Back on the Wagon - Dysartes' Painting Blog - Updated Sept 9 - Targ, 10 Brigands, WIPs

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**Dysartes**

Morning all - my name is Dysartes, and I may have a problem.....

I have far too many unpainted figures.

As such, I figured I'd try to get them painted up, and this blog should help, as a source of motivation and critique. As it stands, I've got 3 projects on the go, and rediscovering a plastic Dwarf army box over the weekend may add a fourth to the mix. So, here goes.....

Project 1 - Space Wolves

With the release of the new Space Wolves codex, and the impressive Wolf Pack and Wolf Guard sprues which accompanied it, I decided to construct a SW force as a painting project, rather than an actual army. As it turned out, I still had an unpainted Rune Priest from the Tale of Three Gamers I did for my old website, which makes for my first HQ choice - he currently looks like this:

(All images for this thread will be hosted in the Dakka Gallery)

Things to do on him:

- Metallics
- Clean up the plain shoulder pad when the metallics are done
- Washes: the bone, the fur, the metallics will all need washes, and the armour needs a second, darker, shade as well. I may well hit the face with a second coat of Ogryn Flesh, as well.
- Highlight the plasma cell and random blue cables to a brighter blue
- Attach him to his base (urban, already constructed & painted)

I've also bought a Wolf Pack box, a unit of Scouts and a Tactical squad box - from these I've made 5 Wolf Scouts, and will be making 10 Grey Hunters and 10 Blood Claws as well. I managed to find my bits bag from the ToTG project, which will give me some flexibility on construction.

The Wolf Scouts are also WIP, as shown below:

To do:
- Metallics
- Shade the armour
- Washes - all the leather, the metallics, whatever I decide for the fatigues, etc

I still wish the Wolf Pack set had come with a Wolf Scout torso, but there you go. I was considering an urban camo fatigue to go with the basing, but had it pointed out to me yesterday that that may lose the "Space Wolf" feel - instead, a very dark brown was suggested - we'll see where that goes.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I've got a reasonably sized Imperial Guard army already, painted in a field grey(ish) scheme. However, I found some assorted Tallarn while looking for my bits bag, and am considering painting them in an urban scheme, with similar basing to the Wolf Scouts above. I also found that I've got 2 of Captain Al'rahem, so I've started to convert one to have a more modern plasma pistol - the pistol is attached, I just need to work out how to attach the targeter to it - pics to follow tomorrow night (UK time) of what I've done, and I'll run through my ideas on the targeter then - in the mean time, and suggestions will gratefully received.

Oh, by the way - I've not yet picked up the latest IG codex - is Al'Rahem in it, or will I be using him as a generic Captain?

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

The Irregulars run a monthly themed painting competition - the theme for December being Silent Night. I've got two plans for this, and will post more details tonight/tomorrow, as I've just looked at the clock and realised I've got to be getting ready for work

Catch y'all later.

**Dysartes**

Right - time for a bit more on Project 3.....

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

As I stated yesterday, I've got two ideas for entries for this theme. The first of these is based around one of the Goblin Shinobi from the Confrontation line - specifically, the one that looks like he is aiming a shuriken at someone. I intend to build a base approximately 2"x3", with a mock-Tudor style building taking up the rear right 1"x2". This will leave me a pavement/street 1" wide around the front and left of the base.

The Shinobi will be on the left of the base, taking aim at a sentry - probably from the Griffin or Cadwallon line, though possibly a Tir-na-bor Dwarf - with the intent of silencing him before carrying out the kill. Cobblestones and dirtied up snow on the street, along with patches of snow on the roof, add to the flavour of the scene, as well as tying it to winter.

If they are released in time, I'll also get one of the new Victorian lamp posts which are being released by Wyrd miniatures, and add it to the front left corner of the base.

My second idea was to make use of the Canting Crew figures produced by Micro Art Studio to recreate one of the scenes from Hogfather - my original idea was to recreate the scene where Death has decided to redistribute the food from a posh restaurant, swapping it with the old boots and mud that the Canting Crew normally survive on. Taking a second look at the figures, they've been sculpted to fit with the scene where they're singing roughly three different carols, all of them out of tune. I'm not sure about this plan now, but I'll continue to think about it.

Thinking about it while typing, I've also realised I could model up the scene towards the end of the book, where Death is disguised as a snowman, with the aid of snow snow effects, some green stuff, and possibly a could of sacrificial Night Goblins to turn into the Auditors - again, I'll think further on this, and concentrate on idea 1 for now.

