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Post by: Elnibbus
So yeh, it's me again! I can already hear the collective groans of hundreds of Dakkanaughts who frequent this forum...
After starting a blog with my endeavours with the Space Wolves of Bran Redmaw and then my dalliance with doing my own IG army using the plastic Cadians, I decided I'd bite the bullet and start something completely new- Death Korps. I have always loved the DKoK models and the fluff is rather nifty too. I have always had a (some might say unhealthy) fascination with the Wehrmacht of WW2, namely the uniforms and equipment and while the DKoK may look more WW1 in appearance, they more than fit the bill for a winter themed army. Specifically, the Ardennes Offensive- lots of tanks, greatcoat-wearing infantry, trees and snow.
In this completely new blog (I say "completely new"; the first model is one I have already featured in my old blog...) I will attempt to be more motivated and try to update whenever I can. At the moment I have a Command HQ, Platoon Command Squad and 2 Infantry Squads: The HQ has been assembled and is awaiting priming and painting, the rest are awaiting assembly which I am not looking forward to, looking at some of the casts...
I aim to use my airbrush to speed things up a bit and to will use vehicle building to break up painting infantry. I want to get a 'real-life' look to my models and as such they will be dirty and weathered but without making them look so covered in rust and mud as to make them unservicable. I'm using Vallejo colours to get the right feldgrau on the uniforms. The armour and helmets will be in a white-washed kind of sheme to provide a good contrast and some winter-camouflage of sorts. I am also still of the opinion that Leman Russ tanks look poo so will be revisiting my take on the vehicle- my favourite IG tank is the Macharius and since that is considered to be a mini-Baneblade, I want to make a mini-Macharius...
If any one has any criticisms please don't hesitate to tell me, I'd rather know something is gak and attempt to improve upon it!
So, mud? Check. Snow? Check. Rebreathers? Check.
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Post by: TheFireDrake
Fantastic, very well done. i would only say perhaps doing some more to the snow. Maybe create a slush by mixing some water and pva in with the snow flock.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks TheFireDrake. I do need to go back and tend to the snow- it's actually a mix of snow flock, PVA and water with some extra snow flock sprinkled on top. I think I'll go back over it again as it does look a bit grassy.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ummm, yeh so this happened...
Automatically Appended Next Post: I should probably say that the above tank is my take on a mini-Macharius and will form the basis of my Leman Russ MBTs. I had a load of plans drawn up for the chassis and the rear armoured section but then I came to the turret and I'm kinda winging it! This particular tank will have a punisher gatling cannon which will be made from brass rods and have a cowling similar to that of the Vulcan Macharius, except it will only have one 6-barrel assembly on the left of the turret and a targeting array on the right in front of the commanders hatch. Automatically Appended Next Post: Brass tubes have been ordered, 2mm and 3mm, so hopefully they will turn up by the end of the week. I've ordered some rod too so I can make handles for hatches and a ladder to the commanders hatch. I'm yet to decide on how to do the exhausts, any ideas people?
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Post by: Elnibbus
Started filling in the gaps tonight, adding the segmented armour panels and hinges to the cowl on the turret- tried to emulate the Vulcan turret for this.
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Very nice work there mate! Really love the look of this and the proportions and angles look great! Cant wait to see more detail as it progresses!
Can i just ask... what kind of rod are you going to be using for the handles and ladder?! its always something i have wanted to do to add some extra detail!! I actually looked at using diferent sizes of staples with the legs cut down a little biut which seemed like it might work.......
Anyway... i am blethereing...... Cant wait to see more!
Cheers!
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Post by: Medium of Death
Amazing start to this thread.
Love the colour scheme that you've chosen. Suitably realistic and gritty.
The mini-Macharius look is shaping up to be a classic.
Can't wait to see more!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks very much chaps!
@MagosBiff90, I've ordered some 1mm brass rod from Ebay with which I will do the ladders and handles.
@Medium of Death, I'm going to attempt the same weathered white-wash look on the tank which will no doubt be interesting and result in much swearing!
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Post by: TheFireDrake
Ace, look forward to that beast being battle ready. White vehicles are just ace, they love weathering.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers! I'm feeling quite apprehensive about painting this tank- I kinda the together the last one I made and the care I'm taking over this would make it a real shame if I made a mess of the paint!
Anyway, hopefully I'll have the turret plates done and the rivets in place and filed to size tonight. If the brass bits have arrived I can start on the ladder, handles and gatling cannon...
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Post by: lipsdapips
Subbed!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks LDP. A trip to the local GW is in order this evening as I've discovered I'm all out of greenstuff... Automatically Appended Next Post: Made a bit more progress on the tank this evening. I foresee rivetting will be the end of my insanity...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Looking awesome there mate! Really like how this tank is shaping up and those rivets.... sweet!
Am sure you will smash the paintwork! No worries! Keeping my eye on this one!
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Post by: Elnibbus
@MagosBiff90, thanks for your faith! I was going to ask if perhaps I'd gone a little overboard with the rivets?
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Post by: MagosBiff90
The one thing i have learned... is that when it comes to rivets.... you can never have enough rivets!
Na in all seriousness it looks cool mate!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cool. After looking at the canopy hinges though, I think I'll do them again but tapered and with smaller rivets. I'll finish the side panels and start on the rear armour. If the bras tubes have arrived, I may even start on the gun. Automatically Appended Next Post: Progress is slow- added more panels, rivets to said panels and the comms thing from the chimera sprue (will probably replace the thick antennae for thin wire ones).
I also removed some of the rivets from the trim of the canopy as it looked a little crowded compared to the Macharius one.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Started on the body of the cannon and the integrated searchlight...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Very nice work! Those details on that turret look great allready even at this early stage! Cant wait to see the gun mounted so we can get an idea of the real form of the turret and the balance of it! Really cool stuff!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks MagosBiff90, I'm going to try and get the barrels done this evening. I've managed to get part of the storage box done on the back of the turret and some extra plates on the hull. Depending on how I get on with the barrels, I may webbed start detailing the rear.
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Post by: Jehan-reznor
Nice lots of rivets, it gets my rivet seal of approval
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha, yes rivets will probably be the death of me! I have plans to do a couple more of these beasts- hopefully I'll have streamlined the process and I'll be able to build them simultaneously. Automatically Appended Next Post: Just out of interest, does anyone know if you can get angled styrene tube?
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Post by: Jehan-reznor
Angled in which way or do you mean? bend?
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Post by: swampyturtle
Thats a well done tank!
I will be follow this P&M
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Post by: Elnibbus
Apologies fellow Dakkanaughts but I've been busy the past couple of nights (theatre and pub last night and painting icons for an F1 Ferrari car cake that my fiancée is making tonight!) but I haven't been totally idle. I've been researching the best way to do a white-wash winter camouflage scheme on my vehicles and I think I've found the perfect one by none other that Mig Jimenez.
http://migjimenez.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/tiger-i-148-winter-camo.html?m=1
The styrene tubes still haven't arrived so exhausts won't be done until they do. I'll have to make a start on the vents and the rear hatches instead.
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Post by: Dust
I like the baby Macharius >:3
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Post by: LazzurusMan
That's the exact scheme I was going for on my Dkok...before they...melted. Brilliant! And awesome Macharius type tank.
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Post by: BrotherOfBone
Bad. Ass.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks chaps. LazzarusMan, your DKoK melted? Sounds ominous...
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Post by: Medium of Death
Glorious work on that tank. Can't wait to see it finished and painted!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Medium of Death: I'm starting to feel the same way- I've been evicted from the table upstairs to the desk downstairs (our flat is the wrong way up lol) so I see it every time I walk in the front door!
I'm hoping the fething tubes turn up today since I ordered them Monday and it was 48 hour delivery...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Great work there mate! REALLY looking cool!
That gattling gun is epic! really looking well balanced and tough!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Magos! I've got a cunning plan for the exhausts- because the turret basket hangs over the rear of the chassis, I'm going to set the exhausts at a backward sloping angle much like the early panzer iv twin exhausts. This will not only avoid what I can only imagine as hot exhaust smoke cooking the underside of the basket but will also provide a bit of interest to an otherwise flat surface. Automatically Appended Next Post: Just had an email confirming that the styrene has only just been shipped... Better late than never! Automatically Appended Next Post: Not a big update but the hatch handles took an age!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Styrene tubes still haven't arrived so I condoled myself by hinging the turret hatch and adding a bit more detail
I've been truing to think of names that I could call it, something along the mythical Greek monsters line that GW have done.
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Post by: STC_LogisEngine
This is vey nicely done, though for some reason my mind has filed the look of it under ''startled''. I blame the big multi-ringed lamp, it adds an air of nervous psycosis when paired with the (lovely) gatling.
Like a high-strung shrew (with a big frakkin' gun!) that will shriek in a high pitch tone when seeing the enemy and then proceeding to lay waste to the entire nearby countryside with a storm of high-caliber bullets in a fit of panic, asking itself "are they gone?!" after all the shrieking, thunderous gunfire, and the dustcloud that used to be the enemy and the local countryside has settled down.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha! Thanks I guess? I'm not going to paint the searchlight in a colour like blue or yellow, it will be gloss black to give the impression of glass as if it's switched off, if that makes sense? Or I might not paint it as a light at all
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Post by: Elnibbus
So, tubes arrived to make the exhausts today but I spent pretty much all of it in the pub drinking and enjoying the sunshine. After what STC said about the turret, does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do with it? Or should I leave it and hope I can pull off a decent paint job on it?
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Post by: Medium of Death
A day in the pub is a day well spent! I like the searchlight and could not decipher what point was being put across by the aforementioned poster. The only thing I could possibly suggest would be to give the searchlight some kind of cowling. I think it would really set that area off.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Medium, I'm full of booze and good so it was a very good day indeed! Plus a cowling is a solid idea! I'll get on that tomorrow- I'm very quickly nearing the end of the build- I just need to sort out some little details and finish filling a couple of gaps after I've done the exhausts.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Exhausts. Pain in the bum. Originally I planned to put a slant on them like the ones on the panzer IV but I decided to do them flush with the rear armour. I think did some cock-eyed filing and it happened anyway...
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Post by: swampyturtle
They look great! Keep up the good work!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks! Just need to make some support brackets for the exhausts, full in a big gap at the front, add some more rivets and possibly... Paint it?
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Post by: Medium of Death
Looking good, did you manage to mock up a searchlight cowl?
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Post by: Elnibbus
I'll be honest- no I didn't! I was getting so miffed trying to get these exhausts straight that I gave up in the end. Will see what this evening is like.
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Post by: Viktor von Domm
Rubber bands...gods gift to odd needs to fix stuff to stuff...
Great work so far...specially the riveting looks superb...and I do take my rivets seriously...
Subbed by the way, cheers, vik
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Vik, I'll bear that in mind! I'm getting quite close to finishing now and don't want to mess anything up. The rear is looking rather sparse though you wouldn't expect much detail on that area of a tank anyway- I'll get the brackets added and see how I feel.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Right, does anyone have any ideas for the spaces between the exhausts and the vents at the side? Was thinking about a tool rack on one side? Bit stumped really...
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Post by: Viktor von Domm
I'd add some pipes that connects the exhausts with the machine inside..
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ah now you see the "box" section at the base of the exhausts is supposed to house the connecting pipes like the ones on the pz.IV (albeit, joined in one long section instead of two separate units). Having looked at it again I'm going to redo it...
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Post by: Medium of Death
What about a small ladder on the left hand side, and then continue with another smaller ladder on the blank part of the left hand side of the turret?
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Post by: Elnibbus
That might work though I'm not relishing the thought of all those brass rungs... I'm half tempted to separate out the exhausts and space them apart like on the later pz.IV AusfJ, what do you think? Automatically Appended Next Post: Muuuuuuuch better...
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Post by: Medium of Death
Wow man, that's a million times better.
I wouldn't bother with the ladders then. A lot of hassle for some slight gain. With this new exhaust set up you really don't look as if you'll need anything to pad it out, so to speak.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks dude. Much easier design to replicate and I'm quite pleased with the tow-hook too. What say you to a tool rack on the left? Or should I leave it bare?
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Post by: Viktor von Domm
the tow hook looks very good... nice detail and convincing too...
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Post by: Medium of Death
I think the tool wrack would work well. Go for it!
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Post by: Cap'n Facebeard
Wow fantastic scratchbuild. The gun is the best part IMO, just something about gatling guns that warms the heart...
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ta very much! The searchlight has a cowl now and looks less shrew-like now I'm going to have to make the tools from scratch unless I Ebay the plastic GW ones. Think I might actually put some paint to the rest of the command squad at some point. I've settled on a mechanised army: lots of modified Taurox (replace front tracks with wheels for a half track look) and more of these Leman Russ stand-ins which I've decided to call Praetorians.
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Post by: MagosBiff90
That exhaust system is far beter mate! Looks the real deal!
Tool box is a good idea.... or even a communications link or something?
Looking awesome though!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers MB! I'm looking forward to actually getting the airbrush out and trying some techniques I've been reading up on, specifically ones from Mig Jemenez on white-washed vehicles.
I get paid on Friday so I'll be getting a couple more chimeras and plasticard to make some vanquisher variants...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Elnibbus wrote:Cheers MB! I'm looking forward to actually getting the airbrush out and trying some techniques I've been reading up on, specifically ones from Mig Jemenez on white-washed vehicles.
I get paid on Friday so I'll be getting a couple more chimeras and plasticard to make some vanquisher variants...
Cant wait to see what you come up with mate! And V jelous... airbrush is on my list!!..... Good luck!
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Post by: Elnibbus
We shall see, in still a bit of a novice when it comes to the airbrush! I've got a load of AK Interactive and Ammo stuff coming in the post- earth/dust pigments, chipping fluid, filters and mud effects. Should be interesting!
This is all good practice as I'm contemplating a GD entry this year, possibly involving a DKoK censure assault carrier and grenadiers...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Awesome mate! Def go for it! Some cracking looking work in your galleries!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha, I don't know if I'd get anywhere but you never know. I've just gone through your blog too and it's got some inspiring stuff in there- really liking the diorama so far dude!
I aim to have a playable army by the summer so I'd better get my finger out and get painting!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cowl added to searchlight and barrel bands redone. Also started work on the arbour plates for the next two tanks.
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Post by: Medium of Death
Looks perfect now man. Really just sets it off. Brilliant work.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers Medium! I'm going to see if I can get a head-start on the Vanquisher variants by making up the turrets over the next couple of nights.
I've also decided to call these tanks Praetorians
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Post by: Elnibbus
So I made the mistake of starting the Vanquisher variant turrets this evening *groan* I swear that the mm scale on my steel rule changes depending where you measure on it. Either that or I needed more tea. Or gin. Or both.
Anyway, the point is I made a start on one of them to see what it would look like and, well, I'm not too stoked on it at the moment... Granted it is still early days and I haven't taken any pictures of it so I'm sure I'll be happier with a little more work on it. Stay tuned!
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Post by: Cap'n Facebeard
Sometimes you just have sessions like that, its best to just put it down and do something else. The Punisher looks awesome, BTW.
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Post by: MagosBiff90
"Praetorian" is a cool name mate! Works well!! Its frustrating to have a session like that where you feel like your either making something wrong or having an off day with the ruler.... but in my short time at this.... I have learned not throw anything! it might not be right for this project..... but keep hold of it and i bet it will come in useful for another one!
By the way you will have to get me your source for those brass rods.... they look really convincing as gun barrels!
Look forward to seeing more progress!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks for the pep talk chaps, I'll have another bash tonight and see how it looks when I've got the extra panels and bits done to it.
@MagosBiff90, the tubes are from Ebay (davej4755 is the seller)
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Awesome! Cheers for that! I will chase him for some!
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Post by: Elnibbus
No worries dude, happy hunting.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Emperor's teeth, Warseer is a rubbish forum...
Anyway, outburst over with, I've been rather quiet of late but i have not been idle- 20 Korpsmen are on the (new) cutting mat and will be assembled once I've cleaned them all of flash and given them a bath. I've got 20 Grenadiers (*Scions* pffft), 10 more infantry and 6 Heavy Weapon Teams on the way. Have made more progress on the Vanquisher style turret and have plans to buy a Vulture and a couple Taurox to be the transports for the Grenadiers.
Went to Hobby Craft yesterday and picked up some cheap flat sable brushes, cutting mat, thinners, white/burnt umber oil paints and a can of satin varnish. I definitely didn't sniff the thinners as I walked around the shop...
Some supplies also arrived in the form of AK Interactive and Mig Ammo earth and dust effects, filters, pigment fixing liquid and mud effects.
The Praetorian Punisher has been primed and will have paint applied this evening.
*Edit* After a fight with the airbrush and no amount of trepidation...
Base of different greens to make the flat panels more interesting ( not necessarily zenithal but you get the idea):
Then after a coat of satin varnish, AK chipping effects, Vallejo Air white, AK DAK vehicle wash, AK rust effects and AK streaking grime:
Still to come, the rest of the tank... LOL.
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Post by: Medium of Death
Brilliant man. Just brilliant. Really ties everything together.
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Post by: Cap'n Facebeard
I'm willing to agree with that, I just abandoned it myself. Barely any comments on plogs, no real batreps, crazy pic limits and whinging.
Anyhoo, the tank is turning out excellent, even better than expected.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks guys. I have to say thus blog is keeping me motivated and I appreciate that a great deal.
@Cap'n Facebeard, every post I have attempted to make has needed admin approval before it is shown and as such, only my intro post and one other went through (though the pictures in the second post didn't work!).
Anyway, was going to do a bit more this evening but I remembered I'm going to the theatre for some culture.
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Properly Awesome!!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Magos. I'm thinking that I've overdone the rust though- the whitewash is supposed to be a layer of paint over the top of the actual colour of the tank so I'm going to remove some of it. Next up will be chipping- if I follow the tutorial I have then this is supposed to go right through the whitewash and the bottom layer so I'm using a dark brown and a very small brush. After that comes the mapping.
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Cool..... sounds good mate!
With regards to the rust..... i am a big fan of a LOT of rust and properly beaten up looking armour...... so IMHO its looking spot on!
What tutorial are you following? Always intreagued to see new ways of doing things!
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Post by: Elnibbus
I think a little bit of rust is good, you can't expect an AFV to stay in pristine condition, especially in wet conditions. However, I've seen some tanks so rusted that they look completely unserviceable (even if they do look quite awesome!). I'm going for a happy medium between "realistic" and futuristic engine of destruction
The tutorial: http://migjimenez.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/tiger-i-148-winter-camo.html?m=1
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Yeh i got to agree with you.... but again... personal tastes.... i just dont like pristine and "fresh from the makers yard" armour! lol
Thanks for the link.... i will check it out..... but tonight i have a date with some sculpy and making more sand bags! Oh joy! haha!
Take it easy!
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Post by: Elnibbus
No worries dude. I might get the rest of the whitewash done when I get in this evening but I'm not going to hold my breath. I think I might wait until it's finished before I post any more pictures, for dramatic effect
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Post by: Elnibbus
As I predicted, the play at the theatre about 9/11 wasn't a heart-warming, uplifting tale however the amateur actors did a splendid job of remembering an entire 2 hours with no prompts and without skipping a beat. Pork pie in the pub afterwards was awesome.
Anyway, what are people's opinions on wooden lasgun stocks? I've been feeling that I should perhaps attempt them given that I'm supposed to be going for a "realistic" appearance though I don't know if I can be bothered. I was also thinking about Armies on Parade.
Another thing I've been contemplating is basing- I'm pretty crap at it but want snow bases in a forested environment i.e. The Ardennes. I'm think I'm going to have to look at historical photos but the idea is mud, snow and leaves with the HWT bases featuring blasted tree trunks and shell craters. Getting the balance between full-on snow bases and a woodland setting is going to be the difficult part.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Ok, so I thought I'd do a little tutorial on the whitewash thing. Bear with me, I'm not great at turorials (and yes, I bite my nails and should stop)...
First of all, base coat your vehicle in your chosen colour. I used an airbrush and 3 different shades of green to provide a bit of interest to otherwise flat surfaces. Once you're happy, give the model a spray of satin varnish. To help speed up the process, you can use your fiancée's expensive hair dryer to dry the varnish...
>
Next, apply a couple of thin coats of this stuff with an airbrush and leave to dry:
Once dry, take your airbrush and apply a coat of white acrylic. I used Vallejo Air White. Try not to apply an even coat as you want to make it a bit haphazard. Once you're happy, take a flat brush that has been moistened with water and work on the surface of the paint:
Once you've gone over the vehicle it should look a little battered. Next you want to apply some of the following to all the rivets, lines and creases of the vehicle:
After you've done that, clean any excess away with some thinner. Next take some AK Interactive Streaking Grime and streak it over areas that would get dirty. Once dry, take a flat brush with thinner and streak the grime in a vertical or horizontal fashion. You'll end up with something like this:
That's all for now. Tomorrow I'll show the oil paint step, rust and earth pigments. Any c+c is welcome!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Earth pigments from AK Interactive:
Drop them onto the desired areas with a drybrush. The dark earth pigments should be used in the recesses to represent a build up of dirt over time.
