I too have just finished reading the entire blog...
Doing it at work, in between fixing routers/networks/the internet... took me the better part of 2 months!!
That being said, I'd like to congratulate gits on a job well done. It may be taking ages to get them done, but they look good and quality is better then quantity right?
Some people seem to think that the mismatch of airbrushed and normally painted models subtracts from the overall feel of the army. I would argue against this, it works perfectly with gits fluff of a chapter just back from the brink of destruction, rebuilding its strength. It really works to add character to the army and fits the overall theme very well.
However, as a personal thing, I don't like the airbrushed green. I like the yellowy highlights of the other models, I feel it fits with the tranquility pattern armour a lot better as well.
On a side note, the libby is looking damn fine. I would love to see a squad of tranquility style terminators to go with him, even if this might not fit the fluff very well.
Keep up the good work old chap, can't wait to see the next model/s
Having waded through the blog you know that I really do take feedback into account when deciding what to do. The thing with the airbrush is that it's still a tool I'm learning to use properly. I've been brush painting for decades... Air brushing for six months. I agree that my brush painted figures are better looking, but my challenge is to get better at the airbrushing so that I can keep it's speed and convenience while getting back to the quality of my brush work. Could be as easy as trying some new paints... we'll see.
With two gaming kids... I just have too many figures to work on not to use it.
Thanks for the comments though, I really appreciate them.
It's definitely a surgical list.. you have to have the right elements in the right place at the right time. But it is fun, flexible and pretty unusual. It's where I wanted to go with my MW Adepticon army last year but couldn't due to the FOC restrictions.
Be nice if the LS Storms could be taken as dedicated transports though... perhaps in 6th Ed.
Having never used an airbrush myself, I can totally see where you're coming from gits. I bet it would take me a month of sundays just to be able to get the base coat done.
I made the monumental mistake of buying the games workshop handflamer/compressed gas abomination. I think that's put me off for life!
I have the utmost respect for people willing to learn a new skill. Youre models are already up to pretty much the same standard already. As I mentioned previously, I think the overall effect on the army is pleasing.
So i like the list, i agree with you that LS Storms should be scout dedicated trans, makes sense actually, i dunno if i will ever use an airbrush my self but i think its awesome that you are using it. i think if my painting skill gets as good as your git then ill might consider an airbrush. oh yea i think you said how you did it before in another forum of yours but how do you make purity seals and there paper? im gonna try and add some to my dread that im working on. well any way lookin for more awesomeness from you and the things.
Just though i should post to say how much i have enjoyed this thread,
I collected mantis warriors over ten years ago and reading this has made me take them up again and has given me some great ideas, although i doubt they will be as good as some of the stuff in here.
Keep up the good work man !
Hey Rayvon! Always delighted to meet another Mantis Warrior player... there aren't many of us. (actually I still haven't "met" another MW player in person yet... maybe some day)
I'd love to see what your doing, if you get some pics up in your gallery or start a p-log let us know so we can come check them out!
Thanks for the comments and for sticking with this thread. I hope it stays a worthwhile place to check in on from time to time.
Untill gw officially release mantis warriors with a codex n models n everythin else thats shiny it prolly will be a while....ive been playing for over 10 years and ive only seen MAYBE 3-4 other salamander players
Well, since the MW's are in IA-10, I assume GW will never touch them officially... IA is where GW sends things to die. I'm fine with that though... FW did a decent job with them and that just gives me more artistic freedom to do with them what I want.
Well, after 3 weeks of not putting brush to figure I finally did a little painting tonight. Nothing complicated, just roughing out some gold on the libby. Good to be back in the saddle again though it's damn uncomfortable in the studio. Couple more nights like this and I may have some progress to show.
I've gotta say your airbrushing skills are becoming very impressive (1000x better than my own). Also I remember one a while back but is there any chance of getting a larger force shot? (it is what I asked Santa for...or was that Satan...)
Hey Ralin... I can, but it's just not very impressive. From that distance everything just looks like little dots and because my army at the moment resembles an MSU construct... it just looks like a scattered mess. I mean I'd be happy to do it, but it's not very exciting visually.
Okay, Gits. I have cracked open my last bottle of Mojo, carefully reserved for low-motivation times like these. I am ready for your GitzBitz, and there is a new project percolating in my plog. But I'm not going to move to Wisconsin.
Briancj wrote:Okay, Gits. I have cracked open my last bottle of Mojo, carefully reserved for low-motivation times like these. I am ready for your GitzBitz, and there is a new project percolating in my plog. But I'm not going to move to Wisconsin.
OK Brian, I've got a couple of GMS projects to ship (just been lazy) so I'll pull your bits together and get them on their way.
You guys are *all* nuts... reading a 191 page blog... (but God help me I love ya for it!) Welcome to the blog TM, thanks for taking the time and glad you posted!
My hope is to actually have at least a few more figures finished before we hit 200 pages. Can't believe I started the current projects (libby and scout bikes) 20 pages ago!! How does that happen?? (and why do you guys keep reading?)
Gitsplitta wrote:You guys are *all* nuts... reading a 191 page blog... (but God help me I love ya for it!) Welcome to the blog TM, thanks for taking the time and glad you posted!
Actually a unit of assault terminators is in the works. They just have to wait their turn.
I'm glad people find it worth their time. It's worth it for me for the feedback and support I get... though at times I spend far more time blogging than painting or gaming.
Gitsplitta wrote:Actually a unit of assault terminators is in the works. They just have to wait their turn.
I'm glad people find it worth their time. It's worth it for me for the feedback and support I get... though at times I spend far more time blogging than painting or gaming.
Me too, I get maybe 2 or 3 games in a week if I'm lucky, though my attention is switching to my Hordes army, which is not helping my Assault Marines get painted.
I was thinking about what I need to do yet for this early (Badab era) army. Now granted... I have a ton of figures that I could paint, including a lot of Mk-1 vehicles... but considering what I'm likely to be able to field, here a few priorities.
- 2 Mk-1 vindicators
- sergeant for devs - a few odd sternguard (LC's, heavy flamers)
- a second scout bike squad
- assault termies
- perhaps an old LR if I can get my hands on one
- assault squad
That should get me a cohesive force up to 2500 points with some variability. After that, I can add units at my leisure without worrying about being able to field anything for a tournament or some such.
Sounds like a great plan love to see the models. and yeah i was out for about 4 monthes no internet so it took some time to read the new pages cool stuff in there.
Officially changing FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) to FLGS (Friendly Local GitSplitta)
@ Git - do you want matt or gloss finish on those guys I'm sending you?
and how do you want the wing on the jumpy guy or want me to leave them so you can do your decal thing/mirco pen thing?
Glad to be on board Gits, cant believe ive restrained from posting before now, you do excellent work and i will be forever jealous of your Airbrushing skils, and dont even get me started on your brush work, simply divine
Benn a fantastic read and i Urge you to keep up your legend work
fatty wrote:Sounds like a great plan love to see the models. and yeah i was out for about 4 monthes no internet so it took some time to read the new pages cool stuff in there.
Well, good to have you back. I had a lab rat as a pet for many years when I was a kid... so your avatar brings back warm memories.
Briancj wrote:It really annoys me that the IA books are now only in hardcover, and, thusly, cost far too much money.
I finally broke down and got the Badab set... had to swallow pretty hard when I paid the bill, but I just had to do it.
Santobell wrote:Officially changing FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) to FLGS (Friendly Local GitSplitta)
LOL! Thanks.
@ Git - do you want matt or gloss finish on those guys I'm sending you? and how do you want the wing on the jumpy guy or want me to leave them so you can do your decal thing/mirco pen thing?
Go ahead and put it on, I think I can make the whole badge separately & then sneak it under later.
Tyranic Marta wrote:Glad to be on board Gits, cant believe ive restrained from posting before now, you do excellent work and i will be forever jealous of your Airbrushing skils, and dont even get me started on your brush work, simply divine
Benn a fantastic read and i Urge you to keep up your legend work
Marta
I shall Marta, thank you! And please, post away. New voices and opinions are always welcome here. They make it what it is actually.
So, I WILL do some painting today so expect an updated pic some time later (probably tonight). I also came up with a BRILLIANT (note it's in all caps so it has to be true) idea for our Adepticon team this year. Just pitched it... we'll see what the rest of the team says. Don't ask me what it is... I ain't tellin'.
Thanks for the set up DSS, I was waiting for that!
What's BRILLIANT about it is that I only have to paint 6 figures!
However, if they do go for it... I'll pick up some other major aspect of getting ready for the event... banners, shirt design, something like that. Need to do something besides being the brains of the outfit (God help them).
You buy 'em... I'll paint 'em! (but then I get to keep some too)
Cool thing is at 1000 points the army still could be darn near anything... marines, orks, nids, eldar, GK, (OK, so probably NOT necrons... I'll give you that much).
Love to see a 4x necron team, though with the phase-out rules the way they are and the FOC restrictions of Adepticon... I don't think that's likely.
It's pretty cool. My first convention of any kind was Adepticon last year. Couldn't think of a better introduction to these types of events. Grueling event though.
fatty wrote:Sounds like a great plan love to see the models. and yeah i was out for about 4 monthes no internet so it took some time to read the new pages cool stuff in there.
Well, good to have you back. I had a lab rat as a pet for many years when I was a kid... so your avatar brings back warm memories.
@Ice: Sorry mate, one con involving travel and overnight stays is enough per year. If it came at a different time of year, perhaps... but I'm a plant biologist, mid summer is a bad time for me to go walk-a-bout.
Made some progress on the libby. He's getting close to done. Have to finish his helmet, do a bit of work on the base so he matches the rest of the army & decide if I'm going to bother with OSL on anything. My first attempt at lightening on a power weapon and shield. I'm not all that thrilled about it, but I'm disinclined to scrap the whole thing and start over. It was a good learning experience though and I think my next attempt will turn out better.
Unthinkable: Gitsplitta being overly harsh on himself. Seriously, don't be despondent, it's great work, especially the scrollwork. My only critique might be another set of highlights on the blue of the helm and pad maybe? But, looks great mr!
I could do some edge highlighting... that would probably make it pop a bit. There will be gloss coat added in certain areas, though I'm not sure that the force weapon is one of them. Will have to think on it.
Not finished yet... but near done. I'm sure I'll fiddle with it for a while yet.
I'm inclined to agree with graven. One more highlight or an edge highlight on the blue would really make him pop. But, he's come along nicely. Is there anything note-worthy on the back of the model? I noticed we haven't seen a single shot of the rear or is it just plain termi armor?
Wow looks real good i really like his base, is that a custom build or one you bought and made look awesome, im not sure what to say about the highlights i think it looks good, if i was to say highlight i think it would be on the helm and the shoulder pad but thats just my thoughts on it. coming along nicely though. how ddid you get the effect for his weapon i seen done on several other blogs im just not sure on how to go about that i really like the effect.
LOL monkeytroll. Nothing special in the back... just OOP termie armor. All the giggidy is in the front and sides.
Well, I tried to copy some examples I saw where it looked like there was a numbus of energy around the bolt proper. I took *very* dilute white on a wider brush and painted the general tracks of where I wanted the lightning to go, then when that was dry I came back in and drew the actual bolts.
I think my error was puting in a single wide track. I should have used the same dilute paint, but used the same thin brush that I did the lightening bolt with to put in a variety of random tracks along the general path of the lightening... I think that would look much better. Also some of the wide tracks are too white. It's hard to tell when you put it on because you can hardly see it, but I think you really want more of a ghost image for the nimbus rather than something that stands out.
I have gone back over it with some shades from the blade and shield to thin things out a bit. It's better now than when I first finished the lightening. It was also my first attempt a doing the crystals. Crude, but a decent first attempt. I used my little pens to line-shade a lot of the figure, much more than I've ever done in the past. It's very subtle, but I think it really helps to make some of the transitions and deep areas more crisp.
I love the base and the shield (is that scribor?) Also the powerweapon looks pretty good (though I disagree about using gloss on it, it would not turn out right in my mind), just toss a few minor highlights on him and thats something to be proud of right there!
Well, thanks to a swap meet at my FLGS, the Mantis Warriors now have a Mk-1 Land Raider! Been looking for one for a long time. This one is in good shape, needs just a change of color and was reasonably priced (that last bit is hard to find).
Ralin Givens wrote:I love the base and the shield (is that scribor?) Also the powerweapon looks pretty good (though I disagree about using gloss on it, it would not turn out right in my mind), just toss a few minor highlights on him and thats something to be proud of right there!
Oh yeah?! Well... your name is Ralin Givens but your picture is of Boyd Crowder. So nyah!
Oh boy! That's exciting news! I always thought you needed some heavy armor in your army. I'm glad you got the old school version, seeing as that's your style and what-not.
Ralin Givens wrote:I love the base and the shield (is that scribor?) Also the powerweapon looks pretty good (though I disagree about using gloss on it, it would not turn out right in my mind), just toss a few minor highlights on him and thats something to be proud of right there!
Hey Ralin, sorry... forgot to answer your question. The shield is Chapterhouse. Very nice piece. It just went so well with the rest of the figure that I was lucky to have it (thanks Pyriel-) Once I finish up whatever detail I'm going to use on the helm I'll get to the edge highlighting & then make a decision on the OSL.
I'm really happy about the Land Raider. Man they're small. Appropriate for the figures of the time but they're tiny in comparison to today's standard. But, It'll be a nice centerpiece for the army and matches everything else. Just have to sort out how I'm going to paint it and I'll be all set.
I would match it to your terminators and drop pods. Tranquility markings seem a little off here, if i understood the fluff correctly. but thats just my 2 cents
Ralin Givens wrote:I love the base and the shield (is that scribor?) Also the powerweapon looks pretty good (though I disagree about using gloss on it, it would not turn out right in my mind), just toss a few minor highlights on him and thats something to be proud of right there!
Oh yeah?! Well... your name is Ralin Givens but your picture is of Boyd Crowder. So nyah!
Touche sir...touche..your the first one to call me on that
On a more ontopic note I love the old MKI LRs and I am sure you will do it justice
Hi Gitsplitta, just read a lot (not all, but a lot) of this thread over the last day or two . . Your army is boss, keep up the good work. Inspirational stuff.
samwellfrm wrote:Maybe add some extra armor plates to give it volume. Or would that ruin the authenticity?
Not sure, I'll start painting it straight and then see how I can muck it up with gubbins.
alabamaheretic wrote:maybe green with trim in yellow? or vice versa? i dunno
Yes to the former.
polari wrote:Green with yellow sections and some battle damage i think adds to the overall feel of the army i say
As none of my vehicles have battle damage, probably not. However... I like battle damage, but am going to wait until the army is essentially done so the damage and techniques are consistent across all the vehicles.
fatty wrote:I would match it to your terminators and drop pods. Tranquility markings seem a little off here, if i understood the fluff correctly. but thats just my 2 cents
Agreed.
Ralin Givens wrote:On a more ontopic note I love the old MKI LRs and I am sure you will do it justice
Thanks Ralin, I'll do my best.
Unluckyguardsman wrote:just checking back in Gits! The librarian is definitely coming together. glad to hear that you got one of those MK 1 landraiders, epic model!
UG
Thank you UG. Looking forward to adding it to the motor pool!
Reaper Man 2020 wrote:I really want one of those MK 1 Landraiders!
I looked a long time before finding this one. Lots of failed bids on e-bay and such. Just finally got lucky.
TheBlueRedPanda wrote:Hi Gitsplitta, just read a lot (not all, but a lot) of this thread over the last day or two . . Your army is boss, keep up the good work. Inspirational stuff.
Love your avatar! Thanks for hanging in there TBRP, I know it's a chore sorting through it all but I'm glad you found it enjoyable & inspirational, makes the work worth-while! ;-)
Took a break from my marines today to finish repainting a Hive Tyrant for thing 2. It's an older metal one, but it looks good all painted up and matches the rest of the army nicely. Also got my light box and spray booth set up again... those were major accomplishments. Tyrant's over in my Nid blog if you're interested. It's just tabletop standard so don't look too hard. There's a limit to the effort I'll put into a repaint. For what it is I think it turned out fine though.
Libby for the win Gits! love the shield, it just looks so damn cool, and painted differently than you usually see too! very nicely done! more please?...please!
Looking good Gits!I personally really like the lightning effects, they work nicely and arent overly diverting from the rest of the model (as in 'o look, theres a man attached to that giant glowing sword!') which also looks great. Id agree with...damn my rubbish memory...Moltar i think, and say some extra highlights would really finish him off nicely.
Congrats on your Mk1 LR too, im not a fan of that particular model (purely for having the easiest-to-break-looking weapons the world has ever seen ), but it fits beautifully into the old school MWs, nice find
So, still mulling over exactly what I'm going to do to finish the librarian, I am of course doing everything and anything else in order to procrastinate making a decision. One of said projects is finishing up a base for a neat GMS marine that I got from Disjointed Entity. DE volunteered to make a chaos Mantis Warrior for me with no strings attached... just because he wanted to give it a shot. Like any red blooded American I leapt (sp?) at the prospect of free stuff. So a bit later I get this really cool chaosed out vanguard from DE... all covered in gore with hoses everywhere and chainswords for arms. Very cool. He needed a base though and I needed to figure out what in the heck I was going to do with a chaos Mantis Warrior. Obvious answer... objective marker.