Project 3a - Christmas Decoration

While the above relates to December, I was really happy with my entry for OCtober - the theme was Winter's Bite, and I painted up two of the Frisky Penguins, from Copplestone Castings, in under a week, yet still managed to take third place:

I've already been asked to volunteer these guys for the Christmas cake my Mum is decorating, but I've still got half a dozen of the little guys knocking around. I was considering doing them up on 25mm bases, with a scenic (and very snowy) overall base to tie them together, possibly also featuring the Copplestone Walrus figure - it'd work as a desk decoration at work (where I'm generally viewed as one step down from Scrooge), as well as a display piece.

Any thoughts?

**Dysartes**

So, the Tallarn.....

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

As mentioned in my initial post, I'm looking to modernise the look of Captain Al'Rahem's plasma pistol. I started off by digging out one of the Assault Marine arm sprues from my bits box (from the first plastic Assault Marine box), and acquiring the plasma pistol hand from it, along with a SM Tac Squad targetter. Some careful clipping removed the plasma pistol from the hand, at which point I gave it a quick going over for mold lines, drilled out the barrel, and set it to one side.

Testing the strength of my clippers, I removed the metal plasma pistol from Al'Rahem's arm a section at a time, then filed the top of his hand flat. A quick dab of superglue later, and we have the following result.

Not attached to Al'Rahem

On Al'Rahem (not glued in position)

So, my question is how best to attach the targetter to the plasma pistol, to go with the classic Al'Rahem wasted-Wargear-card look? My current idea it to do a band of green stuff across the top of the plasma cell, so it is flush with the rest of the pistol casing, and mount the targetter on that. An alternative that was suggested to me on Sunday was to mount it in front of the plasma cell - possibly with the targetter the opposite way round to normal - it sounds a little odd, but I can see what the guy means.

Does anyone out there have any other ideas - or pictures of a similar conversion knocking around? I can see that there are some of you out there reading this, so please feel free to chip in with some comments

**physcosamatic**

dude can i request you ak 47 all your tallarn soldiers?

i would recommend the sm captain plasma pistol it has a targetter on it and some gothic writing but i would say maybe wrap some bandages on the plasma pistol and paint it with detailed pattern for a kick ass finish

those space wolves are looking good and are those penguins greenstuffed?

**Dysartes**

I was thinking about modernising the barrels of my troopers, physco - I can see what you mean about sticking AK's on them, but I like the lasgun look (especially if done up to look like the plastic Cadian lasgun, rather than the older sculpts).

I was intending on gathering up and sorting out what Tallarn troopers I've got this weekend, then starting with the special weapon troopers and Al'Rahem for painting. Not quite sure how Tallarn will look in an urban scheme, but its worth a shot. Don't suppose you lnow if Al'Rahem is in the latest Codex, do you? I know Chenkov is, but wasn't sure about Al'Rahem.

Good point about the Commander plasma pistol - I'd forgotten about that one when looking for bits, as I've got an unused SM Commander box somewhere. Might dig it out and see how it is mounted on there.

With regards the penguins, they can be found here, on Copplestone Castings' website - they're part of pack K32. Can't seem to see the Walrus on there, but I intend to pick him up on Saturday, and will post a pic when he is in my possession.

**Dysartes**

Not much happened over night.....

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

I started to draw out on a piece of foamcore the sections I'd need for the base. One thing this has made clear to me is that 3" by 2" is not Actually that large - for those of you in the audience who play Warmachine or Hordes, it is actually smaller than a unit stat card. Looking at it as drawn out, I think I may need to increase the size, possibly to 4" by 3"

This will allow me to have a slightly large building in the corner, but more importantly give the figures involved more breathing space, stopping the end result from looking too cramped.

I've also decided, based on the thickness of my foamcore board (roughly 3mm) that I'll need 3 layers for the base, rather than 2.

The final thing I've been thinking about is the height of the background building. If I make it too large, it'll draw the eye over and above the figures in the piece. I'm intending to give it a Tudor look, like this building, but with a slate/tiled roof, and have been trying to decide whether to go for one or two storeys. With the adjusted base, the building will end up being 2.5" by 1.5", in case the footprint influences your thoughts.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, guys.

**Dysartes**

OK, update time.....

