tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20465027130905535672024-02-21T07:45:03.473+00:00notquitepaintedAn irregular blog about painting miniatures from an amateur miniature painter who aspires to improve.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-81451113836205787802018-06-09T23:43:00.000+01:002018-06-09T23:46:57.625+01:00WIP: Space Wolves intercessors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB_iv8LwfGRMoAoVVJ7TN-3ZWyGJvrTnlRvCO5TTljwS-FXyPxd8Xc_M1y1-CiWrq-Ms6i_PwA0rOlS7kd2x1CeJwhCgLU1jYVBACkmKZcyssa1jdm6NFlbi_ijL41_asBaLaveygPa2l/s1600/web-swp-i1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="808" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB_iv8LwfGRMoAoVVJ7TN-3ZWyGJvrTnlRvCO5TTljwS-FXyPxd8Xc_M1y1-CiWrq-Ms6i_PwA0rOlS7kd2x1CeJwhCgLU1jYVBACkmKZcyssa1jdm6NFlbi_ijL41_asBaLaveygPa2l/s320/web-swp-i1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've achieved more than I expected so far this year. Despite some initial setbacks, I've managed to be reasonably productive. These models are, in a sense, illustrative of that, being one of several projects I've made satisfactory progress on to date. In my last blog, a few months ago, I mentioned that I had several targets in mind for the coming year. One of them was to start putting together a very small force of Space Wolves, using the new 'primaris' space marine range. In this blog post, I'll introduce you to the first two models I've finished.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The goal is for this to very much be a painter's army. It will be small in number, but high (by my standards) in quality. None of them are going to win any painting competitions on their own, but the overall standard of the force as a whole should ultimately be something I'm proud of. So far, so good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmcwdIfFoZeAWEkyJumNQJ8woh2KmOZ3qzbHAQFABMd_7elOH04cY2A3fzRcaiK1WIGe0XeQyI22PkK1fc8GiMaF7kTVxW5q_1E_UA6RALwigv80a8bgrdtoPw97S97doe5vp1481Bl8k/s1600/web-swp-i3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmcwdIfFoZeAWEkyJumNQJ8woh2KmOZ3qzbHAQFABMd_7elOH04cY2A3fzRcaiK1WIGe0XeQyI22PkK1fc8GiMaF7kTVxW5q_1E_UA6RALwigv80a8bgrdtoPw97S97doe5vp1481Bl8k/s320/web-swp-i3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLFRrwAjN0Wd6Vy7q294LMFMYMge_djaDbjGxjVq4KaIVfuLtuNRj2eRwYVYYgGGBIC3Ib3B05AUz4holmzcDdCr56VzUXJf__0DsaDXE0vRwMU7O19NB3eF5dBk98sCuXsm9MHMMohSe/s1600/web-swp-i4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLFRrwAjN0Wd6Vy7q294LMFMYMge_djaDbjGxjVq4KaIVfuLtuNRj2eRwYVYYgGGBIC3Ib3B05AUz4holmzcDdCr56VzUXJf__0DsaDXE0vRwMU7O19NB3eF5dBk98sCuXsm9MHMMohSe/s320/web-swp-i4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">The first two intercessors, including the sqaud sergeant (left)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first two models are for a squad of 'intercessors'. These seem, to me, like the primaris version of a regular space marine tactical squad (but taller!). The models themselves are from the <i>Dark Millenium</i> starter set. I've made a couple of small changes to each one; namely that I've filed off the sculpted-on shoulder pads and replaced them with ones from the grey hunters set (for the squad icon on the right shoulder), and the Space Wolves upgrade sprue (for the chapter icon on the left shoulder). They're subtle tweaks, but the extra sculpted detail already gives them a slightly different profile, and adds a touch of interest. This squad will eventually have five models in it. I hope to join it with a squad of five 'hellblasters', a squad of five 'reivers', and a few miscellaneous other models, including a repulsor tank and some of the new primaris lieutenants. In future, I'll likely add some of the older style space marines to it to round it out, though apparently the Space Wolves codex book is due out soon, so I'm interested to see what other options will be in that too.<br />
<br />
In terms of painting, the main colours are pretty standard for Space Wolves. I applied the base coats for the armour with an airbrush,
then switched to a regular brush to glaze on shading and highlights.
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Using an airbrush, undercoat with <i>Vallejo surface primer: black</i> (or
similar)</li>
<li>Using an airbrush, apply a basecoat of <i>The Fang</i>.</li>
<li>Using an airbrush, apply a second basecoat of <i>Russ Grey.</i></li>
<li>Using an airbrush, highlight from above with <i>Fenrisian Grey.</i></li>
<li>Using a regular brush, glaze towards the shadows with layers of <i>Doombull Brown</i>.</li>
<li>Apply a recess shade with very thinned down <i>Rhinox Hide</i>.</li>
<li>Edge highlight all of the raised edges with <i>Fenrisian Grey</i>.</li>
<li>Apply a final edge highlight of <i>White Scar</i> to the highest edges.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Any battle damage is applied with very thin lines or dots of <i>Rhinox Hide</i>, highlighted underneath with similarly thin lines of <i>Fenrisian Grey</i>. The metals are all painted with non-metallic metal techniques to make them stand out a little more (which, in itself, is the biggest challenge on each piece).
<br />
<br />
I have more to add to this army, and will be doing so from time to time throughout the year. When time permits, I also intend to update you on the progress I've made on a couple of other projects too, including at least one that crept up on me somewhat unexpectedly. As I said, I've been productive...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-54113621635320232012018-03-15T23:30:00.000+00:002018-03-16T15:22:24.527+00:00DISCUSSION: Making plans for 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahCy3RKh95lS0OctvOSJdlEnj7AHMPzztFDOmwbLHxPXdfwVLV6IJrgkzmDSwxuFDgBsCY1hdI_hibRwmsB7WatVr6FcY-ZLcYRcHfrcgOCMKRUQNHCKLEg7g2csq1v-agUXR14z0ArXb/s1600/web-dok-w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahCy3RKh95lS0OctvOSJdlEnj7AHMPzztFDOmwbLHxPXdfwVLV6IJrgkzmDSwxuFDgBsCY1hdI_hibRwmsB7WatVr6FcY-ZLcYRcHfrcgOCMKRUQNHCKLEg7g2csq1v-agUXR14z0ArXb/s320/web-dok-w1.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wathammer: Age of Sigmar<br />
Daughters of Khaine: Witch Aelf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's been a while since I've updated this, and for lots of reasons: some interesting, most not, but none relevant to the subject. Suffice to say, the last year has been somewhat hectic in non-hobby-related areas and my output suffered. In 2017, I finished a grand total of two painted miniatures: one in January, and one in April. So far in 2018, I'm setting no records, but I've matched that total in February alone and look set to add more in March. (Let's not mention January, eh?) I've also regained some enthusiasm for the hobby, and at last have the free time to make use of it. But how?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I have several projects that I'd like to work on this year. In reality, I have far more than I'll ever be able to, but that's nothing new. What is new is that I'm being more picky in the hope that I'll stay focused. I have every intention of making progress, and have already made a start.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Warhammer: Age of Sigmar: Daughters of Khaine</h3>
This one is brand new. The <i>Daughters of Khaine</i> are the first time Games Workshop have revisited one of the elven factions since the launch of <i>Age of Sigmar</i> in 2015. A couple of months ago, we saw the first teasers of what was coming. Inspired by this, I picked up the <i>Start Collecting</i> set and started experimenting with it. So far, I'm happy enough with the results (above) to have purchased more.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAMm04mH6NMI9be6bnxLiZ1AMZ6oWONqY5nR10w8yrKOtZEwas3vMPakWXTC6g4Hp4Dn_x-KFsNdCEyLMfMUuYRNEldyZBHThOoGNMYG4YwBxeFZIev2aFo86A94dfBWE5u6p2qES8Cq/s1600/web-dok-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="679" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAMm04mH6NMI9be6bnxLiZ1AMZ6oWONqY5nR10w8yrKOtZEwas3vMPakWXTC6g4Hp4Dn_x-KFsNdCEyLMfMUuYRNEldyZBHThOoGNMYG4YwBxeFZIev2aFo86A94dfBWE5u6p2qES8Cq/s320/web-dok-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I have so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My goal here is simple: I want an army of them. Nothing huge—if anything, the smaller, the better—but enough to finally be able to say I have an army for this game system. My painting approach won't win any awards, but I'll endeavour to make them look decent with a minimal palette and simple, replicable techniques. I'm also going to have a go at batch painting to speed things along. Once upon a time, I could churn out a squad of space marines in a weekend. I don't expect that now, but a unit a month seems reasonable.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Warhammer 40,000: Spaces Wolves</h3>
Like many, I was instantly taken with the new 'primaris' range of space marines that came out with the new edition of Warhammer 40,000 last year. I have a handful of them and I've been converting them to fit the Space Wolves chapter, since I've always quite liked their aesthetic.<br />
<br />
So far, I only have one with any paint on it, and he's not finished, but I'm happy with the direction it's taking. This is very much a painter's project: small in quantity and high in quality (well, high for <i>me</i>). I'm adopting a completely 'non-metallic metal' approach, and using lots of glazes for shading as opposed to using the dedicated 'shade' paints. I still haven't decided on a basing theme, but I know it'll feature snow.<br />
<br />
I also have some spare primaris marines to add to my 'Talon's Reach' chapter. That project stalled very early on, but I'll revisit it from time to time when the mood strikes.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Golden Demon</h3>
I'm determined to make another attempt at this competition.
