How about green / grey stuff and then you have a mould?


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http://blackdotbarrel.blogspot.com/2011/03/sculpting-scrollwork-and-other-elements.html

Yes, a distinct possibility... again, much time is involved.

As I've mentioned previously, I'm confident I can sort this out one way or another. I ask for everyone's patience as I try and work out a favorable solution in my own time. I have a lot of options that I am currently exploring so we'll see where they take me.

I think what we have here is the "To many chefs in the kitchen" effect. Everyone is trying to be helpful, I think because many of us feel like we have an investment in the MW. If we let you mess with it, you'll figure it out, I'm confident.

I second WM, I'm sure whatever method you try that the finished model will be great.

Hope your enjoying making and painting these models even with the deadline. Keep it up Gits!

Just made it to the section where everyone was talking about the Space Sharks taking control of the Mantis Warriors home world, and after reading everyone's suggestions this is how I saw the final moments of the turnover take place in my head.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Turnover_at_Ootheca

Very cool case... I like!

case013 wrote:Just made it to the section where everyone was talking about the Space Sharks taking control of the Mantis Warriors home world, and after reading everyone's suggestions this is how I saw the final moments of the turnover take place in my head.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Turnover_at_Ootheca

Cool story. I'd never thought about what happened when the Space Sharks took the world for their own...

That's something Goto made up isn't it?? Or is is supported by other fluff? It's not part of the original fluff...

EDIT: Yes it was

The whole of the story is told in flashbacks, but they lose Ootheca and are sent to crusade at the end of the war as penance, as well a Chapter Master is relieved of duty and imprisoned.

http://www.graemesfantasybookreview.com/2010/06/legends-of-space-marines-edited-by.html

This was the list of all the contents of that one book


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After all of these Badab War blogs, and then getting IA 9 and 10, I found myself repainting my AoBR marines. I may find myself doing one of these as soon as I can logically start posting images.

Gits,

I believe a return to Model Railroading will provide you with a post-Adepticon Solution. There has been a rise in 'roll your own' decals, with companies like Microscale printing custom sheets on their equipment.

While they may be amused, having them do a run of MW sheets (get all the MW people together, put in a minimum order?) should get you high-quality decals, and enough for the rest of your MW career.

Just a thought.

--B.

http://www.railgraphicsdecals.com/
http://www.microscale.com/custom.htm

@Gits: Did you get the predator I sent your way? And is it something that you can make useable again? =-)

Not a bad idea Brian, thank you. I almost went that route with the DIY Road I was working on back in the day. But the variety of decals needed for MRR was daunting. With my MW's, it might be a much simpler process. Still, the variety of badges is significant. The army I'm currently working on is essentially a RT era army, and the symbology I'm using reflects that time. Since then, BoLS and others have developed their own versions, IA came out it it's own version, and of course my post-crusade army has it's own interpretation of the badge including really spiff Chapterhouse pads. So with all this variation, getting multiple parties to agree on any single design might be very difficult. I'll check those sites out though (actually I'm pretty sure they're already bookmarked in my MRR link folder) & see how much "pain" would be involved in having custom decal sheets professionally made.

I finally got a decent decal sheet to print out last night, fixing the issues I was having with the printer. I let them dry overnight, and applied a couple of layers of spray coating (I think it's just dullcoat, but it's the stuff that came with the Testors kit) with plenty of time to dry in-between each coat. So far, no blurring or streaking has been evident... so perhaps I just needed to really slow down the whole procedure. I'll experiment with them again tonight.

Other than that, I was exhausted last night and went to bed early.

Heffling wrote:@Gits: Did you get the predator I sent your way? And is it something that you can make useable again? =-)

I did Heff, and thanks. Sorry for not mentioning it publicly... I've just been so preoccupied with getting this army painted up that everything else has gotten pushed to the side. I can definitely use it & it'll make a much needed addition to the early-period MW army. The idea of a mass of razorbacks and predators moving forward as an armored company has really captivated my imagination and your buggy will be a significant part of it! OH, added an entry for you on the RTL.

Gits

P.S. So, what does everyone think of the avatar? I changed it in a fit of pique after being called an "old man" on one of the blogs. It's not the best photo as I just took my existing Telion pic and blew it up to get the close-up, but I could take a better pic... or should I just go back 'splitta?

Go back to the spitta or your Mug pict.

I actually got so used to seeing your Ork that I didn't know who you were when you changed it at first!

I like it, but I'm biased

same! I cant tell who you are without your normal avatar. when I troll I look for your avatar. Maybe your stuck with it.

Just like when Samus_aran115 changed is avatar to another girl. It gets confusing. But I guess over time you get used to it.

OK, back I go!

No! I like it. Though it does make a mockery of my decapitated gitsplitta-wielding scout.

No.. stick with this one.. it's very much in line with the direction on towards Adepticon. Change it back afterwords. Right now I'd say hooo rahhh! on the Avatar.

Attitude focused!

*pant* *pant.... can I have a drink... ah thank you.
After a hardcore multi-day read of this ENTIRE BLOG, all I can say is holy fething gak! This is freaking awesome! My friends (whom you may know as lyzan locrius and invenerable) agree. you sir, have inspired me to make or at least start making, a mantis warriors army. In fact, I have 10 assault marines - with single sang guard jump packs on them. *EVIL LAUGH* but now here is the problem - I don't have the wing, heads, shoulderpads or chainsword mantis claw. Can you hook me up with some, or point me in the right direction???

I like the new Avatar, but apparently I'm in the minority.

I wasn't worried about a public acknowledgement of the pred, I just wanted to make sure it had gotten to you.

What's an RTL?

@Heff: Reputable Traders List

@avatar commentors (the lot of you): O.K., I'll keep Telion up until after Adepticon. Seems appropriate as SL mentioned.

@Darth: Welcome Darth, I'm impressed at your tenacity... don't think I'd plow through a 100 page, chatty blog... but I'm sure glad you did. There is nothing more gratifying to me than the thought that I may be inspiring people to try something new, or breathe a little more live into this long dormant chapter... thank you.

In short:

- pads can be purchased from chapterhouse for a reasonable price, if all you need is 10 you and I can work out a trade I'm sure
- swords are scratch built, but I can work up a tutorial on that easily enough *after* April 1st
- wings and helmets are made by BLACKHAND, so you'll have to PM him. He doesn't sell them but might trade you for them. I think you could make your own wings though out of plastic card and rod, which is how BH made his originals. That way you could make yours unique as well.

Feel free to post the results of your efforts here & if you do a P&M blog for the project (which I highly recommend), please announce it here so folks can swing by and take a look!

Best of luck!

Yeah 10 would be a great star - I commision paint characters only (long story), but ive only done it for people I know so far. Maybe that could work out. If you want a reference, PM invenerable about his heilbricht model.
I'll definately post here when I build them, and pm black hand too.


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I <3 the avatar change too

Finally...



Each pod will have a litany or motto, (on the plates on the lower part of the doors) which is added by the engineer/tech marine that gives it it's final check before deployment. Some are inspirational, cynnical, humorous... it all depends on the mood of the engineer at the time. Tradition holds that the motto is then adopted by the squad as their battle cry for that deployment, reinforcing the bonds between technicians and front line soldiers... as they are all marines. The technicians will often know which squad is assigned to which pod, and will chose a motto specifically tailored to the personality of the squad.

It's not perfect... but it'll do.

Two more, but now that I've been through this once, the others should go much easier.

I think it looks great!

it's not perfect?! I say it is!

That's one of the nicest looking drop pods I've ever seen.

I love the idea of a squad of MW charging into battle roaring "BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!!"

I agree Gits! I've been quietly watching your trial and errors without anything useful to say and am quite impressed with that drop pod. Not that I would expect anything less, but it does look awesome.

Very nice work - as usual!

Thanks all! Making slow progress on the other two... just so many steps involved. At least this time I'm not guessing as to what to do next. Had nice little game with Thing 1. Poor kid gets so cranked up about how many models he's losing he completely loses sight of the victory objective and even when he does well (tied me today) he get really worked up about the fact that he lost more models then I did, even though losing models was meaningless in the context of the battle. Will have to work with him on that.

I fiddled with my list a little bit and I think I like the latest tweak. It's very minor but actually helped out in the game today, so it may be a keeper. (and no extra painting to do for it)

I just finished masking the pods so I can start the blending... first the darks, then varnish, then mask again, then the lights.... THEN I can start the black undercoat for the metallics. This is what I'm shooting for tonight anyway... have probably 5 or 6 hours to do it... so keep your fingers crossed.

Update:

Well, I got the darker shade done. Turns out my original dark shade was too dark so I had to go in with a lighter shade and blend it out some to make it closer to the original. Getting varnish on them right now & will begin working on the lights tomorrow morning.

The Drop Pod looks brilliant Gits.

I like the idea of the motto's for each DP.

I thought you guys would get a laugh out of this and it does show why it takes so bloody long to do these paint jobs. This is a pic of just the first and second parts of the masking process for painting the dark parts of the zenithal lighting and main gradient on the fins. Left pod is the first stage, right is about 1/2 way through the second stage (of masking, not painting).

Splendid work as always. Good luck on the other two pods!

You've got way more patience than I have!

they look awesome git just awesome your opponennts will be lucky to battle such a great army.

Gits,

I apologize if this is a dumb question, but, when you print out your waterslide decals, do you then hit the sheet with a coat or two of Gloss Varnish (Glosskote), and let it dry overnight?

Also, have you considered laying down TWO decals, one on top of each other, to get a more solid color?

--B.

Yes, and no... in that order. Interesting idea, but I think I'm satisfied with how they look at the moment.

Gremlins attacked one of the pods last night while I slept. I don't want to go into it but holy moley there was a lot of damage this morning. Anyway... it's fixed now. Dark shades have been tidy'd up and I'll be starting the lighter shades a bit later. Have to help the wife clean the house.

My wife asked me... "Do I get you back after Adepticon?" The answer thankfully... is "yes".

Looking great Gits, those pods are coming up real nice. I'm sure your wife will be well pleased to get ya back. I bet there's an increasing list of jobs for you...

Gitsplitta wrote:Yes, and no... in that order. Interesting idea, but I think I'm satisfied with how they look at the moment.

Gremlins attacked one of the pods last night while I slept. I don't want to go into it but holy moley there was a lot of damage this morning. Anyway... it's fixed now. Dark shades have been tidy'd up and I'll be starting the lighter shades a bit later. Have to help the wife clean the house.

My wife asked me... "Do I get you back after Adepticon?" The answer thankfully... is "yes".

lol, tell your wife there are some support groups she can join to handle the stress of being a gamer spouse.

Gamer Adjacent Society, something like that, lol.

The pods are great, I'm struggling to get 1 dread painted, and you keep churning out all these great models

GF take over (its been a while guys):
Miss Gitsplitta have you tried to dress up as a GW model for Carneval or Halloween? It worked with my neglacting guy.

Gremlins attacked you say?

Only problem with Gamers' Adjacent Society means that she has GAS to look forward to

funny dude funny

Spent several hours "bonding" with my father-in-law tonight... that involves a lot of scotch. So no update. Tomorrow night.

Toodles...

Gits..any progress or is the scotch still calling the shots?

Glad you asked my friend!

- gradients and yellow are done (though I need to touch up the green around the yellow)
- starting the black, which will get drybrushed silver thereafter
- with a bit of luck I'll finish them tomorrow, only 2 days off schedule.

Gits, you continue to astound with your work.

Everything seems so simplistic at a distance, but like I can see all of the details that have gone into the models. Like even just the gradient work on the pods makes mine look like utter squig droppings.