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

As mentioned earlier in the thread, I spent some time going through my various boxes/cases of figs looking for Tallarn guardsmen. After digging through everything, I've unearthed the following:

1 Captain Al'Rahem (in addition to the one I'm converting)

1 Sergeant (Plasma Pistol & Sword)
2 Sergeant (Autopistol & Chainsword)

2 Meltagun crew
3 Grenade Launchers

1 Autocannon team
1 Mortar team
3 Missile Launcher teams

33 Assorted lasgunners

Not sure if the plasma pistol sergeant is WYSIWYG, but I'll check that when I get the new 'dex. In addition, I found the following advisers:

1 x Steel Legion Commissar
2 x Power Fist / Sword Commissar
1 x Redemptor Priest (Preacher)
1 x Wyrd Telekentic (Primaris Psyker)
1 x Primaris Psyker

Quite a few of these guys are going to need stripping to get rid of earlier paintjobs, so I'll break out the Nitromors next weekend. Even so, I've got the makings of a reasonable platoon here, though I could do with another heavy weapon or two.

Out of interest, I'm aware that heavy weapon teams are now meant to be based on 60mm bases - does anyone know of where I can get some plain ones cheaper than the GW Webstore? From what I can see there, I'm looking at £2.45 for 3 bases regardless of whether I go for the raised or Titan style bases.

I've also realised I should go through and split up my assorted horde of metal guard by regiment, but that'll take a while. I'm also a little confused about where the Vostroyan platoon box came from.....

Project 1 - Space Wolves

No actual work done on these guys, but I did find some useful bits as I was playing Hunt the Tallarn - an unpainted Ulrik the Slayer (minus base & Backpack) in a box of assorted stuff I got given by a past housemate, as well as unused SM Commander and Command Squad boxed sets - between them and the other bits I have on hand, I should be able to add some Wolf Guard and a Grey Hunter standard bearer to my force. Not sure yet whether to modernise Ulrik's plasma pistol - given the pistol is worked into the shoulder pad, I'd have to work forwards of the plasma cell, and theer is a noticable difference in thickness between the older and newer plasma pistols.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

The base has been cut, and is currently drying - I used 3 layers of foamboard at 4" by 3". Once that's dried, I'm going to edge it with some balsa wood - if I can work out the geometry of the building in time, this balsa wood will also cover the gaps at the back, given only a corner is being exposed.

For my victim, I'm going to be using one of the Cadwallon militia figures, which I've rooted out of a tray. Tomorrow morning, he and his Goblin assailant will be being separated from their bases, and pinned to corks for painting purposes.

With regards the building, I'm leaning towards a single story with a sloping roof - given the height of the Cadwallon dude (~36mm or 1 & 7/16") the wall will need to be roughly 1 & 3/4" - 2" before the roof, which will slope back at 45 degrees.As noted before, I'll then do some Tudor-esque wooden detailing, and a slate roof - how does that sound?

As before, I'd love to get some feedback from y'all......

**ZacktheChaosChild**

Pretty cool SW painting.

**Dysartes**

Time for an update - while I haven't got pictures of the things I've worked on, I should be able to get them this evening.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

At the painting group on Sunday I managed to work on the plasma cells and random cabling on the Rune Priest. I need to give them a wash of Asurmen Blue, then see if any further highlights are required, so I may do that tonight, before taking pictures.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I finally attached the targetter to Al'Rahem's plasma pistol, after filing the bottom of it down a bit. I'm reasonably happy with the end result, so I need to finish off his base and then he can be undercoated, along with a squad or so of infantry.

I've decided that I'm going to spend some time over the next couple of weeks sorting out what IG I've got, whether they be metal, resin or plastic, and sort out a paint scheme for them. My previous scheme can be seen in the below pictures (all circa 2005, so apologies for the quality)

Colour scheme was a rough Field Gray (mixed with equal parts Codex Grey, Chaos Black and Dark Angels Green) with Rotting Flesh Camo stripes stippled on. While I found that the colour scheme tied everything together, it is both dark and a bit dull - also, I never want to stipple another camo stripe if I can help it

I had, by the time I stopped working on the project, gotten Cadians, Valhallans and Steel Legion painted in the scheme, along with Ratlings and Kasrkin.

I've also managed to dig out the background behind my Guardsmen, as follows:

13th Armageddon Auxilaries

While the Administratum may claim that the Imperium runs on the paperwork that it generates, tracking the unit dispositions, supply levels and positions for the countless regiments of Imperial Guard is a drain on even their resources. This becomes most obvious in conflicts such as the Third War for Armageddon, where formations can go from full strength to below combat effectiveness in the space of a single day. In this sort of situation, a holding formation known as a "regiment of detachents" can be created to minimise the bureaucracy required to maintain regemnts at combat strength.