Once happy with placement, take some of this:
And dab it onto the pigments- don't brush it on as this will move the pigments around.
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Post by: Wolf
Hey man awesome tutorial ! I might try this with my tanks, though do I have to use an airbrush as I don't own one and don't really have the cash to get one ?
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Wolf- I've simplified the tutorial given by Mig Jimenez and I imagine it will have a wider audience here.
I haven't tried with a regular brush but I imagine if you apply thin coats of white acryllic then you should be OK. I did actually go a little too thick in places on the hull and I think my first pass on the turret looks better. The airbrush I use isn't too expensive so in time it might be worth saving for one. Let us all know how it goes though!
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Post by: MagosBiff90
This thing is looking mean mate! really good!
I am tempted to look at the chipping effect solutions as you have proved.. you get quality results..... but being a tight arse i think i will stick to Asds's own brand hairspray and black coffee for the washes!
Still... top notch work! Really giving me inspiration to get my butt in gear and get some progression on my own work!
Cheers,
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Biff, means a lot since it's your stuff that inspires me!
Hobby-bromancing aside, I need to get some white spirit to apply the oil paint modulating thingy-majig technique- thinner doesn't really cut it! Hopefully I can pick some up on my way home and get some work done on this tonight. Rust streaks, rust and soot pigments on the exhaust and mud effects still to go.
I'm a bit unsure as to what to do about the glass sections- I was thinking doing the gem technique but in grey to simulate the view through glass into the dark interior. Any suggestions? Automatically Appended Next Post: So much for not liking heavily weathered tanks or not putting up any more pictures...
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Post by: Elnibbus
Started on the infantry today and after giving them a bath:
"GRENAAAAAATTTTTEEEEEEE!!!"
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Post by: Cap'n Facebeard
Nice potato masher. And the tank looks awesome, some realistic muck there.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Cap! These Korpsmen are a frickin' nightmare to put together- I think after an hour I've managed to get two assembled... Which leaves another 18. Plus I have another 10 Infantry, 20 Grenadiers and 6 HWT on the way... Automatically Appended Next Post: Finished
Pictures are up in the P&M Showcase section. Had a go at some of the infantry today and gave up very quickly. I got them in a bulk order from the east and none of the arms seem to match the bodies...
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Post by: Elnibbus
Carnage. Absolute carnage...
Managed to get 6 Korpsmen assembled and greenstuffed... Will be putting in an order for some special weapons from FW to kit out my infantry squads as Veterans for triple-linked (?) flame thrower and melta action. Might get some HWTs too since I cancelled the large order I had placed.
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Post by: OneManNoodles
dkok do take a bit of work.
Lovely work on the tank btw, definitely approve of the set back hull weapon, very tasteful, really cool.
... and you have an identical lava lamp to me.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks OMN. These certainly are a lot of work- just goes to show that you get what you pay for! I did feel ill when I saw how much FW were asking for a single weapon team though... £18.50?! I'll probably wait until payday so that I get a chance to salvage what I have before I order as I've got my eyes on a Vulture
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Post by: OneManNoodles
Thats why I have genswick! . Doesn't stop my forgeworld wishlist being as long as my arm tho
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Post by: Chaplain Cy
That AFV is amazing! I love the look, and I love how the army is coming together. Keep up the awesome work, I'm definitely watching this thread.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha! Yeh my FW list keeps growing- there's a Macharius, Thunderbolt, Armageddon Baselisks...
@Chaplain Cy, thanks! I'ordered more styrene sheets to start on the next two. This army is definitely a showcase army (if you can call it that) rather than a competitive one- I've gone for "realism" and stuff I like rather than a neck-bearded math-hammer army
Though the inclusion of a Vulture or two and some vets with melta-spam probably won't hurt...
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Post by: Elnibbus
I cracked and ordered the three autocannon teams... Emperor what have I done?!
Oh, I also ordered the HH Abaddon... All will become clear
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha! You all thought I was dead! Just to prove that I'm still alive I did some more work to the mud on the tracks of the Praetorian to make it look fresh using AK Interactive Wet Effect (who'd have thought eh?). Also did some work on the Command HQ. I've been planning a detachment of Space Marines to use alongside the Krieg. They won't have the same bases as the Krieg: I have something completely different in mind: Mediterranean-esque ruins in Autumn, so kinda specific! I'll do my best to get a base cobbled together to show you lot what I mean.
In the mean time, what I've been up to tonight:
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Hey mate! Glad to hear you are still in the land of the living.... although i was going to put dibs on the Pratorian if you werent! haha! Just messing...... looks really cool... a VERY nice model! Cant wait to see what comes next!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers MB. I'm going round the post office tomorrow to pick up the LE Quartermaster model that Nerdfest kindly sent to me and the MkIV Recon Marines I ordered last week... Let the Resin Times roll!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Went to the post office today and picked up my event obly Quartermaster kindly donated to the Korps by Mr. N. Fest of G'day-land. It's lovely. Picked up the Muhreens too. Also lovely.
Damo is the loveliest of all though *smush-face*
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Post by: whalemusic360
This is some nice looking stuff! Not sure how I'd missed it thus far.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ta very much Whaley. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the QM and the Muhreeeeeeens- those will be an exercise in zenithal highlighting and will hopefully be the start of a showcase army
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Post by: Elnibbus
So, Marines... I decided that because I am among the ranks of the slowest painters in the world, I needed something I could ally with my Krieg to keep the numbers low. That being said, I also wanted a force I could use as a stand-alone army for small games (kill-team etc).
So I wanted to do Marines. At first I thought about going back to the Space Wolves but unfortunately I feel they have become a bit of a joke- every bloody surface is covered in daft wolf totems to the wolf-lording, wolf-wolves of wolfenstein... Idiotic.
So then I thought about doing something a bit more vanilla, maybe Ultramarines?
Naaah, I'll do my own! In white power armour. Using an airbrush to do zenithal highlighting...
I've always liked the stories of the Salamanders and Space Wolves being more concerned about the lives of the average imperial citizen than other chapters (Armageddon for both being a case in point) so I imagined these marines to be a bit understated and utilitarian but equipped with the best gear available: essentially like the original great crusade marines, without all the ostentatiousness of current 40k marines.
The detachment will contain MkIV Marines and Tartaros Terminators because a) I want them to look unified b) shows the nature of their equipment and c) I like the models.
Why white? I chose white because I've always like Imperial Storm Troopers and these Marines will fit the bill- Storm Troopers are everywhere in the Empire, from invading actions, garrisoning worlds and *cough* peacekeeping *cough*.
The bases for these won't be snow but will be a mediterranean/shrine world style so lots of dry earth, scrubland and marble. I've imagined them to be liberating a holy world from the grips of something vile (what I'm not certain of but I don't necessarily have to feature a particular enemy).
I don't have a name for them. As mysterious liberators from space I thought "Hey, Liberators?" but a chapter symbol is tricky. So I trawled looking for loyalist chapter names- all the cool ones have colour schemes already- Death Strike, Death Spectres, Omega Marines. I really like those names so I guess I could appropriate one of them and make some neckbeards angry with nerd-rage... I don't want anything overtly imperial though, if that makes sense? Could so with your help on names and shizz dakka!
Anyway, my first attempt at zenithal highlighting- the pics get really washed out unfortunately.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Forgot to pose another question to you good people: Orange- use it on the left kneepads and on the grill portion of the helmet? Would make the Marines look even more Storm Trooper-esque but what to do about the cloaks?
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Post by: Elnibbus
I do love a good distraction...
Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the Korps!
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Post by: whalemusic360
I really like the colors on the marine. He needs some sort of chapter badge on his shoulder pad though.
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Post by: Elnibbus
You mean like this whaley?
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Post by: whalemusic360
Yeah, like that. I really like those recon marines, I just don't know what I'd use em for.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I'm using them as Sternguard in a 40k army. All the marines will be MkIV and there will none of this over the top warrior monk rubbish.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ho-hum...
Automatically Appended Next Post: The sword is in the early stages of being shaped. It definitely needs a fuller and some attention to the quillions. Base has been made to look like cracked marble tiles due to the weight of the armour.
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Post by: whalemusic360
Was the original blade broken, or did you just want something different?
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Post by: Elnibbus
The original blade was as bent as a nine-pound note plus I kinda fancied trying my hand at carving a blade- my favourite GW sword is that of the Sanguinor so I thought I'd try something with a similar profile.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Good afternoon my fellow Dakkanaughts!
After a nit of a sabbatical, I've once again caught the hobby-bug and I'm raring to get stuck in with my projects. I'll be working more on the Marines as there is slightly less to do to get them looking good- the Krieg are just a fantastic pain in the rear to get them looking half OK...
So, my Recon Marines will get assembled this week so that painting can commence at the weekend. My commander will no doubt get some attention too although I require some brass etched eagles from FW to replace the dirty Eyes of Horus on his shoulder pads and chest.
Does anyone have any ideas on a name for these Marines? I thought about naming them something like Liberators or whatever...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Hey mate... welcome back!
I was actually going to ask you what your process was for adding the pigments to the "Mini Macharius" ...... the effect is really cool.... I have been using them for a little while but just interested to know as the thick heavy mud loks cool!
Really like the paintjob on the recon marine also..... maybe it was mentioned previously.... but it reminds me of the Clone Troopers from Star Wars Clone Wars...... some of the spec op teams have those white armour with the slight orange or red identification patches...... Looks really cool
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers MB I'm trying to remember how I did the mud... I think I mixed baking powder with the AK mud effect. Yeh, that sounds about right actually. Ideally you should use plaster but I'm tight lol. I've since added the water effect to it so that it looks a bit more fresh- Nerdfest correctly pointed out that it looked too dry as if the tank had been sat idle for a while.
You are correct about the Marines- I took some inspiration from Star Wars as I think the aesthetics kinda "fit". Can't really find the words to describe what I mean!
I'll try to get another few WIPs up during the week. If you want some images of the mud on the tracks let me know!