Also, glad to see the scotch didn't keep you away for too long

Those are turning out great Git! Were you going to paint on those latin phrases or make a decal for those as well?

holy cow i made it!

Ive just read the entire thread and im massivly impressed. the talent of all involved is astounding. Ive really go to up my game here.

Regards

Nice to see you keepin' at it; gradients look great!

I have effectively painted, hated, stripped, painted, hated, stripped again and repainted a few of my models.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Usually you are your own worst critic.

Love the colour scheme btw.

Gits you have amy absolute favorite army on dakka , it has so much character and style , i really love the drop pods they look brilliant.

Keep up the 0rk-some work (see what i did there)

really great pod Gits, the paint job is as usual, awesome!

@Alf: Thanks. Some things actually are rather simplistic... others are more manic. Just depends. The pods were a nightmare to paint but if you look closely there are probably half a dozen "standard" techniques that I did NOT use (just to time for it). Still, I believe they look good and are consistent with the quality and feel of the other vehicles. Eventually I'll come back to all the vehicles and weather them up, chip them and do the little touches (lining and edge highlighting) that I think exemplify a finished product. But I'm quite happy to put them out on the table the way they are and do consider them "finished" in their own right.

@ Ice: I just painted up a strip of plasticard gold, then used a fine pen to write the sayings on it, leaving enough space in between words to cut them up.

@Nathan: Welcome Nathan, you're a far braver man than I! Please feel free to contribute comments whenever the whim strikes you, I'm always glad to get another opinion on my work and fresh ideas.

@CK: Thanks buddy!

@warprin: Amen brother... and thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

@blackclaw: I saw that... *grin*. I'll keep plugging. Am really looking forward to the post-Adepticon era where I can stretch my legs, play with my marine swaps, vanguard and other armies again (like my orks). I'll drop a teaser that I can guarantee you some orks will be getting done in the near future... the rest will be a surprise though!

@Revenent: Thank you sir! More to come...


Speaking of which... here the are, pods I, II & III.

Mottos:
Pod I: MELIUS TARDE QUAM NONQUAM (Better late than never) - sternguard and MoTF
Pod II: AUT VINCERE AUT MORI (Either conquer or die) - Iron Clad Dreadnought
Pod III: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES (In this sign you will be victorious) - Rifleman Dreadnought

Really nice! You're not gonna paint MELIUS TARDE QUAM NONQUAM yellow on the top like you did with the others?

Probably won't have time before Adepticon. I could try hand-painting those veins but I'm a bit concerned that it will look out-of-place due to the different technique. For now, it's an easy way to distinguish the infantry pod from the others so I don't screw it up in the pressure of a game.

Nice. Very nice..

*drools*


Those pods are really good. They definitely have cohesive feel to them, and but I like how the pods are labeled with the roman numerals. To me at least, it makes them seem like they're mass produced pods

Great job Gits, care to teach me

And just to put the nail in the coffin... here's a shot of the army to date (the Adepticon part anyway)...

Really looks tunning. Yous should be very proud.

Really great work Gits. A VERY distinctive army indeed. What next?


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Really great work Gits. A VERY distinctive army indeed. What next?

Deeezaamn, Gits! Those Mantis Warriors look boss! The gradiant shading looks so good from a far (up close too, but from afar and in a group... delicious). Absolutley loving it. Best of luck at Adepticon! Your post-Adepticon absence will be a sore spot on Dakka for quite awhile.
I know Adepticon isn't for a couple weeks, but I have a rough next 15 days or so, so my Dakka attendance will be lacking until early April.

Down to the troops and HQ then ya?

Truly beautiful work my friend :applause: (why is there no clapping orkmoticon?!)

Awesome stuff mate! Those pods really do look superb. Can't wait to see a full army shot when you've finished them all.

Your boys been getting any painting time in? Though I suppose you've been a bit busy to help them much right?

Good looking drop pods , the gradients are very smooth .the green yellowbold contarst suits the large canvas of the drop pod reall nice.

Lovely work, superb!

You're nearly there, keep it up!!!

Btw, did you miss a red panel on the far right pod (in the last pic)??

Hits_the_spot wrote:Really great work Gits. A VERY distinctive army indeed. What next?

2 x 5-man squads of marines for the Razorbacks. WM has already done some great building for me, unfortunately my list has been tweaked twice and the cool sergeants with power swords he built for me are out (sorry WM), BUT they'll have places of honor in any force that isn't this tightly squeezed for points. So, I have 4 troopers to build. Did one last week (my communications officer inspired by WM's and another two today.. though I ran into a block as I can't find where my marine weapons got to. One more to go and I'll show you pics of the builds (tonight some time). I love building... it's so fun & so bloody easy when compared with painting.

Moltar wrote:Deeezaamn, Gits! Those Mantis Warriors look boss! The gradiant shading looks so good from a far (up close too, but from afar and in a group... delicious). Absolutley loving it. Best of luck at Adepticon! Your post-Adepticon absence will be a sore spot on Dakka for quite awhile. I know Adepticon isn't for a couple weeks, but I have a rough next 15 days or so, so my Dakka attendance will be lacking until early April.

Thanks Moltar! I won't be completely absent after Adepticon... but I will be relaxing my painting schedule and updating less frequently as a result. Need to spend some time with my family and working on our place with the advent of spring.

whalemusic360 wrote:Down to the troops and HQ then ya?

You called it!

inmygravenimage wrote:Truly beautiful work my friend :applause: (why is there no clapping orkmoticon?!)

Thanks!

perplexiti wrote:Awesome stuff mate! Those pods really do look superb. Can't wait to see a full army shot when you've finished them all. Your boys been getting any painting time in? Though I suppose you've been a bit busy to help them much right?

Not much... they still need me as a motivator & I've been so preoccupied there hasn't been any time... plus I've been monopolizing the painting bench.

neil101 wrote:Good looking drop pods , the gradients are very smooth .the green yellowbold contarst suits the large canvas of the drop pod reall nice.

Thanks neil, I appreciate that!

Vitruvian XVII wrote:Lovely work, superb! You're nearly there, keep it up!!! Btw, did you miss a red panel on the far right pod (in the last pic)??

Danke! Hmmmm.... it does look that way dosen't it? Let me check... Damn! You're right! Missed two facing panels... what are the odds that those would be the panels I took the photo of? Anyway, nice catch... I'll address that.


No rest for the wicked...

Superb work Gits, this army has really taken shape over these last few months!

The airbrushing has worked extremely well on the pods. The progression from the bright colour to the blackened part on the bottom is very subtle and adds a good sense of realism to the model in general. Great work!

Tacticals are built!

So, here's the batch Whalemusic360 did for me out of the kindness of his heart. Each one has been summarily disassembled, often at joints that were NOT intended to be disassembled... and the lovingly reassembled into cool poses that the original marines could never have been put in. I don't know how WM does it, but his builds are excellent and seemingly effortless. Unfortunately the two sergeants will not make an appearance at Adepticon, but I love them and will paint them along with the rest as they will become my standard sergeant loads for other occasions.



And here are the four I did. God I love building... it's so fun! I've been recalcitrant in putting loyalist marine body parts on my bases like we're supposed to for our team... so I made an effort to salt my own builds and WM's with a few things. Solar_lion had sent me some scorpion stuff and I had a few odd bits myself that I'll paint up appropriately.


The marine in the upper left is my tribute to the original poses you could get with these guys, though even he has his right leg disarticulated at the knee and repositioned. Upper right marine is standing by a shot up rhino turret. He's a neat pose but the cacophony of colors of plastic and the odd angle he's at in the photo make him hard to make out. His left arm is bionic (God bless FW and the other bitz manufacturers who do bionics). Lower left is my communications officer inspired by WM's in the photo before. I think he was a bike or land speeder passenger but he's got an auspex and I gave him a relay antenna... he's reclining on some rocks. Lower right is my favorite. Jammed bolter discarded by a blown off rhino door, poised to spring into action with his bolt pistol and combat knife...

Here's a close-up of that one marine from a different angle. Really proud of the crouch I was able to get by modifying his bionic leg. Love bionics on these models... something about it says "old school" to me.



Not a bad day's work. Think I'll have a cocktail and a stogie. I'll get them primed tonight err I go to bed.

Lol, my reloading guy seems to be confused as the where the action is
Who's bionic legs are those? Also, using RS FW pads as basing makes me sad, I've always thought a RS force would be cool.

That looks like a very skillfully reposed maxmini arm and leg.

Great use of the Maxmini bitz.

Edit: arm and hand are maxmini, not sure about the leg.

Love the tactical marines, Gits!

Nice work on both groups there guys It's always a challenge to get interesting poses with good old RTB01.

Very nice work, seamless conversions.

No probs on the missed panel, better someone caught it early eh!

Where ae those bionics from? I recognise the sergeant's (headless) one which looks like its from the FW captain. But they don't have capped boots IIRC

Dakka mods hear me!
you must have a jaw dropping Orkmoticon!!!
I have spoken!

I love the tactical marines and I have almost finished building my captain (just need one shoulder pad and a helmet)

Forge World, Max Mini and some other company I can't remember (I think).

Thanks guys.... will be giving them a special GREEN paint job for St. Patrick's Day!

:-)

gits....
what do nyou use for the join on the mantis claws?
how do you make the tubing for cables?

That base where the marine is grabbing on to the piece of wall is brilliant. awesome concept. All the poses are really dynamic. Great use of creativity and imagination. But I still have to say Green is Best!

DarthLakey wrote:gits....
what do nyou use for the join on the mantis claws?
how do you make the tubing for cables?

Hey DL: As you can see here... nothing really, just carefully cut two swords to match at the angle I want and glue them together.



Then I just cover up the join with something mechanical looking...



I bought little cast pewter cables from some manufacturer last year, but I can't for the life of me remember who it is now. A good way to do cables is guitar strings. They're cheap and easy to find.


Tonight's Update: Well, I thought my builds were done, but then it dawned on me that I hadn't put on the roundels for the Mantis Warrior badge on the shoulder pads, or added the little chainsword teeth to the arms and legs. So, that's tonight's job. That and priming.

Family and I had a wonderful St. Patty's day dinner followed by our traditional activity... watching "The Quiet Man" on DVD. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Cead mile failte, buddy.

Looking good Gits.

And stop posting so much refined awesome.

Cheers graven!

@Loma: Won't stop... but do promise to slow down after April 1st. But thanks!

Man I went through a lot of chain sword blades last night... thanks to everyone who donated or traded me for them in the past. But, all went well, the little blade bits went on much easier than normal. Got the priming done so we're ready to paint today (my day off!)!

Should be an interesting weekend. Hopefully Solar_lion is coming down today... I'll help him get the last of his figures painted as well as at least getting the airbrushing done on my infantry. Tonight we'll have a couple of practice games against the kids... then tomorrow we're off to my FLGS for a day long Adepticon primer tournament. Unfortunately neither of us will have a fully painted army yet, so we lose those points, but really I'm much more concerned about the two of us being on the same page on the battlefield. Painting will sort itself out weekend after next when it matters.

One thing I haven't been mentioning is that I need to make an objective marker. Have rolled around several ideas and gathered bits for some of them... then I blundered into a fig that someone just tossed into a trade because they knew I'd be interested and it works perfectly. Now if I can only remember what chapter I was supposed to do for my objective... Ice, you Remember? It kept changing so I've lost track.

Also adding the servitor added another model to my "needs to be painted" count... fortunately my son (Thing 1), volunteered his servitor for my army. Neat thing it it was a gift to him from Solar_lion! So everything is still "within the team" as far as the painting goes, it's very nicely painted... I'm just tweaking the base *and* it means a Doom Eagle will be fighting with us at Adepticon! (though there are no insignia on the servitor... but we all know where it came from).

