I've been getting suggestions to use the Vindicare for game play reasons. I'd actually love to paint all 4 vintage assassins for this project, with some innovative bases. Are they available in fine cast already? This project is entirely non metal.
...having said that I am also very drawn to the idea to convert all four assassins from plastic + GS.
Welcome to the Bay Area, Migs! I'm glad I'm starting to get back into 40K things, I'll look forward to maybe seeing your minis live at some point if I happen to go to an event you're playing at.
Migs, did you take a look at Pä Nordlund's Inquisition on either BoLS or my blog? He's been building some of his own temple assassins from different bits - I really love his Eversor.
Some of the classic temple assassins are really great miniatures, but I think you could do something pretty special from the plastic range. Besides, I'd be interested to see your re-imagining of them.
Yeah, Northen suggested we run a competition to "Assasinate the Metal Assassins"
It's indeed the fleet week here - and the Blue Angels doing crazy stunts right on top of the city. Have some great pictures from today and more tomorrow.
Absolutely! So good to be here. Once we've settled a bit I have bunch of minis to finish and share and it'd be nice to meet up, maybe check Gamescape together?
As much as I would like to see you put paint on some of those stock assassins, I think piecing them together fits more with the rest of your crews, no?
But I'll watch intently either way. Your threads are always great fun to keep up with.
Creating the dream Warhammer 40000 work and display space : part 1
For quite sometime I've dreamt of having the extra space to create the perfect (for me) hobby set-up.
The brief I've set myself is part practical and part philosophical, a great whole that genuinely sets the mood right when starting work on the models and turns the display of geeky hobby into visiting an almost magical little world of miniature art. I want the level of care in choosing every single tool and part and piece for this whole to be so impeccable and beautiful, that it resonates with everyone who is fond of crafts and beauty, whether you care for plastic miniatures or not. Something that Gregor Eisenhorn might appreciate if he happened to spend his free time creating and painting miniatures.
I have less and less time for the hobby, and the models take more and more effort and consideration. I want this space to be a celebration of my realities. It will also be part of our home and should fit our big picture too.
I'm somewhat obsessed with the wider context of objects, all the way down to detail. The story behind a product, what it is for, why it was conceived, how it was built, the interaction you have with it, it all adds up to something you either suffer or love. I believe it matters if the tool something was created with is beautiful or not.
This project begins from finding the right desk. After visiting a dozen great secondhand furniture outlets, we found the perfect desk, the centerpiece, framework and foundation for creating this magical set-up. I haven't got quality pics yet - just a teaser!, proper pics will have to wait until it's delivered next week, but these will give you and idea. It's an old oak draw top. Made here in San Francisco many decades a go! It's in excellent condition and bears the past uses with pride, like a knight's armor really. Every single drawer works perfectly, and there are dozens! It will house all the tools and paints I need, and also integrate the lighting and display solution I have also been hunting parts for. It will also be my new photography set up, with solutions for both the wip picture language with iPhone / oak backdrop and the proper pics with the new g3, with special waxed paper backdrop.
On the wall just above it I will hang two very very special works of art.
In respect to the hobby, my fresh friendship to J.B. has opened a new, wider appreciation on the fabric that makes Warhammer 40000. I feel that John's work has a totally unique component to it - I call it elemental, perhaps for a lack of better term. Great discourse with JRN over the years has been another great inspiration to make a big leap in how I approach the hobby.Thirdly, in 2006 I went to my first GD and realized those events are not for me, totally different content and motivation makes me tick. I do love the fact that people more talented than me disagree and I get to enjoy the pics from said events every year.
glad your making a nice hobbie shrine i have the same types of thing now that i moved from PA to CA i dont want to start modeling untill i can set up my space!
Sound's like a marvelous project. The desk looks lovely. I look forward to seeing the final work station. (As well as some WIP pics of the whole mess )
I love crafts - especially miniature ones (unsurprisingly) and your oak desk looks like a beauty. I had an idea a while back about having a set of deep box-frame shelves on the wall - each with a tiny diorama inside. Looking forward to seeing how your display space evolves
3months no see - Moving to a new continent, starting in a new job, setting up our new house and a thousand other things related have kept me very very occupied. That's slowly about to leave a bit of time for hobby again, and while I think things will never be the same again, I do think some of you will find the blogs here and at blogger interesting and possibly inspiring... if a bit slower too...
The Hourglass Inquisitor
Believe it or not, an update with actual new conversion is coming up sooner than later. Just a bit of pressure to make it worth the wait - which I think he just might be.
A lot of things in my recent life has revolved around time, or the lack of. I've had the time of my life and a dozen things competing of attention with the dear old hobby. I've got a new job I love and that takes a lot to do. The realization of just how little time I will have for the hobby has made me focus my attention much more. I sincerely want to play with the Legion Army some day this year, so forays to new artistic endeavors and off hand +I+ retinue's shall wait. Everything I make until a playable army will fit in thematically and visually under the legion umbrella. Which is wide, chaotic and artistic enough for a decade of work anyway!
That means, I am building Lord Inquisitor Zaetoc Andaluz, Carrier of the Occult Glass, Cabal Emissary. And HE may just steal Borsus and Valencia to work for him, under the moonlight, and leave Silas standing around for showcase purposes ih his red haze that would never fit the legion aesthetic or story line. Inquisitor Zaetoc will obviously be my count as Coteaz and allow the Legion army to use the Grey Knight Codex, which makes my XX Legionnaires feel like the marines they are, and also allow for the wildest array of +I+ and other dramatic personae with the most gothic retinues and war bands. Beings like Fabricator Captain Siimon and Leonard Delel, Rogue Trader will fit right in.
Before I left Finland, so over 3months ago now - I put together and cleaned bits for the +I+ conversion, and opted for a very striking focus, a halo like location for an hourglass.
Just so happened one of the first new "perfect things to fit the workspace" I got is one too.
Check it out:
Last but not least, a good friend has awarded me with a nice opportunity and a DL, so by the end of the month, I shall have some new stuff and the desk project in first stage show off junction and documented well.
Always good to see progress at your front, Migs. I'm looking forward to more Legion stuff. I've fallen in love with the AL when I read the HH book, can't get enough of them, so it's good news you'll be concentrating on them.
Cheers and good luck with the time management.
Very excited that you're going to be converting and painting again soon, your work is a source of inspiration for me (and assume hundreds of other hobbyists) and I can't wait to see an update!
Inspiring? haha, that is a very understated word for Migs work! More like being in the presence of Hobby royalty IMHO Everyone talks about you and your work, even when you aren't here!
Hey Migs, great to hear your back painting and converting again. I myself have come back to it after a long break, and i think the time away really helps with focus.
Im really looking forward to seeing what you've come up with. Your AL stuff is truely inspirational,
Have you read Deliverance Lost yet? If not i can't recomend it enough for AL background and ideas. After reading it, i really have caught the AL bug. (Hope you dont mind).
Gotta say, the Occult Glass/Cabal emissary idea is something iv been working on the last couple of days, Deliverance Lost gives a great discription of the emissary Arhithirtir. As i said above im really looking forward to seing your take on it.
I love al the work you have done very inspirational.
Subbed and exalted Also signed up to your blog its very interesting. Mine in my sig if you could have a browse at for me as I'm a noob at it and love some more members.
Thank you and peace
"A Series of unfortunate modeling setbacks and other updates"
That's what my log at a small friendly forum is called these days. 2012 has begun with a wonderful time at work and home, but success and failure working against my modeling and hobby time. 60 Hour workweeks, active family life and a few competing hobbies, coupled with odd little setbacks finish off what nuggets of time I have left in the weeks.
As an example of additional troubles, two lamps I ordered almost two months ago, still haven't arrived - despite the store having dispatched them twice they claim.
Anyway, slowly, and daylight permitting, I've worked on. I've added detail and things to my desk and worked on my Coteaz count as Inquisitor - the hourglass guys. So much so, that a few fixes and newly named Lord Inquisitor Nestor is now ready for primer. It's quite likely he will inherit Borsus and Valencia, the two just fit him right and enable me to move swiftly towards a gaming legal army of XX Legion and it's operatives. The upcoming Warhammer 40000 6th Edition is becoming a nice goal - reinforced by the guilt I feel for having probably only played five or so games of with edition.
Seeing some great models from friends with more balanced lives have been another steady motivator. It's good to be around folks like that, even if only in the inter realm.
In the context of standard GW models, the imagery of the new +I+ may be somewhat marinesque, but consider the massive Legion marines of mine, more than head taller and twice as wide, and this guy fits very well in to my project as an able male in powered armor. I intend to have a strong contrasting paint scheme of noble, intimidating detail and blunt, worn out reality. As with the Legion theme, lit by eerie moonlight more than Emperor's grace.
I'm thankful of the few of you who still read this blog and I will do my best to make it more worthwhile armed with enough light and motivated with the dawning 6th.
I like a lot of things about the mini, my favourite part is his owl (servo-owl?). Looking forward to the moonlit paintjob.
Life for you sounds excessively busy. I hope they pay you well for your 60 hours! Its hard to get even 20 hours work over here but I wouldn't want to swap. Makes it easy to understand how quiet your thread has been. Hope it all comes right for you.
Wonderful work as ever Migs The nurgle lord conversion looks awesome, and the mix of grey knight and blood angel bits for the main character flows seemlessly...I had much a similar idea myself but you've done it better then I could hope to... haha
We are just glad that you still live and bless us with your presence.
I really like all the new miniatures you are creating, also your new Inquisitor Lord.
If I was to give any critique it would be that the owl seems a bit plain/dull and doesn't live with the very action and character packed inquisitor you have created. The paint might lighten it up, else some greenstuff on the owl could make it more interesting.
Migs, there simply aren't words for how much your work has inspired me. Every conversion you turn out is a work of art in its own right, and it's an internal battle for me to temper the level of inspiration I get from you so that I don't just end up copying everything you make.
Thanks ever so much for the positive comments. Often times I just do my thang and that's the reward really. I share for people who have shown an interest, but this time, what with the brake and so much stuff going on, I really needed the feedback and encouragement.
More to come!
