WORKS IN PROGRESS

2012-07-17T14:56:00.000-05:00

If you read my 40K or 401k post, then you know I've been considering a change when it comes to my wargaming hobby. Staying true to the theme of this blog, I still don't have it all figured out (have I ever finished anything?). However, I have decided to scale back at the very least, and will be doing so through 40K Giveaway.

There may be posts here from time to time, but a lot of my work will be going up on that site. So if you've liked anything here, go check it out. Thanks for following me this far!

40K GIVEAWAY: Giveaway #1 - Mephiston

2012-06-22T10:38:00.001-05:00

40K GIVEAWAY: Giveaway #1 - Mephiston: Time for Giveaway #1! As I mentioned in my first post, my giveaways are about getting rid of stuff I'll probably never use. As such, the...

40K or 401(k) ?

2012-05-23T10:47:00.000-05:00

Recently, I've been thinking that I'll give up 40K, and sell all my miniatures. I rarely have the opportunity to play, and most of my Orks and Space Marines armies are unpainted. With 6th Edition almost here, there will be new rules and higher priced models that I will want to buy, which will probably only join the other unused toys on my shelves. Maybe it's better to just jettison this hobby, and relieve myself of the incessant but unrealized desire to be 40K involved.
Of course, I really enjoy nearly every aspect of the hobby. I let it balloon on me, so maybe I just scale back, sell off my Orks...maybe become one of those guys that just paints to sell, let painting be my hobby. That's what I decided.
Then I see this:

and that plastic crack itch is back as strong as ever. "Gotta have the bommers" is running through my head and I can't wait to see the official rules updates. Maybe I'll hold off on liquidating my greenskins. Damn you GW and your Orky goodness. Just when I thought I was out...

2011-06-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

Granite Guard

2011-05-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

I noticed that I was starting to slop things up on Ghaz, which means I needed a break from him. Here's a couple more of my Granite Guard. While they aren't finished, it was nice to work on something new. I've tried to speed up my process with these, which probably shows in these pictures. However, I think the finished product will be fine when viewed as a squad.

More pics here:

The bases are VCT flooring tile and sand, which I'm starting to like more and more. Very cheap, quick, and easy, with decent results.

Ghaz Conversion 7: The never ending project is...

2011-04-29T00:32:00.000-05:00

...still not finished, but I'm tired of seeing the same image on my Chrome page, so I thought I'd post what little progress there is:

Still a lot of detailing, more pics in here:

GHAZGHKULL THRAKA CONVERSION 6

2011-03-27T23:52:00.001-05:00

I have a little paint on Ghaz now, the main colors anyway. There's a lot of cleaning up and detailing to complete. (Lots of Goff checks)

Last post I mentioned the two base sizes, click for a better look at just the 40mm...

GHAZGHKULL THRAKA CONVERSION 5

2011-03-03T23:18:00.005-06:00

I decided to cross Ghazzie off the to-do list. A little work on his PK and base work, including rigging it so I can play him on either a 40 or 60mm base. Ready for paint:

More pics below:

Check out the Ghaz build here.

The Granite Guard Space Marines

2011-01-20T12:37:00.001-06:00

After way too much debate, I've finally settled on a paint scheme for my DIY Space Marine chapter. I kicked around scheme after scheme, several of which I never posted, trying to find something original and enjoyable. I came to the conclusion that any scheme was going to resemble another chapter somewhere, so I'm going with colors I enjoy painting/like the look of.

I revised my painting for the Granite Guard, bringing it closer to what I originally envisioned...darker, more muted, less Ultramarines. My current thinking is that the Granite Guard are a successor chapter of the Imperial Fists, and will inherit some of their aptitude for siege and defense. I like the idea of running Vindicators and Ironclads, and the vehicles will further separate the chapter from any blue brothers, as they will predominately be the 'granite gray' of the pauldrons (copy-catting Red Scorpions paint layouts in a lot of ways).

I tackled a lot of 'firsts' with these models, including first attempts at human skin/face/eyes, which was a little daunting, but I was greatly helped by some tutorials. I followed (very slowly) Ron's skin/stubble tutorial and MM(esno)'s eye tutorial.

Another first, the free-hand chapter symbols, which are not too far off my original concept sketch:

Why yes, that eagle head within the shield shape does form a "G" for Granite Guard. I may eventually do a green stuff mold for a raised chapter symbol, but for now I just wanted to see the symbol on the pauldron.

