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No, I don't think so...

No time available

No money left

And the few brain cells left are playing 40K

Mik

I want to know what you do for a living, or if you still live at home, what your parents do for a living.

Awesome collection.

- Human wrote:I want to know what you do for a living, or if you still live at home, what your parents do for a living.

Awesome collection.

What does it matter what he does for a living? If you read this blog he has security job and his wife works full time.

He's enjoying a dream.

Just an idea.

... You know some day you will have to play this... (dramatic pause) against an entire store. You might want to get a few dozen guys to help you field it though lol. This is amazing and you have truly inspired me... to spend all of my money of models instead of my new car... thanks

Question: Are you gonna get a Forge World Trench system to inlay into the terrain? Cause it would look sweet with those Trenches cut into one of the hills...

What does it matter what he does for a living? If you read this blog he has security job and his wife works full time.

It was out of interest, and more to do with my praise of his grand collection.

ChristmasKironor wrote:That is downright the most unbelievable thing I have evr seen on this forum, ever. I'm serious, compared to all those Warhound projects etc, THIS is the most extreme.

What he said x2

Your a sick sick sick man Well done

Yeh....

Wow, my eyes are playing tricks on me i thought i just saw 50k of guard and space marines nah that would be crazy ...

As it has been said by others... answers to my background have been given through out the thread and I will only add to this if new stuff comes to light, no need to keep repeating old posts... it bores the young and scares the old.

That said... I thank you for any interest in my life and madness affliction.

Trenches on RoB... I'ts funny you bring that up...

I have a plan for a trench system that utilises the height of RoB hills (about 2") and 2" thick blue foam sheets.

If you can imagine (coz I haven't done it yet) the foam tiles continue the same height and contours as the Rob tile... and has a trench system cut into IT.

I also plan to do similar with urban / city themed tiles

That is until they bring out new RoB tiles...

I believe that additional city and trench tiles will follow, as well as road and river tiles... ONE DAY.

But until then... I (like many others) will make my own.

Mik

This is a remarkable project! I just want to commend your effort and dedication, while still maintaining a family life. It's incredible.

I would definitely be willing to lend you a hand for the sake of this massive project reaching its completion.

I must apologise to you all...

I have repeatedly not answered “My Life” questions and stated that it’s already in the thread…

No it’s not…

I just read through my entire thread, and it’s not answered your questions… I have confused myself, I am on a few different sites and I thought I had answered these questions on this site….

I’ve decided to break up my story into a few posts… one reason is to avoid a large chunk of reading (I’ve seen some examples on other threads and it seems to make the read disjointed and requires a lot of attention to stay focused.)

Another reason is for paragraph breaks… each post is a paragraph and a different part of the story (more or less), again done for an easier read.

It is not done to build up my posts or pages coz I’m sooo close to ‘X’ amount… nor is it done to keep my thread at the top for a while longer (I’ve actually written the posts elsewhere and I am just copy / pasting quick as I can), so in effect it is the equivalent of just 1 or 2 normal posts.

So, unless you have seen me on these other sites, then here is some background info…

Mik

My Past (part 1)

I was in the Armoured Corps (Army Reserve) as a M113 APC crewman. When I became a crew commander, tactics were often worked out using a scale model table. 300th scale micro armour vehicles were used and the table was created to match a local training area. The setup was two 20' x 8' tables, which represented about 25 km of map terrain. I got hooked and bought my own micro armour force both modern and WWII.

I now wanted some infantry to go with my APCs. The available stuff at the time was a wisp of metal on a stick and useless to me. That is until I found a box of Epic Eldar infantry. I now had my infantry after a bit of converting. There was a booklet in the box advertising the Warhammer 40K world and within a year I had packed away my micro armour and converted fully to Epic.

In those days of Epic (Space Marine 2nd ed), I had over 15 Companies of Ultramarines and Space Wolves plus Titans (3 Imperator, 12 Warlord, 8 Warhound, 18 Knights), lots of armour (over 50 vehicles including Baneblades) plus medium forces of Orcs, Eldar, Squats, Chaos and IG. I used to play on an old table tennis table (9' x 5'). I still have every piece.

I started with one Epic Space Marine 2nd ed, then I got Titanicus, then 3x Titan Legions, then I acquired another Space Marine 2nd ed.

I have 3 boys and they wanted to get into 40K, so I decided that Epic was a little difficult for all of them (ages 6 - 10 at the time) so I got 2x Space Crusade to introduce them to the world of 40K.

They loved it, so within a year I got one 40K 2nd ed for them and one for me. They lived interstate with their mother... So we all played when I had access. Since then, all 3 have been playing and have their own armies, and all are very heavily into networked DOW.