Automatically Appended Next Post: OWL:
The owl is from Wood Elf Dryads, has a tiny bionic eye and will be painted with that Owl like dual-tone scheme that makes that face shape so cool. I think it'll be interesting when done, perhaps with a sight sheen of light from the bionic eye.
The owl is from Wood Elf Dryads, has a tiny bionic eye and will be painted with that Owl like dual-tone scheme that makes that face shape so cool. I think it'll be interesting when done, perhaps with a sight sheen of light from the bionic eye.
Sounds like a proper plan. Now I can't wait to see them painted.
migsula wrote: I'm thankful of the few of you who still read this blog and I will do my best to make it more worthwhile armed with enough light and motivated with the dawning 6th.
*Drops lurking field* Ever since I discovered your work about three years ago it has been a constant source of inspiration. Your conversions and colors-schemes never fail to give me a completely fresh perspective on what can be done with standard bits by someone who is truly creative. I can honestly say that my current level of P&M ability has a lot to do with what I learned from your models. *Re-engages lurking field*
migsula wrote: I'm thankful of the few of you who still read this blog and I will do my best to make it more worthwhile armed with enough light and motivated with the dawning 6th.
Don't worry, Migs. There's plenty of us out here that love your stuff!
Remember the blog is far more a tool for you to record your work and express yourself as it is for us to gawp at it. Even if you update it less than you like you shouldn't feel the need to feel guilty about it.
^ all of these are true, and honestly i find myself every once and a while going from start to finish in all of your different =][=Munda blogs, its just amazing!
I'm continuing work on his Henchmen now. The robed guys with DE two handed blades, I've posted earlier in the +I+ trilogies galleries. Death Cultists. I really like the conversions, but have so far failed to find the right head - and I consider finding and positioning the right head as most important part of a conversion. I've used Wood Elf archer hooded heads very successfully with flagellant torsos in the past, but before I go the tested route, I try to see if there is an alternative.
The BA sanguinary guard death mask heads would've been perfect where they not so big, and I don't have the guts or time now to try and sculpt some myself.
And that fething duo of lamps is still not here....
migsula wrote:The BA sanguinary guard death mask heads would've been perfect
Migs what about the plastic Empire wizard head, the one with the Egyptian like mask? Trim that chin down...maybe GS a mouth, it'll be very similar to the BA mask?
I'd second the empire wizard head. Alternatively would one of the blank domed dark eldar heads be creepy enough if you gs'd a hood or large collar around the back?
The inquisitor looks great btw. I've plans to use the empire general's crow in a similar manner to the owl at some point.
How about using a servo skull with a hood sculped over it? Would look fairly unsettlling on those bare chested torsos, if I'm understanding which models you're referring to.
I broke out the paints - HUZZAH! Working on the Mechanicus Fabricator Captain to brake out the rust... literally in places
It'll be quite interesting, trying to achieve a very cool and "moonlight" red to match the rest of the army is a nice little adventure.
Excpect pics sometime this year No, but having everything set-up so I can just paint for a minute when I have a minute is the key to making this work. I'm also back to hunting parts for my desk, looking for large glass domes at the moment.
Great to hear that you're making progress, and that you've got a good station set up. "Moonlight" brings a very interesting shade of red to mind, though the idea of a cool shade of red seems a little contradictory Take your time with the pics, though not too long
My approach is obviously more art than science, and very much built on how moonlight looks in Finland - rather distinct, cold, eerie shade... ( I suppose now supplemented by Californian variation )
I want my work to have color richness, but a ghostly nuance of "grim darkness".
Just stopped by your blog from this site, but I saw the moonlight pale-red... very interesting application of Neil's info link...
I'd have to see the rest of the model painted- the red you have there is currently without context. But I'm looking forward to it.
It's a very interesting challenge, and one I'm thinking of implementing on my vampire-samurai army start... There's a midnight/pitch-black OSL army out there that's just spectacular, but I'm one for more color, and moonlit or muted shades are something I've always wanted to experiment with.
*makes a triumphant noise that is equal portions sigh of relief and excitement of things to come, with some raw northern European warrior spirit thrown in*
That Red fits in perfectly!! The red is just in perfect balance.
Some how the marines that you posted don't feel very much like the Alpha Legion, or is that just me ? They still look fantastic though!!
+++ Serpentine Conclave +++
+++ End minus 127 days +++
+++ voting +++
It always troubled me. That despite such complexity, such incomprehensible nuance and richness, the solution should be so finite. The irony of what was at stake and the pettiness of this grandiose play.
An honor guard of Inquisitorial Storm Troopers stood attention both sides of the narrow entrance way to the Librarium. I could feel their eyes gazing behind the opaque visors. How they stared at the hour-glass in its infamous splendor, such was it’s reputation, my reputation. I towered over most of them, but then such comparison meant nothing for a man who had walked with gods.
The two female newborns hovered into the auditorium, their vast smoke colored wings barely clearing the high double doorway. In unison the floating cherubs announced my arrival and the litany of my titles in their impossible juvenile voice like every other morning before. Thank Emperor for my seniority. I only had to suffer two more Lord Inquisitors announced after me.
All told, 17 Inquisitors, three of them full Ordos Lords; an Ambassador from Mars; Master Ormas, representative of Lords of Terra; And Venerable Judge Ascars of Arbites made up the conclave. The third such ordeal debating more or less the same subject - the fate of a system and ramifications of apocalyptic scale. With the various retinues, more than three hundred beings filled the ancient hall at the heart of the ship. The Fulcrum, of the Black fleet. Only Silas had turned up alone. That arrogant freak. Usually the most dangerous mind in a system, but today there were a handful of stakeholders for that title around.
There was Lord Demo, heir of Lord Frostschein, and all the blueblood ceremony that came with it. The Terrans did do their traditions well. Inquisitor Alberasac and the aliens. Justus, Riekens and Magdalena Von Mendell, Some Inquisitors I used to consider friends, and a few who in the end might stand as allies. Or die.
I had brought Jargassor for his ever observant intellect, and to not worry about compiling a report. The four Masks were mostly for show, but one could never predict when the brotherhood needed to earn their pay. I chose to wear full plate on this day, and Janae was standing on my shoulder, it’s head turning to impossible degrees as it too soaked in every single detail of this dress party. Four more cherubs carried my hammer, might as well do my part for the fireworks.
With seven jarring impacts from Judge Ascars’ mace the day started.
...
The small fleet of Inquisitorial vessels, Rogue Trader ships and other space faring equipment was hiding in the astroid field. The smaller vessels hid beneath Fulcrum’s gigantic mass. The ancient Black Ship baring the blunt of smaller astroids to shield the smaller craft. A violent stone splinter the size of a Baneblade had already cost the Conclave Inquisitor Rybikov and his ship, some 700 people all told. But the need for secrecy was paramount.
...
A decision was finally reached. To call it a vote would be criminal to Inquisitorial intricacies - but that perhaps best describes it bluntly, for I have no time to go in to details.
I was utterly exhausted. Full three months the Conclave had argued, lethal minds trying to oust the others - with the stakes so high and the never ending peril of the astroid field omnipresent. Only what was to come would test us harder. For those of us Inquisitors operating on Rhisienne, the perilous and clandestine journey back would further test our character.
I decided to call my ace. I ached for it’s beauty, and needed a brief respite. We rendezvoused in secrecy that made the conclave look like an Imperial parade.
The filament sail unfolded like nothing else I could compare it with. How something so vast could be so light, so agile, so fast. The slender craft was visible but a for a brief moment out of it’s stealth field as it swallowed the small cutter that had taken us to the Conclave. We raised the sail and swept away without a sound.
Everything about your work is spectacular. Models aside, I love hearing about why you make the choices you do, your inspirations, and even your workspace decisions. It's nice to see work with such effort.
Also, I'm curious what you meant by "my conversions be even more technically precise and my painting to be much less so and much more organic. "
I feel like your painting is already very organic. Good luck with bolder work. What do you feel you need to improve?
Thanks guys, I'm feeling great hobby energy after finishing the Fabricator Captain and seeing so much nice stuff here at dakka and what friends have been working on. I feel a real longing to play some 40k, go to a tournament even, so I've decided to concentrate on some vehicles soon. I've ordered a bunch of paints and sprays, and intend to involve airbrushing heavily.
Writing short stories is a great creative tool for this hobby. Just framing a set of feelings and images in my head that help drive the vision to plastic and paint. The models start developing a personality and that influences their paintwork and faces in particular greatly.
FutureTense wrote:
Also, I'm curious what you meant by "my conversions be even more technically precise and my painting to be much less so and much more organic. "
I feel like your painting is already very organic. Good luck with bolder work. What do you feel you need to improve?
Thanks, I feel so too. However, it's a balancing act between what I feel and what I control. Inbuilt after years in the hobby and the mainstream is a set of expectations on certain technical things I find harder to shake off. But I think in organic, almost chaotic application of paint and ink a higher level of intent and clarity and indeed order exists that I want to work towards.
Technically precise is mostly about sense of scale. I've used small 1/35 military kit details and BFG parts here and there to add a new level to 40k spec, but have recently ordered even smaller scale models and parts and need to start adding them to my work.
So during a recent trip, killing time on the plane and the hotel, for once having some time to daydream hobby stuff. I was also hanging out at dakka a little bit and that resulted to a very strong resolution to get the army to gaming strength ...sorry for that sentence. Let just say I want to get back to owning a great army and playing with it.
I will now focus my efforts solely to making the army gaming ready rather than pursuing the study of esoteric borders of this project or going mental with time-consuming individual henchmen conversions like Borsus or Valencia. (not to say all the stuff I will be doing isn't just as mental and moon light lit..)
I have on the ready for painting list:
The new +I+ (count as coteaz)
Borsus & Valencia & 5 death cultist
The Mechanicus robot (count as rifleman dread)
3 Alpharius (count as grey knight purifiers)
I intend to build the following fast and paint them together to a sort of tied scheme of desert paint, but with different paintwork revealed underneath:
Legion Land Raider
Legion FW contemptor dread (not sure about this, as the plan for the army is plastic only)
a few Rhisienne PDF razorbacks (yes, the planet brakes the rules in several areas)
Greyknight Dreadknight thing into a Mechanicus Knight that Siimon rides around.