Oh, and I have to clean the house too. (Solar won't care but my wife will kill me if we have company over to a messy house). So, I look forward to very busy but fun couple of days. I'll post shots of the infantry when the greens are done.

Wow Gits, it is amazing seeing your progress from the beginning all the way through the last group shot! Your painting and modeling skills have jumped by leaps and bounds, and to think of the results you got out of your airbrush in the time you have had it is remarkable. This is a truly inspiring blog, thanks for sharing.

Keep up the good work(?) and I look forward to seeing more

They'll be plenty more Tychron... no worries. I want to build out this early army eventually to around 2000-2500 pts and of course my late period army will be an ongoing process to several thousand points. Luckily there's some overlap between the two, but there is also exclusivity... so they really will be two different armies. Thanks!

awesome tac squad!

Still reading! Can't wait for your HQ!

Git, your main enemy would be the space sharks. That would make the most sense for an objective.

Thank you sir! I can do that...

Just make sure he's got a frickin laser beam on his head...

That would be *really* funny.


Well, I won't see SL until tomorrow morning, still worked on the house though and am managing to make progress on the troops. They're dark green. Next up... more house cleaning and then the next shade up!


Update (4 PM): Greens are done! Metallics next!

Further update (9 PM): Steel is done, they looked flat so I'm lining with Thraka green... helps a little bit but man what a pain in the butt. 6 done, 4 more to go and I'm bored out of my wits! Think I'll work on getting some color on the bases next... that usually drastically helps the appearance. Then back to the details. Will check back in later. Will post a pic tonight too of where ever they're at when I go to bed.

cant wait to see the tacticals finished Gits just the HQ then?and you've nearly got 2 weeks left, what were you worried about?

Just make sure he's got a frickin laser beam on his head...

now theres an idea....

Did you know you managed to break my email with all the thread update notices...
Other than that your chimney needs cleaning.

Silly Moose, you should know better than to have e-mail notices for this chatty thread!

Well, here's progress for tonight. Still very WIP but presentable. Accelerated certain things (like the bases) just because they make such a big difference in the way the figures look. I'll wish the bases tomorrow morning before heading out and let them dry on the way in. They seem so plain compaired with the tranquility snipers, but the eyes, insignia, buckes and campaign studs have yet to be painted... and I wont' add the purity seals and such until the very end. So I think once all that's done they'll be presentable. But for tomorrow, they're well beyond a 3-color standard (there's more than 3 colors of green amongst them) and should suffice without costing our team too many points.

Looking nice. Good luck!

You really do set the standard Gits. Best of luck tomorrow, can't wait to hear how you do.

Looking great gits. Gratz to both yourself and Whale music for making such interesting marines, an thats before the painting. Good luck working with SL tomorrow. i hope you get the mind link your looking for

Damn.... I thought my marines were presentable... but wow! mine are just basecoated and still look like salamanders though....

Oh my! You seem to be making progress quickly.

OK folks... the first joint strike force of the Western Contingent of the Wardens of the Maelstrom is here!!



W:1, L: 2

We faced foot marines, foot/pod marines & pseudo kan wall orks... pretty much worst case scenario for our combined armies. However... we managed a decent victory in the first game (battle report will happen), and might have been able to win the third game IF either of us actually had a brain... or bothered to use the ones we have. OH, and we came in second in the painting competition which was pretty good considering neither of our armies was completely finished & we both had proxies out (painted proxies, but not to standard).

Typical battle strategy:

Solar_lion: Hey Gits! Look at that shiny thing! I want to go get the shiny thing!
Gits: Hmmm... the rules say that the shiny thing isn't worth any victory points. The dull brown thing over there is what we need to win.
SL: But, I wants it! I wants the precious!
Gits: I do too, but we need to get that dull brown thing over there.
SL: OK.... (scuffs toe in dirt)

This new resolve lasts exactly one turn, in which neither SL or I actually *commit* to going to get the dull brown thing. At the beginning of turn two... we both dash for the shiny thing, abandoning all pretense of pursuing the convoluted objectives laid out in the instructions.


We had a great time however... fun opponents, nicely painted armies to fight against, stupid Adepticon scenarios to ignore... it was a blast. I want to remind you that these were the first games that SL had played since 1989.... you do the math.

We did however... win the "head hunter" award for killing the most enemy commanders. Basically Mephiston killed everything he came near.... Ouch.


And perhaps most importantly of all... I now have a Confirmed Kill for my Iron Clad vs. another dreadnought (ork Deff Dread)... and the little grenade packs were instrumental in keeping me alive and in fighting trim! Here's the proof!


Seismic Hammer baby! It's NOT just for breakfast anymore!


I'm also proposing we re-name our team from "Wardens of the Maelstrom" to "No Impulse Control".

Gits & Solar_lion

That may have been the best post ever!

Oh man!

Good job with the victories both in painting and in battle, the armies look great side by side.

Sounds like you had fun. I'm glad you pulled out a win.

Nice one chief

Glad you had a good time mate. Must have been a nice relief from painting!

Nice job!
I justt have one question...if your army came second in paintjob, I wanna see the winner!

Sounds like you had a good time!

Thanks all! Unfortunately I don't have a photo of the winner as it's a local force that I'm used to seeing so I didn't think to photograph it. It was combined marine army with bifurcated colors on both chapters. Their vehicles were nicely weathered and there was a fair amount of painted on detail to boot.

They got my #1 vote anyway. But apparently it was very close, we only lost by 2 points.

You'll definitely win best paintjob when your armies are complete.

Just got to do the head, weapon and backpack for your Son of Medusa.

Go Gits and Solar_lion!!!
congrats on the win and the second place in painting (the winner really must have been something special! but i bet the Guardians of the Malstrom will blow them out of the water come April )
The armies really do look amazing side-by-side

You'll definitely win best paintjob when your armies are complete.

agreed

Great to hear you guys had a blast, the armies look really good next to each other as well.

here is a WIP pic of my mantis warriors captain. He will either be a counts-as shrike or calgar, but I have not decided yet? any ideas to improve/who he should be???

i thoughed calgar has terminator armor

he can have power armour too.
if he is shrike I will obviously give him a jump pack

I'm not sure how well Calgar fits into the army... legal of course, just not very fluffy.



Well, we played a game vs. the boys this morning. Table quarters with bonus points for headhunting and objectives. The old men eked out a minor victory 28 to 24. (just our own point assignments for the various battle goals). Boys did well but no pictures unfortunately. Doom eagles hid in their little metal boxes until the last turn when they emerged and wiped out the Lamenters. Luckily, as long range fire support, the Mantis warriors had only taken two casualties so we just chilled on the objectives. Our brothers sacrifice was noble and we appreciate their willingness to feed themselves to the tyranids so that we can have our tea & crumpets in comfort without undue inconvenience.

Highlight for me was the appearance of the Trygon Prime in my backfield... didn't come in until turn 5 and did all he could to contest one of our quarters. Unfortunately he kind of scattered right into the middle of my forces and after killing a couple of my sternguard with his super shooty attack.. everything I had turned and fired. Poor Trygon Prime, nothing like 5 plasma shots, two las cannons 5 meltas and a rifleman dread to ruin your day. Mephiston chewed through a pile of Warriors and a nid prime as well as a couple of zoey's and a librarian. In a further modification of my list since yesterday I dropped the servitor (I couldn't use him the way I wanted to), so I put the homing beacon back on the (usually empty) rifleman dread pod. This allowed the two storm ravens to deep strike in with pin-point accuracy and greatly facilitated the Lamenter's assault. It was ridiculous how many close range multi-melta and las cannon shots Thing 1's land raider absorbed before finally blowing up in turn 5.... I think the 15th shot finally killed it (it did spend most of the game stunned or shaken however... as did the storm ravens.

no... i made homebrew rules, but i am wondering how I should use him in tourneys and such.

great report!

fatty wrote:i thoughed calgar has terminator armor

Nope, you pay points for his Armour of Antilochus otherwise he is a Power Armour Captain. Same thing goes for Njal Stormcaller, you pay for his Runic Terminator Armour.

Congrats to the old school!
Mephiston is nasty tho, i should know, i run him too lol

What size army are you planing on ending up with?

btemple0 wrote:

fatty wrote:i thoughed calgar has terminator armor

Nope, you pay points for his Armour of Antilochus otherwise he is a Power Armour Captain. Same thing goes for Njal Stormcaller, you pay for his Runic Terminator Armour.

oke thanks i did knew that one about njal. if got the puppy codex

Revenent Reiko wrote:Congrats to the old school!
Mephiston is nasty tho, i should know, i run him too lol

Yeah, as a quarter of my army points he has never fail to eliminate his equivalent Plus share of points in any of the games I played.
In the game Git mentioned above, I believe it was 5 or 6 tryinids warriors , A prime, a zoey, A libby and 7 tactical Marines. However he did get killed by the tac. Sarge in a fitting act of revenge.

SL



Automatically Appended Next Post:

Gitsplitta wrote:I'm not sure how well Calgar fits into the army... legal of course, just not very fluffy.



Well, we played a game vs. the boys this morning. Table quarters with bonus points for headhunting and objectives. The old men eked out a minor victory 28 to 24. (just our own point assignments for the various battle goals). Boys did well but no pictures unfortunately. Doom eagles hid in their little metal boxes until the last turn when they emerged and wiped out the Lamenters. Luckily, as long range fire support, the Mantis warriors had only taken two casualties so we just chilled on the objectives. Our brothers sacrifice was noble and we appreciate their willingness to feed themselves to the tyranids so that we can have our tea & crumpets in comfort without undue inconvenience.

Highlight for me was the appearance of the Trygon Prime in my backfield... didn't come in until turn 5 and did all he could to contest one of our quarters. Unfortunately he kind of scattered right into the middle of my forces and after killing a couple of my sternguard with his super shooty attack.. everything I had turned and fired. Poor Trygon Prime, nothing like 5 plasma shots, two las cannons 5 meltas and a rifleman dread to ruin your day. Mephiston chewed through a pile of Warriors and a nid prime as well as a couple of zoey's and a librarian. In a further modification of my list since yesterday I dropped the servitor (I couldn't use him the way I wanted to), so I put the homing beacon back on the (usually empty) rifleman dread pod. This allowed the two storm ravens to deep strike in with pin-point accuracy and greatly facilitated the Lamenter's assault. It was ridiculous how many close range multi-melta and las cannon shots Thing 1's land raider absorbed before finally blowing up in turn 5.... I think the 15th shot finally killed it (it did spend most of the game stunned or shaken however... as did the storm ravens.

Great game, Learned a lot. As mentioned above... Died to the Last man (did All the work - Lamenting here!). For this game our armies did work well together and basicily did what they were supposed to. Have a hard time with large troop armies. not enough bullets per turn. The storm Ravens are great at killing tanks (except Thing 1 LR) How blessed by the Emperor can you be!!!!. Not so good at thining lots of masses troops. Missiles never hit anyting ( how come a universe that has teleportation and energy beam weapons doesn't have accurate missile targeting systems?

Also when Git says his dice roll like crap - he wasn't kidding. Out of 9 attempted DP deployments, only one landed on target. ( 11% ). PS the IC dread lived thru this game as well!

And - I have a healthy love/hate relationship with the dice.

Thanks to Git and the lovely Miss Git ( who's feasts and hospitality were fabulous).

