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Now that's an army!

Sharp looking force you have there!

I’m a big fan of the painting comp as a motivational tool. Really helps keep projects moving, even when the spirit is weak.

kestral wrote:That grey cloth is looking really good - the overall scheme with the bases is highly striking and effective.

Thank you kestral

The Riddle of Steel wrote:I agree with Kestral: the shading and layering on the grey cloth is very nice. And the models have enough contrast to define individual detail in large squads, which keeps them from blending together into a blob when you have large platoons. And everyone having the regimental number on the shoulder pads is a nice touch.

I also like the bits of characterful detail you have, such as the plasma gunners (unlike the other special and heavy weapons troopers) are all wearing gloves, presumably because of their weapons' propensity for overheating! I love those kind of modeling and painting details that cater to the background information and rules.

Thanks The Riddle of Steel, although cutting down the waterslide transfers was a pain. Yes, that was the goal of the heavy gloves and googles.

Lamby wrote:Now that's an army!

Thank you Lamby

Nevelon wrote:Sharp looking force you have there!

I’m a big fan of the painting comp as a motivational tool. Really helps keep projects moving, even when the spirit is weak.

Thanks Nevelon, speaking of the Unofficial painting completion...this month's entry I am pulling a model off the shelf that has been sitting for more than seven years on the shelf. I bought a plastic Valkyrie in late November 2011, having built and painted two resin ones I figured I would do one for my Spiders as flyers were all the rage and I was tired of facing opponents with several.

So going back in the archives here is some older shots of unbooking and assembling the model (which I was going to convert into a Vendetta as that was the best tank killer in the game at the time).

Here she is with six Lascanons.



Now I am going to do the Valkyrie configuration first and finally paint her.



The long painting war continues...

CB

Very cool! I am working on a Valkyrie myself. It is a wonderful kit. After messing with FW resin for my last few vehicle projects for my Horus Heresy army, it nearly brought tears to my eyes how nicely this plastic kit fit together.

I spent the last few days magnetizing the weapons (which I am not sure is worth the trouble for such a weak-ish fighting vehicle). But now that you are going to paint one, I should post my own WIP pictures and we can see how they turn out. Of course, your old resin ones were a big inspiration. Looking forward to seeing this one come together in your Spider colors.

Ooh, looking forward to see how the Valkyrie comes along! Is it just the lighting or is her tummy already white? Looks kinda shark like with the grey top... would look awesome with the big toothy mouth on the front! Would be a nice finish to the big infantry blob too

I've enjoyed seeing your guard in the painting challenges, nice to see the force all together here. That valkyrie is going to be a great addition to the army, good luck getting it done on time for the challenge

The Riddle of Steel wrote:Very cool! I am working on a Valkyrie myself. It is a wonderful kit. After messing with FW resin for my last few vehicle projects for my Horus Heresy army, it nearly brought tears to my eyes how nicely this plastic kit fit together.

I spent the last few days magnetizing the weapons (which I am not sure is worth the trouble for such a weak-ish fighting vehicle). But now that you are going to paint one, I should post my own WIP pictures and we can see how they turn out. Of course, your old resin ones were a big inspiration. Looking forward to seeing this one come together in your Spider colors.

Thanks, when I bought this I had plans to convert it into a Vendetta and bought six Las Canons for that purpose, so I also glued the doors and rear hatch in...which will make the addition of a couple of heavy bolters an issue if I was to want them.

gobert wrote:Ooh, looking forward to see how the Valkyrie comes along! Is it just the lighting or is her tummy already white? Looks kinda shark like with the grey top... would look awesome with the big toothy mouth on the front! Would be a nice finish to the big infantry blob too

gobert, the top is a dark grey and the undercarriage is a light grey. I am not going to do the toothy grin, but I am going to try and do the Imperial Eagle wings.

Maharg wrote:I've enjoyed seeing your guard in the painting challenges, nice to see the force all together here. That valkyrie is going to be a great addition to the army, good luck getting it done on time for the challenge

Thank you Maharg.

Some base colours on my Valkyrie.





The long painting war continues...

CB

Good start!

My dream is to one day build a Valkyrie Heavy Imperial Guard army. Just need to win the lottery first . I like the direction the painting is coming on it. Will it be all black for the top, or is that just the basecoat?

Great start, eagle wings sound as cool as toothy grim! What we can see of the cockpit looks sweet too.

The Riddle of Steel wrote:Good start!

Thanks The Riddle of Steel

Theophony wrote:My dream is to one day build a Valkyrie Heavy Imperial Guard army. Just need to win the lottery first . I like the direction the painting is coming on it. Will it be all black for the top, or is that just the basecoat?

Well my Elysians have two and a Vulture and they just sit in a display case and never seem to get fielded anymore. It is dark grey on the top and light grey on the underside.

gobert wrote:Great start, eagle wings sound as cool as toothy grim! What we can see of the cockpit looks sweet too.

Thank you gobert.

OK, first the magnetized bits for the side fuselage mounts. Rocket Pods, Sensor, Las Canon and Multi Laser


Then the start of the imperial eagle wing designs on the top of the wings. Obtained a template and cut out the wings then secured it with electrical tape and white tac.


First attempt...not a very clear outline.


Then I used the cut out shape and glue it with a glue stick over the first white coat and then painted around it with grey.


The long painting war continues...

CB

For straight line templates, you might be able to cut and use painter’s tape. I lay some down on my cutting mat, and then cut strips the length/width I need and then apply them to the model. Now I just do it for hazard stripes and Eldar, but with the wide tape you might be able to get those wings. Use the template to cut the tape.

I still get some seepage if I don’t press it completely down, but it gets a pretty good line.

Ah, brilliant idea on the rocket pods! I wish I would have seen this a week ago before I did mine. I have no idea why they did not just make them with a thinner mounting strip on there like you have.

The Riddle of Steel wrote:Ah, brilliant idea on the rocket pods! I wish I would have seen this a week ago before I did mine. I have no idea why they did not just make them with a thinner mounting strip on there like you have.

Thanks The Riddle of Steel

Nevelon wrote:For straight line templates, you might be able to cut and use painter’s tape. I lay some down on my cutting mat, and then cut strips the length/width I need and then apply them to the model. Now I just do it for hazard stripes and Eldar, but with the wide tape you might be able to get those wings. Use the template to cut the tape.

I still get some seepage if I don’t press it completely down, but it gets a pretty good line.

Thanks for the suggestion Nevelon. Mrs. Captain Brown had the same one, but I decided to at least finish what I had started to see if it was salvageable.

So, after removing the glued on template.


After touching up. If the forward feather looks a little odd it is because it follows the vectoring thruster towards the end of the wing.

I do not need it to be perfect as there is the highlight dry brushing to come and the weathering...which will tarnish the eagle wings.

Now to get the transfers on.

The long painting war continues...

CB

That looks really good, even before weathering!

Thanks for showing the full progression on the wings so we don’t expect it to come off the template looking perfect! You did a great job tidying it up.

Thanks kestrel and The Riddle of Steel,

Progress

Started work on the canopy, had to be really careful as I wanted it completely clear so you could see the pilots and cockpit details.

So I used 5 minute epoxy as plastic cement and other polystyrene glues would fog the clear plastic.

Also fixed the polarity on the rare earth magnet in the Las Canon mount...a little embarrassing when the model ejected the weapon...

Now I am open to suggestions on how to show the constant change in temperature on the turbine casing.


Next I have to start adding the steel showing from weathering and battle damage.


The long painting war continues...

CB

Dude, this is pretty badass! Like the model a lot and its really coming together. Looking forward to seeing more!

I reckon you’ve recovered those eagle wings nicely CB. The undulating surface doesn’t help to get it right. What’s the recipe for the dark grey? It looks really good around the cockpit in particular

squall018 wrote:Dude, this is pretty badass! Like the model a lot and its really coming together. Looking forward to seeing more!

Thank you squall018

gobert wrote:I reckon you’ve recovered those eagle wings nicely CB. The undulating surface doesn’t help to get it right. What’s the recipe for the dark grey? It looks really good around the cockpit in particular

Thank you gobert, the upper grey is codex grey with the lightest dusting of fortress grey...I believe they are now called Dawnstone and Administration Grey. Because I used a black basecoat that adds to the depth between the armoured plates.

More progress:
fixed the tags.





The long painting war continues...

CB

So more work in progress.








The long painting war continues...

CB

Wow, great job. And I’m really impressed by the speed at which you conduct your long painting war. Blitzkreig! Your awesome work is provoking me to pick up the pace on my Valk.

The weathering looks good. It is subtle enough to maintain the sleek dark grey look and not overpower it while still adding realism. Decals all look sharp and well placed. But I really like that shiny gold effect for the discolored metal on the turbine exhaust.

It says WIP but it looks pretty well finished to me. What’s left?

Job’s a good ‘un!

The lack of spikes is disturbing

Jokes aside, that is one well painted Valkyrie.

The weathering and eagle wings look great

The Riddle of Steel wrote:Wow, great job. And I’m really impressed by the speed at which you conduct your long painting war. Blitzkreig! Your awesome work is provoking me to pick up the pace on my Valk.

The weathering looks good. It is subtle enough to maintain the sleek dark grey look and not overpower it while still adding realism. Decals all look sharp and well placed. But I really like that shiny gold effect for the discolored metal on the turbine exhaust.

It says WIP but it looks pretty well finished to me. What’s left?

Job’s a good ‘un!

Thank you The Riddle of Steel, there is always touch-up, corrections, etc.

Not Online!!! wrote:The lack of spikes is disturbing

Jokes aside, that is one well painted Valkyrie.

Thanks Not Online!!!

Theophony wrote:The weathering and eagle wings look great

Thank you Theophony

OK, some finished photos.

1) Bow starboard side.


2) Bow port side.


3) Head on.


4) Variation of head on.


5) Top down.


6) Port bow not on flying stand.


7) Starboard bow not on flying stand.


8) Close up of the crew.


9) Close up of some of the wear and tear.


10) Side of the crew.


Now I can only use 6 for the DakkaDakka unofficial painting competition for this month, so what are the favorites?

The long painting war continues...

CB

It looks fantastic. Really nice metallic effects and weathering. The eagle wings turned out really well and add some nice contrast.

That is some great work, showing the virtue of patience as opposed to doing everything all at once.

Thank you The Riddle of Steel and Fifty.

I have entered her into this month's Unofficial Painting Challenge "Up, Up and Away" link where she and a load of other great painted models are being voted on my members of dakkadakka.

The long painting war continues...

CB

Nice addition. Wasn't sure you where going to pull of the wings for a bit there but you nailed it!

Ooooh very nice work sir.