Nice Pred. Makes me excited to get mine done!

EDC

Love the way the white on the turret fits in with the vindis. Looks really good both alone and with the other tanks.

 Dysartes wrote:
Nice set of tanks there.

One question on the Predator - you've painted the muzzle-bit on the turret lascannon in white, but not the sponson ones - a touch more of your spot colour might be a good idea, without it being part of the main hull?

I also really like this idea. Think the extra bit of spot colour would really enhance the look. triangulation is key

Hey guys, thanks for all the positive comments. Im glad everyone is enjoying the pics. Army is almost done, just got 11 more guys and some house keeping.

Now, as for the Predator. I wanted one item on each tank to be white because it can look overpowering. I had always pictured them as a unit so figured one white piece each. I considered painting the lascannon sponson white but didnt want them to stand out too much. Although looking at the pics I can see where you guys are coming from.

So I went back and painted the weapons. Orange for the plasma, yellow for the Volkyte and silver blades. I had planned to paint them the two toned blue, but that was not well thought out. Blue blades with blue armor....no. I'll probably knock out the vets next then start the basing. Oh, and I got 2 Rapier Quad Mortars the other day. I just couldn't resist.

Cool. The red really pops on the plasma and the yellow for the Volkyte looks great.

Looking forward to the quad mortars

EDC

Very nice! Good choice on changing the blade colors btw

Looking good.

I think you could go a step higher on the highlights, at least for the plasma. (Not sure what the fluff is on the volkite) They could be a bit more glowy. Not that they are flat, but I’m not getting the Gets Hot! raw power vibe from them.

Just a thought.

Green on the power weapons might look nice. Or royal purple.

Just popped into this thread for the first time and I'm blown away by what you've made. There's a rather limited palette but it really works in their favour. The Assault Marines are my particular favourite, but I do see some Blood Angel icons remaining on them that could be removed.

Thanks guys. Not sure if the Volkyte even has glowy bits but I figured what the hell. I tried an extra highlight on the plasma, Ryza Orange, I guess its not showing well on the pics.

And thanks for stopping by Valkyrie, glad you like the army. I considered trying to trim off some of the blood drop bits, decided against it because I didnt want to leave the odd flat space on the swords.

 40kFSU wrote:
Thanks guys. Not sure if the Volkyte even has glowy bits but I figured what the hell. I tried an extra highlight on the plasma, Ryza Orange, I guess its not showing well on the pics.

And thanks for stopping by Valkyrie, glad you like the army. I considered trying to trim off some of the blood drop bits, decided against it because I didnt want to leave the odd flat space on the swords.

Ryza has a tendency to dry darker than it is in the pot (which is what makes it a great rust effect)

My personal suggestion is to take troll slayer orange and mix it up with Flashgitz Yellow or White for your last highlight, it will come out much "brighter" looking

Thanks Angelos, I may go back and give it a shot.

So the basing has begun. I was trying to work out an urban ruins theme but kept striking out. I decided to go with a rocky plains look. Can be urban I guess, but also fits as desolation after the Ruinstorm or in the catacombs. I gave the guys a light dusting of weathering powder to wear them a little. Also will be going with a 5 man Melta squad instead of the vets.

Crap. Pics won't work. I'll get you guys in the morning.

Ok got one pic to work. The base is still a concept in progress but you get the idea.

 40kFSU wrote:
Ok got one pic to work. The base is still a concept in progress but you get the idea.

Fantastic work Sir.

Hope everyone is having a happy and reflective Memorial Day. On the 40k front I have the last guys built and the Quad mortars ready to go. These things are so cool. Once these guys are done I'll start the basing.

Coming along nicely.

Except for the damn sideways pic.

Ok, finally able to make a brief update. Quad mortars are done and super cool. Some guys with the Legion Vexhilla things. Probably horribly misspelled Vexhilla. Also a Minotaurs test model. As usual I am stressing myself out over the dumb bases. Urban rubble? Subterranean? Pavement, like they were ambushed on the assembly area? Ugh. First world problems boys.

Ultras are looking good. Can’t offer much in the way of advice on bases; it’s one of my weak points. GW is coming out with some new ones this weekend, might be an easy out.

The minotaur needs an accent color. I love the red and bronze look, but it’s very, I don’t know how to say it, “same-y”? Not really mono-chromatic, but close. I think something like bright blue/green eye lenses might give some life to the model. You might be able to get a similar result from a colored bolter casing. He just feels like he needs something as a hook or make him pop a little bit.

Far out he looks incredible! I absolutely love the way you paint your metallics; is he done the same way as the gold on the Ultramarines? I also love that red (recipes for both would be amazing if you're not opposed to sharing )

Edit: On the basing front, I find cork painted like rock is a relatively clean and simple method. Easy enough to do as well

Nevlon- you have a point about the two colors. I'm going to do blue eyes and possibly red bolters. I'm mostly still exploring a satisfactory bronze. In fact, the vehicles may not be bronze, but black with bronze trim.

Brother Payne- thanks, the bronze is Iron Breaker followed by 3 washes. Nuln Oil, Agrax Earthshade, 2 washes of something sephia. I'll have to wait till I get home to give you the red. Forgot the names.

As for the bases, I know how to build pretty cool ones, just having trouble settling on the look.

UM are looking sweet and Minotaur looks good too

Looking great, good job.

As for the bases, maybe something with a starker contrast? Either orange - heavily rusted metal from a urban/hive style? Or green shrubery on a dirt ground? Might add an extra pop to the awesome paint job.

What an awesome blog! You've got some lovely miniatures here, im not sure how I didn't find this until now - I must ask, and apologies if it's been asked already, but how do you do your gold?

 lipsdapips wrote:
What an awesome blog! You've got some lovely miniatures here, im not sure how I didn't find this until now - I must ask, and apologies if it's been asked already, but how do you do your gold?

 40kFSU wrote:
As for the gold, it's Iron Breaker followed by a liberal wash of Badab Black, Agrax Earthshade, and finally Seraphim Sephia. Not sure how I came across the color, it just kinda happened.

Thanks guys. And thanks for the input on the bases. I've been looking over the pics in Tempest. I'm gonna experiment with the assembly area idea. I'll try to show some pics tonight.

Moving right along, I got the sergeants finished, started a Captain Ventras conversion, and tested some of those bases I was talking about. Good times.

I like the bases. The road markings in particular are a nice touch

Lovin' what you've done so far. With the white dome on your predator, I know there aren't many transfers you can apply, but perhaps you could try freehanding a couple blue Ultramarine logos on there.

Keep up the great work!

Bases look perfect Sir.

Justaerin, glad you like the army. I'm afraid if I tried to free hand a blue ultramarine symbol the tank would burst into flames. Such is my lack of freehand skills.

Feindus and Payne, glad you like the bases, more for ya.

So work has been extremely busy so J have had little free time. I managed to finish the first batch which will belong to a tactical squad. The idea is to recreate an assembly area. As if the Ultras were in formation when they were ambushed. Hence the damage to the rear of the formation. Hopefully I can pull off the vision.

Damn sideways pics again. I guess it doesn't matter much in this case. Hopefully our internet and cable will be fixed soon and the signal will work better. Oh well, first world problems right?

I really like the idea that they line up when positioned base to base. Would love to see larger versions of these like on a dread base or even a flyer-sized based (not sure what kind of scope there is for that in 30k)

I really like those bases. They are minimalist but also get across the point of where they are fighting.

Looking good dude. Love those quad mortors.

EDC

nice base idea!

I’d make some crack about how Ultramarines don’t need painted markings on formation grounds, they just instinctively rank up in orderly rows. But I know that nothing is going to be left to chance in something as important as a full muster, and that every squad has a designated spot. Love the concept and execution.

Great work as ever, the grey and yellow on the bases really complements the UM colour scheme and they look great. Good luck with the continued basing crusade.

Thanks guys! Glad everyone seems to like the bases.

Here we have poor Invictus. Dude was just standing there minding his own business when his crazy uncle went all First Heretic. Next thing he knows, somebody drops some scaffolding on his head.

I like it! What did you use for the rebar, just sprue bits?

Love it, he looks very action posed. Love how the gold on his helmet contrast with his body!

Fantastic

Dreadnoughts killing heretics with I-beams. Totally badass.

EDC

frickin awesome! love it

Thanks guys I appreciate all the positive comments. The second batch of tactical bases are done, same configuration with a different number. Im going to try to make up some cover and major damage for the heavy weapon squads. Reasoning the Word Bearers would have made them priority targets. The bases for the speeders are going to be fairly bland, since they will be coming to the rescue and not on parade. So, more pics tonight. I hope.

And the rebar is not sprue. Its this plasticard stuff I got from the hobby shop. I think its used to make railroad scenery.

Ayyy and there's that dreadnought-sized base I was looking for
Not quite sure how I feel about the blue on the assault cannon barrel; I probably would've stuck with metal. Excellent stuff otherwise. Are we able to see shots from different angles? I'd love to see more of his pose

Ok. So I decided to restart the basing. Same idea just different execution. Still going with the staging area ambush theme, but more of a aftermath. Kinda like the pics in the HH book. Also got some new goodies to spice up the look. That little container terrain out is just cool. I couldn't resist. Will also be a nice contrast to the rest of the army I think.

 40kFSU wrote:
Paradigm- ive checked out those guys and a lot of others. I have 2 problems. My preferred method is the brush, but the formula I like results in pooling on vehicles. Can't figure a way around that. The other problem is should I buy an airbrush. That would probably be best but is I'm gonna spend money, I would rather it be models. Oh well, first world problems.

Here's a quick WIP of the Sicaran and more Ultramarines.

Yup first world problems

Great plog, and I am totally the same as you. If you put 'Legion' in front of it I'll do my best to get it

I am really digging your Ultras. They have a good look to them. I would humbly suggest drilling out the Kheres barrels out tho. It really does make it look that much better

Thanks man. I've had the barrel drilling recommendation before. To be quit honest my conversion skills stink and I'm probably a tad too lazy to drill all the barrels. I did get some good progress in the bases. Hope to have them all done by the weekend. Then got some Invictarus Suzerain guys and the containers. Almost there....

Ooooh what's going on the big base! Looks like more dreads to come too

Those containers will fit right in to the mustering ground theme. You have a display board in mind?

Those containers look awesome. Such a great move by GW.

EDC

Hey guys. Thanks for the comments. Display board is an interesting idea, but how to mail it? So I finished up the first batch going with the damaged assembly area theme. I'm almost half way done. Once all the bases are done I'm going to arrange them together, add the containers, then add the floor markings. I think it will make a little more sense that way. At least it does in my head.

I always feel so sad when I realize you are finishing up an army to only sell it. Do you have any idea what will be next?

Bases look great so far.

And yeah, give us a tease od what's next.

EDC

Its gonna be Minotaurs and Knights. At this point.

Ok, 25 more bases done. This batch has no damage on them. Presumably, there would be places not covered in debris and blast marks. These will represent those spots. I also started on the containers, pretty sharp!

Mmm such lovely containers...

EDC

So these things turned out pretty cool. I think this is the first time I made a GW terrain type set. At some point I'm going to build a fort of some sort. Anyway here they are.....

Also an aerial view of the bases and all so far. The idea is to line them up in such a way as the assembly area has been attacked. So damage to one side as if the Word Bearers were moving in. Once it's been done and laid out I'll add the floor markings. Makes perfect sense in my head.

Nice! You are making me want to buy them

 Ustrello wrote:
Nice! You are making me want to buy them

Ditto here

Thanks gents. A quick WIP of the boys with all the bling.

You undercoat grey? How come?

Look forward to seeing how these guys turn out

Those guys look like a lot of fun to paint. And I’m not sure if I’m being sarcastic there. Sooo much detail. But soooo much awesome detail.

I really want to get some FW ultras. Watching you and Brother SRM paint them up is not helping. Unfortunately, not in the budget. So vicarious enjoyment it is...

Payne- undercoat grey? If you mean the containers, it was just the clean plastic. I have used grey before as an undercoat. It's fairly neutral and brings colors out pretty well. Picked it up from the guy who paints at GMM Studios. I read one of his threads and he commented he used grey.

Nevlon- see below please.

So I finished my first 5 Ivictarus Suzerain. If I may offer some advice to anyone thinking of buying them, don't. The armor is so ornate it's ridiculous. There are decorations on top of decorations. I used the same technique I used for the rest of the army but they just didn't turn out right. Maybe once they are based they will look better. Meh.

The Storm Eagle came with a standard flying base which was way too small. I replaced it with a Knight base. It's meant to look as if the Eagle is flying over a destroyed building.

Edit- I was a little too hard on the Bling Boys. The kits are nice and all these guys are fun to paint. It's why it's called a hobby right? I just think they should have turned out better. Maybe the next 5 will.

Very nice! I am liking the flyer base a lot

Turbo-mega bling on the Ultras, love it!

EDC

 40kFSU wrote:
Payne- undercoat grey? If you mean the containers, it was just the clean plastic. I have used grey before as an undercoat. It's fairly neutral and brings colors out pretty well. Picked it up from the guy who paints at GMM Studios. I read one of his threads and he commented he used grey.

I meant the Suzerians, but looking at that pic again, it's clearly a blue coat not a grey one... silly me

I must admit I am inclined to agree that they are overly ostentatious, though I look forward to the seeing the Bird!

I don't think you should be so hard on yourself about the Suzerians. The suzerian kit has some fantastic bits for ultramarine collectors, beautiful mk 3 bodies, basically resin honour guard heads, a beautiful massive eagle shoulder, awesome axes - and I really think you've done great justice to what I consider to be a great kit. I agree with you in your thinking that basing them will bring the whole paintjob together. If there's anything i've learned from painting ultramarines for over 10 years - its that a little too much blue can become overwhelming very fast. Getting the base done will break up the composition nicely I reckon

I agree with LDP. They are looking good, they are one of my favorite models even though I don't play Ultramarines. I love all the breaches models. One of the things that drew me back to marines. I think when they are finished with highlights on the gold and bases done you will be much happier. I've had that happen recently while painting my orks. I use about 8 different shades of green. The skin, that's why my skins so bright and the armor is green. At mid point in painting I'm a lot like you in my thinking until the highlights are done.

I think you've done the Invictarii beautifully, they look incredible.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I'm probably just being a big baby about my toys. Anyway, nothing makes a guy feel better than a boarding marine!

Your Ultra Smufs look gorgeous Sir.

Is that boarding marine an old event mini or a kitbash?

It's damn cool either way?

EDC

ujn- Thank you, and welcome to Dakka.

Cheese- He's a special addition Forge World guy from one of the Games Days. He can be found on eBay from time to time.

Just a quick shot of what's up next.

Oooooo Shiny! Cannot wait to see some paint on them!

Looking good. That banner will be sweet when done I bet.

Suitably shiny! excited to see the finished product!

Thanks gents. Managed a little bit of progress. Work flared up again so my free time dwindled. Also have a base I am working on for this statue I'm using as a center piece.

I really love what you did with the gold. Very worn effect.

Thanks man. I ran across the formula by accident. I like it so much it's going to be the basis for my Minotaurs. Incidentally, I was able to finish 4 Suzerain and the statue base. Ustrello inspired me to try a marble base. Found the tutorial on YouTube. It's mostly sponging on various greens and a thin line of white and the previous greens. Any thoughts?

Fantastic Sir.

Brilliant, I don't know if I like it or not due to it looking so real

Well done!

Well I am glad to have been of some inspiration, though I like yours a lot better as it is more realistic as my marble is very veiny and busy for marble

Nice work on the marble effect.

EDC

The marble looks good, although it seems a little odd that all the veins run in p much the same direction. I would've had some more diagonal and perpendicular 'arteries' (large veins) running through. Then again, if you're working off real-world references I could be totally wrong. Either way an excellent first try

Wow, thanks for all the positive feedback on the marble. I'm working on the statue now, which will be the same gold as the Ultramarine trim. I think it will look really nice against the green. Then all I need to do is knock out a couple more guys, finish the bases, and this army will be done.

Ok. Four more Suzies are ready to rock and roll. I decided the white trim on the left shoulder pad was awful so I repainted in gold. I think they look a lot better

Ah I love those models so much, you did a great job with them!

 Ustrello wrote:
Ah I love those models so much, you did a great job with them!

They do look sweet.

So like the title says. I really like this guy.

Looks good. I might have done something more with the eagle on the hammer. But that’s me just looking for something to nit-pick.

Damn that is a fine looking marine

Agreed, he is beautiful! I love all the extras on him like the purity seals.

Thanks guys. I may go back and throw some silver on that eagle now that you mention it, Nevlon.

So I got these 5 mystery guys with capes. I don't know what line they come from but they look pretty cool and I would hate for them to go to waste. So they are recon marines now. The dude with the double swords is, well, I don't know how he fits in but here he is.

IIRC, the Duel sword guy is from a command set. Came with Calgar maybe and a few other dudes. Minis look'n great Sir.

Nothing says double hard like two swords!

EDC

Yup, as was mentioned, he’s from the Calgar/honor guard box. Chapter Champion. There is even an option in the codex to allow the champ to swap his bolter for a basic CC weapon, just so that mini can be WYSWYG. Even though that’s mechanically a terrible choice (as he already has 2 CC weapons)

In 30k, there are probably a few ways to field him. Tricked out sarge or praetor would be an easy fit. I think one of the praetor options is master duelist or some such.

Recon marines look cool.

Good stuff on the champ!

The snipers with cloaks are Anvil Industry Recon Exo-Lords, top notch models. Looking forward to seeing what you do with them!

Thanks guys. I knew he was from the honor guard just didn't know how he would fit into a HH army. Looking at the picture, he does not look good. He is a fine cast model so all the bumps and imperfections are easily visible. Oh well.

Thanks for ID'ing the recon guys Para, they are officially my very first ever non GW models to paint. Far out man. Also, I'm turning those black bases into objective markers to match the pedestal.

Yes sir. A big statue. Gonna be the center piece.

So the statue is finished. Also made these objective markers to match the marble.

Awesome job. That statue looks fantastic - gorgeous aged metal.Where is the model from?

Niiice. I like the objective markers. Simply, but excellently done. Wheres a that big guy from?

Wow. That statue looks like the main character from the Ultramarines movie. Is someone making kits of him?

 40kFSU wrote:
So the statue is finished. Also made these objective markers to match the marble.

wow that's definitely impressive I'm liking it!!

Damn that is impressive. I'll add to the chorus of where's the big dude from?

EDC

I would ask if you were going to weather the statue, but if he’s supposed to be at the mustering field, he’s probably going to be well maintained. Part of me wants to see vertigitas in the crevices though.

Love the objective markers. Only 5 though? If you have the parts left, you should make a 6th. Maelstrom games need that many, and I think some of the basic missions might need that many as well.

Of course, the big guy could stand in as an objective if needed.

Wow, thanks guys. Glad everyone like the big guy. So where is he from? I dont know. I got it from a guy who got it from a guy on eBay. Ill see if I can find out though. As far as the weathering, I just cant see Ultramarines letting a statue tarnish. In fact I am toying with the idea of some gold highlights.

I almost made him white. But I think this looks pretty good.

 40kFSU wrote:
Wow, thanks guys. Glad everyone like the big guy. So where is he from? I dont know. I got it from a guy who got it from a guy on eBay. Ill see if I can find out though. As far as the weathering, I just cant see Ultramarines letting a statue tarnish. In fact I am toying with the idea of some gold highlights.

I almost made him white. But I think this looks pretty good.

Fully agree that we’d never let something like that tarnish. Just the painter in me thinking of alternate possibilities.

And he would have been epic in white marble. You have the technique down from the green bases. Cream/gold veins?

(not to detract what the awesome work you did, just the mind wandering down paths not taken)

I am not proficient with white marble. It's all streaks, something I haven't done but really want to try. But, time did tarnish the statue. Kinda. I think once the washes really sank in and dried to model got a little darker. So I highlighted him with gold. I think he looks better.

Damn that is slick, great job .

Looks fantastic.

Beautiful, simply beautiful.

EDC

Looks even better!

Some thoughts if you wanted to add a little bit more to him:

A name plate/plaque. Could be something a simple as a little square with some squiggles on it. Who was that great warrior?

A little shrine. Some candles, an offering or two.

A purity seal dispenser. Marines come up, see his imposing visage, make an oath, jot it down on a slip of paper and slap it on their armor.

OK, that last one is a joke. Mostly. I can totally see a chaplain up at his feet with his preach on, firing up the troops. Seems a good place for a pre-campaign pep talk.

That's a really cool statue - is he top heavy at all? Just wondering how careful you'd need to be to avoid knocking him over during a game.

That is sooo epic! Though Nev's ideas for the base are good, something like a little shrine with some candles and parchements and things would contrast nicely, quite understated compared to the imposing statue itself.

Nice, the metalwork is impressive, but I have to say I'm even more impressed with the marble on his base.

Fantastic Statue, keep up the excellent work Sir.

You guys really like this statue. I'll have to keep it in mind for future endeavors. So to answer some of the questions, he is not top heavy. Actually balanced very well. I have not glued him down because that is a disaster waiting to happen. Should he take a fall it would ruin the marble, which is just plaster and paint. Those are some great ideas about the parchment and candles. Unfortunately I don't have any. Or the Word Bearers swiped them. So here is a quick pic of the last Suzie and a Captain Ventris. Also stamped that 6th objective marker.

So Captain Ventanus is ready to go.

Looking sweet as heck Sir. Statue is the bomb.

Excellent work on the banner dude. Is the plasma pistol a weapon swap I is that the standard configuration?

EDC

Thanks Fiendus, glad you like what's going on.

Cheese, it's a quick weapon swap. Think he had a sword to start with. I considered doing a head swap as well but my conversion skill stink.

Scouts are coming along.....

loively job on those cloaks 40kfsu

He is just awesome, nice job on that standard.

Excellent work on the cloaks.

EDC

Thanks again gents. Here's a quick finished shot of the scouts. And with that, I believe all the models are painted. Just need to finish that sea of bases you can see in the background.

And you know what, these scouts are not better quality than GW scouts, but they look cooler.

The Anvil scouts are great minis, as Jan said the cloaks are looking good. Any plans to add any camo to them?

The standard bearer is cracking, nice that you have found a place for the honour guard in your army.

Very cool scouts! They could easily he replacements for recon marines or even sniper mor deythan

Thraxas- Thanks man. But no plans for camo. I kinda like the solid cloaks. And all marine armies deserve an honor guard!

Ustrello- Agreed. I wish they would redo the scout marines. I like the concept but detest the models.

I'm impressed that the Captain managed to exceed even the usually impractical back banner with his desire for personal heraldry...

Really nice work though - how long do you think it'll take you to finish the bases and get everyone on them?

Thanks Dysartes. Although one would think the Captain would eventually put the damn thing down and get to proper fighting. Oh well, Ultramarines. Right? Anyway, the bases aren't particularly difficult or time consuming. I have probably 2/3 or them finished. The time is gonna come when I put the markings on them. Maybe another week if work cooperates.

All the bases!

EDC

Very cool! I have always liked your bases and it seems like that trend will continue

Bases looking fabulous, as always. Also quite enjoying your big statue, very well done!

Ok, not much time to hobby but I have the bases pretty much laid out. After painting the last 30 or so I will start the markings. Not sure how well one can see, but the far side has debris the near side mostly clean. A few groups with blast damage in the clean areas.

Look'n good Sir.

Ok, bases have been completed. Well, except for the markings. That should be done easily. Then I'll attach the marines and off to fight the heretics they go!!

What do you think you will do next? The minotaurs?

Damn, I think painting that many bases at once would drive me barmy...

Nice work though.

EDC

And so it begins.......

Almost done. They look fantastic.

Very, very cool.

EDC

Thanks guys. I hope to finish attaching the models to the bases tonight. Then Im gonna assemble the army and take some pics. Ill probably post them over in the painting and modeling showcase thread.

Wow. Love the way they are coming together.

Is this a larger army then you normally do? Seems a whole parade ground of Ultras is a bit more then we’ve seen you do previously.

Not that I’m complaining...

He did an entire Crimson Fist Battle Company plus support vehicles once, he can be a prolific painter at times.

Alright gentlemen. That should just about do it. I'd say it's a little bigger than that Battle Company. Man, that seems like a long time ago. Anyway, I'm going to make a thread in the showcase forum to show off more pics. In the meantime,many thanks to everyone who stopped by to take a look, many more thanks to all of you who left a comment. It's nice to chit chat with fellow enthusiasts. So, until next time.

I like how we finished at the same time and you have twice as many models as me Great job!

Total awesome looking Sir. You just need a Word Bearer's army to match it .

Gorgeous, you worked hard and it paid off big time!

So much awesome! Love it!

Beautiful army shots. Truly a wonder to behold!

EDC

First Ustrello's Ravens, now your Ultras, today is a good one for awesome HH armies reaching completion! Epic stuff!

Well done. Lovely group of Ultras.

Thanks for all the kind comments gents. I posted a thread with a bunch of pics in the showcase thread if anyone would like to take a look.