I've still got the original sets at my place... I don't throw anything out. Except ex wives... some know what I mean.

Mik

My Past (part 2)

I dabbled in 40K in the 2nd ed era as well as Space Crusade and Space Hulk. But I loved the Company and Battle group formations and lots of armour in Epic.

I eventually got into 40K 4th ed and at the same time read about Apocalypse - coming soon... Damn, I had some spare money and my mind went ballistic. Lucky for me I have an understanding wife, a big house, and the kids have all left home. A plan for possible divorce and bankruptcy was hatched

I was born in the UK... To be precise, Oldham, part of Greater Manchester, however, I call Australia home… Sounds like a couple of song titles

And I'm NOT insane... I'm GREEDY, I'm greedy and hungry for power... to rule the world, the universe... the entire 40K world… Sorry... no, I just love collecting

Mik

The Plan (part 1)

I had played marines a lot in Epic, with the advent of LOTS of tanks as special deals for Apocalypse I chose to have an IG (Cadian) army.

I pre ordered all the Apocalypse bits and pieces (rules, templates, dice, etc); an IG Company deal, 6x Baneblades, 2x Basilisk batteries, an Emperors Fist LR tank Coy, 3x LR Demolishers, 3x Hellhounds, IG Codex, and I was set. The stuff from GW was great deals saving heaps, the majority from my local independent stockist were 25% off - more savings.

When it all arrived, I got greedy and hooked deeply into a full IG Battle group (4 - 5 tank Coys, an Infantry Battalion (4 Coys) comprised of 2 basic infantry Coys, Mechanised (Iron Fist) coy, Stormtrooper coy (Cadian Kasrkin), and god am I waiting for a plastic Valkyrie (I want at least 12).

So I started cleaning, clipping sorting, storing, and eventually building my IG army. Then, my job changed hands, we all stayed working for the new company, then we got a hell of a termination payout. My wallet was armed and of to GW... for a look at IG extras... I went.

The Space Marine Battle Company box was a direct sales only item, so they couldn't tempt me, and I was happy with my IG army. Then I turned around and there was a Battle Coy box sitting on the floor.

Begging me to buy it.

Mik

The plan (part 2)

The IG army was easy planning - lots of stuff, 2 Companies of this, 3 Companies of that, multiples of everything.
But marines are different... as you all know so well. I chose Ultramarines, because I like codex chapters, I love the Roman and Greek influences, I find the restrictive confines a blessing - coz you are dealing with a gigantic admin system which confers a realistic military approach - you can not just do what you want.

Of course GW built in that option if you want to take that path... however I choose not to - I feel that you have to use strategy and tactics instead of point stacking. But as I've said before that's my choice - it's my game.

This is another reason for my madness... I have enough room, more or less enough spare cash, and enough figs to form TWO Apocalypse size forces - I'm also an experienced solo player - I can play two different tactical forces, and have for years.

My old table tennis table was a bit small for Apocalypse, so I got 3 ply boards 6' x 4' and placed them on top which now gives me a new 12' x 6' table. The room is a rumpus room about 20' square... TONS of room.

Then Assault for Black Reach was advertised. <DELETED BY THE INQUISITION>... I needed some Terminators and Dreadnoughts, so I worked out the math, organised my formations, checked out the savings - 25% off an already unbelievable deal. So I bought 10 boxes.

Next on my list is some Terminator and Dreadnought weapon bits from GW and I can convert some distinction into my new 100 Tactical Marines and 50 Terminators as well as close to 100 other marines from the past incarnations.

Next problem: now I have an Ork army - 50 Nob, 200 Boyz, 30 Defcopters. Now I need some Ork bits and pieces for my third Apocalypse force.

Mik

The plan (part 3)

This is a breakdown of what Ultramarines I've got, not yet got, and need to convert / create…

Chapter Master Marneus Calgar and his Honor Guard... I like the new command formation and will be adding more Honor Guard

Masters of the Chapter... As I said earlier; the new Sicarius fig creates a thought to convert his character into Galenus for the 5th Battle Company - 2nd and 4th have great fluff but I want something I can create as well

Tigurius and Cassius... I want to give them both Command squads as they will be Chapter specific IC groups

Techmarines... I have the full harness direct sales fig and the boxed set; I want a few (5-10) single servo TM (to go with the 1 I have); I have a thought to create a Tech Cult component - Skitari, Magos, converted vehicles, etc

5th Coy: full strength Battle Company

I've got over 150 more Tactical Marines (Black Reach and older incarnations)... I am considering adding a few Assault and Dev squads to create 2 more Battle Coy (under strength) - 1 being a drop pod formation, the other in home world / off world bastion defence mode (my IG force would be PD) along with Chapter Armoury vehicles

I've still to get a Scout force... Sgt Telion with about 30-50 scouts (sniper, bike, speeder configurations)

1st Company... Terminators - I have 50 from Black Reach, if I get heavy weapon and CC bits from GW then I can convert some differences into the squads.