I'd hoped to have something ready for the <i>Age of Sigmar</i> weekend event at the beginning of March, but despite prepping a couple of models well in advance, they're still unpainted. Since that event was ultimately cancelled due to the snow, there's still a chance it will run again at some point, but whether I have time to enter depends on when it is. That project remains on my to-do list, however, along with one or two other options. As yet, I don't know if I'll be looking to enter the competition at <i>Warhammer Fest</i> in May, or whether I'll hold off for another of the smaller events held at Warhammer World throughout the year. I won't put too much pressure on myself either way. My priority, this year, is to enjoy the hobby again and not stall other projects for the sake of trying too hard. Competition-level painting slows things down.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Armies on Parade</h3>
I've always wanted to enter this. If nothing else, doing so would mean I'd have painted a whole army. We're seven months away from the next one, which probably isn't enough time at the speed I paint. (I'm sure many other painters could muster several armies in that time.) I will, however, work towards it by adding to my collections this year with a view to entering in future.<br />
<br />
Current options include:<br />
<ul>
<li>My Talon's Reach chapter, if I ever get it off the ground.</li>
<li>My Space Wolves, probably with the addition of an Imperial Knight to flesh them out a bit.</li>
<li>My Horus Heresy-era Thousand Sons.</li>
<li>My <i>Daughters of Khaine</i>, depending on how the new project goes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<h3>
Clearing the decks (again)</h3>
I have a number of 'work-in-progress' projects from previous years still littering my desk. It’s a big number for such a small desk, and it's looking very cluttered. I only have the very edge, in front of my painting mat, on which to work at the moment. I <i>could</i> simply pick everything up and move it, but my goal is to clear the space by finishing things. Some of them, I already know, won't be touched. At most, I'll put them away to make room. There are a few, however, that I'd like to get done.<br />
<br />
Chief among them are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Some Imperial Fists for my Horus Heresy army—not least because of the recently released <i>Rogal Dorn</i> miniature, which I will be adding to my collection in the near future.</li>
<li>Some Thousand Sons for another Horus Heresy army. One of these—the first for the army—was actually the first model I finished this year. I don't plan on painting a lot of them, but there are a
handful already on my desk that would make a happy dent in the overall project.</li>
<li>Angron. I have several of the Forge World primarch models now, but he's the one I've made the most progress on. I only work on him every now and again in between projects, but he looks pretty decent so far. I'm keen to get him done just so he's finished and on display.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDpSB7RUCNSRIFQDABGJrZeboayDaWO8CZ3O24AUXePFJA9NyRmcihO94nqleHcQU0aiMwzTal6fnbNK3WWAD1_lNYBS-FnN4WooEYv3GM_6eOQvQGRBpdGhu4TjpB_oXyhigMpg0rsxN/s1600/web-hh-ts-t1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDpSB7RUCNSRIFQDABGJrZeboayDaWO8CZ3O24AUXePFJA9NyRmcihO94nqleHcQU0aiMwzTal6fnbNK3WWAD1_lNYBS-FnN4WooEYv3GM_6eOQvQGRBpdGhu4TjpB_oXyhigMpg0rsxN/s320/web-hh-ts-t1.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Thousand Sons tactical marine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are lots of other miscellaneous bits and pieces dotted about that I'd <i>like</i> to get done too, but having too many projects as priorities simply won't work. I will, however, pick up each of them from time to time and make a little more progress where I can.<br />
<br />
In the spirit of this, I don't plan on buying too many new models this year. My new <i>Daughters of Khaine</i> will obviously be an exception, along with a handful of other pieces that will no doubt crop up throughout the year (like Rogal Dorn and the recently teased Alpharius). There will always be a few that catch my eye and that I can't resist, but I'll try to be good and focus on what I already have.<br />
<br />
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my goal for 2018. I know... We’ll see...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-24420444361663217452017-04-27T07:10:00.000+01:002017-06-22T13:47:05.356+01:00SHOWCASE: Talon's Reach space marine captain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs-ieopFX7qvcEqujs_4dJFEdXQRtyiSKlD8Cv2kQSVKgOON7JQwRyGqX1jqZ3wJwWadkN_XQpsnq_HNKEQ6dAU4keF4VALIRfhyK8lcADCux5XKaaMpOYobU3tDXeKuD6fTyXwofhpv6/s1600/web-tr-cap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs-ieopFX7qvcEqujs_4dJFEdXQRtyiSKlD8Cv2kQSVKgOON7JQwRyGqX1jqZ3wJwWadkN_XQpsnq_HNKEQ6dAU4keF4VALIRfhyK8lcADCux5XKaaMpOYobU3tDXeKuD6fTyXwofhpv6/s320/web-tr-cap1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warhammer 40,000: Talon's reach space marine captain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So... yes... Updates have been a little thin on the ground of late. There are good reasons for this, but at the same time, they're <i>not</i> particularly 'good' reasons. Unfortunately, real life has reared its ugly head a lot this year and inflicted a seemingly limitless number of woes. The main one that has impacted my painting, however, has been that work is so ridiculously busy that I now exist in a near constant state of exhaustion. Many things have suffered as a consequence, my health and my painting among them. I have, however, managed to find time to complete what is—at the end of April—only the second model I've finished painting so far in 2017: this limited edition space marine captain.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon2jvO0xnMKYEpGfgTZp1qS_5VB59ywwzGYUh9Je9iPv-rAMDdJQJIY_RdI2t-XdxjXJ3PfC4XJSWJGP7KV9Wob_e7c5dmt5O7u0gq-Hhsj0NvVkjFC01SqY41R8HlY2bvmlOMKarZ5Bg/s1600/web-tr-cap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon2jvO0xnMKYEpGfgTZp1qS_5VB59ywwzGYUh9Je9iPv-rAMDdJQJIY_RdI2t-XdxjXJ3PfC4XJSWJGP7KV9Wob_e7c5dmt5O7u0gq-Hhsj0NvVkjFC01SqY41R8HlY2bvmlOMKarZ5Bg/s320/web-tr-cap3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Those who were paying attention will notice from the subject that I've settled on <i>Talon's Reach</i> as the chapter name. In keeping with the avian theme, I've given this particular model the name and title <i>Avium Manibus, Fourth Captain</i>. If only for my own amusement (and because, first and foremost, I'm a writer), I've written a short narrative background for the chapter to give me some focus. The theme continues through most of the names, though I've also worked in a back-story where this chapter was largely decimated when the population of its home planet was almost wiped out in an orbital bombardment by an unknown assailant. Any models I paint henceforth will largely be what remains of the fourth battle company, plus some first company veterans, all of whom were off-planet at the time of the attack, and now on a mission to rebuild the chapter and avenge their fallen. Given how slowly I paint, I figure this is a good way to justify why I won't get around to painting many of them. <i>"It's not that I'm slow. It's just that the rest of them are dead."</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizINkahh6OZ-ba-DMKWRhoO51KXPA2u1dXomEJ432Z1eT3qR5qG5DAzI9JfwwTFcE5qJoD-oV8-PCuO_DEDr5SdojTTyhU85kXUoFlJhQ0PHrIHHUJwHqwBG40HUxmRWwIIPLXh89k9bD2/s1600/web-tr-cap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizINkahh6OZ-ba-DMKWRhoO51KXPA2u1dXomEJ432Z1eT3qR5qG5DAzI9JfwwTFcE5qJoD-oV8-PCuO_DEDr5SdojTTyhU85kXUoFlJhQ0PHrIHHUJwHqwBG40HUxmRWwIIPLXh89k9bD2/s320/web-tr-cap2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you've read my blog before, you may remember <a href="http://notquitepainted.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/showcase-new-chapter.html" target="_blank">this test model</a> I painted in December. I actually started this captain before that test model, but with all the details on him, I wanted to paint a more basic model to make sure the scheme worked before I spent too long on it. I also wanted to actually <i>finish</i> a model and, at the time, something simpler seemed for achieveable. The colour scheme has survived largely as it did on the test model. A couple of comments on Instagram compared it to the scheme for the Novamarines (theirs is white and blue, but the photographs don't always make the distinction). I had actually considered Novamarines before I settled on this scheme, but had a desire to use turquoise and bone colours instead. I've also reversed the quarters as they would have been for Novamarines (with the darker colour in the top right and bottom left as you look at it, instead of top left and bottom right for Novamarines). I did this to enhance the contrast on most of the standard marines who hold their boltguns across their bodies from right to left, leaving a natural shade on the left leg, and presenting a much brighter upper body—complete with chapter symbol—to the enemy. As this captian presents the darker side of his face to the viewer, I've had to add extra details to that side—bright green lenses and striped yellow cabling—to make it stand out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jUJN0w-FJMKXKCSHDOMk7IzBqpvDs2ONp4qF5qEkiT_1J5__TZY8NnUoLEw9WawfMCYO6cpkemYpLM6p5RGwK19mhKsJbZtBTekCPevbv_Q2n2szsFHHAZ3NhYpFbs3KgVf8ArMAtoH0/s1600/web-tr-cap4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jUJN0w-FJMKXKCSHDOMk7IzBqpvDs2ONp4qF5qEkiT_1J5__TZY8NnUoLEw9WawfMCYO6cpkemYpLM6p5RGwK19mhKsJbZtBTekCPevbv_Q2n2szsFHHAZ3NhYpFbs3KgVf8ArMAtoH0/s320/web-tr-cap4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avium Manibus, Talon's Reach, Fourth Captain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Once I've painted a plinth for him to stand on, I plan to enter this model into the <i>Golden Demon Classic</i> event at the end of May. Obviously, I have no expectations of him earning a trophy, though I'd be happy to pick up another finalist pin if he makes the first cut. I'm quietly confident that he'll at least make it that far if only because I think it's a better effort than the model I entered last year who achieved the same, but we'll see what the judges think on the day. If anybody else is going along to Warhammer Fest on the day and wants to say hi, you'll find me there on the Sunday. I'll be the ridiculously tall guy, dressed all in black, hovering around the Warhammer 40,000 single miniature cabinets, straining to see if the card next to this particular model has any circular stickers on it yet.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE:</b> I'm not sure where the time went, but <i>Golden Demon Classic</i> was almost a month ago now. Anybody at the event will know that the painting standard was off the chart this year. Needless to say, this little guy didn't even make the first cut. So, no finalist pins to go with last year's, but it was amazing to see all of the amazing miniatures on display, and an honour to even be in the same cabinets as some of the incredible entries that went on to earn trophies. As for me, I'll keep practicing and (hopefully) improving in the hope that I'll do a bit better next time. Now, I just need this heatwave to pass so I can bear to spend time in the study again...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-44243399456610122442017-01-04T07:08:00.000+00:002017-04-26T08:39:13.325+01:00DISCUSSION: 2016 in review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="33%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn5vc9V71JIKj-D80vB_nxi68D4bN4rZ5h7Qe0wEjbd6R5Df9T00TNLUnEHOUHU1E6V39V55EEb2l7oU4JnWS-g-y183aenME-imo0grVuk4odBg_gB5i5zSpEbH4WPrE-_05aKBCmAm7/s1600/web-if30k-phalanx-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn5vc9V71JIKj-D80vB_nxi68D4bN4rZ5h7Qe0wEjbd6R5Df9T00TNLUnEHOUHU1E6V39V55EEb2l7oU4JnWS-g-y183aenME-imo0grVuk4odBg_gB5i5zSpEbH4WPrE-_05aKBCmAm7/s320/web-if30k-phalanx-1.jpg" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="34%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLz6q-SPJYv_ac0NFJVc9LWLrKJClyfuPICqfHJkCcWQTNDj2XkbwzH4_h055sGuIqf_nw5qJ5Z8x2TdlUYbv0Vyt6mIItdN0Xwtm7iLbZODi12e6pcVBrKJh2XIOPMHYcOHakDag6Teo/s1600/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLz6q-SPJYv_ac0NFJVc9LWLrKJClyfuPICqfHJkCcWQTNDj2XkbwzH4_h055sGuIqf_nw5qJ5Z8x2TdlUYbv0Vyt6mIItdN0Xwtm7iLbZODi12e6pcVBrKJh2XIOPMHYcOHakDag6Teo/s320/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-1.jpg" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="33%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0r_V3m98Myv7U20Ckaebi-XRqiKVqlJ33ZG1_mD13kqFolnZyA5fZFhNXTHd5c3ErqOJ0wJtbtVYxLpMyCdB0AiZQ5bWC6kLtqg9L8OlE72T2A84KeQhY0fR50KoYIejlw5IPtndanTDX/s1600/web_aos_orruk_warchanter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0r_V3m98Myv7U20Ckaebi-XRqiKVqlJ33ZG1_mD13kqFolnZyA5fZFhNXTHd5c3ErqOJ0wJtbtVYxLpMyCdB0AiZQ5bWC6kLtqg9L8OlE72T2A84KeQhY0fR50KoYIejlw5IPtndanTDX/s320/web_aos_orruk_warchanter1.jpg" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Imperial Fists Phalanx Warder marine</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Alpha Legion contemptor dreadnought</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Age of Sigmar: Orruk Warchanter</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2016 was an interesting year for me as a painter. It's safe to say it wasn't the most productive in terms of output, but what I lacked in quantity, I was pleased to make up for in quality. This was the year that saw me finally take a step up in terms of both ability and purpose. Having painted purely for pleasure in the past, 2016 saw me enter my first competition. I was more than happy to come away with a finalist pin for my efforts, and look forward to more opportunities like that in future.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjFGd2SEtAxnG3Ev5LLEjipTEDDGrYE1P9MgxOG36ce5a-PWizDBiwedAEdjGmBZRDRkvrqlOM4sjA30ElxOpB9JBafy39mXho59HmLzXyK1zwnNqNaxCZWezOgMQq_HhIu1lW0xi3Lve/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjFGd2SEtAxnG3Ev5LLEjipTEDDGrYE1P9MgxOG36ce5a-PWizDBiwedAEdjGmBZRDRkvrqlOM4sjA30ElxOpB9JBafy39mXho59HmLzXyK1zwnNqNaxCZWezOgMQq_HhIu1lW0xi3Lve/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Imperial Fists tactical squad (Mk.VI)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
