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Dark Angels looking spot on!

@youwashock: Thanks! I've been cranking these out faster than I usually paint, but it still isn't fast enough for my tastes. I really want to get these guys all done so I can move on to Death Guard!

@Yorkright: Thanks for the vote of confidence. I do want to learn to do more advanced effects at some point, but I'm always afraid that I'll take too big of a step and end up screwing up. I guess I need to man up and just do it and consider screwing up part of the learning process if it happens.

@shasolenzabi: Thanks, and welcome back to the blog!

I'm making some progress on the Hellblasters:

Most of the base colors are down, with the blue plasma glow and the black armor seals and details remaining to be painted, plus the sergeant's bald head. I've got a day off work tomorrow, so I hope to make some progress then.

I'm also working on assembling Mortarion:

I'm thinking I may go ahead and fully assemble him before painting, although it's against my better judgment. If it worked for my Bloodthirster last year, I'm sure it'll be okay for this guy. He's going to be interesting to paint no matter how I do it. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

More to come soon, I hope!

Yeah that captain is very nice. OK, I'm going to go out and clip off my Gravis Captain parts today.

I was considering getting Morty but hes sold out now - I'll have to wait a few weeks I guess. You're barrelling along on those Primaris!

@Azazelx: Thanks! I look forward to seeing your Primaris marines. If they look as good as all those retro Dark Angels you've been doing recently, all your viewers are in for a treat!

Time for a little update. I'm making slow progress on my Hellblasters; there's just way too much happening to distract me lately. Here's where they are at right now:

I went ahead and shaded the guns, leather equipment pouches and metallics before cleaning them up because I'm going to have to repaint them anyway to brighten up the colors, so the little paint mistakes will be covered up and this will save me a step. I think I'm going to do one more drybrush on the plasma coils, with actual White Scar instead of just Ulthuan Gray. I feel they need to be just a little brighter.

In other news, one of the aforementioned distractions was the Start Collecting: Chaos Space Marines box I bought not too long ago. I already built the Terminator Lord from it, but over the last couple of days this happened as well:

Now I have a Helbrute with all the options instead of being stuck with just the Dark Vengeance ones. I magnetized it so that I can use every option except the hammer (which I'd likely never use anyway). All I had to magnetize were the shoulder joints; the right arm guns all stay in place well enough without even needing magnets, although you could easily put magnets in there if you wanted to. Personally I like the Scourge/Fist combo that I've seen referred to as a "Zangiefbrute". I'm not sure whether I'll paint this model to go with my Death Guard or my regular CSM.

I need to hurry up on these Hellblasters, I'm near the finish line on my DI Primaris guys; no letting up now!

He looks scary!

@shasolenzabi: He sure does! I definitely want to try that weapon combo (Scourge/Fist) as it'll really smash stuff in CC.

Progress continues to be slow on the painting front. Just lack of motivation really. Anyhow, I have finally made a little bit of progress, mainly some cleanup and adding the transfers to the Hellblasters:

I still have to put gloss and then flat coat over the transfers to seal them in. I also have yet to finish the Sarge's skin (just a layer and highlight to do) and add some red glaze to the eye lenses on the other guys. Plus the bases. Then I can finally move on to the final Primaris model, the Ancient.

I have been busy assembling stuff still. Most recently, my order from Spellcrow arrived, so I was able to build some Noise Marines. I ordered their Mixed Sonic Guns packs (2 of them), so that I would have the 8 Sonic Blasters and 2 Blastmasters that I needed, and to my surprise and delight they even threw in two sets of their Pleasure Knight heads, very appropriate for devotees of Slaanesh, so I used those on my Noise Marines. Here are the assembled models:

I even got to try them out in a game earlier today, but unfortunately as happens often with brand new models, they got killed before they could really do anything. I played them wrong really, so next time I hope to give them a fair test.

Lastly, I recently bought a lot of older Space Marine models from an acquaintance who happens to be the assistant property manager of my apartment complex. She had played Warhammer 40k years ago with her brother and now no longer wanted her models, so I was able to acquire them cheaply from her. The reason I got them so cheap was due to the extremely poor condition of the models, especially the paint. I believe they are salvageable, but they will take some serious work, beginning with some stripping of the extremely thick paint. The models include a metal Captain, a Techmarine, an Apothecary, Standard Bearer, 2 10-man Tactical Squads, a 5-man Tactical Squad, a 5-man Terminator Squad (the old smaller ones), a Land Speeder, and a Land Raider. They are painted Ultramarines, but I'll be most likely stripping them and using them as a core for a Blood Ravens force. The Land Raider may end up serving my Dark Angels, though. I also got a rulebook that I believe is from 4th edition (meaning I now own every rulebook from 4th-8th edition!) and an older-model GW carrying case as part of the deal, so I'm happy with it! I'll post pics of the appalling condition of the models in my next update or two, but I don't know how quickly I'll get around to stripping and refurbishing them considering the amount of other projects in my queue right now.

I hope to have final pics of the Hellblasters soonish, so look forward to those!

Nice score there mate, and the Noisemarines look intriguing. I'll go have a look at Spellcrow's site after I finish typing this...

Keep on plugging away on the DAs. I'm doing the same. Not getting a lot done at once, but trying to keep some progression happening at least.

Staying productive is the hobbyist's eternal struggle, it seems. Curious to see the job-lot Marines. Dark Angels still coming along nicely, too.

@Azazelx: Thanks! I'm almost there with the DI Primaris guys; just one more to go! Definitely have a look at Spellcrow's site; they have lots of cool aftermarket bits and aren't too terribly expensive.

@youwashock: Indeed it is. Nice guys like you and others who occasionally chime in on my blog is part of what helps me stay at least somewhat on task. It is much appreciated!

Finally got the Hellblasters knocked out:


I'm very happy with how these came out. I finally have a method for doing plasma coils that I'm happy with. I did notice after I took the pics that one of the guys has some paint damage on the end of his gun; fortunately it'll be an easy fix with some Leadbelcher paint. Probably happened when I dropped that model onto my desk accidentally. Anyway, feel free to vote for these images in the Dakka Gallery!

As promised, here are some pics showing the sad state of those recently acquired Ultramarines models. I didn't photograph every single Marine, but enough of them that you will get the idea of what I'm up against with this lot. Here are the pics, may the Emperor have mercy:



As you can see, thick paint and random decals everywhere! I just hope Isopropyl Alcohol does the job okay; I really don't want to have to use a stronger solvent with nastier fumes. I guess I could get myself some Simple Green if necessary though. As I said before, I'm not likely to do much with these right away; in fact it may be next year before I'm ready to mess with them. Lots of other stuff in the queue first.

Next up will be the final model from the Dark Imperium Primaris Space Marines: the Ancient. I'm really looking forward to tackling that banner, so stay tuned for that!

Those Hellblasters are terrific. You really nailed the glowing plasma coils.

Isopropyl alcohol should work fine on those models, assuming they were painted with acrylics.

@Josh: Thanks! I'm just happy the coils turned out well so that I have a decent method for doing more of them in the future. I love the look of plasma weapons! And those other models were indeed painted with GW acrylics, so it's good to know Isopropyl will work on them. I may strip a couple of them over the weekend just as kind of a proof of concept. Like I've said, not a rush item at the moment.

I'm making good progress on the Ancient. Pretty much all of the base colors are down at this point, so there'll be some cleanup and then it'll be on to shades. Here's a quick WIP shot:

I'm not real sure about how to handle the laurel branches on the banner. Right now I'm going with Castellan Green, but there's not enough contrast between them and the Caliban Green background on the banner. I considered going with gold on the leaves, or white, or a lighter green. I may yet switch to gold, as it will match well with a lot of the other decoration on the banner. I'll sleep on it and make a decision later. Here's hoping I can get this guy done fast, and yes, there will be at least one full group shot of the Primaris Marines.

With all the green you have, I’d go gold on the banner.

Nive work on the hellblasters. The plasma coils are exceptional, very nice work there.

Seeing all those Ultras takes me back. That command squad box remains one of my favorite collections of minis. And the gear on that captain doesn’t suck for the first time in decades! Be sure you include a little homage to their origins after you strip and repaint them. Honor the battle-gear of the dead. To not would risk angering the wargear, and that could impact their performance on the table.

And don’t do anything untoward with that sticker banner. That’s the Ultramarine 3rd company banner there, scourge of xenos. You can steal our troops, but don’t disrespect out colors.

The ancient is coming along nicely, and the helblasters really rock. Nice effect on the plasma.

My goodness you have been busy since I last checked in. Dark Angels are looking great, really like the hellblasters their guns are spot on for the plasma coils.

Beautiful blue plasma...

Oh, sorry. I'm back. H-blasters look great. I also suggest going for gold on the banner.

@Nevelon: Great advice on the banner, and as you'll see in this post I chose to heed it and it works! And thanks for the compliment on the Hellblasters, I'm glad you like them! As for the Ultras, I'm looking forward to working with those models, although as I said they'll probably be Blood Ravens when all is said and done. That nice sticker banner will perhaps be given to a friend who plays Ultramarines, so that it can continue to be used to serve the Emperor. As for an homage to the origins of the gear, I'll have to think about that one...