The 13th Armageddon Auxilaries are such a formation, created during the Third War during the fighting around Death Mire. Currently under the command of Kolonel Sergey Nikolaievich Golovko, the regiment has swelled as extra units were decimated and the survivors added to their ranks. Thanks to inertia within the Departmento Munitorum, the Auxilaries have also received most of the troops due to reinforce the regiments it was formed from.

No regiment within the Auxilaries has been forgotten. Each one has been inscribed within the regimental Roll of Honour, allowing new regiments to be founded on their Homeworlds. It is generally accepted that in such a formation, regimental rivalries will flare up, causing inefficiency on the battlefield - it is a credit to the staff of the Regimental Commissariat, then, that such incidents are kept to a minimum.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

Well, the base has dried. - need to look at framing that with balsa wood soon.

Also, undercoated and began to work on the Goblin Shinobi & Cadwallon Militiaman. Need better reference pictures fr both of them. I need to wash the skin on the goblin, probably with a Devlan Mud/Thraka Green mix, while the Militiaman needs at least another coat of Midlund Flesh before he can be washed with Ogryn flesh. I also need to sort out my many shades of bron for the rest of the figure.

As I said, more pictures will follow this evening, of things what I have actually worked on.

**Dysartes**

Morning all - time for some pics to accompany the last update.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

As I mentioned yesterday, the painting I did on these guys on Sunday was working on the various blue elements on the Rune Priest & Plasma Pistol Wolf Scouts, as shown below:

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

So, Al'Rahem's converted plasma pistol - here are 3 views, compared to a "stock" A'Rahem miniature. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, though I note that the arm is not glued in place in these pictures.

Also, as I'm fully aware of the internet rule that if you haven't got a picture, it doesn't count, here are a couple of shots of the Tallarn troops I'm going to need to work through:

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

As mentioned previously, I've begun painting the two infantry figures which will appear in the diorama:

Rackham Goblin Shinobi - Skin basecoated in P3 Traitor Green, shoes in VMC Flat Brown, IIRC. I'll be washing the shoes with Devlan Mud, and the skin in a mix of Devlan Mud & Thraka Green, I think.

Rackham Cadwallon Militiaman - Skin has had one coat of P3 Midlund Flesh - needs at least one more, plus a wash of Ogryn Flesh. I'm surprised by the amount of eyebrow this guy appears to have.

So, that's where I'm up to at the minute. A friend of mine has sent me some building plans for a Tudor building in 28mm scale, so I'm going to get them printed off tonight ready to look at using them tomorrow. It will be a two storey building in that case, which I hope won't overload the restof the diorama. I need to loot some coffee stirrers from the canteen for use in detailing the building, as they should look good as beams, etc.

Quick question - do people think individual images (such as in the Space Wolves and Imperial Guard parts of this update) or composite images (such as the project 3 update) work better?

**Brotheralexos**

They both work just as well, if you ask me. I love your work on the Thirteenth Armageddon Auxiliary Its good.

**Dysartes**

Thanks, Brotheralexos - out of interest, was it the background or the paint scheme that you liked? I'm hoping it was the background, as a long-term goal is to get everything repainted

I'll post a more substantial update later on, including pics of the stuff I've been working on this week

**malfred**

Ooh, what psychic powers do the penguins have?

Nice practical application of your hobby gained skills. I need to start thinking up more
mundane applications as well (no christmas for me)

**Dysartes**

Aside from the insidious Psychic cuteness assault, malfred? None that I know of

Hmm - must crack on with getting the other 6 painted, really.

Anyway, other progress since my last proper update.....

Firstly, I've decided to go with composite images where possible, if only to save Dakka some hosting space

Project 1 - Space Wolves

Not much progress on the Wolves since the last update:

Rune Priest - Asurmen Blue was on the plasma pistol, Gryphonne Sepia washes on the teeth, skull & inside of cloak - still not happy with the colour of that section of cloak - Badab Black wash on the rune on his nicklace, the made the detail visible again:

Wolf Scouts - Asurmen Blue was on the two plasma pistols, Devlan Mud wash on the red pouches to dull them down a little - they were screaming red at me before, so I think this is an improvement.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

Well, I've based five Tallarn Guardsmen and started working on them - I'd've done more, but the appropriate drillbit broke as I pinned the last guy (the one about to trip over a large lump of concrete), and I haven't had chance to get a replacement yet. The scheme I'm using is based on the scheme for the 89th Tallarn, shown on pg30 of the 4th Ed IG codex:

So far, I've done two coats of P3 Midlund Flesh on the skin, followed by an Ogryn Flesh wash. The turbans are a ~ 3:2 mix of VMC Basalt Grey & VMC Pale Greyblue. Shoulder pads and upper trousers are P3 Greatcoat Grey, while the brown bits of strapping are VMC Flat Brown. Guns will remain black, and most metallics will just be Boltgun Metal with a Badab Black wash. Might try using Gryphonne Sepia on the shoulder aquila to give it a gold look. Not sure about the tunic yet, but possibly a mix of VMC Pale Greyblue, Oxford Blue & Basalt Grey, washed with a mix of Asurmen Blue & Badab Black - I'm undecided on that yet.