During the course of the year, I finished thirty models. This isn't a high tally by any measure. The work-in-progress pile on my painting desk is testament to the fact that I worked on a lot more. I was pleased, however, with what I produced. I entered two painting competitions. Golden Demon Classic (May 2016) was by far the highlight for me. Entering the Warhammer 40,000 single miniature category, I knew going in that I was unlikely to get very far, so was surprised that I even made the first cut. The standard of the other entries was incredible. A couple of months later, I visited Warhammer World to enter the Forge World Open Day painting competition. With just one prize up for grabs, I definitely didn't stand a chance, but it was nice to have one of my models in a display case at Games Workshop HQ, even just for a few hours.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9puwpfc2OF1tZGeHJMukbtarVRXtAtCkp5SoMIye0bdnnAG0KCeZ1OxM4m3gpfZsN1jt-n6ule2ovKo9cHicFu-6jMtD8mr32XDVRXSSXAWPgCRcFgHgLuy57a88ODWWkwAQwat4fNSKA/s1600/web-narik-dreygur-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9puwpfc2OF1tZGeHJMukbtarVRXtAtCkp5SoMIye0bdnnAG0KCeZ1OxM4m3gpfZsN1jt-n6ule2ovKo9cHicFu-6jMtD8mr32XDVRXSSXAWPgCRcFgHgLuy57a88ODWWkwAQwat4fNSKA/s320/web-narik-dreygur-1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw5zdzwPWohBTC2e9FjWpM5dPhloi1T7rJKqrDvuzGYE7jwG8MMF9ExZ2QmZIgM2GpS5L0rtyMgnRXrG7bVbv19K3RfAed48hUfeaYUSXuiLyrb1z7kxmznIJJm-UtEtRQGtT4CMXFr64/s1600/web-u30k-praetor-term-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw5zdzwPWohBTC2e9FjWpM5dPhloi1T7rJKqrDvuzGYE7jwG8MMF9ExZ2QmZIgM2GpS5L0rtyMgnRXrG7bVbv19K3RfAed48hUfeaYUSXuiLyrb1z7kxmznIJJm-UtEtRQGtT4CMXFr64/s320/web-u30k-praetor-term-1.jpg" width="275" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Nârik Dreygur</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Ultramarines praetor</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
An insanely busy few months towards the end of the year meant I achieved very little after the summer. August was my most productive month in terms of finished models, but I finished nothing at all in September, October or November. December, at least, saw some progress, including the development of a new space marine chapter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHXZ4nNIn357YpBPH13uRaVtGQ6oQ1PRsdGnlQCj6VvPUcEstHa83UuLHvYWE_We57Vlfu7YT_wem-p12yR3nVzx4FS5LFwLQfU2u6zINBM8tSDyrWcZZqAZpYF41G51LJJ1rJ-2ko-mi/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHXZ4nNIn357YpBPH13uRaVtGQ6oQ1PRsdGnlQCj6VvPUcEstHa83UuLHvYWE_We57Vlfu7YT_wem-p12yR3nVzx4FS5LFwLQfU2u6zINBM8tSDyrWcZZqAZpYF41G51LJJ1rJ-2ko-mi/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-1.jpg" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnAgc0CptJomFvkmC1LrVlnf_1my3_-kT9IOvH7YTpLnr9Qu7R-twvlxV5hzJCqZ6lZMJSYf0OBceDubcwpNkXkpcbPjBvpqZNkcWj3sg9HdvNaBks65R-IWLICrF91MEEIEiVz3_ACrB/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnAgc0CptJomFvkmC1LrVlnf_1my3_-kT9IOvH7YTpLnr9Qu7R-twvlxV5hzJCqZ6lZMJSYf0OBceDubcwpNkXkpcbPjBvpqZNkcWj3sg9HdvNaBks65R-IWLICrF91MEEIEiVz3_ACrB/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warhammer 40,000: Talon's reach tactical squad marine</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Imperial Fists leviathan dreadnought</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
What's next?</h4>
<br />
I'm loath to make any firm commitment on what I'll be able to produce in 2017. As the end of 2016 demonstrated, one never knows what is likely to come up to scupper any plans. I would, however, like to expand both my Imperial Fists army for the Horus Heresy range, as well as do more with my new space marine chapter for Warhammer 40,000 (especially with rumours of a new edition looming). I'd also like to do a little more for the Age of Sigmar range. I have several models for it already, and already have another project on the brink of completion. Hopefully I can share that with you soon.<br />
<br />
One thing I don't want to do too much of this year is buying new models. I've bought a lot in recent years and would like to get more of those painted before I add to them. I probably won't be able to resist some new releases as the year goes on, but I'm determined to make a dent on my unpainted pile this year. Whether I make as much progress as I'd like is yet to be seen. As always I'll set last year's tally as my target and see how I do.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-30945673770289959812016-12-19T13:33:00.001+00:002016-12-22T08:11:53.069+00:00SHOWCASE: A new chapter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLcqDEERbpEBTd3jfJS0np5tUbRq-wIcjh6hWXJQUGvOE3uBy8ehpkquCHdJ5YO0T28xvPROt1NnDZIaYsHdqvaXXSq2jjPbmIizL75zL2qKudjKMtOIt2GpCCuw0psYzAa0ujtv1PE7O/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLcqDEERbpEBTd3jfJS0np5tUbRq-wIcjh6hWXJQUGvOE3uBy8ehpkquCHdJ5YO0T28xvPROt1NnDZIaYsHdqvaXXSq2jjPbmIizL75zL2qKudjKMtOIt2GpCCuw0psYzAa0ujtv1PE7O/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warhammer 40,000: Talon's Reach tactical marine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, I haven't posted for a while. It actually surprised me when I looked at the date of the last article. To say I've been busy in that time would be an understatement. Unfortunately, it's nearly all been work, rather than hobby related. I have done <i>some</i> hobby work though, and the image above is the first <i>finished</i> evidence of that. A brand new space marine chapter of my own. Want to know more?<br />
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<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoDtYV1C3veSmxOAIKhsY_FQm0PFFtlGztsiGUiwbiCRn4f_3qaH8gbxMOTBtazQDJLoUxtQhk13RNNHCQkhY51O40tDoqf1vKBymfpS1NTAm3BEqjzKwOxTAObSMiEQnsMSTUqvHjiB3/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoDtYV1C3veSmxOAIKhsY_FQm0PFFtlGztsiGUiwbiCRn4f_3qaH8gbxMOTBtazQDJLoUxtQhk13RNNHCQkhY51O40tDoqf1vKBymfpS1NTAm3BEqjzKwOxTAObSMiEQnsMSTUqvHjiB3/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left side view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've collected space marines since I first took an interest in Warhammer 40,000 in the early nineties. In recent years, I've focused primarily on the <i>Horus Heresy</i> range. I'm really enjoying my Imperial Fists projects and will have more of those to share soon. But alongside that I've had a desire to do something with the Warhammer 40,000 setting again. I've tried several times, but never really got past a handful of models. I still haven't finished the Blood Angels tactical squad I started at the beginning of 2015; I've painted five Space Wolves, and one of those in an actual wolf; and neither of the two very different Ultramarine models I painted made me want to paint more. So, what was I to do with all the space marine models I have sitting around unpainted? Well, since all those pre-existing chapters haven't held my attention, I thought I'd try and make up a chapter of my own.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPANTSwIs81nQx6kvK1_GVGl9MN11bWuLJiMfCI3pKsZbbjXx1ye-21enzUZsfxO8CG_leDlblLd14jUD1ICyELo92oFs303gGZtTYUzD8fz8zKNmBsuEsC5rmPHN4MnSNIwNSave5fXg/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPANTSwIs81nQx6kvK1_GVGl9MN11bWuLJiMfCI3pKsZbbjXx1ye-21enzUZsfxO8CG_leDlblLd14jUD1ICyELo92oFs303gGZtTYUzD8fz8zKNmBsuEsC5rmPHN4MnSNIwNSave5fXg/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've identified two issues that have kept me from getting very far in the past. The first is that I'm a perfectionist with a short attention span. If something I paint doesn't look as good as I'd hoped, I quickly lose interest and start something else. The second is that I'm a slow painter... again with a short attention span. This isn't a good combination. If I'm going to get to the end of a project, it needs to be interesting enough for me to want to... at least until I get far enough for sheer, bull-headed stubbornness to take over.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FgFwxjiJ4kNRuoD8T98b0DtRwlseAYv8JTMiSnc790oxcD6HcHTXkSZw-wFNm5LoFPoehH7gwVEudZmMQpudrwV0QDIuBMA2p9OGbjXzqLyss5kN-JUArvht-DkoddVhNXaVq1MqKeMf/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FgFwxjiJ4kNRuoD8T98b0DtRwlseAYv8JTMiSnc790oxcD6HcHTXkSZw-wFNm5LoFPoehH7gwVEudZmMQpudrwV0QDIuBMA2p9OGbjXzqLyss5kN-JUArvht-DkoddVhNXaVq1MqKeMf/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weapon view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've seen several quartered colour schemes over the years. I've always been tempted to try it, but haven't been in a position where I wanted to start something new. This scheme was almost accidental. I have two colour palettes that I've used a fair bit recently—turquoise and bone—and a desk full of space marine sprues. Having finished a couple of bits for my Imperial Fists and grown (temporarily) a little weary of yellow, I thought I'd give this a shot as an experiment. It wasn't intended to be anything more than a single model—and I've still yet to see if it'll end up using more models than the other 'armies' I've tried—but I enjoyed it enough to want to try another.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijerO_B7_ojX567-pTV8zGIqLdMvvkJiP4lulqgDhNZmGrEI3Z9-xSl45fc6RkhNj4-lOueuQldBEdCxLi3T2q-yLpjQCoFPC7RN_7QO3MtexTUSdy3J2IYg6yI2Cix2wHPJnzJkLu_RQH/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijerO_B7_ojX567-pTV8zGIqLdMvvkJiP4lulqgDhNZmGrEI3Z9-xSl45fc6RkhNj4-lOueuQldBEdCxLi3T2q-yLpjQCoFPC7RN_7QO3MtexTUSdy3J2IYg6yI2Cix2wHPJnzJkLu_RQH/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the moment, I'm referring to the chapter as <i>Talon's Reach</i>. Whether the name will stick or not is yet to be decided. (If it's already taken, let me know. I haven't see anything like it.) I have several space marine bits with an abundance of bird/eagle iconography, so I've tried to incorporate that as best I can to reflect the name. The addition of the Brazen Claws shoulder pads from the Deathwatch kit (painstakingly gathered from eBay) gave me a chapter icon that worked pretty well. My vision is that this is a 'Codex' chapter, but with some modifications. I'll expand on the background later if this project takes off, but for now I'm happy with the results.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaEGr7VAfbKvt-Z2atXGIvqa-MfqG_kD-elO_x-INEPzIxT9KI7Kth2_y5ip7FuKv0Yf7a2WoEsBaliD8fo-_Gxaj_xIdDYaw4syG1Zb-Mwfol-VfTBntXNk3KLCE3J2mK7qiR_Rc5DAf/s1600/web-tr-ts1-m1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaEGr7VAfbKvt-Z2atXGIvqa-MfqG_kD-elO_x-INEPzIxT9KI7Kth2_y5ip7FuKv0Yf7a2WoEsBaliD8fo-_Gxaj_xIdDYaw4syG1Zb-Mwfol-VfTBntXNk3KLCE3J2mK7qiR_Rc5DAf/s320/web-tr-ts1-m1-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What do you think? Should I do more?<br />
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<i><b>UPDATE: Shortly after I posted this on Monday, I shared a few of the images on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/notquitepainted/" target="_blank">Instagram page</a>. Since then, at least one of the pictures has amassed well over 500 likes, with a couple of the others not far behind. I'm taking this as an indication that painting more might be okay.</b></i>notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-59512334719140676412016-09-19T07:07:00.000+01:002016-09-19T07:07:15.003+01:00SHOWCASE: Imperial Fists legion leviathan dreadnought<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh264GR1MlbaY3JMN0Z1lGZy0g1PaS1blFmJrFdOqEWB2Pr1I1y83_nvq3sjSP8scf2s9wVdF6wZuQdF4MtIDb1QvsHQdeiL_K1iYJKqlcla8TwiZE8TINivPgzNyltnG2iQ0gPYava20Z0/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh264GR1MlbaY3JMN0Z1lGZy0g1PaS1blFmJrFdOqEWB2Pr1I1y83_nvq3sjSP8scf2s9wVdF6wZuQdF4MtIDb1QvsHQdeiL_K1iYJKqlcla8TwiZE8TINivPgzNyltnG2iQ0gPYava20Z0/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Imperial Fists legion leviathan dreadnought</td></tr>
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As you can see from the picture above, I've finally finished my leviathan dreadnought. After a long time spent painting infantry-sized models, it's been a treat to paint something a little larger and use some slightly different painting techniques. This model is now ready to take pride of place among my Horus Heresy era Imperial Fists and I'm sure they'll be glad to have him on their side. Given how big he is, I wouldn't fancy their chances if he wasn't...<br />
