10842
Post by: djphranq
I'm participating in The Independent Characters' Hobby Progress Challenge.
The challenge is to build a fully painted and based 1850 point army with 400+ sideboard in time for Adepticon 2012.
(This is mostly repostings from my thread at the Independent Characters Forum)
For this challenge, I will be modeling a Tau Army. My heart was set on doing Space Marines... specifically an Ultramarines list with Sicarius. The reason I am not doing the Space Marines is because I have a commitment to pay off one of my credit cards before winter. This means I have frozen all leisure type purchases (so no new models). If I were to do the Space Marines list I would still need to buy more then 75% of what I need for it. I didn't want to break my commitment but I also didn't want to miss an opportunity to be part of a modeling challenge like this. The solution I came up with is that I had tons of Tau stuff that I hadn't messed with yet so I'll use that.
Though it isn't the army I wanted to build, I'm trying to look at some of the positive things to this compromise:
1. I'll get to build stuff.
2. I'll get to paint stuff.
3. I'd be challenging myself to really commit to building a 40k army (I had done plenty of Warmachines and Hordes armies but for some reason I could never stick to finishing a 40k army)
4. I'd finally get to experience Tau models/kits.
5. I'll have saved plenty of money since I have all the models/kits that I need for the list and sideboard.
6. I won't feel as bad if I don't finish this army than if I didn't finish an Ultramarines army. 
The main 1850 point list that I will build is sort of an infantry spam type of thing. Really what it is is 3 battleboxes worth of models plus some kroot hounds. I'd be using everything... EVERYTHING. The sideboard consists of some other models that were meant for a 'showcase' type of list I was planning to do for the Tau (it would have been a little more complex than 3 battleboxes).
*********************************************
The Tide for the Greater Good - Tau - 1850pts
*********************************************
**HQ**
*Commander Shas'o 248pts
-Shield Generator
-Missile Pod
-Flamer
-Failsafe Detonator
-Stimulant Injector
Bodygaurd x2
-Flamer
-Fusion Blaster
-Target Lock
-Hard-wired Multi-tracker
**Elite**
*Stealthsuits 157pts
Team Leader
-Targeting Array
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
*Stealthsuits 157pts
Team Leader
-Targeting Array
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
*Stealthsuits 157pts
Team Leader
-Targeting Array
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
**Troop**
*Fire Warriors 200pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Fire Warriors 200pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Fire Warriors 200pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
**Fast Attack**
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*********
SIDEBOARD 400pts
*********
*Pirahna Light Skimmer 75pts
Pirahna Light Skimmer
-Fusion Blaster
-Decoy Launchers
-Disruption Pod
*Hammerhead Gunship 170pts
Hammerhead Gunship
-Railgun
-Smart Missile System
-Decoy Launchers
-Disruption Pod
*Sky Ray Missile Defence Gunship 155pts
Sky Ray Missile Defence Gunship
-Smart Missile System
-Decoy Launchers
-Disruption Pod
****
Plan
****
June/July
-Build all models
-Prime all models
August
-Paint 12 Firewarriors
-Paint 12 Kroot
September
-Paint 12 Firewarriors
-Paint 12 Kroot
October
-Paint 12 Firewarriors
-Paint 12 Kroot
November
-Paint 9 stealth suits
-Paint 3 Crisis Suits
-Paint 21 Drones
December
-Paint 1 Pirahna
-Paint 1 Sky Ray
January
-Paint 2 Devilfish
February
-Paint 1 Devilfish
-Paint 1 Hammerhead
March
-Base all models
April
-Try my best to get to Adepticon
******
******
******
JUNE/JULY START
My Goal for July (and part of June) is to have all models built and primed.
The following are already built (they were built by the previous owner of the models):
8 Kroot
7 Firewarriors
1 Commander
2 Marker drones
8 Kroot Hounds
4 Stealthsuits
of the above the following are primed white (again... by the previous owner... I plan to reprime some of these)
1 Commander
2 Marker drones
4 Stealthsuits
'Before' Pictures:
Here is what is built. Some of it is primed. I'm thinking I might reprime them black. The Commander suit is going to need to be modified a little bit. I need to take off one of the missile pods.
Here are the kroot hounds that still need to be built(I got part way through two of them before I remembered I needed before pictures).
Here is one battlebox. You'll notice sprues have already been snipped. That was from the previous owner's work on the models mentioned above.
Here is another battlebox. Most everything in here is untouched except for bits for a marker drone, a stealthsuit, and a missile pod.
Here is a battlebox with all sprues untouched. The previous owner never got around to touching these.
Here is a pirahna still on sprue.
Here is a Sky Ray still on sprue. You know what's cool? There is a sprue if you want to make a Hammerhead. I guess for the turret bits.
Here is a Hammerhead still on sprue. Practically the same as the Sky Ray content except there is no sprue with the seeker missile stuff.
11295
Post by: Fattimus_maximus
This sounds good man, nice and organized. Good luck!
34935
Post by: Evaelc
Sounds like a lot of painting. enjoy.
10842
Post by: djphranq
Evaelc wrote:Sounds like a lot of painting. enjoy.
It will be. That has been one of my challenges with big armies. The sheer volume of models to paint seems overwhelming to me. I'm pretty good with stuff for skirmish games because they usually use small groups of models at a time. But large projects I usually lose momentum to paint. I'm hoping with some sort of structure in making this army I'll be able to tackle the job of painting... maybe do a little at a time as if I was doing skirmish groups.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS
Started a bit of work last night and did a bit today. Cleaned off the bits of the kroothounds in the blisters. Did my best to take off flash, vents, or whatever all the excess from the molds is called. Did some butchering as well. Remedied a couple representation problems that I had with a couple models. Tomorrow I'll start construction on some Fire warriors and maybe some Kroot.
PICTURES:
Here are some of the Kroot Hound bits filed/cleaned.
I gave the bits a rinse. I usually do this with metal stuff. Haven't done so with plastic yet.
Bits are all dry and ready.
Here are they assembled.
Next up I green stuffed some gaps in the bases so that when I based them the sand wouldn't fall through.
I was over zealous clipping the leg bit to this bugger so I had to sort of fill in the clipped part.
Here are the 8 that were already built.
I thought that I might as well fill in their base gaps as well.
This fellow doesn't belong with my Tide. He has a drone controller. At first I was going to leave him be. But then I got to figuring if I'm going to bother green stuffing the kroot hound trouble spots maybe I can do something about this guy.
At first I thought to pry off the arm. That only ended up in the head falling off. That's a real good bond on the arm.
New plan. And it involves this grenade and some green stuff.
First I cut off the Fire Warrior's hand and drone controller device.
What I ended up doing was green stuffing a hand around the grenade and sticking that on to the arm.
Not too bad I think for my first attempt and free style green stuffing. I've mostly only used green stuff for helping with bonds/joints. I haven't done much sculpting with it.
Next on the chopping block was the Commander. He has one two many missile pods. It looks cool and all but I was afraid it would confuse my opponent into thinking they were twin-linked.
The pod came off easy enough using just my hands.
Now I have a pod that I can use on one of the other Crisis suits.
10842
Post by: djphranq
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 2
Due to some modeling decisions I have changed my list. The Commander now has a fusion blaster instead of the flamer. I added photon grenades to my Fire Warriors. I like the look of them throwing grenades so I thought I'd incorporate it into the list. The stealthsuit leaders are no more. I managed to keep the drone controllers though by sacrificing the targeting array for one suit. I made the change for the stealthsuit units to make room for the photon grenades.
**HQ**
*Commander Shas'o 256pts
-Shield Generator
-Missile Pod
-Fusion Blaster
-Hard-wired Multi-tracker
-Stimulant Injector
Bodygaurd x2
-Flamer
-Fusion Blaster
-Target Lock
-Hard-wired Multi-tracker
**Elite**
*Stealthsuits 142pts
Stealthsuit
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
*Stealthsuits 142pts
Stealthsuit
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
*Stealthsuits 142pts
Stealthsuit
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
**Troop**
*Fire Warriors 212pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Photon Grenade
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Fire Warriors 212pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Photon Grenade
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Fire Warriors 212pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Photon Grenade
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
**Fast Attack**
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
************
Some modeling work.
I did another modification to the commander. I constructed on some Fire Warriors, Kroot, and Gun Drones. It was a very different experience from constructing Space Marines, in my opinion. The work seemed to be more delicate... or it could just be that my technique is changing. Next work that I'll do will be more infantry from one of the other battleboxes. Pretty much more Fire Warriors, more Kroot, and more Gun Drones.
PICTURES:
I decided to go for removing the flamer on the Commander. I sort of forced it onto my list because it was modeled on the suit. But I figured I could take it off.
I then replaced the flamer with a fusion blaster. He now has the same weaponry as his bodyguards.
Before building anything I decided to clean up some of the already built stuff.
Some of the models, like this Fire Warrior, still had some plastic from where its pieces were snipped from the sprue. I shaved the excess off with a hobby knife.
After cleaning the already built models. I broke out the sprues for the remaining Fire Warriors from the battlebox.
One sprue still had all the bits.
Another sprue maybe had enough for one more Fire Warrior.
I had one gun arm but no matching opposite arm to hold it.
I took a look at what I had to work with. The grenade arm is something I'll use.
Again, I revisit one the drone controller arms. It will be the subject of some butchery like its predecessor.
I was going to make use of the pulse rifle that had no arms connected to it.
I made some cuts in the drone controller arm and the pulse rifle.
I put the modified drone controller arm and pulse rifle arm together.
I made use of the drone controller hand from my earlier work. I needed one of the antennae.
I needed the antennae from the drone controller hand because I lost the original one for the helmet. I think it made an adequate replacement.
Haha! Look what I found... a gun arm and opposite arm pair that I could have used. I just needed to check the bottom of the battlebox. Its cool though... I'm still going to use my modifications.
Here is my first Fire Warrior with modifications part way done.
I used the other sprue to build 4 more Fire Warriors. I again utilized the grenade arm. I just think it makes them more dynamic.
Time to work on the remaining Kroot from the battlebox. Here's a complete sprue.
I used a gun arm and opposite arm from this sprue. There was a particular pair on the complete sprue that I wanted to use but it was missing a bit.
After some delicate construction, I had my first Kroot that I've ever built.
To finish up my construction for the evening I broke out the drone sprues from the battlebox.
Here is my first gun drone. I like it. There's simplicity to its construction but it looks like a nice piece I think.
Here is the rest of the drones built. 4 for a unit and 2 for a devilfish.
31320
Post by: Knightley
Looking good!
I like that you've given your self a time frame to get items done by as well.