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Post by: Warboss_Waaazag
Great stuff; beautiful paint jobs, interesting conversions. Subbed.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Warboss_Waaazag
I'm looking to order a bucket load of MkIV Marines, an Outrider Squadron and a Sicaran
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Post by: Elnibbus
Whilst sat at my desk "working", it occurs that I've not got a direction for my Marines yet... I thought about a mechanised force with Predators and possibly a Sicaran or two in support, Outriders and such. Much like my Krieg, I want to keep a sense of realism... Still no fudging name for them yet...
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Post by: Warboss_Waaazag
Good job so far. Looking forward to seeing more.
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Post by: Meph
Great stuff man, from the gritty guardsman to the weathered tanks to the clonetrooper marines with the roange markings. I'm luvin' it!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks chaps. The hiatus was far too long to be honest- I spent the best part of 2 hours last night on this turret and I have to finish it and start another at some point this evening. Need to wait until I get paid to buy the Chimeras for the chassis as I'm pretty skint! I'll get some primer thrown onto the Vets tonight too ready for airbrushing at the weekend- I think I have devised a simple but effect way of painting them but time will tell when I get around to it...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Hey mate! Glad to see you back!
That turret is already showing a lot of promise... IMHO the outline looks great on that chassis! And might be jumping the gun a little... but i think it looks great as is... not sure is you were planning on adding an ammo / store compartment to the back of the turret.. but i dont think it would need it....
Cant wait to see it develop up some more!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hey Magos, it's good to be back! Got my fingers superglued together and also managed to get a little high off the white spirit and plastic glue: winning! You actually managed to pre-empt the question of whether or not to attach an ammo box I guess I have my answer now!
I'll pose the question of which variant do I do my next turret? I was thinking either another one like the above or an Executioner plasma cannon?
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ok so I shortened the barrel and made another for the second turret- decided two battle cannons would be better than one and in a squadron of 3 tanks I'd have two pie plates of AP3 doom, thereby halving chances of missing (mathhammer ftw).
Ahem, anyhoo, next on my shopping list:
2 Chimeras
Vulture and Punisher Cannons
Valkyrie plus Vendetta kit
Infantry Squad
DK upgrade kit with special weapons
Grenadiers
Basilisks?
I've been toying with the idea of getting an Armageddon pattern Basilisk or two as they are slightly reminiscent of the German Nashorn.
For the fliers, I've thought about painting them in a slightly different scheme to the rest of my vehicles- a tan and green camo pattern with yellow nose panels similar to the Me BF-109 to denote them as Navy rather than Guard (I still refuse to call them Astra Mili-bollocks). I pose the question: to whitewash them or not?
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Post by: Elnibbus
No pics of my progress because, well, I didn't think to take any! Have managed to cobble together the first Veteran squad with a plasma gun, flamer and meltagun. The plan is to eventually have enough special weapons to field dedicated Melta, Plasma or Flamer vets. I shall get them undercoated and slap some paint on them at some point... For a colour scheme, these guys will follow my previous attempts at the Heer colour scheme, VMC Feldgrau fatigues and greatcoats but instead of green armour I'm thinking that the metallic areas like helmets and plates will be painted an almost black gunmetal. So boltgun metal followed by copious amounts of nuln oil and subdued highlights. Black leather for pouches, belts, boots, gloves and backpacks. Might do some white washing on some of the helmets. Lasguns will have simple wood effect stocks.
I have plans for a Grenadier platoon using the QM model that nerdfest kindly sent to me as a "Tempestor Prime" and other grenadier models converted to specific roles. Paint wise they will be similar to the regular guardsmen but perhaps with camo trousers?
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Post by: Elnibbus
Test model for the Dearh Korps. I'm going to redo the Officer I have already done. Armour is easy enough to do and the fatigues are fairly straight forward too
I've ordered a load of supplies for winter woodland bases- balsa wood and flexi bark to make tree stumps, powdered snow and realistic water.
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Post by: Meph
Looking ace, man. That insignia is a really nice touch.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers Meph. I've changed my mind and painted the gas mask a tan colour- I just couldn't get the black right. The gloves, sash, belt and boots are all black. I've managed to do a kind of blued-steel look to the metallic areas but I don't know if it looks right. Will get some more pics up tomorrow when the lighting is better. I'm not spending a massive amount of time on these as I have lots of infantry to paint but I'm going to try and do a good job regardless.
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Post by: Paradigm
Looks great! That white armour is not something you often see on DKoK, but it works really well.
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Post by: Salamandrake
Agreed, I love that white armor with the "OD green" coats/fatigues. Looking great!
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Post by: Elnibbus
@Paradigm, having seen your amazing DKoK army I take that as high praise indeed. I was playing with the idea of doing a really dark gunmetal for the armour and then white-washing it but quickly decided that would be a massive ballache...
@Salamandrake, thank you- the OD green is VMC Fieldgrey washed with Agrax Earthshade, highlighted up with more Fieldgrey.
The bonus of the scheme is that it is fairly simple and I should be able to get them done quickly. In this instance I forgot how glossy Gee-Dub's Purity Seal is and it turned out quite shiny.
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Post by: Paradigm
Elnibbus wrote:@Paradigm, having seen your amazing DKoK army I take that as high praise indeed.
I'm don't think I'm who you think I am; I don't have a DKoK army! One day, maybe, when I win the lottery!
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Post by: Warboss_Waaazag
Where did you get those autumn leaves on the base?
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Post by: Elnibbus
Oh crap, I'm getting you and Peregrine mixed up... Bloody idiot! Apologies Sir! Still, praise is praise and it was high
Anyhoo... Got the rest of the command HQ to do. One of the Heavy Artillery Crew models will serve as a Master of Ordnance (probably the one with the gnarly scope) and the one with the vox unit will be my Fleet dude.
I have an Infantry squad assembled and awaiting primage, 2 more on the way plus 3 Heavy Bolter teams, 3 Lascannon teams and a command squad. That means I can either have 3 cheesy veteran squads or an infantry platoon plus HWTs and a vet squad while using the standard AM list.
@Warboss_Waaazag, the website I got them from no longer exists but try www.modeldisplayproducts.com
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Post by: Desubot
You can also get and make em your self with birch seed pods.
They seem to have gone the extra step and dyed them which is a +
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Post by: Elnibbus
What are people's thoughts on the Hellhound and it's variants? I'm thinking about adding one (possibly a Banewolf for some much needed anti-power armour firepower). For the moment though, an Armageddon Pattern Basilisk is next on the shopping list...
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Post by: Paradigm
Hellhounds are nice flankers for a Chimera wall with the AV 12 sides, and have very nice reach with the Torrent flamer. The Devil Dog is nice in same way.
The Banewolf suffers from needing to be in assault range to be effective, meaning you're never going to get off more than one burst with it. For anti-PA, you might like to consider an Executioner or plasmaVet/Stormtrooper squad.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I might do an Executioner turret for one of my LR stand-ins... 3 plasma templates will make any marine player cry. I've got a couple battle cannon ones done already for pie plates of doom!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hooray for the Great British Bake Off! While my fiancée was engrossed in the tv, I got some painting done.
Four done in two hours to a mediocre table-top standard. I'm trying to paint quickly and simply which I'm finding difficult.
I'm also struggling with Wayland Games- twice I've ordered something which is "in stock" only to be emailed a week later to tell me it isn't... So I still have no proper powdered snow or water effect...
Anyhoo, hoping to get the final highlights and finishing touches done on these and at least another 4 painted up tomorrow evening.
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Post by: Ustrello
Liking the white, it gives it a super clean look to it. Though some people may confuse them with medics because of the red stripes on the shoulder pads. Also liking the potato mashers you got on them
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Ustrello, although the armour is much less white and clean looking in person and will be even less so when I do the chips and scratches Does anyone else think I should do away with the red stripe? They will all be having a "1" painted over them so they won't look as prominent- the idea was to give a spot colour but I could change this.
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Post by: Paradigm
Coming along nicely! Is keep the red, it does work as a spot colour. If I'd were a cross I might confuse them for medics, but as is they're fine!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Paradigm, I think I'll stick with the red too as I can imagine painting over it would be a ball-ache
I received the flexi-bark and balsa dowel so I can at least make a start on the bases for them tonight (after I get the painting done of course).
Also, what do people think about lights on the lasgun power packs? To me, that little round part on the pack looks like some kind of LED- on for charged and black for empty...
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Post by: Ustrello
Are you going to paint the rims of the bases or leave them black?
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Post by: Elnibbus
@Ustrello, I'm not sure. I was thinking about leaving them black. I made a start on applying broken tree trunks and some rocky parts to some of the bases. I have the idea that the army will be fighting in many different areas with a winter theme so some models will have trees on the bases, some will have rocks, others might even have cobbles or some such as the army fights it's way into population centres. I envisaged the episode of Foy in Band of Brothers where Easy Company advance out of the trees, across open fields and eventually into the town itself.
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Post by: Ustrello
Thats fair enough, maybe its the warhammer fantasy in me but I feel like the bases always look better with the rims painted
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Post by: Elnibbus
I'll have a think about the rims because the black doesn't look quite right. I managed to finish the 4 Korpsmen I started on Wednesday so all that's left to do is wait for my snow and realistic water to show up, then I can finish these bases and mount the models.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I need your input people. Astra Militarum, Siege Army list or Assault Brigade list? I'm leaning towards a standard AM list BUT the idea of an Assault Brigade appeals (not necessarily the meat grinder but just the fact that it's about an all-out attack not unlike the Battle of the Bulge). Has anyone played with this list?
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Post by: OneManNoodles
I played the siege list in 5th and it was pretty fun, no chimeras though, but a good selection of arty and tanks.
The AM list is up to date, the FW Assault brigade list is for the previous edition IIRC, and I have no experience with it (or the current guard ed).
If you don't play then go for whatever you feel gives you the variety and freedom to do what you want.
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Post by: Elnibbus
So turrets are part finished- all that's needed are the command cupolas and radios but those will have to wait until I get the Chimera tanks for the base chassis.
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Post by: Paradigm
The whole aesthetic of those tanks is just great!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Paradigm. Two more to go
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Post by: Elnibbus
Visited my local G-Dub store after work to pick up another Chimera and some Chaos Black primer. I started on the chassis and have set the hull back like the first and it was while cutting the original turret ring off of the top that I pressed my knife into a finger on my right hand (like an idiot I was resting my right hand on the desk and cutting down so trapped the finger with the blade with quite a bit of force). So some colourful words and a glass of water later I thought "bollocks to it, bed time!"
I"ll get some new blades tomorrow, pick up my realistic water to finish the tracks on tank one and do some more on tank two- probably finish off a turret with cupola/radio/(pintle mount?)