This will give me a very nice diverse army to use and add to. I intend to paint all the vehicles after building all of them together. This should take a long time, but give a massive result and a very coherent look.
Looking at the army I have a few reservations and have made some decisions.
1. the spec ops inspired squad of infantry is out of the army, never to be seen again with this project. The real world reference was just killing some of the bizarre oddity I love about 40k. Also there was one orange ish shade that did not fit the palette.
2. The new =I= while being smaller clearly than the marines, dwarfs the basic humans. Same with the Nurgle converted Borsus and Elf converted Valencia. As a trio they look brilliant, but fitting with the army scale does give me some concern. I may have to drop Valencia and Borsus after all, and for game play reasons this might not be such a pity. Painting them up for Alben Silas would be fun too for future Imunda sutff. I am reluctant with this decision though, I may just end up splitting them differently and have Borsus rep something else in another retinue.
3. so whatever I add to the =I='s retinue should preferably be of different physique to emphasize him, but not be human entirely to isolate the =I='s scale from other humans. I think the new box of ghouls I ordered is a good foundation for some Arco Flagellants that would look absolutely awesome with the new =I=. Throwing in some of the undead wraiths I've been converting with Scourge wings could be a very very cool unit that doesn't "scale traditionally".
What I really need though, to get gaming after painting these is a flurry of Vehicles. That should be lovely for painting variety, but I've always found assembling tanks and vehicles and absolute pain in the buttocks... I wish I could modify the Vendetta conversion to rep Grey Knight Stormbird. ...speaking of which Forge World has done an awesome conversion kit to fix the chicken flaw the GK/BA flyer has.
As much as i lament the shelving of crazy ass side projects, i think you made the right choice.
Glad youre finally working towards a playable army! lol Cant wait to see some faded camo vehicles, with legion hints poking through. A contemptor would be badass, but i kinda feel like it wouldnt fit the theme of the army for some reason. Dont ask me why.
Arco flags sound promising, as do wratihs with wings.
Finally that admech walker is so awesome, really really cool job. I cannot wait for your take on a Knight.
So to sum up, awesomeness as usual, grats on focusing on a goal and looking forward to the new craziness!
Oh boy, I can hardly wait! Regarding the Arco Flagellants: Yes, the ghouls really are a fantastic base for a conversion. I already built two Flagellants for my Inquisitor's retinue and it was a lot of fun plus the models turned out just the right shade of creepy Now to think what someone with your talent might be able to pull off...
Fantastic as per Migs! Its really great that you can assembly line them, and still have them turn out so awesome!
I dunno though, something about those three seems a little less characterful than the original bunch. Maybe its just the fact that theyre unfinished i dunno.
Still, great to hear you're plugging away, hopefully we'll see more in the near future!
About time you you've painted something Migs! Guys look spectacular, especially in those funky doll domes Keep it up, I want to see a whole army of them within a year.
Bruticus - the Golden Demon is from 2006. So far my one and only golden demon entry. The event is really not for me Other than it's awesome to see what other people have been up to.
Automatically Appended Next Post: I've now uploaded the latest batch to the dakka galleries. (+there is a new WIP in the blogger blog linked in my signature)
Great stuff, good to see you posting updates again! The Jade Vessel thread was one of the biggest inspirations for me to get back into the hobby after a 10 year hiatus.
Incidentally, I've been reading First Heretic (by far the best book in the HH, and I obviously loved Legion) and there's a great little part in it about the Legio Cybernetica! Made me smile how well I could imagine these two working like that.
Looking good Migs. Also, great advise. A shame about the =I= and his sidekicks, but it sounds like you made the right call. I'm looking forward to seeing them all together, with the new lens.
Automatically Appended Next Post: And I just managed to finish a unit in August - my count as Coteaz. . Still working on the Venerable Dread count as Dread Knight. Proving out to be bit of work, but will be worth it.
Quite excited about the new 40k boxed game and the cultists too. Some of those after the Dread, then desperate time to do some Armour.
The Good Green wrote: Very nice update, Migs. Say, any chance you'd be inclined to show off your minis at our FLGS?
Thanks sir!
Maybe some of the stuff I do not plan to play with soon. Ie. Shaddes off greye =I=munda gang.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Baiyuan wrote: Great work. Did you mention where the head came from? Couldn't find a reference.
Thanks Baiyuan,
The head is from a recent Empire Plastic kit. The odd wagon thing IIRC. With the mustache shaved down a tad, and all of the back of the head rebuilt bionic.
Automatically Appended Next Post: September and Ocotber, I've been working on a Legion Venerable Dreadnought (count as Dreadknight)
Here's a WIP shot, but he is now happily midway painting.
Something this model definitely thought me is that vehicles I need a little bit different tactics to show the sharp lunar light and direction. Once I weathered this guy, the directional light was gone. I'm sure it really still affects the paint job, it just isn't as pronounced as planned. I know what to do with the next ones to achieve it. The Mechanicus Robot I primed black , with a dusting of white from the top. That worked quite well.
For the IG armor, I have now great Tamya sprays and the airbrush to achieve what I want.
I just need to find the time to assemble a lot of tanks - funny how that has become a gating factor to get models done these days...
Well I've just ordered a really great macro lense, so proper photography of all this stuff is being planned and long over due. I'm also searching for the right background setup for the photography. It looks like I'll be favoring natural light though. Plenty of that available here
I've also got some Guard armour and more terrain in transit to my desk, so hopefully the Army will flesh out nicely. I must say I am really desperate for some new Imperial Guard regiments. It's hard to fathom how GW is letting such a crucial part of the imagery and such a high selling item be so neglected. Having said that, when the time comes to fix, they've done that in spectacular fashion with Orks, Dark Eldar, Necrons...
Recently it's been a little difficult to do justice for both the Dakka blog and the actual blog, so I may have to do something about that. Unless I can breath some new life to this and the interaction becomes comparable to what the Legion of Plastic blog generates.
Actually, I think it easier to follow each of my favourite Plogs, all gathered on Dakka...
When people "leave" to a more independant one, I tend to just lose them, as I already spend too much time on Dakka, and don't want to burrow through a dozen websites to find all the models I love !
That's my "web laziness", I suppose...
I still go to your "Legion of Plastic" blog whenever you link to it in here, but if you completely leave Dakka, I probably won't anymore... And I'll be sad about it !!
I find it amusing that many of the people that commented on your recent blog post, have dakka accounts as well
Dakka has been a bit slow recently though, perhaps that will pick up with the onset of winter, who knows.
edit: I do agree with Yggs though, i had a brief spell on the blogosphere but too much of my time is sucked up with reddit and twitter and dakka to be spending any more time on the net.
Totally agree with Ygg. When people set off to start independant blogs it normally takes me a while to take note of it and then the link disappears into my "blog" file and I'll only drop by very infrequently. It's the same with your blog, I know it exists and I had a look at it from time to time, but I normally don't bother commenting on that platform and I've got no way of keeping up with new posts. Blogs on dakka are a different matter, if I see a new post I'm there.
Dakka for me has become something of a "metropolis", with so much traffic and "noise" that the appeal has started to wade. To stay current with what's going on is a part time job - a luxury I simply do not have. I do understand the tradeoffs though. Leaving would mean losing an audience and interaction I really care for. But then also one that requires and deserves commitment.
Maybe when I get gaming, and showing more pics of exciting battles and bigger army shots, dakka will once again become very valid. Right now I have two big gripes:
The picture packaging algorithm is very harsh on your pics.
There is no mobile compatible dakka. No App, that would make navigating a metropolis a joy.
I do think despite your protests you have made the 'best of both worlds' by linking your Dakka to your Legion of Plastic blog.
I much prefer reading your blog, but I'm often alerted to a new post by Dakka - though Dakka often leads me down a stray blog pathway, to new and fascinating conversions/painting/ideas... indeed, that was how I was introduced to your work.
Your external blog interface is cleaner and easier to read because it's not - as you say - lost in all the 'noise' - it's just your writing and/or pics - the comments are there if we want to read them, or comment, but we don't have to.
Often with Dakka posting in the 'peak traffic' periods a post can vanish off the front page within minutes... Dakka could benefit from a sub-heading system in the P+M blogs like Warseer has i.e a Chaos sub-heading, an Imperium one and so on.
And definitely an iPhone/iPad app!
Keep up the fantastic work - your essays on 'free painting' and your converting skills are an inspiration!
Today, I have something to share that makes me very very happy. A full set of terrain 95% ready. Ie. up to gaming quality and I can add decals, little weathering, graffiti, and other detail over time. I've been working on these on and off for a few years, but for the past year they were all packed away from the move. Well this weekend I fired up big time, and the set is ready for gaming.
Legion Venerable taking a look around
All the tiles done but still masked
The set yesterday, before washes on the table and final spray layers.
You sound like you've been very motivated recently, the ROB looks great, nicely desaturated colours as per usual. I think the tin cans read to obviously as cans, you could try forcing the scale with decals and some painted details but it might be worth adding a few other bits, ladders, plating to disguise the tops, that sort of thing. I think Armorcast do a range of resin bits specifically designed to sit on cans to make them into silos, although that might only be drink cans.
Anyway keep up the good work, how about a few more action shots? The dread looks great on his explorations.
You have a point there, Migs. I'm constantly overwhelmed by all the activity on of all my subscribed threads, leave alone all of dakka.
Kudos for getting the board done, that's a big step!
Baiyuan wrote: You have a point there, Migs. I'm constantly overwhelmed by all the activity on of all my subscribed threads, leave alone all of dakka.
Kudos for getting the board done, that's a big step!
Same in here...
I tend to force myself to steer clear off new Plogs, however cool they may be...
Thanks gents, I promise to do proper action shots in time. For now I just one to push as far as I can with my ridiculously limited free time. Plan is still to be tournament ready come 2013.
Eisenhorn has a specialist working for him, XX Legion!!!
The new arc aligns perfectly with this project and what I've had in mind for the Inquisition, or rather certain Inquisitors working on the same ultimate goals.
Eisenhorn has a specialist working for him, XX Legion!!!