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaYr5dJ2z-UVRmI4p6yxAVSCXe5w2DrZAOktRDL_dIa1kqgklGsNDjQ4K7eYfoX_HX33yMhjcc9lZQp0QOMpqtiuknd2th7K_IGanDxncU059eOK2GcEvIYiOPqxUiBRukJtRoZaxtpX_/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaYr5dJ2z-UVRmI4p6yxAVSCXe5w2DrZAOktRDL_dIa1kqgklGsNDjQ4K7eYfoX_HX33yMhjcc9lZQp0QOMpqtiuknd2th7K_IGanDxncU059eOK2GcEvIYiOPqxUiBRukJtRoZaxtpX_/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-2.jpg" width="250" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKlIuIqt1sLiOBC_jyr5UTVvyL7HOyuR1qrMUxLJYR20biRjOfJwYw6eKSE8J5upwc8pQZUE9OF6L7N374rcj5G87fjMj14g_ptKgBKQi6aZEM39cTZnVs-2WDZ2qRepgDoCNnMnNaNJv/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKlIuIqt1sLiOBC_jyr5UTVvyL7HOyuR1qrMUxLJYR20biRjOfJwYw6eKSE8J5upwc8pQZUE9OF6L7N374rcj5G87fjMj14g_ptKgBKQi6aZEM39cTZnVs-2WDZ2qRepgDoCNnMnNaNJv/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-4.jpg" width="250" /></a></td>
</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">Side views, showing the grav-flux bombard (left) and siege drill (right) weapons</td></tr>
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I really enjoyed this project. Any huge model is always going to be a little daunting, but I loved the look of this model from the moment I first saw it, and knew I wanted one straight away. When I finally ordered one and started to put it together, I knew this wasn't going to be a small undertaking. I was aware it was big—the clue, after all, is in the name—but seeing it take shape on my desk, and comparing its proportions to other models, was a real eye-opener. As with anything as daunting as this though, the best thing to do is get stuck in and aim for the finish line. I'm glad I did.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFlbFdlCmaHurV2VaxKeVL5jbKZ_AzJfY6Nf12xxvDk7lDtvAG5p-qzYZSEzXD07Nf8DpSd0PPMsot6p9Ei4O6rvN51AUY_lc_ibBHshChPuQqZvays8VKO-HyV1FnmmZ1uXKFMrvZjkS/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFlbFdlCmaHurV2VaxKeVL5jbKZ_AzJfY6Nf12xxvDk7lDtvAG5p-qzYZSEzXD07Nf8DpSd0PPMsot6p9Ei4O6rvN51AUY_lc_ibBHshChPuQqZvays8VKO-HyV1FnmmZ1uXKFMrvZjkS/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr>
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The main reason this project took as long as it did is because I did it in stages while painting other models in between. I'm pretty sure I could have done the whole thing in a few days if I'd have just focused on it (although I fear the quality might have suffered if I'd tried to do that). The actual stages of painting didn't take anywhere near as long as I thought. I airbrushed the majority of the metal work straight after undercoating, before washing and dry-brushing it. The main thing that left was to pick out the yellow armour panels. Oddly, because they're so big, it's actually quite a quick process. You have huge areas of solid colour, so you don't have to be too careful with the brush and can cover most of them fairly quickly. After that, it's just a case of picking out the bits closest to the metal areas with a smaller brush. The armour is shaded with multiple thin washes before glazing and edge highlighting. I could then pick out the details, add some decals and battle damage to my liking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE4UOP4a2iJyECnHJCUldAbzZF66DFNEmTzdmZ4yOK6LBm5hFf3N80Q5iikrhhizPqpteRuGDLjcf6W77kshDtxz1tsPag5Iso8ZZWHRGKfC5bqMuXf6T4hmkJ1I95prZaLrnGv3mpxSX/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE4UOP4a2iJyECnHJCUldAbzZF66DFNEmTzdmZ4yOK6LBm5hFf3N80Q5iikrhhizPqpteRuGDLjcf6W77kshDtxz1tsPag5Iso8ZZWHRGKfC5bqMuXf6T4hmkJ1I95prZaLrnGv3mpxSX/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With half a squad of MkVI tactical marines for comparison</td></tr>
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Buoyed by the relative ease of this one, I'm currently working on an <i>even bigger</i> project for the same army. I don't know when I'll have that done, but it'll hopefully appear on here soon. In the meantime though, I hope you like the look of this latest addition. Rest assured there's <i>much</i> more to come...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-38202155662325098792016-09-12T07:25:00.000+01:002016-09-12T15:15:07.129+01:00SHOWCASE: Stormcast Eternal Knight Questor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqo1BaedecIo8ggGsFw8rNXX44sZkO3Pg62nWnkoqz0yr-whpKy99etUHMkEHYg_7oEBHs098athbNTxK2V6YdwI2TvkmlqQ7F3XZzAMO6tPcY_osykb8MV0JqVTw1TDtfUcIh0kw9h65/s1600/web_aos_se_questor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqo1BaedecIo8ggGsFw8rNXX44sZkO3Pg62nWnkoqz0yr-whpKy99etUHMkEHYg_7oEBHs098athbNTxK2V6YdwI2TvkmlqQ7F3XZzAMO6tPcY_osykb8MV0JqVTw1TDtfUcIh0kw9h65/s320/web_aos_se_questor1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Age of Sigmar: Stormcast Eternal Knight Questor</td></tr>
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Another Stormcast Eternal this week. This time it's the Knight Questor model from <i>Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower</i>. I have to admit that this boxed set looks <i>amazing</i>. There are so many brilliant models in it and, from what I've heard, the game-play is fantastic too. And yet I didn't buy it. I'd like it. I really would. But it would just be another set of amazing models that sits unpainted forever in my study. There were a few models in the set, however, that I liked too much not to have them in my collection, and this is one of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifW4PIDcl-AmoUgsuLlSbHxg67CyfpsItJn7Pre7-mJ53ytRai3GAJwvU5CAGnby93t_OReXuh0IeojMWhOGPs8rqkU2b23Dr4mn5C3mIS5KbMRdvyme1Qh1xAMNokTP-gUpVMqvezSwk/s1600/web_aos_se_questor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifW4PIDcl-AmoUgsuLlSbHxg67CyfpsItJn7Pre7-mJ53ytRai3GAJwvU5CAGnby93t_OReXuh0IeojMWhOGPs8rqkU2b23Dr4mn5C3mIS5KbMRdvyme1Qh1xAMNokTP-gUpVMqvezSwk/s320/web_aos_se_questor2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr>
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The knight questor is one of my favourite Stormcast Eternal models. In an army where most of the models look far too similar for my tastes, this one does make an effort to stand out. Maybe it's the cloak. Maybe it's the pose. Maybe it's the sword. I don't know. I just know this one had to be on my shelf. He looks like he means business, and I think he'll look great among the other Stormcast models I have as and when I eventually get around to painting them. More soon... probably.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-44688160968424189682016-09-05T07:00:00.000+01:002016-09-05T07:00:13.203+01:00SHOWCASE: Deathwatch: Jensus Natorian<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoAnNDGj6NX3vipv0_xCBpo-Xti7B6B88Z8mec91tplFCk1cRLkv2nu29pfIwjsdoP4XpoBzsWmrZYTEFK99KpXvbKQB7bOu3PqfAD2IdJfpfPSz0FriOBmB_0i567RH1VNUSafRuvvbi/s1600/web-deathwatch-1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoAnNDGj6NX3vipv0_xCBpo-Xti7B6B88Z8mec91tplFCk1cRLkv2nu29pfIwjsdoP4XpoBzsWmrZYTEFK99KpXvbKQB7bOu3PqfAD2IdJfpfPSz0FriOBmB_0i567RH1VNUSafRuvvbi/s320/web-deathwatch-1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deathwatch: Jensus Natorian<br />
The vengeful son</td></tr>
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There's been a recent flurry of activity from Games Workshop around the Deathwatch chapter of space marines. Multiple releases have—after many, many years—finally turned the Deathwatch into a viable army in their own right. Previous attempts had merely seen them acting as specialist elites, allied with another army. Now they're fully capable of doing battle alone. The slew of new miniatures has reminded me of yet another unfinished project on my desk: this guy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10G4wcLCh07AyMhB7A1Dcvkou8_DZwjnY0F0tbImnvXSBqyKZHmpiaGXX7S94sZS9Ce4mSSdJorm19A9YmwWhj4hfoPaH_XaVzVgH2TIgtRYgCV7hl2wQCpL6tzLSJWvc2muJmKqebgAF/s1600/web-deathwatch-1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10G4wcLCh07AyMhB7A1Dcvkou8_DZwjnY0F0tbImnvXSBqyKZHmpiaGXX7S94sZS9Ce4mSSdJorm19A9YmwWhj4hfoPaH_XaVzVgH2TIgtRYgCV7hl2wQCpL6tzLSJWvc2muJmKqebgAF/s320/web-deathwatch-1b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to do battle</td></tr>
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Some of you may already have noticed that this character isn't one of the new releases. He was released earlier this year as part of the <i>Deathwatch: Overkill</i> boxed game, including a full unit of Deathwatch marines and a decent-sized brood of aliens for them to fight in their own self-contained game. (I actually got it because I liked the aliens so much, and because of the hint of nostalgia.) I bought the set when it came out and, as expected, let it sit in a pile with the rest of my <i>projects-awaiting-attention</i> until I got around to it. Well, consider this a start.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Ij5kjxa_KR6LFu1LDBevoWkQRJVTrSBWsU75PAm2GddsHyPl_pbaaSIdiolCumZKGecmDxY__NOWxOmQ6kVtz9HJunIa60h4zDq9WbJvho-s0HO5yAxgfVz7He6obBwavnpact5Hpje/s1600/web-deathwatch-1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Ij5kjxa_KR6LFu1LDBevoWkQRJVTrSBWsU75PAm2GddsHyPl_pbaaSIdiolCumZKGecmDxY__NOWxOmQ6kVtz9HJunIa60h4zDq9WbJvho-s0HO5yAxgfVz7He6obBwavnpact5Hpje/s320/web-deathwatch-1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The obligatory rear view</td></tr>
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Jensus Natorian is a Deathwatch librarian (psyker), seconded from the Blood Ravens chapter. (All members of the Deathwatch chapter are effectively 'borrowed' from other space marine chapters. Their own chapter's emblem remains on their right shoulder pad, but otherwise they are assigned the black and silver armour of the Deathwatch.) He's the first and, so far, only Deathwatch model I've ever painted. The scheme follows the standard Deathwatch colours and is quite simplistic. This isn't a competition piece. All of the Deathwatch models are beautiful sculpts, but slightly frustrating to paint. There's just <i>so much</i> detail on them, that it's a bit of a chore. It's worth it in the end though.<br />
<br />
Given that I have ten more Deathwatch marines to do, and that I quite like the look of the new aircraft that's just been released, this model won't be the last one I do. As I have so many other projects on the go, however, he'll have to get used to being alone for now...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-4714370956011184702016-08-29T07:20:00.000+01:002016-08-29T07:20:01.546+01:00SHOWCASE: Stormcast Eternal Liberator<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo8rNmBV669meIRr4bnCi9J8bxW_xbbjqHXa0SqAnamS6gB-tO6hmBDqjbiKxH6JvdCv23R_rX5PUdmiFQiK7aRdBGn65hpK-VQO2NzsagaL8Qihd1b7i3zXg0ekZgT1dIRMNu201-vG5/s1600/web_aos_se_liberator1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo8rNmBV669meIRr4bnCi9J8bxW_xbbjqHXa0SqAnamS6gB-tO6hmBDqjbiKxH6JvdCv23R_rX5PUdmiFQiK7aRdBGn65hpK-VQO2NzsagaL8Qihd1b7i3zXg0ekZgT1dIRMNu201-vG5/s320/web_aos_se_liberator1.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Age of Sigmar: Stormcast Eternal Liberator</td></tr>
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Do you remember last July when <i>Age of Sigmar</i> launched and there was a free model on the front cover of <i>White Dwarf</i>? Well, this is that figure: a Stormcast Eternal Liberator. It's been sat on my desk for over a year and—in my 'finishing things' drive I've started of late—I've finally got around to getting him done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v5eVChXrO5WbTAmKP4dQP5s19pVrt3N5PUu-PqSn4i3nMOSJhcKM2aG5wU_oPDwOPS5ai4BOYMT8KAc08RLX8CbSzq9rxi77jyEGSJW0jOWzVH_DkZGInAf22LXStqPEr7lndDCFqIYV/s1600/web_aos_se_liberator2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v5eVChXrO5WbTAmKP4dQP5s19pVrt3N5PUu-PqSn4i3nMOSJhcKM2aG5wU_oPDwOPS5ai4BOYMT8KAc08RLX8CbSzq9rxi77jyEGSJW0jOWzVH_DkZGInAf22LXStqPEr7lndDCFqIYV/s320/web_aos_se_liberator2.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a very basic colour scheme, and—after waiting so long to actually do it—it's one that doesn't take long to do. It's not the most interesting model, or paint scheme, but I'm glad to have it done. With the <i>Age of Sigmar</i> starter set, among others, I still have more Stormcast models to do. And I will. At some point. Probably.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-29713755074247461132016-08-22T07:17:00.000+01:002016-08-22T07:17:05.262+01:00WIP: Imperial Fists Legion Leviathan #2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc9FzjIncm68UU4s-jzAq1-rlBvVDGg9JvZGvGCCSF_RSK4YStjD9H3VYa_Z6ZaqwPahpAOamIAGtqQXoAmfjKdjYZhqM3tYnCq9D_0Gu1ymiUOA1X-yTkVl3JN_0zmbrYUK523_2QPcP/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-wip4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc9FzjIncm68UU4s-jzAq1-rlBvVDGg9JvZGvGCCSF_RSK4YStjD9H3VYa_Z6ZaqwPahpAOamIAGtqQXoAmfjKdjYZhqM3tYnCq9D_0Gu1ymiUOA1X-yTkVl3JN_0zmbrYUK523_2QPcP/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-wip4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far, so big...