Author |
Message |
 |
|
 |
Advert
|
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. |
|
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 18:31:28
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
Hi guys, so I got a few plague marine sets from the DI starter set and some of the easy to assemble ones. I didn't want them all looking the same, so I went ahead and made some crappy conversions, trying to eat up the tiny bit box I had left over from a dark vengeance set I once owned. This is essentially my first real army, so I went ahead and started documenting my journey. I do want to get better at conversions, but need real C&C to get there. Please don't hold back, I do want to get better.
159 image album, so it's quite a doozy
I guess you can call these guys as like my test models, since I will wait on some more of the DG stuff to drop before making an actual army to field.
I will gradually update this thread I guess as I move on to painting, etc., but for now the next stuff coming in is my collector's DG codex and Morty / 3 pack of web-exclusive DG marines, so I don't think I'll work on anything but these old marines.
Thanks in advance, guys and gals!
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 19:10:02
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Fresh-Faced New User
|
They all look pretty cool. The conversions aren't over the top, such one can easily annoy me. The only thing I will say is your special weapons/close combat seems to outnumber your bolter dudes, which I would avoid unless your planning on fielding loads of poxwalkers.
|
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/09/13 19:10:14
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 19:27:51
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Pulsating Possessed Chaos Marine
|
I want to mock you and make you fee bad cause why else would i come to Dakka...but..honestly..these are nice. Your connection points are well hidden, your cuts are clean and your alterations are not too over the top so they look natural.
You have no duplicates....well done.
|
Age Quod Agis |
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 20:16:56
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
Sunbane wrote:They all look pretty cool. The conversions aren't over the top, such one can easily annoy me. The only thing I will say is your special weapons/close combat seems to outnumber your bolter dudes, which I would avoid unless your planning on fielding loads of poxwalkers.
Thank you! I didn't want to go out of my way to make them seem like they're not DI models lol. As far as the weapons, I think I gave the majority of the special/ CC weapons some kind of gun I can actually play with. Most of the weapon additions were simply for aesthetics, but I also do plan on running pox w/ Typhus.
rayphoton wrote:I want to mock you and make you fee bad cause why else would i come to Dakka...but..honestly..these are nice. Your connection points are well hidden, your cuts are clean and your alterations are not too over the top so they look natural.
You have no duplicates....well done.
Thank you! That actually does help! I was worried about the connection points being too obvious! The cuts felt sloppy to me, but if they seem well hidden, then I'm on the right track.
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 20:31:25
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Potent Possessed Daemonvessel
Why Aye Ya Canny Dakkanaughts!
|
Well you can't really tell they're converted, they all look a model you could get from the DI set (though that may not entirely be a compliment since the new DG look rubbish).
|
Ghorros wrote:The moral of the story: Don't park your Imperial Knight in a field of Gretchin carrying power tools.
Marmatag wrote:All the while, my opponent is furious, throwing his codex on the floor, trying to slash his wrists with safety scissors. |
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 20:39:50
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
mrhappyface wrote:Well you can't really tell they're converted, they all look a model you could get from the DI set (though that may not entirely be a compliment since the new DG look rubbish).
That was the goal, nothing that screams HEY I'M NOT REALLY A DG MODEL
I don't think they look rubbish, per se. Especially considering we came from CSM that you painted green to this...
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 21:04:00
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Ancient Venerable Black Templar Dreadnought
|
I looked at all the pictures.
They have a very good looking flow to them.
What I usually see that you did not do is when hanging parts swing the wrong way identifying movement that was not there.
Transitions with chainmail or mutations looked "natural" if that word could be used (like hanging from inside the shoulder pads.
I "think" I saw some use of green stuff, if it was actually that and not some random green spray: the sculpting looked excellent.
Only criticism I can make: look out for those mold lines, mainly along the top of the backpacks.
Really good looking models with no repeats... well done.
|
A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte |
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 21:15:29
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Hooded Inquisitorial Interrogator
New York, USA
|
You've done a good job with the poses and variety. Since you're asking for feedback here's a few things you can look into: 1) Angle of the arms in this guy is weird. This is a product of him holding a 2 handed weapon and being converted to carry a pistol. So he's holding it in a very unnatural way. 2) Sandpaper marks: You can't really sand plastic without leaving marks, but switching to a much finer grit minimizes the effect. Currently the part is going to scream "Conversion!" under the nice paint job. 3) Size of guns: This is a personal preference but I don't like seeing gigantic heavy guns being held by one arm parallel to the ground. It give the model a very cartoon feel, as a real weapon of that size would be impossible to lift and hold up by the figure. I suggest either smaller guns (not terminator variants) or some way of supporting their weight like a strap or a stand. 4) Variety: I know you're probably trying to get these guys done quickly and on the cheap but the lack of variety of heads is really making the models look repetitive. I suggest waiting for the multi part plastic box and snatching up some heads (the kit will come with at least 10-20) from ebay or bit stores to really give the army variety. Overall a great job! Hope this helps.
|
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/09/13 21:18:25
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 21:16:28
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
Talizvar wrote:I looked at all the pictures.