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Post by: OneManNoodles
That snow looks really effective. I've found myself shaking a container of the woodland scenics stuff stuff a few times a little dubious about how effective it would look.
Good plasticard work
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks OMN, it is indeed the woodland scenics stuff- water and pva mixed in with the snow, same as the infantry bases. Only difference is that for the infantry I sprinkle a bit more snow over the top.
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Post by: Elnibbus
So I visited Warhammer Fest at the Ricoh Arena today and I *might* have bought myself a squad of Grenadiers... Looked over the casts before I bought them and they look pretty good, few bubbles here and there but that's to be expected. Did a bit more work on the tank today and I'm at the plating stage. Pictures will follow tomorrow after a bit more work. Ta!
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Post by: Ustrello
Loving those tanks
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers Ustrello. I'm going to try and get the second tank mostly finished this evening before I crack on with assembling the Grenadier squad. Come payday I'll have another couple Chimeras (one for another conversion and one for transport- just need an Autocannon turret for it!).
I also have the same QM model to do as you Ustrello!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Progress, woop!
So I'm a bit behind on the build- didn't quite get to finish off the panels and I still need to do the exhaust and hatches. Hopefully this and the Grenadiers will be built by the weekend.
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Post by: OneManNoodles
That is looking really, really cool. the gun barrel may be a little on the large side (wide) for me but it's 40k!
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Post by: Littletower
That is a great looking job, and the final result, as seen in N° 1, is awesome.
The snow over the gritty paint and the mud gives just the right look. Aces!
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Post by: Ustrello
Elnibbus wrote:Cheers Ustrello. I'm going to try and get the second tank mostly finished this evening before I crack on with assembling the Grenadier squad. Come payday I'll have another couple Chimeras (one for another conversion and one for transport- just need an Autocannon turret for it!).
I also have the same QM model to do as you Ustrello!
Yeah I got mine at gen con in august this year and I was kinda surprised because they made it seem like it was a limited edition model.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks chaps!
@OMN, I originally wanted to go more akin to a real looking gun but thought I should have something visibly different from a Vanquisher cannon if I decided to build one (Vanquishers being thinner than Battle Cannons).
@Littletower, hopefully this one will turn out as well as the first- there will be a couple of visual difference between the first and this (will probably name this one a Mk.II or something).
@Ustrello, I got mine from Nerdfest on this very forum and I'm looking forward to doing as good a job as possible.
More infantry and updates on the tank to come!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ass armour:
And a comparison shot of the Mk.I (right) and Mk.II (left):
I took a different approach to the rear of the tank- I thought thr original one looked a bit flat so built a box section to the left to more effectively replicate the look of the Macharius. I'm much happier with the newer rendition. What say you?
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hobby fail this evening- didn't get nearly as much done as I wanted so I'm a bit behind schedule. Wasn't happy with the rear triangular sections above the tracks so ripped them off and did them again. I did manage to do the driver's hatch and cut the panel for the top armour plate.
Still to do:
- Tracks
- Panels
- Hatch handles
- Antennae
- Rivets
- Paint
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Post by: Elnibbus
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE!!!!!
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Post by: ayoku
You cant lose with a gattling gun
Nice work on the tank also like the look on the uniform off the soldier.
Keep the updates comming!
regards
Mark
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Post by: Elnibbus
Welcome aboard Mark and thank you for the comments. I have managed to put together a grand total of... 2 Heavy Bolter teams... They are a monumental PITA, especially if like me you want to paint the gunner/loader separately!
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Post by: Elnibbus
So I finally managed to assemble all three Heavy Bolter teams and made a start assembling the squad at ease- these models have to be my favourite out of any range FW have done. They have an abundance of character that the sculptor has captured very well indeed. Also they don't require supporting arms to be lined up with the hands on guns- bonus. I shall hopefully get the airbrush out and make a start on the remainder of the first infantry squad and the Heavy Bolter teams this evening.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Apologues for the lack of actual picture updates of late- I feel like I tend to spam the blog with images that aren't really interesting! While adding rivets to a tank hull might be progress they certainly aren't riveting (pun not intended but feel free to laugh anyway). I feel that I may need more heavy weapon teams, specifically heavy bolters because, while a pain in the butt to assemble, I love the models and have a pretty good idea on how to base more- if anyone has amy Corpse Cart bits, let me know
With regards to squad identification, I'm thinking about taking off the red stripe on the pad and reverting to black digits. Will mute down the models and make them even more drab looking. Thoughts?
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Post by: SickSix
Fantastic Work. I love the Tiger II-esque turrett.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I haven't managed to do nearly as much as I had hoped- wedding on the Island of Bute and visiting my mother back up in Scotland last weekend put a halt on any painting PLUS I've only had two hours at home today and I won't be back until tomorrow night...
@SickSix, thanks- I was trying to get a bit of Tiger in there so I'll count it as a success!
Anyhoo, I have 20 Grenadiers and 3 Lascannons left to assemble... Joy!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Look Dakka, I've actually been painting! Woop!
Just need to finish the vox operator for the squad now...
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Post by: Paradigm
Nice work! I like how the white helmets and white bases kind of frame the models!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers Paradigm. I have to admit that I quite like how (in this photo at least) the white helmets give the masks an even more grim look. I decided to dispense with the red stripe on the left shoulder pads and instead do 3 digits in red: an homage to the German WW1 method of a red number across the canvas cover of a pickelhaube helmet. This squad is '108'.
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Post by: Physh
I like the look of the snow, makes it looks like a heavy wet snow. The leaves on the Vox one throws it off a bit though
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Physh. I've since redone the bases with leaves on as the more I looked at them, the more they looked out of place. I'll attempt to get the Grenadiers built tonight although I think all 20 may be a stretch...
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Post by: Elnibbus
What are people's thoughts on the Medusa/Earthshaker? I'm thinking I should probably go down the route of the Armageddon Pattern Medusa since the majority of my mates play Marines and some have a sickening number of Terminators... Having said that I quite like the indirect fire capability of the Earthshaker...
Hobby problems yo!
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Post by: Paradigm
I like the Medusa in principle, it's hard to argue with a Large Blast melta. All you need to be sure of is protecting it, preferably with an ADL and bubblewrapping with cheap Guardsmen if you have any available. It will be a priority target for any kind of droppodding unit, so you need some way of countering or deterring that.
As for the Earthshake, I assume you mean the artillery piece rather than the vehicle mounted one, in which case I say it's also a good buy. Cheap enough you can bring a couple, and with the T7 W2 3+sv stats of Artillery, somewhat harder to cripple in one strike than anything on a vehicle chassis.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I actually meant the Arma. Patt. Basilisk with Earthshaker but thanks for the input Paradigm I assume that the Earthshaker can still fire over stuff without direct LoS?
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Post by: Paradigm
Yeah, the artillery Earthshaker carridge has exactly the same firepower as a Basilisk, but comes on a chassis that is more durable against being one-shotted at the expense of movement (with that kind of range and indirect fire, who moves anyway?). It clocks in at 75 points, can be upgraded to have a Medusa Siege gun for 25 points. It can buy additional crew, and should you really want to, a Trojan to pull it.
Model:
( http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Imperial_Guard/Astra_Militarum_Emplacements/HEAVY_ARTILLERY_CARRIAGE_WITH_EARTHSHAKER_CANNON.html)
Rules: http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Downloads/Product/PDF/h/Heavy_Artillery.pdf
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Post by: Elnibbus
Arma Basilisk is a damn sight cheaper though plus it would only fit if I did a Siege list. If I go the route of the Basilisk I can use them in an Assault Brigade or standard AM list (plus it avoids situations where FW stuff isn't allowed). We'll see... I need a third tank to complete my squadron plus some Chimeras and Hellhound/Banewolf or two...
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Post by: Paradigm
Ah, didn't realise you were doing an Assault Brig list, I thought you played Siege. In that case, go for the Bassie, the Armageddon pattern artillery all looks 100% awesome and it's hard to argue with S9 AP3 in a Marine-heavy meta....
Plus the awesome range means it should be legal to drop a pie plate on the next table along should you feel the need to help out a buddy!
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Post by: Elnibbus
No worries dude! The Bassie is 30 notes cheaper than the gun carriage and crew so I'd be saving quite a wedge! I've got plenty to be getting on with at the moment anyway Automatically Appended Next Post: Can I get an auto-append? Ahthanyuhverrmuch...
I've decided to make my own Hellhounds because the plastic model is a bit meh (and expensive) and while the FW Artemia Pattern one looks cooler it's also much more expensive again. While I'm willing to splurge on the Arma Pattern stuff, you're paying for the very cool interior and I'm not sure I have the skill or patience to replicate it. I do however have a plan to reduce the ludicrously large profile of the tank of highly flammable liquid and replicate a looks-like Artemia Pattern Hellhound...
Maybe.
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Post by: OneManNoodles
If you want to kill termies try an Executioner.
My experence with medusa is its a lascannon magnet, unless you have 2 or more the might not last long.
I'm with paradigm basilisks are always good.
Lovely work on the Korpsmen! the tank is shaping up very nicely too, I like what you've done with the back.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks OMN. I haven't done any work on the tank for weeks. I think you're right- I'm going to build an Executioner turret for when I face terminators. Just have to figure out how to scratchbuild a plasma cannon...
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Post by: Elnibbus
Finished building the second LRBT today and started work on the Hellhound conversion I've been deliberating...
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Post by: Ustrello
Looking good per usual. How hard is it to work with plastic card?
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Post by: Paradigm
Excellent work on that tank, and the Hound looks promising.
@Ustrello: From my own experience, working with plasticard is, pretty much as it says on the tin, like working with plastic and/or card. Sound obvious, but to explain, it's like plastic in that it's rigid, can be glued with plasic cement, and filed/scored/trimmed just like plastic, but also, depending on the thickness used, can be folded/cut like card. In terms of difficulty, the hardest part is consistency, making sure all your edges are dead straight as with stuff like tanks, you're basically making your own kit to build from. It takes some practice, but you can achieve really great stuff from it, as demonstrated in this very thread!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Ustrello. Working with plasticard is as hard as you make it- it can be fiddly but if you start off small and practice you'll get there. Automatically Appended Next Post: Update: Managed a bit more on the Hellhound, tried doing a round drum like on the FW Artemia but after much, much RAGE! I settled for a more angular design and as such, it is a happy medium between the large Artemia pattern drum and the flat of the regular kit.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Bit o' building this evening- nothing ground breaking but progress is progress!
Made a new hull heavy flamer because I'm not a fan of the retro look of the old one.
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Post by: Paradigm
Coming along nicely!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Paradigm. I'm wondering what kind of paint job to do on the dozer blade- I quite like the black and yellow chevron look but I thibk it would look totally out of place in this army. I'll probably paint it in the same manner as the rest of the tank.
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Post by: Paradigm
Chevrons could work quite nicely, I think, if you really muddy them up and chip them left, right and centre. It would add colour without being too distracting, and add to the practical look of the army. Something like this:
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hmmm... I'll give it a try and see how it looks.
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Post by: ghostmaker
damn this makes me want to work on my DKOK more.
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Post by: Elnibbus
@ghostmaket, you definitely should. More Korpsmen are always needed for the meat grinder!
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Post by: 40kFSU
Man, its been a while since Ive dropped by. Your scratch builds are looking great. Really like the Hellhound conversion.
Between your and Ustrello's blogs, Im starting to get a Death Korps itch....
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Post by: Elnibbus
@40kFSU, go oooooooooooooooon, you know you want to join the Korps.... Thanks! I'm hoping to get the tanks smashed out this week and get some more paint on my infantry.
Speaking of which, a third squad turned up at work today... That makes 3 squads total but at the moment I have assembled the previous two with 3 special weapons a-piece to act as Veterans in a normal list.
I think I will use this third one to either be a 3rd Vet squad or swap out the special weapons with lasgun armed troopers for use in an Infantry Platoon in an Assault Brigade list.
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Post by: Littletower
Elnibbus wrote:Update: Managed a bit more on the Hellhound, tried doing a round drum like on the FW Artemia but after much, much RAGE! I settled for a more angular design and as such, it is a happy medium between the large Artemia pattern drum and the flat of the regular kit.
Your solution for the fuel tank looks good indeed. In case you want to give the round barrell another go, have you tried shapping a strip of thin (.5mm should work) by gradually gluing it on a curved ribs underframe (wood-building style, as used in wooden ships or caskets)? And maybe heating - lighly, before it starts to curl on itself - the plasticard to soften it?
As I said, looks great as is, just my 1 1/2 cents!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks littletower! I actually tried what you suggested- using semi-circular ribbing as a frame and very thin plasticard over this. Unfortunately I cut my losses and settled on the trapezoid shape- less labour intensive Automatically Appended Next Post: Finally made a start on the Grenadiers this evening and decided that they needed meltaguns for popping caps in the rear armour of tanks... Yo?
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Post by: Ustrello
Elnibbus wrote:Thanks littletower! I actually tried what you suggested- using semi-circular ribbing as a frame and very thin plasticard over this. Unfortunately I cut my losses and settled on the trapezoid shape- less labour intensive
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Finally made a start on the Grenadiers this evening and decided that they needed meltaguns for popping caps in the rear armour of tanks... Yo?
see you sprung for the command upgrades they look very nice. I personally went with cadian commander arms and just use the hands/las pistol
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Post by: Elnibbus
The meltaguns are from the special weapon kit and the Watchmaster has he arms he came with Posing the arms for the meltaguns took longer than I'd like to admit...
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Post by: Elnibbus
So I tried to use cork to emulate that rough sandstone texture I've seen so much on dry-stone dykes in Scotland and elsewhere (bearing in mind I'm going for a rural farmland setting) but I think they look a little like Weetabix... Snow will sort that out!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hi folks! Unfortunately I don't have anything very new as such but I've been thinking about Chimeras. More specifically,those stupid ball-socket lasguns sticking up like a demented hedgehog!
I want to replace them with hatches like on a BMP:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/YchRU69RndCeaPLs96iIszGSxKlZA0zQ3pkYceLDmu74AsAFNjApFdyQCkP3PNpUEvHiuBqpsImPaiEEHUYqCFf86u4iAQn7rmlK1E7NTQCzXn6gw8qPEuoCcMRQdwsQT_Y=w470-h313-nc
What say you?
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Post by: Ustrello
Yeah I am not a huge fan of them, somehow the plate that holds them in place fell off even though I used testors. But that seems like a cool conversion idea.
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Post by: Paradigm
Aesthetically, I would certainly work. The only rules issue you might have is that they are now explicitly Lasgun Arrays rather than Fire Points, but it's nothing a quick pre-game clarification can't fix.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I did consider the whole "lasgun array" thing and thought that if I explained it to an opponent before hand and they were really dickish about it then they probably weren't worth playing anyway- since they passengers will be Grenadiers, it would be a downgrade to use lasguns anyway!
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Post by: Elnibbus
So I've successfully managed to do sweet F A. Well I managed to get around to priming the Hellhound and Praetorian but that doesn't really count. I did get another two Grenadiers built and I've got the knack for attaching he cables- coffee and a hairdrier help no end (though I suspect diazepam would be better).
On the to-do list at the moment:
- Finish building the Grenadiers
- Build the third Infantry Squad (*groan*)
- Prime both Infantry and Grenadiers
- Paint it all.
- Buy Thunderbolt. Get emotional at how gorgeous it is. Cry.
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Post by: DeathzHellShotz
Your stuff makes me want to start a DKOK army now. But my wallet shall not allow this to come true.
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Post by: Ustrello
DeathzHellShotz wrote:Your stuff makes me want to start a DKOK army now. But my wallet shall not allow this to come true.
You'll give in we all did eventually.
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Post by: DeathzHellShotz
Most likely will when I go to uni, because models are more important than food.
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Post by: Elnibbus
ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Hey mate... I know its alittle while ago buti really like those barels on the Hellhounds... lookssweet... and the Praetorian V2 is lookingthe buisness also! Makes me want to getback to finishing my Mach MKI! .... allin good time! Cheers
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Post by: Elnibbus
MB! How the devil are you sir? Thanks for the comments I must admit that I haven't actually done anything with my Krieg for well over a week now so you're not ths only one who needs to get back on the hobby horse (pun well and truly intended).
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hmmm I dunno about having two remote systems on the rear of the tank... Perhaps I'll stick with the lasguns, will save any confusion down the line and time to-boot.
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Post by: OneManNoodles
I'd have gone with the hatches, at least they are easier to paint, than the lasguns.
I don't think a remote system work work with the krieg
and welcome to the "do nothing" club
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Hey mate.... Got to agree with OneManNoodles and say that your prob best not going for an auto-gun unit in the Chimera, IMHO Its a basic workhorse troop carrier and with the turret mounted weapons is properly covered. Its up to the support vehicles to add the real covering fire an firepower... Also, just my 2p worth, but I had a crack at an auto-gun system for my ESTOC Fast Assault Carrier, Was pretty happy with how it came out... just for reference... http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/585487-.html I recon with a well armoured troop compartment you should be good to go! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
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Post by: Elnibbus
We'll see how the hatches go- I was going to do a detailed interior with lasrifles on weapon racks so that is maybe how I'll get around any neckbeards that get their knickers in a twist!
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Post by: Elnibbus
I feel like writing fluff. So here goes...
It was cold. Bitterly cold. Snow drifted wearily between the trees and settled on branches which, in some instances, sagged under the burden. It fell around a ruined house and gusted in through broken windows and door frames on the breath of the freezing wind.
The man looked up from the small fire and felt the chill of the flakes on his face before returning his attention to the meagre warmth before him. Rubbing his hands together and stamping his feet, he desperately wished to be somewhere more sheltered, somewhere with more protection than that offered by the ruin and the bodies of his comrades huddled together. Still, at least it was quiet in this area and that was something to be grateful for. It had been days since there was any fighting and no reports, such as they were, had indicated any activity in the enemy's positions. All was quiet.
The man grinned at the thought, spread his hands before the fire and shared a joke with his fellows. There was muffled laughter and a feeling of mirth shared by men who had fought and suffered together. Yes, perhaps the enemy had given up? Maybe they all died of the cold? It wasn't long before he would curse himself for such foolish thoughts...
A shout went up from the sentry posted on the top floor. Movement had been spotted in the fog amidst the trees. Dark shapes flitted from tree trunk to tree trunk, accompanied by a bass rumbling, like that of a hungry predator. The mean in the ruin took up positions in the windows, doorways and prepared defences facing the oncoming threat. Lasguns rested on window frames and Heavy Stubbers swivelled on tripods, belts of ammunition fed into breeches and firing pins at the ready. Suddenly a bolt of bright blue light lanced from the mist and impacted with a wet crack against something on the top storey, followed by the thump of a body hitting the floor. The order was given to open fire.
Bolts of light speared from the ruin and hit trees and branches and fizzed through the snow, kicking up steam as they burrowed into the ground. The Heavy Stubbers left trails of light as tracers criss-crossed the empty space between the tree-line and the old building. Fire was exchanged between the two forces as the attackers converged on the ruin, many shadows in the fog dropping to the ground as they were struck. On they came until they stepped through the blanketing mist and they were truly terrible to behold- figures of death storming through a hail of shot and shell, billowing trench coats trailing behind them as they charged heedless of losses or danger to themselves. White armour covered their shoulders and white helmets adorned their heads but it was the masks that they wore that made them terrifying- the Death's head leered out from beneath the Imperial Eagle emblazoned on the front of their helmets. Accurate Heavy Bolter fire stitched across the face of the ruin, blasting the brickwork to dust and drawing screams from those within. Blue bolts hissed through the windows and doorways. The bass rumble gave way to the snapping of timber as a tank forced its way through the trees, a long barrel traversing to engage the walls.
These were the Death Korps and the defenders were already dead.
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Post by: Littletower
I felt cold though we are almost into summer now, and I'm latching the window's shutters before going to sleep for the first time in years.
So I guess very good.
Cheers, and keep it flowing, models or tales, both are good
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Post by: Ustrello
You could say, *puts on sunglasses* that the cold never bothered them anyway
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks chaps.
@LT, I very much tried to convey the biting cold and the down-trodden nature of whoever was fighting.
@Ustrello, I trust you found my tale... Chilling? *whips out pipe* Muhah!
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Post by: Paradigm
Very cool stuff, write more! Also, for some reason, I find the idea of blue lasgun shots really cool. Not quite sure why, but they certainly work here, maybe reflecting the coldness of the piece.
/literaturestudentmode...
Yeah, good stuff!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks very much Paradigm. I wanted to leave the nature of he defenders as ambiguous- just normal men, no chaos/traitor/mutant rubbish as not everyone in the 41st Millenium would be a "good guy" or a "bad guy". I saw this as a human populated world that didn't want to become a part of the Imperium. The name of the world is Ardinus (see what I did there?) and is a densely forested world much like Tanith (but without the annoying moving trees). I can foresee some chaos influence at some point, not overwhelmingly so though as I envisage true corruption to be insidious and subtle.
