Dr. K Studios

Quick Update

2012-02-11T21:28:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone is having a pleasant weekend. I apologize for the lack of updates lately, I've been busy working on getting the new store up and running. So, until I get that opened, there will be few and far between posts.

Thanks for understanding!

Highly Demotivational

2012-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Rumor Mill: Chaos Marines

2012-02-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a little rumor about Chaos Marines to tide you all over for the day.

Kroothawk:
Darnok over at Warseer posted this by an anonymous source:

Concerning Chaos:

- the book is done and almost at the printers
- an Iron Warriors character (?) has been seen, with a huge servo harness
- possible new Obliterators (plastic or Finecast?)
- painted versions of all 4 cult terminators have been sighted - could be conversions though
- plastic Plaguebearers on round bases have been sighted

Also Hastings confirmed Chaos to be in the 6th edition starter set, including a Plastic Dreadnought and traitors/cultists

Preview of the Week: Puppetswar.eu

2012-02-04T14:36:00.000-05:00

Late last week, Puppetswar.eu released some 3D renders of some new conversion bits.

There is no release information available for these bits yet, but, be sure to check back or over at the site if you're interested in these great bits.

Preview of the Week: MaxMini.eu

2012-02-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

MaxMini.eu released some new concept art for their upcoming Mecha-Egyptian line. Here's what will be made into miniatures.

From their announcement:

A while ago Daniel has sent us concept sketches for the upcoming Mecha-Egyptian Helmets. He did a stunning job on those. Here are the ones that will be turned into actual models :) .

Cool New Tool: Flocking Applicator

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I saw a review of this neat little tool last week and thought it would be relevant to share.

Grass Tech Flocking Applicator

This neat little tool is from Grass Tech, and seems to work ideally for wargamers and basing.

From the website:

The Grass Tech works by creating an electrostatic field which charges the poly fibre static grass enabling it to stand up.

Senji Studios recently reviewed this product with some great pictures, and I recommend giving it a read.

Highly Demotivational

2012-02-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

Rumor Mill: Warhammer Fantasy Scenery, Battalions & Battleforces and LOTR

2012-01-31T09:02:00.000-05:00

As promised in my Saturday post of the GW preivew, here are some of the rumors that came along with it.

From Kroothawk:

Some news by Romanus over at Warseer:

Can confim no Necrons or Nid next month, however there is the release of the Necron and Vampire Counts Battalion Box sets along with something called the Deathknell watch for fantasy, other then that some interesting Black Library releases and some 40k combo kits (Tac Squad and Drop Pod etc) for 40k, all the rest is unfortunatley LOTR.

Cheers,
Rom

Deathknell seems to be the rumoured new Fantasy Fortress:

Eldargal wrote:There has been a new fortress kit ready for some time, apparently. I've heard of its existence from a couple of sources but nothing about an imminent release. There is a lot of terrain ready to go into production that hasn't been released, apparently.

Harry wrote:I heard there was a new much more warhammery 'Mighty fortress' coming... heard that over a year ago .... then heard it was done. Then didn't hear anything else about it.

Not sure skullvane Manse wouldn't be described as a much more Warhammery fortress?
(So have wondered if that was it?)

I heard they would be making more individual pieces rather than one generic fortress.

So maybe Skullvane is the first of a number of similar pieces?

But then again you cant play a proper siege game with Skullvane Manse. (Cool though it is.)

I heard that the Blood in the Badlands was released earlier than expected and that it originally had another scenery kit planned for release with it.

I heard that it was originally planned for March next year (2012)
I heard that is when the next scenery is still being released.

I heard a name for this scenery (from a top quality source of fine rumours and an all round good chap ) ...
... it sounds like a 'fort' to me.
Or at the very least a Watchtower of some kind ..... maybe with a bell ?

Maybe that's why the Skullvane Tower has a bridge leading nowhere: Combines with this kit. Just a guess though.

MOMUS wrote:Probably havent released the fortress due to IP issues with castle grayskull. Probably.