Subbed
34935
Post by: Evaelc
I really like the basing you have done on the drone. have you decided on a colour scheme for your army yet?
10842
Post by: djphranq
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 3
Some Tau from a trade arrived today: 24 Fire Warriors, 12 Kroot, 10 Gun Drones, 3 stealth suits, 1 crisis suit, and 2 devilfish.
I picked 12 out of the 24 Fire Warriors to use. Some had fish heads that I changed out. A bunch had drone controllers. While I didn't use them in the unit I was forming I did use the antennae from the drone controllers. For the Fire Warriors I picked out. They were missing their helmet antennae.
The Kroot were primed green. One was painted a little bit. Three of them had a pose I had wanted to reserve to indicate the Shaper. So I'll probably need some other way to distinguish the Shaper. These kroot didn't have their shoulderpads so I made some.
The Stealth Suits were generally how I needed them with the exception of some of the bits. One had an extra bit on its back. Another, that had a drone controller, needed the antennae repaired. Other than that weaponry was just fine.
The Crisis Suit needed a bit of work. I needed to remove an extra bit on its soldier as well as a shield generator on one of its arms. The weaponry was half correct for what I wanted. It had a missile pod on its shoulder, but for one of its arms it had a plasma rifle.
The Devilfish were in need of a bit of repair. I mostly had to remove extra bits I didn't need like seeker missiles, a set of sensor spines, and a couple Targeting Arrays. One of the Devilfish needed an engine glued back on. Both needed their flying stand holes repaired. Both had pieces of flight stands broken off in the whole. A little repair took care of that.
The Gun Drones and one Marker Drone were generally okay. I had to fix the flight stand for one. Other than that they are pretty much ready for use.
I also put together the last of the Fire Warriors that I would need. This brings the total to 36 (3 teams of 12). Once I got them finished I added another touch to all the Fire Warriors which was putting on grenades.
Tomorrow I'm thinking I'll put together the last of the infantry (kroot, stealth suits, crisis suit).
Pictures:
2 Devilfish modeled with some extras I don't need.
3 Stealth suits mostly done how I need them.
1 Crisis Suit with a bunch of stuff I'll need to change.
This Plasma Rifle will have to go to make room for a fusion blaster.
This sheild generator is unnecessary.
...so is this positional relay.
Drones. They were generally good to go.
There were 24 Fire Warriors total from this lot.
A couple fish heads that would be replaced.
Drone controller Fire warriors that I won't need except maybe for spare parts.
You'll notice a lot of the Fire Warriors are missing antennae.
Here is a damaged small flight stand.
Here is a damaged bigger flight stand.
12 Kroot already primed green. Notice they are lacking shoulder pads over their left shoulder.
These three had the pose I had hoped to reserve for Shapers only.
This one Kroot was painted. It isn't anything that I can't work with.
Using the antennae from the drone controllers I fixed up the Fire Warriors' helmets.
12 Fire Warriors to add to the fray.
Here is the hole to where the flying stand was to go. Its clogged with a broken piece from the stand.
I used a pin vise to drill through and a file to widen the hole so that the broken bigger flight stand could fit in the hole.
The other Devil fish I used only the pin vise since I had a flying stand that still had its peg in place to be able to fit in the hole.
The engine needs to be glued back on.
This seeker missile has to go.
Sensor spines that need to be removed.
Another seeker missile to be removed
A targeting array that'll go away.
Was able to remove off the extra bits.
The drone controller on this stealth suit is missing an antennae.
This stealth suit has this extra bit that I don't need.
Using another Fire Warrior Drone Controller Antennae I was able to repair the Stealth Suit drone controller.
The extra back bit on the other Stealth Suit was no problem to remove.
Here are the extra bits from the stealth suits and devilfish.
This flight stand was easy enough to fix. I clipped the original stand from the base and replaced it with one that still had its top peg.
I managed to remove the positional relay from the shoulder of the Crisis Suit as well as clip part of the plasma rifle.
I was able to pry the shield generator. It left a bit of a mess but I plan to use it sort of as battle damage.
An extra Fusion Blaster bit from a piranha kit.
I clipped part of the Fusion Blaster so it could go in the place where the plasma rifle barrel was.
Presto! Fusion Blaster on this Crisis Suit.
I'm looking to do something about this guy. I'm really going for a non fishhead army.
The Fire warriors and suits repaired and ready for priming.
For the Kroot I decided to green stuff my own shoulder pads.
They aren't perfect but I think I like the kind of random 'hand made' look of them.
Got the assembly line thing going on with the last Fire Warriors I'll need. Legs and Torsos with backpacks.
Heads with antennae.
Part way there. Just need heads and shoulder pads.
12 more Fire warriors to add to the army. All Fire Warriors are done... or are they?
I decided to use these grenades on my Fire Warriors.
I clipped each pair to be able to spread the amount I had across all the Fire Warriors.
NOW all Fire Warriors are done. Ready for priming.
44269
Post by: Haonn
Looking good, nice idea with the spare antanae.
34612
Post by: Ledabot
that thing you thought was a positional relay is a multi-tracker. Are you trying for a competive army or just looks because some wargear choices could do with improving.
31320
Post by: Knightley
looking good.
Great update with lots of detail, can't wait to see some paint on this lot 
10842
Post by: djphranq
Ledabot wrote:that thing you thought was a positional relay is a multi-tracker. Are you trying for a competive army or just looks because some wargear choices could do with improving.
Mostly just looks. I'm working with what I have without having to spend any money plus I wanted to utilize as much of what I had as I could which meant sacrificing some upgrades to make room for units/models.
But what do you suggest as far as wargear?
Evaelc wrote:I really like the basing you have done on the drone. have you decided on a colour scheme for your army yet?
The basing was done by the previous owner of the models. I hope to emulate what he's done. its pretty neat.
As for a color scheme, the main color for the army will be P3 Sanguine Base. I'm thinking mostly that will be for the Fire Warriors, devilfish, Sky Ray, Hammerhead and gun drones. I'm not sure if I want to use the same color on the suits and marker drones. Each Kroot unit will be a different color sort of to signify different tribes or something.
34612
Post by: Ledabot
djphranq wrote:Ledabot wrote:that thing you thought was a positional relay is a multi-tracker. Are you trying for a competive army or just looks because some wargear choices could do with improving.
Mostly just looks. I'm working with what I have without having to spend any money plus I wanted to utilize as much of what I had as I could which meant sacrificing some upgrades to make room for units/models.
But what do you suggest as far as wargear?
Pritty much, when it comes to suits, you want as much plasma as possable. The things are nuts at killing everything and no 'gets hot!'
Multi tracker let you fire both weapons every turn, you get twice the shooting!
Both great upgrades and the multis only 5 pts!
10842
Post by: djphranq
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 4
I've modified the 1850 list again... just the HQ stuff. I didn't realize how my suits were kitted out. I thought I had given everyone Fusion Blasters and Missile pods. Turns out the Bodyguards had flamers instead of missile pods. I've changed them to where they have the missile pods now. This meant juggling some points. On the Commander, I dropped the Stimulant Injector and replaced it with a bonding knife. I could have opted for a target lock but I doubt I'll be spreading fire with these guys. For the Bodyguards, aside from the weaponry change, I took out the Target Locks. Other than that the list stayed the same. I've gone through the list to make sure I didn't have any other weird things.
**HQ**
*Commander Shas'o 257pts
-Shield Generator
-Missile Pod
-Fusion Blaster
-Hard-wired Multi-tracker
-Bonding Knife
Bodygaurd x2
-Missile Pods
-Fusion Blaster
-Multi-tracker
**Elite**
*Stealthsuits 142pts
Stealthsuit
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
*Stealthsuits 142pts
Stealthsuit
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
*Stealthsuits 142pts
Stealthsuit
-Hard-wired Drone Controller
-Marker Drone
Stealthsuit
-Fusion Blaster
-Targeting Array
Stealthsuit
-Targeting Array
**Troop**
*Fire Warriors 212pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Photon Grenade
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Fire Warriors 212pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Photon Grenade
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Fire Warriors 212pts
Fire Warriors x12
-Photon Grenade
-Pulse Rifle
Devilfish
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
*Kroot Carnivores 129pts
Kroot Carnivores x11
Kroot Shaper
Kroot Hounds x4
**Fast Attack**
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
*Gun Drone Squadron 48pts
Gun Drones x4
************
Some Modeling Work.
I remedied the fish head that was a tank commander for one of the Devilfish. I had spare Fire Warriors so I took the head off one of those and replaced the fish head with it.
I put together the last of the Kroot I would need. The arms, shoulder pads, and decorative bits were kind of tough to put on. I've abandoned the idea of making the 'knife guy' the Shaper since the other squad of Kroot (the green one) has 3 'knife guys'. I'll play with colorization to distinguish the Shaper.
Next update, I'll work on the Suits. I have 3 to put together (2 Stealth Suits and 1 Crisis Suit) and 2 to retouch (2 built Crisis Suits). Maybe I'll throw in the Gun Drones, too.
Pictures:
I swapped out the fish head for a helmet head on the tank commander.
Time to build some kroot.
Assembly lining it again just like with the Fire Warriors. Here are the legs.
Got the bodies, arms, and heads on.
Here they are with shoulder pads.
Here are some of them with decorative bits.
12 Kroot ready for priming!
All 36 Kroot are now built and ready for priming.
26170
Post by: davethepak
Thanks for sharing!
I love your progress reports on the build.
That is a very interesting list you have there.
It will certainly support a very unique play style (all close range for your anti tank). I personally use a lot more missile pods, but thats just the way I like to play.
Please keep up with the updates...and best of luck!
10842
Post by: djphranq
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 5
A lot of construction today. I had a super early shift today and don't have to be at work tomorrow till a later shift so I spent the half the rest of my day building. First I did some work on two of the built Crisis Suits. I added a multi-tracker to each of them (I had mistakenly clipped it off one thinking it was a positional relay...my bad). After fixing up those suits I built a mostly fresh one. I say mostly because everything but an arm and a plasma rifle were on the sprue. I had to convert another plasma rifle into a fusion blaster. After the Crisis Suit work, I built the last of the Stealth Suits I would need (2 more). After that I worked on the last of the Gun Drones I would need. I had finished building my infantry. At first I was thinking of stopping there for the day but I still had the itch to build something. I built the last of the Devilfish that I would need and a Piranha. So now my 1850 pt list is fully built and part of my sideboard has been started. Tomorrow I'll work on the Sky Ray and the Hammerhead.
Pictures:
I had mistakenly clipped this guy's multi-tracker off.
This is the crisis suit that had two missile pods. I put a fresh multi-tracker on his shoulder where the extra missile pod was
Both of these Crisis Suits are now fully built.