My first goal concerning the Granite Guard is a painted combat patrol force. From there, I'll try to build it by painted squads/units, but I'm not going to abandon my Orks either. I'll may do a SM unit, followed by an Ork unit, we'll see.

BIG MEK w/ KFF Finished...

2011-01-04T14:51:00.001-06:00

...for now, anyway. There are lots of little things I could tweak and mistakes I could clean up, but I'm satisfied for the moment. I enjoyed working on him, but I'm also ready to take him off my hobby to-do list.

I kind of regret my attempt at OSL. I was so locked-in on giving it a try that I overlooked the fact that the most successful examples of OSL make use of a small point of light. The KFF array represents a large light source, which many painters could pull off, but not me. I should have chosen a model with a glowing lens or plasma element for my first stab at OSL.

I mentioned in an earlier post that the Mek has the option to carry a burna:

You can see this guy being built here and here, and an earlier stage of painting here. Next up will probably be quick painting of Boyz mobs and some work on my marines. More than anything, I'm itching for a game

Modular Terrain from Back 2 Base-ix

2010-12-03T16:44:00.004-06:00

About a year ago I was working on an idea for a modular gaming table using "tiles with depth" so terrain could easily go up or down. It was interesting to come across a new product today from Back 2 Base-ix that seems to use a similar idea.

It will be interesting to see where they go with this and if I can incorporate any of their ideas into mine, shown here and here. Of course, it would be more interesting if I actually had time to give my table a try.

BIG MEK w/ KFF

2010-11-09T14:32:00.002-06:00

I built him last year, so I guess it's about time I put some paint on him. Long way to go before I finish, but I thought I'd post current progress. I didn't filter the light, so the pics came out kinda harsh. Anyways:

Eventually, I'm going to try my hand at OSL, making the KFF glow with Orkish light.

The KFF power pack will glow as well.

His burna is removable, leaving him with just a power switch in hand. There are times when I'd want to run him with a power klaw. I'm hoping that the huge mek's tool, a claw itself, can be seen as a PK in those situations (my list would clearly call it out).

I'm looking for easy but effective OSL techniques, so if anybody knows about that, I'd appreciate a link to the info.

This mek was built here (part 1) and here (part 2).

Orks & Otts: Working with OttLites

2010-10-04T12:10:00.002-05:00

Most days, I work with a computer screen all day for my job. If I get to do any painting, it's at the end of the day when my eyes are already tired...and my eyes aren't great to begin with. I recently purchased some lamps made by OttLite since I'd heard good things and they were running a buy-one-get-one deal.

They've helped with painting, and I think they also keep colors more true to life when taking pictures. Below are some comparison pics of the same model. Granted, the model received a little work between photo sessions, but the work was minimal: rust, patina, lips, and matte varnish. In most areas of the model, however, the only difference is the matte and the lighting. I thought the difference was interesting.

OttLite on the left.

OttLite on top.

I'm happy with the little lamps I have, so much that I might shell out for one of the larger floor lamps in the future. If I ever get around to making a light box, I think these lamps would help there too.

DIY SPACE MARINE CHAPTER

2010-09-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

While most of my hobby time during the past year has been devoted to Orks, I still kick around ideas for my DIY space marine chapter. After going through several ideas, I'm starting to see why there are so many people with an Ultramarines army. It's frustrating to have a great idea in mind, only to see it turn to crap once a mini is actually painted (maybe it's just my painting).

The culls include (in various states of incompletion):

The Dawn Breakers

The Granite Guard (these guys might find their way out of the cull pile...not much different from Ultras...but I like blue)

The Ursus Bellum

Other randumb schemes

So after all that, I'm thinking of making my own Ultramarines army, or maybe Imperial Fists. I'd probably get caught up in Red Scorpions if I could afford Forgeworld's resin crack.

VCT Basing Legion of the Damned

2010-07-20T12:16:00.003-05:00

Here's an example of the VCT (vinyl composition tile) flooring in action, providing basing material for some of my Legion of the Damned. For my Space Marines, I want to base them so they'll fit in with either an urban or barren-blasted-rocky-desert terrain. I think the VCT does a good job of passing as either slabs of rock or concrete paving.

A lot of good things about using VCT:

The break pattern is very similar to concrete/rock crack patterns, or you can score and snap it in a straight line. Free samples are easy to obtain, but even if you have to buy some, it's available at any big-box home center and it's dirt cheap. 60-70 cents a square foot, and in theory on square foot will base 144 minis.