New Releases of the Week: Mantic Games

2012-01-29T13:34:00.000-05:00

On Friday, Mantic Games released their newest faction: The Twilight Kin. They released several new kits: Spearmen, Assassins, Bolt Throwers, Shadows, and Crossbowmen. Along with this, they also released an army box set.

From their announcement:

It’s Friday afternoon and it’s gotten dark outside, which can mean only one thing – the naughty Elves are out to play! The Twilight Kin are the sixth race for Kings of War and launch with six new kits including a Mega Army right off the bat:

Just like the Abyssal Dwarfs these kits are not only great for army building but for people who enjoy modelling, converting or adding special units into their army. They are fantastic fun to build (I used my metal bits on the Revenant Cavalry bodies – should I get them on the blog?) and great to paint – we think the job by Golem is just stunning, one of our best painted armies!
NB: Naturally the Assassin is doing what Assassin’s do best – hiding. We’re hoping to have her to show off soon, but for now be rest assured that she is around, watching you… with knives. Oh, and she’s free in the first print run of the Twilight Kin Mega Army!

In the Mega Army, it includes:

1 x FREE 56 page full colour 2nd Edition Rulebook

8 x FREE Army Lists including 3 new armies, 5 special characters and over 75 new units

1 x Metal Twilight Kin Sorceress

20 x Plastic/Metal Twilight Kin Spearmen

30 x Plastic/Metal Twilight Kin Crossbowmen

10 x Plastic/Metal Twilight Kin Scouts

1 x Plastic/Metal Twilight Bolt Thrower with Crew

Mantic Guide

Loads of Mantic Points

For a closer look at some of the new models:

Twilight Bolt Thrower

Twilight Crossbowmen

Twilight Shadows

Twilight Spearmen

If you're interested in the new kits, head on over to Mantic Games for more pictures and information.

New Releases of the Week: Dark Age

2012-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

This week featured the release of some Dark Age miniatures.

From their site:

Please note some pictures are NSFW-

January sees the release of more Blood Cult miniatures, now Mayhem and Keepsake need no longer feel alone as they flay the skin from their victims. Blostering the Blood Cult ranks we have the sexy yet disturbing Blood Mistresses, the "Urban Legend" Red, and the Blood Reign, a Buzzblade Squad attachment to give your Buzzblades that Blood touch. Enjoy!

To see the original page, head on over to Dark Age Games.

New Releases of the Week: Privateer Press

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

This week, Privateer Press released an upgrade kit for the Black Dragon Iron Fang Pikemen.

From the website:

The Khador Black Dragon Iron Fang Pikemen Unit Upgrade is NOT a complete model. The upgrade contains:
-12 Black Dragon shields
-1 Black Dragon Banner
-1 Black Dragon UA stat card

Players will need a Khador Iron Fang Pikemen Unit (PIP 33018) and a Khador Iron Fang Pikemen Officer and Standard Bearer Unit Attachment (PIP 33027) in addition to this upgrade.

Personally, I've always thought that upgrade kits were a scam, however, these guys do look pretty boss.

Previews of the Week: Mantic Games

2012-01-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Mantic Games released some new concept art this week for their Goblins and Twilight Kin. The Goblins seem pretty standard, with the exception of the heavy armor, and the Twilight Kin Assassin has a really standard Dark Elf feel to her. But, one thing I really like about this sketch: the cloak over her. You don't really see that much with assassins.

From their description:

Most Goblins are too cowardly for proper fighting, generally taking to the field in a large, poorly armed rabble. Not all Goblins are quite so timid, and the larger ones will form into fighting units with some value. These Goblins ordinarily carry spears and shields though these items are of little use in the close tunnels of overrun Dwarf citadels where many goblins make their home, and a close second favourite is a curved knife, preferably wielded behind the backs of their enemies.

From her description:

The week continues with two new posts today and first up, we have the Twilight Kin Assassin Concept Art.
The Assassin is a new blister from Mantic Games and we’ll have the painted figure back from Golem Painting Studio in the next couple of days. For now, we have the concept art for the Twilight Assassin – a piece a few of you more eagle eyed viewers have seen by trawling our website (perhaps you guys could be Assassins too with these reflexes?)