So, I set about making a base worthy of this cool figure. I had in mind an old rhino hatch, scarred and pitted, with the chaos marine standing on top of it as if he'd just ripped apart the rhino, killed the occupants and was using a bit of the machine to stake out his next victim. So, this little piece has a couple of important firsts... First first... tried a different series of greens to go along with earlier conversations. These are a bit darker and richer, and blend up to a yellow/green rather than a pale white/green. Second first... my first full blown attempt at pitting using the sponge technique a-la grey_death (thanks bud!).
I'm very happy with the way both turned out & have uploaded a higher res image than normal (for a WIP) so anyone who's curious can check it out. I'm sure close examination will reveal a multitude of flaws... but for a first attempt (and at normal table-top distance), it looks darn good. The shot is still WIP of course. The rhino door is complete but as you can see I just added the flocking. Once it's dry I'll wash it & add the grass, then finally the marine at which point I'll take a final pic.
C&C welcome, especially from those of you who've used this technique before. The only thing I'm not happy with is the "X" which is supposed to be chainsword damage from the chaos marine... nice idea but it just didn't translate well. Can't do anything about it now though... luckily it'll have a marine standing over it so it won't be a major distraction for the piece.
(The funny part is that AFTER DE had obligated me by sending me this cool figure, he asked for one in return. Those of you who follow this blog know that I haven't accepted any new trades for months & probably won't for months more as I'm so far behind. LOL!! Well played my friend. He was nice enough to send a figure along, so for once I get to paint a normal marine rather than some crazy custom job... which will be quite a welcome change of pace.)
Gits
What doesn't come through in the pic is that there are light grey highlights on the pits *and* metallic scraps and scratches... but in the pic they all look the same. So if you see a light grey color in the center of a pit or scratch... it's actually chainmail color rather than flat grey. That being said... it actually looks pretty darn good in RL.
Overall it looks pretty good, except for one thing, the chipping.
It is a bit chunky, it looks like you brushed it on? I would highly recommend sponge chipping to add some smaller chips too.
There are 2 problems more serious though, A, you used black as the chip color. A charcoal or dark brown would be better, as it would look like bare weathered metal, rusted or not. But black would not be the color under the green. B is related, the underlining to give the impression of a raised edge is a bit too thick to be convincing, and is grey. Really it should be a light green, usually the same as your highest edge highlight.
Using black prevented you from completing the effect in B as you are unable to make the counter shadow line to compliment the highlight line within the chip itself.
The ultimate solution, would be to AB the armor brown first, then sponge apply liquid masking fluid, and then paint as normal. When you remove the liquid mask after you are done, the fact it is recessed creates a true highlight and edge shadow, saving you a lot of work and having an accurate physical result too!
I know that was a long criticism, but I only wrote it as the solution is very, very easy and quick and I know you have all the tools necessary, I hope it is helpful!
- Actually, I did use a sponge. I'm new at it though so I'm sure my technique needs practice. Most of the chips are actually quite small though. Not sure I could go much finer but I'm sure I'll get better over time. - The chips aren't black, they're Adeptus Battlegrey, though I admit the photo makes them look black. I can lighten/change the shade I use from now on with no problem. - The highlight thing is good to know, can work on that the next time. Will pick a light green shade as you suggest. I'm such a clutz that it's hard for me to keep those edges as fine as they should be. Again, I'm hoping that with practice I'll get better.
I've seen tutorials on using liquid mask... might have to give that a shot.
Agree with tom on the color choices stuff, with just those changes the chipping will go from ok to great Overall you're right there with the technique, give it one more go with the color changes and I think you'll be much happier with the final result!
When/if you try liquid masking, you're definitely going to want to be careful and light with your pattern ( I used a sponge to get the best results ). If you go too heavy, the chips are too large, too small and you'll inevitably miss some when rubbing them from the surface. Also the paint coat over top has to be nice and light (yet opaque) which is a must airbrush situation. So to me it's less useful than using painted on chipping in many areas, even if it's technically more 'real'.
Honestly the hairspray methods I've seen and used are much better suited for any armor than masking.
Sounds like you are on the right track then! I had quite a few goes trying different things before I started being relatively satisfied, started with just sponging, took a few tries to learn to wipe off enough paint off the sponge to keep the results delicate but present... then it was the line highlighting which takes forever and is tough to be fine enough, especially on the smaller sponge marks... then it was multihued sponging with a glaze like highlight...
All that to say, in the end, I arrived at liquid masking, which I find is the most effective and one of the least effort requiring methods, like I said, it is hard to picture, but when you pull it off and see that it created an actual, real chip in the paint, and the light catches it like you pictured it would, it is really satisfying lol. That, then combined with a more rustlike or highlight color secondary light color sponging is ultimate for me! Anything to avoid brush lining the damned things lol -
Thanks g_d, will make appropriate changes the next go-round. I'd like to keep working on this technique so I can do it decently before moving onto some other medium (like masking)... if for no other reason than it's another tool in the tool box. Those little highlight lines are tricky though as even with magnification I have trouble seeing that small (God I hate getting old). I also rushed it a bit. Was sneaking in 10 minutes of painting here and there through the day as I was running errands and looking after sick children.
I need to come up with another project that's limited in scope that I can practice on... don't want to tear into one of my vehicles until I'm sure I know what I'm doing.
At least I'm not afraid to give it a shot... that counts for something, right?
@MajorTom: Sounds like I have a lot to learn yet... that's cool... think I can handle it.
And GD is totally right, liquid mask is only any good on armor - armor as in tanks and big surfaces. His hint to be wary of the size of the masking is also spot on, too small and it is tough to remove the mask, or notice it (although, the bubbly but subtle relief it creates is a look unto itself), and too big and you lose the effect a bit.
He is also absolutely right that an AB is the best companion to that technique.
Finally, I have yet to try Hairspray technique, so I'm thinking the oil drums that need to go on the back of the Crasssus would be the perfect spot to give that a go! GD recommending it as the best method certainly holds some weight with me!
For when you guys both get to it. That's a link to my best attempt to date with hairspray and pigments. Scratchmod is a must check out site.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Here's a link to my best attempt yet. For anyone considering advanced weathering techniques, be sure you check out Scratchmod (linked in that post), it's amazing stuff to try and think about.
I see GD replied in the threads page, but on here I can't see it... that seems to happen a lot on your giant thread Gits lol! I remember it happening once before!
In any case, from the first sentence GD, if you were linking to your site and the tutorials, it's already in my favorites bud
@dantay: well, showed the base because I wanted some constructive criticism on the technique... which I got. Will have a pic of the entire thing put together this PM.
Thanks for the links g_d... will add those to my library.
That's the infamous "page roll-over" MajorTom and it's annoying. The price I pay for a monster like this blog. Does it not happen on smaller blogs?? I seem to remember it always happening to me.
Consider it practice Cain. I didn't spend all that time just painting a figure base, I spent it trying to learn a new technique. Specifically one that many people have said would improve the look of my figures.
For the libby, how about a light wash of baal red on the axe to pull the colours together a bit, it may make the lightning go a bit pink. Then pick out the points where the lightning meets each other and the blade edge with white, as I think the white is a bit thick.
For the hatch, it looks good, but you could also use salt.
Basecoat silver or boltgun, lay down some salt where you want chips, the spray on brown or grey. A little more salt around the edge of what is already there, then add green.
Rub away salt, and you are left with scuff marks etc similar to how Tom and gd do it.
My fingers ache from allthis typing on my cell... atleast that will have burnt off a few calories.
Yeah... don't think I don't appreciate their help either. Nice to have a couple of pro's willing to stop by and give C&C.
Will put their advice to good use on the next project of this type. (or practice pieces if I can find a good excuse for them)
OK so here is the completed mini-diorama/objective marker. The "Thunder Baron" aka chaos Mantis Warrior atop his fresh kill, made by Gathering Storm. This does not benefit from all the great advice from MajorTom and grey_death... just my first whack at some of the techniques. I really liked the figure GS made for me, so I wanted to see it based appropriately and in a way that it would see the gaming table regularly.
HEY GS... the Baron have a story that you want to share with us??
(or alternately... you might ask WarOne to write a story about him... he's very good and the fact that this is a corrupted Mantis Warrior might give him some interesting plot fodder.) Since the Baron is part of the GMS I think he qualifies.
Btw, tried the salt and hairspray, very cool results too! Watch for my next Crassus Limo update in a day or 2 for pics. It doesn't replace liquid mask weathering for me just yet, but I consider it very useful for extreme corrosion, the quick multiple layering and randomness are ver interesting...
Gitsplitta wrote:You'd have to ask Disjointed Entity about that...
HEY DE... the Baron have a story that you want to share with us??
(or alternately... you might ask WarOne to write a story about him... he's very good and the fact that this is a corrupted Mantis Warrior might give him some interesting plot fodder.) Since the Baron is part of the GMS I think he qualifies.
If it's ok I wouldn't mind WarOne to write one. The only info you can glean from the inter-webs is that they suffer from "Insanity". And that's all. So I thought they'd be either be Slaneesh or Khorne worshipers who suffer from the Red Mist much like the Blood Angles.
I also have a thing for Viking-esque names.
I've said this before, but I'll say it again, WE NEED A JAWDROP EMORKICON!
And, of course, something else I say regulary is LOOKIN' GOOD!
Disjointed Entity, you did a great job with that marine, Gits, great job with the base!
Ah.... that explains it. Funny because all of a sudden *all* of the "most recent posts" were flagged from the UK. I just figured they'd gotten home from work but I guess it's more than 4 hours difference between myself and our friends on the other side of the pond.
So... they leave work... go have a few pints at the pub with their mates... get home around 9 PM. Kids are already in bed & wife is asleep... pillow and blanket have been angrily tossed by same on the couch. Nothing left to do but post!
Sober does not equal cheap! Means the guy has to spend a lot more $$ to woo you (dinner, show, flowers, etc.) rather than just stuffing a couple of beers down your gob!
The sponge chipping looks good for a first attempt. I like to use chardonon granite as the base colour, but still have problems with the highlight colours, found I'm happy with doing yellows and light greens, but reds and blues not so much. And something I tried when struggling with fine highlighting was sponging on the high-light colour, then 'filling in' with the granite, leaving the highlight showing. I sometimes find it easier to leave a fine line than create one...but that just might be me That way it also creates little 'chips' that haven't got down to primer, if you're getting really fine chips.
strangley its not my birthday today we could use one more....
o wait my mother's birthday is today xD
it seems it is a popular day to be brought into this world and i hope with all my heart that it will take a much longer time for all of you to leave this earth.
Thanks you Yggs and DSS. As frustrating as the page roll-over is for you as a poster Yggs... it can't compare to how frustrating it is for me as the OP. Just the nature of the beast I guess.
@Solar: Sorry to hear about that. Though it explains why I didn't hear from you earlier. Hope you didn't take any serious injury & that no one else got hurt.
Finished up my libby... that's another one down... only thousands more to go (maybe hundreds).
So you do paint the back of your minis! He looks awesome, Gits! I think the script work came out particularly well on this one. Especially on his right shoulder scroll! It looks ace. The golds look good and I really like that green as a spot color on him. Also, obviously, ties him in with your Mantis Warriors. Great job, Gits!
OH.... and as of this instant anyway... this is the #1 all-time Exalted thread on dakka (with the exception of the thread explaining the exalt button)... so, it's the "#1 all-time Exalted P&M thread on dakka" .... whatever that means.
Thanks to all those who like and "exalted" the blog! It's very touching... event if I don't quite get it. I guess it means you like what you see? Cool, I can live with that.
@Ralin: Thank you sir! I'm happy enough with him.
@Moltar: I put that shot in JUST FOR YOU... as there's obviously no other reason for it. I knew that with a libby, the whole book/scroll/script concept would be very important so I took extra time with it. Glad you like it. I didn't have a good way of adding the chapter symbol or colors to him, so I though a few green accents with the purity seals and the ribbon on the force axe would do the trick.
Well, they certainly did. Your extra time on the script really paid off, bud. And thanks for that shot. It was special. And, at least it shows off that shoulder-scroll.
Gits, the exalt feature is a way to showcase threads on dakka that show both outsiders and registered members what the users consider to be the "top threads"
I've seen this thread pop up loads of times but never looked before, but I'm glad I have now. I really like what your doing, and it's great to see loads of the original plastic 'beaky' mk6 marines. Now I'm really regretting the fact that I got rid of all mine! It's great to see somebody doing something good with one of the less well known chapters. Love the tranquility warriors - from the original compendium/White Dwarf with the article on the Badab war? (Before FW re-did it all). I know chapters now are all "we don't need camo schemes - we aren't afraid of showing our true colours" etc but I really like idea of different colour schemes for chapters for different environments or campaigns. Also, I think your much earlier stuff where you resculpted the heads to look like mantis' are REALLY good. Keep up the good work. Subscribed.
I like the colors on the Libby. However, the energy lines on the blade seem too thick and white. WD had a few articles on painting energy lines that you may want to look up. One was for the power sword on the BA Terminator Captain for SpaceHulk. The other was the Wolf Claws on the SWWG. I got both tutorials collected in a binder if you ever in Reedsburg and want to stop over and take a look. Both were very realistic...well as far as SF goes.
@Moltar: Thanks man, I really appreciate the postivie feedback. Nice to know something I focused on worked out. In case you can't read it, the words at the top of the scroll say "Keep Faith" in black with red "shadows".
@Alf: Thanks... yeah, I read up on it a bit. I mean it's fine... but it kind of turns dakka into a kind of pissing contest which I don't think helps in the long run. I guess if I was more into facebook it'd make more sense.
@monkeyh: Hey monkeyh! Seen you around the forums... thanks for stopping by! I started this army over 20 years ago, primarily as whipping boys for my eldar, but when my kids got into 40k (all on their own) a couple of years back, I decided to give my old army the treatment it deserves. I must admit that I really love working with the old figures... even though converting them into interesting poses can be difficult. I hope I can keep you interested and that you'll continue to comment as we go.
OH, and those heads were sculpted for me by BLACKHAND... I can barely make a purity seal with GS much less a full blown marine helm.
@graven: Yeah, they're really neat. Once I started realizing that the scrolls could be handled more like a medieval calligraphic piece and not just a modern page of text, things got much more interesting & my extra bits really improved. OH, order an extra red pen, for some reason they seem to dry out faster than the other colors. (at least mine did... just got two more to replace it)
@wyfox: There's a decent discussion earlier about what went wrong with the lightening. Not to repeat the whole thing... but in essence I'd seen other examples of sharp lines of lightning painted over a faint nimbus of color behind it that looked really good, unfortunately my nimbus was just too heavy so even though there are very fine lightening lines on the blade, they get lost in the thicker bands of not-dilute-enough white behind them. If I get your way, I'd love to see those articles... or if you get mine I can scan & copy them for my own collection.
I did take everyone's advice and line the edges of the armor. It really made a difference, especially on the facial area of the helm.
Gits, I think in a year's time the exalt thing will work itself out to show people the "best" of Dakka. If you look at the top 15 most exalted threads, its split about 50-50.
1: New Dakka Feature - Exalt (well of course people are going to exalt this, its a thread to try this) 2: Rebuilding the Mantis Warriors (A very community driven P&M blog) 3: Warmill's sexy laser cut etc... (Warmill's work is amazing, and anyone coming to the site can see the work as an example of how you can improve your hobbying without amazing paint jobs on the models (I would love some of those bases) 4: New Sisters of Battle Info (I bet we can expect to see N&R threads reaching here especially with big releases on horizon) 5: Are you staying with the GW Hobby? (This is very similar to the N&R Sisters thread, I would expect to see major turns in the wargames hobby to be exalted many times) 6: Chapterhouse Lawsuit update... (See number 5) 7: New Rumors about Chaos Legions 8: Panic's Pimp My Sorcerer 40k Contest (he has more exalts the the original thread, this is a very welcoming contest and thread) 9: August GW releases 11: Major Tom's Space Hulk Thread (Again, a massive project that is showcasing some amazing talent on this site)
I removed thread number 10 as its in the Mosh Pit, and thus doesn't really showcase anything on the site. So at the moment its 4 really positive threads, and 6 average threads, with 1 of them being the announcement of the Exalt button. Edit: The list is dynamic as well, it only shows me Mosh Pit threads while I'm logged in, as a random user it keeps any unviewable threads out of the listing. So things that are only viewable to DCM's will be seen on the list of exalts. It just needs some time to cool of ya know?
Also, beaufitul libby Gits, I'm srsly jealous of that as I prepare to start painting mine....
graven - were you not able to source from the UK? I had to try a few sites before I found one that had the colours and sizes I wanted, but did get there, think it was Classy Crafts.
Yeah, there's like 10 words worth of news in the whole 30 page thread . Poor Kroothawk. I did exalt Hulksmash's Tyranid Tactica because I found alot of the information very useful to bug players, like myself, who have otherwise struggled in 5th edition.