This is just a 2"x2" sample, similar to the one used to base all 6 models above:

For me, the tile is free, and it took only minutes to prepare all of these bases (of course, drilling and pinning the models to the bases took some time, but basing plastic models this way would take very little time).

It could actually be used to produce a very similar look to Les Bursley's bases, here. Someday, I'll get some paint on these and provide an example of a finished product.

PAINTING ORKS...

2010-05-24T22:12:00.006-05:00

Almost finished with a test Nob. He's kind of middle ground, more than I plan to do for the boyz mobz, but less than what I hope to achieve on some of the special characters (KFF Mek or Ghaz).

Still needs some paint on the nose ring and other little details, along with some more attention to the base...not sure where to go with that though (fortunately my projects move at a snail's pace, so I'm sure to come up with something by my next hobby opportunity)

NEW STORMBOYZ MODELS...

2010-05-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

I'm not very interested in Boar Boyz, but the new models could make for some pretty cool Stormboyz. Even though the actual Stormboyz models are excellent, it never hurts to add variation to the excellence.

40K Madness...

2010-05-07T11:13:00.005-05:00

Have you completely lost it when you start playing games of 40K...against yourself?

It's not a problem, though...I can quit any time I want.

GHAZGHKULL THRAKA CONVERSION 4

2010-05-04T08:28:00.006-05:00

Slowly...making...progress. Filled out the body and added armor. First layer of GS. A little wiring.

Still a lot of GS work to do on the legs:

Final layer of GS and detail work, maybe another wire or two, and he'll be ready for paint.

GHAZGHKULL THRAKA CONVERSION 3

2010-04-17T16:19:00.003-05:00

Didn't like the last pose, so I took a step back and reworked things. I like this much better, seems to do a better job of fitting with Ghaz's fluff as a CC animal:

Also, Jeff shamed me into getting the model completely out of the "blu-tac" stage and onto a base. Still a lot to do, but he's solid and playable at least.

Ghaz and the Avatar, up to their old tricks:

Okay, now I'll start applying GS and bits.

GHAZGHKULL THRAKA CONVERSION 2

2010-04-15T13:08:00.007-05:00

A little more work done on Ghaz. Reshaping and positioning the power klaw, trying to make it seem more sinister.

After cutting off the original gun barrels, I had a better understanding of why I didn't like them...they're tiny. I went back and forth about their replacement, trying to decide between one big shoota barrel or two. I then realized I was being silly, and used all three.

Playing with the pose amongst other models to get a sense of scale (or lack of... he's pretty huge). Regardless, I don't think the marines are going to make it:

Finally settled on this pose and pinned his arms in place. The more I look at this stance, the less I like it, but nothing has been done that can't be undone...we'll see.

I may change the pose, raising the PK slightly and lowering the gun arm so it's slightly cross body (pointing at the ground in front of him). Feel free to weigh in on this.

In the meantime, I'll greenstuff over the first layer of milliput on the legs and torso and start adding glyph and armor bits (can't have him looking so spindly).

If I played Space Wolves...

2010-04-14T11:51:00.003-05:00

...I wouldn't be able to resist these:

5 different poses, found here:

http://www.mrdandy.com/wargamma-battle-wolves/

Pricey maybe, but good variety and some pretty cool looking minis.

GHAZGHKULL THRAKA CONVERSION

2010-04-06T21:29:00.005-05:00

The more Orks fight, the bigger they get. So I figure the 3rd Edition model of Ghaz should be even bigger now. Someone out there had an idea for him being a monstrous creature when the 6th Edition comes out, that might be cool.

Anyway, I'm working on beefing Ghazzy up:

Break him down before I build him up-

Much drilling later-

I'm still thinking about the end pose, but here's one idea-

I won't use the big shoota shown, but I do like the idea of lengthening his gun barrels. I think he'd look better on a 60mm instead of the 40mm he comes with, but I don't want to deal with jibber-jabber when fielding him, as some might construe a larger base as an advantage. Maybe I'll rig the base so I can play him on either.

Now more drilling and pinning, milliput and greenstuff.

New Ork Goodies:

2010-02-08T12:03:00.004-06:00

Nom, nom, nom...trying to stop my drool...

Doom of Malantai:

2010-02-04T13:22:00.000-06:00

Pretty funny, as long as you don't speak German: