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You know, I did actually convert one of my cousin's old Crisis Suits at one point, in an attemp to make it look far more dynamic: I'll just have to paint it at some point, in a very clean, Gundam-esque way. Here it is:

Meh, don't fall into the 'Gundam' trope. And that head's begging for attention!

But yeah. I play Tau, and I want to do a full-on Battlesuit army with Farsight Enclaves, but that model is just so...meh. :( I'm always trying to find a way to make something like a decent-looking waist, more proportional/useful arms, etc.

Though, I DID start collaborating with a guy on ATT to make a 3d-printed Riptide-esque torso to mate with a Broadside lower half...



Thoughts?

Mate, I don't know: I'm not that much into Tau, to be honest. One thing that I will say is that the suits always felt a bit too tubby for me, given the animé look GW were obviously aiming for...

Anyway, a small update today: Don't you just love it when a totally unimportant little project works so well that it gives you loads of motivation? That happened to me today:

I was taking a break from playing around with the new Bloodthirster kit, when I came across the little Bolter Cherub that I want to use for Janus Auriga's mini-retinue. Anyway, the problem with the model was that most of the metal used to attach it to a slottabase had been cut off, so he was kinda imbalanced. Luckily enough, I still had that bit of stone from the Sanguinary Priest, and that served as a solid base for the little guy. So I added some cork and Agrellan Earth, and now the cherub has a rock solid base and is ready for painting:



Certainly nothing spectacular, right? But this then gave me the motivation I needed to start painting a wonderful, self-sculpted model that Drone21c kindly sent me some time ago. I believe the model is very strongly base on this piece of artwork by JB:



So I started painting, and while this guy is nowhere near finished yet, he is certainly getting there. Take a look:









I think he'll make for an excellent High-officiant, Arch-Deacon or even Cardinal of the Velsen Ecclesiarchy, once he's done! Thanks again to Drone21c for letting me have this amazing model!

And as always, let me know what you think!

Great work on the Sister of Battle

Cheers, mate!

Here's the mostly finished Imperial dignitary: I think I'll leave him like that for now:









You will probably have noticed that he doesn't have a finished base yet -- I think this will become a little project of its own, because I think this guy would look great with a lectern, a pulpit, or even atop some kind of (optional) walking servitor-shrine or hideous, vatgrown monstrosity carrying him on its back -- we shall see...

Hmm, nothing to say? Anyone...?

Anyway, update time: I have another model to show you today, and in a shocking twist of events, it's another model that wasn't created by me

One event that made me particularly happy last year was when Ron Saikowski got in touch with me late last autumn. For those of you who don’t know Ron (and shame on you, if you don’t!): He used to run an absolutely excellent hobby site called From the Warp, a very prolific resource for excellent hobby advice, and a site that was very important for me when I got back into the hobby in 2010, after a longer hiatus.

Ron unfortunately no longer updates the site, so I was still very happy to hear from him. Anyway, to make a long story short, Ron is still in the hobby, and I think that alone is an excellent thing!

Things became really awesome, however, when we talked about an old model of Ron’s that I really love: An Imperial mystic he converted and painted. The model has a very grimdark, Blanchian look, which was probably the main reason why I liked it so much. Now imagine my surprise when Ron simply suggested sending it to me as a gift! And he did! Take a look:







A wonderfully evocative piece or work! And it’s now mine! MUHAHAHA…erm, sorry –got a bit carried away there. Anyway, I am really happy to have come into the possession of a great model like this, created by one of my favourite hobbyists, no less! What makes this even better, though, is that the model’s Blanchian feel is no coincidence: The character was actually based on a piece of artwork depicting an Astropath by none other than John Blanche.

I think this actually further enriches an already great model! I also think that Ron has really managed to capture the mood of the original illustration. Oh, and for those of you who want to learn more about the model’s creation, I recommend you check out Ron’s original post on the matter here on From the Warp.

It goes without saying that I am really, really grateful to Ron for this amazing gift! The Astropath, named Skorin Saikov in Ron’s honour, will be a treasured part of my collection, and certainly an interesting character for all INQ28 related adventures in the Velsen Sector…

Oh you impossibly lucking snotling. That's an awesome gift Kraut. Congrats.

Good to hear Ron's still in the game, his blog was one of my favourites back in the day

That's an excellent looking miniature! I'm quite jelly! Actually gives me some thoughts to go back to converting my imperial guard and my techpriests...

Must...resist..

