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Thanks.

You should give tanks a try. And play a game of 40k with a fried. You'd be surprised! Tanks/vehicles/walkers are massive fun to paint too.

I've created a FLICKR account to share more of my work without aggressive picture quality problems. Check it out at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/97274114@N08/


Your tips of interesting streams to check out, how to build up my galleries to your liking, and other things flickr are most welcome!

On track!

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.

From what i can see, its looking great! Weathering, even without colour, looks top notch as usual. Cant wait to see final pics!

It's a useful filter - if it works well in B&W that is

 migsula wrote:
Thank you for your patience and here are a few WIPs.

Eh... That's only ONE pic!!! Nasty you, we want more of our awesome migs-fix !!

Looks great in shades of grey, though

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.

Can't wait to have those pics !!

While we wait....

relax and read something:

http://www.puttyandpaint.com/projects/2562

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:

Stunning mate, you continue to inspire!

Can't wait for some colour to those images though

Thaaats the stuff.
Looking good. I'll be watching the middle henchman closely. I still haven't found a good use for that same body...

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.








more pictures: http://legionofplastic.blogspot.com/2013/09/of-fabulous-hydra-it-is-said-cut-off.html

Dude, you really outdid yourself here!

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?

My favourite squad is still the Twins (counts as Marbo) as they blend in with the large scenic base

 Malika2 wrote:
Dude, you really outdid yourself here!

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.

Wow, stunning army, Misgula... I guess it was worth the wait !!

Anyhow, I'm not sure we've seen enough of the Inquisitorial henchmen squad...

Could you add some more, close-up pics ?

Some models just look so great from afar, I'd like to see them better !

Thank you.

Yes, I'll try and do some close ups of them. At least I promise to when I have the new trio added.

Looking forward to hearing more comments

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!)

Great job!

Simply a work of art Migs, makes me want to get back into 40k after moving away to other parts of the hobby :(

Dakkon wrote:

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.

It's an impressive force I especially like the Robot.

Thanks! My most immediate plan is to build another one. Game play wise they are rifleman dreadnoughts.


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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

Thoughts?

I think I can't wait for you to start! Everything sounds amazing, and if it looks as good as these guys (and it will) it will be amazing

If plebs like me can use an airbrush I can't wait to see what an artist like you can do.

Keep up the inspiring work.

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.




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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




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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:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/legionofplastic/

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.