Solar_lion wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:Congrats to the old school!
Mephiston is nasty tho, i should know, i run him too lol

Yeah, as a quarter of my army points he has never fail to eliminate his equivalent Plus share of points in any of the games I played.
In the game Git mentioned above, I believe it was 5 or 6 tryinids warriors , A prime, a zoey, A libby and 7 tactical Marines. However he did get killed by the tac. Sarge in a fitting act of revenge.

SL

Ouch! that sounds about right though, he is a monster. I think the only game he didnt manage a complete annihilation of the enemy was playing a 4-way battle royale and my 'ally' decided Mephisto had been marked by death by the Vindicare Temple ...stupid lack of inv. save (grumble grumble...)
well played though SL, if hes mowing through the enemy then you are playing him well IMO

Yeah the nice stats are great but no inv. save was my undoing. Still very pleased with his performance.

Thanks, My SR are hit and miss. Due to the low Armor value they are alot of ponts (close to a LR) with the armor of a dread. Easy target to tear up. and ranges of weapons means I have to get " stuck in" to do anything.

More to learn.

I havent tried a SR as of yet (havent been able to play a game in ages :( ) but they do look like a unit that takes quite some skill to use effectively. You have the right idea, and IMO getting stuck in is should be the aim of every BA player (alright Lamenters but you know what i mean lol).
yeah no inv. sucks, its pretty much the only reason he ever died when i ran him.

Hey Gits, that army, actually both armies, are looking spectacular. I know you didn't take a lot, but if you have a moment, I'd love to see some of the pics from our battle.

Gitsplitta wrote:
Typical battle strategy:

Solar_lion: Hey Gits! Look at that shiny thing! I want to go get the shiny thing!
Gits: Hmmm... the rules say that the shiny thing isn't worth any victory points. The dull brown thing over there is what we need to win.
SL: But, I wants it! I wants the precious!
Gits: I do too, but we need to get that dull brown thing over there.
SL: OK.... (scuffs toe in dirt)

This new resolve lasts exactly one turn, in which neither SL or I actually *commit* to going to get the dull brown thing. At the beginning of turn two... we both dash for the shiny thing, abandoning all pretense of pursuing the convoluted objectives laid out in the instructions.

Oh man. That was great.

Hi all!

Finally got the gumption to put a battle report together for the first game. Both Thing 1 and I got really sick last night (I'm so down that even though I took the day off work I haven't been able to paint at all.) I did dress up the photos last night however and I'm feeling good enough now that the drugs have kicked in to make an attempt at a battle report. It won't be my best work as my photos weren't quite as sequential or illuminating as I'd hoped. (I usually rely on them to remind me about what happened.) But... I'll do my best.


Game 1: Wardens of the Maelstrom vs. the Blood Ravens (How cool is that? I've never actually seen Blood Ravens on the tabletop before... just in the video games!) Couple of great opponents, I'd played one of the guys once before at a tournament, but not the other. Nice guys, nicely painted army, honorable, not so cranked up about fighting that they couldn't have fun.... pretty much a great match.

Deployment: slightly modified DoW (each player could bring on one HQ & 1 troop

Mission: "A Breakfast of Shrapnel"
Objectives, Kill Points, with a variety of bonus points to earn

Mantis Warriors
HQ: MoTF, stock
EL: Iron Clad, CCW, Seismic Hammer, melta, HvFlmr, assault launchers, pod
EL: Sternguard (5) in pod w/ 4 combi-meltas & PF
Tp: 5 x tac marines in las/plas razorback
Tp: 5 x tac marines in las/plas razorback
Hvy: Rifleman Dread in pod
1 x Servitor w/ harness (no FOC slot needed)

Lamenters:
Mephiston
2 x Storm Ravens w/ assault cannons & multi-meltas
10 assault marines
Apothecary w/ jump pack



Blood Ravens:

HQ: Chaplain
10 x tac marines, melta, multi-melta
6 x terminators, assault cannon
dreadnought, TL-LC
10 x assault marines

HQ: Cato Sicarius
EL: Dread w/ HvyFlmr in pod
10 x tac marines w/ melta, LC
5 x scouts w/ sniper rifles & ML
5 x devs w/ LC, 3 x ML) in razorback


Everybody at the table HATES DoW... stupid mission. so they win the roll and make us go first. We roll on in turn 1 with my sternguard+MoTF and rifleman walking on. First two pods come down empty and scatter (as they did all day) but no drama there. My sternguard run into cover by our central most objective, the dread and razorbacks spread out to the left to secure the flank and hopefully make a run for their objective markers (holding your opponents objectives were worth huge points). SL is bonzaiing in on the right flank determined to sweep the flank and curl in to apply pressure to their (as yet) non-existent line so I can push for their objectives in the razorbacks. Yellow lines are our movement, blue are the objectives.



On the Blood Ravens turn they walk on from the rear. The chaplain, the devs in the razorback (disembarked), some tac marines and the dread pod deployed on the left to meet the Lamenters assault. The large assault squad forged up the middle behind an industrial storage structure while behind them the scouts and a combat squadded tac squad took cover in some trees. Hordes of infantry and the dread moved forward on their right through cover to their objective on that side. I'm pretty sure the night fighting rules flummoxed up the shooting, they they did illuminate one of the Storm Ravens.

During our turn two my Iron Clad came in. Not having anything better to do I wanted to slow the advance of the Blood Ravens across from me. It scattered of course, but still landed in a decent position of front of some trees in front of the advancing tactical squads. I deployed behind the pod and popped smoke in hopes of surviving the Raven's shooting phase so I could assault the next turn. My shooting from the dread kills 1 marine I think. Shooting from the razorbacks stuns the dread on my side while on the right, the Lamenters aren't quite sure when to deploy for best effect... so they go ahead and do it anyway. I think the dread get's wrecked from shooting or assault... can't remember (SL?). Shooting from one of the Storm Ravens pops the razorback (it was in their far left corner... sorry, forgot the marker).



On the Blood Raven's half of Turn 2, they continue to advance. In spite of the smoke my assault dread gets immobilized and combined shooting from the assault squad and terminator squad wipes out my sternguard. MoTF and his little buddy the servitor are unscathed and exit stage left from the carnage. The Lamenters on the other hand weather their storm of bullets with aplomb.



Turn 3 saw the Lamentor assault strike home. The assault marines smashed into the Blood Ravens assault marines, aided by my MoTF and Servitor. The Storm Ravens shot a lot of stuff, and Mephiston wades in to the opponents HQ.`The Blood Ravens Dev's are cut down to 1 by Storm Raven fire, the combined assault wipes out the Raven's assault squad aided by 2 kills from the servitor. Mephiston... well... does what Mephiston does best... and the chaplain muffs his rolls but good...



I don't think I accomplished much on my side. I did back the razorback over to one of our objectives and zoomed the other around the flank in hopes of giving the Iron Clad some support. Think between everything I killed 1 termie and 1 regular marine.

Their last turn they were so shot up they didn't manage to do too much damage. They did blow up my razorback on the objective, but enough marines survived the blast that they were able to hold their ground.




Fred and Pat were great opponents with the worst dice luck I saw all day. Their chaplain made a second set of rolls like the one above in a later game and they made me come over to the table and take a picture of that too. They had a decent army and a good plan, but Mephiston is a beast. We had a comfortable victory, but not an overwhelming one. This did foreshadow the rest of the day though as we consistently had difficulties sorting how the movement and deployment of the assault troops from the Storm Ravels (either too early or too late). I say "we" as we were both trying to sort this out together so the fault is as much mine as SL's. Oh, one last thing.... this was SL's first game since the mid 1990's... so I thought he did pretty darn well considering he carried our team most battles.


OK, that's all the excitement I can take for one night... I'm going to go back to being sick now... If anyy of the other players see this and would like to correct my errors, please PM me and I'll add your commentary to the report before I link it on page 1.

great battle rep! the armies look beautiful on the board together!

It truely was a great first game. The only one where I didn't lose 1 or both SR's. Lost only 2 Assault marines all battle. Thou in respect for my opponent, Git was right, The dice were cruel to them. ( intentional word there). They truely played much better than the report shows and displayed only the best sportsmanship to their credit.

Clairifications: Behind the far drop pod was a dread. And in reality Git took on the larger force than I and bore the brunt. My force would have been shot to peices. So the deployment went in our favor.

SL

Nice, a solid win there. The tactics seemed to be about right. I think the SRs are going to be hard to master though, you'll just have to wing it and charge forward!

Btw, i think you mean Solars SRs had "assault" cannons not autocannons.

is there any way to squeeze in the hurricane bolter set-up in the torm ravens, it might help thin out the enemy a bit and make the troops inside survive longer, but really loving what you are doing. Troops look amazing & i cant wait to see the objective marker that you are making

Sageheart wrote:great battle rep! the armies look beautiful on the board together!

Can't wait to get the full "Wardens of the Maelstrom" pic... all 4 armies, at Adepticon.

Solar_lion wrote:Clairifications: Behind the far drop pod was a dread.

Was it still alive at the end? If not, what killed it and when?

Vitruvian XVII wrote:Btw, i think you mean Solars SRs had "assault" cannons not autocannons.

Fixed, thanks Vit.

dantay_xv wrote:is there any way to squeeze in the hurricane bolter set-up in the torm ravens, it might help thin out the enemy a bit and make the troops inside survive longer, but really loving what you are doing. Troops look amazing & i cant wait to see the objective marker that you are making

The assault cannons are a pretty good choice as they work for both infantry and vehicles. I don't even know if hurricane bolters are even an option but those rending hits are golden when you're fighting a heavily armored foe like marines.


The amazing thing to me is that out of 20 teams (40 players), 19 were some loyalist marine variant with another 2 being chaos marines. While every codex save necrons was represented... I'm not used to seeing that many marines at our FLGS.

Top 5 teams (in battle points):
1. Demons & Chaos Marines
2: Demons & Chaos Marines
3: Blood Angels
4: Space Wolves
5: Guard

Yes, a SR can take Hurricane bolters instead on side doors. 6 TL Bolters (that are defensive weapons) are very good on a fast mover.

So you can shoot them no matter how fast you're going? Or do they have the same restrictions as normal?

they can shoot when you move, it's like machine spirit.

Assuming you dont go flat out, they can fire in addition to the primary. So lets say it moves 10". It can fire one primary (lets say assault cannons) as well as all weapons that are strenth 4 or below (Defensive weapon). It can then PoMS another weapon (multimelta, for instance) at a totally different target. blasting some armor while taking out a whole unit of infantry? Yes please.

Also remember that with the bolters, it can always shoot full 24", regardless of moving. Or rapid fire 12" if in range.

So you can take the bolters on top of the Assault Cannons? I was thinking you'd swap one for the other. Holy crum that's a lot of anti-infantry fire power. Enough to make even a boys mob shudder.

I suspect SL doesn't have the points for the hurricane bolters... but it's a neat idea.

Yeah, he is a bit strapped for points on his 14 model army, lol.

He could drop some assault marines.... how about a 12 model, AV 12 army? Good synergy there.

:-)




I thought I'd rate my units based on their performance like Arakasi does. This is a cumulative rating based on all 3 games:

MoTF (C): Ineffectual but necessary with my fluffy build. Flamer was instrumental in taking out a pile of lootas in the third game.
Rifleman Dread (D): High AP means he wasn't very useful vs. the foot marine armies. He was always shooting, just didn't accomplish anything.
Sternguard (D+): - Died pitifully in games 1 and 2, with the MoTF, wiped out the lootas in game 3 which was huge & took out a couple of Nob bikers to boot. Never fired their combi-meltas (they don't live that long).
Razorbacks & Troops (B-): Never accomplished all that much shooting but as armored, mobile scoring units capable of harassing fire they did their jobs reasonably well
Iron Clad (B -): Something that pods in and "needs to be dealt with" is a good thing. Killing the ork dread in assault was his high-water mark.