Previews of the Week: Forgeworld

2012-01-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

This week, Forgeworld made available for pre-order two new kits for 40k: the Canoptek Scarabs, and new Ork Vehicle Weapons.

Ork Mekboyz are unable to resist tinkering with their mechanical creations, in particular bolting on extra weapons until their vehicles bristle with gun barrels. It is debatable if this is to provide additional firepower or simply to give the Ork passengers something to shoot wildly into the air as the trukk, trakk or wagon careens toward the enemy.

The Ork Vehicle Weapons Set contains four weapons: a big shoota, twin-linked big shoota, rokkit launcha and skorcha. Models designed by Will Hayes. Each weapon is supplied with a set of optional gunner arms, and can be mounted on any of the vehicles in our Ork range, as well as on the plastic kits available from Games Workshop. This set is available to pre-order now for despatch from the 10th February.

You can head over to Forgeworld for more info and pricing.

Canoptek Scarabs can be found scurrying hither and yon through the vast and dusty halls of a Necron Tomb World. Seemingly mimicking the behaviour of organic invertebrates, a Scarab’s only purpose is to break matter down into energy. On the battlefield, swarms of Scarabs are unleashed both as expendable assault waves and to latch on to and destroy enemy armoured vehicles.
The Necron Scarab Swarms kit, contains 12 finely detailed multi-part resin Canoptek Scarabs – enough models to build three swarm bases. Models designed by Will Hayes. This kit is available to pre-order now for despatch from the 10th February.

Forgeworld has more pictures and pricing info available on their product site.

Previews of the Week: Secret Weapon

2012-01-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

Secret Weapon previewed their new rubble base this week on a Facebook post.

My favorite part of this, the first line from their description:

Dear competition, THIS is how you do Urban Rubble. Sincerely, Secret Weapon.

Sharp edged rubble
Multiple sizes of brick and block
An exposed section of sidewalk
DAMAGED I-beams and supports
A broken sign - and the hollow pipe that supported it
Exposed cabling and rebar
Realistic texture

And a distinct lack of the smooth, often rounded corner broken brick you get from using plastic or resin to craft urban rubble.

Preview of the Week: Games Workshop

2012-01-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

I saw this February release over on DakkaDakka this morning.

I'll be posting the rumors that came along with this post here.

Model Review: Ultraforge Pleasure Daemon

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

So, after giving it some thought, I finally figured out what I wanted to replace the MMO Friday News with: The Model Review. Here, I will be taking a miniature that I put together the previous week (or several weeks ago) and discuss it's pro's and con's. So, now that the explanation is done, let's talk about something I was working on this week, and still am, the Ultraforge Pleasure Daemon.

Here's the in package product

I first want to say that this miniature was really quite a treat. It's beautifully sculpted and has some really fine detail, adding to the overall feel of the miniature. The material it's made out of is a lightweight, hard plastic (I don't believe it's any sort of resin). It feels a lot like a toy action figure rather than a miniature. The set itself comes in 8 pieces:

Base, body and legs, 2 arms, cat tail, wings, and a head

I found that the actual construction of this figure was a bit difficult, as some of the holes and slots did not fit as I am used to. This was remedied by some exacto knife and filing work. I found the worse part being the arm slots, as the shoulder's opening was a bit smaller than the arm piece. This part takes a bit of trial and error to make match up.

The mold lines were not terrible at all. Most of them were incorporated with the armor it seems, however, there were a few that were on the flesh that took some quick file work to fix. It was actually easier to get rid of than most GW models, to give you a comparison.

Overall, this model was great. Everything is well thought out, so there's very little room to get it wrong, or to construct it in the wrong order. However, I feel that this sacrifices any ability to give your miniature a custom pose, at least, easily.