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A little over a month ago, I posted a picture of my leviathan dreadnought, just after I'd assembled it. At the time, I was working on other projects and still had a fair bit to do. Since then, however, I've been able to spend a little time on him. After priming him black, I airbrushed the metals and gave him a wash of <i>Nuln Oil</i> before dry-brushing on some <i>Necron Compound</i> as an early highlight. I then picked out the yellow panels with <i>Averland Sunset</i> and glazed them with <i>Agrax Earthshade</i> and gave the whole lot another glaze of <i>Lamenters Yellow</i>. I used <i>Dorn Yellow</i> as an edge highlight. There's still more to do, especially on the siege drill arm, and the power plant on his back. After that, I get to start picking out the details. I'm still working on several other projects, but I expect to see him finished in the not too distant future. I can't wait to see him with the rest of the army.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-3594973920706810302016-08-15T07:06:00.000+01:002016-08-15T07:06:01.029+01:00SHOWCASE: Alpha Legion veteran tactical squad<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5IraAhyphenhyphenB6CbvrZs-800hGptSDNAd7-CwoHO9CzgPyKcRXL4gvNzgeaXOl5HqNRUAD0bI1X-BJEQCIUjXrD87fxmICmjFMG9d-1ne4saOdUCqJ2NaWYGeX1FvirQiJPqrNHBpozNW9XMa/s1600/web-alphalegion-vts-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5IraAhyphenhyphenB6CbvrZs-800hGptSDNAd7-CwoHO9CzgPyKcRXL4gvNzgeaXOl5HqNRUAD0bI1X-BJEQCIUjXrD87fxmICmjFMG9d-1ne4saOdUCqJ2NaWYGeX1FvirQiJPqrNHBpozNW9XMa/s320/web-alphalegion-vts-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Alpha Legion veteran tactical squad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first models I painted this year were five veteran tactical marines for my Alpha Legion. I should probably be a bit embarrassed, therefore, that I've only just finished the squad! I tend to have a habit of starting projects, but not finishing them—hence the name of this blog. There's always something that will distract me and, before you know it, my desk is full. Well, I'm determined to make August a month for finishing things.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihYU2wqri3H9NN4RC9BbzylsXTFwql87mzyBNdi23ob8KffJ031c0nU6u84otEvCD8LJHOjl4aPljLccCBLC8KB2BJkuoBbDtcerjmvNM7EK8uML2MUH77oB2M5rXiGSDvN_3drN8T-6p/s1600/web-alphalegion-vts-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihYU2wqri3H9NN4RC9BbzylsXTFwql87mzyBNdi23ob8KffJ031c0nU6u84otEvCD8LJHOjl4aPljLccCBLC8KB2BJkuoBbDtcerjmvNM7EK8uML2MUH77oB2M5rXiGSDvN_3drN8T-6p/s320/web-alphalegion-vts-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half the squad, including the sergeant (centre),<br />
missile launcher and plasma gun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First up is this squad. After finishing the first half, the rest went untouched for quite a while. I managed to pick out another two a couple of months apart along the way, but the remainder stood watching while other projects came and went for far too long. No more!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnas6Vx7atacRxj3yx2XvJ4PADs8svxi-acXcI4qtjq3Jk8jnXuOeN-UIVGLzE8S8R5joOcMeia4UFSiaQCggZph2gnpeubfP_mJb0r69tna_KQYUi2qAL7HF4pvpyU4pwxyAY1HPLnlW/s1600/web-alphalegion-vts-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnas6Vx7atacRxj3yx2XvJ4PADs8svxi-acXcI4qtjq3Jk8jnXuOeN-UIVGLzE8S8R5joOcMeia4UFSiaQCggZph2gnpeubfP_mJb0r69tna_KQYUi2qAL7HF4pvpyU4pwxyAY1HPLnlW/s320/web-alphalegion-vts-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other half of the squad, including the legion vexilla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I originally assembled all of the squad together so that I could airbrush the main colours on in one hit and get them all looking more or less the same. All that's been outstanding for the last few was to highlight the armour and pick out the details. It's not a big job for each model, but the highlighting can get a little tedious when you've got several to do. With a little willpower, however, I managed to get the job done.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYyNS1j2y45pA0XK-G18e7a53rpM1Rz7hxY_ORKV2kaDoSb6vE2uPAV7VkECgu2h8UXAKbmHErMr6a1enWmSmuAi0wCEX6vi9cxG5zrmVqY90g_Lyrn5vuLd_LstZObj9sq6heNQVOauJ/s1600/web-alphalegion-vts-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYyNS1j2y45pA0XK-G18e7a53rpM1Rz7hxY_ORKV2kaDoSb6vE2uPAV7VkECgu2h8UXAKbmHErMr6a1enWmSmuAi0wCEX6vi9cxG5zrmVqY90g_Lyrn5vuLd_LstZObj9sq6heNQVOauJ/s320/web-alphalegion-vts-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Together at last and ready for battle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite how long they took, I'm pleased with the squad overall. They're actually the first finished squad I've painted in a very long time. My Imperial Fists, against whom they're facing off on the same shelf, might be jealous for a while, but it is my intention that they'll be in a similar position soon. In the meantime, however, I have a few more projects to get finished to clear some space on my desk. Wish me luck...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-77142183806904460532016-07-25T07:57:00.000+01:002016-09-23T16:29:44.365+01:00DISCUSSION: Forge World Open Day 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfjzDhNFpo1e9kTla-oYb-t8bk20EIzwLYj8CzPNsGZN1hko57GKBELoDTAf6QWZF_r1RvzHQlflKo6fRwicFU7fd_hmogb-EZfSCt2zsc4Ygvqz1N70h8S7xxmCV9RlK2wXJpAKPR2qZ/s1600/web-fwod2016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfjzDhNFpo1e9kTla-oYb-t8bk20EIzwLYj8CzPNsGZN1hko57GKBELoDTAf6QWZF_r1RvzHQlflKo6fRwicFU7fd_hmogb-EZfSCt2zsc4Ygvqz1N70h8S7xxmCV9RlK2wXJpAKPR2qZ/s320/web-fwod2016-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Games Workshop's head office in Nottingham. Subtle, guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the 17th of July, I attended the Forge World Open Day 2016. Apparently this is the tenth iteration of this event. It's the first one I've been to, and only the second time I've been to Warhammer World at Games Workshop's headquarters in Nottingham. (The other time, incidentally, was the first ever <i>Black Library Live</i> event way back in 2009.) The Forge World open day is something different to what I'm used to. Having been to several previous Games Workshop events, I had high hopes for this one. It was a good day, but I'm not sure it lived up to them...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPX3qadjAX4cLKzXaezO6cyo3piOycQtBY-aydOu36ToRYNn0YglyWyWANhPNcMEFQ7YA-nG35b4LQsIyjGAiivG8zIdtzQ0P77ycyDZa5fVHOi6zjdsFrLVXTyqgF3ZMwfUvME8lQv9DP/s1600/web-fwod2016-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPX3qadjAX4cLKzXaezO6cyo3piOycQtBY-aydOu36ToRYNn0YglyWyWANhPNcMEFQ7YA-nG35b4LQsIyjGAiivG8zIdtzQ0P77ycyDZa5fVHOi6zjdsFrLVXTyqgF3ZMwfUvME8lQv9DP/s320/web-fwod2016-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forge World Open Day 2016<br />
Best of Show trophy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The main reason I went to the event was for the painting competition. Having earned a finalist badge at Golden Demon in May, I bought my ticket during that initial wave of excitement. The open day painting competition is much smaller. There are no categories, and only one trophy and one winner. My entry was the <a href="https://notquitepainted.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/showcase-ultramarines-legion-praetor.html" target="_blank">Ultramarines praetor</a>
I've been working on since WarhammerFest. I'm really proud of it and think it represents some of my best
work, but I knew going in that I wouldn't win. The competition, while small, was fierce. Several of the entries were breath-taking. I follow a lot of exceptional painters on Instagram and already knew
there would be better entries than mine there. It was a joy to
see them in the 'flesh', having followed their
progress for weeks or months beforehand, and an honour to have my own work in the same cabinets, let alone the same competition.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lcczbvJCSL7tiKld7XworjGuMMFptJ5UhAhF44ZA3qHk-iGYBdu4cUDYXxrt6GpGwlWIOIZfHAL9mKPN-1gRjmya-XGgqxUB-sUUzHVsokPnnvbj1L3RSYW7QlF09CE7nMywGDEItoCZ/s1600/web-fwod2016-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lcczbvJCSL7tiKld7XworjGuMMFptJ5UhAhF44ZA3qHk-iGYBdu4cUDYXxrt6GpGwlWIOIZfHAL9mKPN-1gRjmya-XGgqxUB-sUUzHVsokPnnvbj1L3RSYW7QlF09CE7nMywGDEItoCZ/s320/web-fwod2016-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My entry on the shelf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The eventual winner was a massive warlord titan, which the painter had
fitted with flashing LEDs. It was a great model, and the person who made
it had obviously gone to a lot of effort, but I know the decision was
somewhat controversial. While the conversion work was impressive, this was billed as a <i>painting</i> competition and I think it's fair to say that there were several much better painted entries. I was baffled that none of them won instead. The conditions for judging weren't ideal though. The painting competition took place in a small, badly lit space off the side of the main hall, near the exhibition rooms. Unfortunately it's not great for showing off beautifully painted models and unless they were held up to the light, some of the efforts would have been missed. As ever, though, the judge's decision is final, and the winning entry certainly wasn't without merit.<br />
<br />
The highlight of the rest of the event was the studio area. Lots of designers, painters, writers and artists were there to answer questions and show off a handful their new and up-coming projects—not quite as many previews as I'm used to seeing at other events, but a few all the same. Sadly the rest of the event relied too heavily on the appeal of the venue. The focus was almost entirely on the sales area and Bugman's Bar—both of which, but for a few special editions or new releases, you could visit on any other day at your leisure. All of the previous Games Workshop events I've been to have had at least a couple of seminars. This one had none. That's a shame because the seminars are often the highlight of any event. Instead it relied on people being kept occupied by buying things and looking around the admittedly impressive exhibition halls. Having not seen most of it before (the exhibition hall was a single room the last time I went—now it's five), it was easy to kill an hour or two. If I was returning after only a short absence, however, I'd quickly have gotten bored. Bugman's Bar was far too busy to get a seat, let alone order food, which meant sitting around in the middle of the studio area next door to wait for the 'painting' competition to be judged. Sadly I didn't win the titan raffle either—this year for a warlord titan instead of the usual reaver—but that was always a long shot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVWRB4IaC3oWE-2TRzDWZ1LreCWsPML_W9XRIeIg9r_FG8PDhD6n6MWJ4tFQ3BIBpUYSt799zsXwW_Gzp1gpIkdu6r-KYV9Euuwsv1EJnUBgwodGc7VHjVHPupIR2VZXpSpZIczQgNxZO/s1600/web-fwod2016-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVWRB4IaC3oWE-2TRzDWZ1LreCWsPML_W9XRIeIg9r_FG8PDhD6n6MWJ4tFQ3BIBpUYSt799zsXwW_Gzp1gpIkdu6r-KYV9Euuwsv1EJnUBgwodGc7VHjVHPupIR2VZXpSpZIczQgNxZO/s320/web-fwod2016-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day's haul, including several limited edition pieces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite its shortcomings, I would still recommend the day to anybody considering attending in future. I would, however, caution against expecting too much from it. There are a lot of simple things that Games Workshop could do to improve this event, but it isn't bad as is providing you know what to expect in advance. If you're content to catch a glimpse of a handful of future releases, appreciate the facilities at Warhammer World and queue up to spend potentially obscene amounts of money, definitely go. For me, it was nice to go back to Warhammer World and see the changes they've made. The addition of the Black Library and (in particular) Forge World stores is a huge plus, even if I didn't envy the staff for how insanely busy they were. The exhibition halls are a must-see if you like beautifully painted models or huge dioramas and—if you <i>can</i> get a table—Bugman's is pretty decent. Just be prepared to run out of things to do fairly soon after your wallet is empty. notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-45412974101025244592016-07-18T07:42:00.000+01:002016-07-18T07:42:05.456+01:00SHOWCASE: Orruk Ironjawz warchanter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUbu73kpHIjV9kwu3yyrntoAvH-rqKMA2Gn16FsiCH3mcz_09WvBywefQoiVxCnVbUvMU_APXfYFRtMbXwMIK06nqjs09rVW8F1Kl8JtatpteMFyl706A3zPyrOaoobOFiFevuH1lcBaO/s1600/web_aos_orruk_warchanter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUbu73kpHIjV9kwu3yyrntoAvH-rqKMA2Gn16FsiCH3mcz_09WvBywefQoiVxCnVbUvMU_APXfYFRtMbXwMIK06nqjs09rVW8F1Kl8JtatpteMFyl706A3zPyrOaoobOFiFevuH1lcBaO/s320/web_aos_orruk_warchanter1.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orruk Ironjawz warchanter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I haven't painted anything that isn't a space marine for a while. My desk is littered with power armour and related paraphernalia. Amongst the debris, however, are several examples of non-space marine items waiting patiently for my attention. Since its release in April, the model above has been one of them. This is the first finished model for my modest orruk collection. He's a test piece to see if I like the colour scheme. I decided against the predominantly yellow or red variants from Games Workshop's studio armies—not least because I have plenty of things painted yellow already. Instead, I've opted for a bone-coloured scheme accented with red. There will be more to come from this range as I work my way through them. First, however, I have rather a lot of power armour to get through...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-87914779812777968742016-07-11T07:32:00.000+01:002016-07-11T07:32:00.140+01:00SHOWCASE: Ultramarines legion praetor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqyK_K5ILzpyj0Ib75_X5sgEfbC08Bddn6S0pKysX3IyVRnNhRWqYN5056ok7DEvF1DBlRehhyKrCbHqkpQtL26jijKwTObpeZAJ2DMi9Os4pnorj9yGqemf1rc4UCY-Bcw3sUcb1OB3w/s1600/web-u30k-praetor-term-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqyK_K5ILzpyj0Ib75_X5sgEfbC08Bddn6S0pKysX3IyVRnNhRWqYN5056ok7DEvF1DBlRehhyKrCbHqkpQtL26jijKwTObpeZAJ2DMi9Os4pnorj9yGqemf1rc4UCY-Bcw3sUcb1OB3w/s320/web-u30k-praetor-term-1.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Ultramarines legion praetor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, aliens to whom gender definitions are meaningless, and anybody who doesn't fall into any of those categories... allow me to introduce you to my Ultramarines legion praetor. The astute among you may recognise this as the limited edition model available exclusively at Games Workshop events during 2016. I picked this one up at Warhammer Fest in May and have been working on him ever since with a view to entering him into the painting competition at the Forge World open day this coming weekend. I'll let you know how that goes in a future post. In the meantime, let's talk about the model.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qTrwe_YeyOmIbdzgHD_gRU8urOQWtjjImIEnI_dygWKclYATect1kk4G_P5Pf4sU2FZglGeN-GnbqmUgUu9q0extu3kjOmeRRZwDh4mr1SClhzoOJvYN8tqwti3VD_8AHGBYLXNmyC7-/s1600/web-u30k-praetor-term-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qTrwe_YeyOmIbdzgHD_gRU8urOQWtjjImIEnI_dygWKclYATect1kk4G_P5Pf4sU2FZglGeN-GnbqmUgUu9q0extu3kjOmeRRZwDh4mr1SClhzoOJvYN8tqwti3VD_8AHGBYLXNmyC7-/s320/web-u30k-praetor-term-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view, showing the power hammer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've only made one notable change to the model. I've swapped the head for one from the Ultramarines upgrade sprue. I really like the head that came with the model, but the sneer expression didn't fit well with the noble sons of Ultramar. I think the new head works pretty well, and required very little modification to fit. The only other slight modification was to add a winged skull from the Ultramarines brass etch sprue to one of the shoulder pads.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tWkGPnZDxjsG0ybgPBP20D690ubewbX5UoJcc-dYV-bGNru7pScV9kbWR7_Wurq2q9k2Qi7Ud_i49gR2dJK_8woafO6R69gFVqAwI_CwDSjrTMe2Wd-u8mQaXntmLc13hagk8veot5ZE/s1600/web-u30k-praetor-term-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tWkGPnZDxjsG0ybgPBP20D690ubewbX5UoJcc-dYV-bGNru7pScV9kbWR7_Wurq2q9k2Qi7Ud_i49gR2dJK_8woafO6R69gFVqAwI_CwDSjrTMe2Wd-u8mQaXntmLc13hagk8veot5ZE/s320/web-u30k-praetor-term-3.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The obligatory rear view</td></tr>
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The base is made of a couple of thin layers of cork, which I've torn up at the edges to represent jagged rock. This has been decorated with some very small chunks of slate and some sand. I've painted the rock with lots of veins, which I hope has some vague resemblance to marble. The foliage is from The Army Painter's <i>Battlefields: Summer Undergrowth</i> range. I've never used it before, but really love the effect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzgiieLDU8uo3oD6f59M5meKEct7nfOm7Oz_U1BSAavR3zTwM_8o4eyoqo2QpEXke1MWPiMvk7d2JQwO-bQuCNGj-h3KWLFlfuubnXT-hH63tRBACp6arD3qSD-U5jDWgPfOmdX00FRHq/s1600/web-u30k-praetor-term-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzgiieLDU8uo3oD6f59M5meKEct7nfOm7Oz_U1BSAavR3zTwM_8o4eyoqo2QpEXke1MWPiMvk7d2JQwO-bQuCNGj-h3KWLFlfuubnXT-hH63tRBACp6arD3qSD-U5jDWgPfOmdX00FRHq/s320/web-u30k-praetor-term-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for war</td></tr>
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I spent a long time wondering what colours to paint this model. I knew it needed to be one of the eighteen legions active during the Horus Heresy, but wasn't sure which one. I didn't want to paint him as an Imperial Fist as I've already got lots of those, including several praetors, plus I wanted something different. In the end, I narrowed it down to just a few legions with Emperor's Children as the favourite. The decision to paint him as an Ultramarine was quite last minute. I'm glad I did though. I've worked hard to make him look good and I'm really pleased with how he's turned out. I could easily imagine him leading an army into battle. Too bad he doesn't have one to lead. Ah, well! Perhaps that's something I can look at in future.<br />
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I hope you like him. I'll let you know how I get on at the open day.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-74907403687687335832016-07-04T07:50:00.000+01:002016-07-04T07:50:17.001+01:00WIP: Imperial Fists Legion Leviathan #1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykzteyhuwHDtTPHTqwrqgnf8on2iXKF0PdDIi_Y-bQ_rCoYB7gpqGQNXqb_qElTLj951R3AQ79vEl7Ir2_45HT8w0NOdz36092ZdiR6OQGWXfd6TYjcdV0ashT6XfplRvgjQ0Krpu-c49/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-wip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykzteyhuwHDtTPHTqwrqgnf8on2iXKF0PdDIi_Y-bQ_rCoYB7gpqGQNXqb_qElTLj951R3AQ79vEl7Ir2_45HT8w0NOdz36092ZdiR6OQGWXfd6TYjcdV0ashT6XfplRvgjQ0Krpu-c49/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-wip2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My assembled leviathan dreadnought</td></tr>
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I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. A combination of real life, weather so hot it made sitting in the study uncomfortable and a worse-than-usual dose of hay fever has contrived to keep my painting to a minimum. My efforts, when I've made them, have been on a competition entry that is taking <i>ages</i>, but that I haven't put on the blog yet (anybody who <a href="https://www.instagram.com/notquitepainted/" target="_blank">follows me on Instagram</a> can probably guess what that is—I'm saving it for a showcase post here when it's finally finished). I can, however, give you a sneak peak of (one of) my next project(s) when that is done: a leviathan dreadnought for my Imperial Fists.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I posted a tease of the box for this model back in April. I must admit, the size of the box surprised even me when it arrived. It wasn't until I came to assemble the model that I realised why. Dreadnoughts are big. They always have been. They're effectively an armoured sarcophagus for a much lauded, but otherwise mortally wounded space marine, mounted on robotic legs and equipped with all manner of deadly weapons. Standard dreadnoughts are big. Contemptor dreadnoughts are bigger. Leviathan dreadnoughts are <i>massive</i>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWgJYGpJgSdGJHDqzpWkHMpPQxzZghI0pfzkkRxJMA8JrelbY9Cyi8yEFHlIqkU6XT2rzxJWtjMDamMXAEVJWQqkgoD9gMzo1c7FdYRcpvnJk57zUU7uLiBwWNmWhos25jRZiLEssMzKN/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-wip3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWgJYGpJgSdGJHDqzpWkHMpPQxzZghI0pfzkkRxJMA8JrelbY9Cyi8yEFHlIqkU6XT2rzxJWtjMDamMXAEVJWQqkgoD9gMzo1c7FdYRcpvnJk57zUU7uLiBwWNmWhos25jRZiLEssMzKN/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-wip3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size comparison with a space marine.<br />
Luckily they're on the same side!</td></tr>
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This model stands more than twice the height of a regular space marine. It is taller than a land raider (which is something else I might be able to tease you with soon). It dwarfs the contemptor dreadnoughts I already have. I opted for the weapons I thought looked the coolest, rather than what would be good in game. Most of you will know I'm not a gamer, so whether this loadout is any good is beyond me. I just think the model looks awesome.<br />
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The pictures you see in this post are where I'm at with it so far. I've assembled it in between sessions on the aforementioned competition entry. I'll undercoat it, and possibly start some of the base coats, in the next few days. It won't get started in earnest for a couple of weeks—the competition is part of the Forge World open day on the 17th—but it'll at least have it started by then. The size doesn't intimidate me in terms of painting. It'll largely be yellow, metal and black, so it's just an upscaled version of everything else in the army. I look forward to getting on with it. Look out for more updates soon.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-24523505598712758702016-06-13T08:59:00.000+01:002016-06-13T08:59:01.564+01:00WIP: Imperial Fists Phalanx Warder squad (#1)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMLZd3zXiwc7DGfoRUxHcfl0w6eAtGNHaaP2InO15vVMYx1zni3G4-O6cuC5Kc-6iuxUXI0KY9iknyO4U9TzPEWkakaaHY5DGBv5dz2wXyB4r8HaaxR2_TyeFIgO7eFSRs2j_171mu8XC/s1600/web-if30k-phalanx-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMLZd3zXiwc7DGfoRUxHcfl0w6eAtGNHaaP2InO15vVMYx1zni3G4-O6cuC5Kc-6iuxUXI0KY9iknyO4U9TzPEWkakaaHY5DGBv5dz2wXyB4r8HaaxR2_TyeFIgO7eFSRs2j_171mu8XC/s320/web-if30k-phalanx-1.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Imperial Fists Phalanx Warder</td></tr>
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This week I'd like to introduce you to this guy. He's a test piece for what (hopefully) will one day be a squad of Phalanx Warders for my Horus Heresy era Imperial Fists army. Frequent readers will know not to get excited at this point. Like most of the models I paint for a new squad, this guy will have plenty of alone time to contemplate things before he has any company. I am, however, reasonably pleased with him, and will endeavour to curb his loneliness—at least in lots of small, well-spaced stages—in the coming months/years/decades.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05Rs1fmy8HSpolqRwoLnA6IzqkCqWR2snwKakqGetbThQ1dncbJjmGUjzto7FpDq8onJ4g4vAdI0P2NF3i-1Iz137PKP3HdUeBTkEHHgtxyAE7LoQBQ9M15GP-sxyErH0jHrnG4UWCnai/s1600/web-if30k-phalanx-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05Rs1fmy8HSpolqRwoLnA6IzqkCqWR2snwKakqGetbThQ1dncbJjmGUjzto7FpDq8onJ4g4vAdI0P2NF3i-1Iz137PKP3HdUeBTkEHHgtxyAE7LoQBQ9M15GP-sxyErH0jHrnG4UWCnai/s320/web-if30k-phalanx-2.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view showing the axe</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_792406374"></span><span id="goog_792406375"></span><br />
Phalanx Warders were a unit that was unique to the Imperial Fists prior to and during the Heresy. They were charged with guarding the Imperial Fists' flagship (the Phalanx) and specialised in close quarter fighting, especially in the confines of a battleship. While primarily used in defence, they were also apt at boarding actions of their own, and were often seconded to other ships and ground assaults where their specialisms could be put to good use.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9wv_I-4D93u9vqDxaDD60mz4KArQBLu5OeIRxOsu8IUgvQpKcGI3RKk3HN6rPC8HGU0OGfWXVssdXorm8Yy_AWGqEpwOlfAwDim1T0fGsGvnVBj-6alyjmqHhDMsP3qyE4TiCrVhi3Vt/s1600/web-if30k-phalanx-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9wv_I-4D93u9vqDxaDD60mz4KArQBLu5OeIRxOsu8IUgvQpKcGI3RKk3HN6rPC8HGU0OGfWXVssdXorm8Yy_AWGqEpwOlfAwDim1T0fGsGvnVBj-6alyjmqHhDMsP3qyE4TiCrVhi3Vt/s320/web-if30k-phalanx-3.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You shall not pass!"</td></tr>
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<br />This model, as with the rest of his squad when I get around to painting it, wears modified MkIV armour, decorated with Imperial Fists iconography and the crossed axe symbol of the Phalanx itself. In the absence of any obvious 'official' colour schemes, I've opted for a traditional yellow armour with black trims. I've also painted the shield white, simply because the rest of the army usually features the fist symbol within a white circle, thus adding some continuation. I've used the legs and arm from one of the plastic marines from the <i>Betrayal at Calth</i> set, though the rest of the squad will use Forge World's <i>despoiler</i> squad as its base; some of which I already have, ready to do more when time permits. As test pieces go, I'm happy enough with this. It's a reasonably quick scheme, so I'm confident I can replicate it on the others, just as soon as the motivation kicks in to clean a terrifying amount of resin.<br />
notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-90880648142046512752016-06-06T07:37:00.000+01:002016-06-06T07:37:01.636+01:00WIP: Orruk megaboss on maw-krusha #1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaZ3G9r2fQShq6KFY2pnhNV0xnFBXVxo564GqV7S66f8CiwpsH7Xi49V0jvx8mnaXuTNLQshSRFBD8w403gJk0t86GzAd8MPiy_SSaANPRw_wNuludtfIK0JyyDBFHaRtgn9VAQk_yI_9/s1600/web-orruk-maw-krusha-wip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaZ3G9r2fQShq6KFY2pnhNV0xnFBXVxo564GqV7S66f8CiwpsH7Xi49V0jvx8mnaXuTNLQshSRFBD8w403gJk0t86GzAd8MPiy_SSaANPRw_wNuludtfIK0JyyDBFHaRtgn9VAQk_yI_9/s320/web-orruk-maw-krusha-wip1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'maw-krusha' so far</td></tr>