Dreadnoughts... Same as above, I have 10 all the same. If I get another couple I could se the multiple weapon options to change a few. Also, I know that the consensus is 3 or 4 per Company; however, I have provided options for multiple Coy and the use of the Chapter Armoury.

Vehicles... With the addition of Sgt Chronos, most of the formations will be attached to Coys and Chapter Armoury defence.

Now I have to convert a few coz they look all the same... diff weapon here, diff accessories there, and so on.

The rest of my Ultras are going to be stock standard - very large quantity of reasonable figs is Apocalypse - FOC and tourney figs are few and excellent quality on the other hand. I'm still working out the org and formations that I want to include.

Mik

The Plan (Part 4)

And my Imperial Guard…

I went with Cadians coz I like Creed and the “Starship Troopers” look alike army. They are also the closest to real life military, which I also love.

Armour: At this point... 6x Baneblades, 6x Basilisk, 14x LR, 3x LR Demolishers, 3x Hellhounds, 10x Sentinels: Still to come 6x LR, 3x Hellhounds, 3x LR Demolishers, and 17x Chimera.

I also want to make a Super Heavy Regiment… at least 4 Companies, so, around 6x Shadowswords are on the list

Troops: 100x Kasrkin, almost 500x Cadians, over 90x heavy weapon teams, 12x command squads, 4x Company command squads, 5x Commissars; Still to come 15x Commissars.

I liked the idea of a modern Battle group, which has elements of Infantry, Armour, Artillery, and so on, to be able to respond to any situation and still be under one command. It is also something like a US Marines structure.

As a bonus…12x Plastic Valkyries soon… And one day - 3x Warhounds

Mik

Rational and Justification

I like the idea of Campaigns, you know: WYSIWYG; from planet fall to win; so, all the forces would be in a few continuous games - or one game with a lot of turns. I already have an equal size opponent – ME.

Fluff and research I'm brilliant at, building I'm very good at, converting I'm good at, and painting this size (I'm used to Epic remember)…well, I've got to learn - and stop start per squad is not a learning curve for me. I have not been known for painting of any standard before, so I'm going to try at first... I have a couple of local club friends who are willing to step in (for a modest fee of course) if I fail the grade... after all, I still want them to look good.

MY prior painting skills are virtually non existent... I played Epic, mostly unpainted, for years, and back then (2ed) all the weapons were red and the paint was so thickly applied... I just didn't like the look - so I didn't bother. However, the paint jobs now are truly incredible and I think I might have a chance to emulate at least a decent standard. (I would be very happy with "not bad"). The painting side is actually scarier for me than the money or the building.

So, where do I store everything… When I started collecting DVDs, I went with the ‘pop out’ rack system... but, and I know this will surprise you, I went overboard and the collection got huge - HUGE, and I changed over to a drawer system (more DVDs, less space).

I thought of my minis almost right away and did a quick test - yes, 3 high is perfect (except for big flags and banners) and you can stand them on a shelf or table or wall mount them and hold minis or vehicles... pretty much perfect.

And before anyone asks... HUGE means 1000 movies and a lot of TV seasons - all up 5000+ discs (all bought - no burns)
I think I may have a problem when it comes to collecting things... OH NO... I'm a Collection Addict!!!

Mik

The Cost

I always add up the dollars - before I spend more, I need to work out the savings, etc. Knowing the actual cost, the RRP, the savings, other prices (on eBay, etc), all add to the enjoyment... Sooooo much stuff for sooooo little $$$

Spending so far: Imperial Guard A$4000, Ultramarines A$3000, and I’ve still got about A$1000 for each to go yet, PLUS paint and green stuff!!!! This doesn’t include my new games table or two Realm of Battle sets, nor plans to enlarge my Ork force.

I shuffle and balance the costs and the freight and the discounts from 4 different GW stores, 2 different States, 1 local stockist, and lately Scrapdragon mail order.

My local GW independent offered 25% off, plus Apocalypse specials, plus other specials...I also use Scrapdragon (an internet store, which also is 25% off), and I'm also on the lookout for GW Manager specials...

In one store I ordered the Direct only IG Company - I got 3x 10% vouchers and about A$50 worth of glues and undercoat spray.

In one store I bought the Marine Battle Company (RRP but a mega savings bundle none the less) and then he sold me a Terminus LR for A$5.