They have a very good looking flow to them.
What I usually see that you did not do is when hanging parts swing the wrong way identifying movement that was not there.
Transitions with chainmail or mutations looked "natural" if that word could be used (like hanging from inside the shoulder pads.
I "think" I saw some use of green stuff, if it was actually that and not some random green spray: the sculpting looked excellent.
Only criticism I can make: look out for those mold lines, mainly along the top of the backpacks.
Really good looking models with no repeats... well done.
Thank you, Tal!
There's no green spray, it's all green stuff. Gotta hide my gaps somehow, eh? ^_^ I was sort of worried about that, seeing as how this was my first time using green stuff when trying to close gaps or transitioning a bit to another, it'd stand out as too gloopy or obscuring details and whatnot. I am definitely going to try and work on the mold lines before I prime them up and start painting. That is for sure one of my weaker skillsets that I want to improve upon. Automatically Appended Next Post: Hive City Dweller wrote:You've done a good job with the poses and variety.
Since you're asking for feedback here's a few things you can look into:
1) Angle of the arms in this guy is weird. This is a product of him holding a 2 handed weapon and being converted to carry a pistol. So he's holding it in a very unnatural way.
2) Sandpaper marks:
You can't really sand plastic without leaving marks, but switching to a much finer grit minimizes the effect. Currently the part is going to scream "Conversion!" under the nice paint job.
3) Size of guns:
This is a personal preference bu I don't like seeing gigantic heavy guns being held by one arm parallel to the ground. It give the model a very cartoon feel, as a real weapon of that size ould b impossible to lift and hold up by the figure. I suggest either smaller guns (not terminator variants) or some way way of supporting their weight like a strap or a stand.
Overall a great job! Hope this helps.
4) Variety:
I know you're probably trying to get these guys done quickly and on the cheap but the lack of variety of heads is really making the models look repetative. I suggest waiting for the multipart plastic box and snatching up some heads (the kit will come with at least 10-20) from ebay or bit stores to really give the army variety.
Thank you, Mr. Dweller!
1) You're right. It is a slightly weird angle, but I didn't want to overwork it, so it's kind of stuck with that weapon. I kind of went for something like this, but not as plain. It doesn't seem like it hit the mark, hahaha.
2) I have one of those triangle tipped sanding ... stick things ... from army painter that I used. I figured the primer would maybe fill the gap where the rough sanding hit, but sounds like it won't. I can definitely refine the sanding.
3) You know what, I'm 100% with you on this. How would you incorporate the straps into this? I was thinking some of these were placeholders until the multi kit came out and kind of rework some with spare pieces.
4) Cheaply, yes. Quickly, maybe not so much. I do plan on getting the multikit when it drops and maybe gently removing some heads already on and using the extras to replace some of these with. The DI models have limited heads and I didn't really have bits to toss on besides some Khorne Berserker heads which I definitely wanted to stay away from. Only other heads I saw didn't quite fit the size creeped marines since it was some of the little old plague marine heads. Will possibly rework some when the kit drops.
|
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/09/13 21:30:01
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 22:06:29
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Regular Dakkanaut
|
I wish i could convert my minis like these. They look really nice
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/13 22:23:15
Subject: Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
djz05 wrote:I wish i could convert my minis like these. They look really nice
I bet you can convert better than me. Just put in a little thought, imagination, and elbow grease.
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/14 18:06:20
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Ancient Venerable Black Templar Dreadnought
|
enDo40k wrote: You're right. It is a slightly weird angle, but I didn't want to overwork it, so it's kind of stuck with that weapon. I kind of went for something like this, but not as plain. It doesn't seem like it hit the mark, hahaha.
I think the part that stood out a bit to me with the plasma pistol guy is the angle of the gun.
It is tilted more toward the model's chest, not in a straight line with the forearm.
That is what it appeared to me.
I have done this many times and re-did them every time I spotted it.
Some strange OCD thing or whatever but an observation all the same.
As a side note, I am very happy to see you drill out the gun barrels.
It is always a bit of a risk not getting them centered but... I tend to twitch seeing them not done and then not even an attempt at painting on a black dot for the hole... <shudder>..
|
A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte |
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/14 19:52:53
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
Talizvar wrote:enDo40k wrote: You're right. It is a slightly weird angle, but I didn't want to overwork it, so it's kind of stuck with that weapon. I kind of went for something like this, but not as plain. It doesn't seem like it hit the mark, hahaha.
I think the part that stood out a bit to me with the plasma pistol guy is the angle of the gun.
It is tilted more toward the model's chest, not in a straight line with the forearm.
That is what it appeared to me.
I have done this many times and re-did them every time I spotted it.
Some strange OCD thing or whatever but an observation all the same.
As a side note, I am very happy to see you drill out the gun barrels.
It is always a bit of a risk not getting them centered but... I tend to twitch seeing them not done and then not even an attempt at painting on a black dot for the hole... <shudder>..
Yeah, the more I stare at that model, the more you guys are right. I'll definitely rework it a bit. I should actually have some free time today so I might get a real update in, hahaha.
As far as the barrels, yeah, when I was drilling some of the dents on the armor, it just seemed natural to drill out the barrels. I'm clearly not centering them all because it's kind of a small circumference to work with, but I'm positive I can improve on it if I just steady my hand.
Thanks for the feedback, Tal!
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/14 20:39:35
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Ancient Venerable Black Templar Dreadnought
|
enDo40k wrote:As far as the barrels, yeah, when I was drilling some of the dents on the armor, it just seemed natural to drill out the barrels. I'm clearly not centering them all because it's kind of a small circumference to work with, but I'm positive I can improve on it if I just steady my hand.
Thanks for the feedback, Tal!
You do not have to steady your hand.
Take a very sharp pointy object in a pin-vice or whatever is best.
Then poke a dent / hole in the center.
Does it look right?
You can poke multiple times folding over the prior dent/hole until centered.
Then either use a very small drill or a wider tip to make the dent bigger.
Then use the appropriate drill bit.
This method has allowed me to drill gun barrels 100% correctly that I used to think was not possible.
|
A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte |
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/14 22:08:34
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
Talizvar wrote: enDo40k wrote:As far as the barrels, yeah, when I was drilling some of the dents on the armor, it just seemed natural to drill out the barrels. I'm clearly not centering them all because it's kind of a small circumference to work with, but I'm positive I can improve on it if I just steady my hand.
Thanks for the feedback, Tal!
You do not have to steady your hand.
Take a very sharp pointy object in a pin-vice or whatever is best.
Then poke a dent / hole in the center.
Does it look right?
You can poke multiple times folding over the prior dent/hole until centered.
Then either use a very small drill or a wider tip to make the dent bigger.
Then use the appropriate drill bit.
This method has allowed me to drill gun barrels 100% correctly that I used to think was not possible.
I use a hand powered drill thing. I seriously just went and turned it at, where I thought, the best spot for it to drill out was. I never thought to make a tiny hole to guide it first.
Definitely using that going forward.
|
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/14 22:19:44
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Ancient Venerable Black Templar Dreadnought
|
You have now set me up for my favorite quote of mine:
"For every 5 minutes of my apparent brilliance, was preceded by many hours of stupidity."
I have done things terribly wrong, for a long time, so you do not have to.
Pass it on, make the suffering stop.
<edit> Come to think of it, I may have come across this same advice in a dakka forum same as you after many off-center holes.
|
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/09/14 22:21:36
A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte |
|
 |
 |
![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2017/09/14 23:36:34
Subject: Re:Help me get better at conversions by making me feel bad
|
 |
Giggling Nurgling
Long Beach, CA
|
Talizvar wrote:Come to think of it, I may have come across this same advice in a dakka forum same as you after many off-center holes.
 glad that it came early in my career!
 spreading this to everyone I talk to about this from now on though.
Any ideas as to what to do with the plasma pistol? I was thinking maybe see if I can stick it on a tentacle or something to the backpack and give him a melee weapon hes thrusting into the ground or something that kind of aligns with the hand a little better.
Maybe This or this Automatically Appended Next Post: Reworked the 2 I (and other people) was unhappy with.
|
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/09/15 06:56:27
|
|
 |
 |
|