Paradigm wrote:Skips look great! This being Gotham, though, at least one needs a dead body stashed inside!
My vote goes to finishing up the Penguin stuff, always good to get a complete set.
so true! Ok, well, I still need thug set #2 but I am keen to get that gang done Funnily enough I decided that the white didn't work on the Wayne boxes (not yet redone), but that meant redoing the skip too:
GiraffeX wrote:I'm going to vote for Batwoman, for reasons.....
Damn good show!
Solar_lion wrote:Batwoman .. The bat needs to have some back up!
Codpiece.. that's not commonly used anymore. way to bring back the classics.
2 for the lady! Not enough cod generally.
Dr H wrote:Congratulations on the new arrival.
Batman looks the part with those colours, and good job upping your game on the blending.
Killer Croc jumps out at me from that list (as he would at anyone...).
Yeah, he's huge. OK, well, I now have priorities! Also child
Anpu-adom wrote:Congrats on hitting the Front Page!
thanks so much guys!
Solar_lion wrote:Front page extravaganza.. Kudos!
Well is entirely down to you lot!
Thanks so much gang! Can't believe it tbh. Totally strung out, literally no sleep last night. Ack.
Gitsplitta had some suggestions about the greys on Bats -
Much happier.
As ever, thanks for the huge wellspring of support. More to follow, please keep viewing and voting! You've pushed me to me heights, and I couldn't do it without you,
Graven
Thanks chaps.
So.... Redone crates and skip
Of course, now I know this works, I'm going to have to at least try it on my Queen stuff and the swat Van with coloured pigma pens.
Every time I see the 60's Batman, I just get the image of them walking up the side of a building, trying to convince us that they haven't just laid the camera on its side .
Oh, and if your still taking votes, I say go for killer Croc next.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Arkham Batman: Alfred. That imposter we had reports about? I think we can be safely assured there's no threat there.
Alfred: Really Sir? What makes you so sure?
Arkham Batman: Call it a hunch.....
60s Batman: I'm so pretty, so pretty, so pretty. Look at me dance around with my pretty cape. La la la.
there is something very Ballerina Man about that pose, isn't there?
GiraffeX wrote:By night I'm the protector of Gotham
By day I'm a flashing Batman impersonator
That's more information than I need about your lifestyle Giraffe X
Camkierhi wrote:On the left Merkan' Macho Batman, ripped and ready. "FEAR ME!!"
On the right The Brit Bat, Only Fools and Horses would be afraid of!
You go Delboy!
Now that's some comedy gold - all we need now is a funeral!
Paradigm wrote:I am Vengeance!
I am the Night!
I am Fabulous!
Hell yeah!
evildrcheese wrote:Very nice too. Especially the cape.
EDC
Thanks kindly
hk1x1 wrote:Every time I see the 60's Batman, I just get the image of them walking up the side of a building, trying to convince us that they haven't just laid the camera on its side .
Oh, and if your still taking votes, I say go for killer Croc next.
Hence his brickwork base KC and Batwoman are top of the list :thumbs up:
Three, in fact. One of the Batman Begins movie design, one more comicy Arkham City one and one Arkham Knight one (the best if you ask me).
And only the AK one is any good sadly. I'd like a BTAS scarecrow, personally. I'm tempted by the AK scarecrow box simply to do the militia as Deathstroke henchmen with masks.
Ruglud wrote:"Holy smoke Batman, It's the Phantom Raspberry Blower from Old London Town"
Goon show reference. Classy.
Anvildude wrote:Just asking, but what the heck are "Skips" for? I don't think we have those in the states. Are they anything like dumpsters?
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Yep. Skips are dumpsters
Well, sort of. They are used for industrial or building waste rather than general garbage.
Having a bit of a tidy, reorganising my batbag, ended up making a bat to-do list as I need to look at scenery storage. In no particular order -
Ace Chem - rest of the factory still needs attention. Lights painted, signs added, some graffiti.
Swat Van - redo police writing. Add a riot grill.
Police barricades - stabilise with other feet.
Paint - Batwoman, Killer Croc, rest of Penguin Crew, Solomon Grundy, Damian, Arkham Knight Batman
Build - Court set 1, Butcher, Super secret conversion project...
So first is the swat van
Decided it also needed to be grubbier. Now, any one know a good source for fine mesh?
I always thought skips where either 1) a waste receptacle for my neighbours to fill up when I'm not looking, or 2) a strangely tasty snack that fizzes on the tongue.
So the secret project is, clearly, that I'm building a suited TV arrow Deathstroke, using Benjamin Orchard and Slade's (masked) head. The question is his other hand - pistol, cane or staff? I was going to do a pistol but that's readily assumed to be on his body. The staff is obviously appropriate to Origins but would jar with the aesthetic. Would a cane work? Or indeed just leave it? Regardless I'll be making whatever it is from scratch.
I'm leaning towards cane. It would be either paperclip or brass rod. He'll still have Orchard's normal sword too. Then, if I do do a cane should it be to the ground, held like Ra's, or behind him echoing the origins pose?
Oh, now that's clever! Personally, I'd use the the unmasked head, that still gives you a 'complete' Origins DS and I can't recall Slade ever wearing both mask and suit in the show at the same time, but it'll look awesome either way and I can't wait to see it! I say go for a pose similar to Ra's.
^ This, I am much happier with.
Lot of gs work to do, especially at wrists, neck and to add details to the piece of sprue that is being a pistol. Still, the barrel's drilled
@Paradigm funnily enough I don't own any Deathstroke. This is my solution, using the discarded remnants of others I also have a tweedle dum body I'm considering using for an extra genetic fat Cop. The secret plan with the Deathstroke head is to press mold and make him an army of Deathstroke militia
What about some kind of grating or something on Slade's base?
Interested in where the cop conversion goes, I was under the impression that the TDs were somewhat bulkier that regular models, but I've not seen them in person so I don't actually know.
I might incorporate both those ideas actually, and have a wee grate that mirrors the one on the mask.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also:
Another conversion question for the hivemind. I'm turning Tweedle dum into another Fat Cop (reallllllly fat cop!), but the head bothers me. Do I:
Pad out a regular head with gs flab?
Use a Heroic scale head?
Gs from scratch?
Or other?
depending on how fat fat is for you, you could get away with a heroic scale one...
also...if you´re in need of some more cops and SWAT guys...i have some of the copplestone future wars stuff...
and...my deepest heartfelt congrats to your newest family addition...something in me is even envious about having the opportunity to get grey hair by having sorrows for a small girl...
and.......sorry for being away that long...´m a bit wretched...
Yeah, I may take you up on that. The real challenge is finding things that work for the generic female cop, generic detective and generic male/fat cop.
Thanks bud. Apparently, daughters are there to repay the sins of the fathers as young men so screwed...
Chin up, fella, good to have you back!
Automatically Appended Next Post: So here is Fat Cop with his gw head, and left hand with torch:
Right hand will have the baton, not sure whether raised above head or across body - thoughts?
Slade is now built :
And for his base I cut a section out of one I'd made as plain treadplate and made a grille:
The dot of gs is where his left foot will go, the right behind the grille.
Nearly there Cheers
Graven
Cheers. That's a useful (and jolly interesting) link! I think the problem with using a regular KM head is that's it's still proportioned too small for that body.
I think my arm solution will be to be a paperclip armature and try it in a few positions. Because of the preexisting shoulder angle, raised up may look weird.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Think the grate needs a frame?
i am far more firm with marvel than DC...mea culpa..
will be putting stuff together...btw... how do the DC models scale towards GW and reaper and so on? do you have comparison shots?... i expect them to be slimmer and taller?
Automatically Appended Next Post: frame looks a tad wobbly? and i actually cant tell if that is an arm there with the cop...
Viktor von Domm wrote:i am far more firm with marvel than DC...mea culpa..
will be putting stuff together...btw... how do the DC models scale towards GW and reaper and so on? do you have comparison shots?... i expect them to be slimmer and taller?
Automatically Appended Next Post: frame looks a tad wobbly? and i actually cant tell if that is an arm there with the cop...
Size comparison :
Cop only had lower arm in previous pic. Now, he has no head - with everything else it looked too big, so back to idea of flabbing up a km head.