In another store I was offered 1 free old Landspeeder if I bought 2 new ones - so I bought 8 and got 2 Typhoons an 2 Tempests for FREE

Actually, one of my best overall savings was AOBR, where I needed Termies and Dreds... so I bought 10x boxes of em. (at A$75 each)… This gave me 50 Termies, 10 Dreds plus a full Tac Company... AND a third army... ORKS: 50 Nobs, 200 Boyz, and 30 Def Copters

I got a good payout when our Company at work changed hands, and my wife supports my bad habit... "so, if you want to" she says… The rest is HISTORY

Mik

The Scale of Task

I don’t think that this WIP is too much work or distracting to my lifestyle, as you see from the LR factory, I love production line... I wholeheartedly agree that it is a daunting task, and a challenge. I have invited you all into my dream... I could have kept it to myself, but I thought that if I am awestruck by the sheer magnitude, then how would others feel.

I have the minis now and I'm not giving them back, nor am I leaving them to the many followers who want me to adopt them... however, I'm also not stupid (insane yes), nor do I intend to waste any money by not following through with this project. Truly, only time will tell... either way, I very glad that I undertook this WIP and many well wishers agree.

I know that by doing it my way, you guys only get to see half finished stuff for a while... but the end will come to those who wait.

I thank you all for your support, observations and comments, it all keeps me honest and determined to produce a finished product that not only will I be proud, but I hope that all of you out there are too.

Mik

So there you have it...

My life in a few minutes

I can't think of any more questions that you can ask me

Except of course... where's the paint or pics

Mik

I missed a bit

I’m a Security Officer in a full time perm site, however, I've recently earned a BA degree in Criminology and I am starting up a Security/Risk management Consulting firm - maybe another year or two away before fully operational.

As I've said before... no kids at home, brilliant wife, a bit of money keeps popping up now and again... we don't smoke, infrequent social drinkers, don't do pubs and clubs... we do have a huge DVD collection though - that keeps us busy, when I'm not doing this of course.

To answer the next question... I find the time coz I'm on a 4 days on, 4 days off roster - and my wife works 5/6 days a week.

My wife truly IS awesome, in that she understands my affliction, pampers my insanity, and really really understands my addiction and compulsion to continue and expand this project...

She also encourages me to utilise extra space in the house... My stuff is set up in the basement and she suggested that I set up my "Factory" in the lounge room...

On top of ALL that... she is a FANTASTIC cook and awesome provider... she is always topping up my drinks and bringing me snacks... and wait... there IS more...

She also does fantastic things to me that little plastic soldiers can't... What an amazing life!

In all honesty, I only have to convince myself and my wife that what I am undertaking is fun.

Please believe me when I tell you all... critics, cynics, jealous, and others... I am having the time of my life AND my wife supports me totally, I suppose that means that we are both mad... but loving it.

Lord Castellan Mik wrote:I missed a bit

I’m a Security Officer in a full time perm site, however, I've recently earned a BA degree in Criminology and I am starting up a Security/Risk management Consulting firm - maybe another year or two away before fully operational.

As I've said before... no kids at home, brilliant wife, a bit of money keeps popping up now and again... we don't smoke, infrequent social drinkers, don't do pubs and clubs... we do have a huge DVD collection though - that keeps us busy, when I'm not doing this of course.

To answer the next question... I find the time coz I'm on a 4 days on, 4 days off roster - and my wife works 5/6 days a week.

My wife truly IS awesome, in that she understands my affliction, pampers my insanity, and really really understands my addiction and compulsion to continue and expand this project...

She also encourages me to utilise extra space in the house... My stuff is set up in the basement and she suggested that I set up my "Factory" in the lounge room...

On top of ALL that... she is a FANTASTIC cook and awesome provider... she is always topping up my drinks and bringing me snacks... and wait... there IS more...

She also does fantastic things to me that little plastic soldiers can't... What an amazing life!

In all honesty, I only have to convince myself and my wife that what I am undertaking is fun.

Please believe me when I tell you all... critics, cynics, jealous, and others... I am having the time of my life AND my wife supports me totally, I suppose that means that we are both mad... but loving it.

with all that in mind.... when are you going to get around to the truly monstrous task of PAINTING all of this plastic? that's what I really want to know.

Believe me... very very soon now

I thank you for your patience... everybody

Good Luck! Looks like you're going to need it!

Good Luck! Looks like you're going to need it!

Could we have a picture of all of the stuff you've assembled to this date? If possible, one photo with everything on it would be great!

Lord Castellan Mik wrote:Aw..Come on!

Leave the Bon Bon box - it's allready gone

I'ts an Adidas box now... MORE MANLY

haha addidas = modern manly symbol, used to becon women from afar.

you are a superb man, if i had the money id probably do the same, although i couldn't paint them all the same

one thing assured.................

you will I REPEAT WILL "HATE" ULTRAMARINES AFTER! lol