@WM: Im glad! Hes definitely a favorite model of mine.

And so, The survivors are finished!!

First up is the IT guy,




And then the cop,




And finally, El Cholo!





Got some new supplies in today too- Vallejo's liquid gold (Thanks to Iffy's fine work, I had to get some), Brush cleaner and Preserver (also thanks to Iffy), and finally a 000 Series Seven brush (again, Iffy.... We noticing a pattern on whose blog ive been reading lately?)
I havent tried the gold, but the cleaner seems pretty nice for the pair of brushes ive cleaned with it. Crazy how much paint doesnt wash out! And Im in LOVE with the S7 brushes... Theyre just so.... AWESOME!!

Now its on to the zombies!!
Thanks for reading!

Look sweet, I like the basing style too. Hopefully you remember the colors for cholo, there will be a zombie version at some point.

Glad to see you reinvesting in yourself to further commissions. I know you've got a crazy pile waiting for you here.

As an aside, I played a bunch of Zombicide today (skipped 40k). Some of the scenarios are boring as balls, others are amazing!

Nice red orks man! I had the same idea mine are all painted after fel orks too lol. but the "reason" they are red is my warboss is devoted to chaos. Ill share a link when i get a PM blog built on here

@WM hehe glad ya like em! He was a treat to paint, and no worries on forgetting colors- I write down ALL my mixes!
Im rather excited to try Zombicide out. It looks really fun!

@keltik Thanks and welcome to the plog! I rather like that bit of backstory to your Orkz.... definitely lemme know when ya get a log up! I want to see the Chaos Boyz!!


So as to my whereabouts the last few days.... well.... I picked up Terraria and Halflife 2 and kinda binged on playing them xD That plus my work schedule kinda cut out painting time.

I had initially planned on doing more work on stuff today, but after getting a few cavities drilled at the dentists, my jaw is killin me. Cant get myself to paint ><*

Int he mean time, here are a few pics of the first batch of Zombies. Sorry theres not much work on them! D: Blood and gore is the next step on these guys.



A close up of a Runner

And a Fatty



I have to say.... I really kinda hate these models :/
They are quite hard to paint as Id like, and my complaints on them are really opposite those I had on Infinity- Rather than too much detail, they have too little! The details they do have are soft and ill defined in some places, and the mold lines are atrocious. I keep finding more and more AFTER the paint goes on! and they are in the hardest to clean places too.
They are fitting for a board game, but compared to GW and Infinity's products, they are clearly inferior. That being said, though, what detail they DO have is interesting. I do find some enjoyment out of painting the larger models, like the fattys and the Abomination. Those models seem to have a higher detai to them than the runners and walkers.


Next step, blood and gore... and Scorpions!
Thanks for reading!

On the up side, you have all the non-survivor molds, so I guess you know where to look on them.

Really liking the skin tones. I appreciate the change up on the clothing. If the lack of detail bugs you, I can get some infinity your way pronto

@WM: True, very true. Next group im gonna focus extra attention on a few areas. Inner thigh and hair, in particular.

Glad they're meeting your expectations! Clothing was something I definitely wanted to change up, as nothing'd be more boring than a bunch of guys wearing the same thing. Theyre not a sports team for cryin out loud!
The fattys are a different story, as I think there are only a couple ways to paint em different. I think i just came up with the next variation though. Blue-grey on the jumpsuit hes wearin!

And Infinity'd be welcome! I have a feeling there'll be a couple added to the next wave

I think some different colored jump suits, maybe a different colored shirt, though white is pretty standard for undershirt colors. Thought about adding some hair to a few, not sure my GS-fu can pull that off though.

@WM: Hair could set them apart nicely.... I may see what I can do... cant promise anythin though!

Today we have a brief intermission from Zombicide, and I bring you Scorpions!!


Just a quick coat of Snot green to base them. I think im going to attempt Zenithal highlighting with these guys. from what Ive seen, its a rather effective way to get awesome results blending-wise.

On th esubject of the airbrush, Im an idiot with using mine.... and have busted the nib.


Note to self- when needle is loose, TIGHTEN THE BLASTED NEEDLE!! Dont knock it on the table to get it back into place tightly.
On the up side, I now know how to change the needle. Also, I luckily found a spare tip that Paasche sent with it.

All of it is a learning experience...

Ouch, at hurts. I've never quite been able to get the hang of it either, may take some classes at adepticon. How off scale does tiny look compared to the others? I was afraid he'd be way off, but it doesn't look awful.

Hes surprisingly close. A little more slender than the rest of the squat, and the head is bigger, but really he fits in rather well!
Had a picture, but my card reader seems to be taking the day off! ><

I have another torso that is short an arm of his size, may dig it out and see if we can get it working.

Might definitely be able to get him back to active duty. I ahve an extra arm (though the hand guard is a bit messed up- musta been a bubble in the metal) The scale looks like it could work. The new arm is more muscled than the old ones, but there doesnt seem to be too much of a size difference.

I'll bring him w wave three then. May be able to come up with an arm even, didn't look very hard last time.

Got the green done on the Scorpions today. Surprisingly it turned out how I wanted it to. I dont know if I should go another level of color brighter- Im up to Scorpion Green right now, so itd be mixing in some Bad Moon Yellow. Im leaning on the side of not, as I dont wanna make em too bright or ruin the blending.

This was my first attempt at Zenithal, and Im pleased with the result. Got a lot of blending done with (comparatively) less effort. Learned a lot about my airbrush too.



And a closeup of the blending. As a bonus, this stands as a side by side comparison of the current edition Scorps and the older model.

I think your good keeping it as is. Looks like a solid base.

More work on the Scorpions!
Metal areas and black areas have been blocked out. Loooots of awesome detail on these guys!

Looking better!

I've been working on some custom Zombicide scenarios for their contest, and the are super hard. Will have to give one or two a whirl when we play. Hopefully that's some good motivation. And, you know, money is good too.

Thanks a lot for your Fire Hawk tutorial! I really like that whole chapter

whalemusic360 wrote:Looking better!

I've been working on some custom Zombicide scenarios for their contest, and the are super hard. Will have to give one or two a whirl when we play. Hopefully that's some good motivation. And, you know, money is good too.

Thanks dude! Im looking forward to that. Ive been reading Vent's reviews of the game, and it looks amazing!!

TheAngrySquig wrote:Thanks a lot for your Fire Hawk tutorial! I really like that whole chapter

Thank you! Welcome to the Log! Im glad the tutorial turned out as well as it did, and its helped me to figure out how to paint my own marines, who have a similar base color.


Today saw more work on the scorpions, with the gold washed and ready to highlight.
I used Vallejo's liquid gold, and DAMN its nice stuff! You get a super even coat, and the pigment is a joy to work with. You have to be careful not to let the brush dry too much though, or it will start to turn to gel as the alcohol evaporates. Just keep the brush wet, and youre in the clear!
Cleanup is pretty easy too- 70% rubbing alcohol and the pigment falls right off the brush. gotta watch the fumes though!



Thanks for reading!

Looking good! I do like seeing the updates, even if I don't have much to say

OK! So- Finished the scorpions and Ive started the Nobs!



And a few close up shots of the individual members of the squad.














And a closeup of the Exarch (I think thats what the leader guys are called)

Look solid, bright green, and very striking found the other shorty. Might need some cutting, and might be illegally equipped, but no matter.

Orks next, or back to the undead? Or the single SM?

My little brother had the same thing to say. He called them "Very Striking Scorpions," especially after I showed him their final paint color
As to Shorty II, The Rule of Cool is always in effect with me. If it looks cool, DO IT!

Nobz are up next, and have their primer coat on so the process begins anew! Admittedly Im avoiding working on the undead too much, due to them frustrating me a little more than expected. At this point half of em are done and I keep goin back to them in between colors on other models and I do a little more. Theyre slowly gettin done as I paint other stuff.

No worries though- They will be finished!

Skin is now finished on the Nobz!





Its so weird painting green orks. im so used to my Red ones that this made for a rather nice change of pace. Figured out a good technique for it too, I think.
What Im most pleased with is the Cybork Head and arm. I tried making the skin look inflamed and irritated, so its redder and more sickly looking than the surrounding skin. The green wash knocked some of the highlights off, so Im going to go back and bring a few areas back up to the right color.
These guys are destined to be Deff Skullz, so blue warpaint shouldnt be too far off.

Thanks for reading!

Skin looks good, right along the lines of what I was thinking. You may or may not have forgot to leave one in bits, remember there is a commando conversion kit in the remaining orksies.

ACH!!! TOTALLY FORGOT!!
Daaaang good catch! ima set one off to the side now then!!

I'd just go for it at this point, the kit has a totally different torso.

Love the Ork skull on that SS base. You freehand that from scratch or is that built up over an ork head?

@WM: Gotcha Gotcha! We can probably use the Nob from the box of boyz (Im assuming their gonna be the recipients of the upgrade kit, so thatd work nice)

@mars: Thanks!! That bit is actually from the Boyz kit. Its one of the million little bitz that fill the sprue next to belt pouches and gun sights.


Progress log: Started the blue! All during work I was thinking on the warpaint these guys'll have. Think I have a few cool concepts!

Thanks for reading!

Soooo, Striking Scorpions seem to have messed your colour sense up when you switched back to orks Like the flesh on the harpoon arm, you seem to have the hang of greenskin as well as red.

@monkeytroll: Its a weird condition... Like color whiplash.
You shoulda seen when I painted all that gold on Sanguinus... all my orks suddenly started turning gold!

Hehehe... These greens are all commission work from WM. My Boyz are still as red as can be with no sign of stoppin! In fact, they're going even faster!

So picking up all the Elder Scrolls games when they were on sale killed my work xD
Im back though! And I bring gifts!



The paint came out perfect for how I imagined it to be. These guys as well as the other orks will have assorted tattoos and warpaints all over em. Should work out pretty well!

Looks good!

Warpaint is impressive, especially the dude with the stripes, stands out very well from the skin tones.

I like it, very Braveheart.

@Arakasi: Thanks! And welcome back to the blog! I missed havin Da Angelz around- Looking forward to your new stuff for sure!

@monkeytroll: Thanks! Im glad it turned out how it did. It almost makes me want to paint my guys like this xD

@WM Exactly what I was aiming for. The Nobz didnt have too much skin on their faces, but the boyz definitely will! Im gonna have fun with those guys


Todays fare is some of the zombicide minis!
These guys are finished except for blood effects, which will happen after the rest are done!

Still a love-hate relationship status? They look good! I played some games tonight, working the kinks out of one I made.

Zeds are looking good, love the bases

@WM: A little bit- But I think its getting better! I somehow had a breakthrough with them xD Ive got half a dozen white guys left, including the abomination, then its on to experimenting with skin tones!

@MT: Thanks! WM wanted some kinda street base or painted color like they were before- I ended up experimenting on the survivors, and the masking worked even better than I could of hoped!


Today its back to the Nobz, with the Dark bronze done, and some experimental rusting done on some of the metal areas.

Today we have a Big Mek with a Kustom Force Field!







Whats that? He looks familiar?
Well good eye- Hes actually my old KFF Mek! I hate to strip models Ive painted, and this way, he gets to avoid the stripper and goes to a good home! He already had a good bit of similarity to his other models (I was gonna paint Deffskullz before I found my current red skinned theme), and all that was really needed was a touch of warpaint and a splash of blue paint!! (his shoulder seems to have gotten a bit flattened by the pic).

Work on the nobz continues, and I actually got a bit of paint down on the Grots!!

Until next time!

Zero to full painted just that quick! I honestly would have never noticed.

@WM: Hahaha! Even so, I like to let people know whats going on with their models!

More painting today! This time on Grots!





And a group shot:


Painting went rather quick on these guys, though I expect that's because they're so small and dont have all that many details on em!
They still need flatcoat (ran out after my Golden Bathtub entry >< ) but except for that, theyre finished!!

Nobz got more rust, and Ive started picking out bits in a dirty grey-white. No pics of them, but theyll be coming up next!

Thanks for reading!

Woo, they went faster than expected! Glad some things are simpler than you'd expect.

@WM: I know, right!? I figure something had to be easier than planned

I took a break from painting any more, and decided to work on an entry for the =]_,= Terrain competition.

The theme of the competition is "Fightin' Pit," and I believe Ive taken it to its most Orky form:

May I present.... Da' Git Pit!







A Wip, obviously, but I know where Im going with it- All except that back corner on the "spectator stand" where there are no walls. Ive no clue what to put there. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

More rocks, like its built into the side of a cliff, maybe?

Im still working, honest!

Should be able to start painting tonight or tomorrow morning. Hopefully the blasted weather cooperates!







I put a bunch more rocks in the back, and Ive decided to go the Trukk-smashing-into-the-back route with the raised platform, as suggested in the =]_,= competition thread. Just need to build a trukk to fit there in time!

I have to rivet a ton of plates by tonight! More tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!

That would be a cool piece to have in an ork themed table. Even dem creepy red orks

Oi! Who iz ya callin creepy ya blue face-paint wearin' Weirdboy!?
DA Red 'unz iz da best! We'z fasta den da average Ork!

Fasta to die, ya git!

OI!! Why I aught ta.... Uh oh... Mor o' dem Blue gitz is here...









I have to say.... im actually surprised how these guys turned out. They're so much more earthy than any of my other orks. My style tends to be bright vibrant colors, but these guys seem to have come out much duller, for lack of a better term. The blue surprisingly fits in well (I thought it would be much much brighter, almost too much so), and there was just enough red to make areas pop.
The squig is considerably harsher in the pictures- In person hes really quite smooth. Has a bit of a cream-colored belly on him too.
As to the final squad loadout, we ended up with 2 PK/Slugga Nobz, 2 Big Choppa Nobz, and one with a Kombi Skorcha (one of the best ork infantry weapons, imho). Rule of cool dictated the guy with two PKs. I hope ya dont mind.

Next up is the second to last project of this massive wave- a box of fantasy boyz to be converted to shoota boyz!
After that its just a little more Zombicide....

Thanks for reading!!

Look good! I suppose I'll let ya get away with the double power claw nob. Not sure if they are the go to for 6th still or not, but they look cool regardless.

Into the home stretch, looking forward to seeing it all done (as I'm sure you are too)

After running a bunch of errands today, including a trip to pick up some more flat varnish, I managed to get the Shoota Boyz started, and at this stage, silver metals are done!



I think I'm finally learning how to best utilize my weathering powders. Rather than brushing them on as I would paint (essentially dry brushing the model with copious amounts of powder), I stippled on little by little, and blew off the excess that didn't stick.
I'm hoping the colors/blends don't change too much after varnishing- I want to spray them tomorrow so I don't mess up the surface as I paint the rest of the model. In theory, it should be ok, just a little darker.

After clearcoat, its off to get some skin going!
Until tomorrow!

Looks solid. Do the fantasy boys match up with the 40k arms right?

Not 100%, but very close. I dry fit a test model before I primed em and seems like it works perfect. The hand on the gun tends to be a little loose, but after its been painted you wont even notice!

Making the Choppa boys might have solved that problem, didn't even think about it till now. Glad it wasn't to bad a difference.

Its no big deal. I think they'll look great as the shoota boyz!



Update for tonight: Flat coated the rust powders and as expected, they got darker, no worries there. Ill end up dusting areas with a bright rust after its finished.
My main problem, is that the brand new can of Krylon Matte spray is NOT matte! Its satin/low gloss... Ive used the varnish before and have been pleased, but seems I got a bad can this time :/
Ive read that Testors Dullcote is exceptional when used with a gloss varnish underneath it.

Anyone have a recommendation on another brand?

No help on this one. I can tell you GWs sucks, that's about it.

Heard many good things about the Testors Dullcote, but have no experience with it myself I'm afraid.

Nice use of the powders, have you tried making a wash with them and putting it around rivets and the like?

@MT: I havent done many experiments with them yet. On the Nobz I tried making a sort-of wash with them and rubbing alcohol, only to find out theyre insoluble in alcohol and just sink to the bottom FAST. Havent tried water with them yet, but I think I might give it a test when I start painting the "Git Pit" -- lots of rivets on that piece of terrain!

Yeah make a wash with water, dab around rivets, then when dry you can take a dry brush to them and 'fade' it in a bit. Alcohol is apparently good for helping dry powders 'set' if you apply after sealing.

So work continues, albeit slowly. Though this time I have a valid excuse! Ive been working- or at least trying to get a job.

Im currently an on-call driver helper for UPS, helping out with the holiday season. I pretty much just drive around with the driver, and hop out and help deliver packages. But that's not the biggest news- Im trying to go to Japan!!

Ive been working on the application for the JET program for the past couple weeks. If Im successful, Ill have the chance to go to Japan to teach English for a year (maybe more). The essay has been chewing up most of my time. Max 2 pages, and they want alot of stuff, so I need to choose my words carefully. As it stands now, all I need is an intro/conclusion paragraph. All the main body is done. Im really really hoping I get in!!

As far as 40k goes, blues on the boyz are done, as are their heads and arms for the most part. I went with various facepaint designs, and even two slightly different skin tones. One tends towards white-green, while the other is a much richer color.

All the boyz need now are their browns and blacks finished, a couple of metals touched up, then assembly!

Unfortunately, my dad has my camera, and I cant take any pics of the current stage. Ill try to get some pics up later tomorrow or monday!

Thanks for reading!!

Good luck on the essay, let me know if you need a proof reader. Though if you go, I'll have to ship my unpainted models elsewhere (or on a long boat ride).

Lemme know if you need to change the day of our meetup, ya big workin fool

Good luck with the application

Thanks you guys!! And WM, itd be great to have another set of eyes look at it. Unfortunately, I procrastinated on it a bit. Due date was rushing to meet me and I had to get it sent off fast. Ill keep ya in mind for next application, if youre still willing? Ill definitely start it earlier next year, especially if I dont get in. As to our meet up, Saturday's still fine- I have weekends off!

Just shipped it out next-day air, so they should have it tomorrow morning! Now its a waiting game :/


As promised, I have some WiPs using my good camera (my dad put the XD card in backwards >< Im glad nothing broke!)





Right now Im working on a tumblr.... I figure I might as well try to do some of this new fangled social media stuff xD
Updates to come!

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!

Got in a game of 40k with WM360 today- my first game of 6th ed. Needless to say Im outta practice! (also need to get an actual army painted )
It was a small 1000 points game between his Dark Angels and my Red Orks, and right away I was doing just awesome with a double one for my SAG Mek's first shot. Poof! Off he goes with one of the lootas! Boyz and MANZ + Warboss assaulted the Libby and Assault termies, managing to kill them without losing too many to overwatch and much higher inits!
It finally ended with a small group of Assault Marines backing slowly away as MegaNobz tried (and constantly failed) to get an assault off. The Warboss challenged and beat the SM Libby, and the Dakkajet failed to impress as it constantly missed the Assault Ram WM decided to run (A very cool model, I might add)!
All in all, 8 victory points to 6.

Got to play Zombicide too, and I really like it! Still a looooooong way to go on painting them all though!

Also, I managed to finish the Shoota Boyz just in time for WM to pick them up!









Some of the arms didnt quite fit, so needed a little extra convincing, but in the end I think it worked well.

This, combined with the zombies which Ill upload later, finishes the second wave of commissions for WM360. Next up is the beginnings of a Red Scorpions force!

Thanks for reading!

Was a fun game indeed! Bit of a challenge with the shorter table allowing faster assaults and my super point heavy flyer zooming off pretty quick! Good practice all in all. The orks and eldar are now chilling on their shelves. Need to get something for the stand alone games like Zombicide and Dreadfleet though.

As promised, pics of the Zombies!
While Im not an exceptionally big fan of the walker/runner sculpts, I LOVE the Fatty/Abomination ones!

And we killed the Hawaiian shirt wearing shoebee twice!

Hahaha Yessss!

Thanks to Daaaaaave and his Mighty Mollys! (aka the only wounded survivor all game xD )

Today I got the award from Nerdfest's Golden bathtub painting competition in the mail, and let me tell you it looks awesome!


He really outdid himself with this- It's gorgeous, and just so full of character! I cant wait to see what next years trophy will be!


But anyways, on to business:
Today we enter the Badab war!

The next stage of commission work for WM is a Red Scorpions Army- one that I'm told will appear at Adepticon come April! I cant tell you how exciting this is- I might not be able to make it to the convention, but I can present some of my work there! So Ill be making it my best effort to push out some of my best work to date- trying out new techniques and ideas Ive picked up over the past few months whilst reading other people's blogs.

Heres a test marine I just finished airbrushing- I think Im finally starting to understand the Zenithal highlighting technique.


I think its a bit bright for the Scorpions, so Im going to test out an area and wash it with Badab Black (Oh how fitting, haha), but overall, I think its a good base. Thoughts?

Right now I've about half of the total list on my desk, including a Libby and a Razorback. The latter will be an interesting challenge, as Ive never actually completed a vehicle model before!

Thanks for reading!

It's about a third, actually. There are the termis too. You saw my test model, it was kinda bright too. I do think a tone darker would be better though. Cool prize for a cool model though!

Hey, Ramos, you feel like doing a Fire Hawks army while you're at it?

I got firstzies, getcherown!

Now, now, kids, play nice- Plenty of me to go around

@YB: Im always up to more work if you're interested! Just lemme know!
Oh! And WM should be shipping out your Fire Hawk with the group of flyers hes sendin ya. Sorry- I kept forgetting to drop it in the post xD

@WM: Test model stage 2 done:



left side is just the zenithal coat, right side is the washed area.

The wash looks ugly sitting on top- I think Ill try darkening the colors when I do my next test spray. This was actually just pure Codex Gray at the top highlight- I figure adding in some black should darken it up nicely.
Then its a little bit of targeted washes in the recesses and we should be in business!

Sounds like a solid plan. It's hard to make such a boring color look good. I think once you get the details colors it will help make it pop.

Ramos, are you sure you don't want to paint the Scorpions a bit more like the original Red Scorpions?


You know that would be way more fun to paint.

Oh, yeah, I definitiely vote for doing the Termies in the Angstrom Incident pattern!

And no worries, Ramos. RL has been keeping me far too busy to even think about the Hobby....

@WM: Definitely- 99% of the paintjobs Ive seen in progress rarely look right till the last detail is painted- Heck I think even breaking up the plates by painting in the flexible joints would improve it! All a work in progress- I think Ive got a good recipe for gray that doesnt look boring. Adding in a little Charadon Granite gives the armor a bit of a greenish-gray tinge that just sets it off.

@Ice: Ahhhh I remember seeing that guy!! (Oh god.... the Minotaurs armor looks nightmarish to paint!)
I love the Angstrom Camo- Think I might do a test pattern on one of the marines I have floating around here somewhere....

And Ive given thought to a Fire Angels army- perhaps as an Alternate-Alternate-Alternate player for the Wardens at Adepticon some year. I rather like the white on them rather than silver, and the camo pattern is quite intriguing. Yet another test marine to find!

@YB: I hear that, man. Keep sane! I know how RL likes interfering with hobby time!
As to the Termis in Angstrom camo.... we shall see- WMs got full control over the scheme. Im just the guy with the brush!Could definitely be an interesting take on the army's scheme.


Todays been all about the interior of the Razorback + assembly of all the other guys.



Back ramp is magnetized- Worked out perfect for how I wanted it! Now it holds closed even if I shake it around a bit.



Almost done here- just a little more color and a few more details. Then a bit of weathering and sponge chipping and its on to priming the hull!

Looks great! Angstrom would be reserved for the vets, ala Gits tranquility snipers.

@WM: Sounds good. I'm sure we'll get to them sooner or later then


So I got the Razorback primed- fortunately we had a decently warm day!

Also, I got the blues down onto the Libby!


The Razorback and marines will have to wait till a few supplies come in the mail (taking their time >< ), but at the moment are all primed and ready to go!

Thanks for reading!

Nice work on that panel Ramos!

Still not sure how I feel on banners. I'm going to keep the faith though. I'm interested to see what else you do with it. Glad to see the brass getting used.

@Gits: Thanks man!

@WM: I kinda like banners on certain guys. Like capes, it conveys a feeling of authority and importance. Plus you can do all sorts of freehand on em!
Besides- We can always swap out the pack if ya end up not liking it.

Work continues on the Libby!

So I decided to try out a new technique on the Force weapon utilizing my airbrush





NAturally it isnt perfect, but the concept is promising.
I just need to figure out my airbrush- its been spattering a lot lately. Replaced the needle, and that helped. Now I think its the pressure- I spray right from the compressor's regulator, so im limited in range. Might invest in a storage tank soon.

As to the libby's banner- I may yet repaint it. The white just looks too splotchy to me... :/

Airbrushes are great for power swords. The only swords I've ever done that were worth anything were using an airbrush. Yours looks pretty good Ramos. I bet you can't see the spatter when you looking at the fig on the table, can you?

Thanks Gits!
And I can, a little... though maybe Im just looking for the spatter. Its more evident on the pink to white border than anywhere else. I think next sword will be just based in the pink.

What can I say- Im a little bit too much of a perfectionist- Im never entirely happy with my work

Not much work on the Libby, save for a swap on the banner. I ended up swapping it out to one of the smaller winged skulls (I think this one was from a Termie kit...)
I did, however, get a pair of objective markers plotted out:



The first is something of a favorite theme of mine- the downed infantryman next to a banner. Im planning a little bit of blood effects around the leg stump and bullet holes (this guy's seen better days), and Im going to put the banner from the liby at the top of that pole.



And here we have some sort of Imperial shrine.... thingy. Ive no clue where it came from- Baneblade maybe?

Anywho- Got the Razorback basecoated with Charadon Granite, and currently waiting on compressor to cool before basing any of the marines. It seems that the water trap that came with it doesn't work well, and when it gets hot it likes spitting out a little water.
A different water trap is on order- so I should get it before long. Till then I have to pace myself with ab work! ><

"Them dern Mantis %@!*^'s shot my leg off!"

It's from the Bastion kit, actually. It goes in if you don't want the heavy bolters (for some reason). I have some cool candles from Maxmini that would look cool I can send over in the next wave if you'd like a few.

Hey... hey!!! No call for that... be nice.

We were visiting our sick mums in the hospital anyway... couldn't have been us!

(those are awesome Ramos)

Thanks you guys...

As to the candles- Yeah that'd be awesome!!

Very nice, Eamos. That's the kind of thing I was looking to do. Guess I'll have to pick up a Bastion kit... or look for some bits. Any idea where the brazier/torch is from?

YB: Thanks! I happen to have another one- If you like I can ship it to ya? Its a different one with a figure holding a sword. Should make a great shrine.
As to the brazier.... Ive no clue at all. Maybe a fantasy kit or a terrain piece?


Got another marker started- It could be an energy generator or some sort of weapon:

Ramos wrote:YB: Thanks! I happen to have another one- If you like I can ship it to ya? Its a different one with a figure holding a sword. Should make a great shrine.

Thanks, Ramos. Very kind of you. I actually just ordered some other bits, though, and threw that bit on the order, so I'm set.

By the way, just got the Fire Hawk you painted up, courtesy of WM360. Beautiful work! Thanks for sending it to me. I owe you something.

Excellent to hear YB- Glad you like him! He actually taught me a lot about painting an orange color. Once I get my Marines Chrysemys up and running again, They'll have a much better color!


Now as to todays progress: The third objective marker is taking shape. Mostly its rivets that need done at this point.



Now I have a hatch for the top of it, and I want to have it opened somehow. Here are my options:



I) open like a hinged door
II) pulled up and off to the side (I'm liking this one most)
III) pushed off to the back

Or perhaps another option I haven't thought of? What do you think?

maybe have it on the ground with the inside facing up? Like it was torn off?

1, 2 then 3... conveniently, that would also seem the order of most easily painting....

 Arakasi wrote:
1, 2 then 3... conveniently, that would also seem the order of most easily painting....

That. Might also look good closed.

I like 1 best.

Wow thanks for all the feedback! Looks like #1 is the winner! I should have this guy finished come tomorrow. Lots of llittle rivets to make!

Objective done and ready for primer!



Also finished the Libby, and hes ready for clear coating!



Hopefully the new sealant technique Im going to use works. Im going to do a test model first- Gloss varnish, then Dullcote! Should get a durable protective coat from it.

Came out looking good! On both counts really I think the random generator will be a cool objective, and that Zeke makes a fine Scorpion. I wish more SCs had a minimalist badging thing going on, would make conversions much easier.

Nice work all-round Ramos!

I agree. Both look great. I really like how the libby's sword turned out.

Thank you, thank you!! Glad you guys like him- Its nice to know that the work paid off!
I just cant wait till the army's done. Its an exciting prospect to see a complete list all painted up. Lord knows I wont get one of my own finished anytime soon


So I got a test done on my varnish technique, using one of my old (horribly painted) AoBR Nobz:



The Before pic is with gloss varnish, then after is a coat or two of matte coat. I have to say, Im -definitely- sold on the Testors now. Libby is currently drying on gloss coat now. Gloss is such a weird finish- Im so used to the relative matte finish of the normal paints...


While the stuff was drying, I worked some more on terrain (Im sure WM will be happy)!


Found a number of Tamiya kits at the local craft store, and the scale worked out perfect! In addition to the sandbags, I got tank traps and wooden poles for barbed wire fencing.

If Fedex tracking is to be believed, I should be getting a big supply drop later today!!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Wow so that didnt take long- FedEx Cometh!



Ordered in some basing materials, Oil paints, and high-gloss varnish for lenses and such. Plus plenty of airbrush goodies!

Including this guy: Water trap!



It was not fun at all installing this. No instructions other than "Cut hose, secure with bolts"
In theory i got it. Hopefully itll work and I dont need to get a new hose!

Final coat of varnish has dried on the Libby, and hes all based!








Got the second level of color on the assault squad, too. The water trap seems to be working fine, though I think I may have put it too low on the hose to be 100% effective. Still, its an improvement to be sure!

It seems to be going the same color route as the test model, but I experimented a bit with some of my new supplies, in particular an oil wash.
The result is a shade similar to badab black, but with almost no surface tension at all, leaving me with a surprisingly smooth and even shade coat, The recesses collected a good amount of shading, too. I definitely think I'm on to something with this.

In other news, I'm still hesitating on the Razorback- I really don't know how to go about painting it. I'm still reading through a whole bunch of tutorials. Hopefully something pops up!

Until next time!

Which parts are giving you pause on the razorback? Check out eggroll and gits for some good wall of color modulation. I can come up with some good RS blogs too, if it helps.

Libby looks really good. Will look great leading the force at adepticon.

Its really the base color modulation that I'm getting caught on. I dont know how I should shade the different panels, or even what color progression to use- the one for the marines may not look as good on the big panels.
After that, its easy detail painting!

Ive been reading through Gits' stuff, naturally, and Ill give Eggroll's stuff another read, thanks!

And glad ya like him! I can't wait to see the whole force painted up!

Major Tom is usually good for help to, and responds very quickly to any pms he gets. All them fancy airbrush pros.

Gorgeous work!

@WM: Thanks man. Ill definitely give him a shout soon. Ive been reading Eggrolls blog, and Im slowly building a plan of attack. Probably wont see paint on it till after Christmas though. I must admit, it's actually a bit intimidating!

@Gits: Thanks!! I tried to mimic your basing style (as per WMs request), though mine seems to have gone a bit darker of a tone.

A last little update for tonight: The shrine objective.

Got a few bits in from WM, mostly the AC bits for the Razorback, but also a coupla candles.



What do you think- I tried them on top, and it just didnt seem right. So I built the shelf on the right (there are actually two candles there, but the pic makes it a bit hard to tell.), and the little hanger for the censer.

Do you think this is an idea worth keeping? No glue yet so definitely changeable.

Maybe a candle on the base of the shrine? I actually sent the censer for mortarion's gun, but that works too

Cool objective. I'm not sure about the candle on the base idea. I like simple design you have. Don't clutter the shrine.

Happy End of the World, everyone!

@WM: Really!? Whoops my bad! Depending how this ends up it may still go to Morty. If not, Ill find a suitable replacement in my Bitz boxes.

@Ice: Thanks!

Im messing around with the candle on the base now... Though I think the big brazier interferes with it... I think its a case of one or the other on the base now... Ill mull it over- updates to come!

Thanks for reading!!

No worries, I've got about another 50 of em chilling around.

Nice objectives Ramos...really digging the little generator, and like the look of the candles and censer on the shrine

Love the libby's sword too.

@monkeytroll: Thanks!! The sword was a new technique and my airbrush was having issues (now fixed, fortunately), so the finish is a bit less than what Id of liked. Im glad its so well received- Future power weapons should show a marked improvement!


Today i finished the base grays for the assault squad, giving them an Oil Wash.




Its a new technique I picked up online, mostly used on vehicles. Though rather than glossing the model first, as is the norm to oil washing, I left them matte. This resulted in the wash acting as a filter, darkening the entire model, not just the recesses.

Its wet in the pic above, but my test model below shows how it turns out. From this:




To this!



So far, it seems safe and sound- I had a bit of worry going into this as you are technically not supposed to paint acrylics over oils. Its fine the other way around, but acrylics tend to flake off on oil bases. The yellow banding acted as a test in this regard. Subsequent layers should be perfectly alright, especially as Im giving it ample time to air out before putting more layers on. Plus I put matte varnish on the model after the wash dried.

Unfortunately, Oils take a long time to dry, and I want to be extra sure that they're set before varnishing, so this is the last marine update until after Christmas.
So until next time, Merry Christmas everyone!!

I like the grey post wash. Looks pretty much like how I had them in my head. I think you will be good painting over the wash as you are really painting on the varnish.

So Happy New Year everyone! Its been crazy these past several days, Christmas, New Years, and all the other millions of things that killed my painting schedule!!
But Im back now! And I bring gifts!

Assault squad got metals blacked out, yellow and white bitz picked up in Tausept Ochre and Fortress Grey, and finally Sarge got his Power Weapon airbrushed!


(On a related note, Im trying to think of what color to paint the upper segment of his left pad. Yellow might look out of place... Then again, who knows?)



My AB works amazing now with new parts in it and the water trap. Still the slightest bit splattery, but thats probably just my paint mixes. All in all, i think its workable.

Looking great! Always exciting to see progress. Assuming you are going to do the underpad black, leaving it grey may not be awful.

Which I guess brings up the question if you noticed hey have black pads? The Libby looks good with grey, which is why I didn't think to mention it till now.

Before I started I had seen it somewhere with gray pads instead (and subsequently thought that was the scheme), so thats why the libby got his painted like that.

I was going to leave them gray, but I can certainly paint them in black if that's what you'd like? Which would you prefer?
Ill break out the test marine to get reference pics of black vs gray pads.

I think the black adds a nice contrast, but yeah, Brother Testie (what?) can serve again!

Brother Testie

Well he rises to the occasion once more!



Ok. I rather like the black pads on them. xD

Did you want me to go back and get the Libby's pad painted black too?

I think it is good as is, it's the only grey part on him. Unless its bugging you, then go for it!

I also really like the black on the trooper though.

It doesnt bug me in particular- I honestly dont think anyone would notice it unless you pointed it out to them! Its merely a consistency thing in coherence with the rest of the army.
So if its cool by you, its cool by me!

And black pauldrons it is!

EDIT: Ah yes and on that note, though its still a little bit away, were there any particular squad markings/etc that you wanted on these guys? In particular, what would you want on the blank right pads?

A little more progress- mostly me putting black on the inner pads:



As can be seen in the picture, I've purchased a new bulb for my painting lamp! Its stunning to see the difference in color between a regular fluorescent and this daylight one!

Can really tell in the purple sword! Looking good.

As for the blank pad question, let me cruise through IA books. I think a lot of them have chevrons on there though.

A little work on the Marines today, mostly work on the yellows and started on metals.

Mostly I worked on my entry for The League's terrain competition:



Some desperately needed terrain (as WM will no doubt agree xD), which will probably end up as counts-as forests and other such area terrain!

I think I've about a day left to finish these guys and add some shrubbery!

Thanks for reading!

Ramos, do you plan on adding anything else onto those bases other then shrubberies?

I'm not really sure, Ice. I know they look rather sparse as is, but I think im avoiding putting too many bitz on as I tend to overbuild and overcomplicate things a lot (just see the Git Pit... I'm still adding stuff to it >< ).

Im making smaller barrel cacti to put on the terrain too, so the big saguaros wont be the only thing on there.
After that, Im probably going to scatter on some discarded tools/weapons here and there, especially in the little sandbag bunker. I think I have an IG heavy weapon or two sitting around here somewhere that might work pretty well.

Any thoughts on them? I always appreciate a little C&C- especially as this is some of the first terrain I've built!

I am no expert by any means but I have built a lot of terrain. Nothing for show purposes just for my own permafrost table. You are certainly correct about not over doing it on the "forest" bases but the cacti take up even less space then normal trees. How many of the smaller cacti have you made up?

Adding the minor details like discarded weapons is what will make your bases great. You shouldn't have to add much but a couple little things will give the terrain its own bit of history.

Ive about half a dozen so far of the smaller ones. Few are much bigger than 3/4 inch cubed.
I might try to whip up a few smaller saguaros to pop here and there in the "forest" Depends if I have the Milliput for it.

I got some Spanish moss that might be able to simulate vine growth on some of the cacti arms. At least I think there are some vines in the desert.... cant remember what theyre called but I remember seeing a pic of it once...

I guess it Doesnt help things that Ive never been to a desert

Some random logs and boulders might be nice too. Have you thought of matching them to your ork bases? Always nice to have a home team advantage.

Definitely gonna match my ork bases to them, but with a decidedly mechanical feel- like an old factory or depot on a desert planet.

Funnily enough, my marines are desert themed, but more towards the actual landscape as far as basing goes. So this'll work both ways.

Ill see about putting a boulder or two on the bases (maybe a burned out wreck- thats an idea!!)
Ultimately I want to have a "finished" product to submit to the contest, even if I still keep tweaking it afterwards

So today I put more details on my terrain pieces, as well as green on the cacti.



The spanish moss turned out to look like gak (you can see a little left on the dead tree thingy on the small cliff), so I think Ill be leaving it off till a more suitable option comes available. Im definitely going to go back and put bits of dead static grass here and there, just for visual interest. But that'll come later.


In other news, I managed to drop $410 on the Kingdom Death Kickstarter today. Wanted to spend more but alas.... no more money
It kills me to know that they might not show up till November, and that I might be in Japan then... but still.... SO MANY BEAUTIFUL MODELS!!!

The game itself looks pretty badass as well. Not only did I score a Black Friday special reward at the last minute (Giving me a deluxe version of the game for 50 bucks off, AND with Resin figures) but I also opted in for a good number of expansions for it, giving me a nice array of models to choose from when they get here. Definitely expect a review once I get em!

And now- I rush off to finish the desert bases. Then- MORE SCORPIONS!

Nice work on those terrain pieces Ramos. Cacti are great!

I almost did the KD kickstarter, but passed on it. May have you add the Sedition Wars and Relic Knights crossover for me. Deff want to try the game when you get it.

@Gits: Thank you! It was fun making them, to be honest. If ever I get a big table, Im definitely making it a desert one. Dont think Ill leave the sand rusty red, but it was a nice color test (might keep it for later projects).

@WM: Haha! Yeeeeeah I spent a bit more than I was planning.... Should have some nice models though! And Just let me know. Im always up for new models and new games! And assuming I'm still stateside, Ill definitely have ya over for a game of KD when it launches!

Todays update: The finished terrain!







The pics seem to have washed the colors out a bit, but its passable. For instance, the sand is a rather nice rusty Mars-like color.
I dont think its what Im aiming for, at least as far as my marines are concerned. For them I have a typical brown/tan sand desert. Though Im heavily considering keeping my Orks with the Mars theme. Though Im worried the red skin will blend in to the red sand!!

Thanks for reading- Im going out of town tomorrow till the end of the week, so no more work for this week. But when I get back its time for more Red Scorpions!

They look FANTASTIC! Just love the whole feel of 'em.

Fantastic! Nice work, Ramos.

And Im back!

@Gits & YB: Thank you! Im very pleased with their finish myself, especially considering it was something of a rush job in the end so as to make the deadline. Im definitely planning to go back and touch up pieces here and there, and certainly build more pieces!

The time off really put me in the mood for painting, so Ive been at it all day!



At this point, they are at their final levels of yellow and gray. Whites and metals have their first washes, then its onto reds and parchment/cloth/bone details!

Very good progress Ramos! Glad you're back in the saddle!

Indeed it is. Excited to see the first squad get done. Any idea which squad number you want to designate them as? A big old I seems a bit boring.

I definitely agree- EVERYONE puts I on their squads (Even me.... )
Im thinking perhaps IV or even an ornate Arabic numeral "4" I dont know why 4- Just seems right to me Then next squad might be VI, if I go with IV on this one. Kind of a mirrored effect?

If you're gonna use roman numerals, through in some X's. Perhaps a IX.

I need to do some reading, figure out where they differentiate between companies as well. As a codex chapter, VII and VIII would be the norms, or they would be form the 8th company.

@Ice: Yeah I like IX! Maybe the two squads will be VI and IX- 6 and 9. Bit of a mirror thing there too (what is it with me and mirrors today!?)

@WM: Yeah man. Let me know! Ill hold off on the numbering till then!


Last bit of progress for today: Now with 100% more reds!



At this stage its just purity seals and little details like litanies and scrollwork! The end is very near for these guys- then its the Razorback!

Catchya later!

Very nice. I like the chainswords a lot. Have you determined how you are going to do the razorback yet?

I agree with Ice, the red on the swords looks great!

Very nice, Ramos. The red really adds a lot to the squad. I really like the chainsword kn the guy in back.

Thanks guys- I figured that since the Scorpions' bolters all had the red stripe design on the casing, I'd reflect that on their ccws. Ultimately it worked out rather well, and really adds visual balance to the models.

On the SW swords it was pretty straight forward what areas I had to paint red- either the main casing of the weapon or the embossed area. The vanilla ones, though, were the most fun, mostly because I could stripe them however I pleased!
The grenade throwing guy has a sword painted similar to the guy in back (just not in the picture), though his only has one stripe instead of two (maybe he needs more brownie points or something )

Now Ice, As to the Razor-
The base color is the biggest hurdle, then after that it SHOULD be easy.

Im going to try to mimic eggroll's blood angels, as well as Ignatius-Grulgor's death guard rhino.

I feel the latter will be my best bet, as eggroll's airbrush skills are clearly based in black magic and voodoo.

Ok, so for squad/company markings, looks like FW cant make up their minds, so go for it. They don't even seem to be consistent on roman numerals versus the scripty ones used elsewhere.

They used to have the up pointing arrows on the right pad, now they have chevrons. They also used to have company # on the knee pad, now its the squad #.

So, go ahead and make them 8th company, whatever squad you want. Squad # on knee, company.....wherever. I like the chevrons more than the arrow, but whatever there too.

Oh, and Sgt gets a white helm, btw.

Also noticed in the pre-red pic, can see a bit of gits avatar on your pc

Gotcha gotcha!
I just finished purity seals (and I keep finding more tucked away AFTER I put the paints away >< ), so now it'll be final assembly and freehand stuff!



I hadnt even noticed Gits Avatar in the pic before now... I guess we see where my time online is spent then, eh?

 whalemusic360 wrote:
Also noticed in the pre-red pic, can see a bit of gits avatar on your pc

That's amusing.... at least I know someone is reading my posts!

Played a kill team game with the orks today, and actually won!

@Gits: But of course! I love seeing where your MWs go! Plus Im learning a lot of airbrush techniques from your work!

@WM: Awesome!! I guess da blue wunz iz really lucky!


And the Assault squad is done!




Here are a few close ups of the individual minis (pics are VERY zoomable, for better or for worse xD)












Thanks for reading!

Super excited to see them done. Everything came out excellent. Can't tell at all which ones were used, and which were new. Looking forward to seeing them with their apothecary and razorback.

Those look great Ramos! Great work on the eyes too.

Very nice work!

Fantastic, Ramos! Love the sergeant and the kneeling guy. Love the ripped flag on that guys shoulder.

They look great Ramos. What is that helmet on the sergeants base? Is that a Tiger Claw? *shakes fist*

@Gits: Thanks! Im pleased with how they turned out as well. The picture doesnt show it too well, but I got a bottle of Ultra High Gloss varnish, so they look really glassy too!

@Arakasi: Thanks man!

@YB: The FW Red Scorpion shoulder bits (of which the ripped flag shoulder is a part of) are turning out to be some of my favorite parts. The level of detail on these things is awesome! Not to mention the very designs are cool. I kind of want to get some FW stuff for myself!

@IA: Yup!! Or at least my facsimile thereof- I think it turned out just a smidge too vibrant. Im glad you got what it was. I was worried that it wouldnt be clear that it was a Tiger Claw helm (thus I added the stripes )

@WM: Thanks a ton! To be honest, I cant remember either xD
As to the Razor and apothecary.....


BOOM! The Razor!




And the various little bitz.


Then the Apothecary and Lt. Legless!





Next up is the oil wash!

Ooooh... I'm likin' that razorback!

It's ok if he lost his leg, he is obviously a noob, showing up in non-Maximus armor

Where'd the heavy Bolters get off to?

I love the FW bits as well. If you want to start a FW heavy army, the pre heresy is all the rage these days. Some death guard, or sons of Horus perhaps?

I think I ended up painting the Lascannons for the Razor's second turret. Did you want me to paint the HBs instead? Sorry- Coulda sworn you said use whatever turret xD

 Ramos Asura wrote:

Dude, how do you keep coming up with the exact same ideas for objective markers as I do!? It's uncanny, mate.

Yeah, lascans are fine too.

@YB: Im spying on you obviously!! Why else did I send you that Fire Hawk?

@WM: Excellent. That sounds good then.


Tonight's progress: Lots of grey edge highlighting after the wash.




I attempted to build a bit of his boot tread with an eagle design. Good old Converse Imperials!



Thanks for reading!!

I like the chucks. Super flat boots would be pretty awful to muck around in. Greys look good all around. And you were all worried for nothing

Excellent stuff, particularly looking forward to the razorback, they always make me a little envious seeing as I only play dirty traitors

Great skills. Love your Orks.

Ever forward Ramos, ever forward!

@WM: I know, right!? Heh. Now that I've got the mixes for my airbrush, the base gray is a BREEZE! Gotta say I'm pleased it turned out well, though now I'm rather low on Codex and Fortress Greys!!

@Ignatius: Thanks! Glad ya like it! And hey- You may not get Razors, but ya can put combi-weapons on your rhinos, right? Thats a neat little bit I wish loyalists had. Not to mention the Reaper Autocannons are a personal favorite Heavy Weapon of mine!
(Aaaand I kinda like daemons, but shhhh... the Inquisitors are listening...)

@Squidbot: Thank you and welcome to the thread! I have a nice little ork surprise Ive been working on in between these marines... Shouldn't be too much longer before its done- keep your eyes peeled

@Gits: Absolutely man! Wish i could join you guys at the con- pics are great and all, but nothing compares to seeing armies in the flesh!


Today I got a few parts finished on the Razor (mostly hatches and targeting lenses), including the yellow stripes on the main body.
Aggravatingly enough, the paint managed to seep under the tape and smudge the lovely gray underneath! The front right inset panel is the worst hit, but it will soon be covered by a decal/freehand squad parking, so I guess its not as bad as it could have been...
There was a worse spot on the top back of it, which was what forced me to paint the arrow shape in the top, but now Im rather glad I did it. It should make the razor that much easier to differentiate from its partner on the gaming table.




Ran into an oddity while painting the yellow on the weapon covers:


Both use the EXACT same color progression, however the part on the right has been airbrushed (with the edge highlight being the exception), while the left one was painted with a standard brush.
The airbrush gave a considerably lighter shade (more pale) and the wash didnt cling as deeply to it.
I dont think it should be too huge of a problem, though.... Its a smaller area, and shouldn't stand out too terribly much.

I think that's looking great Ramos. Beautiful job on the little windows and the grey and yellow are looking beautiful.

Looks great, Ramos. I agree with Gits: the detail on the hatch is excellent. I'm also really liking the yellow on the weapon casing (?). Would you. Ind describing the airbrush progression you used?

Could it also be due to one having the grey under it and the other just being primer? Shouldn't matter much regardless. Next squad should be heading your way tomorrow or Monday.

Razorback is looking great as expected! I've yet to use a wash across the surface of one of the vehicles I've been doing lately, as it seems to wash out the effects I've applied or goes blotchy in some places, and yet you've managed to make it work, clearly it's voodoo. Just took a peek at eggroll's angels you mentioned earlier and it's given me a cracking idea for some of the khorne stuff, if only I'd noticed earlier! Oh and don't you just hate it when masking tape does that, got some iron warriors stuff planned for the near future and they use lots of it.

@Gits: Slowly but surely I'm learning! I kinda wish there were more hatch windows- they're actually kinda fun to paint!

@YB: No! Trade secret!

In truth its not too complex. Just Tausept Ochre airbrushed over black primer, then the center-most areas got airbrushed with Iyanden Darksun. After that it was a wash with slightly thinned Gryphonne Sepia!
I really wish I could more accurately replicate it, but somehow I have a feeling this is one of those results that happens once then vanishes to the ether ><

@WM: Maybe, but I never would have expected such a massive difference! I think this warrants a little more experimentation. I'll have to mess with it later.
And good! I'll letcha know when they arrive!

@Ignatius: The key here is that it wasnt a citadel wash, but a homebrew oil wash.

I took a small, half-pea-sized amount of oil paint (Blick Artist's Colors "Ivory Black" ) and mixed it with about 8-10 mL of odorless mineral spirits. Then I applied it with a medium sized flat brush, stirring it up a little bit every so often.
The mineral spirits will spread quickly, and will fall into the cracks of a model far more readily than water-based washes due to mineral spirits' lower surface tension. Occasionally you'll find little flecks of the pigment hanging about or blotching in areas, but all you need to do is brush at it with a brush dampened with the mineral spirits. This redistributes the wash, and cleans up the particulates!

An added bonus is that oil paints dry slower than acrylics, so theres more time to adjust the wash. Plus, oil paints can be "removed" somewhat with more clean thinner, so you can always go back and adjust the wash. Acrylics are pretty much immune to mineral spirits, so you dont need to worry much about messing up your paint job!
After all that, you simply put a coat of flat varnish over it to lock it in, and resume painting as normal. This is critical as oil and acrylic aren't very good neighbors unless the varnish is between them.

Normally, you see this technique as a final weathering step over gloss varnish after -everything- else is painted. This makes the wash focus purely on recesses, as the gloss repels most of the wash on larger panels. By using a flat surface, as opposed to glossy, the wash clings more readily to the surface, acting as a filter and toning the color down/shifting its hue.


As to masking tape.... Ugh.... its always in the most conspicuous spot, isnt it? No matter how hard you try to avoid it!

Eggrolls' stuff is epic. Definitely one of my inspirations for this project!



Progress on the Razor since last update:



Reds are done, and whites are at about half to 2/3 done. Golds and silvers are the last bits to go, then the various accessories!

Thanks for reading!

 Ramos Asura wrote:

@YB: No! Trade secret!

In truth its not too complex. Just Tausept Ochre airbrushed over black primer, then the center-most areas got airbrushed with Iyanden Darksun. After that it was a wash with slightly thinned Gryphonne Sepia!
I really wish I could more accurately replicate it, but somehow I have a feeling this is one of those results that happens once then vanishes to the ether ><

Thanks, Ramos! Just painting some yellow of my own and was curious what you were doing: Gray primer, Balor Brown airbrush, Averland Sunset zenithal, Yriel Yellow zenithal, Sepua wash. Would prefer Vallejo for the airbrush but don't have them atm.

Were gunna have to have a "teach whale how to paint" day before you jet off to Japan. It's voodoo like making your own wash and those lenses that you are just crushing my dudes with. Ya meany.

That RB looks great Ramus, as do the Assault marines! Looking through the rest of this thread now!

@YB: No prob! I'm always willing to share!

@WM: Absolutely! Shoot could make a weekend out of it.
I'm not the best teacher as far as painting goes, as some of my painting is based on certain inexplicable gut feelings, but Im always willing to share techniques, give tutorials, and overall help out where I can!

@Matt.Kingsley: Thanks! Glad to have ya aboard!
The style of the blog has changes immensely in the past few years, and I know that my posting was erratic and the painting tended to jump around a lot between projects. Funnily enough, it wasnt till I started commissions that I got into a nice habit of updating this more than once a month
I hope you see an improvement- I like to think Ive gotten a lot better not only at building and painting the models, but also at taking pictures of the finished products!
Have a good read!


Man... That makes me realize.... Ive been running this thread for more than 3 years!! On top of that, more than half of the pages are actually from this past year!

Crazy times man.... crazy times.
I think im gonna go and do a retrospective after the apothecary and Razor get finished. Something of a "Where are they now" xD



While no picture updates (nothing really changed, save for a bit of white on the Apothecary) I've come to a quandary.

The dozer blade has a large flat area, unbroken by rivets or any other details... This is prime real estate for freehand work or other insane detailing!

Rather than do the hazard stripes, as is common on these bits of wargear, I want to do something different. One idea is to do a big Imperial Aquilla. Itd be simple white over black, and would be a good touch of detail to break up the field of gray.

However I also had another idea: Some sort of litany or prayer to the Emperor. Some calligraphy, some Illustrated letters... In theory it'd look incredible. just need to think on what to put on it. So I scoured the internets, and found a few (some rather long) ones that have potential:

Those who oppose thee
Shall know the wrath of Man.
Field and forest shall burn,
The seas shall rise and devour them,
The wind shall tear their nations
From the face of the earth,
Lightning shall rain down from the sky,
They shall cry out to their false gods,
And find silence.

Liturgy of War 8:2

==========

One unbreakable shield against the coming darkness
One last blade, forged in defiance of fate
Let them be my legacy to the galaxy I conquered
And my final gift to the species I failed

=======

Chastise the Unholy with the Sacred Bolt,
Cleanse the Unclean with the Fire of Purity,
Cleave the Impure with the Blade of Hatred,
Armour your Soul with the Shield of Righteousness,
Guard your Heart with the Ward of Honour,
Strengthen your Arm with the Steel of Revulsion.

==========

I particularly like the first one, though it may be difficult to put all of that on a dozer blade!

Thought? Suggestions?
Lemme know!

I like it, Ramos. That could look very cool! I like the first one (though I don't know if it'll fit), but they're all good.

I really like that one too. Tried fitting it in photoshop but no dice :/

It seems that none will really fit well... too much text and not enough area to spread it out. Rather I cant get a good layout for it.

So now I need a short phrase. I figure that will fit nicely, and some form of freehand or other smaller litanies (aka squigglies) filling the rest of the blade.

Ill sleep on it and see if anything pops. Really I need something short and sweet, like "Only in Death does Duty End" or the classic "Kill the Mutant, Burn the Witch, purge the Unclean!"

Well, in the long run (post adepticon and whatnot) I have 4 rhino/razorbacks. What if you put a different part of a poem on each blade?

My favorite poem is Invictus by William Ernest Henley.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Whatcha think?

That's a fantastic idea for the dozer blade Ramos! Can't wait to see it executed!

That's actually a pretty good idea to split up a poem/prayer, WM. And I recognize that poem. Was a favorite of a few friends of mine down in Columbus- If I recall correct, one of them had one of the lines tattooed on her arm or leg or something (its been a while xD ). I believe it was just "Under the bludgeonings of chance, My head is bloody, but unbowed."
My only issue with the poem is that it doesn't strike me as particularly GrimDark. I think we'd need to warp it and throw in more "Hail the Emprah" and whatnot...


What if we split up the first prayer, and put one phrase on each blade that way?

For instance:

======

Those who oppose thee
Shall know the wrath of Man.

Field and forest shall burn,
The seas shall rise and devour them,

The wind shall tear their nations
From the face of the earth,

Lightning shall rain down from the sky,
They shall cry out to their false gods,
And find silence.
============


It seems to break up awkwardly in the middle. I'm not entirely fond of the second and third ones, but I think they could be made workable.
The first one is -perfect-, and has the feel I want to go for.

This way, The blade wont be cluttered with text, and it will have the short powerful verse Im looking for.

=====

Dozer 1 : "Those who oppose thee
Shall know the wrath of Man"

Dozer 2 : "Lightning shall rain down from the sky,
They shall cry out to their false gods, and find silence."

Dozer 3 : "There is no darkness, nor death either, in the Emperor's Light.
And nothing that He has wrought shall be lost."

Dozer 4 : "..."


And finally, an alternate: "And he, being naughty in thy sight, shall snuff it."




Naturally Im open to suggestion- I know I want that first one (if thats cool by you, WM), or something similar in tone, but the rest are a rather quick job banging them out on the keyboard..

Your thoughts (especially from WM)?



EDIT: A WiP in photoshop, but maybe something like this on each one? I was thinking a banner clutched in the eagle's talons would have the text on it.

That looks good. Much more text than that might be rough, I think it may get a bit cluttered.

More photoshop work today, plus the silver on the Razor's main hull.



The above are paper mock ups- the real thing will be printed on white decal paper.
The first is the plain Aquilla, then the others introduce more scrollwork. The scrolls will be painted/colored brown, like the parchment on the Razor's doors.
Ive decided to do it all as one big decal for ease of application, and preservation of detail- My tests show that the decal paper has a very tiny lip at its edge, but this method should reduce it to almost nothing, at most the appearance of another armor plate.

Very nice Ramos. Man those are going to look cool!

Wow, those are awesome. The scroll work is great.

Looks good. Only thing that bugs me a bit is the vanishing part on the bottom one. If it was connected, it'd look more complete.

@Gits and Ice: Thanks! Im pretty excited about this myself! In theory this'll give me an easily replicated, easily altered set of decals.
At this point Im considering printing the words on the decals as well, however I dont know how id get aroud the coloring aspect of that.... probably calls for experimenting.

@WM: I have it in mind to have it fade to shadow like its going behind the eagle. The mock up makes it look more abrupt than it actually will be.
Ill make the fade closer to the eagle's border in the final product. Would that be better?
Oh, also it wouldnt be a white to black fade, more like parchment brown going to darker brown, then the black outline of the aquilla

To solve the lip:

1) Gloss varnish the entire surface under the decal.
2) Apply the decal.
3) Apply Microsol.
4) Wait for the Microsol to evaporate. Use a soft round-tip brush to work out any wrinkles, or work the decal film over curves, bumps.
5) Apply Microset.
6) Matte varnish for protection.

--Brian

That looks great, Ramos! Love the scroll work. These are going to be very cool.

@YB: Thanks! I'm sure hoping so ^^

@Briancj: I've used setting solutions before, though I haven't had any in many years....
How are they on self-made decals? I've read that there may be some compatibility issues?If it really does take care of the lip, I definitely will order some!

Alright! So the Razor and associated bitz are finished and waiting on final varnish. In the mean time, Ive been busy building the Dozerblade's Details!


Here it is in photoshop:




And here it is in print- just after varnishing it!




So far hopes are high! Just gotta wait on the various sealants to dry and we'll be ready to go!

Tomorrow- The Razor will be finished!

Is that DIY decal paper? If so... how do you get it to work well? I've tried it but it never seems to have the solidity I want and it just kinds of falls apart or the colors bleed out.

Looking forward to it. That'll be just the apoth from that squad, yes?

@WM: Yup. And he shouldn't take long at all! In fact, I should have him finished tomorrow!


@Gits: Yup its DIY paper. I got it from Micromark, along with a ton of supplies (I love that store).

Several tricks to using it-
First off, this is "white" decal paper, meaning that any area you dont put a color on will be white, or a near white if the colors underneath are particularly strong. This is great for details like the white aquilla (and is the only way short of silkscreening to get white on a custom decal), however you need to be sure to keep in mind that you'll need to cut right next to your design (unless you want a white border). Also, the colors you print on it will be super vivid, just like painting on a white-primed model! I've messed around with clear paper, but I find it really is only good for black and white decals, as printer ink tends to be pretty translucent.

Second- I print it on as high a quality photo setting as I can. I use my dads old HP Photosmart inkjet, but anything that can print photos to a good quality is perfect for the job. By using a "photo" setting, rather than regular old document settings, the printer will spray the ink much heavier and at a higher dpi (dots per inch- essentially the resolution of the print). After printing, the ink will stay wet for a little bit, so you need to set it carefully aside for around an hour to make sure it all sets. Dont worry if the ink looks a little thick- the decal paper will hold on to it all!

Finally- and this is definitely the most important step- Varnish the whole decal. This locks in the color, and ensures that the colors don't run or chip. They say you don't need to varnish decals printed on laser printers or copiers, but I HIGHLY recommend it!! I use two light coats of whatever gloss varnish I happen to have, letting them dry in between coats. In this case I used Rustoleum's clear gloss. A secondary benefit to varnishing your decals is that the varnish will act as a second layer of the decal, thickening it a little, but strengthening it considerably. I did a test on one of the smaller decals from this sheet, and they're magnitudes stronger than traditional decals. Just be sure not to overdo the varnish, or you can end up with decals with sizable lips on their edges!

Hopefully that helps a little!

It does Ramos, thank you!

I have not done DIY decals with Microsol/set, so I would test. An alternate method, which I used before sol/set:

1) Gloss varnish the area.
2) Trim the decal tightly, and lay it down. Use a soft rounded brush to remove air bubbles/position the decal while wet.
3) Let dry fully.
4) Apply a layer of gloss varnish.
4a) [Optional] Apply some of the basecoat paint to weather the decal.
5) Matte varnish.

I always lightly weather my decals now, before the final matte spray.

@Gits: Good! Glad to have helped

@Brian: Alrighty, thanks a ton! I think I stumbled on your technique while putting the decal on the blade I may yet go back and chip it up though. never thought of weathering it. That would be a pretty nice touch!

It really helps blend down the edges.

And the Razor is ready to go!

Now with your choice of armaments: Lascannons or Assault Cannons!




Closeup of the weapons:




More pics of the Razorback:








And finally, the interior:



The rear hatch is fully magnetized, and holds tight enough to resist a decent amount of shaking around. Weapons are fully swappable, and the top panel is removable to look inside!

Next up- the final RS piece for Squad VI: The apothecary!

That's truly amazing, Ramos. Beautiful work! Really love the weathering you did on this.

Bloody fantastic mate!

(and now that I'm no longer typing on my phone... some intelligent commentary)

I love the warmth of the yellows with the grey... just beautiful. The discoloration on the guns is a really nice touch. I usually try and do that myself but never with the realistic touch that you've achieved. Mud around the edges is very nice too. Really impressive Ramos. Nicely done.

Only just come across this thread.
Nice Razorback. I'll look through the rest a bit later.

I like the discolouration on the assault cannons, that's nice.

Tha came out very nice! The assault cannon in particular looks exceptional. Really likening e dozer blade as well. Can't tell in the photos that it is a giant transfer at all.

Woo I love to see the heat marks on gun barrels, it's come out absolutely beautiful, will have to try doing some more smoke on the stack itself I quite like the effect, also makes me wish I had more gems to paint on the chaos vehicles. I have got to get my hands on some of that transfer paper too, though the current printer is a wreck so it'd mean a new one of those too and therefore less models. I'm far too lazy to do the interiors on my vehicles, my hatches are very much sealed, I'll just claim the daemons are holding the lid down.

@YB: Thank you! IM pleased with the weathering myself. Honestly Ive never actually fully painted a vehicle before (I have 2 trukks that are maybe half finished?), and weathering them even in this comparatively "light" regard was an altogether new experience for me. Mostly I was worried Id muck it up!!\

@Gits: Thanks a lot, Gits! I have to say your Mantis Warriors have been a huge inspiration to me during this project. I really want this army to look good next to yours and the other Wardens, and your airbrushing advice has been invaluable!
The final colors I ended up with worked out perfect. Especially finding that oil wash technique- That really helped the overall "cold" feel of the gray (Not to mention a TON of shading!).
I bet you totally could do the gun discoloration. Ive no doubt on that! For me it was a few passes with the airbrush, moving closer to the tip as I changed color from Chestnut Ink, to purple ink, to blue ink (all watered down considerably). Theoretically could do the same with the washes, starting from Gryphonne Sepia, then Leviathan Purple, then Asurmen Blue.

@Dr H: Welcome to the Log! And thanks! Try not to die when you see some of my older work in this thread- Between my painting/modeling ADD and the breaks in progress in some projects, my skills were rather unrefined, now that I look back at it
Enjoy your read!

@WM: Good! Glad ya like that one best as its the one you're probably gonna see the most on the tabletop! As to the Blade, you can tell a little bit in real life that its a decal (the paper resulted in a slightly thicker decal than silk screening), but really you have to look quite close at it!

@Ignatius: Thanks! I'm glad the effect turned out so well And I hear ya on wishing for more gems- those and capes are the modeling equivalent of dessert for me- I LOVE painting them!!! Should have some Eldar on my plate after these Scorpions move out- Lots to be had there!
For a printer you could always steal a friends, or even go to a copy shop and have it printed out there. Here in the stated Kinkos only charges like a buck or two per sheet for stuff like that in color!
And initially, the hatch was sealed shut, but WM decided he wanted interior done and the hatch removable (to run as a Rhino, ya see!). I had no objections- its the complexities and intricacies of these details that makes me love these models! Heck I even painted the screen on my Ork Big Mek's Shokk Attack Gun all nice and pretty.... before realizing it was a detail that would be hidden after assembly


Alright! So the guys are all done, save for a bit of varnish:

The Apothecary:


And Sgt. Legless!


Finished pics and Squad Shot tomorrow!

"My parents went to the Badab War and all they got me was this lousy shoulder pad!!"

"You think THATS bad- My parents brought me back a leg!"

All done!

Apothecary:



And the objective marker:





All together now: (I need a bigger lightbox! )


Next up: Another Razor and squad!
Thanks for reading!

Just stunning Ramos! Wow!

Aww yeah. 1/3 of the way there! Gunna have a sharp looking Adepticon army.

Thanks!! And absolutely WM: That's the plan!

Next squad is on the table and has been cleaned and partially assembled.



Soon as I get my filter set up, these guys'll get primer!

Grays are done and ready to wash-



Actually surprised how quick its going!

Sick of grey yet?

Eh. I think Ive got a box of termies left in me then Ill be tired of it

Bummer there are 7 of then then No tank though!

Much deserved break from them when it's over though. Hope we see some red ork action, and whatever of the multitude of other projects started. Definitely want to get more zombies, we are playing almost every week, and the expansion is dropping next week on kickstarter. Everyone tends to fight over the painted survivors, and they aren't even the best ones in game

Noooooooooo!!! Thats 2 too many!!


Hahaha Really awesome to hear about the gaming- i really gotta get another game in. Hell I gotta buy the game!
Then again.... that'd mean more minis for me to paint xD
I think I might get to the survivors I have here soon- theyve been staring at me for a while now... At least then you'll have 6 survivors to fight over!


As to some red ork action... Remember this guy?










Sure its not Ork per se, but Ill be using it as one!
Decided to paint him for cormadepanda's Hero Contest. After all, whats more heroic than a brainwashed giant alien cockroach controlled by a trio of sentient mushrooms!?

Buy a copy before you go to japan, by the time you come back, they will all be painted!

Why are the Grots green? Are they counts as Kans or Deffdreads? Can't remember.

Haha thats true, thats true... Would give me a nice bit of "culture" to share too

As to the grots being green, I felt that was the better look. I didnt like how red Grots looked, so in lieu of that, I airbrushed a bit of a brownish red as their final skin color- bringing them into the palette, but still retaining a little bit of "pop" that they need.
Heh... actually kinda looks like they're sunburned, come to think of it
Plus, the green stands out from the red carapace. Red grots would have blended in.

And this guy joins the Meka-Fexes as counts-as Dreads. Why is a dread piloted by grots? Who knows!

The scorpions are turning out great Ramos. The orks still crack me up. I always wonder though, why are the orks red and the grots still green? Shouldn't they be red too?

Ice doesn't believe in reading, turns out.

Ha! I don't know how I missed that. Please ignore my previous statement.

Never! Henceforth you shall be branded as He-Who-Does-Not-Read, and shall face a lifetime of scorn and ridicule, as well as many non-reading related misfortunes!!




I flat coated the models today after letting the oil wash dry for a few days, just in case any oil paint was still a little wet. Ill continue along and paint in their details, but in the mean time I decided to write up a tutorial for the oil washing technique. As far as I know few, if any, people have shown this technique or used it in this fashion. I really like how it turned out so I thought I'd spread the word on what I think is a really neat technique.

====================================

This method is similar to a common weathering technique for tanks, in which an oil wash is applied over a finished model that has previously been glossed. This makes the wash sink to crevasses, leaving the majority of the tank or model undisturbed. Excess wash is easily cleaned from flat surfaces, resulting in an unaltered base color and darkened panel lines.

By skipping the gloss, we can alter the behavior of the wash and make it act as a filter. In other terms, it acts very similar to the Citadel "Shade" paints, giving an overall color to the model rather than just the recesses.
This turns the technique from a finishing/weathering system to an intermediary process- best used to tone down or blend together color layers.

Like from this:



To this:



Note how the wash not only shades the model's recesses, but in fact tints the model as a whole.


So why use an oil wash?
=> Its inexpensive, as you actually use only a little paint and thinner.
=> Sinks into recesses: Low surface tension of the thinner means you wont get puddles of wash or "rings" around details.
=> Easy to adjust and clean up: Its very easy to adjust the intensity of the wash, even on the model. The oil paint dries slowly, allowing you to move it around with a brush dipped in clean thinner!
=> Tints the whole model- In this case, it darkens a bright gray to a charcoal color.


You will need:
=> Mineral Spirits
=> Artists-grade oil paint*- I used Blick Artists' Color Ivory Black.
=> A medium-sized soft brush (This brush should ONLY be used for oil paints. They should not be used for acrylics afterwards.)
=> something to mix the wash in, like a medicine cup
=> a flat varnish- I use Testors Dullcote

*Note* Though a little more expensive, using Artist-grade paints (opposed to Student-grade paints) results in a better looking wash, as the pigment is much more concentrated and is much more finely ground. A big tube of black ran me about 5$ online, and will last a long, long time.



Making the wash

In the bottom of the medicine cup, give yourself a small (about half-pea to pea-sized) amount of your paint.


Then, with your brush, mix in 10-15 mL of clean mineral spirits, ensuring that you break up all the big lumps of paint. I find that stirring, then letting the wash rest for a minute or two, then stirring again lets the paint dissolve better than simply stirring alone.
After mixing, test out your wash on a white paper or a napkin. You want something that isn't so much black as it is a dark gray, and you absolutely do not want chunks in your wash! This step requires a little personal tweaking, if you want it lighter, mix in more spirits. Darker, add more paint.




To apply it, simply brush it on, stirring up the paint a little every time you dip your brush. It isnt so much a solution as a suspension (hooray chemistry), and much of the pigment falls to the bottom. The mineral spirits will tend to run towards recesses as you paint it on. I find that a dabbing motion applies the wash best, then a stroke or two evens out the color.

Be careful not to apply too much at once- the wash is VERY thin and excess wash will quickly flow to the lowest point on the model, oftentimes your hands and desk.
Also, you do not want to scrub the model with the brush. Doing so may remove the layers of paint beneath it, ruining your finish. Use light strokes, and try not to go over the same area multiple times before the mineral spirits evaporate.

After applying, you should end up with a model that is shaded like so:



But you're not done yet!!
Look closely at the recesses and flat panels, and check for flecks of pigment, or areas that have a mottled appearance to them.



This is where bits of pigment fell out of solution and stuck. This is easy to fix, even if the wash has already dried. Simply dab at the area with a brush dipped in clean mineral spirits (or even the wash) and the pigment specks will disappear.

Now let this dry for a couple days. Yes, that's right. Days.
Oil paints have an incredibly long drying time, and under no circumstances do you want to paint over wet oils or mineral spirits with acrylics. Giving the wash a long time to dry ensures that any residual paint or solvent will evaporate.

Finally, spray your model with a flat varnish (this acts as a protective barrier between the oil paint and future acrylic layers), and you're set to continue painting!

I have not tried this with colored oil paints, but I imagine the method could be adapted to similar purpose. For example, you could deepen the red color of armor by using a dark red oil wash.
======

So there's my first tutorial, and I hope it serves you well. Feel free to ask questions.
Good luck, and happy painting!

Very nice tutorial, Ramos. i've heard the oil wash mentioned several times, but ths is the best description i've seen. Thanks!

Good ol brother Testie making another appearance. Gunna have to get him in a squad at some point.

Like the tutorial. I'm with YB. Haven't seen it in great detail, especially as a shade, before.

Everything is looking good as usual, nice to see you starting up some tutorials too, don't know if I missed it but if you haven't already you should try submitting it to the actual tutorials section.

Also jeez you loyalists with the apothecaries carrying everything on one arm, some people need to look to fabulous bill, I mean err fabius bile for a hands free solution!

Awesome looking Red Scorpions!

Great tutorial too, are you using odorless mineral spirits?

I went out and got all the stuff for oil washing, opened up the mineral spirits and almost doubled over.

I might be allergic to them, or just possibly really sensitive to heavy solvents (mine is the non-odorless variety).

I'm considering trying rubbing alcohol as an alternative thinner, any experience with that?

@YB and WM: Thanks! Glad I could help! (And WM: Testie'll definitely be in a squad.... maybe we'll promote him to Sergeant, eh? )

@Ignatius: Thanks a bunch- and I'll definitely be submitting it to the articles. Just gotta figure out the system!
And its not all just on one arm! We use the backpack too!.... well.... a little...

@More Dakka: Thanks! And yes I use OMS. I guess I'm kinda used to solvents and stuff- it doesn't bother me all that much.

As to using alcohol, I've never used it to dilute oils. did a quick google search, and couldn't find anything either way. Id recommend experimenting before using it on models (I will definitely try it, myself), and I would really only use the absolute highest concentration of alcohol possible (as close to 99% as you can).
My only issue with using rubbing alcohol would be the water content. Chemically, alcohol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the air readily. This means that no matter what, you're going to be mixing a little water into the paint as well, which as far as I know is bad news for oils.

I dont know of any other thinners, unfortunately- if OMS is giving you issues, Turpentine would only be worse.
Sorry I cant be much more help in this regard :/ I will let you know how tests go when I get to em!



No progress today. Got an email from the JET Program (program for teaching English in Japan) last night with the ID numbers of all applicants who got an interview. I wasn't on it.
So I'm in a bit of a slump after hearing that... Cant get in the mood to paint so its all just sitting there...
Sorry guys, but it'll be a few days before more updates.

Take some personal time Ramos, get your ducks in a row. WE appreciate you and know you're worth the wait!

Bummer to hear. Don't get to discouraged, we've all been there. I spent a good 5 months looking after a promotion turned into getting fired. Never know what opportunities will come and go. Seems like when you just get used to hearing no is when you'll get a yes.

Take some time, regroup, and get back out there. I know you have a supportive family, even if they give you a hard time.

Oh, man, sorry to hear that, Ramos. WM's right: don't be discouraged. I can tell you, too, that there are many opportunities to teach English in Japan. JET is a nice program, but if you really want to go to Japan, take a look for some other programs.

But, yeah, take some time off and relax. We really do appreciate you.

Those gakker waffles!

Ramos, just give me a name and an address. We'll fix this, DAKKA STYLE!

Follow up with them, find out why you did not make the cut, prep for the next session.

Thanks guys... I appreciate it.

I know its not the end of the world... Im not that crazy (yet, anyways)... But it just really sucks, you know? Especially how much I put into their application. Damn thing had to have weighed 20 pounds... And all the prep work like FBI background checks, Full physical, that damned essay! All in all I was at least hoping for the interview Just bummed me out that I didn't even get that. Add that to the hundred or so applications I've sent in elsewhere to no avail, and it really killed me.
I'm definitely making it a point to follow up with them- just need to wait till April to do so, according to their site. I'm hoping I can get some concrete answers rather than general "oh well look at your essay, make sure your paperwork was in order, blah blah..."

Ill be looking for other programs, for sure YB, as well as other options to really polish my next application. Problem is that in the mean time I need to look for a real job ><'


I suppose the silver lining to this is that I can keep taking commissions. Wont need to worry about moving any time soon and wont need to worry about getting stuff to and from Japan... I don't have to worry about the financial struggle of moving either- Ill have a whole other year to build up a "Japan Fund."
Then I've got Kingdom Death: Monster minis to look forward to in November (right around the time the application for next year's JET comes available, actually), as well as a couple other Kickstarter things in the coming months.


I'm gonna try to relax and recuperate over the next couple of days and get this whole business off my mind. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to the brush later in the week...
Thanks again guys... I really mean it. You're all really awesome!

Feel free to shoot me any future essays or resumes. Had a few classes on what to do to make them good.

Oh hell I wondered where you'd gone then I read the replies, gotta be annoying putting that much time into something for that to happen, looking forward to your return! Of course I'll be a little jealous of the kickstarter stuff when you do get it, only really started getting into them at what seems like the wrong time, the malifaux one went awful quickly, and I'm not holding out much hope on BtGoA now. Hope you're feeling better soon.

@WM: Definitely will do. Thanks man.

@Ignatius: Thanks. I do appreciate the sympathy. I'm feeling much better now. And yeah, Im really excited for the KD kickstarter- going to add a bit more onto my final order so I'll have a good selection of models to paint! Definitely going to do a review or two of them once they arrive.

I even got back to painting! Everything is washed and flatcoated.





Beyond this, I've managed to get all the gray done, even the light edge highlights. Painting the first bit of yellow on the Razorback now.


Thanks for all the well-wishing, guys.

Yellows are done!



I decided to try something a little different on the Razor's paint job, with black in the recessed panels. I actually like this a bit more, and wish Id of done this on the other one... ah well, now they're easily distinguishable!

Left to do on these guys are Metals, blacks (on shoulder pads), whites, and of course the reds!

Nice.....
Liking the addition of black to the razorback

Ha, forgot I put a different mark torso in that group. Threw me for a loop for a second.

I like the difference in rhinos. They are relics of the chapter (is anything not a relic of the chapter?), so would have their own personality as much as the dudes.

Very good choice. Different, interesting... nice!

@Monkey and Gits- Thanks!!

@WM: Yeah it threw me for a loop too when I was building them, but figured you had meant to send it xD
I have to admit, I rather like the yellow aquilla on the model...


No progress shots today, as my dad "borrowed" my camera again, though plenty of progress. Whites are done, and golds and blacks are started.

What I do have for you guys is another tutorial! This one is how I paint power weapons:

You will need:
=> An airbrush- Double action is best as it allows finer control over the paint
=> Masking tape
=> Paints- a base color (this will be the brightest color of the weapon unless you opt for a highlight color), a shade color, black. My color choices for this project are GW Warlock Purple, GW Liche Purple, and GW Chaos Black.
***optional: a highlight color. usually a mix of your base color and white.


Prepare the mini:

It is best to do use this technique before you paint details an the weapon's hilt. even though you are masking it off, you will inevitably hit parts of the hilt. When I did this, it was after a majority of the gray was airbrushed and washed.

You will want to isolate the blade from the rest of the model with masking tape. take special care to ensure all the little gap are covered. Spray mist has the annoying tendency to find these and ruin paint jobs! I find that burnishing the edges of the tape with a q-tip gets a good seal.


Next, spray the entire blade with your base color (Warlock Purple in my case).


Then add a bit of your shade color right into the airbrush (a little extra thinner will probably be needed). you are aiming for a 1:1 mix. Spray onto your palette until you start seeing the new color mix, then spray your weapon, leaving a band of your base color untouched in the middle of both sides. (**NOTE** At this point, if you are choosing to use a highlight color, spray it now, at the extents of the base color. Remember to leave a bit of the base color untouched, you want a gradient!)


Clear all the paint from your airbrush and load it with straight shade color. Spray towards the top and bottom of the blade, covering even less of the surface. You want to form a smooth gradient from the base color to this shade.


Now add in a little black. Remember: a little will go a long way! Ultimately you want a color that is black with just a tint of the shade color. Repeat as before, spraying mostly towards the tip and base of the blade.
Clear the airbrush again then spray pure black on the very tip of the blade and along the very base.


Let this set for 15-20 minutes (while you're waiting, clean your airbrush VERY well- don’t want black showing up in the next step), then mask off half of the blade lengthwise. Generally, you will want to mask of the "bottom" half of the blade (I mixed it up in the picture), as this will give you a blade that has more "natural" looking highlights, with your base color at the top, and black on the bottom.


Repeat the previous steps, starting with spraying the whole thing your base color, and working the gradient towards a thin line of pure black, only this time the darkest area will be in the middle.


After that, remove the tape, and you're done! A beautiful new power weapon!

So firstly, a very exciting announcement:
The Wardens of the Maelstrom needed someone for the tourney at Adepticon this year, and WM asked me if i was interested. So now I'm going to Adepticon!! Financial struggles be damned!

What's more is that I have the incredible urge to try to paint my own army for the event. Fortunately there are a ton of loyalist chapters to choose from, so I've selected the Marines Errant:



So here's to the journey of not only acquiring and painting the 100pt army, but also to learn how to play it!!


At least the Scorpions are nearing completion, eh?





Metals are just washed, other than that, its the red and detailing that's left!

Scorpions are looking fantastic mate. You realize that now you'll be painting 2 out of your team's 4 armies??

Thanks Gits. And yeah, the thought crossed my mind. I might just be the tiniest bit insane

Looking good! Nothing is more motivating than getting to be a real part of it I expect. Looking forward to seeing them, and seeing you have a painted, playable army

Indeed indeed!!
2 months left! Can he make it!?!


Assault squad IX got competed today, and they're looking forward to joining up with the rest of the army!
















And the Razorback- Similar to the first, only this time with heavy bolters as the alternate turret!










This means that WM's army is 2/3 complete, with just the Objective markers and Terminators to go!
Mine on the other hand.... well...

They look awesome! Keep it up. You should be able to knock out the last squad pretty easily. Then its on to your army. I'm already excited. Have you decided on how you would paint them? More of the newer Forgeworld half silver half blue, or old school white and blue? Lots of options there Ramos.

What about some of their camo scheme? That'd be awesome!

Oooh the camo DOES look cool! Thanks Ice.

Well I'm definitely gonna use white, rather than silver, for the same reason that I chose not to do Fire Angels who are all silver). I'm not a fan of the metallic look on SM armor- I feel it looks better painted. Leave the boltgun metal armor to the necrons!

As to the blue, I don't think I'm gonna use pure blue like in the artwork. Rather I think i'm gonna go the route of the wiki article's figure and use turquoise!


This is the image that made me ultimately decide on Marines Errant

I think i may paint a certain squad in camo depending on this list Im writing.

I just primed a test figure, so we shall see!

I'd save camo for vets ala gits snipers.

Lol, brother ahaiku.

hmmmmmmmm, turquoise. I always liked a good turquoise. I think that'll look nice. However, I am more excited about the camo pattern. I'm assuming you've seen my teammates Executioners. He painted them all their old school camo pattern. I'm a sucker for a good camo scheme though, like Grey Deaths fast attack guys or Gits Tranquility Vets. Maybe you should pick one particular kind of troop to be your camo scheme, some assault guys for example.

Excellent work Ramos!

Pick up some boarding marines at adepticon, make them and a custom IA dude. That's kinda what he does (gives a squad void hardened armor). Maybe some assault termis too?

Beautiful work, Ramos!

Can't wait to see the ME.

@WM: Yes. THATS WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING A SMARTASS!
For the rest of you- I asked him what he wanted on the name plate. He said a haiku. So I did.

@Ice: Yeah I saw his Executioners. I actually attempted to mimic the scheme on the assorted bits of junk on the bases. I couldnt get the grey blue he used though. mine came out much more sky blue.
As to my camo, I will probably paint my assault guys like that (if I ever use em. Who knows, maybe next year?) I do like WMs idea though. The boarding marines look pretty damn cool, and coolness could only be intensified by using the IA character (again, perhaps next year ).

EDIT: Just found him: Captain Anton Narvaez (135 pts) - Marines Errant DAMN thats perfect!! Gives a Tac squad Void hardened armor (still looking for what it does) as well as looking like a decent character. Definitely next year!

@Gits: Thanks!! Cant wait to see the MWs in person. Who knows- Might even be fighting them!

@YB: Thanks! Ive finally ironed out a feasible list, so Ill be able to start painting a few guys hopefully soonish. Ive got a bit of downtime while WM sorts out the next wave of scorpions, so I'll definitely try to get some idea how Im gonna paint em! Might even just get a jump on the Razorback.


So white is a fething pain to paint.

I knew this, but thought I had a trick to it. I dont. I could use my recipe for "detail" white on "armor" white, but the final color would be ragged around the edges and look more gray than white. I wanted a crisp armor color.

So went the tests:

First, the same Oil Wash I used on WMs Scorpions.

Didnt work, for obvious reasons.

Then i tried it over gloss coat.

Also a failure, as the color wasnt intense enough in the recesses

Then a very careful wash of Black Ink and flow release.

Failed, but on the right track. The color is ok, if a bit strong, but the edges are ragged as it dries. same thing happens with using Badab Black.

Next I tried fine black lining-

Id call this a fail, as I dont like the harsh contrast. its TOO black, i guess. Plus I couldnt paint a thin line to save my life today ><

Adeptus Battlegray was next, and I really like it.

The contrast is great, and I think this is the winner, along with the next try.

Where I used a 005 Micron pen.

It looks great, and works wonderfully on the little panel lines in the armor (like the legs) While this wont be a fix all solution, it gives a great line on the shoulder pad insets, as well as the armor joins. Whats more is that its infinitely more controllable.

Another test figure is required, but I think that using the pen in darker areas, then gray in "shallower" shadows will work well.
Ill mess with the turquoise later. Shouldnt be nearly as difficult!

Tomorrow Im going to go visit friends in Columbus, so probably no updates till monday!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
So- A quick update before I run to my bus:

Void Hardened Armor is a huge letdown.
Here I thought itd be an awesome upgrade- but all it does is cancel out a special rule in certain scenarios in the Badab War Book, specifically the rule "Cold Void" which makes all weapons rending, and those that have rending go off on a 5 or 6.

Well damn. And here I thought it was somethin special

Micron pens are wonderful for stuff like this. I've used them to line marines myself!

If your still looking for a good white tutorial,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXwbU7NGqj8

its made by a good friend of mine
hope it helps

No, void hardened is pretty meh, but some siege themed assault dudes, now that has so cool stuff. Some FW boarding marines, termis (TH/SS?), and maybe even a dread would be a cool fire team.

@Gits: I got it years ago and rarely ever used it. I actually think I got it after you mentioned it was great for purity seals and banners. I figured there was nothing to lose in trying it out on the model. I'm definitely excited it worked so well!

@crazyrossboy: Thanks! I gave it a watch over the weekend, and it was very helpful!

@WM: We shall see, we shall see. I'm definitely liking the idea, but first I gotta finish what I have for Adepticon!!


So I was in columbus for the weekend catching up with my old roommate, and what should I find when I got home? BOXES!!
Not only did I get stuff from ebay, but also from the Warstore and most exciting of all- a box of marine goodies from WM!


These guys are destined to be Marines Errant- The ML guy I picked up for 3 bucks on ebay- The terrain set I got along with a Dystopian Wars model and several cans of Dullcote from Warstore. Traded in a handfull of MTG cards and got like 60 bucks for it all! I had made the order before I knew I was going to Adepticon, otherwise I'd certainly have gotten some Marine stuff! Ah well.... for future projects xD


These are O-Scale trains that Ill be using for my entry in the LoER Terrain competition.... If I manage to complete it in time- Now that Im going to the tournament, I'm focusing all my energy onto the Marine army!


Other than that, Im currently cleaning the Termies for WMs Red Scorpions, and his army will be complete! Then its my long road towards Adepticon 2013!
Thanks for reading!

What a haul Ramos! That'll be fun to mess around with for certain!

Im interested to see how you de-Ravenwing the talon. Good luck!

So I got really excited about the Nephalim, so I actually got it all put together in its various sub-assemblies. No pics yet- Will shoot a few when I paint the cockpit!
I have to say, its a real pretty kit- much bigger than I thought too! (cant really say I approve of the >$70 price tag, but, eh. GW will be GW. )


Anyways, Got the gray finished on the Terminators-



Most of these guys are Space Hulk Termies, with the various BA swag removed. Still a ton of gorgeous details left, though. Gonna be a treat painting them!

I'm going to wash them tonight, then tomorrow Ill work some on the Neph's cockpit while they're drying.
Till then- Thanks for reading!

Not all of them are space hulk! The one is FW and a whole other one is an actual multipart kit Several do have stock arms though.

Did mean to check before you got this far (forgot till pics), what do you think about swapping the genestealer the one dude is wreaking with, say, a Mantis Warrior or Tiger Claw?

Oh I love terminators, there's just something about them stylistically I think this may well end up being my favourite thing so far for the scorpions.

I noticed xD
Its surprising to see the subtle differences in them, actually. The FW one is ultra sharp and looks a bit thinner than the multipart plastic, which has a slightly "chunkier" feel to it. The SH ones are their own animals- though I have noticed the heads aren't as defined as the multipart, due to obvious casting requirements.

Hmh... shoot, i wish you'd of gotten to me earlier xD the ab gray is tough to touch up in certain parts.
I could see what I could do, though... How much of the marine do you want in his hand? Like a head with a bit of spine/entrails? might snag a bit of the stealer's spine, now that I'm thinking of it...

I can work on a mock up here in a bit.

EDIT: @ Ignatius: I know what you mean. I wanted to run some in my Marines Errant army, but they ended up being too expensive for what I was running xD Definitely looking forward to these guys!

Yeah, so helmet where the head goes, use some of the spine. Maybe the rest of him on the ground. I'll replace the dude if you have the spare.

Ill see what I can do then, sure!

If its not feasible, don't spend to much time on it. Just thought as we are sm on sm hate, would be strange if he was carrying around his pet nid head.

 whalemusic360 wrote:
Not all of them are space hulk! The one is FW and a whole other one is an actual multipart kit Several do have stock arms though.

Did mean to check before you got this far (forgot till pics), what do you think about swapping the genestealer the one dude is wreaking with, say, a Mantis Warrior or Tiger Claw?

Preferably Mantis Warrior......

 whalemusic360 wrote:
Yeah, so helmet where the head goes, use some of the spine. Maybe the rest of him on the ground. I'll replace the dude if you have the spare.

Oh, man, that's disgusting. I love it!

IceAngel wrote:Preferably Mantis Warrior......

Split the difference an go for a Lamenter. Something nice and bright to contrast the Termie's gray armor.

You guys

We'll see about what he'll be painted as... Any of them will work for contrast- Gray is a pretty neutral color, after all!

I got his head started, and the base for his body pretty much done. The spine is trimmed down a bit but is still pretty big, though I dont think theres much I can do about that. Ah well- rule of cool and whatnot- scale is secondary xD
At this stage its going to get a couple wires and such sticking out of the neck and body. His legs will be off screen, as it were, and Ill probably use a bit of GS to cover up his waist.



Also, I got the Nephilim's cockpit finished, and the pilot is waiting for me to figure out the Turquoise color before he gets painted.





In retrospect, I wish I hadn't glued down the front armor plate that goes over the front of the cockpit glass- could have made it magnetized! Though the project is still young- maybe Ill think of something...

Yeah, once you put that part on, its pretty well on there.

Whats the plan for the GIANT ravenwing logo on the tail?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Oh, and I think the big spine is fine, I assume SMs would have extra solid bones.

What Ravenwing logo?




It does need something on the tail though, and I thought I'd try to whip up some ME insignia.
Though i dont know if it would look better on the upper or lower fin:





Im thinking if I go on the lower one, where the RW one was, Id put a few numbers on the upper tail with a stripe or something. Not sure though.

Also, I popped the plane in the freezer for a bit, and was able to pop the plate right off the front! Now its getting magnets. Im working out magnetizing all the weapon options, so I'm able to run it as any variant.


Oh and the Termie got a new buddy:

I like the lower as well, helps cover some of the panel lines you'd have to carve out otherwise.

Loving the termi.

Lookin' good, Ramos. Love what you're doing with the dead marine.

Is the ME symbol cut out of plasticard? Looks great!

You've inspired me to go work on my own marines!

Cool beans! I think I like the lower one better too.

Thanks guys! Lower one it is then!

And YB: Yup its plasticard and good to hear! Im looking forward to seeing more of your Firehawks!

on a related note- it seems my micron pen is dry or something. it doesnt line as well as the test case did. :/
So Im working on reviving it, but if I cant, my ME work may be delayed a day or two ><

Happened to me a while back, when I reordered I got a whole box of the same lil black one.

Excellent start Ramos!

Due to the fact that you have a wonderful top half of a dead marine you should perhaps think about having the bottom half be on another terminators base. Are you using the space hulk terminator that's lifting up a floor panel? If so you could convert that guy to be lifting up a leg. That'd be cool.

I envision a game between those two Termis pulling the marine in two.... Wonder who got the wish?

The termi with the floor panel isn't being used, as far as I know. As far as the bottom half of the dead guy, Ill see how it looks!


Got a turquoise test finished. The pic makes it look bluer than it actually is- its actually a bit greener.
The white side of this test marine is brighter than the final color, which is more gray, almost a white with a bronze-bone tint. Surprisingly the addition of Fortress Grey really warmed up the overall cold color of skull white.



Thoughts?