Here is the sprue for another Crisis Suit.
One of the arms was already attached to a plasma rifle.
I was able to convert the plasma rifle into a fusion blaster like I did with one of the previous suits.
Here is the suit built. I should have taken more progress pictures as I built it.
Here is the sprue containing the last two Stealth Suits I would need.
One with a burst cannon and drone controller...
...and another one with a fusion blaster.
Sprues for the last of the Gun Drones I would need.
It was super easy to get these built.
Here they are ready to prime.
Here are the sprues for the Piranha.
It was pretty fun just getting this first part built.
Here are the wings and fusion blaster.
Here are the crew. They weren't as hard as I thought they would be to build. Easier than Land Speeder crew men, I think.
Here is the Piranha and Gun Drones ready to prime.
Here are the sprues to the last Devilfish that I would need.
Here it is built. Again I forgot to take progress pictures.
Here is the 1850 pt list plus Piranha all built. Next Up are the Hammerhead and Sky Ray.
Here is my 'pro' storage system. It holds all my infantry...
...and all my vehicles.
10842
Post by: djphranq
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 6
This evening I built the Sky Ray. It proved a little more challenging than I had expected. Given that it was kind of complicated (to me) to put together, I'm quite content with the result. The Devilfish-y part wasn't hard; business as usual. It was the missile turret that proved to be some real work. What didn't help was that some of the pieces wouldn't fit together; parts were slightly bigger then the slots they were meant for. Filing helped with that. Even with the turret put together, I faced another problem. The turret wouldn't stay up; I had forgotten to use a bit that would have kept it up. I was able to remedy it with some cutting and strategic positioning of the bit. Next up is the Hammerhead. I'll take care of that next session. That will be the last thing I need to build then I should have all 1850 points PLUS 400 Points for the sideboard built.
Pictures:
Sprues for the Sky Ray.
I didn't realize it at first but, this sprue just wasn't extra Hammerhead bits... it contains the smart missile systems I'll need.
This was the easy part; the Devilfish chassis.
Here are the Sky Ray parts built. The turret was definitely a challenge (I probably should have taken progress pics  ).
Here is the Sky Ray and Devilfish parts altogether... uh oh... the turret doesn't stay up.
I forgot to use this bit; It would have kept the turret from toppling over.
A diced up the bit a bit and glued it into the turret far enough for what I wanted.
Yay! Now I can sort of tuck the turret into place and it will stay up... plus its removable. If I had used the other bit as intended, I wouldn't be able to remove the turret in case I wanted another Devilfish or something.
There was a bit that was supposed to go here but I couldn't find it on the sprues. I don't remember cutting it off either. But it absence doesn't detract from the model overall so its cool.
44705
Post by: monti14
Awesome. Good luck. Look forward to seeing your progress.
34935
Post by: Evaelc
I'm liking it so far. can't wait to see them painted although may I suggest taking out the gundrones for suits with plasma missile pod multi tracker as that is way more effective than drones will ever be. However if you prefer the drones they have some uses too.
anyway once again, good work
10842
Post by: djphranq
Thank you for all the luck and compliments folks! The encouragement helps.
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Post by: Ledabot
I love how they're going. Keep at it!
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Post by: bunnygurl
This thread is getting me not just a little bit excited... o_O And just a touch motivated to bust out a few of my models that have been sitting around gathering dust for a while. You've definitely got a great rhythm going. Keep it up, I'm cheering for you.
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Post by: djphranq
Thanks Bunny!
I'm really excited as well... If I stick to this hobby challenge, this will be the first 40k army that I will have completed ever. The closest I've gotten was painting 28 Ultramarines with boltguns. Automatically Appended Next Post: JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 7
This afternoon I built the last model for my project... the Hammerhead. It was pretty easy to put together. I'd say easier than the Sky Ray definitely. So now all 1850 + 400 pts are built! Yay!
I may have been a little premature when stating in my other entries that things were 'ready to prime'. Now that I think about it, the only models really ready to prime are the Kroothounds. I need to go over the plastic models again and see if I can get them a little 'cleaner' (cut extra bits of plastic... file/sand down some spots... that sort of thing).
Pictures:
Here are the sprues for the Hammerhead.
Got the Devilfish part built. It went pretty quick. I think I like this kit as much as the Space Marine Rhinos.
Here are the Hammerhead parts.
I used the tank commander from one of the Devilfish for the railgun turret. He's pretty much a kind of spotter.
I built another closed hatch part to trade for that tank commander. Now my Devilfish will be sort of uniform.
Here is the finished Hammerhead.
I'm getting the Kroothounds ready for priming.
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Post by: djphranq
JUNE/JULY PROGRESS 8 ***GOAL COMPLETED***
This afternoon, I started the priming. This evening, I finished the priming.
I started with the Kroothounds. For them I used a light grey sandable auto primer. I've had a history of 'cracks' appearing on the coat when using this primer sometimes but it was the only light primer I had available. The coverage turned out just fine. I would do one side of the model, let it dry, then turn it over.
In between, drying sessions for the primer coats, I started inspecting my infantry for bits of plastic that I could shave/cut off. Everything was pretty clean.
I originally had intended only to prime the Kroothounds and Kroot Carnivores today. I ended up doing everything. I felt so motivated and the priming didn't take as long for each set of models as I thought it would.
For the Carnivores I used the same grey primer as with the Kroothounds. For the infantry and vehicles I used some Chaos Black, and when that ran out on me I broke out the P3 Black Primer.
I overestimated how long it would take to get everything built and primed. I probably could have done something a little more different, elaborate with my goal. I'm totally going to re-examine my plan for the project. This includes making a personal goal for July itself since this June/July goal was finished about a week before the end of the month.
For the next couple of days I'm going to take a bit of a break... maybe work on some other models.
At the beginning of July I'll start painting.
Pictures:
Everything is primed. Goal Completed!
Three of these bases were already painted up when I received some of the models. I plan to copy what they did.
I kept these Carnivores with their green primer.
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Post by: lunarghost
Really liking the work, lots of nice pics, really great updates, and your actually getting work done. Less than i can say for my own blog.
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Post by: djphranq
lunarghost wrote:Really liking the work, lots of nice pics, really great updates, and your actually getting work done. Less than i can say for my own blog.
We'll see if I can keep it up... this is about as far as I've gotten with other 40k armies I've worked on. I'm hoping this time I stay the course.
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS START
I have reorganized my plan for the project. I was able to get the June/July goal of building and priming well before July started so I'm giving myself another goal for July separately. I've changed around how I'll be doing the painting now that I have more of a grasp on the colors I'll be using. I'll start off with units in the army that will have the 'main' color (Fire Warriors, Drones, Crisis Suits, and vehicles. Next will be the models that will vary from the main color (Commander suit and Stealth Suits). After that, I'll move into painting the Kroot units. Finally, I'll base everything for the last month/goal.
For my July goal, I plan to paint 24 Fire Warriors before the month is done.
The colors I'll be using: P3 Sanguine Base and Sanguine Highlight for the 'main' color; P3 Bastion Grey for the body/jump suit under the armor; P3 Menoth White Base and Menoth White Highlight for trim; Vallejo Model Color Dark Grey for the weapons/'metallics'; Vallejo Model Color Light Green and Lime Green for helmet scopes/visors/whatever they're called; and Vallejo Model Color Black and White to help with shading and highlights.
****
Plan Ver 2
****
July
-Paint 24 Fire Warriors
August
-Paint 12 Fire Warriors
-Paint 21 Drones
September
-Paint 2 Bodyguard Crisis Suits
-Paint Loose Vehicle parts
October
-Paint 3 Devilfish
November
-Paint 1 Sky Ray
-Paint 1 Hammerhead
-Paint 1 Piranha
December
-Paint 1 Commander Suit
-Paint 9 Stealth Suits
January
-Paint 24 Kroot Carnivores
February
-Paint 12 Kroot Carnivores
-Paint 12 Kroot Hounds
March
-Base everything
April
-Adepticon (maybe... unlikely... :( )
Pictures:
Here are the Fire Warriors I will paint this month.
Here are the paints I'll be using.
Here are the variety of brushes I'll be playing with.
Here is the palette that is going to get a lot of use.
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Post by: bunnygurl
Let the mayhem begin! The painting part's what really gets me buzzing.
EDIT: P.S. Don't feel bad about never finishing an army. I've been doing this for 10 years and I've never finished an army over 500pts.
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Post by: Stretch
Nice work so far! I like how your goals for each month are very acheivable and not overwhelming. I have similar problems when it comes to finishing a project ie: never have finished even a single squad let alone an army lol. Keep the train rolling and good luck!
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS
This past Saturday I gave my army a test run on the battlefield. It was my first time playing in a little more than 2 years. The army didn't do too well but I'm just happy I remembered most of the game's rules and mechanics.
I'm getting a bit worried. It's 6 days into the month and I've only got started on work today.
I'm starting with the jump suits of the Fire Warriors. I changed my mind about the colors and am going for Menoth White Base to be the color of the jump suits while Bastion Grey will be for trim. I didn't work on too many models today. I had tons of laundry that needed to get done and I tried to paint in between loads. Tomorrow, after I get my workout out of the way I'm going to devote my evening to getting more done.
The P3 paint is going to be a little difficult to work with. It seems to dry up faster on my palette than other stuff. Then again I haven't done large volume painting with P3 paints... I'm usually doing one model at a time. I tried adding water but that didn't help too much. I'm wondering if its the color in particular. I might just go directly from the pot tomorrow.
Pictures:
I did some juggling of some models and was able to empty out a Citadel case for use with my Tau infantry. Now I just need something proper for my vehicles... most likely I'll go to Sabol products for that... or maybe I'll check out KR Multicase stuff.
The first model to get paint.
This is all I got done amidst catching up on business transactions, getting laundry done, and working out... too much to do.
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Post by: bunnygurl
I'm sorry....I giggled slightly 'cause we are like two freakin' peas in a pod. I'd say give up if there were only 10 days in a month, but there's not. There's approximately 30 (I can never remember what month has what save February), so keep plugging away, and I'll be here to cheer you on if you need a boost.
Good luck and tell laundry to get bent.
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Post by: Evaelc
now that there's painting I will be watching more closely. good work so far.
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Post by: djphranq
I would have done more painting tonight if it weren't for overtime at work. At least I'm getting extra money for more mini's. 
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS 2
I worked on more Fire Warriors this afternoon and evening. I did the basecoat for the jumpsuits. I got through 18 models. It's taking a little quicker than I thought. Tomorrow I'll basecoat more jumpsuits and will get started on some shading and highlighting. I switched between painting from the pot and painting from a palette. I think I'll go for painting from the palette from now on. It made things go a little faster.