The new arc aligns perfectly with this project and what I've had in mind for the Inquisition, or rather certain Inquisitors working on the same ultimate goals.
To tell you the truth, migs, I've been reading your musings over the books and I'm beginning to feel the need to read them.
The new recruits look fantastic. I like how well the mirror's head/hair worked on that body. But where, oh where did you get that bird beak? It reminds me so much of doctors from the plague.
I'm kind of feeling the struggles of two separate blogs - this update is valid for both - so is the next.... Hmmm.... is there away to merge two existing threads into one.
Made some really good progress today.
Quick picture of a bunch of stuff underway:
You see here models that will end up in the Bad retinue, (the very first concepts for) the Good Retinue and Legion project (Space Marine squad and Von Lochov's retinue)
I've since worked hard and focused on two of them, pics tomorrow, and am very excited about them. One is a Devotee Zealot and the other one a Praetorian of The Von Lochov Chamber Militant.
See also how badly scaled the DA Librarian is to the Cultist models most of whom are actually a tad taller. This plays nicely for my project though. My own marines being "correctly" scaled to GW Background, I get to make good use of a lot of Space Marine parts/models for =I= projects. The Librarian will be a fine canvas for one.
Haven't commented on your blogs in a while migs, but I must say that you have gone to such a length with your models to allocate them to an art form. The sheer depth of character and precision you give to your models is awe inspiring and very impressive to behold.
Now that all the praise is out of the way for creating such magnificent work, the critical side of my brain wants to come out to play.
Your painting quality is without a doubt some of the highest quality I've seen as far as natural light, highlighting and wear and weathering are concern. I have no real critism other than I feel like the overall skin tone is too "white pale", though this may and likely is a combination of computer/ photography to where I am not viewing the models as you see them. Lastly, I think you would do well to through in more of a warm/cool balance with regards to your color choice. The models themselves as a whole are leaning so far towards the cool side that I feel some of the incredible subtleties of your painting are lost because of this. Maybe throw in some complementary colors in there to make the models seriously POP.
As far as your modeling is concerned, I almost feel that everything you have produced thus far is incredibly detailed and precise, but also feels very "safe" in its execution. I would be excited to see you go to more extreme poses and positioning with your models to give them more character, a sense of action and in general a greater sense of being "real". Remember, it is the nondescript actions that feel more real, in essence the more everyday things (walking, managing gear, talking, looking at something non-relevant) that make things more believable and real.
Basically the crap between all the action stuff that gives them that "Hey, he acts like a real thing" feel.
In any case, you certainly have the skill, talent and knowledge to accomplish this project and I hope that maybe one or two of the things I mentioned are in any way helpful.
There are several decision's taken for the overall impact and feel of the force - the fact that they are fighting under the distinct light of Rhisienne's twin moons. Biggest and hardest is the pretty much complete lack of red in the paint scheme and colors, skin tones included. I think it work's remarkably well, but obviously it is big decision. (you should check out the BAD retinue I did for some skin tones with all the shades of red in the mix). It's often the decisions to exclude rather than include that make the biggest positive impact in design.
The suggestion to have some more figures posed in between the action is interesting and something I will definitely do when opportunity presents itself.
. I would be excited to see you go to more extreme poses and positioning with your models to give them more character, a sense of action and in general a greater sense of being "real". Remember, it is the nondescript actions that feel more real, in essence the more everyday things (walking, managing gear, talking, looking at something non-relevant) that make things more believable and real.
Extreme poses like walking and talking? I get the point, even if those two sentences are bit of a contradiction.
I have in the mix: Guy dropping explosives in to a sewer, water splashing; a guy smoking a cigar while strolling forward casually, with his cane in tow; a squad carefully crossing a desert railroad, weapons ready; twins hugging rubble ready to spring out from both sides of it; death cultist provocatively keeping his stave behind his back; a sniper in a Vendetta doorway....
Automatically Appended Next Post:
AND some NEW stuff:
New models primed and ready to go / a split between projects
Both the Von Lochov Praetorian and the Devotee have since gotten fitting shoulder pad detailing that completely hides the Cadian feel. The trio, together with the Chastener (the dual pistol guy) and Servo-skull, both shown earlier, received a coat of primer today.
I like how the B&Ws hide what I sculpted and what is standard parts.
Devotee is heading for the BAD retinue. The +I+ not decided yet, the Praetorian is Legion, Von Lochov's personal Praetorian.
Hahah, the "extreme" part should have been in caps, or italicized to imply the intended humor of that statement. In any case, I understand the lighting, and love your painting, and now knowing that it makes far more sense.
I think I may have gotten a little carried away with the "poses" comment, you have some poses that are more to what I was saying for sure and they are some of the most interesting models to me. I think just after so many marine armies I am just incredibly interested in the actions between battles that marines perform.
After going back through your entire blog in its majesty, I have revitalized my love of your muted palette. It is indeed very strong and I noticed the dark purple-esque vaning in the skin, and everything in general is quite beautiful. I think as well after seeing the army assembled in some of the previous pics, the blues and greens really begin to pop. I will say though that I think your bases could maybe use more of the rust oranges to counter-play the cool blues greens and greys on your models.
That stormbolter seems a bit odd on the middle guy. How would he operate it if he's holding a hammer? Furthermore, wouldn't it be too big and heavy for him to wield on one harm?
Malika2 wrote: That stormbolter seems a bit odd on the middle guy. How would he operate it if he's holding a hammer? Furthermore, wouldn't it be too big and heavy for him to wield on one harm?
He'll be fine. He can have suspensors fitted to the stormbolter to allow one handed weilding
Malika2 wrote: That stormbolter seems a bit odd on the middle guy. How would he operate it if he's holding a hammer? Furthermore, wouldn't it be too big and heavy for him to wield on one harm?
He'll be fine. He can have suspensors fitted to the stormbolter to allow one handed weilding
Aren't those supposed to be rare kit?
It sill looks awkward though. But I'm a little biased since I never liked the wrist-mounted weapons on anything other than Grey Knights.
Migsula: I get the artsy nature of your project; but some good, well lighted pictures would be awesome for us folks inspired by your work.
As operating it, same as all the other wrist mounted warriors of the 41st Millenium. For unwieldy, that's the point, the bugger has one hand. I carefully angled his neck even to show how imbalanced the weight is. He is an honor guard from a wealthy Terran Nobilite Family, Praetorian of Lord Berthold Von Lochov http://legionofplastic.blogspot.com/2012/09/inquisitor-berthold-von-lochov.html, he can have any kit he wants. Indeed he could have the most elegant and dextreous artificial limb, but that decision is personal, that is to show he ain't need no vat muscle. He wants to remember that day. The Praetorian is inspired by a real life character. The most unbelievable garage door fixer who fixed ours last saturday. He only had a stump for the right hand. Did not hinder him at all. My son, 2years, asked if that was a special hand garage repairmen get.
As operating it, same as all the other wrist mounted warriors of the 41st Millenium. For unwieldy, that's the point, the bugger has one hand. I carefully angled his neck even to show how imbalanced the weight is. He is an honor guard from a wealthy Terran Nobilite Family, Praetorian of Lord Berthold Von Lochov http://legionofplastic.blogspot.com/2012/09/inquisitor-berthold-von-lochov.html, he can have any kit he wants. Indeed he could have the most elegant and dextreous artificial limb, but that decision is personal, that is to show he ain't need no vat muscle. He wants to remember that day. The Praetorian is inspired by a real life character. The most unbelievable garage door fixer who fixed ours last saturday. He only had a stump for the right hand. Did not hinder him at all. My son, 2years, asked if that was a special hand garage repairmen get.
Fair enough. And I had a Karate instructor when I was younger that was missing his hand at the wrist. Didn't hinder him at all, and God-Emperor did it hurt to get hit by it! Lol.
For the family, for me professionally and for the hobby: I made a few really great new friends. I ended up finishing 20 miniatures! (Considering the insanity of conversion work and my work and family commitments, I must say I'm surprised and pleased with the number.) Furthermore, I got the dream desk done and loaded with the right tools and supplies.
2013 promises to be very very interesting. I've heard rumors of a neat Blanchitsu in the January WD to begin with. In turn I promise to:
1. Get gaming with my minis again - and keep this blog updated with those adventures! (that's been the big failure in '12 and something I dearly miss)
2. Finish the Legion army fully to tournament ready glory, ie. 2000+ pts. (starting with the Bay area open team tournament where the first 1000pts gets an outing)
3. Surprise you every now and then.
Select few photos from 2012 to kick off the new year can be found in the blogger blog in my signature.
Well, for someone who has enjoyed your work right from the start, I think this year has been fantastic. Irritatingly, i only really just discovered your blog, so without pictures on dakka, i began to neglect how awesome your work is. Your blog is now favorited on my task bar, because some things, i just cant afford to miss out on!!!
Happy new year migs, I wish you all the best for 2013!
Thanks Ghosty. There's also a "subscribe by email" option in the blog. I used it for a lot of the blogger blogs I follow and it's a great way to never miss an update
Year 2013 has started insanely busy professionally and personally. Apart from finishing the Alter Daemon (mmmmm...) I have not had a single moment to spend on the models or to take photos. In fact I haven't even had the time to order or pick up the Dark Angels Codex. A heresy by my usual standards. I apologize and thank you for your patience.
It's been an extremely inspirational month however. And I do intend to return with a Vengeance.
With a caveat - it is a fact of life, now with two young children and extremely busy job that my hobby life will never be the same again. I think this is something number of us have to realize and reconcile. I think this deserves a proper blog entry one day. I've never been so acutely aware of the gap in perspective and realities with hobbyists with kids and without.
But until there is time for said entry, I wanted to share you a short film. An ad. A Super Bowl ad actually. It is the single most beautiful piece of creative work seen this year and will be a key inspiration and philosophical back bone for the third and final installment of the +I+nquititor trilogy. The good.
Welcome back Migs, I for one look forward to seeing both the Alter Daemon and the third part of your trilogy - the good - is there going to be a farmer inquisitor?
Thanks so much for sharing that video, migs! Tomorrow I'll have to give a presentation on the implications social media and the mass media have for modern farming, in front of farmers. And this clip will be a fantastic example for that presentation!