I need about a dozen more games to get a decent feel for this army, unfortunately I may not get more than one or two more practices in before the tournament. But, I'll keep working on it.

Yup, he could have TL Heavybolter, TL Assault Cannon, and 2 TL Hurricane Bolters, all of which could fire after moving 12". Where is your boyz squad now?

its TL assault cannon or TL plasmacannon unfortunately :( but you can have TL heavy bolters, TL assault cannons and 2 TL Hurricane bolters :S
dammit ninja'd lol

Yeah, dont have the codex in front of me, and havent built mine yet.

i thought it was too good to be true so checked my codex its a shame cos that would be some kick- transport!
Wish i could afford one cos even though they look a bit small, the SR is damn cool IMO

Yep.. thou I went with the multi melta for almost certian vech. kiling power. Worked well. In one game took out a Rhino and a Dread, second game 1 shot 1 kill LR. Downhill after that. I hate the MM range, so once committed, I'm all in. Too many Las Cannons to fly through.

I could drop 30pts of the assualt squad. I'll plug it in tonight.

Sounds like you had a good fight there . Any reason you didn't pod your ironcla don your giht flank? It wouldd've been supported by the storm raven and could've stomped to the middle, freeing up a storm rave to zip aorund middle/left flank. Not saying it would've been better, mind you, but that's where I would have put the ironclad.

I wasn't worried about the right flank, SL had that handled. It was our left that was weak & if they'd have come across unopposed we'd have been in trouble. Ideally I'd hoped to cause enough chaos with the dread to make a run at their objectives with the razorbacks (their objectives were worth 10 points to us, as opposed to holding our own objectives which was only worth 2 points), but there was just too much of their force on the left and center for me to have any hope of that. With the game only going 3 turns we didn't really have a chance to get any scoring units over there anyway.

3 turns isn't much... In Belgium, if you don't manage 4 turns, it's generally a draw. Anyway, reasoning sounds good

Time. The bane of Da Dark Angelz in both tournaments I've been in

At this point I am not sure loosing more infantry just to add more points on vehicles that often don't survive is the right thing to do. Then again, it only takes two turns of decent firing to make hurricane bolters well worth the points, one turn if your fighting squishies. The tricky part is determining whether those bolters are going to be more useful then your troops which are your only scoring unit, depending on the scenario of course.

The IC dread slowed his opponents advance. Its a good tactic for shooting armies. they are forced to deal with the threat in front of them. Drop Pods or anything fast is the same. You don't want Nob bikers al of sudden speeding to get behind you . One nasty unit loose can stop a forward advance dead. Git did this with the IC (vs. deffdread.)

We could of put a single SR on each flank but having 2 moving close together is like an " alpha" strike, hopefully you kill enough to keep moving. Need to keep tech marines in them to repair them from going immobile.

Git did manage to use his drop pods to block or provide cover at times for both of us.

As both my SR were fully operational another turn would be used to sweep the table edge. Still I must admit that in reality the SR survived by bad dice rolling not by any tactic I came up with. All the other games only re-enforced this most explosively.

@ SL, You used the 4 blood missiles in the game?

have you thought of using Maxmini's dragonfly wings on your jump packs GitSplitta?
p.s. did you send the package?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I think I'l count my captain as shrike - should I change the legs to different ones??? (either sanguinary guard ones or regular assault marine ones).

Solar_lion wrote:The IC dread slowed his opponents advance. Its a good tactic for shooting armies. they are forced to deal with the threat in front of them. Drop Pods or anything fast is the same. You don't want Nob bikers al of sudden speeding to get behind you . One nasty unit loose can stop a forward advance dead. Git did this with the IC (vs. deffdread.)

We could of put a single SR on each flank but having 2 moving close together is like an " alpha" strike, hopefully you kill enough to keep moving. Need to keep tech marines in them to repair them from going immobile.

Git did manage to use his drop pods to block or provide cover at times for both of us.

As both my SR were fully operational another turn would be used to sweep the table edge. Still I must admit that in reality the SR survived by bad dice rolling not by any tactic I came up with. All the other games only re-enforced this most explosively.

I can follow the reasoning, but playing more turns you could perfectly have contested with the stormravens and taken both of his objectives - I like to think big in tourneys since you need to massacre your opponent to go up in the ranking . I definitely think keeping the two stormravens together was a good plan, it made for a massive threat. Right now, it just feels like the ironclad was sacrificed without allowing him to cause some havoc, which is a bit of a shame. Still, I wasn't there, I'm sure you guys had good reasons to play how you did!

Truely it can be a sacrifice.. tho getting him to not scatter would be helpful in making him more useful. If he can't get into CC or HF range, you try to limit his exposure. They will either try to take him at range or move around him ( more time) or move something that can deal with him in that direction. Either way if his faith in the Emperor is great enough then he has nothing to worry about! ; )

Still he's got to get in to CC to really be effective ( tying up units, taking out heavy's ect) He's git's " touchy feely " unit.

PS... remembering to deploy him also helps.!

The Dreads and drop pods garnered a vast amount of painting attention. They look even better in person!


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Miss Dee wrote:@ SL, You used the 4 blood missiles in the game?

Not in this game.. I used alot in the last one against the orks as we used the SR as gun platforms trying to takeout as many heavys as possible as they were advancing. Missiles are my only long range option. Once they got close enough I cut loose, but unfortunately we didn't take out enough to make a serious run for the objectives and had to fight a battle of attrition ( Objectives, We don't need no stinkin objectives).

I occasionally get asked to post pics of the entire army (not just the Adepticon stuff) and since I've been laid out by this cold for the last several days (can't focus well enough to paint), I thought I'd take a group shot. Here are my current Mantis Warriors... only the repainted models. Comes out to 2417 points, and there are more-or-less invisible upgrades I could give to push it a bit higher. The laugh is it's all troops and elites & once I add a MoTF, will be all legal to field. Granted with no assault troops or heavies it would get slaughtered... but I *could* field all but the extra HQs.


HQ:
Chapter Master (Kantor counts-as)
Libby w/ jump pack
Captain w/jump pack & relic blade (graven's vanguard)

Elite:
8 sternguard w/ mixed weaponry
Venerable dread
Iron Clad dread
2 standard dreads (assault cannon & TL LC)

Troops:
10 scout snipers w/ heavy bolter & Telion
10 scout snipers w/ heavy bolter & PF srg
10 marines w/ plas & hvy plas (Inquisitional squad)
5 marines w/ las/plas razorback
5 marines w/ las/plas razorback

Operational Support:
3 drop pods

I think the Mantis Warriors will probably be between 5000 & 6000 points before I'm "done", this encompasses two different armies and either side of their penitential crusade.

How do you succeed with the sniper scouts. HAlf the time they on't hit anything...and very rarely kill much more than one or two members of the squad...

I think their farely good at holding objectives though, give em camo cloaks and put em in terrain. Tough to kill

whalemusic360 wrote:... using RS FW pads as basing makes me sad, I've always thought a RS force would be cool.

It makes me sad too. Though I can always repay Gits by putting Mantis bits on my bases or kill markings on the Angstrom vets I guess. Hmmm now there's an idea...

The arm(y/ies) are coming together nicely, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing all four Warden forces together in a couple of weeks time

The sniper scouts are useful against certain armies... demons and nids as the can discount target toughness. Telion is good for sniping nobs out of foot boyz squads. Generally speaking, I don't find scouts particularly effective, but they're fundamental to my "late" army's fluff so I have to try and work them in. I have a theory on using a different configuration to work in with some of my other ideas, but that will have to wait for a lot more modeling and painting to try out.

As to using broken scorpion bits on my bases... not my idea, team thought it would be fluffy for our Badab War rebels presentation... and I agree, it is. Most of my bits will be painted as space sharks though.

Gitsplitta wrote:
10 marines w/ plas & hvy plas (Inquisitional squad)

I thought at one time you were considering an rhino or some transport for these guys _ I suggest a SR or LR.

Hope you feel better

SL


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Gitsplitta wrote:As to using broken scorpion bits on my bases... not my idea, team thought it would be fluffy for our Badab War rebels presentation... and I agree, it is. Most of my bits will be painted as space sharks though.

As mine will be the " Minotaurs" and maybe an occasional Fire Hawk. It all based on the fluff - like our army liists.

Ithink Ice is doing them All!!

You might consider a small 5 man scout squad in a LS Storm. They can be good at late contesting or tying up small heavy weapon squads.

LS storm is good as 2ccw scouts can charge from it.. and if they win combat then the enemy is leadership 2. great for necrons hahahahaha

DarthLakey wrote:LS storm is good as 2ccw scouts can charge from it.. and if they win combat then the enemy is leadership 2. great for necrons hahahahaha

They do have to win that combat first....not quite so hahahaha
TBH, scouts arn't quite as good now they've lost the BS, although I'm gonna use that loitering idea! sounds good!

Scouts in a storm rock the casbah. Relatively cheap and a darn sight more versatile that a vanilla tac squad imho.

Wow your army all together looks cool, i tip my hat to you sir

Solar_lion wrote:I thought at one time you were considering an rhino or some transport for these guys _ I suggest a SR or LR

I will be making them a special inquisitional transport (rhino), just haven't had the time yet.

I'm back in the saddle again... sort of. Spent the early morning painting and made decent progress on the tacticals. Got many of the fiddly little details done, added some color to the bionics, changed the combat & knife blade color a couple of times until I was happy, fixed some sloppy areas, etc. Think just the eyes, campaign studs and shoulder badges to do and I'll call them done.

Tired though, going to take a nap. After a week of fighting this bug I have NO stamina. Did manage to make omelette's for the kids for breakfast though... my fatherly duty and all that. More later when I have something to show (or need moral support). My goal is to finish the troops today and be well on my way with the MoTF build by bed time... which at this rate will be about 6 PM.

Damn Gitz. Your army has come along way. I've enjoyed watching it come along. The way you use old and new models really give it a unique and personalized look. As they say at McDonalds "I'm Lovin' it!"

Good luck on the painting and building bud, Don't wear yourself just to get to Adepticon, you still have to play there as well!

I finished the tac squads. I'll let the varnish dry overnight, then put some gloss on the eyes and shrubbery on the bases & be done first thing tomorrow morning. If someone would be so kind as to bump the thread between now and then I'd appreciate it. Expect eye-candy in the morning!

Gits

Errr......clever something to pretend like I'm not just bumping.












Crap, there on to me.

whalemusic360 wrote:
Crap, there on to me.

No there not..

it's a trap... get an axe!

I can barely believe you've nearly done it Gits, being ill and with such a time limit. Looking forward to seeing your work displayed

Solar_lion wrote:

whalemusic360 wrote:
Crap, there on to me.

No there not..

it's a trap... get an axe!

They're*

GRAMMAR NAZI STRIKES AGAIN!! sorry, i seem to have facism on the brain since the extended response on friday, a long history essay written in 2 hours and mine was on the SS-Gestapo.
Anyway, can't wait for the pics gits!!

Looking forward to those tac squad pics!

Here 'tis. Kind of a wonky photograph but it's what I've got at the moment.

Look great all painted up! I particularly like the barricade guy, did you reposition him/the wall?

Thanks! Couldn't have done it without your help!

Just a bit... a few of the guys had bits fall off and he was one of them, so I cut his hand off at the wrist and repositioned it so it looked like he was bracing himself on the wall. Then I added the battle damage for effect.

so is that one tactical squad? Or two combat squads what with you running a pair or razorbacks...

Gits, those tac beakies look positively badass! Awesome job!

The pick of the whole army is awesome, thanks for posting it, like the new tacticle squad as well.

Beautiful!! Im sure youll get lots of appreciation at Adepticon!

Not to nitpick but, is it me or does the guy 2nd from the left on the top row have different eyes?? Seemed to stand out when i first looked at the picture.

Those look great Git! Only one more guy to paint right? That's awesome.

Thanks everyone!

That's actually two different squads of 5 men each. No options or upgrades (just couldn't afford them). Each of these squads will get a sergeant with power sword but not for Adepticon. I have those half way done, but finishing them will have to wait until after next weekend.

The eyes were all done the same, assembly-line style. That's not to say there isn't variation... but in larger terms they should all be the same. It may just be the angle of the head positioning.

Yes, just my MoTF to do (and my objective). OH, and something to serve as a homing beacon for one of the pods.

Started the build on the MoTF this morning... first task was to discard nearly everything I had set aside for him and go in an entirely new direction. Happens some times with me... think I have a great idea for a build until I get down to starting it, then realize something just isn't going to work as planned and I scrap the whole thing. I'm still assembling bits... but I should start the actual construction soon. I've figured out how I'm going to mount the flamer... now I'm pondering how to make a plasma cutter.

Had the same problem Gits, I had a half built MotF that looked like a mini dread, was just starting on the multi socketed arms when I realised it just wasn't what I wanted and I broke and bought the servo harness one....its better than what I was thinking of anyway

Does this mean yours won't have funky Doc Ock arms ?

really wanna see the MOTF!

Those combat squads are looking great Gits! Can't wait to see your MotF as well.

nice work on the tac squads Gits, especially when you're ill, well done they look great
shame about the MoTF idea, ive been waiting t osee yours since i started reading the blog still ,now i cant wait to see what else you come up with

I took a couple of shots of each squad individually to show them off a bit better, but my depth-of-field wasn't what I'd liked... so I'll have to go in and monkey with the camera settings some more. Those big "group shots" just don't work with my little light box.

Don't fret about the MoTF. Doc Oc is alive and well! It's just that the figure I was going to base him off of simply will not work out, so I'm essentially building him from scratch, piece by piece. This means that essentially each limb, body part, weapon, etc get's it's own little custom build... not to mention the base which is integral to the whole affair.

May be a while before I post a pic, but so far all the micro-builds are going very well.

now im more intrigued than ever! i really like the idea of a fully converted model where each separate section gets its own bit of attention, looking forward to it.
and loving the sneaky hook line about the base....

Gitsplitta wrote:Started the build on the MoTF this morning... first task was to discard nearly everything I had set aside for him and go in an entirely new direction. Happens some times with me... think I have a great idea for a build until I get down to starting it, then realize something just isn't going to work as planned and I scrap the whole thing.

I know this feeling! Nice tacticals, though I think others have said it better already...

Nice, love the attention to detail, especially on the bases!

Nice tacticals gits. I'm glad your one model away. To paraphrase a great man's line - "I really love it when Gits plans come together".

Must say though, I agree with Revenent Reiko - you're just teasing us now

Nice tac marines. I'm pumped for the MoTF. You're doing a great job keeping us in suspense...

OK guys... I hope this does not disappoint. It is in essence... exactly what I envisioned nearly a year ago. Built from parts and bits and such. The arms will all get claws after the painting is done, and the over-sized plasma pistol in his left hand will be converted into a plasma cutter, but because of how I'm making the cutter it won't be assembled until after the painting is complete.


If things go to plan the windows he is framed by should resemble stained glass of sorts when complete.

In case it's hard to make out, both arms, one leg and his head are bionic. He is the only marine in this army in "modern" armor, which is how I explain the Artificer Armor. He has 4 synthetic "limbs" radiating from his large, tech marine backpack, as well as a small optic limb. Depicted war gear includes a flamer, plasma cutter and bolt pistol.

Nice Git. Love the pose the base everything rad model.

Interesting to be sure. Are you going to put claws or hands or whatever on the arms?

He is comming along fantasticly Git. I cant wait to see him finished.
Will you be at AC all weekend?
Sorry I dont know the sceduale. Im going to go out on sunday to check out the dealer room and enter the raffle for the Nurgle army.
Break Legs at the tourny!

Hrm... Perhaps we need a warp spider-"man" to come into this and battle the Imperium's Doc Ock?


I really like this model Gits, it looks like he's moving through the stuff on his base, instead of just standing on it.

@WM: You actually need to read my posts before you respond to them... *poke*

@Nicorex: We'll get in early on Friday and stay through Sunday. No idea how you'll find me but look me up if you can.


I did have a second neat idea for a MoTF (the second version was actually the one I was all excited about way back when)... that one will be built to go along with my "late" MW army. It's the same character, but at a different stage of his life. This version fits this army better, though I can tell by the luke-warm reception it may not be everyone's cup of tea... That's fine, I understand it's quite a departure from the norm. I think this guy is as good as I can make him however, and I'm satisfied with that.

I always manage to skip the 10 words that answer my questions I should probably not post right before bedtime.

That's a dramatic pose Git, and one that well serves such a model. I can't wait to see your painting prowess applied to really bring him to life.

Good luck (but with your skill I doubt you'll be needing any) and great job so far!

After Dok Ok: Doc Mantis? Cool model, I love how dynamic he is. Will you be filng flat the admech symmbol on his greave?

That MoTF looks really promising!!!

I'm glad you finally managed to get to him!

The dynamism of the pose is the striking feature to me, something we don't usually see with Techmarines. It certainly shows he's not only a master in technical skills, but also a warrior, fit for leading his brethren!

About the plasma cutter, what is that small plasticard half-rod you glued on the pistol? Is it going to be the frame for the future cutter?

I for one really like it. I think techmarines should look strikingly different from other marines, and I like your use of various odd components; I think he looks appropriate hi-tech without being preposterous. Oh, and love the dynamsism of the pose. Good job mate!

Oh I cant wait to see how this is going to turn out, but I think i will have too.

Great work as normal Gits. Really looking forward to seeing it painted up.

Hey Gitsplitta! Nice conversion you've got going there. As other have already said - the basing, the sense of motion, even the backdrop all look excellent. Now for the critique...

I can see what you are trying to do with the eye limb (look where he is going), but it's not working for me - it conflicts with the flow of the model - though it may simply be too long/large.

The top gun seems to large/bulky and/or is at too extreme a point of the model (remember visual balance?). I'd look at how it looks on his left (plasma pistol) shoulder...

Obviously it's a bit hard to judge the Doc Ock arms without their appendages. It looks like you are using three to help support him in his high stance - but I'm not sure what the fourth is doing. Again, they look a bit long. I'd suggest using only the bottom two for support. Have the bottom right one end where the top right one does currently (shortening it) and the bottom left one curve back holding or supporting against a beam of the window. The top two could then follow the lines of his actual arms maybe.

Food for thought. Fell free to spit it out (or not touch it at all)

Brilliant pose Gits, really looking forward to seeing it painted, it's the details that bring a model like that to life, and with your attention to detail... I'm very excited

Wicked! Is the base model from the Sevrin Loth & Co.??

Nearly there now!! Keep going!

CommissarKhaine wrote:After Dok Ok: Doc Mantis? Cool model, I love how dynamic he is. Will you be filng flat the admech symmbol on his greave?

I *put* the AdMech symbol on his greave! It was one of the features of the tech marine figure I was originally going to use for him that I liked the best. (and here I was all proud of myself for my little bit of GS work).

Yggdrasil wrote:The dynamism of the pose is the striking feature to me, something we don't usually see with Techmarines. It certainly shows he's not only a master in technical skills, but also a warrior, fit for leading his brethren!

That basic concept is central to his back-story. The reason he's mostly bionic is that he constantly puts himself in harms way to keep the chapters machines rolling. Manning the Thunderfires, emergency field repairs, dashing from one broken vehicle to another... that's his life. As a result he pays the price for all that exposure to hostile fire.

About the plasma cutter, what is that small plasticard half-rod you glued on the pistol? Is it going to be the frame for the future cutter?

I have a cut section of necron gauss rod that fits nicely in that channel, then I'm going to cut the tip off of one of the Forge World plasma pistols to go on the end of that. So you have the origial plasma coil (which is larger than a modern pistol's coil) feeding into the gauss rod, then out of the cutter tip. Should look sufficiently unique and it's bulk would explain why it can't be used in CC.

Arakasi wrote:Hey Gitsplitta! Nice conversion you've got going there. As other have already said - the basing, the sense of motion, even the backdrop all look excellent. Now for the critique...

Thanks my friend! Have at me!! :-)

I can see what you are trying to do with the eye limb (look where he is going), but it's not working for me - it conflicts with the flow of the model - though it may simply be too long/large.

I'm not married to the direction of the scoping limb... it can be easily re-positioned... could also be shortened.

The top gun seems to large/bulky and/or is at too extreme a point of the model (remember visual balance?). I'd look at how it looks on his left (plasma pistol) shoulder...

I'll consider it, thought there is a fundamental issue of putting a large flame thrower right next to your face that might be a stretch. Granted, over you head might not be all that brilliant either. It was just a natural point to mount the gun given the pack design and this gets the gun out of the way of the marine, either for working on machines or for fighting. I'd think a shoulder mount would be a prohibitive obstruction. I guess I don't feel it's a visual balance problem, but it is relatively simple to move... perhaps when I get some paint on the model I'll see it differently.

Obviously it's a bit hard to judge the Doc Ock arms without their appendages. It looks like you are using three to help support him in his high stance - but I'm not sure what the fourth is doing. Again, they look a bit long. I'd suggest using only the bottom two for support. Have the bottom right one end where the top right one does currently (shortening it) and the bottom left one curve back holding or supporting against a beam of the window. The top two could then follow the lines of his actual arms maybe.

Problem is that having some limbs longer and others shorter doesn't really make any sense. In true "Doc Oc" fashion the limbs should be interchangeable and each limb should be able to full the role of any other limb, so uniform design would be important. I don't imagine these would telescope, so their size is static. I can however, hold him up with just two arms, his foot serving as the third attachment point, and the other two arms could be repositioned to be reacting to whatever is on his left.

Food for thought. Fell free to spit it out (or not touch it at all)

Indeed. I would never discount your comments Arakasi.

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Vitruvian XVII wrote:Wicked! Is the base model from the Sevrin Loth & Co.??!

Ninja'd....

The torso is one of the FW Red Scorpion bodies, I just carefully scraped out the scorpions symbol on the belt. Right leg, head and Arms are FW, left leg (bionic) is MaxMini. No idea where the backpack came from but I'm guessing it's a modern Tech Marine pack? Pads are GW... one mech, one with a roundel and scroll. Flamer and bolt pistol are Mk IV FW, plasma pistol is... second edition I think.

Gitsplitta wrote:

CommissarKhaine wrote:After Dok Ok: Doc Mantis? Cool model, I love how dynamic he is. Will you be filng flat the admech symmbol on his greave?

I *put* the AdMech symbol on his greave! It was one of the features of the tech marine figure I was originally going to use for him that I liked the best. (and here I was all proud of myself for my little bit of GS work).

I'm pretty sure he means it needs a little sanding to remove the slight amount of roundness the GS has. It's a fantastic piece of work, with a little sanding it will be perfect.

I actually prefer the 3 metal arms down, leaving his feet free to land on firmer ground on the other side of the rubble. Claw hands would make much better time over ruined ground than his feet.

I can sort of see Arakasi's point about the flamer, maybe you could attach it to one of the metal arms? It would stop them all being the same, but being able to put a flamer into an enemy's face from 6 feet away would be rather fun

OH, got it... yes I'll clean it up once it's cured. GS doesn't file very well but I'll do what I can.

I thought about that, but then you run into the issue of the arms not being useful for anything except carrying the guns. I think it's much more dynamic (and realistic) to have the limbs unencumbered so they can help with mobility, or vehicle construction & repair.

The flamer could be wrist mounted on one of the arms - solving both issues?


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I wasn't suggesting the arms should be different lengths or not interchangeable - just overall shorter (and some suggestions on how to accomplish that given the pose)

I suggested the shoulder mount over the hand or wrist mount because it seemed closer to your original idea. Also - it's a rather large gun for a hand/wrist mount too... (at the moment anyway - and makes you wonder why the other three don't have something on them...)

On more thought, I think a shorter and thinner eye-stem would probably do it.

It is very impressive as is though. And we are at a disadvantage not being able to see into your mind's eye (though, maybe that is an *advantage* )

Here are the better pictures of the two tactical squads I promised. Top squad is all WM builds, bottom squad is mostly mine.



Have made some adjustments to the MoTF. Considerably shortened the optic limb and re-posed 3 limbs to respond to action to the left. I'm considering moving flamer to left shoulder, but no promises. Main limbs will stay current size. I appreciate everyone's input (especially Arakasi's), but I have like... 2 days to paint this figure and my objective... so my time for tweaking is running out.


Question: How much red?? Do I go green with a few red bits? Or really make him red with a MW shoulder pad to accentuate his mechanicus status?? Might be a nice counter-point to the rest of the army (all green and yellow).

Red as red can be, with a little red on the side. And maybe a spot of green/yellow; an inverse of your drop pod, as it were.

Awsome conversion Gits~!

What kind of wire did you use for the doc-oc arms?

Originally I'd gotten some actual doc oc arms from Blackhand, but they were way too big and made of a type of pot metal that didn't bend without risk of breaking. These are just cast sections of cabling I picked up off the web... can't even remember who makes them now... but they're pliable (though if you bend them enough they will break) and easy to work with & came in 3 different sizes.

Red with green pads and right leg

Gitsplitta wrote:Have made some adjustments to the MoTF. Considerably shortened the optic limb and re-posed 3 limbs to respond to action to the left. I'm considering moving flamer to left shoulder, but no promises. Main limbs will stay current size. I appreciate everyone's input (especially Arakasi's), but I have like... 2 days to paint this figure and my objective... so my time for tweaking is running out.

2 days? Just go with it - he's awesome I forget you're on a deadline...

Gitsplitta wrote:Question: How much red?? Do I go green with a few red bits? Or really make him red with a MW shoulder pad to accentuate his mechanicus status?? Might be a nice counter-point to the rest of the army (all green and yellow).

All red! Well, except for the inside of the - is it right? - shoulderpad I know a good recipe for red... doh - caught by the 2 days again! (Though you could probably do it in time with just one mini...)


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Oh - and nice close ups!

Holy hell Gits, i get on one fairly short train ride and look what happens while im away!!
MoTF looks wicked, really like the Doc Oc arms and that hes really using them to move through and over the terrain, really brilliant work
also intrigued as to how the plasma cutter will look when its finished, think uve definitely got one ultra-unique, cool looking model right there, well done!
i quite like the flamer where it is, almost like a kinda remote turret if that makes sense?
and definitely red, in true techmarine fashion, with just the shoulderpad in MW colours.

The Techmarine looks awesome Gits. I'm really looking forward to seeing it painted.

('nuff said)

Moved the flamer to the shoulder, put an icon thingie on top. Not sure how that's going to work but it'll be easy to lop off if it doesn't work out. Began painting the base as getting the stained glass done will take a while (not too complicated, just requires some time to pass in-between steps).

I think for expediency's sake I'll have to spray on the red... damn this air brush... it's so easy to fall back on. Expect more updates as the day progresses.

How about Green with yellow pads?

No, that wouldn't fit the role of a tech marine very well. Red should display prominently.

I wish I had as much skill as you do man, great job on the chainsaw bayonnet! love the whole feel of the army

Red. Too much green with red and the X-Mass jokes start flying.

Awesome mate! It looks really cool, I would of seconded moving the flamer but since you've done it I'll shut me gob...

Also I agree with you're red call, you've gotta have red Techmarines, it's just the way it should be.

BishopGore wrote:

Gitsplitta wrote:

CommissarKhaine wrote:After Dok Ok: Doc Mantis? Cool model, I love how dynamic he is. Will you be filng flat the admech symmbol on his greave?

I *put* the AdMech symbol on his greave! It was one of the features of the tech marine figure I was originally going to use for him that I liked the best. (and here I was all proud of myself for my little bit of GS work).

I'm pretty sure he means it needs a little sanding to remove the slight amount of roundness the GS has. It's a fantastic piece of work, with a little sanding it will be perfect.

Yeah, this .

Nice

Definitely go with the red, red, a bit more red and just a dash of green

Eagerly awaiting the tips of the doc-ock arms.

The model looks cool I've seen this style of techmarine before on From the Warp. The pipes you used are from Dragonforge right? They look more refined than what Ron used on FTW and I dig it.

As for colors a deep red without a ton of saturation is where I would go to keep it muted in relation to your Green marines. Sort of the same direction I went with my own Master of the Forge. The green shoulder is more than enough to tie him back into the army.

Hey g_d, thanks for those links... they help. I just made the prettyest deep red base coat you've ever seen. I want to bring it up a bit with the aribrush but not too much. You're right... want to keep him looking more earthy than the rest. I hadn't seen that other doc-oc tech marine / MoTF before. Nice to know someone else had the same idea and carried it off so nicely. I really like the way yours came out... thanks, it's good to have a reference point as I'm going through this.

I'm none to sure about the tips of the arms... I made some little grabby things like doc oc has out of GS sheet cut to shape, but they're nothing to write home about. I might be able to scavenge a couple of clamps, but probably not 4 of them. I'm kind of plowing ahead with the painting anyway figuring the clamps will work themselves out as I get to them.

I decided not to give him an "axe of state"... with all the limbs it just felt redundant and I wasn't too sure how I was going to make it fit with the model. Not with this little time to fiddle with it anyway.

I suppose I could put clamps on the top two cables only, and leave the bottom two set up as "bracing" (i.e. when he was working, they would dig into the ground sit rigid against the concrete in order to form a solid structure so that large, heavy objects could be lifted by the other two arms. Sort of like the extra braces you often see on construction machinery...

Thoughts?

Interesting idea. Not sure if you've got the time but how about some sort of 'pad' type affair with retractable clamp? So the bracing limbs could have foot-pad type affairs (I realise I'm not explaining this too clearly), whilst any free limbs would have a pad with a 'clamp' extended from the centre of the pad?

Time and size constraints might be an issue there though.

Gitsplitta wrote:Hey g_d, thanks for those links... they help. I just made the prettyest deep red base coat you've ever seen. I want to bring it up a bit with the aribrush but not too much. You're right... want to keep him looking more earthy than the rest. I hadn't seen that other doc-oc tech marine / MoTF before. Nice to know someone else had the same idea and carried it off so nicely. I really like the way yours came out... thanks, it's good to have a reference point as I'm going through this.

I'm none to sure about the tips of the arms... I made some little grabby things like doc oc has out of GS sheet cut to shape, but they're nothing to write home about. I might be able to scavenge a couple of clamps, but probably not 4 of them. I'm kind of plowing ahead with the painting anyway figuring the clamps will work themselves out as I get to them.

I decided not to give him an "axe of state"... with all the limbs it just felt redundant and I wasn't too sure how I was going to make it fit with the model. Not with this little time to fiddle with it anyway.

I suppose I could put clamps on the top two cables only, and leave the bottom two set up as "bracing" (i.e. when he was working, they would dig into the ground sit rigid against the concrete in order to form a solid structure so that large, heavy objects could be lifted by the other two arms. Sort of like the extra braces you often see on construction machinery...

Thoughts?

Those other MoTF's look very good too, but i have a special soft spot for yours Gits
personally, ive never really liked the giant techmarine clamps, too over sized even for the Grimdark. I think the Doc Oc style 'claws' are far more versatile, they are small enough for delicate work but hefty enough that when needed, they are perfectly capable of larger tasks as well.
I do like the bracing idea though, that would be cool, so they are set up to give him a steady base to operate from yes?
And for the Axe, i have this image in my head from one of the BL books, where a Magos' mechandrites open out into a spinning blade... but it still wouldnt fit on the model properly the way i see it. Is your MoTF armed with a power weapon?

monkeytroll wrote:Interesting idea. Not sure if you've got the time but how about some sort of 'pad' type affair with retractable clamp? So the bracing limbs could have foot-pad type affairs (I realise I'm not explaining this too clearly), whilst any free limbs would have a pad with a 'clamp' extended from the centre of the pad?

Time and size constraints might be an issue there though.

True, but I might be able to mock something up... the pads might be electromagnetic... so they could adhere to a metal surface for another type of lifting (to contrast with the clamps).

Revenent Reiko wrote:Those other MoTF's look very good too, but i have a special soft spot for yours Gits
personally, ive never really liked the giant techmarine clamps, too over sized even for the Grimdark. I think the Doc Oc style 'claws' are far more versatile, they are small enough for delicate work but hefty enough that when needed, they are perfectly capable of larger tasks as well.
I do like the bracing idea though, that would be cool, so they are set up to give him a steady base to operate from yes?
And for the Axe, i have this image in my head from one of the BL books, where a Magos' mechandrites open out into a spinning blade... but it still wouldnt fit on the model properly the way i see it. Is your MoTF armed with a power weapon?

Not this version, he's bare bones. I like the axes... just doesn't fit with this particular build.... though I suppose I could replace the heads of one of the limbs with the axe (which looks like it would also function as a clamp, or at least a spanner). Not sure... let me think on it. Everyone's welcome to chime in an opinion. My doc oc claws are pretty crappy and I don't see them improving before tomorrow... so keep that in mind as you consider. I'm not BLACKHAND... NOT a great sculptor.

hmmm then maybe leave the axe till you are sure, it would be a shame to ruin such a wicked model this close to Adepticon. I have faith in your sculpting, have you got a photo of your Doc Oc claws?maybe someone (probably not me ill admit) will be able to give you some quick tips?

I am very pleased with how your MoTF turned out. It seems that I have missed the time to give feedback, but I agree with all the decisions you have made.

I hope you find a good fit for his claws soon.

Here's the project as it stands... first a couple of loose ends.

- Painted the auspex on one of the Tac communications officers which I'd forgotten to do.
- Painted up and installed a quick homing beacon for one of the pods.
- Started work painting the base for the objective marker.
- Painted and sealed the MoTF base and applied Krystal Klear to the windows, will dry overnight.
- Scavenged two small clamps off of some servitors that look good and don't overwhelm the MoTF, installed on upper limbs.
- Installed magnetic plate ends on lower limbs. They're actually real 1/4" rare earth magnets. I glued matching magnets to the underside of the base so the MoTF can be removed for transport but will sit solidly in position on his base... or ... the refrigerator, wherever you like.
- Sprayed reds & washed with sepia

So here's a shot of the project from the front.



And here's one from the back where you can see the Krystal Klear forming the windows.



When I think about all the painting I have to do in two nights... it makes me ill.... well, more ill. Shame of it is I figured out a way to improve my army and I could finish up the painting necessary for that in one quick evening... but it would be lacking visually when compared to this build. Guess that'll be the fall-back position.