I've also done some more digging for what other IG needs working on, and found the following - bear in mind that, other than the Tallarn missile launcher teams shown on an earlier post, I've not yet sorted out my cases:

Why do I get the feeling that this project is going to take a while?

Two quick questions:

1, Does anyone know a source of raised 60mm plain bases cheaper than GW Mail Order?
2, What are the rules on objective markers these days? Is there a standard size/number you need to have prepared?

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

More work on these two dudes, less on the building - need to check the scale, as it seems quite tall compared to a random IG trooper.....

Ninja Goblin - ~1:1 Thraka Green/Devlan Mud wash all over the skin, followed by Devlan Mud into various crevices. Picked out the metallics with Boltgun Metal, then washed them down with Badab Black. I think the brown was P3 Battlefield Brown. The two grey patches are two of the greys used on the Tallarn above - I'm thinking of doing the main part of the robe in Greatcoat Grey, as black stands out too much in the dark. Not sure about the triangulr trim, belt, etc yet - I think it needs some "spot" colours, but not too much. Also need to paint the dude's nails - I'm thinking misc. brown, then VMC Pale Sand, then multiple washes of Devlan Mud.

Any thoughts on spot colours, by the way? I'm thinking reds or possibly blues. Also, should the goblin's eyes be red, or "standard" human?

Cadwallon Militia Dude #3 - Hit the skin with Midlund Flesh again, then washed with Ogryn Flesh. Metals got the same treatment as the Ninja. I'm finding this guy more of a pain to paint than the Ninja, though I'm not sure why. Have also noted a couple of chipped points on the undercoat I need to redo.

Phew - so, what do y'all think?

**malfred**

http://www.litkoaero.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LAI&Product_Code=GMB245-100

They sell plywood laser cut bases. All you have to do is wipe
them down because of the wood resin where the wood was cut
by the laser.

Price per 100 count:

3mm Plywood Bases ($15.99)
1.5mm Plywood Bases ($62.99)
0.8mm Plywood Bases ($38.99)
Flexible Steel Base Bottoms ($15.99)
Magnetic Base Bottoms ($15.99)
Heavy Duty Magnetic Base Bottoms ($19.99)

**Dysartes**

Thanks for the link, malfred - may well end up ordering a couple of batches via USPS delivery - I'm not in a major rush for them (still need to finish painting a model this month

), and the delivery rate isn't hideous.

When you say wipe them down, are we talking just with a damp cloth, or are we talking sandpaper, etc?

**malfred**

Some people sandpaper the surface, but I'm lazy and I just damp cloth the edges.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Making_Removable_Front_Arc_Markers_with_Litko_Bases#Materials

**Owain**

Malfred, what is this Litko Aerosystems of which you speak? Are they the same ones that sell Industrial Towers and Space Corridors?

**malfred**

Owain wrote:Malfred, what is this Litko Aerosystems of which you speak? Are they the same ones that sell Industrial Towers and Space Corridors?

Don't you dare threadjack someone's P&M blog, or else we'll set upon you the fury of
a thousand grumpy Frazzleds.

**Dysartes**

Thanks again for the tip on the bases, malfred - will definitely get some of those ordered in the new year.

So, not much happened since Sunday, but I figured I'd give y'all a quick update to tide you over.

Project 1 - Space Wolves

Project 1 will be going on hold for now, probably until January - I need to concentrate on Project 3, so with the exception of possibly drilling out some gun barrels and possibly basecoating some more metallics on them, I'll be leaving the Space Puppies alone until Project 3 is finished.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I've just come back from putting a second coat of P3 Greatcoat Grey on the trousers and shoulder pads. I've decided to try the Gryphonne Sepia method of doing gold on the Imperial Eagles on the pauldrons and water bottles, as well as sections of their scabbards, and see what I think about it - brown basecoat and Boltgun coats are pencilled in for tonight, with the wash getting used tomorrow. I also hope to sort out my lighter blue/grey for the tunics tonight, and put a second coat of brown on the wrappings on the guns and lower legs, with a Devlan Mud wash going on them tomorrow.

Shall also try to get the drybrushing on the bases done - need to do a pale greyblue coat, then Morrow White - once they've been drybrushed sufficiently, a couple of coats of Devlan Mud should see the bases done.

Once I've finished the five Tallarn, and are happy with the colour scheme, I'm trying to decide on what to work on next for the IG - bearing in mind that, at this stage, I'm sorting out colour schemes more than anything else. At the moment, I'm torn between doing five Valhallan Ice Warriors (Sarge, 3 dudes with lasguns and a special weapon), 5 Praetorians or the unit of 6 Kasrkin I've got on my desk - both the Kasrkin and Praets are going to need stripping first, and I'm going to need to get a new drill-bit before I can start on them anyway.

Assuming anyone is reading this, what you you think?

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

Definitely going to go with the Greatcoat Grey for the majority of the robes on the goblin, washed with Badab Black and Devlan Mud (separate coats, not a mix). Lighter browns for various straps and handles, possibly red for the belt. Still can't make my mind up on the triangle detail yet, or whether he should have red eyes.

Must force myself to get started on the Militia dude. He'll mostly be in shades of brown, with the bottle, shield and possibly some other detail elements to break it up with spot colours. I was thinking of either red or blue on the shield, with the raised detail in gold/brass in either case. Probably going to give him grey hair/eyebrows, as his poses makes me think he's old.

Anyway, I intend for an update with pictures on Friday evening, where there will hopefully be some noticeable progress

**Dysartes**

Time for the promised update - with (more) pictures.....

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

I got some work done on the gold on these guys yesterday, using the method described by grey_death on The Painting Corps:

Stage 1: Basecoat areas to be gold in VMC Flat Brown.
Stage 2: Go over with GW Chainmail, not really being that bothered if some brown still shows in recesses.
Stage 3: Wash with GW Gryphonne Sepia
Stage 4+: See stage 3

The stage 4 picture is after 2 coats of wash - I'm currently trying to decide if they need another to be a decent gold, so will check them in whatever ends up being natural light tomorrow. I'm fairly happy with the progress, though.

Other work includes a Devlan Mud wash on the brown straps on their legs and guns, and painting the frame and lenses on the goggles of Grenade Guy. Need to figure out a mix for the tunics, and do more washing.

I've also decided what regiment I'm going to try out next, and started basing them.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

Ninja Goblin has progressed:

All the robe bar the triangle trim got hit with P3 Greatcoat Grey. Needs a wash with a mix of Asurmen Blue & Badab Black, with Devlan Mud around the lower hem. Ninja also got a manicure, with VMC Flat Brown followed by VMC Pale Sand on his nails. As you can see, they looked a bit clean, so the Gryphonne Sepia came out again while I was working on the Tallarn:

While I don't think you can see it on these pictures, there's a scroll hiding behind the sword on his back, which has gotten painted the same way.

To do tomorrow:
- Pick out the stitches around the patches, then wash the entire robe in some form of a blue/black wash mix.
- Paint the disc on his head a darkish red - it seems to fit
- Make a decision regarding his belt, ouch and other straps
- FORCE MYSELF TO WORK ON MILITIA DUDE!!!!!

**Dysartes**

Given today was the last Sheffield Irregulars meet for 2009, I was able to get some more work done - in addition to what I did yesterday.

Project 3 - Sheffield Irregulars December Painting Challenge

First of all, Ninja Goblin:

- Robes got a second coat of P3 Greatcoat Grey, stitches around the patches were picked out with VMC Flat Brown (I think), then the robes were washed with a 2:1:2 Asurmen Blue:Badab Black:Water wash.
- Disc on his head was painted VMC Cavalry Brown - 2 thin coats
- Sword & sai handles were painted P3 Bootstrap Leather (I think), then washed with Devlan Mud
- The pommel of the sai was painted Boltgun Metal, and now needs a Badab Black wash

Militia dude managed to get some paint time as well:

- Shield was painted with VMC Cavalry Brown - 2 thin coats - raised detail will be becoming gold, in the same way as the Tallarn shoulders (see previous post)
- Dagger scabbard got a coat of P3 Battlefield Brown, and some metal details on his front got a coat of Boltgun Metal - now in need of a BAdab Black wash. The scabbard needs a second coat of Battlefield Brown

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

The Tallarn are getting closer to being completed:

