Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I started 40k with Tau, but got disenchanted with them trying to learn the game with their ruleset. I never stopped loving the models, so after playing orks for a while I've decided to start Tau again on the side.

My inspiration for the color scheme came from http://www.agisn.de/html/tau.html. I liked the way the colors looked together, but I also prefer the cloth to be darker than the armor. So after a bit of experimentation I came up with something I liked. Tell me what you think. Bases inspired by http://advancedtautactica.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17162.

(Click pics to get zoomable gallery images)

Very nice indeed, particularly with the Sept marking, they add a nice extra touch of detail to the models.

Only have one thing to say: Outstanding!

Very nice Pete! Tau are a hard army to paint..... You have done it very well!

Thanks guys! Glad you like them. Comments on the bases?

Oh yes forgot to comment on the bases...... They are the only bases that I have seen to have that effect. Very well executed. You really should make a tutorial.

I especially like how the gun barrels stand out in contrast to the dull colours of the army. What colours did you use for them? Hawk Turquoise and Ice Blue?

The bases are nice and simple, not overly complicated. I like that they look good without detracting from the models. The color scheme is a good example of a drab palette used to create a 'realistic' look for a military uniform. Typically you see armies in 40k go with the 'field' uniform or the 'parade' uniform, and this is a damn fine example of field dress. Really liking the lighting effects on the gun barrels, as the blue provides a 'flavor point' for the models, a tiny bit that stands out to break up the earth tones that your realistic color choices require. I would love a formula for how you got that glowy blue look, if you don't mind sharing.

Sure thing! It is extremely simple. For the gun barrels, I painted them enchanted blue and then gave them a dot of ice blue. The drones' underslung grenade launchers were mordian blue, with a spot of enchanted blue in the center, and then a streak of ice blue.

Thanks for the comments guys!

like the touch of Red markings. Give an unique look to them.
very nicely done.

Love the look of these models, fantastic job. Really like the basing a lot too, love the dried deserty look to them. Sets them apart from you typical sand bases. How did you get the cracks in them? Its' spot on.

spectreoneone wrote:Only have one thing to say: Outstanding!

quoted for truth.

Tauownz wrote:Love the look of these models, fantastic job. Really like the basing a lot too, love the dried deserty look to them. Sets them apart from you typical sand bases. How did you get the cracks in them? Its' spot on.

It's very simple. I picked up a product from the local craft store that is like a plaster based medium with the consistency of cool whip http://www.michaels.com/Texture-Crackle/cp0359,default,pd.html?cgid=products-craftpainting-mediums-decoart&start=5

I roughed up the bases and sprayed them with a matte varnish for adhesion, then spread on a few millimeters' thickness of the crackle. It cracks as it dries, and when it is done I just give it a super thin coat of PVA so it doesn't chip and then paint it charadon granite -> heavy khemri brown drybrush -> kommando khaki drybrush -> very light bleached bone drybrush.

The grass is GF9 dead grass.

EDIT: oh and on a few I added patches of fine sand before painting.

Thanks for the link Sentinel, I'll have to try that out.

I imagine it could work well for a lava-themed base too, if done well.

Really Nice! I like the colors...expecially the green. The bases look awsome! Not to much, but just enought!