Frame now attached and primed
Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Conversions look great, graven! Keep up the good work.
Thanks mate. Don't worry, he has a head again:
Tweaked the arm slightly, baton reversed so facing forward, ready to clobber someone. Flesh has been added to cheeks, chin, back of neck
I shall probably add some food litter to his base, perhaps a box of Lard Lad donuts. big belly burger stuff appears on several bases already, alternatively.
Slade will get painted, and then Batwoman's next, followed by Killer Croc, in theory!
Paradigm wrote:Coming along nicely, he definitely looks the part and the base is great!
Gitsplitta wrote:Yeah, I think if you blend him out a bit so there's a more even transition between the darks and the lights... you'll really have something.
Okeydoke
Solar_lion wrote:I think his cane and gun need to be a different color than him. Or was this intentional?
I know what you mean but they'll stay dark as he gets lighter.
Dr H wrote:What Gits' said. Keep at it.
Good job on scratch-building the gun too.
SPRUE!
So, here he is:
Yay/nay?
Started blocking in colours on super fat Cop:
Makes his buddy look skinny!
And lastly, many thanks once more, as I find myself front page once more your support Means the world to me!
Graven
I can imagine the regular Fat Cop constantly bothering Gordon until he gets Super Fat Cop to do the same rounds as him so he doesn't look quite so portly!
Thanks all.
I caved and added some colour to Slade's sword
I also added a nightshade wash to sword, gun and base. Much happier.
Cannot get a decent pic of fatter cop:
Love his donut though
Exciting other news. As you may know I write a wee gaming column on BIGCOMICPAGE.com, Geeking Out. Knight had sent me some bmg stuff, and I like to do prize draws - our own Paradigm winning the most recent! Anyway, review stuff for Awaken Realms ks came in:
Very shiny reviewer tin! (you can win this; read on!)
And very pretty contents:
2 portals, 1 crystal, and a tesla objective too. In brief, very crisp, minimal flash. Really lovely. Full review and gentle intro to resin will be on my Geeking Out blog, and it's the whole like comment share to win the tin and the hellish hand portal -I'll let y'all know when it's up! And btw, Batwoman is on my workbench Later
Graven
GiraffeX wrote:Slade is looking very cool I Iike what you did with him, the jacket and trousers are very impressive
Sounds like a cool comp Graven and its always nice to have a woman in leather on your workbench
indeed! And she's a looker. Beast of a model. And thanks!
alabamaheretic wrote:Nice cop...you know that's a stereo type that I use to fufill looks hood. Slade looks good too. Batwoman eh...sounds sassy
I know, terrible stereotyping... I wondered about giving him s coffee cup also!
Gitsplitta wrote:That guy is looking really good graven.
Well the build turned out well, certainly, and it's always good to do tiny gs work (radio, Handcuffs etc). Just hope I can get better pics.
Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Fatter cop looks good. Have you tried taking photos at around 10am? That's the best time for natural light photos.
I shall try that!
Bit intimidated by Batwoman tbh. Massive red Cape - she's primed black but I think to get it really vibrant I'll lay down some layers of white on it first?
I'd sat no to the white and build the red up from lots of thin layers/shades, you will get some lovely shadow effects that way. It might take a while though I think thats why it takes me ages to paint anything lol
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote: Arkham Batman: Alfred. That imposter we had reports about? I think we can be safely assured there's no threat there.
Alfred: Really Sir? What makes you so sure?
Arkham Batman: Call it a hunch.....
60s Batman: I'm so pretty, so pretty, so pretty. Look at me dance around with my pretty cape. La la la.
You don't remember the "Batusi"?
Would Fatter Cop photograph better with reflected light, especiall from underneath somehow?
And I must ask, how are English Donuts? There is a bizarre trend over here among the Hipster Crowd for "Gourmet Donuts" I guess they got tired of Cupcakes.
Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Yes. White under red. Otherwise you will have so many layers of red that it will look like she's carrying a brick house on her back.
That is the plan!
evildrcheese wrote:Skale and Fat Cop are both looking cool.
EDC
GiraffeX wrote:I'd sat no to the white and build the red up from lots of thin layers/shades, you will get some lovely shadow effects that way. It might take a while though I think thats why it takes me ages to paint anything lol
Well I am in awe of your stuff. Oh no, now I'm conflicted
Red Harvest wrote:
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote: Arkham Batman: Alfred. That imposter we had reports about? I think we can be safely assured there's no threat there.
Alfred: Really Sir? What makes you so sure?
Arkham Batman: Call it a hunch.....
60s Batman: I'm so pretty, so pretty, so pretty. Look at me dance around with my pretty cape. La la la.
You don't remember the "Batusi"?
Would Fatter Cop photograph better with reflected light, especiall from underneath somehow?
And I must ask, how are English Donuts? There is a bizarre trend over here among the Hipster Crowd for "Gourmet Donuts" I guess they got tired of Cupcakes.
Ah yes, the batusi. I love Batman 66, wish they'd do more from that range. When I get round to painting Damian, he'll be classic Burt Ward colours.
Possibly, on the light thing. I'm sulking slightly about him, though.
Gourmet Donuts? Pah. Over here the hoopla is about Krispy Kremes. Sigh. The shock of the new, etc.
Anyway, no real update for except my latest Geeking Out, where you can win an exclusive bit of Awaken Realms terrain, is up on Bigcomicpage.com Go check it out!
No, still here? Oh, fine.
Got this primed up:
Just couldn't handle its faux metal plastic any more. Painted faux metal plastic is far superior, after all
So that'll be an elegant distraction (for a simpler time )
Also, have managed to convince gamemat.eu to send me a freebie, so hoping there for something shiny too!
Later peeps
graven
Most certainly, to both questions! In fact lighting up is integral to its game effect. It's an objective for Bats and Law that has to be set up on your opponent's side of the table. It generates victory points for them while off and lots of vps for you while on.
Red! That's what I was going to comment on, I knew there was something.
Depends on what type of red you want to end up with.
Dark, deep and/or dirty red: use a brown (or brick-red) basecoat and many layers to bring up the highlights to the desired level.
Bright, clean red: use white, or even better; pink (a 1:1 mixture of white and the base red paint is good) as the basecoat. It'll let you get a smooth finish (which red is particularly bad at) and give a really bright finish. You could even pre-shade with a brown wash and white highlights.
I like the pink base idea, I'll definitely try that. And ta!
Quick update, got my aluminum mesh:
Tempted to make a simple frame from paper clips (was originally thinking sprue, but would be too thick).
And, now I have it, tempted to cover the lights too... :face palm:
Cover the lights with bars. I think that'll look better than the mesh. Or maybe some sort of grill that covers the whole front like this
Only maybe not so large.
Krispy Kremes, ah yes. Not so new though, at least to USAians. Best donuts around here are from a local store, the donuts are called Colossals. Mmmm.
Good ideas there Red. One thing led to another and:
My favourite donuts actually just come from our local supermarket, 5 custard donuts for 69p or two packs for £1 (various jammy fillings also available, I'm quite partial to apple). Cheap, fresh baked and wicked tasty.
@S_L: Cheers! Yes, signal now needs paint.
Of course, everything needs paint, but time just now is non existent because baby believes that Sleep is For The Weak! (That and her mother is a 24hr buffet.) Little monster is currently curled up in my left arm, doing a very good impression of Toby from Labyrinth.
Still. And because I need another BMG project, I've scored a Scarecrow and militia set to turn into Deathstroke's minions (Scarecrow to be converted to Brother Blood).
Who knows, maybe one day I'll paint Batwoman?!
Gamemat.eu are sending me stuff to review. Which is nice. A 4x4 urban mat, a 3x3 space mat, and a (!) baby play mat. I have some stuff coming from secret weapon also, but think that's stuck in customs
Mmm, doughnuts...And the sad thing is based on that pricing, I think I know exactly what supermarket chain you're on about! They are good, though I think when it comes to jam ones, Lidl do better ones...
The SWAT van is looking great! Can't wait to see your take on the Deathstroke goons. If you want some more variety, Bane's guys with a headswap would probably work well. Maybe even League ninjas?