- Tunics painted with a 2:2:1 mix of VMC Pale Greyblue:Oxford Blue:Basalt Grey, washed with a 2:2:1 mix of Asurmen Blue:Water:Badab Black. They may get a second wash, but I'm not sure yet.
- Straps & knife handles painted with P3 Bootstrap Leather. They all need a Devlan Mud wash
- I think the gold got an extra coat of Gryphonne Sepia - I'm really liking how it has come out
- Shiny metal bits have been painted with Boltgun Metal, and need a Badab Black wash
- Bits of the water bottle and knife scabbard have been painted with P3 Battlefield Brown - a second coat is required

Other than steps noted above, finishing off the bases (a drybrush of Morrow White, then a couple of coats of Devlan Mud) and some form of wash on the turbans (probably Badab Black, though a darker blue/black wash may yet occur), I think they're done.

Up next for the IG - Valhallan Ice Warriors....

They've just had the one thin coat of Midlund Flesh so far - I'm quite happy with how the running guy on the front right has come out - though after basing him, I've decided to make sure I do all the work on the bases before I pin the dudes to them.

Any feedback, gys? I'm getting the impression I'm talking to myself over here

**Dysartes**

Despite any and all appearances to the contrary, I haven't actually disappeared off the face of the planet. However, being at the family home from the 23rd to the 29th has meant that I've not gotten much done in the past week or so.

What have I achieved? Well, I've managed to get my first Mordians into the new basing scheme, with the officer and two lasgun troops prepared. They, along with a Steel Legion Commissar will form the group to be worked on after the Valhallans - though I suppose that if I can get far enough ahead on the basing prep work, I could production line the troops.

I'm out tonight, but then I've got a three day weekend that will mostly be spent either lurking on Dakka, watching films and/or painting, so I intend to be giving an update per day over the weekend.

Regarding 40k Objectives, by the way - how many should I have prepared? What size base should they be on?

**malfred**

Dysartes wrote:

Regarding 40k Objectives, by the way - how many should I have prepared? What size base should they be on?

Isn't it three? Can't remember. I even watched a game recently that had objectives.

**CommissarKhaine**

Five objectives at most, Tourneys usually put up 4 for grabs. It's nice seeing some old metal IG, looking forward to more of them!

**Dysartes**

Thanks guys - when I was hunting my guardsmen out, I found a set of FW Open Ammunition Crates, so I suspect 4 objectives should be fairly easy. Might get the tank crew involved, too

CommissarKhaine, given one of my resolutions, I expect you're going to see quite a few Guardsmen on here:

5, Try to complete at least a minimum-sized platoon of each metal IG regiment, in urban camo, with the exceptions of Cadians, Catachans and Attilan Rough Riders. By my reckoning, this would be Praetorians, Mordians, Valhallans, Tallarn, Steel Legion and Vostroyans. My only IG purchases shall be to make these legal platoons, with SW/HW choices for each squad.

**Dysartes**

So, managed to get some more work done on the Tallarn Five and the Cadwallon Militiaman.

Tallarn
- Bases were given a reasonably heavy drybrush of Morrow White, then washed twice with Devlan Mud. I'll take a look at them in the cold light of day tomorrow, but bar tidying up the edge of the bases the base should be done.
- Grenade Guy's grenade got hit with Boltgun Metal, followed by a Badab Black wash
- Meltagun barrel got a wash of Leviathan Purple, followed by the front half getting a hit with Gryphonne Sepia - going to check this tomorrow, see what I think

Valhallans
- Skin got 2 more thin coats of Midlund Flesh

Cadwallon Militiaman
- Metal symbol on his shield got hit with Boltgun Metal, then one wash of Gryphonne Sepia.

To Do Tomorrow
Tallarn
- Tidy up base edges with P3 Thamar Black
- Boots & gun casings get painted with P3 Coal Black
- Touch up turbans, then wash them with a Blue/Bluck mix (leaning towards the blue)
- Decide what colour to paint Grenade Guy's sash - the example in the scheme in 4th ED IG Dex is in ~ Coal Black, but that seems a touch dull. It works, but might be a good source of contrast, but I ain't decided yet.

With the above done, I think these guys can be described as done, bar varnish - and they'll almost equal my completed model output for 2009.....