 KrautScientist wrote:

For some reason, the demeanour of this figure makes me think that the mecha-skull perched on his head is actually the one in charge....

Cheers, guys!

Another - very small - update today:

First up, I made a last minute addition to my kitbashed Sister of Battle:







I realised I still had a resin piece with a SoB helmet left from the 40k basing kit, and I thought it would be really neat to have her wear her helmet clipped to her belt, so I made some touchups accordingly.



And I also have another WIP model to show you, one that I am really happy with -- even more so because it was mostly a happy accident.

This is Lord Sebastianus Danver Balzepho Vlachen, great-nephew (and possible heir) to the (ailing) governor of the Velsen Sector:





The character has been existing for some time in the back of my head, and now I have a model to represent him: He's a powerful Imperial noble and a shrewd political manipulator -- and maybe even a downright heretic. I haven't decided yet
But he is a powerful and influential political figure, and I wanted the model to embody his power as well as his arrogance, with just a tiny hint of foppishness thrown in for good measure.

As always, let me know what you think!

I like the fact that he has a disfiguring facial scar. Like a fencing wound. Very regal, and yet arrogant like he's done it on purpose to be imposing. I like that he's carrying a laurel. Like he's too good to put it on his head, but still recognizes its significance.

The addition of the helmet to the SoB is a great touch, it makes her look as if she jumped into action on a short notice and didn't take the time to wear it.
As for the great-nephew guy, I like a lot!! He is at the same time majestic as , annoyed by the commoners that waste his time, a little foolish in his arrogance, and yet someone not to be messed with!! Just great

That figures got character an excellent use of the Scion kit

Thanks for the kind words, guys: I am really glad Lord Vlachen seems to have exactly the look I wanted to convey: The laurel wreath was a spontaneous touch that serves as a bit of a metaphor for his ambition and his desire to rule the sector, and having it on the model just feels so right. And while I am a bit of a GW purist normally, I think those Eisenkern legs really give him just the right posture.

Since I was really happy with the model (and feedback has been very positive so far), I've glued most of the model together now -- except for that overcoat, which will be kept as a separate bit in order to make painting the model easier:





You may be able to see the sword I added to his hip in the pictures, although the sheath is just barely visible. I thought it would make sense for a proud and militaristic character like him to be wearing a weapon like that -- but what do you think: Does he look better with or without the sword? Someone on one of the German forums pointed out that the total absence of weapons adds to the air of arrogance and power. I would love to hear your take on this!

He would have a sword and believe he was good with it I always presumed he was armed I'd thought his ring was a digital weapon....

 KrautScientist wrote:
You may be able to see the sword I added to his hip in the pictures, although the sheath is just barely visible. I thought it would make sense for a proud and militaristic character like him to be wearing a weapon like that -- but what do you think: Does he look better with or without the sword? Someone on one of the German forums pointed out that the total absence of weapons adds to the air of arrogance and power. I would love to hear your take on this!

I think that the sword is a great touch for two reasons;
1) It is a reminder of his nobility. It isn't a more obviously violent weapon like a firearm, it is refined and elegant. It gives the impression of a skilled gentleman prepared to settle personal matters via a duel
2) For when he conducts his political business it is a reminder that he is at heart a military figure, and he has the force to back up his goals.

That may also play up to his background. The sword is a deliberate addition to cultivate his image. Perhaps it is a relic of his household, from the first of his line to rule the planet after it was settled.

I think he needs a sword, but I think having it on his person isn't the best way to do it. As it is now, the sword will be mostly hidden behind his legs and coat, and if you paint it so that it stands out, that will throw off the composition of the model, I think. Instead, I think this guy needs a little minion to carry around his sword for him. On a velvet pillow, most likely.

Hey guys, something painted for a change: Here's a conversion I have been wanting to paint for ages, and now I've finally managed to do so: A veteran Hive Cop:









The base model was the pilot from the Black Reach boxed set, a great little one-off figure, if you ask me. I merely added a stun baton and some additional gear (the glove struck me as something every policeman should have for when things get rough, and the Skitarii helmet was a great fit for a security agent).

When it came to painting the model, I tried to go for a 19th century Night Watchman vibe, if that makes any sense: I am seeing this guy as a tough-as-nails Hive Cop who knows the wrong side of the monorail tracks like the back of his hand

And with that, I have already surpassed my 2014 INQ28 quota of four finished models. Here are the last few characters I've painted this year:



And, of course, Praetor Janus Auriga:



And, in closing, here's a quick look at my entire painted collection so far (more on this at a different point):



As always, let me know what you think!

Looks like a great collection so far!

My favourite is probably the sister of battle

My favourite is probably the sister of battle

Mine, too. All great characters, every fig telling a life, but she has such a beautiful face... beautiful executed. (Heh. Beauty and execution, two words that fit exactly to a battle sis!)

Brilliant modelling and wonderful painting!

A great collection. I like the range of silhouettes and poses they have. I also notice that there's a subtly consistent colour theme to all of them.

 KrautScientist wrote:
Hmm, nothing to say? Anyone...?

Anyway, update time: I have another model to show you today, and in a shocking twist of events, it's another model that wasn't created by me

One event that made me particularly happy last year was when Ron Saikowski got in touch with me late last autumn. For those of you who don’t know Ron (and shame on you, if you don’t!): He used to run an absolutely excellent hobby site called From the Warp, a very prolific resource for excellent hobby advice, and a site that was very important for me when I got back into the hobby in 2010, after a longer hiatus.

Ron unfortunately no longer updates the site, so I was still very happy to hear from him. Anyway, to make a long story short, Ron is still in the hobby, and I think that alone is an excellent thing!

Things became really awesome, however, when we talked about an old model of Ron’s that I really love: An Imperial mystic he converted and painted. The model has a very grimdark, Blanchian look, which was probably the main reason why I liked it so much. Now imagine my surprise when Ron simply suggested sending it to me as a gift! And he did! Take a look:







A wonderfully evocative piece or work! And it’s now mine! MUHAHAHA…erm, sorry –got a bit carried away there. Anyway, I am really happy to have come into the possession of a great model like this, created by one of my favourite hobbyists, no less! What makes this even better, though, is that the model’s Blanchian feel is no coincidence: The character was actually based on a piece of artwork depicting an Astropath by none other than John Blanche.

I think this actually further enriches an already great model! I also think that Ron has really managed to capture the mood of the original illustration. Oh, and for those of you who want to learn more about the model’s creation, I recommend you check out Ron’s original post on the matter here on From the Warp.

It goes without saying that I am really, really grateful to Ron for this amazing gift! The Astropath, named Skorin Saikov in Ron’s honour, will be a treasured part of my collection, and certainly an interesting character for all INQ28 related adventures in the Velsen Sector…

Glad to hear that Ron's still in the hobby. From the warp is/was one of the most awesome of places. I still refer to it. Sad to hear he's not gonna update it anymore. Really really great stuff there. Great guy but some great advice and methods to share.

Just joined in. Nice work on the Praetor. He looks very imposing. Great collection btw. Is that a Boba fett in the back? My favourite of course is the monkey with hat

Cheers for the kind words, people! I really appreciate it!

@ ThunderFury 2757 & Hruotland: Cheers, guys! She's one of my favourites as well!

@ Januine: Agreed on all accounts where Ron is concerned!

@ ckig: That is indeed my 40k take on Boba Fett -- built as a bit of an in-joke, but I like the model well enough.


Anyway, as it happens, I am already hard at work on the next model -- here's a PIP of Cpt. Esteban Revas, former regimental champion of the 165th Haaruthian Dragoons, yet another of my older INQ28 conversions:







He's not quite finished yet, and I am not yet 100% happy with the model for some reason, so any feedback you might have would be much appreciated!

Not sure how you couldn't be 100% happy with that . The only thing that I think draws too much attention is the blue sash on the leg, maybe a different color there, but really not a deal killer for me.

Looks good to me, a bit more contrast maybe.

I'm glad you painted this guy up! I actually was thinking about him the other day as I was planning out my own Inq28 retinue

My only suggestion would be to put some extra effort into his face. Right now there is so much going on with the model that "he" gets a bit lost. Add eyes, maybe an extra highlight (though that might get complicated if you're happy with the tone now...). My $.02.

Cheers
Rawson

I've said it before. I REALLY like the Reyes model, can't see a whole lot to improve on there tbh.

Cheers for the feedback, guys!

Some people over at the Ammobunker pointed out to me that the big purity seal may be a part of the problem, both because it draws attention away from the face and because it seems to be flapping in a breeze that magically ignores the helmet plume So I changed that putity seal, and here's how it looks right now:









I think it already looks quite a bit more natural., and the colours are also somewhat less washed out in these latest pictures. Thoughts?