So a mini(van) update:
Not sure whether to add the winch after all, a set of bull bars might look better?
Going to be getting more review stuff, plastruct terrain, mats, and the walking dead mini game Pretty psyked! If only I had more time to paint :/ or even play!
Well deserved goodies for all the work and free advertising you've been doing. I know with a newborn in the house it's tough to get stuff done, but don't make the mistake of modeling while holding the baby . She might look like a freshly spawned tyranid, but adding scything talons is a Nono, especially if momma is home or the kids sneak a picture and show her later .
Awww... my littlest loved helping me with modeling. Especially when she was teething. I have a destroyed necron warrior with genuine toddler teeth marks to prove it.
Thanks guys, y'all make me smile. Just had a really crappy parents' night where 2 folk outright called me a terrible teacher so feeling pretty low, and wife is that tired with little miss that she's not particularly sympathetic
Still, on the plus side, today etch works and devil's run both got in touch with more freebies on offer
Can't please everyone. So long as you had as many (or more) parents telling you that you are a good teacher. Try not to focus on the bad ones. Would like to see them try to do better...
Teaching, nearly as hard as sculpting miniature toilets (see my Sig').
Aw, cheers chaps. Don't mind me, just feeling sorry for myself. Although I do find the total abdication of responsibility utterly depressing. ANYway...
Van front is done:
Of course, now I'm debating adding mesh to the rear and side windows
And bat signal progresses.
Probably just going to add some smoke streaks. Nearly there!
And in other news, I won the LOER contest! Thrilled that ACE was, well Ace Got to decide on the next theme, got a couple of ideas, either "The Portal" or "Sticks and Stones". Not sure, any thoughts amigos?
Picked up some more BMG, finally got my last 2 Penguin thugs and a couple of Arkham inmates that aesthetically look very penguin-crew plus are nice fits for various builds. Scarecrow Crew to be Deathstroke-d en route also along with Frank Miller Batman and Azrael. Debating a couple of extra Scarecrow militia also but need to get my paint on!
Later gang, and thanks once more,
Graven
Slats/louvers to the sides, like what you might see on an MRAP. Humbly suggested.
The front looks pretty boss.
Too bad you cannot comment of how good at parenting the parents are. My guess is: not so good. People like that always shifting blame...
You need some sort of plinth for your photos, so you can stop using your hand. A block of wood painted black, or white, maybe? (Again, Humbly suggested)
Don't you love how people who have no idea what your job is like decide that they know better than you how you should be doing it?
Pretty sure everyone has seen that at their work, not just us teachers. Hang in there...
The truck looks sick. Great work.
My wife is a teacher, and former high school cheer coach, so i have heard all the stupid parent comments. Most of the time it's crap like my daughter doesn't need to show up to cheer practice because shes just so cheerful like me, and if you bench/cut her we'll sue the district and you because it won't be able to get into college because of her crappy grades . Sure my kid tests in the top 99% (of drug tests), but all kids do that.
Dude.. The world is full of crappy people! and with their own agenda in tow they feel they know your job better than you. Respect goes both ways.. Shrug it off. More important things to get too!
Love the truck and I thought the review you did for SW was good.
Nice gig!
congratz graven...that piece had it coming...no wonder it won...besides....it seems you are the only one who can make it happen that a non warhammer related terrain piece has a chance of winning...
as for the portal idea...i have already begun thinking of how i could work on this...
and parents are a weird bunch...as everybody is able to raise kids, people tend to see the work of teachers and nursery nurses as something that is not a "real profession"...so they tend to boss those professionals around thinking they are doing what i am doing but they even get paid for it...i have work with speech disabled kids and even tho i had a hard time while doing so i had way more patience while doing this with these kids as when i help/ oversee my own kids with their home works... there i get ballistic...i wish everybody who feels up to the job for a teacher to walk a mile in their shoes...i bet 99% will rather work with steel or wild animals than ever again standing in front of a mass of 20+ kids that would love to do everything else than just this one tiny exercise here...
Red Harvest wrote:Slats/louvers to the sides, like what you might see on an MRAP. Humbly suggested.
The front looks pretty boss.
Too bad you cannot comment of how good at parenting the parents are. My guess is: not so good. People like that always shifting blame...
You need some sort of plinth for your photos, so you can stop using your hand. A block of wood painted black, or white, maybe? (Again, Humbly suggested)
Excellent humble suggestions both, I'll beth OK. It. Ach, the rubbish parenting :/
Anpu-adom wrote:Don't you love how people who have no idea what your job is like decide that they know better than you how you should be doing it?
Pretty sure everyone has seen that at their work, not just us teachers. Hang in there...
The truck looks sick. Great work.
True enough. And thanks!
Theophony wrote:My wife is a teacher, and former high school cheer coach, so i have heard all the stupid parent comments. Most of the time it's crap like my daughter doesn't need to show up to cheer practice because shes just so cheerful like me, and if you bench/cut her we'll sue the district and you because it won't be able to get into college because of her crappy grades . Sure my kid tests in the top 99% (of drug tests), but all kids do that.
love the spot light too
Man, thou madest me smile too true. And cheers
Solar_lion wrote:Dude.. The world is full of crappy people! and with their own agenda in tow they feel they know your job better than you. Respect goes both ways.. Shrug it off. More important things to get too!
Love the truck and I thought the review you did for SW was good.
Nice gig!
Yeah I'm enjoying the review thing. I might have something really cool to come out of it also, but I'll let y'all know if it happens.
Gitsplitta wrote:Truck looks excellent. Love the way the front came out. Very believable. Congrats on the win! Well deserved!
Thanks bud. I suspect that, like a real truck, there will be endless tinkering...
hk1x1 wrote:Nice work on the bat signal, looks so much better now.
Thanks, needs some streaks too though I think
Solar_lion wrote:Congrats on the Win. If you do portal. I'll break down and jump back in. there is a project I've been looking to do.
Cheers. Well, maybe...
Nevelon wrote:
Solar_lion wrote: Congrats on the Win. If you do portal. I'll break down and jump back in. there is a project I've been looking to do.
Same here. I’ve got a portal project I’ve been putting off for something like 3 years now.
Oh, man...
Viktor von Domm wrote:congratz graven...that piece had it coming...no wonder it won...besides....it seems you are the only one who can make it happen that a non warhammer related terrain piece has a chance of winning...
as for the portal idea...i have already begun thinking of how i could work on this...
and parents are a weird bunch...as everybody is able to raise kids, people tend to see the work of teachers and nursery nurses as something that is not a "real profession"...so they tend to boss those professionals around thinking they are doing what i am doing but they even get paid for it...i have work with speech disabled kids and even tho i had a hard time while doing so i had way more patience while doing this with these kids as when i help/ oversee my own kids with their home works... there i get ballistic...i wish everybody who feels up to the job for a teacher to walk a mile in their shoes...i bet 99% will rather work with steel or wild animals than ever again standing in front of a mass of 20+ kids that would love to do everything else than just this one tiny exercise here...
Viktor von Domm wrote: congratz graven...that piece had it coming...no wonder it won...besides....it seems you are the only one who can make it happen that a non warhammer related terrain piece has a chance of winning...
Ahem! How soon they forget
Congrats on the win, Graven. Seems I omitted that in my previous post
I'm going to be dialing back the updating of this for a bit. Work is crazy / infuriating, tiny person is demanding, and life is just generally a bit complex. I will try to keep painting, if only good my sanity, but I think it'll be a bit sporadic for a while. Also, I want to stay on top of the loer contest - do, please, head on overasnd join in if you haven't already.
Cheers chaps,
Graven
Perhaps, in light of a recent incident, Graven is considering a move to Mississippi... Here's why Truth be told, Mississippi could use a few good teachers.
Work as you can, the hobby is for fun. No stresses.
Guys, I'm really I didn't expect such a well spring of approval.
Gitsplitta wrote:That my friend... is completely awesome. You need a couple of close-up shots of that so we can vote on it!