Pictures:
Here are six I got done before taking a break after a little more than an hour.
Here are the last of the 'grenadier' models.
Here are four more I worked on after my little break.
Here are four that I worked on after another break.
The results of this afternoon/evening's work.
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Post by: GreyDeathOne
Loving your Tau progress!  mine is still on stasis  I should dust mine off after I am done with myDark Angels. Keep up the great work.
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Post by: bunnygurl
Nicely done. Good to see you putting that brush to hard labor.
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Post by: djphranq
bunnygurl wrote:Nicely done. Good to see you putting that brush to hard labor.
My brushes are going to get a real workout this weekend! I'll work them so hard they'll wish they were doing aerobics instead.
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Post by: Ledabot
Im going to need to do some painting soon. im nowere as fast as you seem to be though.
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Post by: djphranq
Ledabot wrote:Im going to need to do some painting soon. im nowere as fast as you seem to be though.
What I have in speed, I wish I had in quality and ability. I could probably stand to slow down and take my time and do a better job. Automatically Appended Next Post: JULY PROGRESS 3
Basecoated the last of the jumpsuits on the Fire Warriors. On a whim I decided to apply P3 Flesh Wash to all of them... sort of for shading... or something. I then went over the raised areas with the P3 Menoth White Base. Next up I think I'll try highlighting with P3 Menoth White Highlight. (This blog seems underwhelming for the amount of work I did today... maybe I should have done this ALL IN CAPS!!!!111!!!!)
Pictures:
I finished basecoating the jumpsuits.
I applied a wash to act as shading.
I went over the raised areas with the same color I used for the basecoat. Next up will come some highlighting.
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Post by: Ledabot
What colour is the rest going to be again?
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Post by: djphranq
Ledabot wrote:What colour is the rest going to be again?
The armor will be P3 Sanguine Base... its basically burgundy. That will be for the Fire Warriors, Vehicles, Crisis Suits, and Gun Drones. For the Stealth Suits and the Marker Drones I'm thinking of a dark green and for the Commander Suit I'm thinking red.
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Post by: bunnygurl
I like how the wash/highlight is looking so far, but I think you missed the back/underside of their heads? I could be wrong, but that's just what it looks like from the last pic.
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Post by: djphranq
bunnygurl wrote:I like how the wash/highlight is looking so far, but I think you missed the back/underside of their heads? I could be wrong, but that's just what it looks like from the last pic.
Yeah... I sort of left those alone. The wash didn't cover them too much and I'm thinking of leaving them without highlights to add to its 'shaded' aspect.
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS 4
I finished the highlighting on the jumpsuits. I used a mix of P3 Menoth White Base and P3 Menoth White Highlight with some water for the final highlight (like a 2/3/1 mix). Originally I didn't want to highlight the underside of the washed helmets but then I changed my mind and added highlight to those areas as well. For those keeping score, I started with a basecoat of P3 Menoth White, then washed with P3 Flesh Wash, then went over the raised areas with P3 Menoth White Base, and finally highlighted with a mix of P3 Menoth White Base and P3 Menoth White Highlight. Next I'll be starting on the Armor. I look forward to that since that's what I really dig about the Tau Fire Warriors.
Pictures:
I'm not sure if you can really notice the highlight in this picture.
...nor in these pictures.
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Post by: bunnygurl
Good to see you plugging away. Thought I'd let you know that watching you working your backside off to finish this army by your deadline has spurred me on to work on my list of to-do's. I've actually gotten alot done in the past couple of days, so thanks.
Good luck and happy painting.
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Post by: inmygravenimage
Great blog mate. The attention to detail - in both your modelling and your account thereof - is fascinating, and really informative. Good stuff!
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS 5
I started on the armor of the Tau Fire Warriors this afternoon/evening. So far I've gotten 4 done. It took me 3 hours. The pace is not as quick as I'd like it but I like how the models are turning out so far. I can't help but think of my first Ultramarines, and how I rushed their basecoating of armor. The care I'm taking now with these models, I wish I had taken with the Ultramarines. ANYWAY... 4 down... a bunch more to go. After I post this I will continue painting till I hit the hay or until I've exhausted my Weezer catalogue.
Pictures:
Here is the first warrior with some armored parts painted.
Here he is with his armor done.
This is the second one I got done. I like this one a little better because you can see the torso details.
After about an hour and a half, I got two done.
...and after 3 I got done 2 more for a total of 4.
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Post by: inmygravenimage
Lovely, muted colour scheme. Really like it!
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Post by: Ledabot
Looking good.
(add an emotionless coment today!)
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Post by: djphranq
Thanks for the compliments!
I'm wondering now if I should have gone with something more purple or blue so I could make them resemble Invids from Robotech.
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Post by: Ledabot
Your decision.
I personally like anything with white and blue. Purple, not so much. It could go wrong easily.
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Post by: Evaelc
I like the colour scheme, It's looking great.
(emotionless coment added)
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS 6
Finally got the basecoating of the main color for the armor done. Took a lot longer than I thought it would. Next up are highlights. Hopefully that won't take as long. Then after that I'll work on the other colors for the shoulder pads.
Honestly I'm starting to have a little bit of doubt that I can stick to this project. Painting Fire Warrior after Fire Warrior was kind of daunting itself... but knowing that I have to try to keep to a schedule is making it a bit stressful. I'm going over my plan and I'm not sure if I can hold to it. I plan to do more changes to it. On the brightside I'm close to beating my mark. Last time I painted a 40k army (or tried to) I never finished more than some troops. Once I finish these Fire Warriors I'll be at the mark... and when I get started on the vehicles I'll have passed it. That's something to look forward to. Plus the comments and stuff from you folks are very encouraging. Thank You.
Pictures:
Steadily getting through the Fire Warriors.
The final Fire Warrior (just for the basecoating step).
Ready for some highlighting.
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Post by: Ledabot
Whooooo! go for the goal. Goals are great motervators, and once you get their, keep going. make it your new goal to see how fast you can get everything done.
but not to fast. we still want them to look good.
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Post by: djphranq
The Tide for the Greater Good - July 17, 2011
JULY PROGRESS 7
I did highlighting today. Actually I'm not sure if you'd call it highlighting. Maybe its just putting another layer of paint on. Whatever it is I'm doing, I'm pleased with the results of tonight's work. On top of the Sanguine Base I put a layer of Sanguine Base mixed with Sanguine Highlight. I didn't see too much of a difference so I added a layer of just the Highlight by itself and it looked a little better. Tomorrow I'm going to work on the shoulder pads. They're a small area to paint so hopefully I'll be able to get it done pretty quick and move to weapons the day after.
Pictures:
After the first layer/highlight. It's real subtle. I can barely see it myself.
Here is after the second layer/highlight.
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Post by: bunnygurl
Please don't give up. I won't give up if you don't. (And if you've seen my list you'd understand). I love how they're looking. Very different and unique. Don't stop.
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Post by: Evaelc
Do you like the P3 formula paints?
just curious as I use GW paints.
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Post by: Ledabot
Well every colour he has named is p3
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Post by: djphranq
Evaelc wrote:Do you like the P3 formula paints?
just curious as I use GW paints.
I'm still on the fence in regards to P3 Vs. GW paints. I've mostly used P3 because that's what I started painting with when I started tabletop gaming. I amassed a lot of P3 colors before I started trying out other paints. I've only tried a couple GW paints and thought they were good but I just haven't used enough of them yet to really decide if I like one more than the other. One thing I can tell you though is that I like Vallejo Model Color more than either (though I don't have many colors from that line). It seems easier to use and the dropper bottle is a little more convenient than the pots I think. I'm starting to try out Reaper Master Series paints which are nice but the agitator in the bottle keeps sticking.
EDIT: One reason I'm using a lot of P3 colors with this project is that its what I have the most of right now so I know I won't have to worry about running out for this project... also I'm trying to use up as much of my P3 stuff as I can to make room for more Vallejo Model Color and Reaper Master Series paints.
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Post by: Ledabot
Nice. Thanks for your opinion. Its looking good to, (I forgot to say)
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Post by: djphranq
Ledabot wrote:Nice. Thanks for your opinion. Its looking good to, (I forgot to say)
Thanks. I hope to have more work to show tomorrow. I'm really excited about doing the Tau emblems on the shoulder pads.
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Post by: Ledabot
Cool, looking forward to it
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Post by: inmygravenimage
I'm swapping from everything bar washes to Vallejo a lot. Their Game Color Terracotta is excellent as a base for reds.
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS 9
I finished up the Shoulder pads. I decided to do one more layer of grey. I used Vallejo Model Color Dark Grey mixed with Vallejo Model Color White in a 1:1 ratio. I also painted the Tau symbol on the pads today. I ended up going with the P3 Skorne Red. My Vallejo Model Color Red was really, really watery and the color didn't seem to have 'grip'. I also 'auditoned' Games Workshop Blood Red but decided against it because it was a little bright for what I was looking for. I'm undecided again as far as going a further layer or not. The red as it is now on the symbol looks okay; it stands out. I'm not sure if a lighter layer will help it any. Tomorrow I'll get started on the backpacks, guns, and grenades.
Pictures:
I cleaned my palette with scalding hot water.
Here are the three reds I chose from: P3 Skorne, GW Blood Red, VMC Red.
I put a lighter grey layer on the shoulder pads.
I finished up the shoulder pads by painting the Tau symbols red.
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Post by: Evaelc
looking good, can't wait to see some of the battlesuits when are you planning to do some of those?
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Post by: yamgrenade
Great paint-scheme!
Looking forward to the finished thing.
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Post by: djphranq
Evaelc wrote:looking good, can't wait to see some of the battlesuits when are you planning to do some of those?
Next Month I'll be doing a couple Crisis Suits. They'll have pretty much the same color scheme as the Fire Warriors.
yamgrenade wrote:Great paint-scheme!
Looking forward to the finished thing.
Thanks! Automatically Appended Next Post: JULY PROGRESS 10
I decided to add another layer of red to the Tau Symbols. I used GW Blood Red. It should stand out a bit more now. I basecoated the gun, grenade, and backpacks. I had originally meant to do half today and half tomorrow but it took less time than I expected and I got all of the Fire Warriors done. I used P3 Bastion Grey. Tomorrow I'll add a lightened layer and then get started on some of the details like scopes and viewfinders.
Pictures:
I added a brighter red to help the Tau symbols stand out a bit more.
I basecoated the whole lot of the warriors' backpacks, grenades, and guns.