Yesterday I was putting my Iron Father together for my Iron Hands, parts used: Red Scoprion honourgaurd torso, Maxmini bionic leg and other leg with greenstuffed cog symbol.

Nice motf btw

Much improved IMHO Good luck!

The depth of colour on that red is gorgeous. Also, really like the claws/repositioned flamer. Game on!

Really deep red there, good job!

You're so close now!!! You can do it

(After the 'con, you might consider putting glass fragments in the broken windows)

That looks great. You managed to make all the adjustments fit together very well.

Yeah, now thats what im talking about! looks great Gits
the clamps work really well, as does the repositioned flamer, and the stained glass is an awesome idea.
@Vit, i ws just thinking the same thing, broken glass would be the perfect finishing touch (but definitely left till after the weekend)

Hmmm... have to find some thin plastic sheet to act as the broken glass. Let me mull it over.

Tonight will be a bit test of my speed painting skills. What will get me the biggest bang for the time invested? Only time will tell.

Thanks for the support all, I do appreciate it.

Looking good man, love the deep red. You'll do it Gits! I'm sure you will!

I was really burnt out last night... just couldn't stand to look at it any more. The one-day-build turned into a two-day-build and the mass of red just looked overwhelming. But.... tonight's another night. I'll probably start or the torso as that'll be the hardest to get at and work my way "out" from there. I'll work on the stained glass and the foliage on on the base as kind of a mental break from the MoTF.

I need to put enough contrast in there to make the red stand out. They'll be a lot of metals on the bionics and such. I don't want to overwhelm the figure with bolt gun metal though. Perhaps a light grey base, with a heavy bolt gun dry brush and a black wash. Don't know, will have to see how things look when I get the body and head done.

I originally was just going to color the glass with solid washes, but I may paint on some simple lines like individually glazed sections & put different colors on each section. Guess it'll depend on how the other painting goes.

I'm liking the MoTF the more now that it's closer to completion. I know what your going through, i have some close friends going this weekend, they may end up finishing projects in the hotel room, i'm considering going next year but I wanna get started soon to avoid the craziness

For colored glass, I would get some coke bottles and dye them. You could even use Mt dew for green sans dye.

wicked.

whalemusic360 wrote:For colored glass, I would get some coke bottles and dye them. You could even use Mt dew for green sans dye.

I don't get this at all.... (??)

Join the club mate.

Gitsplitta wrote:

whalemusic360 wrote:For colored glass, I would get some coke bottles and dye them. You could even use Mt dew for green sans dye.

I don't get this at all.... (??)

I think what he's saying is that if you take a 20oz Soda Bottle seen here:


cut out the pieces you need for broken pieces of glass still stuck in the frame, and viola you have instant broken glass... You could use Mountain Dew, Sprite, 7Up bottles so you don't have to add color the broke windows.

I think what WM is getting at is to use the plastic from a bottle, for use as glass, because it can come in a variety of colors, and its thickness should be about what you would need at that scale.

Ah, understood. Colors wouldn't match the colors on the rest of the windows though.

I think I can get some thin bits of clear plastic, like from a blister or so... cut them into little triangles and use the same washes I'll use on the rest to stain them. At least that way the colors will be more or less consistent.

That is what I was getting at. Didnt know you had other glass to match with.

The MoTF is looking good. I really liked the arm coming out to the front you had before though. It looks really even now and IMO and it looked better where it was less so. Just a bit less symmetry gave it a more dynamic feel I think.
The glass will look really good if you get the right effect and I look forward to it...

whalemusic360 wrote:That is what I was getting at. Didnt know you had other glass to match with.

Take a close look at the rear view. Most of the windows have "glass" forming in them (at the time of the shot). Now that it's dry, the glass panes are clear (just slightly cloudy) which is perfect for this application.

Imperial Monkey wrote:The MoTF is looking good. I really liked the arm coming out to the front you had before though. It looks really even now and IMO and it looked better where it was less so. Just a bit less symmetry gave it a more dynamic feel I think. The glass will look really good if you get the right effect and I look forward to it...

I can always adjust the angles on the flexible limbs. I keep shifting the limb on the left (as you view it) around trying to find the right spot... may have to keep playing with it.

Regarding Doc Ock/techmarine:
'What's WRONG with your FACE?!?!'
Don't like the head but like the model.

At this point I'm not sure his "face" is identifiable.... guess I'll know more tonight when I try and paint it.

I've used that head here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ConnorMarrs39/20110129?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDB5YiqhPF1#5567612383713481282
(he's painted (mostly) now and pics will be put up in a week or so.

back OT, it's a pretty good one to paint with a decent wash over it.

Ah, thanks shrike... we'll see how he works out. I may have to remove the head, strip it and do it from scratch in order to get some of my detail back... afraid it may have taken too many layers already to be definable.

Gitsplitta wrote:Ah, thanks shrike... we'll see how he works out. I may have to remove the head, strip it and do it from scratch in order to get some of my detail back... afraid it may have taken too many layers already to be definable.

Hmm....I fear that may be the case...
try painting it as normal, put a wash over it and if you're not happy, strip it.

My version looks quite good (for me). I love forgeworld bare heads- Paint it one colour, put a wash over it and bam! instant detail...


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Gitsplitta wrote:Ah, thanks shrike... we'll see how he works out. I may have to remove the head, strip it and do it from scratch in order to get some of my detail back... afraid it may have taken too many layers already to be definable.

I love the Doc Oc Techmarine, although I think you need to do a Spiderman Marneus Calgar with a Space Shark emblem on one shoulder so he has a nemisis (and a freakin laser on his head!)

As a Kan Wall ork player, I have to say that one place my Dreads don't belong is in CC with your Dreads. Multiple I4 Str10 hits kill me before I get to return the favor. I'll do it with the Kans, just because they can take a few hits without being wiped out.

I see your point Heff. I was just thrilled that he'd scored a kill against an "equal". Actually played a game with my eldest over the weekend and the Iron Clad killed an Eldar Wraithlord as well. (I'm going to have to come up with kill marks for him or something.) Unfortunately my son rolled miserably with his Wraithlord so over the course of 3 CC rounds he only succeeded in stunning me once, while I steadily dropped wounds on the WL until it finally fell. Of course now he thinks I'm a liar when I tell him that I'd rather have the WL in that combat... *sigh*.

I tell you the assault launchers on the Iron Clad are subtle, but I'm convinced they continue to pay dividends.

Incredible looking conversion Gits, I don't think ou could have got a more dynamic pose if you had tried! The plasma cutter looks a little odd but maybe I will understand when it is painted. Everything else is perfect and I can see him as being a really 'standy out' model in the army.

Cain

Stained glass is done.



MoTF is progressing slowly but steadily. It's kind of uninspired I'm afraid, but should be painted to a decent standard. We'll see if I can put another hour in on it tonight.

That MotF is awesome. I'm confused by him running through the wall, but the whole thing looks cool. Is he equipped with a teleporter?

That glass window looks legit.
I mean real legit, knowing that its not glass doesnt seem to make it look non glass . That turned out amazing

No, he was moving across the wall to his right, then was startled by something to his left & is shifting position.

Here's tonight's progress... I'm all in.



There's still a lot of red on him that will disappear in a hurry once I get to the cables and such, just don't want to do them till last as it's what I handle him by.

just finished reading the entire thread took a while but it was worth it

regarding the motf OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that looks incredible cant wait to see it finished

The MOTF is looking great Gits. Not to mention the stained glass - quite the looker!

big mek pointi toof wrote:just finished reading the entire thread took a while but it was worth it

I didn't think some people would do that again, by now... Good job!

@ Gits : I really like how the MoTF is turning out... Great work on the stained glass!!!

Looking really good, you've got nothing to worry about

(apart from the impending deadline obviously, the painting is top-notch )

Hey Gits, i like how everything is turning out, the motf is looking nice. I can see what you are saying about the red, but the metallics and other detailing will break it up nicely.

Don't forget the objective marker that you still have to do though.

Atleast it will give you a mental break from the motf red-ness, if you need it.

And with Adepticon looming. GOOD LUCK, may the Emperor guide your hands and keep you from the curse of bad dice.

And good luck to the other Wardens, we look forward to hearing your war-stories.

on the top of one of the clamps (left in pic) there is a screw thing... I think it looks a little out of place.
your descision though.
THE MODEL IS GREAT!

I painted the torso and legs of my hunter-captain for my Mantis Warriors (I nead a name he's counts as Shrike) will get ics up ASAP
(I also made his command squad)


and Dantay, if I am not mistaken you need THREE objective pieces for adepticon

Thats excellent Gits, the stained glass window especially is so realistic its not even funny!

I love that stained glass.

I am so sad that I havent been able to follow this thread as close as I would have liked...but Git, you work is utterly amazing.

Hey nice Conver Git doc Oc would be proud, but with all seriousness I really like the intent on this one he really feels like he has to move
it's a really nicely posed model!

The stained glass is great btw!

DarthLakey wrote:on the top of one of the clamps (left in pic) there is a screw thing... I think it looks a little out of place.
your descision though.
THE MODEL IS GREAT!

That "screw bit" is part of the clamp, it's the bit that lets the jaws open wider I believe.


But he's looking good Gits, I like what you did with the stained glass, I may have to pinch that idea. Was it just done witht he GW washes?

Brother ... you got it under control.. looking forward to seeing it in person.. tomorrow..

SL

Have courage, faith and beer, my friend - it will be done!

inmygravenimage wrote:Have courage, faith and beer, my friend - it will be done!

sig'd

and i second this notion

Y'know Gitz...every time I visit your blog I just get more and more impressed with the quality of work your turning out...it's always a treat to see what you've added.
Fantastic work my friend...

speechless......
luckly i am on the internet so i can typ how awesome it is.

i know he needs 3, but his previous comments stated he had 1 left to make. Although he already has several.

Cant wait to see the army done & dusted. Have a blast at Adepticon

That stained glass is amazing Gits, and if it really bothers you just know that as inspired as that wall is, none but the most insulting people would comment on the MoTF being "uninspired" (who could say such a thing at all?!). Great model and I can't wait to see how you bring it all together.

Good luck at Adepticon! I will see you down there - make the home team proud!

Very nice Gitz. That base is awesome. And that Marine rocks.

Not sure when you're leaving, but good luck at Adepticon!
Wardens of the Maelstrom FTW!

Mindblowing work on that stained glass. So awsome.

The MoTF is coming along quite nicely. One you start hitting him with metallics, hes gonna be boss. No worries.

Hey guys. Sorry I've been so quiet. Had kind of a re-lapse on Wed & have be flat on my back since then. Solar's here how playing nurse maid (poor sod). Right now my trip to Adepticon is hanging on what my doctor says later today, but will try to do a quick finish job on my MoTF this morning so the army can go even if I cant.

If anyone there has no commitments for Saturday you might try and fine Ice Angel or Solar_lion (no idea how you'd do this) in case they're a man down. Hopefully not, but you never know. I don't want to see the team go down after all the work we put in, just because I got sick

Gits

O Noooo!
hope you're feeling better Gits (@Solar_lion, i think you may have to slip the doc a few bucks for a clean bill of health )
seriously though, that would be a kick in the i really hope you can go and show off your MW's in person.
Good luck and let us know what happens please

As long as you dont call him Nurse you will be ok.

I really hope you can make it. The whole experience would be lessoned without gaming with Git. But if Git is unable to attend and someone can fill his last spot shoot me a pm in dakka and we will work out the details. The wardens will sadly still continue without our captain if needed.