@Theo: Thanks!

@York: I'm trying to stay busy, I just wish I didn't get distracted/tired all the time so I could knock more models out! Thanks for your support!

@youwashock: So you like plasma too, huh? Thanks for the compliment and confirming me and Nev's thoughts on the banner; gold does look better!

Little update, I've definitely made some progress:

He's actually very nearly finished at this point, just needs his decals and the red on his eye lenses, plus the base and perhaps a couple more edge highlights in certain areas. I put the word "Inclemens" on the banner, which in Latin roughly means "unmerciful" as that is the name of the Dark Angels Third Company.

Well, it's finally happened, the moment I've been waiting for and hoped to have happen a while ago, but better late than never as they say! The Primaris Ancient, and thus the whole Primaris Space Marine half of Dark Imperium, is finished! Here are the pics of the Ancient:





I really love this particular model, although I think I could have made the banner look a little better. I haven't really painted much text before, so I'm actually happy with what I put on the banner considering it's only my first real attempt at something like this.

I know everyone will be asking for this, so let me go ahead and do it. Here's a group shot of the entire Dark Imperium Primaris Space Marine army, painted as members of the Dark Angels Third Company, the Unmerciful:

It has been a fun painting journey getting these guys done. It's the first time I've really stuck with a larger project like this to completion. Seeing them all together really makes me feel proud, like I actually accomplished something. Maybe it's nothing to a lot of veteran painters out there, but for me this is an achievement!

In other news, I got myself a Plagueburst Crawler and assembled it over the past couple of days:

I think that of all the Death Guard models released by GW, this is my favorite, even over Mortarion. Such a cool-looking machine! I can't wait to paint it, although it's not a huge priority for painting at the moment.

Next up in my painting lineup will be 10 of the Dark Imperium Poxwalkers for the monthly painting challenge. Maybe I'll go ahead and do all of the Dark Imperium Death Guard models like I did with the Primaris Marines, then I can do a group shot of them, and then a really fancy shot of the two forces facing off against each other. I know the Death Guard models will be much more challenging to paint and will probably take longer, but I feel I'm up to the challenge!

Very nice work. It must feel great to be able to call a project finished.

The Hellblasters look great!

I see what you mean about the marines, though if you have any difficulty with the isopropyl, Simple Green is a pretty good stripper as well, given a good soak.

Dark Angels banner has come up really well in the end, and the group shot of the DI set brings them together wonderfully. What's next for the Dark Angels?

Nicely done. It’s always great to hit a milestone and check that box off the to-do list. Text on the banner is well done. You use a brush or a pen?

Congrats on the Primaris completion. I'm as green as your Angels with jealousy.

@Josh: Thanks, and yes does feel great to actually finish something. I've finished squads and plenty of individual models before and that's something, but having a whole cohesive force like this done in a (for me) relatively short time is very nice.

@Azazelx: Thanks! I am considering Simple Green as a possible stripper since I can get it relatively easily. As for what's next, I'm working on putting a Repulsor together as well as a couple of Dark Talons.

@Nevelon: Thanks! For the banner, I used a very fine brush (Army Painter's "The Psycho" brush, to be exact).

@youwashock: Thanks!

Well, it's nice and all to finish those Primaris Marines, but now it's time to switch gears and start on my Death Guard. Here's a WIP shot of my first group of Poxwalkers:

All I've done is the skin, hence the mess on other parts of the models. They'll look better once I at least block in the other colors. The skin is completely done other than a few possible touchups. These make a nice change from all that power armor, let me tell you!

In other news, I'm working on a Dark Talon. So far just the cockpit is done, but I'm putting together other subassemblies currently. Here's the cockpit:

I'm ultimately wanting to run an Air Wing detachment, so I've gotta get this one assembled and painted and then do another one.

I've also recently acquired some more metal Plaguebearers of Nurgle, bringing my total of those up to 30. This includes a Command section with an icon, instrument, and champion. No pics as bare metal doesn't photograph well (I've learned), but that's my most recent acquisition.

Hopefully I'll make more progress on the Poxwalkers soon. They've been fun to paint so far!

Congrats on the finishing the primaris, you did a fantastic job on them. Looking forward to your deathguard, Plague tank looks very cool may have to pick one up after I finish up my other projects.

Good work on the Primaris, it is always satisfying to see a faction from a big box set fully painted up and they look great as Dark Angels.

How are you finding Mortarion to construct? As for the Plagueburst Crawler I bought two, I found it a very easy model to make and love it equally.

And best of luck sorting out those Ultras...you are a braver man than I.