Also, to Thunderbolt or not? I think yes as they are very, very nice but I've been having heated discussions with my bank balance of late and we are at an impasse...
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Hey mate! Nice bit of fluff there.... and I agree with you... the independent planet not wanting to bend to the yoke of the Imperium is a nice touch!
and definitely go for the Thunderbolt.... or.. if the bank balance is resisting....... a man of your skills would have no worries knocking one together!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers Magos, I think I might write a bit more. I was supposed to finish building the rest of my Grenadiers last night but I just wasn't in the mood so I wrote that piece as a way to get me thinking about hobby again!
I have thought about building my own Thunderbolt from plasticard but I just know it won't be 100% bang-on...Truth be told, I don't think I'd be up to the task as it seems very daunting.
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Post by: 40kFSU
Hey man, nice fluff. Also go for a thunderbolt. Nobody listens to bank account balances anymore!!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha! I am not dead, much to the dismay of what I assume to be a large number of you who are sick of seeing my "non-update" updates (this being one of them...).
Ahem, anyhoo... I have hit a bit of a wall with my Krieg: the fires of enthusiasm are merely embers which I hope to stoke into an inferno come the new year. But despair ye not, o' Dakkanaughts for I have decided to forge ahead with my Marines. Incidentally, they still don't have a name and I am somewhat loathe to give them one. No matter. I plan to have some more done to the Terminator commander I have actually started to paint. I am struggling somewhat with the power sword- my first attempt at the crystal/gem/whatever it's called effect was nothing short of a tactical-time-out-inducing disaster so I'm going to approach it slightly differently. Time will tell how it goes and I'm guessing the quality will be dependent on the quantity of tea involved...
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Post by: Ustrello
Elnibbus wrote:Haha! I am not dead, much to the dismay of what I assume to be a large number of you who are sick of seeing my "non-update" updates (this being one of them...).
Ahem, anyhoo... I have hit a bit of a wall with my Krieg: the fires of enthusiasm are merely embers which I hope to stoke into an inferno come the new year. But despair ye not, o' Dakkanaughts for I have decided to forge ahead with my Marines. Incidentally, they still don't have a name and I am somewhat loathe to give them one. No matter. I plan to have some more done to the Terminator commander I have actually started to paint. I am struggling somewhat with the power sword- my first attempt at the crystal/gem/whatever it's called effect was nothing short of a tactical-time-out-inducing disaster so I'm going to approach it slightly differently. Time will tell how it goes and I'm guessing the quality will be dependent on the quantity of tea involved...
This may help a bit
http://www.nicolecadet.com/painting-gems/
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Ustrello but I meant more like this:
http://www.heresy-online.net/forums/gallery/data/749/131.jpg
I tried a softer scale rather than BLUE!!! to WHITE!!! but could't get the fuggin' thing to look right so I may do a 'glow' effect instead, akin to this:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vYkAquxeSZ8/TEV5EBeG9bI/AAAAAAAACSQ/G8dWDu9hVks/s1600/Energyweapon05.jpg
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Post by: Ustrello
hm you would probably have to airbrush or wetblend then neither of which I really know how to do
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Post by: Elnibbus
Yeh I'll just airbrush it. I have a free evening on Friday so I'll try it out then. Now to just find a way of painting realistic skin tones...
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Post by: Ustrello
Elnibbus wrote:Yeh I'll just airbrush it. I have a free evening on Friday so I'll try it out then. Now to just find a way of painting realistic skin tones...
Helmeted marines all day everyday
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Post by: Elnibbus
I agree with helmeted Marines- doesn't make much sense to have all that armour and then leave your head exposed (derp) but the Abaddon sculpt is rather nice- I'm going to try bruising and such on his face...
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Post by: Ustrello
Death guard?
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Post by: Paradigm
Very glowy power fist! Cool!
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Post by: Elnibbus
@Ustrello, nah these are going to be my own chapter- a post heresy founding so still using old Mk armour but I won't be using the heresy rules.
@Paradigm, cheers!
I took some better photos this morning after doing some work on the sword and cleaning up some of the streaking effects:
Note that I have mucked up slightly on the sword hand- that's what happens when you paint everything seperately... Will go back over the hand with the white colours to get a more subtle effect
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Post by: Ustrello
Ah okay, they just have a scheme very similar to the pre heresy death guard. White washed with watered down sepia and re highlighted with white.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I just wanted white marines with battle-damaged armour. Will have completely different markings and such when finished.
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Post by: Ustrello
Nice, nothing wrong with the death guard though. They probably have the best color scheme in the horus heresy
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Post by: Elnibbus
Indeed not- they are my favourite of the Traitor Legions. I like their no-nonsense approach with just a Marine and his Bolter (and mass use of chemical weaponry). My goal was to do a Marine army that was more focussed on the soldiery rather than the stupid "warrior-monks in space" religion rubbish that GW have foisted upon everybody. So no purity seals, no scripture and no Aquillas if I can help it. This means exclusive use of Mk.IV and Tartaros armour. I think I mentioned in an earlier post about being a big fan of Storm Troopers- these guys are it folks and they take no shizz...
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Post by: Ustrello
I am actually writing the rest of my fluff now and it centers on my knights and guard fighting the death guard just so I have an excuse to paint them and maybe get some forge world models of them for S and G s. But I like that idea making them very business like.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ah cool. I noticed the dead Death Guard under the foot of one of your Knights. I may write some fluff up for the Marines but still don't have a name for them. Don't suppose it matters much- I see them having the ambiguity of the Alpha Legion.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Opinions are required folks! I'm thinking about the tabard and pauldron... Tassles... A dark brown perhaps? I don't want to do black as some of the marking on the armour are potentially going to be black (perhaps a shade similar to the old Dark Flesh?). Plus I'm considering doing away with the orange I wanted so desperatley to incorporate but I may find a space for it yet (perhaps on the left pauldron? With a white skull denoting HQ?).
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Post by: OneManNoodles
Dark flesh is one of my favourite colours and will contrast very nicely with the colours used so far, serious awesome work btw the shadowing is especially good!
orange seems very starwars-y I think I've seen marines like that somewhere before... a simple black skull would work well if you decide not to.
May I ask what colours you have used so far on that chap?
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Post by: Alphabet
Everything looks great so far. I love the gritty style of DKOK and you have done it justice too.
Can I ask what models you will be going for in this army by the end?
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Post by: Elnibbus
@OMN, thanks very much, that comes as high praise indeed. The star wars-y theme is kinda what I was aiming for: somewhere between that and HALO/Destiny/Mass Effect etc. Something definitely "sci-fi" but with a modicum of realistic appearance. If that makes any sense then I'm amazed! Colours are all VMA:
- USAF Medium Grey
- USAF Light Grey
- White Grey
- White
@Alphabet, thank you also. I assume you meant for the Death Korps? Predominantly Grenadiers with an infantry platoon as a holding force, backed up by Hellhounds and LRBTs.
I had the urge to try out the orange and this is it:
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Post by: Ustrello
I think that orange actually works really well with the model. i'd keep it like that.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Ustrello. I think I might do the chapter symbol on the right pad but not sure if I should revisit the design from the one on the recon marine a few pages back?
Also, I'm outta Dark Flesh D:
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Paintjob is top notch buddy! And those colours really sit well together! .... ALMOST..... makes me want to paint a figure..... haha! But for now I will just sit and watch you rock this one!
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Post by: Paradigm
Yeah, that looks excellent! The white and orange really make the weathering pop!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha! You are too kind Biff You should definitely put some paint down, your stuff is fantastic.
Cheers Paradigm, I'm so far quire pleased with the colours and weathering.
I have this morning ordered some Vallejo paints- a couple of skin tones from the VMC range and some Shadows Flesh from the Panzer Aces range as it looks incredibly similar to GeeDubs old Dark Flesh. I aim to try something quite realistic and technically advanced for the head (for me anyway, I'm crap at painting skin!).
I'm also designing a new chapter badge... Automatically Appended Next Post: Also I *might* have to amend my policy on the warrior-monk garbage. I think I'll still have the odd Aquilla BUT I won't be having the same overtly non-sensical bits of paper plastered all over the figures and devotional rubbish. I mean they are soldiers and they will have trinkets and charms, Emperor inspired sure, but I believe in function over form. They are Astartes of the Emperor after all! As a force, I see them being along a similar character to the Salamanders i.e. they actually give a crap about civilians and Guard (otherwise, what's the point? You'd end up being a douchebag Grey Knight...). All will become apparent!
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Post by: Ustrello
Was going to say aquilas should be fine as it is the symbol of who they are fighting for.
But seriously what right minded space marine would care about the guard or civilians
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Post by: Elnibbus
Well without the average civilian, what's the point? I think it adds an extra dimension- if the Marines don't care it's pretty much just a case of killing everything, then there are no complications to any given situation. If there is an element of compassion, it makes for a much more dynamic and troublesome route.
I've been to the theatre and I've had two pints so I may not be coming through clearly...
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Post by: Ustrello
Elnibbus wrote:Well without the average civilian, what's the point? I think it adds an extra dimension- if the Marines don't care it's pretty much just a case of killing everything, then there are no complications to any given situation. If there is an element of compassion, it makes for a much more dynamic and troublesome route.
I've been to the theatre and I've had two pints so I may not be coming through clearly...
Nah was just razzing you. It does make sense for there to be an extra dimension to it, makes them seem more human. In the book Death of Antignos the author makes the Black Dragons seem like they care about civilians a little bit and it does add a whole lot to the story.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Haha! Well we'll see if I can get the aesthetic with these guys right
Automatically Appended Next Post:
I've also come up with a name for the chapter: Venators. Will possibly be using a black greek symbol, the choices I have are Lambda, Phi, Omega or Delta... Names of marines in fluff will be predominantly Greek/Roman in origin (like Daedulus, Panoptes, Demeter etc).
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Post by: Elnibbus
So during a particularly dull day at work, I jotted a few lines down...
Daedalus scanned the doors and windows as he stalked down the street. His battle-brothers moved with him, weapons sweeping back and forth searching for targets. The town looked completely deserted but there were signs of desperate struggles all over the streets- bullet holes and scorch marks from laser weapons riddled the walls and doors of buildings, bullet casings rolled on the ground as the Astartes disturbed them with their footsteps. Broken glass crunched underfoot as the Marines kicked doors from hinges and performed clearances of the buildings- shops, offices and homes. People lived, worked, laughed and cried here. People died here.