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Gitsplitta wrote:@wyfox: There's a decent discussion earlier about what went wrong with the lightening.
Hmm..sorry about that...must have missed it somewhere along the lines of battle damage and beer drinking
@Alf: OK, have a better handle on it now I think. Be interesting to see how things sort out over the long haul.
@Matrim: Thanks man! I just love that avatar... makes me smile!
@Monkeytroll: Thank you! Looking at the plain-Jane back makes me thing I should do something with it... but I usually don't like over fussity models. Perhaps something clean and simple will help keep the model viewable.
@wyfox: Beer is *always* accepted as a valid excuse on this blog. No sweat.
@ReaperMan: You got that right! :-)
So, next up is supposed to be finishing off the jet bikes before I throw myself into another complex GMS marine or two, but I find myself diverted by a couple of easy projects (gotta love the low-hanging fruit). One is DE's marine he asked me to paint in trade for the Baron. It's built, it's a normal marine (no fancy crap... not a tranquility vet, not a vanguard... not a vanguard in tranquility camo... <yes, someone we all know well has actually asked me for this... a "sternguard vanguard" . So... you know... it's just a simple marine for once. Sounds fun.
The other is yet another objective that's been on the block since Adepticon. I got this cool OOP "wounded marine" from... vent I thhink. And one of those really nice rounded edge bases with the inserts that he fits perfectly on. Easy set-up for an objective.
My interest here is to experiment with a new formula for my MW green. The airbrushing is done on the two figures and I really like the way the color turned out (much deeper and richer) but quite different from my previous shades. Going to be interesting to have the two shades in the same army. Once I finish these two projects, I should be comfortable with the new blend (or be able to tweak it) so that I can continue on with the next project.
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Dateline: Wisconsin, 9:36 PM CST
Well, I made good progress tonight on both projects. Might even have both done by the weekend which would be really nice. I guess sometimes you've just got to follow your muse!
Very nicely done on the librarian mate! My only concern is the gold on the Axe which seems to blend into the red/yellow effect but the gold elsewhere is perfect for making the model pop and even on the shield.
ghuhagen wrote:1st off that termie is awesome 2nd, this is by far the Longest blog i have ever seen
Thanks for the laugh ghuhagen! Yes, it is here-to-fore known as "The Beast". And thanks for your comments on the termie, glad you like him!
DarkStarSabre wrote:Very nicely done on the librarian mate! My only concern is the gold on the Axe which seems to blend into the red/yellow effect but the gold elsewhere is perfect for making the model pop and even on the shield.
Well done indeed!
Thanks DSS (and quit changing your avatar)! I actually agree with you on the eagle... I just couldn't come up with anything better. I thought about silver but then there's no other silver on the model so I didn't think it would look good. Didn't want to introduce too many colors to the palette.
Automatically Appended Next Post: And now for the "pics or it didn't happen" crowd...
The wounded marine objective marker:
And work on DE's marine showing the "new green" in comparison with the old. It blends into yellow rather than white & as such is much richer and warmer. I didn't go this way originally because I didn't want to get too close to grey_death's Sons of Medusa, but I start with such a dark color that even my last two highlight coats get brought down in tone by the base (you'd be amazed how light my two highlight blends are).
This is WIP of course, still lots to do but it's going quickly.
Gitsplitta wrote:Thanks DSS (and quit changing your avatar)! I actually agree with you on the eagle... I just couldn't come up with anything better. I thought about silver but then there's no other silver on the model so I didn't think it would look good. Didn't want to introduce too many colors to the palette.
I only changed it the once. Blame my recent Youtube fuelled Transformers kick. And the though of Junkians being responsible for Finecast
I've been far too lazy. I must do stuff this weekend.
And holy differing shades of green. I do so prefer the yellow tones rather than the white tones though. In a sense it makes them mesh better as an army as it ties them to the Tranquility vets!
samwellfrm wrote:I approve. I really like the idea of a two-tone army. It made me think of this song :
Cool sam, and thanks! It'll change the look of the army a bit. I don't think mixing the infantry will present much of a continuity problem, but the vehicles might be another matter. This is much closer to my original color mock-up for the chapter.
DarkStarSabre wrote:And holy differing shades of green. I do so prefer the yellow tones rather than the white tones though. In a sense it makes them mesh better as an army as it ties them to the Tranquility vets!
I hadn't made that connection before, but you're right... it does bring them into the same general realm of color.
Unluckyguardsman wrote:I definitely like the dark green, it looks more smooth. The objective marker looks sweet as well! Keep the pics coming!
UG
Thanks UG! I get these two projects knocked out over the next couple of days and I'll be a pretty happy camper.
Alfndrate wrote:I'm loving that new green Gits, keep it up good sir!
The new color set up works very nicely. It's much richer and more saturated than the original scheme. If it comes up too far the highlight scale, you can always throw him a wash at the end to tone it all back down.
Now, if we can just get you chipping normal marines
Well DSS... THE PICTURES of the objective marker and marine for DE just MIGHT have given you a clue...
*sigh*
After that... finish off the jet bike scouts.
Also, Thing 1 wants to work on painting his two monoliths. That won't take a ton of my time, but it should be fun. Give him some good airbrushing experience.
I've got a number of smaller & one-off projects planned (several GMS marines, etc.), but from an "army" perspective, once the jet bikes are done the next thing that is integral to my current army that isn't done are a pair of LS Storms... so I suspect those will be my next major project.
Once those are done, my current "army concept" will be complete up to 2000 pts. Then I'm free to work on things like vanguard & a couple of vindicators which are the next units I'd like to experiment with.
@DE: No problem mate. The "Baron" is a hit! And it gave me a great excuse to work on something I've been wanting to work on for a long time (the weathering) but was too afraid to on a regular model. I may even succumb to peer pressure and try some on your marine as well.
... *and* I've used them to experiment with a new green blend, that also appears to be a hit. So, if any of you folks out there were wondering "why do the Great Marine Swap?"... this is why... you get to experiment and stretch your legs & practice without having to make a commitment to a technique or scheme for your entire army. It's awesome!
grey_death wrote:The new color set up works very nicely. It's much richer and more saturated than the original scheme. If it comes up too far the highlight scale, you can always throw him a wash at the end to tone it all back down.
I would have to agree on this as well.
As for battle damage, I am kinda in the same boat as you and RolePlayer in that my painted SW force is painted in Parade Uniform. I might paint a few special characters with some wear and tear, but if I go beyond that, I will lose army cohesion.
Thanks GiraffeX... just bought some more of the key colors of paint so I should be set for a while.
@WyFox: I can always practice my technique on trade marines and such until I'm ready to take the plunge on my regular army. Till then I'm not going to stress over it, but I will continue to practice as I can. However since YOU SAID that you only paint about 3 figures a year... you could probably weather your whole army in a few days... can't be that big after all. Tac squad, rhino, commander... that's about it I'd guess.
Well Ralin, this is my house... "house rule"... can't say as much for my gaming group, though the tournaments usually require a 3 color minimum (which let's face it is all of 30 minutes of work for a 1500 point army.)
Gitsplitta wrote:Well Ralin, this is my house... "house rule"... can't say as much for my gaming group, though the tournaments usually require a 3 color minimum (which let's face it is all of 30 minutes of work for a 1500 point army.)
With an Airbrush of course, but I cannot stand o field a model unless it is fully painted, basing is a differing story, as I am swapping to the resin base department.
Also, I am liking the new armor color as well, then again my BA have six differing shades because of airbrush experimentation.
Gitsplitta wrote:Oh, didn't I tell you our house rule?? No unpainted mini's on the table. You'd better get crackin'!!
That's OK at my house, unpainted figures get preferred enemy and tank hunter against painted figs. But don't worry, you got at least a week and it won't take you that long to strip your army.
Have made some good progress in spite of having Strep (kid brought it home from his camping trip).
1) The objective marker is finished... and I'm really happy with it. However in looking at it, it needed a bit of something. A poignant irony of some sort. Now, in my mind the first time I put it together a phrase popped into my head so I decided to pursue that. I've worked a little GSfu that I think will do the trick.
My questions for you folks are:
- How long do I need to let the GS cure before I can paint it? Thickest part of the GS is less than 1 mm.
- Do you want to see the "finished" objective now, or wait until I put on the last little touch?
2) DE's marine is nearly done. Just a couple of finishing touches on the figure and then the base. I'll have that one done today I think. It's just so easy to paint a "normal" marine for a change that I've whipped right through it & am quite happy with the way it turned out. Pics when it's finished.
3) I'm thinking about re-airbrushing the highlights on my jet bikes to bring them into line with the new color scheme. Because the old highlights go to white, I think a light brushing of the new tones would cover reasonably well. I'm really pleased with the way the new scheme looks... I think it's much more in line with what I originally wanted to do with the army.
I usually let GS sit for about 18-24 hours before painting, but I'm sure someone out there has a better technical perspective on it. I'd prefer to see the finished product!
I hope you get feeling better. Def want to see DE's mini. I think your new plan with the jet bikes sounds solid. I say go for it.
Gitsplitta wrote:OK so here is the completed mini-diorama/objective marker. The "Thunder Baron" aka chaos Mantis Warrior atop his fresh kill, made by Disjointed Entity. This does not benefit from all the great advice from MajorTom and grey_death... just my first whack at some of the techniques. I really liked the figure DE made for me, so I wanted to see it based appropriately and in a way that it would see the gaming table regularly.
Okay, so I've been away for a week far from mobile signal range as well internet access and (as expected) the Thread has gained 5 more pages... But, I feel I have to point out that that was the Chaos Mantis I modelled and painted for you, which was sent along with a shipment of assorted Tyranids (as an added bonus). It's nice to see him in all his glory on a much better base than the one I sent with him.
Well, so for all the other goodies, I owe GS (amongst other things) a couple of marines. (I knew I owed you the marines & stuff, just got confused about who painted what). I got both of your marines at the same time and I must have switched them in my head...
I will fix all the previous posts. I'm also going to start labling the builders of my trade marines on the bases so this doesn't happen again.
Sorry GS. Great figure, people love it (as do I). Hope you like the treatment I gave him. Tried to do my best.
I'm glad that people like him. Also, don't worry about getting mixed up (you do have a lot of obligations to fulfil), I would have picked up on this sooner had I not been away.
As for the base, It's fantastic. I just noticed the little 'X' on the Rhino front and it really ties the whole little Diorama/Objective Marker together.
Gitsplitta wrote:OK so here is the completed mini-diorama/objective marker. The "Thunder Baron" aka chaos Mantis Warrior atop his fresh kill, made by Disjointed Entity. This does not benefit from all the great advice from MajorTom and grey_death... just my first whack at some of the techniques. I really liked the figure DE made for me, so I wanted to see it based appropriately and in a way that it would see the gaming table regularly.
Okay, so I've been away for a week far from mobile signal range as well internet access and (as expected) the Thread has gained 5 more pages... But, I feel I have to point out that that was the Chaos Mantis I modelled and painted for you, which was sent along with a shipment of assorted Tyranids (as an added bonus). It's nice to see him in all his glory on a much better base than the one I sent with him.
Well, got my butt handed to me by wyomingfox (his nids ate my nids). But it was FUN! And nid on nid action is always gratifying.
Did finish my marine for DE, Brother Atsushi. Really happy with how it turned out. New green. Another experiment... trying to make the sheet cork look like a paved road (in this case a blown up paved road).
Gits, I know you don't take commissions, but I wish I could send you my Commander Dante, and see what you do with it (as the center piece for my army)... It saddens me when I see your work lol
Perhaps Alf, but what I do is really pretty simple. I'm not a real artist like grey_death or a bunch of the other folks... just a guy painting as best he can. Nothing I do that you can't do with very little practice.
Airbrush gradients.. easy, the brush does the work for you. Eyes... black gem technique, easy. Line the recesses with Thrakka Green wash, easy. Edge highlights with light green, easy. Paint the gold by painting chainmail w/ mithril highlights, 2 layers of sepia wash, another layer of highlights and more sepia wash, easy. Shoulder badge... small ball of GS mushed into pad until it forms a disk & when dry use micropens to make the design, fiddly... but easy.
You can do all of that Alf, you just need to make up your mind to take it slow and focus on one task at a time until you work your way through an entire model. At my level, the hard part isn't the painting, it's having the discipline necessary to do all the stupid simple, fiddly little crap that's necessary for a figure to turn out nicely.
The trick is to keep experimenting and trying something new nearly every time you paint a figure. It's during the experimentation that you really pick things up quickly.
Gitsplitta wrote:Perhaps Alf, but what I do is really pretty simple. I'm not a real artist like grey_death or a bunch of the other folks... just a guy painting as best he can. Nothing I do that you can't do with very little practice.
Airbrush gradients.. easy, the brush does the work for you. Eyes... black gem technique, easy. Line the recesses with Thrakka Green wash, easy. Edge highlights with light green, easy. Paint the gold by painting chainmail w/ mithril highlights, 2 layers of sepia wash, another layer of highlights and more sepia wash, easy. Shoulder badge... small ball of GS mushed into pad until it forms a disk & when dry use micropens to make the design, fiddly... but easy.
You can do all of that Alf, you just need to make up your mind to take it slow and focus on one task at a time until you work your way through an entire model. At my level, the hard part isn't the painting, it's having the discipline necessary to do all the stupid simple, fiddly little crap that's necessary for a figure to turn out nicely.
The trick is to keep experimenting and trying something new nearly every time you paint a figure. It's during the experimentation that you really pick things up quickly.
Off my soap box now...
The problem is, I can't seem to do many of the techniques with a brush that you, eggroll, majortom, and a few others threads I lurk can do with an airbrush, and I just don't have the money in the cards atm for an airbrush.... even though the biggest 3 threads I lurk use brush work for their armies.
@Ralin: Thanks Ralin! For a simple little project he turned out very nicely.
wyomingfox wrote:Given what models you have with as minimal purchases as possible:
I would probably buildup:
*2 naked carnies
*Tyranid Prime w/ dual BS and DS (attached above)
*Tyranid Prime w/ BS and LW and DS (attached above)
*Tervigon w/ Catalyst, TS, AG, CS *10 Termaguants
*13 naked Stealers
*14 naked Stealers
*Trygon w/ Adrenals
*5 Ravenors w RC *2 HG *2 HG *2 Zoes
You have most of this. All you would need is some guants, a HG, and a few more stealers.
Cool, I can work on that... no problem. Great fun last night, thanks for making the trip!
Alfndrate wrote:The problem is, I can't seem to do many of the techniques with a brush that you, eggroll, majortom, and a few others threads I lurk can do with an airbrush, and I just don't have the money in the cards atm for an airbrush.... even though the biggest 3 threads I lurk use brush work for their armies.
That, I understand. An airbrush is a big investment no matter how you look at it. I was able to defer my costs by using a "garage" air compressor (which I already had). Noisy as hell but it worked. Then all I had to do was by the gun and hose (less than $100 I think).
There's noting stopping you from practicing the other techniques though. There are plenty of gems on most models to work on the black gem technique, and using a thin brush to do the lining (both shading and highlighting) can be done on every figure. It's just a matter of getting comfortable with the techniques. Baby steps my friend... baby steps.
Gitsplitta wrote:OK so here is the completed mini-diorama/objective marker. The "Thunder Baron" aka chaos Mantis Warrior atop his fresh kill, made by Disjointed Entity. This does not benefit from all the great advice from MajorTom and grey_death... just my first whack at some of the techniques. I really liked the figure DE made for me, so I wanted to see it based appropriately and in a way that it would see the gaming table regularly.
Okay, so I've been away for a week far from mobile signal range as well internet access and (as expected) the Thread has gained 5 more pages... But, I feel I have to point out that that was the Chaos Mantis I modelled and painted for you, which was sent along with a shipment of assorted Tyranids (as an added bonus). It's nice to see him in all his glory on a much better base than the one I sent with him.
Yours, Gathering Storm.
Oh, I thought that was the one that Gits was making for me!
My bad!
No harm done DE. The one for you is the marine you sent me (which I posted yesterday).
Speaking of which... finally got the finishing touch on the objective marker (the sign). This one actually looks better in person.. something about the 3-dimensionality of it that doesn't translate well into a 2-D picture.
That's a pretty cool objective Gits. I have to admit, the second photograph looks more three dimensional than the first one IMHO.
A little part of me likes to think that the crazy Chaos Mantid had a part to play in demise of that MW. That... or a landmine... I guess that's what he gets for loitering.
WHOOT! I finished reading this blog from start to finish. It took me about a week... but I am in a foreign country, recovering from surgery due to an accident while visiting my family over the summer. Have to say it was an awesome journey. I am glad I took the time to do it. While, I think it is a great idea to have the summary pages I would have missed so much (like the birth of the GMS) by not reading the entire thing. I have really enjoyed reading this blog and also seeing the recreation of the Mantis Warriors according to Gitsplitta's interpretation. Keep up the awesome work, I can't wait to see where this project goes.
Thank you micah! I wish you a speedy recovery & glad I was able to provide some entertainment along the way. As you well know by now the blog has been quite a journey for not just myself, but a number of other folks as well. Faces come and go over time, people pitch in ideas, suggestions, in some cases physical models... been a lot of fun and I have been blessed that it has captured so many people's imaginations.
As a result, the army has become more than I could have ever made it on my own, and I'm a far better modeler and painter than I would have been otherwise. I sometimes worry that the blog has lost it's appeal but then someone like yourself chimes in and I get invigorated to keep up my efforts all over again.
I think it might be time for another summary post. I was going to wait until I finished the bikes but I'll go through the blog since the last one and see if there's enough there to merit a post.
OH yeah... you'd mentioned that earlier and I forgot to say YES... please post the WIP shots. I'm not in a hurry as I'd like to get the bikes done by 200... that will take a bit of work.
Oooh, is this another Gitsplitta races the blog, where everyone tries to post so that he paints faster? lol... Last time was pretty funny, though. iifc Gitsplitta managed it through some questionable interpretation of the wording Anyways, look forward to seeing the bikes finished they are pretty cool and unique. Only Codex approved SM jet bike I know of is Sammael's, so i think it is awesome to see these
@micah: I don't remember the last race, but since you just read the entire blog (you nutter!), I'll take your word for it. Actually if people don't get too chatty, I should be fine. I plan on repainting the highlights with the airbrush tonight and maybe getting the metal areas re-done (as the airbrush will foul up the current work). In essence, get them back to the stage they are now with the new green, then tomorrow I can start moving them forward. I should only need to post 1 or 2 WIP shots before completion, so I think I'll make the deadline.
@GS: Thanks for posting those. I just noticed the remnants of a purity seal on his right leg. Looks like you got most of it filed off. Nice work on converting the arms by-the-way... and I do like the hoses. I figured the knee connection is to that the movement of the legs acts as a natural pump to keep whatever fluid is in the tubes circulating through the body. I'm glad I was able to find a good way to work him into my army in such a way that he'll see frequent use.
Okay, I did it to give gits a hard time, but srsly, Gits I cannot wait to see the bikers with this new look
Editing this to reply to Gits: Aye Captain! I'm giving it all she's got, we're nearing 20 posts to Drop-time. Hopefully we'll slow into it nice and easy.
OK Alf, you're the official "blog cop". Responsible for telling people to stop posting so's I can do my summary at the right time (you're also responsible for telling me when that time is... by PM is fine). I'll try to contain myself to a couple of posts a day so we don't zoom by our goal as a result of my chattiness.
Just wanted to ge in on the 199th page of this monster to say well done to Gits. Unbelievable. The work here improves with every model, raising the bar again. Congrats on an almost 200page blog.
@Miss Dee: As Moltar says... they're jet bikes, so aside from a little spray, probably not much.
@Unlucky: Thank you sir, I do appreciate your kind words and support. I'll do my best.
@graven: Couldn't have done it without you bud... thanks.
@SL: This will be the green for everything from now on.
@Raatcharch: Checked out your blog, you're right, the sand paper nails it. Do you remember what grit it was?
Tonight's progress:
OK so I re-highlighted the bikes to bring them into the yellow tones, then I did a light, pure yellow spray to brighten them up a bit. It did that... they're really lemony green now. I might be able to back the troopers off by re-applying the old top highlight color, but the sergeant will stay this way as I've done a bunch of work on him already. I'll reserve judgment (and encourage you to do the same until I have one completely painted up so we can see what the green looks like in comparison the the rest of the figure.
The other thing I figured out is that there is no way I'm going to get the bikes done by page 200. One bike maybe... not the squad. So go ahead and post all you want, the bikes will have to wait for the next update. I should have a fair amount of time to paint tomorrow night so we'll see how far I get done.
So here's where we are. They're all newly greened. The sergeant is the only one with some (and I repeat SOME) of the detailing done.
Well, we'll really see how he looks after tonight's painting session (wife and kids are off doing things so I have the evening to myself). I'll work on the scout proper next. That should really help to differentiate the figure with a significant element that is not green. Will keep working on the bike as well... lots of fiddly little details to paint up. With luck, I'll be able to get the other four bikes to the above stage by the end of the evening as well.
I'll definitely do some kind of shadow below the bikes. Not sure about the weathering as I haven't weathered anything else. Though I expect in the future you can expect a systematic weathering of the army but that's a ways off yet. I might do a little chipping on the leading edges of the bikes (where they'd be pushing through shrubbery & small bushes... but I imagine a bike like this would react badly to any sort of collision so I'd think they'd be pretty free of damage. Perhaps some chipping where the rider was getting on and off.
On the page roll over: Please keep in mind that the first post to roll is actually the LAST post on the previous page. So if you see a post in the preview but don't see it when you click on "Skip to First Unread"... don't post, just PM me and I'll make the summary.
Also, I'll be out of the office most of today and tomorrow. So if it rolls during the day, don't sweat it. I don't have to have the *first* post on the 200th page. Nice if I can do it, but I'm not worried if I don't.
You've got 11 posts after mine till the end of page 199
On a note about the scout: I don't think the scout's armor needs to be toned down right now, because if you look at it this way you're taking a chunk of the green out as remove the following:
Everyone's being so judicious in their posting... I'm impressed.
Here's the next WIP shot. Nearly done. Need to decide if I want to leave the shoulder pads green as they are or paint them yellow like my other scouts. Open to opinions. Power sword needs completing, bit of edge highlighting, finish the base, etc. This is my first attempt at African American skin tones & using the "faces my way" tutorial. I did poorly but I have 4 more to practice on in this squad alone.
At this rate it's going to take me forever to finish the squad.
The white specs you see (especially near his head) are not actually there... they're reflections from the lights.
I think the green shoulder pads look good, but if you want to keep them in line with other scouts, maybe ask MajorTom to do a quick photoshop to see what it looks like with the yellow pads (that way you don't waste precious painting time).
Not sure which one I like better to be honest. I think keeping it green but putting the chapter symbol on (in a yellow circle) would solve both nicely no?
Automatically Appended Next Post: p.s in return for my photoshop I ask you both go to my Space Hulk thread and give me your opinions on the mud issue!
@Tom: Thanks! That's pretty darn cool! Which encourages me to dig into my pics and re-post my old scouts so you can see the exact yellow I'm talking about. (Man your good Tom, I fool with photoshop a bit and I couldn't do anything like that...)
Has a bit of a goldenrod tone to it... bit warmer.
Sure MT, be happy to chime in.
I don't think the pads *have* to be the same color as the other scouts... different squads, different equipment, different responsibilities. As Tom suggests the symbol on their shoulder pads might work just fine (as I do with the normal marines).
I look at these guys as kind of the elites amongst the scouting corps anyway... so perhaps having something more akin to a normal marine's appearance is appropriate.
Might be, though there are no obvious modeled on features from which the glow would emanate.
Three more posts are available before I have to do the summary. It's quite possible I will be away from a computer for most of the day, but I will check back intermittantly as I can. I think I'll get the summary set and ready to go this morning, so I can hit the "post" button when the time is right.
I'll have access for another hour or so ('till 9:30 or 10 AM CST), so if you have something to say until the page rolls over (should be 3 posts)... please do.
So here is where I disconnect between the two scout squads..
The yellow pads work well on the foot scouts cause the overall uniform are grey. They break up the colors of green and yellow. The very light brown of the jet biker is too light to use yellow. thou both figures only use yellow on the pads it looks out of place . My opinion.
I'm guessing this is why in my opinion some Libby look out of place with the blue armor and some chapter shoulders. Some color lend itself to blue better . ( consult your local color wheel or in my case professional artist/wife). Still support the livery but sometime it doesn't look right
OOH good point S_L, I the slight difference in their clothing is making a nice distinction between the fine gents that have to foot slog it, and the fancy pants that get to zip into combat.
Perhaps a yellow squad marking? If not, I say keep the biker scouts with the green shoulder pads, and the foot slogging scouts with the yellow shoulder pads.
First, I want to thank everyone for sticking with this monstrosity of a blog. I have enjoyed it thoroughly even though it's been a ton of work to keep up. My painting and modeling skills have improved tremendously as a direct result of your participation and the army is looking fantastic for the same reason. You have no idea how much I appreciate that! Thank you.
Without further adeu... let's see what we've accomplished since page 165.
First, we painted up some dozer blades for the Razorbacks.
Then, we debuted BLACKHAND's Red Knights which I picked up from him so I could finish them.
I finished the scout squads for my Land Speeder Storms... (slight re-paint of some really well done minis I picked up second-hand).
I finished Brother Hiroto, vent's GMS marine (which still hasn't been sent BTW... sorry vent, will get that done). ... and his cool story written by WarOne.
"The Mantis"
They were Necrons, and they were harvesting.