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Post by: Ledabot
Those guys are so much better looking than my fire warriors. I will have to do a touch up on more than my tanks these holidays.
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Post by: Divine Comedy
Very nice scheme, the red goes really well with the bone/white.
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Post by: djphranq
JULY PROGRESS 11
I added a lighter layer of P3 Bastion Grey to the backpacks, grenades, and guns. I lightened it with Vallejo Model Color White. I'd do more but I don't want to rush the next part. The next part will be doing the little details like lights and stuff on the backpacks, guns, and armor.
Pictures:
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Post by: Divine Comedy
Nice work so far, what paints do you use for the red?
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Post by: bunnygurl
You're really pluggin' along. Very nice! Love the red!
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Post by: djphranq
Divine Comedy wrote:Nice work so far, what paints do you use for the red?
Thanks!
I used P3 Skorne Red for the first layer and then Games Workshop Blood Red for the top layer.
bunnygurl wrote:You're really pluggin' along. Very nice! Love the red!
Thanks!
Automatically Appended Next Post:
JULY PROGRESS 12 ***GOAL COMPLETED***
I finished off the details on the Fire Warriors. At first I was just going to make everything orange but I decided to use a variety of colors. I used Vallejo Model Color Light Green, Vallejo Model Color Deep Sky Blue, Games Workshop Blood Red, and Games Workshop Warlock Purple for a variety of things such as the helmets' 'eyes', the guns' scopes, and the backpacks' readouts/meters.
I'm done now with the Fire Warriors (except for the basing). There is something I realized as I was finishing up today... I can't count. I looked back at my plan I laid out at the beginning of July and read that I meant to do just 24 Fire Warriors. I ended up just all of them absent mindedly. You'd think I'd notice that I was doing more than 24.
Pictures
I picked out some of the details on the Fire Warrior.
36 Fire Warriors are now painted.
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Post by: Ledabot
djphranq wrote:
I'm done now with the Fire Warriors (except for the basing). There is something I realized as I was finishing up today... I can't count. I looked back at my plan I laid out at the beginning of July and read that I meant to do just 24 Fire Warriors. I ended up just all of them absent mindedly. You'd think I'd notice that I was doing more than 24.
couldent stop loling
at least now you have extras if you need them.
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS START
The July goal proved to be somewhat stressful. The volume of warriors I did was pretty big for me. I also would fall to the 'ugh, again?!' syndrome where each evening after work I'd be 'I have to work on Fire Warriors, ugh, again?" I think for this leg of the project I'm going to try to mix it up a little more. Maybe every other day I'll work on the project and every other day I'll do something else. Working on the project 7 days a week is making it a bit grueling. I think that by skipping every other day I'll be able to keep myself fresh for when I work and will be able to do longer sessions so I won't be losing time.
For this August's goal I plan to have the following painted: All the Gun Drones, 2 Crisis Suits, all Smart Missile Systems, the Hammerhead turret, the Sky Ray Turret, and a Piranha
Here is Version 3 of the project plan (adjusted according to progress).
****
Plan Ver 3
****
August
-Paint All Gun Drones
-Paint 2 Crisis Suits
-Paint All Smart Missile Systems
-Paint The Hammerhead Turret
-Paint The Sky Ray Turret
-Paint The Piranha
September
-Paint All Devilfish
-Paint The Hammerhead
-Paint The Skyray
October
-Paint All Marker Drones
-Paint All Stealthsuits
-Paint The Commander
November
-Paint All Kroothounds
December
-Paint All Kroot Carnivores
January
-Base the small flying bases
February
-Base the Large Flying Bases
-Base Infantry
March
-Base 'Suits
-Seal Army
April
-Adepticon 2012
Before Pictures:
Weapon bits for the Hammerhead.
Weapon bits for the Sky Ray.
Gun Drones and Hatches for the Devilfish.
Gun Drones for the Piranha.
Gun Drones for the Gun Drone Squadrons.
Crisis Suits
Piranha
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Post by: bunnygurl
I hate that 'ugh, again' feeling. Sucks. This is supposed to be something we enjoy, no ughs allowed. Looks like you still have plenty of joyful Tau-ness to paint. Interested to see some color on these bad boys now, but IMO the 3 months of basing is gonna suck monkeys. For me, personally, that is THE most tedious thing. I'm not a fan of basing. It looks good but it just ain't my cup o' tea.
Good luck and happy painting.
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS
Well I'm past my last benchmark. Last time I tried painting a 40k army I only got through some tactical marines and a couple devastators. For this army I've painted 36 Tau Fire Warriors and now I've gotten started on vehicles.
I painted the crew for the Piranha and the Hammerhead Turret. I started with P3 Menoth White Base on the jumpsuits. I then did a wash with P3 Flesh Wash. After that I went over the raised areas with P3 Menoth White Base and then on top of that I applied a mix of P3 Menoth White Base with Menoth White Highlight. I originally meant to stop there but I found I had plenty of time still this evening so I got started basecoating the armor on the crew with P3 Sanguine Base. I also marked up parts of the Piranha and Hammerhead Turret that would be based the same color as the crew armor. Next session I'll basecoat the parts that I marked and if I have time I'll apply a layer of P3 Sanguine Base mixed with P3 Sanguine Highlight.
Pictures:
Here is the basecoat on the jumpsuits.
Here is the wash on the jumpsuits.
I went back over the raised areas with the basecoat color.
I went over the raised areas again this time with a lighter mixture.
I basecoated the armor of the crew. You'll notice little marks on the hull of the Piranha and the turret. Those are the parts that will be the same color as the armor.
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Post by: inmygravenimage
Lush. Great depth of colour, really like the approach. Your blog is ace because not only is it interesting and varied but, seeing what you can achieve helps me stay focused too!
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Post by: Ledabot
looking good. How are you going to do the control panel thing with the fws hands in the way?
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Post by: djphranq
inmygravenimage wrote:Lush. Great depth of colour, really like the approach. Your blog is ace because not only is it interesting and varied but, seeing what you can achieve helps me stay focused too!
Thanks! Good luck with your own work!
Ledabot wrote:looking good. How are you going to do the control panel thing with the fws hands in the way?
Thanks! I'm pretty much just going to work around the hands... and whatever I can't get to, I can't get to... simple as that. Someday I'm going to do a Piranha a little more 'cleaner' (like a display piece) and maybe then I'll put the arms after I work on the panels. I tried to do something similar with some Land Speeders. I would put the crew on but only with adhesive putty so I could prime the whole thing and then take them apart to get into the tight spots painting piece by piece.
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Post by: Evaelc
Just noticing from some of your other threads that you are a really experienced painter. But I wanted to ask do you always put together the whole model and then paint it? is it better than what I do which is split them into main body and their arms. What is better in your opinion?
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Post by: 40k Ninja
Looks cool. I really like the color scheme.
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Post by: djphranq
Evaelc wrote:Just noticing from some of your other threads that you are a really experienced painter. But I wanted to ask do you always put together the whole model and then paint it? is it better than what I do which is split them into main body and their arms. What is better in your opinion?
Thanks! I've only been painting for about 4 years. There is still a lot I could learn. I think it would be easier if I painted in separate pieces. I just get so excited about building that i forget to do that most all of the time. There have been some projects where I actually made better efforts to keep things apart and painted before putting them together. Some of my recent projects involved doing things in pieces ( The Viktorias). That stuff turned out pretty good. For my Can Opener project I started doing that with some of the units (land speeders, dreads, scouts). I kind of wish I did that with this project. There are going to be some tough spots to tackle. My next army I do, I might try to make a better effort to keep things in pieces and painted before construction... I was even thinking of trying to paint on the sprue as an experiment. Automatically Appended Next Post: 40k Ninja wrote:Looks cool. I really like the color scheme.
Thanks! Love your avatar!
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Post by: bunnygurl
When I first started painting, I painted on the sprue. It's an alright idea, but I found it had some flaws. Firstly, I found it difficult to shave off mould lines which made me not want to bother, so therefore a bunch of my older models have some very disturbing lines here and there. Secondly, when the piece is painted up all nicely and you're ready to clip it out, depending on how many places it's held by you have a bunch of unpainted little spots you have to go back over and paint which I found incredibly annoying.
What I would suggest would be to pin/glue pieces to something so that you can paint it with ease without any issues. I glue the whole model together minus any pieces that would be in the way/difficult to get to and on the area that will be attached to the main body put some glue and glue it/them to an old headless paintbrush (one piece per headless paintbrush of course).
I realize you didn't ask for advice, but I thought I'd offer it anyways to hopefully diminish any frustration you may come across and help keep this sweet project on track.
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Post by: djphranq
bunnygurl wrote:When I first started painting, I painted on the sprue. It's an alright idea, but I found it had some flaws. Firstly, I found it difficult to shave off mould lines which made me not want to bother, so therefore a bunch of my older models have some very disturbing lines here and there. Secondly, when the piece is painted up all nicely and you're ready to clip it out, depending on how many places it's held by you have a bunch of unpainted little spots you have to go back over and paint which I found incredibly annoying.
What I would suggest would be to pin/glue pieces to something so that you can paint it with ease without any issues. I glue the whole model together minus any pieces that would be in the way/difficult to get to and on the area that will be attached to the main body put some glue and glue it/them to an old headless paintbrush (one piece per headless paintbrush of course).
I realize you didn't ask for advice, but I thought I'd offer it anyways to hopefully diminish any frustration you may come across and help keep this sweet project on track.
Thanks for the advice! I always wondered about the parts where they're cut off the sprue. I can imagine it being a PITA to paint those spots. When I do my Ultramarines army I'll try using the headless paintbrush thing. Actually I have some ice cream bar sticks that I could probably use. Automatically Appended Next Post: AUGUST PROGRESS 2
I got started on the Crisis Suits' armor today. I probably could have gotten more done if I utilized a bigger brush to speed things up. So far I've been using the same brush: P3 Fine Studio Brush. I'll definitely have to use a bigger one when I start on the vehicle parts. All I did today on the suits was basecoat the armor. Tomorrow I'll basecoat the Sky Ray Turret and the Piranha... maybe... I'm almost done with reading Star Wars Republic Commando: Order 66. That has been taking away from my painting time.
Pictures:
Here is one suit done.
Got done two after about 3 hours.
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Post by: yamgrenade
IMHO I think they would look better with a little more color. Maybe detail their eyes and weapons.
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Post by: djphranq
yamgrenade wrote:IMHO I think they would look better with a little more color. Maybe detail their eyes and weapons.
Last night was just basecoating the armor. I plan to paint up their weapons/details in a further step. Right now I'm basecoating the armor to some of the army.
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Post by: yamgrenade
djphranq wrote:yamgrenade wrote:IMHO I think they would look better with a little more color. Maybe detail their eyes and weapons.
Last night was just basecoating the armor. I plan to paint up their weapons/details in a further step. Right now I'm basecoating the armor to some of the army.
Ah, didn't read it completely, sorry
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS 3
I had a great stride today. I basecoated the hull of the Piranha, The Sky Ray turret, and the Hammerhead turret. At first I was kind of worried about how it was turning out. The color didn't look right. It seemed a little messy. I was kind of wishing I had an airbrush. Then I just added more coats and things came out better. I wasn't used to painting such large surfaces so and didn't realize that one coat may not be enough. I got more done then I had planned. Originally I was going to just do the Piranha and Sky Ray turret. I felt motivated enough to also do the Hammerhead turret. I might go over the Crisis Suits again with another coat and see if that improves it. I was originally happy with how they turned out but after using multiple coats on the Piranha and turret, I think I can improve how the Crisis Suits look.
Pictures:
Here is the Piranha after 1 coat.
For the turrets I did two coats on a whim.
I liked how the turrets turned out with multiple coats so I did the same to the Piranha.
Here are the turrets after a third coat on each.
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Post by: yamgrenade
BEAUTIFUL VEHICLES. Really. Love them so much. I can tell they'll look great.
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Post by: K262
Do you find it easier to paint them put together (it seems so), or is it just for speed/visualization? The models look great by the way
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Post by: Dual Face
I usually take more time with my tau because I do conversion work for all my battlesuits, but I can understand that you have a time limit here
good looking stuff sir, keep it up
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Post by: djphranq
K262 wrote:Do you find it easier to paint them put together (it seems so), or is it just for speed/visualization? The models look great by the way
I've only been doing this for like 4 years so I am still sort of a novice. I think I'd have an easier time painting if they were in parts but I keep forgetting to consider that sometimes. I get so enthused with the idea of building that I forget some spots are going to be hard to reach.
Dual Face wrote:I usually take more time with my tau because I do conversion work for all my battlesuits, but I can understand that you have a time limit here
good looking stuff sir, keep it up
The time limit mixed with my inexperience kept me from doing barely any conversion/mod work for this army. The most I did was maybe green stuff some shoulder pads on some of the Kroot and replace a hand on a Fire Warrior. I've seen some suit conversions before and would love to try that out some time. I'll probably buy an extra Crisis or Commander suit to fool around with sometime.
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS 4
Got a good amount of stuff basecoated today. I put on another coat on the Crisis Suits. They look plenty better. I gave the Gun Drones, Smart Missile Systems, and other vehicle bits their first coat. Tomorrow I'll see if I can get another or two on them.
Pictures:
Here is one of the suits with a second coat.
Here are the Gun Drone Squadrons.
Here are the Gun Drones and other bits for the vehicles.
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Post by: MajorTom11
looking good! Keep powering through that pile of minis bud lol!
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Post by: djphranq
MajorTom11 wrote:looking good! Keep powering through that pile of minis bud lol!
Thanks Tom!
I'm definitely going to need a redbull or an espresso to get me threw the Gun Drones. Monotonous work is monotonous!
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Post by: Ledabot
I like the drones, you can never have to many frizbies of death.
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Post by: djphranq
Ledabot wrote:I like the drones, you can never have to many frizbies of death.
I just need to put one more coat of P3 Sanguine Base on them and then I'm going to move to a next lighter layer. I have 20 Gun Drones total: 12 for the squadrons and 8 that are part of vehicles.
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Post by: bunnygurl
You remind me of the Little Engine that Could. Go little engine, go!
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Post by: djphranq
bunnygurl wrote:You remind me of the Little Engine that Could. Go little engine, go!
Choo Choo! Tonight I'll work on the drones... that's kind of my climb... once I get past their second coat the rest is easy going down hill with the highlight layers.
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Post by: RiTides
You sure are prolific!  That's awesome!
I really like the grey on the shoulder pads of the firewarriors- offsets the other colors nicely. Looking forward to seeing some completed vehicles and suits 
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS 5
I've been pretty lazy about picking up the brush. I took a couple days off but eventually picked up the brush. I wasn't planning to. I have been feeling under the weather but decided I had to do something other than lying around. I added another coat of P3 Sanguine Base to the Gun Drones, Smart Missile Systems, and other vehicle bits.
Pictures:
Lotsa drones...
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Post by: Ledabot
Sea of red...ish!
Nope, it dident work. (my statement)
Keep it up
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Post by: Evaelc
looking great keep going
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS 6
Got a lot done this evening. I was able to add some layers to the Crisis Suits, Gun Drones, turrets, Smart Missile Systems, and Piranha. First, I applied a layer of P3 Sanguine Base mixed with P3 Sanguine Highlight. I added some water. The mix was 2:2:1. Next I added a layer of just P3 Sanguine Highlight. I'm now a further ahead then I expected to be this month. Next up will be the weapons. Tomorrow I'll see about painting the weapons and engine parts.
Pictures:
Some shots after the base/highlight mixture.
Some shots after the highlight application.
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Post by: MikZor
Is that a KOTR wallpaper i see
Subscribed, your dedication to get this done is just awe inspiring, makes me want to dive into my own sea of unfinshed models.
Keep it up
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Post by: djphranq
MikZor wrote:Is that a KOTR wallpaper i see
Subscribed, your dedication to get this done is just awe inspiring, makes me want to dive into my own sea of unfinshed models.
Keep it up
Thanks!
Yup! That's from KOTOR II. I love me some Star Wars.
Part of what helps me stay motivated is taking breaks from the project. At first I was trying to do something everyday but then that got too taxing. I find now when I step back for a day or two then I can come back to it and it doesn't seem as daunting. I'd probably even have an easier time if I did smaller portions but sometimes I just get into a rhythm.
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Post by: MikZor
Killer, love me some star wars too
I know what you mean by breaking it up, i tried doing one a day also, but the days i feel like painting i get into a groove where i can keep going, so i do and i might get 3-4 models done. Just means i can have the next few days off
Now update us with pretty pictures
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Post by: Hans_Einberg
I am enjoying watching the progress in this thread.
I did the same thing you did with the sky ray turret mount but since the cement was fresh that day i was able to put my pinky finger in the hole and push the door out from the inside....though... in retrospect what you ended up doing to make an easy fit....Aces
I'm also loving the burgundy / black scheme, its a good look for tau and for some reason reminds me a bit of star wars?
I'm looking forward to future posts....especially a finished sky ray (such a beautiful model)
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Post by: djphranq
The black will be painted over with other colors but I do concur that the black does make it look pretty cool as it is.
Automatically Appended Next Post: AUGUST PROGRESS 7
I gave a coat of P3 Bastion Grey to metal/engine/weapon parts of the Piranha, Crisis Suits, turrets, Smart Missile Systems, and other vehicle bits. I think my brush is going to need some cleaning soon. It keeps splitting on me. Next session I'm going to work on the metal/engine/weapon parts of the Gun Drones. After that I might add a second coat to it all or maybe I might jump into then next lighter layer.
Pictures:
Piranha
Hammerhead Turret
Sky Ray Turret
Crisis Suit
Smart Missile Systems
Devilfish Hatch covers
Sky Ray markerlights (I think thats what they are)
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Post by: Knightley
Well done on the progress so far, I can only manage 3-4 marines a week so the sheer amount your getting through is quite inspiring!
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Post by: djphranq
Knightley wrote:Well done on the progress so far, I can only manage 3-4 marines a week so the sheer amount your getting through is quite inspiring!
Thanks man! For me this means a lot coming from you because your work is pretty damn good!
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS 8
Did more work on the metal/engine/weapon parts of the Crisis Suits, turrets, Gun Drones, Piranha, and vehicle bits. I was able to get a layer of P3 Bastion Grey on the Gun Drones. After I got through them I mixed some P3 Menoth White Base with the Bastion Grey and some water and applied that to everything. Next I'm going to work on some of the other colors for some parts of the Piranha, Crisis Suits, and turrets. I might even have time to get started on some of the details like sensors and lights.
Pictures:
Gun Drones with the initial grey.
The white and grey mix applied to everything.
Turrets
Piranha
Crisis Suits
Smart Missile Systems
Devilfish hatches and markerlights
Gun Drones
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Post by: Ledabot
Nice. Im using a similer shade of grey in my tank camo pattens.
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Post by: djphranq
AUGUST PROGRESS 9 ***GOAL COMPLETED***
Finished with this month's Goal! I now have fully painted a Piranha, 2 Crisis Suits, 12 Gun Drones, 4 Smart Missile Systems, 3 Devilfish hatches, a Hammerhead Railgun Turret, a Sky Ray Missile Turret, and the markerlights that go with the Sky Ray Missile Turret. I really hadn't expected to finish so soon. The initial painting of the main color as well as the machine parts made it feel like it would take long. Once I got passed that the rest of the details went quick.
Last night I applied some Vallejo Dark Grey to parts of the Piranha, Crisis Suits, and turrets. I didn't post anything because I had to hit the hay early to be up at 4am today. After work, this evening I applied a layer of Vallejo Dark Grey mixed with Vallejo White to the parts I had painted grey the night before. I then put more white into the mixture and applied that to the grey parts.
I then started on the red parts. I first basecoated the red parts with P3 Skorne Red. It took me 3 coats to get the red to show just right. I then mixed P3 Skorne Red with P3 Khador Red Highlight and applied a layer of that. Next I added more P3 Khador Red Highlight to the mix to get the final layer.
Next Up I painted some lights/sensors Vallejo Light Green. I also did the panel/readout on the cockpit of the Piranha in that color as well as on lenses for the Crisis Suits, Gun Drones, Smart Missile Systems, and the Sky Ray Turret. I went a couple steps further and fooled around with trying to get a 'lens glare' type thing going. I mixed some Vallejo Black with the Vallejo Light green and applied that to portions of the lenses so it covered some of the light green. I then used P3 Menoth White Highlight to add the little shine/glare you'd get on a lens. I think it turned out okay for my first try at something like this.
Next, I did some more little details with Vallejo Deep Sky Blue.
For the weapon glows I used a layer of GW Warlock Purple, then a mixture of that with Vallejo White. On the fusion blasters I added a little dot of P3 Menoth White Highlight.
Pictures:
Grey parts:
Red Parts:
Lenses:
Blue details:
Cockpit Panels:
Weapon glow:
Finished products!:
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Post by: bunnygurl
Wow. Great work. Good for you! Love how you did the lenses. Looks great.
What are you going to do now that you've finished so early? Are you gonna start on next months work or are you gonna take a break?
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Post by: inmygravenimage
Great work, inspiring as always. Love the purple and red together especially. If i get 5 mins today I actually will paint something!
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Post by: yamgrenade
Wow, great work! Keep it up!
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Post by: djphranq
bunnygurl wrote:Wow. Great work. Good for you! Love how you did the lenses. Looks great.
What are you going to do now that you've finished so early? Are you gonna start on next months work or are you gonna take a break?
Thanks! I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. I was thinking maybe I'll get caught up on some movies, games, or books. I might start modelling something else just for a little variety... something metal like some Privateer Press stuff. Or I just might start on the next leg of the project... I'm kind of excited to see some finished tanks.
inmygravenimage wrote:Great work, inspiring as always. Love the purple and red together especially. If i get 5 mins today I actually will paint something!
Thanks! I have too much time on my hands after work. haha. I need a girlfriend or something. haha.
yamgrenade wrote:Wow, great work! Keep it up!
Thanks!
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Post by: Evaelc
Yay it looks great. Now all we need is army photos of everything so far.
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Post by: Ledabot
Looks...... so........ awesome!
I wish i could paint that well. mabe its something to do with practice...
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Post by: djphranq
I'm ahead of schedule. I finished my August goal in a couple weeks. I hadn't expected that. At the moment I am doing some stuff that wasn't in the scope of this month's goal. I have based the Firewarriors, the Gun Drones' flying bases, and the vehicles' flying bases. I went with simple gravel/sand. At first I thought it was going to be kind of blah. But it goes well with the color scheme. I also got started on the rest of my vehicles. I also plan to apply at least three colors to the Stealthsuits, Marker Drones, Commander Suit, Kroot, and Kroot Hounds before the end of this month. Finishing my vehicles was my intended goal for September but I think I'm going to be changing that. We'll see where I'm at by the end of this month. Right now, I'm just getting the army to a '3 color' standard for in between tournaments before Adepticon.
Here are some pictures of what I've been doing since the completion of my August goal:
I based as much infantry as I could that was ready. 36 Firewarriors, 20 Gun Drones, and 2 Crisis Suits.
I also based the vehicle flying bases.
Here is one Devilfish getting ready for paint.
At first I was going to basecoat the chassis with this small brush... it just wasn't working out.
I used a GW Large Dry Brush as a tank brush.
Here is the Devilfish chassis with paint on it.
Here are all 5 of the chassis basecoated with a layer of P3 Sanguine Base.
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Post by: paintedpotato
djphranq wrote:
At first I was going to basecoat the chassis with this small brush... it just wasn't working out.
Before you buy another army please look into one of these. It should get your through the base coat process in about and hour. And it is apartment friendly. I believe Gary uses one of these.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-5-hp-58-psi-compressor-and-airbrush-kit-95630.html
Not the most professional thing in the world, but it will get you though most of the simple stuff quickly, and in mass quantity.
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Post by: djphranq
paintedpotato wrote:djphranq wrote:
At first I was going to basecoat the chassis with this small brush... it just wasn't working out.
Before you buy another army please look into one of these. It should get your through the base coat process in about and hour. And it is apartment friendly. I believe Gary uses one of these.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-5-hp-58-psi-compressor-and-airbrush-kit-95630.html
Not the most professional thing in the world, but it will get you though most of the simple stuff quickly, and in mass quantity.
Thanks man. I was totally thinking that I need one of those. After Strategicon, I'll look into getting one.
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Post by: djphranq
Applied basecoats to the stealthsuits, commander, and markerlight drones.
Pictures:
1st color applied
2nd color applied
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Post by: bunnygurl
Ooh. I like that green.
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Post by: djphranq
bunnygurl wrote:Ooh. I like that green.
Yeah... isn't it nice? I got it because it looked like the color of that Master Chief character from the Halo series.
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Post by: Metsuri
Great work on the tau. I really like your color choices, the colors work great together especially with the sand covered bases.
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Post by: djphranq
Metsuri wrote:Great work on the tau. I really like your color choices, the colors work great together especially with the sand covered bases.
Thanks man! I was kind of unsure of the sand but it turned out looking good. I just have to figure out how to have it so it won't flake off.
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Post by: Metsuri
djphranq wrote: I just have to figure out how to have it so it won't flake off.
Have you put another thinned coat of glue on top of it? That usually fixes it to the bases so it doesn't chip off.
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Post by: djphranq
Metsuri wrote:djphranq wrote: I just have to figure out how to have it so it won't flake off.
Have you put another thinned coat of glue on top of it? That usually fixes it to the bases so it doesn't chip off.
I hadn't thought of that. I'll try it tomorrow.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Worked on the Tau army today. Got some less then desirable results. Still got some stuff done though.
I sealed the Firewarriors, Gun Drones, Crisis Suits, flying stands, and vehicle bits. Some of it didn't turn out so great. I think I sprayed too much for some of the stuff. Some of the stuff now looks 'cloudy'. I was using GW Purity Seal.
I did some work on the Stealtsuits and Commander Suits to bring them to '3 color standard'. I started by giving the models a wash of Badab black. I think that was a mistake. I was expecting the wash to bring out some of the lines and details. It didn't look as great as I thought it would. It did kind of provide some shading but it isn't so even. There are some parts that seem to have more wash than others. I'm not sure if I was using it right. Maybe I was supposed to water it down a little? Maybe apply multiple coats of wash? It doesn't look too bad... just not what I was hoping for. After the wash I picked out some of the details like lights and sensors.
That kind of made up for the wash experience. I was able to replicate a lens effect that I had tried out on the Gun Drones and Crisis Suits. Once I got the details done I based them. They should be ready for tournament play now.
I also did some work on the vehicles. I applied the basecoat for the parts that would be red. It took me three... maybe four... coats of P3 Skorne Red mixed with water to get some good coverage. In retrospect, I wish I had taken the same effort for the P3 Sanguine Base coat. Hopefully when I get around to adding other layers it will cover up its crappiness.
Tomorrow I'll finish up the vehicles applying two more colors so as to have them ready for tournament play. I'll also get started on the Kroothounds. I might even have time to work on the Kroot. I'll have plenty of time tomorrow since I have the day off... at least from work, that is.
Pictures:
Badab Black wash applied
Details painted
Based
Some bad seal coverage.
Most of the models turned out okay.
P3 Skorne Red applied to vehicles.
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Post by: Ovion
But yeah - PVA works for sealing the sand in, just water it down a bit then soak the sand in it and when the pva dries it should stop any flaking. - also you can use wall emulsion to make tarmac out of it.. (don't know why you would here though :p)
Was flicking through and saw this - hope it helps: http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/How%20to%20recover%20from%20a%20Spray%20Sealer%20disaster
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Post by: Emperors_Champion
Looking great. Love the colour scheme!
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Post by: Ledabot
looking good. you could use green stuf to seal the gaps.
Is that a good idea?
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Post by: Nightfall
Have a great time doing this!
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Post by: djphranq
Did some work on the Tau army.
Started on the Kroot hounds. Didn't get as much as I wanted done because I was doing other things.
I applied a coat of VMC Flat Flesh to the Kroot hounds' bodies. I then gave it a wash in P3 Brown Ink. I then picked out some of the details. The straps I painted with VMC Chocolate Brown and the parts to be metal as well as the 'spines' of the hounds I painted VMC Black. Next session, I'll paint some of the metal parts on the hounds and then maybe get started on the Kroot carnivores.
Pictures:
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Post by: yamgrenade
Woah, those kroot are pretty hot. 
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Post by: xSoulgrinderx
I like the gory khorne feel to em
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Post by: Ledabot
Looking good. I like How you did the paneling on the tank.
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Post by: paintedpotato
But will they have "Turtle Power"?
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Post by: yamgrenade
Looking forward to how you do at the game
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Post by: Ledabot
They look at little bit bright. Have you finished those guys above?
They might look a bit better with a brown wash to 'dull them down'.
That’s just my opinion.
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Post by: djphranq
paintedpotato wrote:But will they have "Turtle Power"?
I should do a Devilfish in the style of the Turtle van
yamgrenade wrote:Looking forward to how you do at the game
I hope I draw some blood. I don't expect to win anything but it will be cool to know that my army took out at least one unit or something.
Ledabot wrote:They look at little bit bright. Have you finished those guys above?
They might look a bit better with a brown wash to 'dull them down'.
That’s just my opinion.
Yeah, maybe I'll wash them. They turned out a little more green than I would have liked... though I don't know what else I should have expected with VMC Light Green washed with P3 Green Ink. Maybe I'll throw some GW Devlan Mud or P3 Brown Ink on them. Automatically Appended Next Post: Took a break from the Kroot. I managed to rework my list for Strategicon so I don't have to use them anymore. I might change the list for this project next eligible list change. I possibly will switch things around so the Kroot will be the Sideboard.
I purchased some foam to carry my vehicles and suits. I plucked that this evening and now I have a Sabol Army Transport MkII filled with some Tau. In all, I have a Citadel case with the Firewarriors, drones, and Kroot. The Army Transport has the rest.
I went through the work on the bases that I had done and put a layer of thinned down PVA glue over the sand/gravel.
I think I'm done with Tau for this month. Maybe next update will be when I make my plans for September for this project. That should be the middle of next week.
Pictures:
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Post by: djphranq
SEPTEMBER PROGRESS START
For September's goal, I plan to finish painting 3 Devilfish, 1 Hammerhead, and 1 Skyray. Right now they are only basecoated. This month I will cleanup the basecoat and apply highlights/layers.
Before Pictures:
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Post by: djphranq
The Tide for the Greater Good - Sept 06, 2011
SEPTEMBER PROGRESS
Put another layer of P3 Sanguine Base on 2 of the Devilfish hulls. I originally was going to start the lighter layers but the base layer looked really bad. There were plenty of spots with no paint; primer was showing. Tomorrow I'll be doing the same with the 1 other devilfish and maybe the Sky Ray or the Hammerhead.
Pictures:
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Post by: Emperors_Champion
Just starting my own Tau force! Have been checking back here for inspiration! Keep it coming!
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Post by: djphranq
SEPTEMBER PROGRESS 2
After a bit of a break, I got some work done on the tanks. I started with highlighting with a mix of P3 Sanguine Base and P3 Sanguine Highlight. After that I applied another highlight consisting only of P3 Sanguine Highlight. Next I highlighted the grey panels of the tanks' hull. I started with a mix of VMC Dark Grey and VMC White. After that I applied the same mix only with more VMC White. To bring out the red a little bit I applied GW Blood Red to the red panels of the tanks' hull.