Valhallans
- Flesh to get hit with Ogryn Flesh
- Paint coats with Greatcoat Grey
- Drybrush bases with the same

Cadwallon Militiaman
- Shield detail gets 2 more coats of Gryphonne Sepia, then the shield is carefully touched up with VMC Cavalry Brown
- Leg straps get painted Greatcoat Grey
- Decide which brown to paint the main part of his quilted armour

Goblin Ninja
- Decide on belt, scabbard strap and triangle border colours
- Paint some of the above

**Dysartes**

So, today was not as productive as I'd've liked - my fault for getting distracted by season 4 of Bones during the day, and chatting to a friend of mine all evening.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

Well, I've finished four out of the five Tallarn - Grenade Guy's sash being the only sticking point. I keep thinking about painting it in an orange, given the rest of the figure is most blue-grey, but that'd kinda defeat the point of the camo. Anyone got any ideas on that score?

Either way, here are my first completed figures of 2010:

I've also managed a bit more work on the skin of the Valhallans - I'll definitely get to the coats tomorrow:

Project 3 - Silent Night

Again, some small progress on the militiaman:

The gold still needs a coat or two of Gryphonne Sepia to tidy it up, but he's getting there - though slowly.

**Dysartes**

Hmm - a week since I last posted? We can't be having that.

Most of the last week has been taken up with frantic writing, proof-reading and editing for Irregular magazine issue 3, which was released yesterday. As such, I've been kinda limited on what painting I've done recently, but have managed to get some stuff done.

Project 3 - Silent Night

The lack of time mentioned above restricted what I was able to get done on the above project. In the end, I've just entered the Ninja Goblin, shown below. I do intend to complete the full diorama, probably in time for the event I'll be helping run in June, but we'll see.

The Ninja is mounted on a temporary base, which is meant to look like a tiled floor. Unfortunately, as I only started on it at lunchtime today, it isn't as polished as I would have liked.

Models completed: 5
Project status: On hold

Project 2 - Imperial Guard

First things first - Grenade Guy got finished off. I ended up doing his sash in VMC Pale Greyblue, washed with a 2:2:1 mix of Asurmen Blue:Badab Black: Water.

Models completed: 6
Hmm - looks like I may have matched the number of models I completed last year already - and we're only on 10/01/10. Result! Next stop? 12 completed figures, giving me an average of one per month.....

I've assembled 4 more Tallarn, including a Sergeant and Grenade Launcher trooper. They'll be part of the next batch of troops, after the Valhallans. With the exception of the meltagun dude, they'll form my first infantry squad - to be joined by an autocannon team once I've ordered the 60mm bases recommended by malfred.

I've continued working on the Valhallans - the greatcoats have had a couple of coats of P3 Greatcoat Gret, the trousers, where visible, got hit with VMC Flat Brown, and the bedroll-type kit they're carrying got hit with P3 Gun Corps Brown (I think). Need to wash the coats and kit bags, then hit the pouches with a different brown. Gun casings and boots with be done in P3 Coal Black. The very red sash is pained with a couple of coats of VMC Cavalry Brown, one of the nicest reds I've worked with. The braid on him will give me some direction for the Mordians which form part of the next batch.

Project 1 - Space Wolves
Project status: Reinstated

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening over at a friend's house, building Space Wolves. He managed to kit-bash a Rune Priest, Wolf Priest and Wolf Guard, while I managed one Wolf Guard (to go with a GH squad), 4 Grey Hunters (inc. Wolf Standard & Meltagun) and 2 Blood Claws. Pics shall follow once I've sorted their bases out - they're currently lying around in my case.

Now Silent Night is out of the way, I'll be able to crack on with these guys - if nothing else, I'd like to finish the Rune Priest by the end of the month.

**Dysartes**

Another week, another update.....

Project 1 - Space Wolves

I haven't gotten any painting on these guys, but I have managed to base the ones I constructed last week. They are all backpack-free at the moment, and some may need a bit more clean-up, but there you go.

Blood Claws x 2

Grey Hunters x 4, inc. Wolf Standard

Neither the bolter or meltagun in the first picture are glued in place yet, so I can get to the chest detail.

Wolf Guard

Wolf Claw & Storm Bolter - should be useful for Grey Hunters or Long Fangs.

I intend to base Ulric the Slayer this week, then get back to painting them.

Project 2 - Imperial Guard
I've been hard at work with Valhallans this week:

Mostly detail work left to go, along with the gun casings and boots. I've just added a second layer of Gryphonne Sepia to the gold sections, and shall add a third tomorrow, which should finish the gold off. All the brown areasneed hitting with Devlan Mud as well.

Does anyone have any thoughts what colour I should paint the lining of the greatcoats, where visible? If so, please leave a comment and let me know