Sculpt: A
Construction: A
Prep Work: B-
Customization: C
Overall: A-

Possible Proxies: Gang War Miniatures to Necromunda

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all. This week's Possible Proxies is something I found off TGN earlier this week, and is focusing on something that I don't really talk about much here: Necromunda. Now, I know there is a plethora of miniatures out there that can be used, but, I think that these gals would be perfect for some additions to someone's House Escher gang.

Now, these are only two of the many load outs you can receive with these gals. Their dress fits in great with the Necromunda theme, their weapons seem to fit, and if you don't like the way the weapons look, they look pretty easy to take off.

Anyway, that's it for this week's Possible Proxies. This Saturday I'm going to be testing out my Daemons of Chaos, so, possibly expect a battle report!

Until next time, happy painting!

The Pirate Bay is Accused of infringing on GW IP

2012-01-25T23:26:00.000-05:00

Saw this news over on TGN:

File-sharing website The Pirate Bay is for the first time hosting downloadable plans of 3D objects, which can be automatically printed at home with the right equipment.
But just hours after launching its new service the website was subject to claims of copyright infringement.
So-called 3D Printers have been available in some form for many years , and recently have begun to fall in cost – making them more easily and more readily available.
The way 3D printers work can vary widely. Some models use a soft plastic to build 3D objects – resin is laid down in thin layers by the printer, and gradually the strands are build up into a 3D form – while other more expensive printers use lasers to cut objects into shape and can make use of a mixture of materials.

In the past 3D printers have been heralded as providing a means for a new, legitimate and sustainable business model for small companies, and many communities of enthusiasts sharing designs and models have sprung up around the web on that basis.
The Pirate Bay is providing a new way for users to share 3D plans and objects, via Magnet Links and Torrents linked to straight from its website.
In a blog post The Pirate Bay said that physical objects (“physibles”) represent “the next step in copying”.
“We believe that things like three dimensional printers, scanners and such are just the first step,” the website said. “We believe that in the nearby future you will print your spare sparts for your vehicles. You will download your sneakers within 20 years.
“The benefit to society is huge. No more shipping huge amount of products around the world. No more shipping the broken products back. No more child labour.
“We’ll be able to print food for hungry people. We’ll be able to share not only a recipe, but the full meal. We’ll be able to actually copy that floppy, if we needed one.”
The dangers for businesses are obvious, however. At a time when the fight over copyright infringement of digital music and movies is still in full swing, fighting the piracy of physical objects via the Internet has the potential to open into a legal minefield.
And as soon as the Pirate Bay ‘physibles’ section launched, at least one company appeared to have been made a target.
A model listed by an anonymous user as a ‘Tabletop Wargaming Robot Model’ – but identifiable to the Huffington Post UK as the likeness of a Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine Dreadnought, which is a trademarked design of the UK-based Games Workshop Group PLC – was freely available and had already been downloaded by at least 23 people as of press time.
The model, an official version of which costs £28 from Games Workshop, has been previously listed on a 3D printing community website , but the plans were reportedly pulled after a takedown notice was issued.
The Huffington Post UK was not independently able to test whether the available design was that of an actual Warhammer model, or a design ‘inspired’ by the official dreadnought.
In addition Games Workshop said they had no comment, and it was not possible to contact the creator of the design as the plans were listed anonymously.
But even though 3D printers remain a relatively niche interest for now, the prospect of widespread copyright infringement in even 5, 10 or 20 years must still be considered a worrying development. As the Pirate Bay themselves point out:
“We believe that things like three dimensional printers, scanners and such are just the first step. We believe that in the nearby future you will print your spare sparts for your vehicles. You will download your sneakers within 20 years.”
Music and movies may just be the start. Lawyers, start your engines.

While I don't think it's right for people to completely copy models, I'm still baffled how this whole hosting copyright infringement thing works. How I've understood it, especially how the Pirate Bay is set up, they are not legally responsible for files hosted on their site. However, this seems to be the first case of an actual item, something tangible, that can be 'downloaded'. Is this actually theft? I don't know. Without getting too political, I feel that laws need to be updated, especially in cases such as this.

Highly Demotivational

2012-01-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

I think this is pretty applicable to miniatures

The classic female armor rule: less armor, higher armor raiting

Rumor Mill: Warhammer 40k 25th Anniversary Model

2012-01-24T21:11:00.001-05:00

I've seen a bit of talk about the 25th Anniversary miniature for 40k the past few days, so, I thought I would post something I found over on DakkaDakka. It also includes some neat info about the Lord of the Rings game.

From PreTre (who took this from Faeit 212):

The White Dwarf cover says:

The Return of the King game (at the top)

The Lord of the Rings - The Battle Game
5 New Supplements and a ton of figures

Warhammer
Extension of the Civil War Series

Warhammer 40,000
Celebrating 25 years of Warhammer 40,000

(My French is still rusty so native speakers may be able to help out here.)

Archroy wrote:I like the mini, might well have to step in for one! I translated the text in case anyone was interested too...

White Dwarf wrote:
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rogue Trader, which forever changed the face of miniature wargaming, we're immortalising in Citadel Finecast the very first star of Warhammer 40k.

The evocative illustration from the cover of Rogue Trader leaves no doubt; in the far future there is only war. In the center of the immage a Crimson Fist captain holds an Ork's head. Juan Diaz has sculpted a miniature based on this Space Marine captain, brandishing his grisly trophy in his power fist, a plasma pistol in his other hand. The kit includes a display base with the proud Crimson Fist standardin in the background. Alternatively you can use a regular base so that the captain can lead a squad of Crimson Fists into the heart of battle.

Weekly Workshop: Daemons of Chaos

2012-01-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

I've been working on my Daemons for quite some time now, and, surprisingly, I haven't been distracted from it. So, where am I at? Well, not too much further than where I was before I took off for the holidays. Nonetheless, I have some models built, and a little progress on my daemonettes.


This is half of my Blood Crushers. Just need to get one more box and my monsterous calvary is all set.

My Seekers of Slaanesh with a modified banner.

These pink horrors are a terror to put together. Unfortunately, I have another ten to go.

Group shot of the progress on my Daemonettes of Slaanesh group.

Shot two of my Daemonettes

So, I think for now, I'm going to keep working on my Daemonettes. Get those finished, then start focusing on the horrors. For my Lords and Heroes, I'm running a Slaanesh Daemon Prince and possibly a Khorne Prince.

Heres what I'm using for my Slaanesh Prince(ess):

Until next time, Happy Painting all!

New Releases of the Week: Forgeworld

2012-01-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

This week, Forgeworld released a new kitfor Fantasy.

Chaos Dwarf Daemonsmith

The cruel and malign race of Chaos Dwarfs, who refer to themselves as the Dawi Zharr, long ago abandoned the ancient Dwarf gods they once worshipped, and pledged themselves wholly to Hashut, the Father of Darkness. Now they no longer value the old ways of their noble and honourable kin and instead covert strength and power above all else, seeing other living creatures as chattels to be used and discarded in their brutal forge-citadels which dominate the Plain of Zharr.

Models designed by Thais Mariblanca Lopez and Steve Whitehead, comprises three highly detailed and characterful resin models. The wonderfully sculpted figures in this set represent a Sorcerer-Prophet, Daemonsmith and Infernal Castellan.

Previews of the Week: Privateer Press

2012-01-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, Privateer Press previewed a new Warjack for the Cygnar faction, the Minute Man.

From the website:

The Minuteman is a product of numerous advances in mechanikal warfare. Utilizing an exactingly designed series of compression chambers, the warjack can launch itself short distances by venting its heartfire through a special propulsion system. It is well suited to annihilating entire swathes of infantry with its short-range grenade launchers upon landing, clearing its line of sight to an intended target. The Minuteman can then unload its dual slug guns into harder targets.

According to the site, this miniature is estimated at $23.99 and will be available in a blister pack.

Previews of the Week: THQ

2012-01-21T09:12:00.000-05:00

It looks like there's going to be a new, exciting update for Space Marine. Have you ever wanted to be a Dreadnaught? Well, it looks like your chance is coming up. On January 24th/25th, a new multiplayer mode will be will be released, The Dreadnaughts. It will be a capture location map where the winners can spawn as a Dreadnaught. There are 3 ranged weapons (Assault Cannon/Auto Cannon/Meltagun) and 2 CC weapons (power fist/power claw) that are available. This update will also contain new multiplayer maps, Desolation, Dome Mechanicus, and the Chem Refinery. Along with this update, there will be a free to download update called Capture and Control. This seems to be an attack and defend point mode.

From their announcement:
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. Jan 18, 2012 – THQ Inc. today announced the second downloadable content pack for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is scheduled to release for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Playstation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC on 24th January (US) / 25th January (EU).

The premium add-on pack called The Dreadnought, adds a new multiplayer mode called Dreadnought Assault where both teams battle to capture a central location on the map and the winners spawn a player controlled Dreadnought. The Dreadnought is armed with an Assault Cannon / Auto Cannon, a Meltagun and a Power Fist / Power Claw and must capture points across the map to score points for their team. Once the Dreadnought is destroyed a new spawn point will appear.

The Dreadnought DLC also includes three new multiplayer maps Desolation, Dome Mechanicus and Chem Refinery, as well as new achievements / trophies and has a suggested cost of 800 Microsoft Points / US$9.99.

In addition to the premium add-on content all players of Space Marine will receive a new multiplayer Capture and Control Mode for free. Playable on all the game’s multiplayer maps, this team based mode challenges players to capture and defend locations around the map to score points.

Jim Huntley, Vice President of Global Brand Management commented, “Fans of Space Marine have been asking for vehicles for a while so we are delighted to be bringing the iconic Dreadnought and Chaos Dreadnought to consoles for the first time in this DLC content.”

Alongside this add-on content THQ will be releasing two new player skins for sale on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, Playstation® Network and STEAM. Players will be able to purchase unique Iron Hands and Death Guard skin packs for a suggested price of 240 Microsoft Points / US$2.99 each.

The Space Marine DLC content is scheduled to be available to purchase on Xbox 360, Playstation®3 and Windows PC on 25th January(US) / 25th January (EU).

Previews of the Week: Forgeworld

2012-01-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

There are two new pre-orders available for Forgeworld.

Fimir Warriors

Once, when all the world was fog-shrouded and dark, legend has it that the dreaded Fimir once ruled, tearing down the cities of the High Elves and struggling in bloody conflict against the wild and brutish forebears of Sigmar. For centuries they roared the praises of the Dark Gods over blood-splattered altars, then the world changed and their gods left them to suffer a slow and lingering decay.
Cold-hearted, cruel and mightier than any man, the Fimir are said to possess but a single baleful eye atop a pointed snout bristling with jagged fangs. Larger and more ferocious than the sorcerous Draichs, Fimir Warriors boast tails tipped with bony clubs and yellow-grey flesh that is all but immune to pain.

The set comprises three detailed resin miniatures, models designed by Steve Whitehead. Experimental rules for Fimir Warriors can be found here. These models are available to pre-order now and will be despatched week commencing the 27th of January.

Skaven Wolf Rats

Not even the insidious rat-men themselves know the origins of the ravenous packs of Wolf Rats that are found almost everywhere that the Skaven themselves infest. Neither wholly rat or wholly wolf, but instead an aberrant and savage amalgamation of the two, Skaven Wolf Rats are kept by the rat-men for a myriad of uses; for guarding their lairs, as hunting beasts, and occasionally even as food. In battle packs of these hellish creatures will be unleashed ahead of Skaven troops, for unlike the cowardly rat-men the Wolf Rats are fearless shock troops, eager to feast upon the flesh of those who face their ferocious assault.
A unit of five highly detailed resin Wolf Rats. Model designed by Keith Robertson. Experimental rules for the Skaven Wolf Rats can be found here. These models are available to pre-order now and will be despatched week commencing the 27th of January.

This kit looks absolutely awesome. First thing that came to mind to me was giant rat mounts.