Hiroto clenched his fists, keeping them from stabbing down into his holsters to bring forth his twin swords. Once released, none of the Necron below would survive their fury. But he held his hiding place, carefully concealed by the darkness and the absolute stillness he executed with great restraint.
From his position high in the bell tower, he observed the hundreds of mindless automatons herding the entire village to their doom. The villagers came out of each house under guard, and carried not one scrap of possessions with them save for children who could not walk on their own. Under the grim guard, none of the people even cried out in fear or wept in sorrow. All their faces were blank, as if their souls no longer inhabited their mortal coil. They casually shuffled into green vortexes of power that Hiroto assumed acted like portals.
This struck Hiroto with great concern, as he had seen before in reports and some firsthand experience the depravations of the Necron host once they started culling. Many would die until their resistance was broken. Their flaying weapons tearing the skin and then flesh from desiccated bones was an unearthly sight that cowed even the mightiest human warrior. The survivors were then taken away, kicking and screaming into eerie green portals that bled with arcane power and high technology.
The entire populace of this condemned community didn’t even blink. They simply wanted into the light that appeared in the darkness of the night, and were swallowed whole without complaint. With his enhanced vision, the space marine vanguard made out the individual Necron warriors as they simply ambled along, ensuring the humans trudged along unerringly into the portals. Their green glowing eyes numbered in the hundreds. With this complacent populace, Hiroto didn’t even think the Necrons would need more than a single sentinel to oversee the harvest.
But it was that laxity in the Necron guards that allowed Hiroto to stay hidden. None of the Necrons even bothered to break in or enter into any of the homes or shops of the people here. They simply came out of the green portals that winked into existence from nowhere, and the victims obliged them by coming out almost as soon as the metallic invaders appeared. All the Necrons had to do was simply stand there and wait for the cattle to go to the slaughter willingly.
But Hiroto was not too sure the human populace was so readily compliant. There had to be some reason the Necrons were able to execute this whole operation with some sort of trick. Perhaps hypnoindoctrination or a drugged water supply was to blame. Given the advanced technological state of the enemy, it could be a neural control device that projects a blanketing signal that dazes or confuses the human mind, forcing them to be docile.
But it wouldn’t account for Hiroto being unaffected. He would at least know there was something attempting to brainwash him. So what could it be he mused.
His answer came almost instantly. One of the humans Hiroto was casually watching suddenly jerked. His head erupted with visible electrical surges as they came out his mouth, nostrils, and ears. He brought his arms to his head, and attempted a stammering scream. He stumbled out of the shuffling line of other humans and dropped to his knees, clutching his enervated skull. Two of the closer Necron guards swiveled their eyes toward the collapsed human. They began to lurch from their stationary positions and advance on the disturbance.
The Mantis Warrior could not allow this chance to escape him. Hiroto leaped from the belltower, unfurling his jetpack’s wings as he glided down, swooping from his high perch to intercept the Necrons. They were barely twenty feet away from their victim, and Hiroto easily 200 or more. But they did not know that death was stalking them.
With one of his swords unsheathed, Hiroto activated it, causing the weapon to scintillate with murderous energy. The glow and hum of his sword alerted the other Necron sentries to his presence as he landed, his feet touching down less than ten paces from the two Necron warriors about to lay their hands on the curled up human.
Dozens of the mechanical constructs raised their weapons, gauss flayers glowing with arcane energy that could kill with ease. Hiroto pounded his legs hard, raising his sword as the two Necrons grabbed the human and began pulling him up into their cold embrace.
Hiroto sliced with his sword, lopping off both of the Necron heads as he shouldered between the pair of headless bodies, and scooped up the shivering body of the man. Green bolts of energy pierced the air.
All of them missed or struck the bodies of their vanquished brethren, burning into mechanical bodies or smacking into the morass of humans surrounding Hiroto and the man tucked under one arm.
Hiroto wasted no time. He activated his jet pack, and leaped into the air, ascending skyward as fast as the rocket would take him.
More of the green bolts of arcane fury lit up the sky, but the Necrons were firing blindly into the night, unable to catch the Mantis Warrior as he quickly escaped the maximum range of their weapons.
I celebrate Independence Day.
We had a long discussion comparing airbrushing to brush painting.
brush / airbrush
airbrush / brush
... and the merits of various greens.
I finish my kit-bashed terminator librarian.
I use a chaos Mantis Warrior made by Gathering Storm to make a neat objective marker.
I finish a GMS marine for Disjointed Entity.
And, I make another objective marker just for fun!
Finally... I *almost* beat the 200 page deadline by getting my scout jet bike sergeant completed.... but not quite.
Nice recap, Gits. Proud to be a part of this blog. Believe it or not, your blog has helped motivate me quite a bit and has definately taught me a thing or two. When do we get to see a MW thunderhawk gunship?
Moltar wrote:Nice recap, Gits. Proud to be a part of this blog. Believe it or not, your blog has helped motivate me quite a bit and has definately taught me a thing or two. When do we get to see a MW thunderhawk gunship?
A thunderhawk gunship sounds like an amazing venture and challenge of your airbrushing skills!
Congratz at 200 gits, let me one of the first to echo Moltar and say this is inspiring in so many ways! I'm glad you still love doing this as much as we all love reading and taking part in this.
Thanks guys! Been great to have you along for the ride!
I would do a Thunderhawk if... a) I could buy one at a reasonable price, or b) I could convince someone to build one at a reasonable price.
So basically, the same way any of you would add a Thunderhawk to your armies. It's actually one of the very few "totally impractical" models that I'd be willing to spend a good chunk of change on as they have always been cool and are so iconic for the Space Marines.
That's so cute Alf, thank you! Perhaps I could make it into a jet bike of some sorts for my commander... the "thundersparrow" jet bike.
*sigh*
OH, and before I forget.... to answer the earlier speculation about the jet bike shoulder pads... I could easily do the lightening bolt in yellow rather than white, it's just that the other squad insignia were in white so I did this one in white as well.
Gits, I think he need two of them to act as thunderbird flying roller skates.
On a more serious note, I had no idea that FW charged 400 pounds for one of those suckers! That's insanely stupid. Now I feel dumb just for suggesting the idea.
Gits (as crazy as this sounds) doesn't believe his army looks good in a full army shot (lolwut?!) and as such full army shots are very few and far between. But he has provided some tasty bits here and there.
Moltar wrote:Nice recap, Gits. Proud to be a part of this blog. Believe it or not, your blog has helped motivate me quite a bit and has definately taught me a thing or two. When do we get to see a MW thunderhawk gunship?
Commander Cain wrote:That picture of you eating the corn, I always imagined you would look more... Orkish, you don't even have green skin!
What you don't see is that I've just poured the last of my beer behind my left shoulder (notice precarious disposition of cup in my hand)... that orkish enough for you?
I tend to look at this as WE made 200... not just me. But thanks all the same. I'll be honest, it's been one hell of a lot of work.
So I have an observation and questions for you all...
It seem's to me that the blog has lost quite a bit of steam over the last several months, in spite of the fact that I think my building and painting skills are steadily improving and I'm still doing novel things. I think I'm still painting and posting at a pretty good clip, but I don't seem to get anywhere near the comments I'm used to and I can't remember the last time I had a figure on the gallery side bar (which is traffic driven). There are a number of possible explanations for this; many of the folks who commented a lot in the early days now have their own P&M blogs... which as I've already mentioned take a lot of work, perhaps my blog has gone into the dakka-background now and is no longer novel & as such it isn't as interesting, perhaps there are just so many really good blogs out there (and there are) that mine just doesn't stand out as much as it used to or perhaps my work has slipped and it's just not that interesting anymore.
Now in spite of what it looks like (and Pyriel is going to give me hell for this), I'm NOT fishing for sympathy. I'm just feel the that blog has lost it's snap and would like to know from you crazy people who spend your days reading it if there's anything I can do to get it back. What makes you yawn about the blog? My figures, my chatty style? Do I need to start doing battle reports again? What can I do to make it better?
I'm going to have about 5 or 6 hours away from the computer... so now's the time to chime in without my interrupting!
Could just be the time of year? Or people quitting the hobby over GW rage? I hadn't particularly noticed a drop in your blog, but I have definitely noticed it in mine - though I thought it was because people find reading about painting green about as interesting as I find doing it...
Short answer - I don't think anything needs changing, but I'll be interested to see what others here think...
I feel like I've been very engaged in your blog, however less inclined to post. I feel that you have a good amount of devout followers who have kept up with your blog for a while now. Perhaps the drop in traffic comes from the newcomers to your blog that are too intimidated by its size to start reading it.
As far as the life of it, I see it accelerating. It wasn't that long ago when you were talking about starting another blog as you reached 100 pages.