Since I had the GW Blood Red out I decided to apply some as a sort of highlight on the Commander Suit. I like how it turned out. It softened the wash that I had applied in a previous session. I also applied the red to the Tau insignia on the shoulders of the Stealthsuits.
Pictures:
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Post by: Ledabot
Looking good as always.
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Post by: inmygravenimage
I love the army green guys. Has a style that transcends usual gw branding. Yeah - love em.
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Post by: djphranq
Thanks folks!
The green guys are going to get another layer to them to bring out the color more.
Automatically Appended Next Post: SEPTEMBER PROGRESS 3
I added a second layer of P3 Bastion Grey to the weapon/engine parts of the tanks. It looks much more solid. Next session I'll tack on a lighter layer/highlight.
Pictures:
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Post by: Evaelc
I like what you're doing, especially painting the underside of the tanks. A lot of the people I know just leave them grey.
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Post by: Emperors_Champion
Evaelc wrote:I like what you're doing, especially painting the underside of the tanks. A lot of the people I know just leave them grey.
Yeah that's real pet hate of mine! I even paint the underneath of my SM tanks!
Great work on the tau! Really coming on nicely!
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Post by: djphranq
Thanks folks!
Half the time I'm thinking why am I painting the underside... no one will see it... then the other half of me is thinking... the underside is part of the vehicle... I'm painting the vehicle. So I gotta do it.
The only thing I'm not really doing is some of the highlights. I'm keeping that to the top and side areas.
EDIT: 3000th message! Automatically Appended Next Post: SEPTEMBER PROGRESS 4
I added a second layer of P3 Bastion Grey lightened with VMC White to the weapon/engine parts of the tanks as well as to the weapons and backpacks of the 'suits and parts of the Marker Drones. Next up on the tank will be little details like lights or lenses. For the suits, the Commander is done and just needs to be sealed, and the Stealthsuits and Marker Drones just need their color brought out a little more.
Pictures:
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Post by: Evaelc
Those grey areas on the suit look really good, along with the higlighting. kepp up the great work. I still have tons of stuff myself to paint yet you just plough through it. In other words, I am inspired
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Post by: Norn King
nice
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Post by: Enigma Crisis
I love your color scheme even though I kinda wonder why the kroot hounds are red in colors while the Kroot kindred are green.
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Post by: djphranq
SEPTEMBER PROGRESS 5 ***GOAL COMPLETED***
I managed to finish up the tanks. All that was left was to work on some details like lights and sensors. I used VMC Deep Sky Blue, VMC Light Green, VMC White, VMC Black, GW Blood Red, GW Warlock Purple, and P3 Khador Red Highlight. For some of the lights I used blue and red. I did a lens effect on the windows using green, black, and white. I also did a lens effect on a sensor at the nose of the vehicles with the red and red highlight. For the burst cannons I did a kind of weapon glow effect with the purple and white.
I overestimated the time I'd need for this goal, I think, because I thought the basecoat of the tanks would need a lot of work. It turns out they mostly just needed another layer. Also I thought the highlighting/lighter layers would take me long.
Pictures:
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Post by: djphranq
Suits done!
I finished up the Stealthsuits and their Marker Drones. I brought out the 'green' a little more with a layer of Reaper Master Series Muddy Olive. It complements the shaded/washed green perfectly I think. I don't even remember what the base green was. I think VMC Russian Uniform. The shade/wash was GW Badab Black. At first I was kind of bummed out about the wash but applying this top layer of green fixed everything. They don't look as 'dirty' as they did after the wash.
Next session, I'm going to continue work on the Kroot. While I'm working on them I'll see if I can get the tanks and 'suits sealed up.
Pictures:
The first Stealthsuit spruced up with Muddy Olive.
A side by side comparison of a drone without the Muddy Olive (left) and a drone with the Muddy Olive (right).
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Post by: djphranq
I sealed the tanks, stealthsuits, and Marker Drones. I didn't have any mishaps with the GW Purity Seal. As soon as this stuff runs out, though, I'm going to switch to something else.
Pictures:
Example of some of the sealed models.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Enigma Crisis wrote:I love your color scheme even though I kinda wonder why the kroot hounds are red in colors while the Kroot kindred are green.
I wanted to distinguish the kroot hounds further from the kroot kindred so I went with a different color.
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Post by: djphranq
I worked on a unit of Kroot. They were already basecoated and washed. I did some highlighting and details.
Pictures:
Applied a mix of VMC white and P3 Bastion Grey to the metal parts.
Applied VMC white to straps and highlights of some of the body parts.
Applied VMC Dark Grey to the quills/protrusions.
Applied VMC White to the ends of the quills/protrusions.
Applied a mix of VMC Chocolat Brown and VMC White to the leather parts.
Applied P3 Sanguine Base to the quill decorations.
Applied GW Blood Red to the eyes.
Initial basing. I'm going to applied thinned down PVA glue to the sand tomorrow.
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Post by: djphranq
All I did today was apply some thinned PVA glue to the basing I did yesterday for the Kroot I worked on. At this point I'm not sure if I want to work on any more Kroot or maybe save it for next month. I'm starting to enjoy working on the Kroot but I have some other projects that could use attention right now.
Pictures:
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Post by: Ledabot
awesome as ever.
Didn't I say that last time I posted?
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Post by: Evaelc
(emotionless comment added)
looking great can we see some army shots perhaps?
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Post by: djphranq
Thanks folks. I'll see if I can get a shot of what is done so far.
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Post by: yamgrenade
Man, this is great.
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Post by: Evaelc
looking cool and looking forward to seing the full army. might I suggest dropping the skyray, finding another 15 points and run two hamerheads. so much better. just my suggestion though.
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Post by: djphranq
Evaelc wrote:looking cool and looking forward to seing the full army. might I suggest dropping the skyray, finding another 15 points and run two hamerheads. so much better. just my suggestion though.
I'd totally do that but I don't have another Hammerhead. The list is made up of stuff I have.
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Post by: Emperors_Champion
Nice indians . . . oops, I mean kroot!
But seriously, great progress, i've only got another 10 kroot to do then i'm done with them. Not sure how many hounds yet!
Keep it coming!
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Post by: yamgrenade
I'm gonna have to rip off the spines when i paint mine...just a heads up
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Post by: djphranq
Emperors_Champion wrote:Nice indians . . . oops, I mean kroot!
But seriously, great progress, i've only got another 10 kroot to do then i'm done with them. Not sure how many hounds yet!
Keep it coming!
Thanks! Good luck on your 10!
yamgrenade wrote:I'm gonna have to rip off the spines when i paint mine...just a heads up
Haha sure no problem... spread the spiny goodness. Automatically Appended Next Post: OCTOBER PROGRESS
I finished up painting the Kroot Carnivores. Not much was left for them: Straps, belly, bones, spine decorations, and eyes. For the straps, belly, and bones I used a base of P3 Menoth White Base with a highlight of VMC White. With the spine decorations I applied the same colors but then on top of that applied a layer of P3 Sanguine Base. The eyes were quick dabs of GW Blood Red. Next up will be the Kroot Hounds. After I finish off those, I'll then base all the Kroot.
Pictures:
12 more Kroot Carnivores painted up.
A Shaper
A Carnivore
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Post by: djphranq
OCTOBER PROGRESS 2
I finished painting up all 12 of the Kroot Hounds. I had basecoated and washed them during a previous month. All that was left was to pick out some details and do some highlights. I started with the parts that were metal. I added a layer of a mix of P3 Bastion Grey and VMC White for an initial highlight. Then to that mix I added some more VMC White for a second highlight. I then worked on the quills and claws. First I applied some VMC Dark Grey to the tips. Next I painted the belly of the hounds with some P3 Menoth White Base. I then applied VMC White to the tips of the quills, claws, and as a highlight to the belly. I then worked on the leather parts of the hounds. On top of the VMC Chocolat Brown basecoat I applied a layer of a mix of the brown with VMC White. I then added more white to the mix and applied that as a second layer/highlight. Next I applied some P3 Sanguine Base to the quill decorations. For the eyes, I put a spot of GW Blood Red. Finally for the tongue (for the ones with open mouths) I used GW Warlock Purple. Next up is basing these hounds plus the carnivores I finished painting.
Pictures:
12 Kroot Hounds basecoated and washed.
My sample for pictures.
Metal parts highlights.
Starting on the quills and claws.
The belly.
Finishing off the quills and claws.
Highlight for the belly.
Leather highlights.
Quill decorations.
Eyes.
Tongue.
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Post by: Ledabot
I like how you've done them red with the carnivores green. It makes it easyer to play with them as a unit.
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Post by: Emperors_Champion
Great progress, love the colours.
Looks like you'll be meeting Octobers dead-line!
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Post by: Tel
I'm definatly looking forward to seeing how your progress continues. I like the paint scheme you came up with. The shoulder pads look sharp! 
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Post by: djphranq
Ledabot wrote:I like how you've done them red with the carnivores green. It makes it easyer to play with them as a unit.
Thanks! That's kind of why I did that. I tried playing with them when they were all just primed and I kept moving the wrong models. I thought the different colors would also indicate difference in 'creature type'...Green=Humanoid, more intelligent... Brownish Red=Bestial
Emperors_Champion wrote:Great progress, love the colours.
Looks like you'll be meeting Octobers dead-line!
Thanks! I was almost going to drop them altogether but once I got some paint on them, I got to liking them more.
Tel wrote:I'm definatly looking forward to seeing how your progress continues. I like the paint scheme you came up with. The shoulder pads look sharp!
Thanks! I really liked doing the shoulder pads. They're difference in color from the main color lets them stand out a bit more.
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Post by: djphranq
OCTOBER PROGRESS 3
Almost done! I based the kroot hounds and the rest of the carnivores. I used GW PVA glue and GW Modeling Sand. After waiting a day or two I then went over the basing with a layer of watered down PVA glue. This evening I went over the sides of the bases of all the Kroot stuff with GW Chaos Black. Next up I just have to seal the models with some GW Purity Seal and that should be it!
Pictures:
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Post by: Ledabot
Great thats all the krot done!
How far away is the tornament again and what do you have left? hang on, I'll just check the first page.
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Post by: Benamint
Lovin the Tau! I like looking at blogs like this for inspiration and tips for on my own Tau P/M blog! And actually I my HQ crisis suit will be looking a lot like your red crisis! Very handy! Keep up the good work!
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Post by: Ledabot
YAAAAAAY. All done. congrates!
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Post by: inmygravenimage
Outstanding work - can't wait for the next horde!
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Post by: Evaelc
That's looks amazing.. Nice work.
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Post by: Ledabot
It certainly does, *pokes Evaelc*
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Post by: Evaelc
hey I'll get there eventually. it'll just take me longer than this.
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