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Something different. For the first time since <i>Warhammer: Age of Sigmar</i> came out, I'm utterly smitten with an entire new range. Having looked forward to the new dwarf line so much in advance, I was <i>bitterly</i> disappointed by the 'fyreslayers' range when it came out. But with the new 'orruks' (<i>orcs</i> to the rest of us), Games Workshop have finally hit home. I like the Khorne range (ridiculous names aside). I even like the Stormcast range (but <i>hate</i> their lore). I'm at the stage, however, where I roll my eyes and curse <i>"more?!"</i> every time they release yet another kit for either. But with the new 'Ironjawz' orruks, I'm genuinely pleased.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This model is the first of three kits in the range I've snapped up, ready to paint. It will have a 'megaboss' (a great big orruk with lots of pointy weapons) on its back at some point, but for now I'm focusing on the maw-krusha (a very brutish-looking dragon that only something as insane as an orruk would even consider as a mount). So far, after airbrushing on the base colours, it's mostly just had dry-brushing and washes. I still need to pick out the details and sort out its base. After that, I'll get the rider done. There's a lot more to do, but already I look forward to doing more from this range. I like them so much, I might even consider painting a whole army: my first for the new system!<br />
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Oh, one early tip for anyone looking to get one of these: it's a fantastic kit, but don't glue the wings on before you paint it. I have and now it's a real pain trying to get in to paint some of the detail. It's the same reason I haven't glued it to a base yet either.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-54249957162373148472016-05-30T07:05:00.000+01:002016-05-30T07:05:06.839+01:00WIP: Imperial Fists Mk.VI tactical squad (update #1)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlETr2GAMFVfW4r6YLZj87GA_0FhUVzlCYQQ_CDW27ZtBkc5Y5hg1xLn8VXdno4ZZwVgXnGFJ6TL-I9bBHQK28EGuYddkqdsCChaxJ7QC7ot8r1GXwJiR9BqGd3thQHjdtELJBfSRBUMm/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlETr2GAMFVfW4r6YLZj87GA_0FhUVzlCYQQ_CDW27ZtBkc5Y5hg1xLn8VXdno4ZZwVgXnGFJ6TL-I9bBHQK28EGuYddkqdsCChaxJ7QC7ot8r1GXwJiR9BqGd3thQHjdtELJBfSRBUMm/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imperial Fists Mk.VI tactical squad (first half)</td></tr>
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I've done a fair few 'quick updates' lately. Given that most of them involve finished models, I'm taking this as a good sign. Today, I'm pleased to say, is no different. When I last posted about this squad, I only had two models finished for it. Well, now it has five. That puts it at half strength. I still have five more to do, and will return to it just as soon as I have the patience to clean up and assemble that much resin in one go. In the meantime, I have some orruks that need some attention. More next week...notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-26575585247554597992016-05-23T07:11:00.000+01:002016-05-23T07:11:03.943+01:00DISCUSSION: Golden Demon 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VtbGtY8ujVv8dpWW0DkP9HvloLe26EFbfl8edlGYrifBD8x8KZCMyh48EA65EPQ6GEbw28rR0atSt_OqTvSU9F7Hxsb-3ibGAtuD4Nz0Mhq1jwNNVnPZ-gj62kzCC7AjYgjqsL2rDyE1/s1600/web-goldendemon-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VtbGtY8ujVv8dpWW0DkP9HvloLe26EFbfl8edlGYrifBD8x8KZCMyh48EA65EPQ6GEbw28rR0atSt_OqTvSU9F7Hxsb-3ibGAtuD4Nz0Mhq1jwNNVnPZ-gj62kzCC7AjYgjqsL2rDyE1/s320/web-goldendemon-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Demon 2016: the crowds gather to inspect the entries</td></tr>
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We've had a week for the dust to settle now, so I thought it would be nice to revisit last weekend's <i>Golden Demon</i> competition at <i>WarhammerFest</i>. This year it was held in my home city of Coventry. I didn't go to the last one, so it was a nice opportunity to see the changed format (it used to run over a single day at the NEC in Birmingham). I also <a href="http://notquitepainted.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/showcase-narik-dreygur-consul-praevian.html">entered Golden Demon</a> for the very first time...<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFvAE0Rhp7qeQiV_wkxkQFkm94EX8VAi2K_U3ht-lEDzBeYdpzRPYC8rh7XFZHhazUdt3oeIkxcnmuXB5e7pGNoA4Ow568ZYAiF6Omthlm47FFG1iQrCSwydwixXk-fZRMzYr7K3UBlcA/s1600/web-goldendemon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFvAE0Rhp7qeQiV_wkxkQFkm94EX8VAi2K_U3ht-lEDzBeYdpzRPYC8rh7XFZHhazUdt3oeIkxcnmuXB5e7pGNoA4Ow568ZYAiF6Omthlm47FFG1iQrCSwydwixXk-fZRMzYr7K3UBlcA/s320/web-goldendemon-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of the entries in my category<br />
(Mine is on the right. I believe the eventual winners are also in this shot.)</td></tr>
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The category I entered was <i>Warhammer 40,000 single miniature</i>. It's the category that always attracts the most entrants. The standard across the board—in all categories—was exceptionally high and this one, of course, was no exception. There were only a handful in the cabinet when I handed <a href="http://notquitepainted.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/showcase-narik-dreygur-consul-praevian.html">my entry</a> over, but as the morning went on it soon filled with incredible models.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcLFXk3yBjQyPmLWu4SSsHcHHUaPutqDaDTGMgdW9raR6vuQ3lDLE3a287PewhLw4QLsiULsAmCLNq1TiNXoq2v-EPOgArxGUue7WOiSlpu1jcruYiB7gn5bYiSFV97nwiVYwv3FRvR2X/s1600/web-goldendemon-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcLFXk3yBjQyPmLWu4SSsHcHHUaPutqDaDTGMgdW9raR6vuQ3lDLE3a287PewhLw4QLsiULsAmCLNq1TiNXoq2v-EPOgArxGUue7WOiSlpu1jcruYiB7gn5bYiSFV97nwiVYwv3FRvR2X/s320/web-goldendemon-5.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trophies every entrant hopes to take home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This isn't a competition you go into expecting to win. Those who follow this blog will know that my painting is perhaps above average, but not exceptional. While I pulled out all the stops for <a href="http://notquitepainted.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/showcase-narik-dreygur-consul-praevian.html">my entry</a>, I follow enough painters on <i>Twitter</i> and <i>Instagram</i> to know that there are much better painters out there. My only goal—especially considering this was my very first attempt—was to make the first cut. I'm thrilled to say I did that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZyMI4WqgBtonUvofUmdkn9JEhT52hZ0M7drYhyphenhypheniTgYQeaEEqXgAEmHOzrQA_IW_y_CLGZu680UgG6rP5uIaPGjVvL8S9UOU9kohGOaWCloqIsZPDpUPdHMAADQyDuSDb9UjLMfJ7wJEm/s1600/web-goldendemon-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZyMI4WqgBtonUvofUmdkn9JEhT52hZ0M7drYhyphenhypheniTgYQeaEEqXgAEmHOzrQA_IW_y_CLGZu680UgG6rP5uIaPGjVvL8S9UOU9kohGOaWCloqIsZPDpUPdHMAADQyDuSDb9UjLMfJ7wJEm/s320/web-goldendemon-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finalist pins are given out</td></tr>
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The competition was very inspiring. When I've been to events like this in the past, it has been as a spectator. I've always had a look at the entries, but with the crowds as big as they always are, I haven't spent as long examining them as I'd like. This year, I made frequent visits to the display cases—in part, I admit, to see if I'd got a sticker that meant I'd made it through the first round of judging. There are some amazing painters out there and it is always a joy to be able to see their work up close—and, even better, to see my own work sharing the same shelf! It was incredibly inspiring and I'm already looking at ways I can improve and grow as a painter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdcJyPri6DGRgQaDqVrqzcE0OzqBle20eb1lQBiAhDdu-zndFIqXSE2tMPR8ZDHxiogbWQ7nVMkxgTw6zMb8iGACiEM_NM_n6LN78Fb8W_EQKPou4rnfFjQtijxyhjanZgRLGe44g27iJ/s1600/web-goldendemon-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdcJyPri6DGRgQaDqVrqzcE0OzqBle20eb1lQBiAhDdu-zndFIqXSE2tMPR8ZDHxiogbWQ7nVMkxgTw6zMb8iGACiEM_NM_n6LN78Fb8W_EQKPou4rnfFjQtijxyhjanZgRLGe44g27iJ/s320/web-goldendemon-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My entry (middle, back row)<br />
behind <a href="https://www.instagram.com/richfigureart/" target="_blank">Rich Marlow</a>'s incredible Iron Hands Iron Father</td></tr>
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It's been a few years since I've been to one of these events.
Entering
Golden Demon made a big difference to the overall experience. I really
enjoyed the whole day. As well as entering the competition, I attended a
couple of seminars (for Black Library and Forge World), had a chat with
Gav Thorpe about writing submissions and picked up a
few supplies for my Imperial Fists, along with this year's event-only
model from Forge World.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnyzDkj-r3as5PN2tAPlG-7gyTP0hWY8cHhiDfS31oMHpwTQjTuv1Ae47Xbgi0bH2fr2SNMvlLzCk0_9kFh8ygUgojdsV3ih6zuBXGL8Z9F9cJUI27ZUINYFMSWf-sGTQP0yfZa9tZWe4/s1600/web-goldendemon-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnyzDkj-r3as5PN2tAPlG-7gyTP0hWY8cHhiDfS31oMHpwTQjTuv1Ae47Xbgi0bH2fr2SNMvlLzCk0_9kFh8ygUgojdsV3ih6zuBXGL8Z9F9cJUI27ZUINYFMSWf-sGTQP0yfZa9tZWe4/s320/web-goldendemon-6.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Golden Demon finalist pin</td></tr>
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I'll definitely enter Golden Demon again. I'm delighted that I have what it takes to get as far as I did and hope I can repeat or improve on that in future. I've got the bug now.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-43990885593287434172016-05-16T07:21:00.000+01:002016-05-16T09:39:15.790+01:00SHOWCASE: Nârik Dreygur, Consul-Praevian of the Iron Warriors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOu6g1gLkVhsdPpnVs7rMW46qxEPQseTEBUbfr6A7NNsNfhYaSYzOc9h8OiKob1P1rCN2I4Nbc537uCU9wc35SD1js2LnnvpBbAphFMK4xW0vIIsByT6E0VPnsy-aeZRD_jy0t0LymrPp/s1600/web-narik-dreygur-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOu6g1gLkVhsdPpnVs7rMW46qxEPQseTEBUbfr6A7NNsNfhYaSYzOc9h8OiKob1P1rCN2I4Nbc537uCU9wc35SD1js2LnnvpBbAphFMK4xW0vIIsByT6E0VPnsy-aeZRD_jy0t0LymrPp/s320/web-narik-dreygur-1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nârik Dreygur, Consul-Praevian of the Iron Warriors</td></tr>
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For the last couple of months, I've been gradually doing more and more work on this project. This is Nârik Dreygur, The Gravewalker, Strategos-Minor of the Apolakron, and Consul-Praevian of the Iron Warriors. With such a short, catchy and easily-memorable title, you'd expect a suitably imposing miniature... and this is it. This is a limited edition model, available exclusively at the events that Forge World attended last year... or to anybody, like me, who couldn't make it to the events, but found one on eBay. I loved the model when I saw it, but toyed for a while with whether it was worth getting, mainly because I don't collect Iron Warriors (but do collect their mortal enemies: the Imperial Fists). It's such a good model, however, that I eventually decided to relent. I'm glad I did. As well as being a joy to paint, as of yesterday, it became my first ever entry into the <i>Golden Demon</i> painting competition, and earned me a finalist badge for my efforts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzn84ZtVG091VOdBvF4PkNSJ6yJ0NTfQ3MiidNNtPrFZe2IOVp7L4UuGOEYghGbSkhJaOzlEXV8SplIxdCJpkIjhRjYngdMakNUz5r2b7FCtC8e3aS8ZKMl5UQmFGgbzwKsBek322aucg/s1600/web-narik-dreygur-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzn84ZtVG091VOdBvF4PkNSJ6yJ0NTfQ3MiidNNtPrFZe2IOVp7L4UuGOEYghGbSkhJaOzlEXV8SplIxdCJpkIjhRjYngdMakNUz5r2b7FCtC8e3aS8ZKMl5UQmFGgbzwKsBek322aucg/s320/web-narik-dreygur-2.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left side view</td></tr>
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<br />
Obviously I didn't win. That was never an expectation. The standard at these events is phenomenal. How some of the entrants achieve the effects they do is as much a mystery to me as how rockets and space stations work. I'm sure there's an element of science, but I'm convinced the rest is down to magic and fairy dust. I did, however, attempt to do the best work I could on this model, as much to push myself and my abilities as to achieve anything in the competition itself. Regardless of whether the judges gave my entry much more than a casual glance, I'm extremely proud of how the model turned out. It would have been nice to walk away with a trophy to show for it, but there were far more worthy entrants on the day and I can't wait to see close-up pictures of their entries in the magazines in a few months' time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gQqmxVyV4UgfdjfRxtulmztU8tbtcE8tdV2-6t6g2ssHo_PSKRpRE2PA6AAUxHsn00bigP1hSFPr-TONmTh3A8Ri20ByStahDuiN7wT0bPpB8VD7OEjH0Jn4SF9YSXxyb1PlxvmPtEVx/s1600/web-narik-dreygur-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gQqmxVyV4UgfdjfRxtulmztU8tbtcE8tdV2-6t6g2ssHo_PSKRpRE2PA6AAUxHsn00bigP1hSFPr-TONmTh3A8Ri20ByStahDuiN7wT0bPpB8VD7OEjH0Jn4SF9YSXxyb1PlxvmPtEVx/s320/web-narik-dreygur-3.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring down the barrel of a gun</td></tr>