I could really go on and on about how well-made this is from an advertising perspective (even though the bit about the meadowlark may be laying it on a bit thick...), but my favourite fact has got to be that its all really a mashup of pre-existing material: Even the voiceover was recorded in 1978!
Anyway, thanks again and I certainly hope you'll have something new to show us sooner rather than later, in spite of your other commitments!
It's been almost three months since picking up the brush.
This happens. Not willingly, but due to my life being a conflict of interests and way too little available time. The miniature producing urge builds up without stopping though, and then something small or big tips it over to me just clearing some time. Don't know how yet, stealing half an hour of sleeping time might be a practical solution.
I love the sword bearing DV lib conversion. So simple, just perfect.
By the way... some time back you mentioned you were planning a 40k-ifyed Stonehorn conversion a la one of those star wars thingies. Hows that coming along?
That one is half built, struggling with all the exciting possibilities for my projects.
AND I can say I've painted two nights in the row! A special character for PDH's +Imunda+ event and the zealot to finish the Bad component of my =I= trilogy!
The long grind with zero free time and too many things competing for my attention got a breather last week when I had some time off. This was nicely timed with the Eldar rumors and pictures of gorgeous new models... that were also drawing me back to dakka on regular basis. And finally I have a plan that is an assembled Leman Russ towards execution already.
This July I have the house for myself for three weeks as the family takes a jump start to our summer holiday before I get to join. And given how this kinda of periods will be my biggest chance for army level production in the coming years, I will make the most out of it.
Plan is to build the following and then paint all of it during those three weeks to at least 90% state, where I can later add more loving detail and wear and tear.
Legion Fighting Vehicles
Leman Russ Executioner (like the looks of it the most, 90% assembled)
2 Chimeras
Forge World old school Rhino
Land Raider Executioner
The marine and guard vehicles will have different schemes, but very close in the palette, and tied further together with the same blue detail and yellow warning chevrons, plenty of those!
But what about pics? Well, the picture output until July might be totally boring, but I just have to make up for the utterly pathetic first half of hobby year 2013 with one seriously impressive armada that doubles the size of my force and allows me to enter tournaments.
And the rest of 2013 is looking very exciting. I will obviously add some Kabal allies, ie. the new Eldar models I like the most.
I am also 75% done with 3 new Marines who are turning out very nicely. Pics of those sooner than later. And I have two Arco flagellants converted from cryot ghouls in the works that I think people will like and copy.
And finally as a reminder of what to expect, iPhone shots of previous Legion vehicles that give a good taste of style and detail (if not necessarily hue) to expect.
Yessssssssssssssss!!!!! Praise be to the Omnissiah! I've been craving to see more of your work. It's become a daily routine to check your blog right away when I get to work in the morning. Now give us moar!
The Mechanicum thing is a count as venerable dreadnought with two twinlinked auto cannons
Finished the Leman Russ yesterday - an Executioner mostly for the looks. Will finish the Marines next as those are most exciting for you guys to see I'd think.
It was 1995 I believe. Almost twenty very long years ago. I had been in the hobby for a year or so. And White Dwarf 187 came out. With the biggest and baddest Tank Battle report the hobby had ever seen. Leman Russ Demolisher was released in this issue. It was simply the most badd-ass beast out there, but since I had just invested in to some Death Wing terminators I could not afford one.
The world has changed a lot since. The Hobby has grown into unimaginable heights. Games Workshop is a real company with capability to release stunning and endless stream of great miniatures. Games of 187 size are commonplace. I've grown up and realized many of my own dreams. Big and small.
This nostalgic prelude reminds me that I should write a listing of my top 10Hobby moments someday sooner than later. Epic White Dwarfs, most memorable tournaments, painting contests, or grand ideas. But today I wanted to briefly talk about the magic of those early days, the core crazyness of Warhammer 40000 that has not changed through the years and end with a picture of a Leman Russ.
A Leman Russ is still fundamentally the same design and even kit than twenty impossibly long years ago. It still doesn't look like it would work, the proportions are off, the tracks too weedy and the turret too small and the updated areas only make the original surfaces look even more original. Apart from the Eldar jetbikes perhaps, not much has survived unchanged from those days.
Deep within the streams of creativity and impulse to build and paint this particular Army is a very distinct 2nd edition flavor and dream to push the project to that magical place of childhood wonder and Blanchian purity of intent. So far it's been working. I have not had so much fun creating miniatures for an Army before. Nor have I ever been pleased with anything I've built and painted on such a lasting level. This is painfully emphasized by the utter lack of free time in my life these days. The investment into this little pocket of time and imagination is to say I don't do two or three other things I also really like.
So within this context. What does it mean to build units of Armor? Machines made of steel and ancient technologies. Forged in forgotten times in distant lands.
each one is a "character" be it heroic or humble and ubiquitous
apart from how materials wear, realistic isn't the goal
bright and graphic insignia
lit by the twin moons of Rhisienne
the guard tanks are a "squad" and the marine vehicles another one.
Meet Colonel Vicer, and the Executioner. One of only three functional Executioner pattern Russes in the Rhisienne sector. The pride of Dead Sun division. Rhisienne PDF.
Post Scriptum:
I found this very thorough and loving review of the said White Dwarf 187 http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/229485.page! Youngster, check it out for how lucky you are with today's White Dwarfs and the terrific work Jes Bickham is doing. Oldsters, enjoy!
Oh man... #187 brings a tear to my eye. I remember that cover with the Dark Elves, when Eldar had wide-boot armor legs in their metal form, and their farseers were super-colorful to the point of being gaudy. Freaking Epic minis! Egads... nostalgia overload!
Migsula, I just finished reading through all 36 pages of this monstrous, amazing, beautiful, insane creation of yours. It has been a true inspiration and put a lot of amorphous, swirling thoughts in my head into a more defined focus. You have expressed an intent that I try to get across to others but don't quite succeed. I can now direct them here. I am unfortunately involved in a community that hates Blanche art-work and reserves their praise for far more sterile, clean, modern works and many don't seem to really understand the deeply exciting and interesting aesthetic that The Warhammer 40000 universe offers. The focus seems much more focused on power lists and winning games. What I am trying to say is that it is refreshing and encouraging to see that there are other hobbyists and fans of 40k that think the way I do. It is represented in this thread not only by yourself but in the others who have participated in the discussion. So, thanks and keep up the good work.
Artistic endeavors and musings says the title of my blog - so here's one to respond to your post.
To understand Blanche is to understand a difference between a creator artist and a sublime illustrator. It's a fairly evolved thing to grasp for most gaming obsessed minds. Both have a great importance for successful sic-fi/fantasy world, but obviously you need a Blanche to create the world that a Dainton can paint in stunning detail. This is my personal opinion anyway. Abnett has then gone and written about what others have ignored, in brilliantly imaginative detail and without any remorse on his loved heroes.
In life as in the hobby I've been interested in defying the norm and creating and making stuff. From the past I have several third place tournament finishes and 7th place from the UKGT finals in circa 2003, when it was the cheesiest circuit on the planet. I've also been to the Golden Demons once. Neither one is for me. What I love is a good group of friends who want to create beautiful miniatures, great stories and memorable games. Those three can well combine for a tournament, but they are rare gems and I can only recall two out of a dozen or so. More often it's a gaming group getting together. That I miss dearly after moving away from mine a few years ago - so the blog and dakka are place holders for when I hopefully find a few folks who share the motivation.
You don't happen to live in the Bay area?
Interesting topics. Something of a prelude to a "top 10 hobby moments" article that I've been thinking of.
AND SWITCHING SUBJECTS...
Progress smells like plastic fumes!
I've kept going. No pics yet, but a quick heads up that I've now finished a Chimera. This one is the most simple of the two, partly because there's now crew visible, but also to allow some of the other vehicles be more "loud".
First of the three marines is also finished. The other two are up to 80%. I'm working hard to give each of them a distinct personality, battlefield role, and story. The first one might be a fallen angel. Battle brother sharing the Legion mission, if not gene-seed.
I have also been reading the forums a little bit. Trying to get my head around 6th ed and tweaks needed to my build plan.
AND the new White Dwarf was delivered yesterday. Well done Mikko for the nice Blanchitsu article. Looking forward to when the WD guys have the time to shoot and interview my long and often travelled gang And who knows, maybe Legion ends up being the first Army scale project fitting for a Blanchitsu. A joint army of the month and Blanchitsu perhaps.
I am getting ahead of myself, but that is the best way to keep things moving at pace!
I really like the way you display your models in those glass containers; it's a great way to store your models. And more Alpharius's are joining the fray I see.
The three Guard vehicles are built and ready for paint. Ditto on the 3 new marines. Next up a Legion Land Raider Redeemer and an old skool pattern Forge World Rhino. I will then put together the massive GW terrain trench system that will give me three very different terrain systems to choose from and mix and match with. Having so much nice terrain makes me so happy.
I should be all set for painting everything in July and for the fall I have only one official hobby plan. To play some 40k.
I also did another full evening of weathering work on the Legion Venerable. I had used liquid masking for the chipping and didn't get enough resolution to convey scale, so I went back with my old tricks and am very happy with the extra effort. Good practice for the vehicles and the combination of liquid masking and foam and brush chipping really works.
I've also been admiring Forge World Horus Heresy models, the Primarch's in particular and getting quite excited of the huge boost the Alpha Legion models will potentially have for my project.
PS. still hoping to get some good FLICKR contacts/suggestions.
My window for painting mayhem is drawing close. Starting next thursday, I will have the evenings and weekends for myself for three weeks and intend to "finish the army" to well over 2000pts.
I have 5 tanks and three new marines to paint and will be posting regular updates.
Much more productive than my meagre painting progress; 3 marines in the last month and 2000pts of CSM to paint. Also I need to repaint my Ork army, so good job.
Very very close to finished with the tanks and calling this project a full army for the first time. That doesn't mean I won't be working on this project for years and years to come. Or so I hope.
Going all the way back to the principles and drivers of the Legion project and melting them together into a successful new entry to large flat surfaces and the world of tanks has been a time consuming and immensely satisfying affair. The end result is a great foundation for stuff to come and definitely a learning experience.