@Yorkright: Thanks! I'm definitely looking forward to tackling that Plagueburst Crawler, but it's a ways down in my painting queue. I've really got to knock out the pile of shame at some point.

@ListenToMeWarriors: Welcome to the blog! Thanks for the compliment! As for Morty, he's all built now except for the smoke that goes on his back, which I'm leaving off until I paint him. Not too hard to build, except for attaching the hoses that connect to the tank above his head. The parts around there did not want to fit right.

Small WIP update on the Poxwalkers:

Most of the base colors are down now, and I'm actually kicking myself on how I painted the skin. I should have added a lighter layer before shading, as now all my highlights are WAY too stark. I think I can use shades to darken them back down, but it's too late to fix entirely unless I want to strip the models and start all over (hint: I don't). I used two layers of Rakarth Flesh as the basecoat and then shaded over that first with Reikland Fleshshade with some other localized shades, and then highlighted with Pallid Wych Flesh. I should have put down an all-over layer of Pallid Wych Flesh over the Rakarth Flesh to begin with and then shaded over that. Lesson learned for the next batch, I guess. Technically they recommend priming these guys in white, but I've never had much luck with white primers, hence the black.

Hopefully I can get more done on these guys soon. Just a couple of base colors left, then I can shade the clothing and horns and start highlighting them, followed by doing all the nasty little maggots crawling over the clothing. Lots of little details like that on these models, and that's awesome!

Poxwalkers are coming along nicely, I don't think they need to be lightened up a whole lot more. They are supposed to look plague ridden with rotting flesh and other nasty pustules. Looking forward to the next update.

Those Poxwalkers look good. I forget if you were the Dakkaite showing of Sedition Wars infected, but it looks like they'd fit in well with these guys.

@York: Thanks, I'm glad you think they look okay. The more I look at them the more I'm okay with their appearance as well, but I am still going to go lighter with the next batch when I eventually do them. If nothing else, it'll be easier to tell them apart whenever I run them as separate small units.

@Josh: Thanks, and I don't know anything about Sedition Wars, so that must be someone else. By the sounds of a unit called "infected", these guys would probably be a good fit with them assuming the scale was right.

Okay, way too long since my last update, but that's because I've been feeling some burnout (again...it's pathetic really, isn't it?). I've finally gotten every last base color down on the Poxies, so here's where they are at (not a lot of difference compared to my last WIP, but still some progress):

Next up will be to shade the non-skin parts all over with Agrax Earthshade, then do a few edge highlights, then do the bases, which I'm actually going to do with Astrogranite since that will contrast better with the lighter-colored miniatures (will be more noticeable when I do my light-green Plague Marines, next in my Death Guard lineup).

In other news, I've got a Dark Talon mostly assembled, and primed, ready for some paint, and I've also gotten my Repulsor fully ready for paint (primed with a few parts left off for ease of painting). I plan to do both of those models by the end of the year. The reason for that is that they may or may not be going with me when I go to Adepticon next year. That's right, yours truly is planning to attend a GT for the first time! My local play group is probably going to send a contingent of like a dozen guys including myself. So I want to be running Dark Angels again by January, and that means getting some of them painted. Either way, as far as the painting goes you'll see it all right here, so stay tuned!

Finally finished the first unit of Poxwalkers, so here are some pics of those:
First, a pic of the whole group of them:

Next, a bunch of pics of the A group, the ones that are my entry in the October painting challenge:



These ones turned out reasonably well, but there is a noticeable drop off in quality I feel in the next bunch, what I call the B group:


Basically I did them all at once, but because I rushed near the end I was kind of sloppy on some of them. I picked out the best ones to be my entry in the painting challenge, but overall they are all tabletop standard so I'm calling them done. I hope to do better on the others and take what I learned doing these to heart.

Next up, I'll get to work on the Ravenwing Dark Talon and/or the Repulsor, and I'll be doing the Dark Imperium Plague Marines as my November painting challenge entry. I think I'll have an easier time with them compared to the Poxies.

One last thought: with those Poxwalkers done, that puts me over my goal of 51 models for the year (exceeding last year's tally!). I'm stoked about that for sure. I wonder how high I can set the bar for next year, as I'm hoping to knock out even more stuff (and hopefully diminish the pile of shame some). I'll really have to beaver away at my Dark Angels to get ready for Adepticon next year.

Nice work there Zerg. The Poxwalkers will all blend in together as a mob, so I wouldn't be too caught up in individual models not quite being up to others.

As for your annual tally. I decided a couple of years ago to aim for 365 in a year (not expecting to get to it - which I didn't) but this also set me a hard target of simply getting more than the previous year's total completed. Ignoring the 365 aspect, I'd simply aim next year to better the total you got this year.