Paradigm wrote:Yeah, that is frankly awesome! Damn good stuff!
endtransmission wrote:That is just too cool for words
Januine wrote:Bat Signal is bloody awesome. great job
Viktor von Domm wrote:sweet thing!
and i was wondering how long you could be so productive in hobby while family changes...
about work...well...i am the last person to give you advice...
Oh, tush. But yeah, it's a crazy time.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Know the feeling, the painting helps me loads, even if only for a short time. Nice to hear someone else in the same mindset.
Well it is the sanity giver, of sorts.
Red Harvest wrote:Perhaps, in light of a recent incident, Graven is considering a move to Mississippi... Here's why Truth be told, Mississippi could use a few good teachers.
Work as you can, the hobby is for fun. No stresses.
Oh, I really wish that were the case here
So, fine, you get your way - vote-able:
And really, it needs something... Early days. Black bats, started wet blending cape, base will be verdigris I think.
Damn you all for being so supportive
Graven
Automatically Appended Next Post: Not a fab pic but hopefully you can see where I've gone with this using colour washes
Dat bat is finished but resisting all attempts to take a decent picture
nerdfest09 wrote:Oh so cool! so so cool! :-) love what you've done it looks amazing, the signal is superb and the Bat is coming along nicely too!
Hey Damo! Thanks for swinging by! I'm really pleased with the love the signal is getting
So today was a happy day. I'd sold my old hifi amp on eBay, expecting maybe £30, and got £89. :O wife had joked I should enjoy spending it on toys...
So on a whim bought a couple of raffle tickets for The Hive's Facebook Raffle and...
Raffle loot!
Which was nice. And decided to finish my penguin gang:
Plus these Arkham inmates are ideal additions in terms of aesthetic, points cost and sheer murdering:
Sideproject - the Scarecrow Crew, to be converted into Deathstroke's Mirakuru goons
Don't want the good guys left out though
I have a bit left over from this and another sale. Tempted to finally pick up a force awakens core set for xwing for the extra dice, deck and T70/2x TIE f/o but might actually put it towards wife's birthday :/ that or more militia
On the subject of xwing, got my boys to play the quick start (rookie x wing vs 2 ties). The 5 year old rebel toasted the 8 year old imperial overlord. Much more strategic than his big brother, interestingly. The wife joked she wanted to Be Darth Vader - who of course I have, so we then played darth and Boba (her and young boy, but mostly him) vs a B wing and an E Wing (eldest and me). 5 year old won again, pulling off a really clever maneuver with Vader that totally outflew his brother. Cunning little devil.
Indeed! To be fair, all the bmg stuff bar penguin thugs was from a mate half price. Built, and with secret weapon bases mind you. those thugs are just a pita to get hold of, they are brutal and really, really cheap in game, so stores never have them in stock - just got lucky.
I'll see how the mdf terrain looks. It may get upcycled (ie painted) into birthday presents for geeks this year! Particularly if not terribly bat-friendly.
Nice bit o terrain. Not really Gotham City though. Wonder what game it would work for, hmmm... Actually, it could be painted to fit into Gotham. A good city is a mix of architectural styles.
How many versions of Batman are there anyway? # or 4 or more minis right?
What an awesome haul of minis! Az and the Penguin Thugs aside, it could also double as a list of things I really, really need to get around to buying!
@RH: There are currently 8 Batmen (3 Arkham ones, 2 Dark Knight trilogy including the Batpod, 1 Animated Series, 1 Dark Knight Returns/Frank Miller, 1 Batman '66)... And with any luck, we'll get a Dawn of Justice one in the next month or two!
Good work on Bat, look forward to final shots (try a dark background as he is quite dark).
Top job turning a good profit into many new things.
Good call, I shall try the black background. Moar toys!
Theophony wrote:And people are envious of my hauls .
Glad the whole family (well most of it) enjoy your hobby.
Boys seem keen, and sporting too, which is good.
Red Harvest wrote:Nice bit o terrain. Not really Gotham City though. Wonder what game it would work for, hmmm... Actually, it could be painted to fit into Gotham. A good city is a mix of architectural styles.
How many versions of Batman are there anyway? # or 4 or more minis right?
Perhaps , especially the industrial stuff. I'll have a better idea once I get my mitts on the goodies!
Anpu-adom wrote:I believe that you've gone bat-crazy... soon you'll be using bat-paint with bat-paint brushes drinking bat-cola in your bat-underoos.
Bats in the belfry
Solar_lion wrote:There is some good MDF terrain out there. For fans of 40K and the old DoW games, google Death Ray designs.
I like the new bat model. A more menacing looking pose for the Dark Knight.
Which, the frank miller one? Yeah, it's a beast and fairly cheap in game. It's a solid Comic Batman without crazy video game trickery.
Paradigm wrote:What an awesome haul of minis! Az and the Penguin Thugs aside, it could also double as a list of things I really, really need to get around to buying!
@RH: There are currently 8 Batmen (3 Arkham ones, 2 Dark Knight trilogy including the Batpod, 1 Animated Series, 1 Dark Knight Returns/Frank Miller, 1 Batman '66)... And with any luck, we'll get a Dawn of Justice one in the next month or two!
Buy more toys! It's what student loans are for! There's also the promo Zur-en-ar Batman card, too, remember.
Feeling a bit bummed today, which is ridiculous after my good fortune. Tuesdays are historically my gaming night but with kids in cubs now till half 8 that's out the window, and scheduling another weeknight is proving complex. Didn't help that the 5 year old had a meltdown today about not going to cubs I think though it's partly sleep deprivation taking its toll.
Anyway, enough maudlin claptrap.
Bat's back!
And front.
Not perfect but better represents the palette.
Started work on Deathstroking my militia, firstly the Cyrus Gold:
In retrospect, I wish I'd cleaved the head off fully cos it's cool but the original mask was removed intact, at least.
And I have definitely not made a GS mould of death stroke's mask.
Cheers mucker!
So here's a quick shot of them:
Not an amazing pic, sorry if you look at the guy pointing his mask is clearest. It has, generally, worked. They're going to go on secret weapon bases, as pictured.
Meanwhile, scarecrow's had his breathers chopped-
I'll just smooth with GS, pretty simple converting to brother blood.
Now, on to terrain matters. You may recall I scored a haul of MDF terrain (see above or
Spoiler:
).
Some ideas-
Does this work as another section of ACE CHEMICALS, to complement the tank?
It's slightly elevated, supposed to (and still can) have entrance ramps - yay/nay?
Next - does this work as a water tower?
Finally, I wonder about not having the legs on the larger building -
Possibly putting the MDF Satellite dish on and having it as a downtown radio or TV station?
Which means this could be generic scaffolding or something
Your thoughts, team?
Terrain all looks suitable to me, Gotham has always had a rather diverse aesthetic and even the clean/hi tech looking bits fit; they'd make great interior elements for a factory or lab or similar.
I think the building you were think of for ace chemicals would look better as a cooling station for Mr. freeze, or some sort of water treatment building for Killer Krock.
Looks usable, nice pieces, waiting to see if the come out ok, most of this MDF stuff still looks like a jigsaw puzzle, mind you, your truck was excellent.
The last bit i would maybe have it as a gantry, covered in cables and maybe a hoist.
Thanks all for excellent suggestions. I shall take on board once I get into a scenery place. However, confronted with the boss of shame, I decided to get on with the last job:
She's coming along, sorry for slight fuzziness but it best represents the depth of the red. Wow, to pink base layer, say I.
This is pretty close to accurate on the grey/black.
And aforementioned box of shame:
Not including scarecrow gang and azrael, who are being primed in garage, and the arkham inmates, who have escaped in the post . Also, work has started on Miller Batman.
Very excited for new batman expansion - adds team rosters, notably suicide squad and birds of prey line ups.
Still not got The Ghost for xwing, kids keep offering me theirs to play with...
Pathetic. If a box of shame doesn't throw your back out when you lift it then it really cannot be called a box of shame . Plus you gave the models comfy foam to rest in while they wait their turn.