I started with a great deal of expectations as I was personally very satisfied with the Venerable Dreadknight (I still owe you proper pictures) and the Mechanicus Automaton. Both models however, where in ways scaled up infantry - walkers and full of detail to apply both my experimental style, directional moon light and dramatic assault of gothic weather.
I am nearly there now! With a few more sessions left and then the mother of all photo sessions to bring you the full army in all of it's gory or glory depending on your taste. I hope to finish painting this weekend and do the photos the following.
Thank you for your patience and here are a few WIPs.
I promise dozens of great quality pictures within two weeks from now Fully finished Realm of Battle table, fully finished scnenery and this non-sense at army level. I can't believe it's finally a reality. Now I just need to find some folks to play with in the Bay area.
You cruel, cruel man! First you give me just one black and white WIP and then you tease me with tales of completed scenery and wotnot. Why! I like the grey filter though.
A stunning example of a B&W paint job, now at the top of my inspiration folder to serve as a reminder, that the light/shadow work of a miniature should work strikingly without color.
Anyway, I've begun putting together two small teams of three henchmen with Bolters. Handy little teams that are dirt cheap in pts cost but can ride around in a chimera or future razorback and claim objectives.
Like all units in the army - both will have their own sub themes (and take an insane amount of care for a game play model worth all of 5pts). This first team is a little more overtly pompous, henchmen from Inquisitor Berthold Von Lochov's own family guard. But also hardcore experienced and worn Legion operatives. A mix of mostly Empire and Chaos cultist parts.
I've also grown really fond of Standards, flags and other large canvas sections with which to show the moon light and water painterly approach to such material feel and in general one key visual aspect that separates Warhammer 40000 from warfare as we know it today. So I'm trying to include as much of them in the army as I can, eventually culminating in to Alpharius carrying a Legion War Banner.
and a reminder of scale of things in Warhammer 40000:
To do this - I need to go to the beginning - all the way. This post is part one of three reports of Legion reaching Army size. Second will be more musings, close ups on armor and three new Marines, and third my grand plan going forward. Before (or perhaps after) you dive into looking at the pictures, please grab your favorite Warhammer 40000 Codex, Rulebook or Art book. This should be the frame of reference as much as the other painted miniatures you see in the inter webs, or perhaps more so.
Thanks. And Sorry.
Founding (2009)
“Of the fabulous hydra it is said, cut off one head and two will grow in its place” - antique proverb
Prelude - Ten Millenia of Memories
Rhisinne, great equatorial plains, two years after the Heresy.
The utter silence tuned into a screaming crescendo smoothly like a curtain unveiled before the act. Fourteen Chimera Personnel carriers sat on the dry ground, their cargo perfectly lined up in front of them. The Stormbird touched down briefly. Clouded in dust it rose again and took away the crescendo. Silence. The dust settled and revealed five figures, two giants in midnight plate, a Het of the Geno Chiliad, a robed man and a frail, incredibly elegant character. A sharp clasp sprung as 166 Elite Geno Guard snapped into attention with near inhuman precision behind the General Governor, Geno 4-4.
The fate of the system was decided between this conclave, with only the desert as the witness. No written or other document would ever reference this event. The true rule was established and the trials of Vipera were initiated. “The Tacit” an elite military formation was born that day, but their history makes no mention of their forming, and verbal account does not cumulate in a unit of mouthless men.
41st Millenium
We are Legion (2008, the original story from Jade Vessel =I=munda campaign)
They needed to find him and find him they did. Didn’t feel that way now, did it. It was fething cold, the humidity of the earlier thunder rains was whisked around by the brisk sea wind flowing through the forgotten docklands. The full moon cast a pale, icy glare that froze the shadows of the stand off.
There he was, in rugged civilian clothes, armed with a brace of pistols, Sgt. Jargassor, whom all needed to find - the least of their concerns now.
The entire hunt team had their retinas transfixed on the massive being next to him. A dozen weapons of different make pointed at him for what little difference it made. Standing two and a half meters, a god of war, clad in a huge suit of armor the color of night, the giant stared back, immoveable like a statue, yet radiating explosiveness like an unstable flux core reactor.
The wind turned only to punctuate the stalemate.
‘I am Alpharius, We are Legion‘ The giant announced in a distinctive, flowing, silky, yet authoritarian voice.
A Band of Brothers (2009)
Rhisinne, great equatorial plains, 999.M41
Bone jarring grind engulfed the wadi, Wrath of Vulcan, a Storm Lord and two Baneblades: Steel Dancer and Equilibrium powered forward in triangle formation, followed by two companies of Leman Russ Vanquishers, tiny in comparison. The plain on both sides was a hell storm of fire and smoke, as the 2-2-1 Artillery blanketed the approach invisible. Forty-two Chimeras followed the main battle tanks into the wadi, carrying the 3-7 Renor Grenadiers.
In the huge border county hive, a squadron of Valkyrie screamed thorough perilous support beams and hab structures. On board squads of the Tacit sat in silence, meditating the battle plan. Each could feel the stream of data in their comm implants, as their rides banked from side to side to navigate the tight approach and avoid the intense flak.
Sgt. Jurg of 3-7 double checked his watch, briefly revealing a hint of dark blue tattoo. A symbol bearing clear resemblance was also found on Colonel Rafs’ Chest, underneath the ballistic cloth that the Storm Lord crew wore to work. Comissar Grennel wore a signet ring with a snake around two crosses. Each and every one of the Tacit had a burn brand XX on their left pectoral muscle. Then there were the Stealth Cells, like Effrit, who wore much more developed and hidden brands. All told, over a thousand man or women preparing for war, training and training were “Legion First”.
Rhisinne, Ultima Segementum (following extract thought to be a current draft of Ordo Hereticus fact file: re: Rhisienne) (2009)
A bastion of Imperial might, Rhisinne, it’s twin guardian moons Vipera and Pythan and 3 satellite worlds Quntus (agri world), Renor (geo mineral world) and Falkh (Cardinal World) together form an empire of indomitable attrition against the fury of Maelstorm and the countless Xeno foe in the eastern Fringe. The System is gaining respect and referenced with the Likes of Abdus Prima and Gelt, even Ultramar, in productivity and model of Imperial Creed.
Rhisienne’s illustrious history draws close to the annals of the Heresy and it’s aftermath, but the founding of the mythical and elusive Blades of Laerna (Gene Seed unknown) chapter in M36 chartered an age of growth and strength in the region. In particular the pacification of Xenos hostilities in the region was profound.
The Adeptus Terra allow for considerable leeway in the dealings of planetary governing bodies, when the tithes are met and regiments raised. Rhisienne has been exemplary on both accounts, but the behavior, and in particular refusal of the Blades of Laerna to fight together with other Chapters, has warranted two Inquisitorial investigations on their conduct and position of power within the system. No conclusive findings have been made, but nor has anyone been allowed on the twin moon bases of the chapter. Four different Inquisitorial Conclaves have argued the issue. The Chapter seems to have a veto of sorts within the inner chambers of Ordos Ultima Segementum. Not so with the Astartes. Infuriated Captain Sicarius of the Ultramarines, normally the image of calm and tact, has reported his apparent disgust at a Blades of Lerna veteran, who outrageously introduced himself as _Heretic Name Scourged off records_, before disappearing without trace during recent operations against the upstart Tau Empire. This is but one of several shows of disrespect and bravado, or outright non co-operation. Some less taciturn chapters have threatened with open hostilities.
Rhisienne System can boast with two legendary Imperial Guard regiments, the Renor Grenadiers and the Elite Tacit. Furthermore the Rhisienne PDF is a top tier military formation, it’s Guard regiments in high demand across the sector and beyond.
The system is a very model of Imperial values and strength, determined and resourceful.
The VI Edition (2012)
A matrimony of flesh and engine, a one in a million mechanicum body for a uniquely gifted sentient gasped violently. Like a diver bursting from depths for that first animalistic inhale. The noosphere sifted, fluid, organic, but binary. The sift caused a flurry of responses, the system sensing its new gift, feeling its tremendous potential.
That gasp echoed in eternity. A thousand sinister and sadistic beings reacted with what would be best described as surprise. But that surprise was followed by feelings that would savage planets and devour populations.
The test flight was a success.
It was monitored by several cloaked Pegasus Surveillance kites, and other less impossible craft, all connected to the noosphere. The mechanical man in his ballistic grave trailing cables as thick as an Astartes thigh would have smiled had he not lost that ability aeons ago.
That was not the only smile on the bridge of a massive displacement of nothing in high anchor over Ragoos. If someone had the means to reveal its nature and decipher its name, it was called Gamma, a hugely powerful subsystem. Two gigantic Astartes Captains shared a grin before addressing the others. It was quite the ensemble. So unorthodox and specialized that only the 20th Legion could muster and master such.
When the God Emperor created his demigod generals and their Legions of super warriors he made them adaptable and all powerful, but he also designed each to perfect an aspect of warfare and to fulfill a unique role and character. The Imperial Fists would build his forts and surrender no ground, led by Dorn genius of war architecture. Perturabo and his Iron Warriors would be his siege lords, assault destroyers without peer, able to crack open any defense. Leman Russ was the Emperor’s executioner. His loyal wolf pack that would hunt down everyone and anyone who needed to die.
When the Emperor had carefully considered all aspects of military strategy and tactics, theoretical and practical, he had one role left for insurance. The Rogue Agent, The XX. They would be the Emperor’s Special Operations Forces, full-filling the final gap in the perfect army. The most physically fit, independent, secretive, clandestine, unorthodox and creative of all of his Legions.
What was set in motion in the Rhisienne system exemplified all of those qualities. The Emperor’s design was flawless.
Just a quick question though: Is that Land Raider meant for the Astartes or for the normal humans? I would imagine the latter since it hasn't been upgraded to true scale...right?
Just a quick question though: Is that Land Raider meant for the Astartes or for the normal humans? I would imagine the latter since it hasn't been upgraded to true scale...right?
Thanks Malika! Good to see you
It is for the Astartes. I had to draw the line somewhere - as biggerising tanks would not have stopped at the Land Raider, but then the Leman Russ would've had to look beefier and so it goes. I intend to add a lot of armor in the future. I have how ever decided not to do rhino chassis vehicles for the marines - or if I will, I need to resize those, as they are just plain too small. That's why my old skool pattern rhino was left un built for now. It may well end up a henchman razorback.