Something was decidedly wrong. There were no bodies anywhere.
Daedalus smashed a door to splinters and bounded up the stairs, his weight causing them to creak. He heard Gires move downstairs and then his message of “Clear down” crackle over his helmet vox. Daedalus consulted his auspex again: there were definitely three signatures registered on the display which were not his fellows and it looked like he was stood directly on top of them. He looked up as he noticed dust falling onto the screen and discovered a cleverly concealed hatch in the ceiling. Keeping his gaze on the hatch, he brought his bolter up and opened the vox link to his squad.
“Bolt-hole discovered. Wait out”. He disengaged the safety.
He drew his combat knife, pressed the tip into the gap between the ceiling and hatch and gently pried it open.
3 terrified faces greeted the muzzle of his bolter: a woman and her two children.
“Clear up. Three civilians: one adult female plus two children, male and female.” Acknowledgements were received from the rest of his squad.
Daedalus engaged the safety of his bolter and slung it over his shoulder. He reached up to his helmet and released the catches with a de-pressurising hiss. He lowered his helmet and looked back up to the people in the loft space and tried his best at a reassuring smile, offering a hand up to them:
“It is alright. We are the Emperor’s Adeptus Astartes, Space Marines; there is nothing to fear now."
I've decided writing for Marines is difficult...
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Post by: Paradigm
Cool stuff!
Writing for Marines can be difficult, as you want to make them sympathetic characters but also get across their ultimately inhuman nature. The trick I've found it to pick an aspect of that and run with it, so instead of worrying that you're getting the balance wrong, have the confidence to say 'this is how I'm writing Marines, deal with it.' I has a similar trouble writing Sisters, but once I worked out my angle on them (with one on particular, not so much purity as constant fear/guilt that she might not be as pure as she could be) it fell into place.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks Paradigm, I'll keep jotting stuff down and see how it evolves. I've tried to portray the main character as awkward without going so far as to make him a bafoon. Anyway, my paints turned up yesterday but I never got a chance to use them. I'll see if I can get a spare moment this evening to do some more painting- I want to crack out the airbrush again and touch up some areas and redo the sword arm. I've also settled on the greek letter Phi for the chapter badge:
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Post by: Paradigm
Nice choice of symbol! Other than reminding me of the horrors of A Level Physics (it's the symbol for Magnetic Flux Density, which is as complicated/stupid as it sounds), it fits the no-nonsense theme better than a more intricate design, and should be easy enough to replicate.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Yeh, advanced higher physics (went to school in bonnie Scotland: go me...) is just a bit of a blur. I think I ejected all memory of it from my mind. Anyhoo, I was thinking of a black Omega (the right way round thank you very much Ultrabums) but I think I like Phi better. Also gets away from the Ultrabums as these are not a founding of their geneseed.
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Post by: nerdfest09
Oh crapola this is shaping up to be great! :-) love the weathering and the very soft lighting from the power weapons. chipping is top notch and the orange spot colour deserves a thimbs up! :-)
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Post by: Elnibbus
Woooo! 10 pages and it was broken by none other than the Nerdinator his'self; DAAAAAAYYYYYMMMUUUUUUUURRRRR.
Cheers bra!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Myself and a few friends are doing a 750pt 'kickstarter' campaign, so-called to give us all a bit of "encouragement and inspiration". Anyway, there are no limitations as to what we can take but I'm wondering... Would it be sheer douchebaggery to take a Sicaran in such a small list? I only thought of the Sicaran because it will likely be able to take out any transports, walkers, infantry and flyers I may encounter. I recently got my mitts on the Legion Crusade Army list and as I think it would fit the newly formed post-Heresy "chapter" but with materiel still available from before.
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Post by: Paradigm
Well, it is a good unit, but still only one Melta away from exploding, and it'll eat up a chunk of your points, so there are drawbacks. To be honest I'd avoid taking other vehicles alongside it, but you may find your points budget solves that for you, especially with the LCA list focusing on going big or going home.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I actually plan on re-assigning my Space Wolves Contemptor to my Venators. I foresee it being tricking getting the shading and highlights right but I'll see how I go. It needs stripping first which will itself prove to be a challenge!
I'm still getting a Sicaran though- they're cool as frak.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Progress?
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Post by: OneManNoodles
Progress!
Very nice, looks like a decal I can almost not tell it was done with a brush
Seeing a 750 pt HH army painted like that would be really cool
the sicaran is a stupidly cool looking tank and not too bad on the TT either.
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Post by: Paradigm
Yeah, that's really neat! Good stuff!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Thanks gentlemen. Was a bit of a PITA but got there eventually! I'm thinking about taking a trip to Warhammer World next Friday so may pick up a Sicaran though I guess I should probably go for a Mk.IV tactical squad instead- first world problems eh?
Have started on the tassles and tabard using panzer aces Shadows Flesh which I'll give a heavy wash of black and suitably distress it. Still need to tidy up the left hand and finish the sword.
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Post by: Littletower
Came out really good, great job.
And I wish I had that kind of problems here!
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Post by: Elnibbus
Cheers LT, it's not really much of a problem but I'm just such an indecisive person when it comes to things which don't really matter!
I got a bit more done to him this evening- sword and leather parts are finished. He requires varnishing so I can put some more streaking effect on the upper surfaces. Then onto his head and the base!
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Post by: Elnibbus
So while sat at my desk during another dull day of work, I found myself perusing this very forum for cool stuff. I came across BCK's thread and saw his Exodus conversion. I have now taken it upon myself to do an "Exodus" for my Venators. It seems perfect as I was thinking about using the Alpha Legion rule set for my marines anyway!
So my first port of call is his rifle; 'The Instrument'. I'm thinking about making a boltie based on the Recon Marine shotguns- all will become clear.
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Post by: Ustrello
Elnibbus wrote:Thanks gentlemen. Was a bit of a PITA but got there eventually! I'm thinking about taking a trip to Warhammer World next Friday so may pick up a Sicaran though I guess I should probably go for a Mk.IV tactical squad instead- first world problems eh?
Have started on the tassles and tabard using panzer aces Shadows Flesh which I'll give a heavy wash of black and suitably distress it. Still need to tidy up the left hand and finish the sword.
I'd say get the sicaran, just a better center piece overall.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ah well now I may just do that- it might be a bigger model but there is less overall to paint! I'll mull it over but I would actually like to play a game at some point!
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Post by: Paradigm
Another vote for the Sicaran here! That's a great model and would make an excellent focal point for the army.
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Post by: Ustrello
Paradigm wrote:Another vote for the Sicaran here! That's a great model and would make an excellent focal point for the army.
Plus it lends itself well to battle damage, which seems like what Elnibbus is doing with the marines.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Yeh I think I'm gonna get a Sicaran for shizz and gigwotz.
In the mean time, I present the fruits of my labour this evening: 'The Instrument' as used by Exodus. Or as I call it, a Space Marine Cheytac...
I ordered some Forgeworld Mk.IV bits and pieces from ebay. I'm using a pair of fairly upright assault legs which I'll repose slightly to give a braced position. I'm still unsure as to how the rifle will be held- either in his right hand at the side in an at-ease position or held in both hands/right hand low across the body. I'll have a play about and see what you guys and gals think.
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Post by: Elnibbus
I'm in need of opinions: I'm not sure how to go about the cape for my sniper model, or if I should bother with one at all. At first I had this image of a cloak caught in a breeze as he surveys the lay of the land from whatever vantage point he is looking from, with a hood up over his helmet, but I don't know if he cape should come up over his backpack, behind the backpack, in two pieces around the backpack or just to omit the backpack altogether- perhaps make it look like there is a more compact unit under his cloak?
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Post by: Paradigm
Well, the convention for SM cloaks is to the under the power pack, but that's not too stealthy ('Hey, Sarge, there's a power pack over there.' 'Don't panic, Private, it's just rubbi-' SPLAT). But then having it over the top of the pack would give him very strange hunchback proportions.
My suggestion is to do some kind of cloak around his waist (think Star Wars Snow Troopers/ep 3 Clone Commanders) so you can throw on some weathing and different textures, but leave his top half just armour.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Hmmm... I kinda wanted the hood to go with the cloak. Unless I do something akin to the Recon marines with an over the shoulder job?
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Post by: Paradigm
Yeah, that could work.
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ah even so, it would look weird with a hood and a cloack only going to one side... Argh!
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Post by: Dr H
I've done something similar with a guardian of mine.
The cloak goes up and under and around the backpack area. The backpack is then painted to match the cloak, so you can keep the backpack AND have the cloak and hood without breaking the camo'.
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Post by: kencotter
have you seen spiky rat packs red corsair model. he has done a fur cloack that goes over the power pack and it looks really good
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Post by: Ustrello
You could use the WOC fur cloaks, those things are pretty sweet.
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Post by: Elnibbus
@Dr H, that's a real nifty idea right there! Nice execution on the Guardian model
@kencotter, I'll give it a looksie. EDIT: Just found it and while it is cool, it's not the look I'm after.
@ Ustrello. I've seen conversion involving the WOC cloaks but I'm not sold on them.
I'm just going have at it with the green stuff when the bits arrive and see what I come up with
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Post by: MagosBiff90
Definetly don't wanna be on the wrong side of that rifle! looks cool and am looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the cloak!
Actually I was going to ask a favour.... could you let me know how it was that you put together your Gatling canon you put on your Praetorian!? I think I remember you told me once but I forgetted... Looking to get back to my Macharius Mk1... and am going to give it a Vulcan variant turret!
Cheers,
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Post by: Elnibbus
Ha! Yeh, it is pretty beastly; I think I need to plug the end of the suppressor and drill a new hole for the barrel. I used brass rod for the Punisher cannon. In fact I used the same brass tube for that as I did for the rifle above! I can't remember where I got it from (ebay I think) but it's telescoping brass tube.I'm sure Albion Alloys do a telescoping tube pack which give you a good range. I cut 6 sections of the wider tube and glued them around a shorter piece of the same width. I then inserted the thinner tubes and cut a couple rings of plasticard tube for the barrel bands at the front. Easy! Automatically Appended Next Post: Did a bit more painting this evening- got the head finished. Unfortunately the lighting in our flat is atrocious for any kind of photography without some kind of dedicated lightbox so I'll take pictures in the morning. Until then, I'll put this up:
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Post by: Paradigm
Nothing short of awesome! The face is stunning!
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