wanted to see examples of his techniques up close so I could emulate them. Rest assured I will be ripping him off heavily when it is time to paint Dante and the Sanguinary Guard I have lying around lol!

Some people may think it is weird that I commissioned other people to do these things when I am not horrible at them myself, but being exposed to this stuff is what is pushing me to up my game. Sculpting, concept designs before mini, goo, different layering and free hand techniques etc etc is all from being on here and before this on B&C sponging it of talented guys like you, Earl, FF, Pedro, Madscuzzy, Chaplain Desmodus, Misgula, Bushido, CM Dante, ComKhaine etc etc. Having a few pieces to study up close will really help I think, especially for really subtle painting hues etc.

That, and I don't have time to do everything I want to, so why not get an inspirational piece by someone else right?

Skin tutorial on a human would be great, a baldy Cadian head or bare chested dude would be extra awesome. I really want to get it right before those hybrids get going. Thanks brushy!

The goo looks sweet. Good luck.

Dude, the goo is spectacular! , If I ever have another go at a tervigon I will definitely steal the hot glue idea for the birthing fluids.

That magus is great. What model does the head come from?

It's a head from a the Cadian command squad sprue. I actually used the same one for my 3rd Gen, modified of course!

Goo looks great . Love the attention to detail and the splatter pattern, it really adds some realism! Technically speaking, some of the goo would have splattered to the front as well (between thumb and index finger), but I can imagine leaving that off for artistic reasons - for those wondering: I'm a criminologist, we get forensics as a class . Looking great!

I'll add some splat there too, I'll take the advice from csi Khaine!

You're not the Dexter type I hope

Love the goo, especially all the splatter.

Thanks guys,

A quick update on Sanguinor and Astorath -







And a small update on the Magus, with another 1st Generation hybrid on the way!









Hope you like!

lol I only see one! I think you erased your previous one :S!

Edit attempt 3: thank you internetz!

What I said boiled down to:

1) Make sure the goo work visually, I don't want you to mess up a brilliant paintjob due to 'realism' getting in the way!

2) Of course I'm no dexter! *whistles innocently*

3) Love the new pics!

Loving that gooey effect on your Terminator guy ( I don't know the names of space hulk Characters) May have to steal that Idea some day.

lol I only see one! I think you erased your previous one :S!

(Khaines lost in the warp comment)

I'll add some splat there too, I'll take the advice from csi Khaine!



You're not the Dexter type I hope

Only do it if it's visually ok though, wouldn't want 'realism' to mess up such a nice fig! And of course I'm not the Dexter type! *wistles innocently*. Asotrath and the Sanguinor are still looking great, and I love the new pics of the magus and the hybrid. Splendid work, all of you!

Awesome! that guy can really paint, they look amazing, like polar opposites, which i guess is kinda' the point

Love the head on the magus, and the 1st gen looks cool. What are the white bits?

Um... They are supposed to be straps to hold the backpack on... I suppose they would be best served attached to the actual backpack lol!

EARL!

This is the prototype I did, you can see that they are clipped to the pack -



Will mention it to Inquisitor Earl, good catch! Thanks!

Hah, i was just curious! yeah that makes sense, thanks for the quick reply.

Pleased to help, albeit (is that even a word?!) in a round about fashion

It is and you did

Ok, update time again, slow and painful/satisfying progress made on termies, first up was the parchment (no script yet), osl eyes, steel areas basecoat and first ink, gold highlighted to polished, inked, still needs mithril and a touch of yellow wash. NOTE - pic quality a bit all over the place, some daytime, some night, none the best, as usual some color subtleties are washed out, or, some details look much harsher than they are, esp the chipping on some shots.







Then continued slogging on, and did the chips. Used CM Dante's sponge method, which worked really well! So coming along, still alot to go, but the end is nearing on Squad #1 -

















Also busted out my airbrush for the first time, and experimented basecoating the 5 non boxed set SH termies I made (squad 3 as I creatively call them), very cool toy, I am looking forward to putzing around with it, I can already tell that it will be my weapon of choice for quite a few things, including power weapons... it's not that exciting but here you go anyways lol -





Finally, minus a few minor touch-ups, Astorath and Sanguinor are done! Quite pleased -













As always, more to come... comments on the terms welcome, I am planning on sticking pretty close to the SH schemes, but I am debating getting some yellow freehand in there, but I am not sure how well it will play with so much gold and cream running around. Free hand ideas for things like the back of the flamer guy's power fist would be good too, want to do something fun but appropriate.

Thanks for looking!