Love the army shots on the field!! Nice job with the photography too. Looking forward to see the close ups!
Perhaps you can even have some pics of them not so orderly. more like they were in real battle. That way you can show a perspective of them interacting with each other in units. (Just random thought!)
Perhaps you can even have some pics of them not so orderly. more like they were in real battle. That way you can show a perspective of them interacting with each other in units. (Just random thought!)
Great job!
That's a great idea! I will definitely do that at some point, perhaps even fighting someone else's beautiful army. The real challenge here was the depth of field of my lens that meant not only punching the minis close to each other but also the units crammed right next to each other in X and Y.
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Tech Guard wrote: Simply a work of art Migs, makes me want to get back into 40k after moving away to other parts of the hobby :(
Thank you! You should get back into it! It's a fantastic edition and the miniatures are the best they've ever been and are released at a relentless pace.
Thanks! My most immediate plan is to build another one. Game play wise they are rifleman dreadnoughts.
Automatically Appended Next Post: PLANS
It's a nice feeling. Army in the bag. Satisfied, yet eager to out do the existing stuff after learning so much through the process. Now that I have critical mass, I can also spend (even) more time on individual things and have quite the list of things in planning.
Big news I now have a full, high quality airbrush set up - will be looking into integrating this new tool with out everything looking airbrushed (a look I personally hate)
I have learned to use different pigments, filters and other tricks, but yet to make them really sing
Specific units being built or specifically planned Imperial Guard Vendetta, incorporating everything I learned with the vehicles + the airbrush
3 marines 75% painted
3 henchmen 75% built
Second Cyclops Automaton (the big mechanicus robots brother)
Want to get bag to building the Dune Twists war mammoth
Henchmen chimera
The big trench system terrain set.
More vague in schedule and scope, but definitely in the to do list Full Imperial Guard infantry platoon, if and when GW finally releases a new plastic regiment - the longest over due addition to the game IMO Eldar allied detachment. Wraith heavy - complimentary color scheme, but still in moonlight
Bane blade or similar
What about adding some Servitors to support that Ad Mech guy?
But come one...you know you want to make a T.W.A.R. allied detachment!
Still use the Iyanden/Eldar Codex as basis. Maybe they are another group than your original models, meaning you could make some new ones using all those new plastic kits GW has been releasing lately. Some sort of Wraithlord like HQ (is that even possible) and then some Wraithguard like troops and a big frigging robot as the Wraithknight.
Malika2 wrote: What about adding some Servitors to support that Ad Mech guy?
.
I forgot that from the list! Hah. Just last week I ordered another plastic vampire count wraith for this very purpose together with the new marines tuff.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Thanks Sheep!
and proof of keeping up the pace, a PIP shot fresh off the iPhone. These guys are 80% done. Freehand markings next, then more darkening and definition layers, weathering and finally base. What is left is the absolute bliss part of painting these. Maybe with the exception of the first dark freehand marking base - if that is blotched, no way other than dings, dents and scratches to fix that
Automatically Appended Next Post: I have also uploaded the new Army photos to Dakka Dakka galleries for your convenience:
Go vote!
For HD downloads, Flickr is still my recommendation:
Have you considered also getting for Forge World terminator bits? I can imagine that the Tartaros bits could be a good basis to make MK IV power armor, look at what Apologist did with them: link.
Well my first 80% is: "gak, did I over do this layer of water color" or "feth, don't go there you runny paint"
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Malika2 wrote: Have you considered also getting for Forge World terminator bits? I can imagine that the Tartaros bits could be a good basis to make MK IV power armor, look at what Apologist did with them: link.
Should really order some. Too bad FW online shop is so frickin troublesome - doesn't take amex, doesn't do paypal, security shuts down master card...
Fantastic stuff Migsula. Great new additions and I especially like that you spent the time to add in the fluff to your posts. I'm glad someone of your skill level is taking the time to do Alpha Legion properly. I can't wait to see more.
Casey's Law wrote: Great looking army man, love the way the green comes up on those guard.
I'm really sorry but I assumed I had posted here before. My first pose deserves far more attention! I must have read your thread during your period of no activity which meant I couldn't post without necroing.
Well anyway I absolutely love your work and really enjoyed reading everything through thoroughly. It was nice to delve into some deeper thoughts on the hobby and art between astounding paint jobs and top wrung conversions. Great blog, great miniatures!
Thanks guys! It means a lot to get your positive feedback and to make the blog more active again.
I promise to take more WIP photos. Video tutorials at this point are too much time away from the precious little time I have to build and paint.
Manged to finish the three new legionnaires. Now jumping to the Henchmen. The new Marine stuff is inbound tomorrow So who knows what I build in the excitement. Hoping it's the second Cyclops Automaton.
I can't see it either now - tried to direct link from Flickr instead of Blogger.
Anyway, today I wanted to talk about:
Adeptus Astartes
I received my new Space Marines and Codex and cannot help, but share some thoughts before diving in to building stuff again. Amazing work from Games Workshop and brilliant bitz for Legion.
Therein lies the biggest mistake Games Workshop has ever done - the incorrect Architecture for the most central imagery in the game - the plastic Space Marine. When Jes Released the current road map with his 98 classics, the world was quick to embrace the models as pinnacle of GW capabilities and largely blind that what Dainton, Kopinski and Boyd soon started was not at all captured in miniature form. A few years later the hobby reacted and the first corrective actions started appearing. Then in 2006 or so came a second wave built on the Terminator kits, but GW has not had the heart to reset.
Today, looking at my Alpha Legionnaires, next to an excuse built from the box, I’m left worndering how fething fantastic things could have been. Utterly fantastic.
But lets put that aside. The new kits are some of the best GW has ever produced, marvelous advancement in sharpness and mold quality, range of options and iconography and fantastic source material for everyone working with Space Marines - be it insanity like “Art-scaling” or just building from the box.
The Sternguard kit is loaded with gorgeous options, the Centurions have a really surprising level of detail and selection and the single frame characters continue the strenght of that line, but offer quite a bit of more flexibility to kit bash than some of the Fantasy counterparts. I rate this release very highly. Almost up there with the Dark Eldar and Ork onslaughts of recent years.
The Codex on a quick glance is a land mark piece, much like the 6th edition rule book. There isn’t much new Art, but a great collection of the classics remastered to this new digital age with color and some amazing new one offs for each of the main chapters. The background is very rich and laid out like a great foundation to create your own chapters and storylines and the miniature section is long and comprehensive.
I have to wonder how the Codex Chaos Space Marines can be so bad in light of all the other sixth edition books (Eldar, Tau, Necrons all brilliant) is beyond my understanding. Massively more so now the loyal Chapters have their land mark tome. If I would be in charge, I would immediately admit to this internally and reshuffle the que to create something equally spctacular for the Renegades. Because these two books truly define everythign else.
All this new space marine goodness has really made me wonder if there is anyway I could do a small force of marines that were just built as is. Sadly no. But I still enjoy and thoroughly appreciate the new releases and it will be a joy to see so much richness to people's armies.
I might allow a small detour to my Legion work now that I have the army together. Something really nice to enjoy the gorgeous new plastic sets. Working on it already.
So you mean you had hoped they would re-scale the Space Marines ? That was really optimistic !!
I agree that the CSM books pales in comparison, and it saddens me too... But hey, I guess it was the first one, so they probably learnt from it & the critiques (can GW really do that ? )
Eloquently put, Migsula.
The new plastics are indeed very good, but the art, and the vision behind it, still outpaces them by a large margin.
But on the other hand, that deficiency does give drive to people like you to strive and achieve great things... To try and realise the vision that the art and fiction contains, despite the limitations of the actual product sold.
And I for one, am grateful that it has that effect.
Yggdrasil wrote: So you mean you had hoped they would re-scale the Space Marines ? That was really optimistic !!
No, on the contrary - I wasn't expecting that at all and not going to in a long time or perhaps "ever". Too much vested in that architecture now... Having said that, in a few years time, what else would help move more product or elevate the imagery to new level than totally redoing the Space Marine, and then gradually updating every single kit based on it?
Migs I have been a huge fan of your work since I first laid eyes in it. The conversion work is very smooth and well done and really brings the space marines into a proper looking scale with the other humans in the 40K universe as portrayed in the art and my own imagination. The one aspect of your work that I simply cannot wrap my thoughts around is how you are able to achieve the blends and color transitions on the power armor. Is there any way to convince you to post a short video showing how you do that? Failing that could you suggest a tutorial or search topic that would be helpful on YouTube?
migsula wrote: No, on the contrary - I wasn't expecting that at all and not going to in a long time or perhaps "ever". Too much vested in that architecture now... Having said that, in a few years time, what else would help move more product or elevate the imagery to new level than totally redoing the Space Marine, and then gradually updating every single kit based on it?
Uh, okay, I see what you mean... Well... Let's be optimistic, then !
Migs, you really do produce some of the most interesting characterful and enegmatic minis on dakka. The trio of true scale legionaries up at the top of the post are pretty much perfect imo. Looking forward to seeing more!
I'm very curious what you'll do with them. I hope you'll do some serious work on their legs. The main problem with their design is that the models look as if they're not able to walk.
This guy over at B&C made a very interesting conversion of the Centurion as you can see here.
Here are a few WIP shots of what I did. I wanted a more mini-dreadnought-like weapon platform feel, with enough visual cues to both my Cyclops and the Fabricator Captain. This is a suit like the Centurions, but driven by a Skitari.
The 3 Henchmen are now finished, so need photograph them properly.
Nothing spectacular - but have been thoroughly enjoying these. I now have a collection of nearly 20 henchmen to choose from, with more on the way. It's funny these are 5pts a piece game-play wise - in that context plenty of effort, love and care.
Photos are in so so lighting with the 5S camera which is absolutely brilliant I must say.
Great looking group. Hazard stripes really add the pop their intended for. Blood looks good without being overdone. Great amount of character in each model.