Though I love me a redhead... I think the cloak needs to go more orange. Black to Red to orange. Black being the closest to the body and on out ect. It's too pink or I'm not getting the color right on my monitor. ( or I'm old)
Solar_lion wrote: Though I love me a redhead... I think the cloak needs to go more orange. Black to Red to orange. Black being the closest to the body and on out ect. It's too pink or I'm not getting the color right on my monitor. ( or I'm old)
i´m currently getting a strong finger nail polish feel from that inside of the cape.... for me it looks me pinkish than red.... must be the lights probably?...
Solar_lion wrote:Though I love me a redhead... I think the cloak needs to go more orange. Black to Red to orange. Black being the closest to the body and on out ect. It's too pink or I'm not getting the color right on my monitor. ( or I'm old)
Or all of the above Agreed, generally.
A wash of bloodletter and a shade of crimson later:
Also, this bad boy finally arrived:
Talk about the ghost of Xmas present
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also, because they are useless, Hasbro sent us the wrong replacement dish for the wee man's Falcon (was missing :()
So good score for me
Solar_lion wrote: Though I love me a redhead... I think the cloak needs to go more orange. Black to Red to orange. Black being the closest to the body and on out ect. It's too pink or I'm not getting the color right on my monitor. ( or I'm old)
Glad you approve.
She's pretty much done. Been an absolute nightmare to photograph, ended up using the back cover of a book on San Francisco graffiti that I'm using for reference as a backdrop.
Clearing up the kids' junk, found this -
Great scale, may not even repaint.
Got a whole lot of review stuff. Plascraft sent me a sample of their new church - they do preprinted PVC terrain for post apoc, infinity, malifaux, and medieval:
It's an impressive kit
But missing two end walls doesn't bode terribly well...
Also got some samples from etchmaster
Very purdy. They also have a SciFi set coming to ks next week, with base toppers
Lovely though I look at blades and just think how horribly flimsy they would be- any ideas?
Loads of cool stuff there, I have a plastcraft building but Ive not found any glue that sticks it together so far so will be interested to see what you use.
Thanks. Using the background really helps but I'm not sorry to see the back of her!
Gitsplitta wrote:Good Lord man, you're just rolling in swag!
I am a lucky chap indeed
GiraffeX wrote:Loads of cool stuff there, I have a plastcraft building but Ive not found any glue that sticks it together so far so will be interested to see what you use.
Oh no! Don't say that!actually that's an interesting point in that they don't recommend any particular glue. I've dry fitted most of it and it's really sturdy - just frustrating. What kit do you have?
I should stick to bad guys, as the title says. TV Cyrus Gold, The Acolyte:
Given that mostly this was done between half 4 and half 5 this morning I'm delighted. Really sets the tone for the Mirakuru guys generally. Will try to to do some more Monday, methinks.
Automatically Appended Next Post: @hk1x1 - ks going live Thursday I think. I'll link it along with review anon
Gitsplitta wrote:Love the OSL graven... really great work!
Thanks bud. I just went full force with it, and was worried it would look OTT.
GiraffeX wrote:Yeah that OSL looks amazing.
I have the Graveyard set, I've currently given up with it!
Thanks mate. Am now filled with dread...
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:That's a stunning mini. Well done Graven you've outdone yourself
Thanks so much! Please vote folks if you're so minded.
Paradigm wrote:Yeah, you've smashed that one out of the bat-park! If his compatriots are up to scratch, that should be one bad ass gang!
I batsee what you batdid there. So will I continue with them just now? Other (primed) bad guys on the table were killer Croc, Solomon Grundy and more penguin thugs. What do we think?
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:That's a stunning mini. Well done Graven you've outdone yourself
Thanks so much! Please vote folks if you're so minded.
Already had
inmygravenimage wrote: So will I continue with them just now? Other (primed) bad guys on the table were killer Croc, Solomon Grundy and more penguin thugs. What do we think?
Automatically Appended Next Post: Made up an etch master base topper for him
Like that the grate is a separate piece and there's a variety of them. And very quick to paint!
Apologies in advance for being TFG, ( nice word shield, eh? ) but the lighting on your photos needs improvement. You need to adjust/re-position it so that there are not such strong shadows behind the minis. It makes it harder to see them, at least for me. (I've got the presbyopia thing going on... sigh.)
Paradigm wrote:Awesome stuff! Looking forward to your take on Az, will there be conversion or just a comicy paintjob?
Just paintjob. Much red and yellow
GiraffeX wrote:They look great Graven, you're really on a roll lately
Thanks mucker
Red Harvest wrote:Good stuff.
Apologies in advance for being TFG, ( nice word shield, eh? ) but the lighting on your photos needs improvement. You need to adjust/re-position it so that there are not such strong shadows behind the minis. It makes it harder to see them, at least for me. (I've got the presbyopia thing going on... sigh.)
I quite agree. I've got some repainting on Scarecrow/brother blood to do so I'll try to make a better lighting setup then.
Dr H wrote:Lots of nice work you have going on, Graven. Keep at it.
Many thanks!
So this came:
3 of Gamemat.eu's... gamemats. Well, 2 gamer, 1 baby
A request, adepti-chums: any of you at Adepticon able to take pics of Gamemats in action? iirc they are sponsoring Adepticon this year and there will be 55 of their mats in use across various games. Would be hugely helpful for an article I'm writing!
Also just a wee reminder of my grovelling request for in situ pics of Gamemat.eu's mats at Adepticon! I've repainted Scarecrow / brother blood's cloak, wet blended, looks much better, but still working on camera setup. Still - 2 weeks of school holidays! Automatically Appended Next Post: And here is, in the ruins of "his" city: Much happier with cloak and light setup. Backdrop helps balance everything, too.
Might switch to some xwing repaints next: Ghost, Phantom, Tie Bomber and Tie Phantom sitting waiting...
Thanks man. The ochre base is a good start for both green skin and orange trousers, hopefully. Nah, not really sold on it: I'm a dc boy at heart, and the game itself feels to me just like a bit of a knock off of Pulp City.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Can I also take a moment to thank everyone who's voting on my stuff? My batsignal is on the front page of the gallery and it's such a wonderful feeling (albeit somewhat nerve wracking!) to see the scores for this and others. Many thanks!
Much better photo without the back shadow. Apparently I need to check the front page more often. I'm missing everyone's work there. I've bookmarked the forum index and go straight to it.
Killer Croc continues
Don't know whether to keep his orange grubby from sewers or get it as bright as the rest of the prisoners. Really happy with the transition in the skin tone.
Croc is coming along really nicely, awesome transition from the belly to the scales is superb! I reckon leave the orange grubby, probably to no one's surprise!
Killer Croc looks excellent. It's one of your best of recent minis. Regarding the orange, I'd vote grubby, can depend on what your "story" for the mini is though. Comes down to personal choice in the end
Paradigm wrote:Croc is coming along really nicely, awesome transition from the belly to the scales is superb! I reckon leave the orange grubby, probably to no one's surprise!
Thanks man. Gits has been hassling me on my wet blending!
Gitsplitta wrote:Yep, Paradigm nailed my comment. Excellent transition on the scales and you've handled the folds and creases in the pants extremely well too.
Well, I do like a nice pair of pants
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Killer Croc looks excellent. It's one of your best of recent minis. Regarding the orange, I'd vote grubby, can depend on what your "story" for the mini is though. Comes down to personal choice in the end
Cheers, hope you like the finished version. Given that in game he starts in The sewers filth it is.
Anyway, you're here for the freak show, aren't you?
King of the Sewers!
Really, really happy with him. Prime black, blocked in Vallejo green ochre all over, green is Russia uniform blended up with more ochre and gw flayed one flesh. Belly is just push-wet blended with ochre. Then all washed gw camoshade, earthshade, and the green washed with greenshade. Metal is ghost grey washed with nightshade. Mouth has a wash of crimson. That's about it
Croctacular! Awesome work, on what personally I don't think is a great model (I prefer the comic/Arkham Knight look with the proper crocodile head), you've made me like it so great job!
Methinks it's time for another BMG group shot soon! Who's next up?
Paradigm wrote:Croctacular! Awesome work, on what personally I don't think is a great model (I prefer the comic/Arkham Knight look with the proper crocodile head), you've made me like it so great job!
Methinks it's time for another BMG group shot soon! Who's next up?
Well, I think sometimes with the Full-croc he can veer into The Lizard territory. Thanks man. See below for upcoming...
Red Harvest wrote:Croc Smash! much better than the other meme, Croc Poop! Looks good.
Yup, you never know what you'll find in Croc Poop
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Graven that is brilliant. You've pulled that blending off in a superb fashion. Can everyone please vote for this stunner so it makes the front page!
You're very kind. I'm chuffed, though I still see flaws.
Gitsplitta wrote:Excellent work graven. You're progressing quickly.
cheers mate, only got you to blame
Viktor von Domm wrote:dunno what happened here, but you seriously upped your game the last coupla models...
crock looks super... but the energy effects on TV Cyrus Gold, The Acolyte are pure ace...my hat´s off to you sir!!!
also...commented...that stuff is the salt in every modellers soup...or should be... so...here is hoping
Brass etch is awesome indeed. Cheers for commenting there and I think I'm just better at villains, somehow
Knightley wrote:Wow, stepping up the game with Killer Croc! I really like the skin you've done.
Thanks mate let's hope I can maintain it!
Ruglud wrote:Impressive work sir... Mr Croc is looking mean, green and lean
Well, healthy diet of hereoes and low-level goons for fibre
Solar_lion wrote:Wow.. croc is amazing looking. The skin even has a nice wet look.
That may just be poor photography on my part
Croc just came together perfectly. Ramos did a brilliant job on some fantasy crocs and that was my inspiration and guidance. Can't hope to approach his level but really happy nonetheless.
Anyway, with that in mind, the desk as it stands:
Azrael, Solomon Grundy (and some penguin goons in the distant background). Grundy will be hard, he's largely monochrome in the comics though infused with lightning in the AK game. Going to be a toughie. Azrael's going to bebased on the comic scheme, but muted, ochre and terracotta rather than bright yellow and red (but not the AK templar look either). Managed to score the remaining Militia off a mate who was having a clearout for about 40% of retail (along with a T-70, just cos), but I've also got the other Blackgate prisoners, my 2 Arkham inmates and final 2 penguin goons AND Court of Owls still unbuilt also.
All the toys
Thanks once more for keeping me on task and pushing forward,
Graven
Well as Mr Cobblepot says, Look what I found in the basement!
So, Grundy complete. Hopefully paintjob does my conversion justice.
A rare sunny morning makes big shadows...
And Arkham Azrael, Painted up in my interpretation of the Knightfall red/gold Jean Paul Valley scheme.
Enjoyed painting this more than I expected tbh, but I had a clearer idea after playing with Brother Blood's cloak and Croc's ochre.
I am sufficiently enamoured of the big figs to do Penguin's Titan Thug next, I think. That leaves Damian Wayne and 2 remaining thugs primed and ready. I'm holding off on doing the court until I get set 2 so I can do all of them at once, consistently and cohesively. But I'm at my folks' for the next few days, and wife's birthday Tuesday, so the next week will be pretty dead for P&M. However, I've started teaching the kids xwing, so hopefully I'll have a couple of batreps Thanks as ever for c&c
Graven
I'm reviewing gamemats as used at adepticon, and a mahooosive prize draw you can get involved in
Been playing more X-Wing with the kids -
Lacking regular geek time at present, I thought I'd make the most of their star wars obsession plus, 4 days at my parents', so anything that occupies 2 kids of 5 and 8 for 2hours solid is always good.
I continue to be so, so impressed by this game. We've now introduced upgrades, with almost all of the game mechanics - ion weapons, turrets, big ships, SLAM, bombs, missiles, torpedoes, crew, titles, talents and modifications. We've had slave 1 forced off the table only to have it drop its bombs for the win in the process, sportsmanship in victory and defeat, and even E-Wings and tie bombers not being rubbish. Quality stuff.
Lastly, I'm thinking about my next piece of homemade terrain. Thinking of doing a Waynetech industrial hangar, using a corrugated box with a CoD double door and sprue frames for skylights (if that makes sense?) - anything else in particular I should include?
Cheers y'all
Graven
Llamahead wrote:Definitely no safety railings but lots of ceiling beams to swing off. Cool stuff on the go.
Cheers mate. It's only the exterior but I shall take thoughts on board!
Gitsplitta wrote:Smiles on the boys are great to see! I think you've really nailed how to parlay their Star Wars fandom into something you can share with them.
Yup, channel that geek
Anpu-adom wrote:Love the pic!
Sure they look cute...
Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Clear plastic sheets for Windows? You can grime them up with dirty paint water.
I'm debating whether to have windows at all other than skylights. I see it as a not-so secret bat factory.
Knightley wrote:The boys look like they are definitely enjoying them selves, I can't wait to be able to do this with my little lad.
Cheers it's the best
Here's the box in question if this helps
There's a big industrial unit in Leith (Edinburgh way) that is exactly this shape.
Hmm...
Okay well here's the mock up:
I was thinking Wayne tech, then lexcorp, but now I'm thinking Stagg Industries because that's less recognisably DCU and therefore more generally useful as a piece.
Automatically Appended Next Post: There will be 2 more sprue skylights. I'm debating cutting through and putting a bulb in...
Rough piece of corrugated card is side roller door.
Going to add spotlights and a vent of some sort. Thoughts?
Automatically Appended Next Post: Also
Love the random junk we find in our kids' stuff
Nah... tbh the little oil truck, whilst cool, was just slightly too wee at 1/48.
BTW, do please all check out the League contest - the work going on is unreal!
inmygravenimage wrote: Yup, in fact I just stole a smoothie lid off my nephew. Kid's gotta learn
Learn that if you leave graven in a junk yard it will be heaven if he has glue and hell if he has none. But somehow terrain will be made anyways.
Or does he have to learn that nothing has just one use, it could be anything with enough paint and glue?
I mean he doesn't need to learn about stealing, that is what cookie jars are for.
The stolen sausage is always sweeter
Theophony wrote:I think it means always buy two of everything, you never know when Graven's inspiration will hit and you'll wind up with a lap full of smoothie.
Kid don't need me to get a lap full of his grub
Llamahead wrote:Been watching Arrow skylights are a must!
Defo! It will be done... Just not yet
Tidying up today. New hobby caddy:
' Everything it in its place
Did work on Azrael's reds. Much better -
Made some new heads on paperclips for my deathstroke crew.
That's me got the lot... Till the next lot come out (at least one more crew pack spoiled in images from the first expansion, and given it's Arrow/Flash TV we should see lots of nasty Mirakuru minions )
And had fun doing a bunch of X-wing.
Some grubby Lothal Rebels -
Now if you don't watch the show, this is the shuttle of the Ghost, which is about twice the size of the Millennium Falcon
Rough, grubby, rebel scum
Spot the phantom!
Mucky bum
Speaking of Phantoms, a TIE phantom engaging its cloaking device
And a factory fresh TIE bomber, for my kids' favourite pilot, Major Rhymer -
Finally, ready for the Force to... awaken!
So a busy, fun day whilst the missus did some uni work
In other news, my SoB have a new home with my oldest friend, whose youngest daughter has just got into 40k and wants a girl army. Best place for em on the plus side, more space for X-Wing
Paradigm wrote:Excellent work all round, particularly the Ghost and Phantom.
I know you like it dark and filthy
Llamahead wrote:Nice to hear that about the SoB. Why do the kids like Major Rhymer? Broken combo tactics at their age?
Not exactly. 6 hull is tough for a little ship, and Extra Ordnance (double your payloads) with his ability to modify range on secondary weapons is really intuitively effective for the young 'un.
Well, pretty much. Twice the depth, and 50% longer/wider. Nightmare for storage. It's a hard life It was actually the boys who insisted that the ships be that grubby. Good to see they understand what the Rebellion's like
So they've gone for Moar Dakka. I Approve.
Best line in one of the X-Wing novels "Why do the Empire have all these planet killing weapons and we never get one?" "Because we prefer to rely on bravery courage and skill rather than expenditure"
So rumours of a raise aren't true?"
Still enjoy the X-Wing novels real guilty pleasure of mine.
Viktor von Domm wrote:mint condition ships you only find with the empire...
Yup, minty fresh. it's nice to have the variety. I might, at some point, do some really gaudy pirate Scum too.
Red Harvest wrote:The rebels have filthy ships, well, whodathunkit? A fitting metaphor, BTW.
Is Major Rhymer's wingman Major Reasoner, perchance?
Ghost looks way cooler than the Millennium Falcon.
it's a great ship, and like most of REBELS it's based on McQuarrie's original art (there is even a mechanic called Quarrie in the show )
Viktor von Domm wrote:
Ghost looks way cooler than the Millennium Falcon.
heretic....next thing you say hat greedo shot first...
Well duh.
Theophony wrote:Clean ships cost more , the rebellions on a budget. Tidy workspace, dirty ships......
One thing I never have is a tidy workspace :(
Llamahead wrote:So they've gone for Moar Dakka. I Approve.
Best line in one of the X-Wing novels "Why do the Empire have all these planet killing weapons and we never get one?" "Because we prefer to rely on bravery courage and skill rather than expenditure"
So rumours of a raise aren't true?"
Still enjoy the X-Wing novels real guilty pleasure of mine.
The current comics are mostly excellent also, particularly Vader and Kanan.
Dr H wrote:Nice work on all the tiny ships, Graven.
Teeny spess-sheeps
Gitsplitta wrote:Those are really good graven. Bet they'll look fantastic on the tabletop.
Yeah, going to try to get another game, using the new stuff, with the little dude this weekend.
shasolenzebai wrote:You have been busy! Lothal rebel cell, Arkham denizens, Azrael is looking great! the cloaked fighters are awesome BTW.
Cheers! Must get back to Arkham generally... I want to pick up another phantom and have it decloaking (ie reverse the paint scheme ) Anyway, sorry for absence. Life, and indeed wife, etc. And a distraction; the mighty Gitsplitta is running his Mantis Maker contest again:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/15270/289929.page#8593253 The theme is "Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." I'm fond of David Mamet, from whom the quote comes (I am an English teacher, after all) and this spurred me on to thinking about Stanley Kubrick's 'The Killing' (I also teach film) with its iconic chess scene (great movie, great director, and cited by Mamet as one of his favourite moments in drama - yes, I am a nerd, thank you).
So...
Literally my last complete marine - last set of legs, anyway. Now you might well be thinking Wtf?
The plan is a chess match, where the veteran Mantis Warrior commander howls in rage as he concedes defeat to the truly ancient Mantis Warrior encased (somewhat heretical) archaeotech, blancheistu pod. The chess pieces will be epic marines and nids (of which I have a handful, somewhere) and the board will either be as at the end of Through The Looking-Glass or from a famous match in 1912 known as The gold Coin match which was won on a staggering queen move known simply as Treachery.
Yes, that is obscure ultimately the idea of old beating young in a duel is the key, but it's the nature of that which tickles me
Of course, before I do that, I need to do the warehouse
Ghost looks way cooler than the Millennium Falcon.
heretic....next thing you say hat greedo shot first...
Hunh? I saw THE movie. several times. in the theater. in 1977. Han. Shot. First. I have no idea where this Greedo shot first crap comes from. Something about some bowdlerized tripe called "A New Hope"
Bluntly put, the uniforms can be dirty, but the ships must be clean. Based on something said by a certain Lt. Sharpe (Fans of Sharpe's Rifles will get it.)
Viktor von Domm wrote:That's a bit evil...man...wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley while you are in a dark mood...
Mwahaha!
cormadepanda wrote:I like the table thing you are making. It really unique.
Cheers. Although I'm torn as to whether it should be an actual chessboard or more a "game" of sorts, an abstracted grimdark future chess.
Dr H wrote:Nice idea and a good start.
Cheers mucker.
Annoyingly, I neglected to bring home the rotary guillotine from work, to trim the plasticard edging of the warehouse. So today has turned into an odds and ends kinda day. Instead, I sprayed the skylight frames and...
Also made tracks on the Grandmaster:
Of course, what I really need is yet another project as well. It's another geek friend's birthday in a fortnight. So clearly, he'll need toys too. He's a huge arrow fan, and I thought a "Watchtower" terrain piece would be good for him:
Electric green translucent plastic to be added.
But I also have another set of stuff to build to review :
No one want a church, no?
Hmm.
Anyway.
In the tidy little box come all the parts, easily pressed from their frames.
Instructions are accessed via QR code on the back of the box. I was rather skeptical about this but actually it works well, once you’ve found the kit in question from the list. Being able to zoom in really helps, although construction is surprisingly intuitive.
The parts slot together easily and solidly – to test this, I haven’t glued any parts (hence the windows aren’t in). In fact, not only did assembly take only a little over 15 mins, I was able to disassemble and then rebuild without reference to the instructions in under 5.
Whilst the roof is designed to be removable you would realistically need to glue at least some of the supports in; nevertheless, for ease of storage (especially given the footprint of this beast) any degree of disassembly is a good thing. A nice additional perk is the leftover archway interiors give you a field of gravestones.
Watch out Mr cobblepot!
Bats in the Belfry!
Hopefully this conveys the scale of the thing – it is large and impressive indeed, and able to support the weight of models effectively.
So is it worth it? On balance, I’d say yes. Any gamer will have a box of shame filled with half painted, half finished projects of one kind or another. The detail on this kit is lovely, from the stonework to the staining, the glass to the clocktower. Though not especially cheap, for what it is, it’s certainly a good price at 70 euros.
Want to win it? Head over to me blog on bcp
Also, started looking at the next lot:
Lovely set from the Malifaux range, and fit just as well into gotham (there's a full circus set I need to resist...)
And the shack from the post-apoc power station:
Nice, a bit less practical. The pump that comes with it is a bit disappointing - mostly plain grey pvc, a wasted opportunity. Not assembled yet, I'm sulking.
Window frames are dry, Watchtower is primed, and strips of plastruct cut with guillotine at work (imagine it's kids...) - onwards!
Thanks for the reviews. I was interested in the initial terrain releases but now the "Color Ed" editions are out I will certainly be adding some of the Malifaux stuff to the collection. The fun fair/big top stuff certainly seems well suited to representing parts of Gotham's seedy underbelly.
Warlord also do some interesting trans mats/kinetic barriers and alien habitations for GoA:
Gitsplitta wrote:Nice reviews on the terrain graven. What material are the walls of each made of? Are they printed cardboard?
Cheers It's colour printed pvc sheet. I like that for the shack roof, rather than solid, they've used corrugated plastic
Thraxas Of Turai wrote:Thanks for the reviews. I was interested in the initial terrain releases but now the "Color Ed" editions are out I will certainly be adding some of the Malifaux stuff to the collection. The fun fair/big top stuff certainly seems well suited to representing parts of Gotham's seedy underbelly.
Warlord also do some interesting trans mats/kinetic barriers and alien habitations for GoA:
Yeah, that's nice stuff. And Cheers. I really like the railroad stuff too, but my top if list purchase is the post-apocalyptic diner set. I appreciate suggestions of other companies to hassle, more free stuff always good
Solar_lion wrote:Love the bat in the belfry shot. you'll have a whole city soon enough!
Well, ish. The church is for my giveaway on blog and the warehouse is for a mate. However, I have other stuff in the pipeline Also want to be ready for The Walking Dead game from Mantic when that drops should be a zombie game I can get my teeth into
Whilst a lot of the pre-made and coloured terrain has some drawbacks aesthetically - I think the major benefit of being ready to play within minutes of unboxing makes it 100% worth the purchase. I was very impressed with Plastcraft products at Salute (although didn't purchase due to budget) - between Plastcraft and Battle Systems, quick play terrain is in safe hands
Sally 4th make awesome stuff indeed. I agree with you - I much prefer homemade but it's all about time, which is what I am entirely lacking. That being said, the horror house is going to a mate who has even less than I. He's also going to be getting the systema satellite array, which I'm finally getting on with:
The plan is to go for a cleaner , high tech look this time, as befits it. It's for marvel, where the terrain can be destroyed, thrown etc.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Warehouse built, at last
Got till Friday to get these done. Sigh.
Thanks matey. Not sure quite how generic to make it. We'll see once it's primed; not even thought about how to fit the light yet inside (oops, spoiler ) To clarify on the satellite array, none of the plastic pieces are glued in, they just sir firmly. Ideal for smashing
Paradigm wrote:Cool, a nice base always sets things off nicely! I feel completely inadequate now, having just painted part of a blister pack black!
Still plenty of time left, hope you manage to get something together!
You could never be accused of being inadequate dude I'll get there, hopefully. Part of the delay has been trying to find my epic stuff - no sign of it anywhere but another mate (he who took the Sob, in fact) is hopefully posting me some Monday :gulp:
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Love that base. Great job!
Cheers matey! The original plan was to have its wide flat end as the top, with the cd "base" on top, but I'm considering having its narrowend as top instead. I guess I'll build up on the cd and see.
I've also been debating the chess board, as a cod tile is 6 squares by 6.
Options:
1) add a plastruct rim to make it 8x8
2) make it a different game - grimdark apocachess or suchlike (I mean it's obvious on the Falcon that it's space chess they're playing, right)?
3) Sod it - just have a 6x6 board.
Thoughts?
Yeah, definitely go for 40k-chess. If I recall correctly, the books mention in several places how the game 'regicide' exists in many different forms depending on where it's played and who's playing... I'd even look at adding a raised square or even section, a la the 3D chess in TOS Star Trek.
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:I'd have gone CD up. Draws the eye to the models.
Ok, I'm thinking that too.
Viktor von Domm wrote:I have to beg you for just one thing: please don't paint the wooden base, the woodgrain looks just amazing....puhlease
And I would go for an own design of that board game...apocachess or similar...with bright models tho...something that yells laser 3D...
Fear not, it just needs a varnish. I am leaning towards apocachess.
Paradigm wrote:Yeah, definitely go for 40k-chess. If I recall correctly, the books mention in several places how the game 'regicide' exists in many different forms depending on where it's played and who's playing... I'd even look at adding a raised square or even section, a la the 3D chess in TOS Star Trek.
Quick! To the internet!
...
Mm-hmm, interesting Yeah, I like that idea. For the pieces, if I can get enough epic SM together, I might try to paint some as tiny MW and some as tiny tranquility MW.
Automatically Appended Next Post: And so! The board itself is on a plinth made from a dreadnought blood claw hand, echoing the shape of the wooden plinth.
Cheers mate! Failing more suitable substantial update, here's the pieces coming together:
Next up, brass etch galore! Lots of fiddly details to add, and the frames will give the floor some dividers also.
And the warehouse now has stripy shutters!
Next up will be some weathering of it as a whole.
Plodding along, generally. Getting to review latest issue of Batman, which is very exciting and a little intimidating. Good to be getting back into the review game though. Have a mystery package on its way too. Hopefully stuff from Troll trader, who make excellent urban scenery elements. No, not elephants. That's just weird
Automatically Appended Next Post: Been offered a nice trade (some bmg bits I'm after) in exchange for some Terrain-ing. Very tempted but,as ever, time...
Later y'all
Graven
Nice work, great base on the ware house, and the chess game is looking superb. Personally I would go with painting the mini-mini's with a glow effect to make it look like a hologram. Just a couple figs spread across the board, does not really matter what is being played. 6x6, 8x8 not important, it is going to look blooming amazing regardless.
Yeah, that's looking great, the fact you're able to produce such authentic looking stuff from cardboard boxes and household scrap is a true talent, and one I am very envious of indeed!
Camkierhi wrote:That warehouse is looking brilliant, weathering really pulls it together.
Weathering solves all!
Gitsplitta wrote:Yep. Nice work graven.
Cheers!
Solar_lion wrote:Nice look on the warehouse. You gonna add some writing, logos or graffitti?
Yeah, generic graffiti was requested to keep it versatile
Anpu-adom wrote: Super work!
Thanks! Lovely of you to swing by!
Paradigm wrote:Yeah, that's looking great, the fact you're able to produce such authentic looking stuff from cardboard boxes and household scrap is a true talent, and one I am very envious of indeed!
Ha! I just love junk - and am tight fisted!
So it now has outline of graffiti that's got a geek reference, a tag from me and a sorta gang tag:
The Saviours is a reference to the fact that its new owner works for the Salvation Army. Other two should be self explanatory Oh, and...
It can even flash as an alarm He's getting it on Thursday, so need to get the graffiti colours done tomorrow :/
It'll be fine...
Now on to making a mantis! Not much to show, tonight was about a lot of etched brass - marking out deck plates, aquilae, tiny mecha scything claws... No pics yet but I feel I've turned the corner. Lots of GS tubing made also. Another day of building and we'll be there I reckon.
Not done. Needs the interior finished. (whatever that Orkmoticon means. Looks cool though.) Joking aside, it looks pretty good, but do consider adding ladders of some sort to it, for roof access.
Red Harvest wrote:Not done. Needs the interior finished. (whatever that Orkmoticon means. Looks cool though.) Joking aside, it looks pretty good, but do consider adding ladders of some sort to it, for roof access.
Shaddup I know what you mean about ladders but it's at customer request (for BMG, you want some things to only be accessible by grapples.
Gitsplitta wrote:Looks great graven, nicely done.
Littletower wrote:Looks great, made me check if my tethanus shoots are up to date just for looking at it !
Nice graffitti too.
I forgot to overlap one set of writing for variety. Cheers though.
evildrcheese wrote:Dude that warehouse looks awesome. Excellent work.
EDC
Thanks
So on with making mantids!
Grandmaster is on the base. Now just needs many GS cables and more dials.
Salvaged a giant servo from as cod building, cos it reminded me of gitsplitta's range ruler
And the honored mantis
Etched brass ratchets, very claw like, and a couple of blade shapes down the inside legs, brass strap for sword, aquila on pack. Need to smoothe the GS mantis logo on the shoulder a bit I think, but he's otherwise pretty much ready for priming. Plan to prime him white and the rest black (table separately, not sure yet because of how I'm doing the pieces on the board.
I've got a week.
You're good graven. Enjoy the process... that's the whole point. You're clearly stretching yourself creatively which is all I could ever ask of a contestant. Relax and have fun with it. It'll be brilliant.
Gitsplitta wrote:You're good graven. Enjoy the process... that's the whole point. You're clearly stretching yourself creatively which is all I could ever ask of a contestant. Relax and have fun with it. It'll be brilliant.
Relax what's that? but I'll try. It is a fun build for sure. Cheers mate.
Paradigm wrote:Warehouse looks superb! Mantis Chess is coming along nicely too!
Thanks buddy. Gave it to him today and he loved it, so that makes it worthwhile Bit of a disaster today. Began priming the Honoured Mantis - and it all clogged up all over him. commenced salvage operation with scalpel, cotton buds (Q tips) and simple green
Well I have been able I think to salvage, mostly, and I had some Vallejo white primer so everything got hit with that this morning. I'll see how it looks when I get home... Cheers for prayers!
First and foremost, sorry if I'm a little quiet at present; battling the old foe, depression, which is a bit of a beast but I'm feeling a little more positive on the whole - life is actually very good in general but work is beyond reasoning.
Anyway, got not one but 2 supply drops today, the first with more BMG (arkham ivy, Green Arrow, Red Hood and tokens), ig-2000 for x-wing and some epic marines, and the second with review goodies -
And despite slicing clean through the tip of myn right index finger making soup, an evening of work has meant some contest progress, on the grandmaster
Started on the Honoured Mantis's green
And the game pieces
So some real progress. Don't know if I'll make the deadline, but getting there at least Cheers y'all
Graven
Graven, you are scaring me. Careful with the blades, hombre. ( Said while looking at some unusual scars on my own hands. Chisels, saws-- you don't want to see the sort of scar a Gent's saw can leave on a thumb--rabbits...well, just one.)
Looks like good progress on the diorama. Keep plugging away.
Glad you were able to save the fig, looks great and the diorama is coming along well. Competitions are meant to be extended so just keep plugging away. Remember we're all here for you.
thanks so much guys!
.
your support Means the world to me!
. She might look like a freshly spawned tyranid, but adding scything talons is a Nono, especially if momma is home or the kids sneak a picture and show her later 