Very nice group of henchmen, the first one, with the bald head and the pointy beard...brilliant. I don't know why but i absolutely love that one. The pose, the colors, the tattoo, the look in his eyes...awesome works Migsula, awesome
Time may be right to start the final part of the Inquisitors trilogy some of you guys know of.
Something happened this weekend - I got the idea for my third Inquisitor and POP, all of a sudden had the parts perfectly organized for him and the 4 henchmen. The most surreal modeling flow state where every idea was a very original mix of highly suitable concepts and themes. When ideas have been maturing in your head subconsciously for a long time, sometimes they rush out and it's thrilling. The model that started it was supposed to be something else...and is really not something that makes you think Inquisitor without modifications.
Well, lets see how it goes. My personal bar after Ugly and then Bad is VERY high for the Good and the most difficult concept to do justice to. I have a new and very different idea for the overall paint job too.
Anyway, how this concerns the blog in question, I had decided it is time to revisit the Old Faithful Nurgle Lord. So I started building one and that impulse actually lead to the chain reaction above. Inquisitor Von Lochov just needs three plasma cannon "servitors". So this model has nothing to do with the trilogy - although I did entertain the idea - and then rejected it as each model across the trilogy really should be highly individual.
Hope you like the start of him. Plenty more work to do.
You know I've seen more people use that one model as conversion fodder then anything else and I have to say I have yet to see a bad conversion with it. Cool job on it and I'm excited to see what you do with it. Do you have a tourney in mind that you intend to uncork the whole army at?
Skitarii Praetorian Centurions
I know I released the first of these to some mixed reactions, but having just finished the squad ready for painting I am very excited about them. The right paint job that emphasizes their weight and the materials combined with the scale that goes missing with out reference is going to make this a great looking part of the Army that adds another important point in the range of scale in the force.
Wow, they look awesome! However, i'll have to see what they look like with paint. For me they look a bit too SM like, thats just a problem i always have when trying to make admech in power armour though, damn distinctive silhouette
Those damn Centurion models really don't look great in pictures... But are wayyyyy better IRL !
So I guess yours are the same ! Not sold on the legs' pose for them, but the kitbashing being as impressive as ever, I'm pretty sure they'll blend in nicely with the rest of the force !!
I think these guys should always have regular infantry models in the pics to show scale - that's how they start to work. And yes they really do look better in person.
Big part of the paint plan is to move away from Space Marine look as much as possible. I think in the end, they will be very distinctly Mechanicus I'm very excited to get them done and show what I have in my head. Well, the cyclops is something of a reference point already. http://www.flickr.com/photos/legionofplastic/9658971733/
The Mechanicus guys will build into a small allied force that uses Space Marine rules. I will in time have another full allied force of Guard. (already have a Russ, a Vendetta, a Veteran Guard guard and Marbo twins)
Jeez! Nothing short of amazing, Migs!! What a wonderful looking group of minis. Love the pops of color that bounce of the pallid tones of skin and cloth. Tremendous stuff.
As always, I just love the nice little details that flesh out your models... Like the padded helmet on the machine gunner, the shapes of the blades, the leader's head...
Awesome paint! it's like 3D watercolour art! beautiful stuff Migs!
may I ask a question about the theme behind these warbands? how do they work? are they for a games rule set or are you creating such imagery for fun? as I'd love to unleash my own twisted thoughts but would like them to be usable or for something! I know pretty much nothing about Inquiators and how they fill the roles of who accompanies them, i'd like to know more....
Inquisitors head is from an empire model, with plasticard and GS head gear and recut mustache.
Rules wise there are two units here. Bolter acolyte and plasma servitor (two more WIP) retinue for Von Lochov and death cult assassins of the Rogue Trader (who also counts as one). I have quite a few interesting conversions on the way/on the head to join these.
And the units are part of my count as grey knights army and it's allied detachments like all models in this blog.
I'm following a blod named "Pins of War" that uses Disqus as the "replying tool"... It's pretty straightforward, allows guest-commenting, and is user-friendly...
“Praetorians are the absolute elite of Skitarii (the official term for Mechanicus military forces), augmented with a sophisticated array of bionics and powered suits of armour. The Centurions are heavy battle suit originally built for the Astartes fire support roles, but modified versions were created for the Skitarii and have become the hammer of many Praetorian missions”
“The Legio Cybernetica is a treasured facet of the Mechanicum. Since the great Crusade it has played its role among the noblest Astartes Legion. The Cyclops are incredibly destructive and mission specific robotic shells housing advanced machine-spirits. Cybernetica tech-priests engineer organic-synthetic minds from biological components to work as the neural system of these automatons. Cyclops form the Alfa strike component of the Imperial Minerals’ fighting arm”
Well migs, what's not to love with them, as usual ???
The conversion work is nicely done and inspired, the painting is incredible, with nice contrasts and subtle hues, and everything's in line with your previous models...
A for effort migsula but not even you can make those cenurions fly! A turd can't be polished, not even by you The painting and all is fab as usual but they are still centurions...
I really love the way these guys have turned out! Fantastic work, migs! Wasn't quite sold on the guy with two rocket launchers and zero arms, but the paintjob goes quite a ways towards making him look more plausible.
The thing I like the most about these is how they still utilise most of the stock Centurion kit, yet end up looking completely AdMech -- amazing job!
I also believe this is actually the first time that we get a closer look at that Magos, and that's a nice bonus as well
The Centurions are definitely a mixed bag and not a Citadel hall of fame entry - but before giving up on them, I encourage everyone to check them out in real life. The kit is actually really nicely done, even with the failings of the design. I'm reasonably happy to have salvaged them to such a degree and personally prefer these to the Forge World constructs.
I agree on the two missile launcher guy, I was aiming to make each of them an individual and have a sense of modularity to the design, but the fist arms are just cooler. Well his awkwardness highlights how cool the guy with the pointing fist looks
I have a TON of new stuff on the way, including a female Inquisitor I finished paining yesterday!
Speaking of Inquisitors, Codex Inquisition is sadly an UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT! Everything you have been told really is a lie... there is nothing new in it, it's badly writer, scrambled together copy paste effort and I'm left figuring out how to get a refund on a digital purchase for the first time.
Oh what a shame about the Codex :-( I was hoping it may have been the doorway into giving me reasons to convert some models that had an actual purpose! I've been inspired by your work to create a 'warband' and was really hoping the book would be decent! bugger!
and Migs can i ask what colour weathering powders you use for your models? I've got a Flesh Eaters force (BA) and need a good light dirt for going over reds with? any ideas?
The Inquisitor and henchmen entries are basically copies from Codex Grey Knights.
With these ones I actually used an airbrush to do the dust. I recently and finally got a good airbrush set up and am hoping to really get into it with this project moving forward. I use MIG pigments here and there though.
Speaking of Inquisitors, Codex Inquisition is sadly an UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT! Everything you have been told really is a lie... there is nothing new in it, it's badly writer, scrambled together copy paste effort and I'm left figuring out how to get a refund on a digital purchase for the first time.
Your standards are too high migs. You should back more kickstarters. Through careful application of ill planned pledging I've lowered my expectations based on the amount of money spent to the followiing:
>$50: End product should be as entertaining as a .gif of a donkey falling over.
>$250: End product should prompt 5 minutes of excited interest and then sit in the basement for a year.
>$500: End product should inspire me to find my paints, and maybe reorganize them a little before going to change a diaper.
Codex =][= is giving me a reason to pay any attention at all to 40k, so it's working for me.
Prepare to have all your ideas stolen in a manner not seen since Green Marine gate.
migsula wrote: The Centurions are definitely a mixed bag and not a Citadel hall of fame entry - but before giving up on them, I encourage everyone to check them out in real life. The kit is actually really nicely done, even with the failings of the design. I'm reasonably happy to have salvaged them to such a degree and personally prefer these to the Forge World constructs.
Sorry if I sounded all negative and grumpy migsula. What annoys me the most about the centurions how ever is that they could have been awesome unless gw hadn't totally dropped the ball. But maybe I should get my hands on them before flaming them any further, it's just that their looks doesn't give me much of an incentive to do so.
But, having said that, I do believe your work on your pretorians is awesome, I just have a hard time looking past the centurion foundation, but I'm trying
Sorry if I sounded all negative and grumpy migsula. What annoys me the most about the centurions how ever is that they could have been awesome unless gw hadn't totally dropped the ball. But maybe I should get my hands on them before flaming them any further, it's just that their looks doesn't give me much of an incentive to do so.
But, having said that, I do believe your work on your pretorians is awesome, I just have a hard time looking past the centurion foundation, but I'm trying
No problem! I totally get what you are saying. I thought they were the worst Marine release ever before seeing the parts.
I have been traveling around the US, so limited hobby time, but surprising productivity and I had the pleasure to read the Unremembered Empire by Abnett.
The Lady deserves much better photos eventually, but I will paint the henchmen first. These are Von Lochov's private militia and should be heaps of fun to paint. Some green, different metallics, blue details & markings and that worn white armor.
I also have mission objectives in the works that are coming together rather nicely. Trying to capture little moments in space. More about those later.
Just realized that you could make a unit of plastic Adepta Sororita based on that figure! Might not fit the storyline of this project, but maybe for another warband or something.
about a billion years ago you had some wonderful imperial guard minis that were camo'ed up. I remember you telling someone the key to good camo was "to make them stand out rather than blend." or something like that.
Yggdrasil wrote: Also, it's been a while since you last posted something, here or on your blog... Are you on a hiatus ? I hope not !
Little winter hibernation I am painting the henchmen unit... it's 8 models and slow going, but at least I am painting and trying to get them out of the way, so I can jump right into the new Knight model when it comes out!
Migs I love the base for the lady as that took me a few to figure out where that bit came from. I really like the mix of the guard bits with empire. How many point are you up to now and will you be at adepticon showing this kick butt army off?
The nurgle lord conversion looks awesome, and the mix of grey knight and blood angel bits for the main character flows seemlessly...I had much a similar idea myself but you've done it better then I could hope to... 
haha
No, but having everything set-up so I can just paint for a minute when I have a minute is the key to making this work. I'm also back to hunting parts for my desk, looking for large glass domes at the moment.
? They still look fantastic though!!