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I painted this model with a variety of techniques. The first, and biggest, decision was to use non-metallic metal throughout. Given that the character is part of an <i>IRON</i> Warriors army, this should be a clue as to the amount of metal work involved. They wear iron armour. Iron is metal. That basically means that more or less the whole model was going to need painting in what is quite a complex and labour-intensive technique. To make it manageable, I broke it down into sections (and worked on other models in between for some variety). I painted one limb at a time, with things like the torso, backpack, head, shoulder pads and base painted separately. Doing this meant I wasn't spending ages applying one colour on the whole model and running the risk of getting very bored. I was able to work each item up almost to completion before moving on and starting again. It was often daunting, but I'm glad I did it this way and think it was worth the effort.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tgw6xmJhyphenhyphenlDBE-YYEvXKZQAyvud0Pb9QvXpF9vIHEhk2LQNwC1zgRKUwYfyVph1bdNqjUvvLjYjWP_rYoNU7UCLjB8Hw0IKnNVTyzzkiFDCr0pPW_BBBDcquYDjwD-ePGTUtrYUEOvwJ/s1600/web-narik-dreygur-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tgw6xmJhyphenhyphenlDBE-YYEvXKZQAyvud0Pb9QvXpF9vIHEhk2LQNwC1zgRKUwYfyVph1bdNqjUvvLjYjWP_rYoNU7UCLjB8Hw0IKnNVTyzzkiFDCr0pPW_BBBDcquYDjwD-ePGTUtrYUEOvwJ/s320/web-narik-dreygur-4.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slightly blurred rear view,<br />
showing the metal on the legs</td></tr>
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<br />
The 'iron' is painted from black up to white with two tones of grey in between. Each layer is thinned right down until it's the consistency of very thin milk and applied in multiple almost translucent coats to build up the colour. Often I'd use glazes to enhance the colour or tone it back down to match. The effect relies on contrast from dark to light, with an emphasis on very sharp edge highlights. The brass is painted from dark brown up to ivory in the same way. The predominant spot colour is yellow, which I've used on the chevrons on the kneepads and power fist, and echoed on the discarded backpack and helmet from an unfortunate Imperial Fist on the base. Some of the details, like the parchment use neutral brown and bone tones. I've also worked in some green and red on cabling, the latter of which is reflected in the base (beneath a generous layer of dust!). Finally, the flesh tones of the face finish the model with a very muted hue, tinged with purples to emphasise that there is life, however bruised and damaged, within all that armour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JzsfDxwOf66YZlEsHUM80qMwFqz0LTerKK5GHJfRg2Mib-SVOEXi_1c7Q_ZNuVYZ0-rbeKMtHamJcqmil3eBi8ZlZloRz7gGCOzLMTsWgyj-HQUrcsUb9BWkU0jlbpQbrDLcT0Z5r3eJ/s1600/web-narik-dreygur-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JzsfDxwOf66YZlEsHUM80qMwFqz0LTerKK5GHJfRg2Mib-SVOEXi_1c7Q_ZNuVYZ0-rbeKMtHamJcqmil3eBi8ZlZloRz7gGCOzLMTsWgyj-HQUrcsUb9BWkU0jlbpQbrDLcT0Z5r3eJ/s320/web-narik-dreygur-5.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side view,<br />
showing the detail of the power fist I'm so pleased with</td></tr>
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<br />
Even though I didn't walk away with a trophy, I'm really happy with the quality of this model and very proud of the work I put into it. I'm particularly pleased with the reflective look of the armour and the tarnished yellow of the freehand chevrons on the power fist. I'm also glad to have finally experienced <i>Golden Demon</i> as an entrant, having followed the competition for many years as a spectator. I hope you like the model.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-44420674210701063002016-05-09T07:28:00.000+01:002016-05-09T07:28:18.723+01:00WIP: Alpha Legion veteran tactical squad (update #1)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqbaH-qaterodQNEDfCmWcGXxZFQW76mHwb1OW6opm5Myx3-5fD3tWq1PEJ3aHcClxz24hfy2Hj3GfhBi1qzlRrBAKMsprT3vswGnyR9TB03eLn1T4WzWp9pbWNm87WVl3RB7-Sr065Uq/s1600/web-alphalegion-vts-wip7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqbaH-qaterodQNEDfCmWcGXxZFQW76mHwb1OW6opm5Myx3-5fD3tWq1PEJ3aHcClxz24hfy2Hj3GfhBi1qzlRrBAKMsprT3vswGnyR9TB03eLn1T4WzWp9pbWNm87WVl3RB7-Sr065Uq/s320/web-alphalegion-vts-wip7.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpha Legion veteran tactical marine<br />
with missle launcher</td></tr>
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Another quick update today. This time it's another addition to my Alpha Legion veteran tactical squad. This guy carries the squad's heavy weapon: a Proteus pattern missile launcher. If I remember rightly from my (brief) foray into gaming in the early to mid-90s, missile launchers can be great for blowing up both tanks and infantry, depending on the type of missiles they fire. I like to think this one would be more than adequate at such a role.<br />
<br />
In other news, my updates are weekly at the moment for good reason. While I'm still very active on the painting front, a lot of my energies are going into a very specific project. Details will be revealed next week!notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-61511264164835727152016-04-25T07:22:00.000+01:002016-04-25T07:22:00.896+01:00WIP: Imperial Fists Mk.III tactical squad<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm41ksDb18yvIHGWByGSnKD0IdI2Uj-HwaAS9h2nd1eu_mLoTCik49yWZPg9p_OCTmwEqgiDVlmp-ABzgXNNJMqkiSrS5N3onQinF4KIsunG2Kpmy365yah4I28md3zlhe27WmA4y_ndLD/s1600/web-if30k-tactical1-wip3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm41ksDb18yvIHGWByGSnKD0IdI2Uj-HwaAS9h2nd1eu_mLoTCik49yWZPg9p_OCTmwEqgiDVlmp-ABzgXNNJMqkiSrS5N3onQinF4KIsunG2Kpmy365yah4I28md3zlhe27WmA4y_ndLD/s320/web-if30k-tactical1-wip3.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imperial Fists Mk.III tactical marine</td></tr>
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Just a quick post today to show off another finished tactical marine. This model is for a different tactical squad: my first Mk.III squad. I last did something with this squad last year, so it's been a long time coming. This model is brings the squad up to half strength (five models) and features the squads Legion Vexilla banner. It also marks the completion of the first set of 'old armour variants' that I ever bought, a year or so before Forge World launched the Horus Heresy range proper. One day I might even finish the squad!notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-63359922921222868922016-04-18T07:20:00.000+01:002016-04-18T07:20:00.149+01:00WIP: Imperial Fists Mk.VI tactical squad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFS3dONJPHFZbFXTWC2OrK_uyJ2i9dY_VqyVU8C_iSIvXzjuv3QZZ9NpapM4tf-f1hsASj-sIID-e-1iMpcwimXZdPzHMCQIyrhvNQ8wpCJz1bGSQ6Qjf6HH3xGgBOuyY6O0SjaveGfdu/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFS3dONJPHFZbFXTWC2OrK_uyJ2i9dY_VqyVU8C_iSIvXzjuv3QZZ9NpapM4tf-f1hsASj-sIID-e-1iMpcwimXZdPzHMCQIyrhvNQ8wpCJz1bGSQ6Qjf6HH3xGgBOuyY6O0SjaveGfdu/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: tactical marines in MK.VI armour</td></tr>
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Lately I've been prompted to look again at the Imperial Fists in my modest but largely unpainted Horus Heresy era collection. Perhaps spurred on by the standard bearer I finished in February, and by the Alpha Legion that are forming a rival faction on the same shelf, I've looked again at the unpainted models I have to hand and decided to spend a little time on them. First among them are these offerings for a tactical squad in Mk.VI armour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AvjHtCOZiRGNbSRemiXGZHwSpKmPcW4sSK5Ezo1HMZbzv_6T8XCKOeSwhBk265UJDKWup2-mGaU-loaJV2HDcXGKeKRuUwRRDLUtS8VChzvOGbEg71PmJuOOi8gu4kaFKySR8oW7tFcE/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AvjHtCOZiRGNbSRemiXGZHwSpKmPcW4sSK5Ezo1HMZbzv_6T8XCKOeSwhBk265UJDKWup2-mGaU-loaJV2HDcXGKeKRuUwRRDLUtS8VChzvOGbEg71PmJuOOi8gu4kaFKySR8oW7tFcE/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip4.jpg" width="194" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwwTpGLQOzvjiluqAnq2VpkQDjeaC-wgYxjmiB2FOS3jVm_J5yEq_10R2Y_21xXmYSw4f2TT7qC6m1YpJ3UooDUtV9vwKF1IozZik41mUKZvb1lZzhI3xRgvXTsz8VdSYcbGUvGXizKHT/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwwTpGLQOzvjiluqAnq2VpkQDjeaC-wgYxjmiB2FOS3jVm_J5yEq_10R2Y_21xXmYSw4f2TT7qC6m1YpJ3UooDUtV9vwKF1IozZik41mUKZvb1lZzhI3xRgvXTsz8VdSYcbGUvGXizKHT/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip1.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="3" style="text-align: center;">My squad sergeant (left) also carries the Legion Vexilla.</td></tr>
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The majority of the models in my current Heresy-era Imperial Fists force wear some version of the much older Mk.III armour variant. I love the look of that particular variant, and think it really suits the Imperial Fists army—with its solid front armour plates—as siege specialists and defenders. I was drawn, however, to the Mk.VI variant through a mixture of nostalgia and by some of the Horus Heresy series stories from Black Library that mention it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwVE4LMT7yeH2rj2V5bNY7bCEohNGuu3axOqldNtjlcvQiMOR_75P0pLV3_EV7spuyHVKw-mN1TgbAnDxdL0sNd_368rbBQo9YpfxoNcST2CjHzm5Sgst1a7zbhFycT6vl-i8ApzIBN9T/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwVE4LMT7yeH2rj2V5bNY7bCEohNGuu3axOqldNtjlcvQiMOR_75P0pLV3_EV7spuyHVKw-mN1TgbAnDxdL0sNd_368rbBQo9YpfxoNcST2CjHzm5Sgst1a7zbhFycT6vl-i8ApzIBN9T/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip2.jpg" width="177" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNhlOT1-ufw_w_Y8svjuLuk3hcS94_C-uhgg9mdw7pQIm2IOmTRDVqrC3og9A7A67tau-3u8XpLgqxIxfxvvR5TypI8t7fWGveKsMrFaK14abZMDs74-95RVfdABD2vbFBhvX9sRqG_0c/s1600/web-if30k-tactical2-wip3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNhlOT1-ufw_w_Y8svjuLuk3hcS94_C-uhgg9mdw7pQIm2IOmTRDVqrC3og9A7A67tau-3u8XpLgqxIxfxvvR5TypI8t7fWGveKsMrFaK14abZMDs74-95RVfdABD2vbFBhvX9sRqG_0c/s320/web-if30k-tactical2-wip3.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">Side views. This one carries a legion vox.<br />
(Apologies for the blurred photos.<br />
My phone's camera has a superb knack of focusing on the bases.)</td></tr>
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Some of the first space marines I ever bought—indeed the first ever full tactical squad I finished (for my original Ultramarines)—wore Mk.VI armour. These were the original RTB01 (<i>Rogue Trader</i> box one) space marines: the earliest of their kind ever released in plastic, from the mid-1980s. These were later phased out in favour of the Mk.VII armour sculpts of later releases, but I've always held a special fondness for them. Obviously the newer models are much better. The details are more crisp and the poses and aesthetic are more in keeping with the modern releases, but they still evoke that familiar feeling with the look of their conical helms and simplistic armour design.<br />
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I have a squad of ten of these to paint. These represent the first. Annoyingly I bought them in two halves (Forge World sell them in packs of five), and they fell either side of the re-cast that changed the way they hold their weapons, but hopefully that won't be obvious when the models are finished. Like all of my projects, this will be a slow burner, and one I'll dip in and out of while I work on other things, but hopefully, at some point, I'll be able to finish another Mk.VI squad for old time's sake.<br />
Oh, and in case you're wondering what could possibly distract me from such a task, this was delivered the other day. Let's see how that plays out...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX3rdBmB0qsHeTB0slowY8-3vqDZ712CY0u381iYYrEjZJF06qgqeHIraZYJ-bNruQ7yqXh7aGzAErzdf5PwWXbmBXsq-SnO7wux4v_4558nDNiNsrT84s6yfzdgcTmH1i3oXpXQ8zc0U/s1600/web-if30k-leviathan-wip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX3rdBmB0qsHeTB0slowY8-3vqDZ712CY0u381iYYrEjZJF06qgqeHIraZYJ-bNruQ7yqXh7aGzAErzdf5PwWXbmBXsq-SnO7wux4v_4558nDNiNsrT84s6yfzdgcTmH1i3oXpXQ8zc0U/s320/web-if30k-leviathan-wip1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-32536390794919065722016-04-04T07:23:00.000+01:002016-04-04T07:23:04.868+01:00SHOWCASE: Alpha Legion contemptor dreadnought<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYoooKvr6NfPI_d_Eyt27X5E9TjusnMZ4IxtGfN0LyPCbzpXjiuryGHuPyFix15MAzj0BYQa-TA_F6NkixvOmbo-OtIkzssvgjB1H2XPSsUM242MtEYQXYughr-8L_xy3IMqliBVi0inR/s1600/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYoooKvr6NfPI_d_Eyt27X5E9TjusnMZ4IxtGfN0LyPCbzpXjiuryGHuPyFix15MAzj0BYQa-TA_F6NkixvOmbo-OtIkzssvgjB1H2XPSsUM242MtEYQXYughr-8L_xy3IMqliBVi0inR/s320/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-1.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Alpha Legion contemptor dreadnought</td></tr>
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Today we have a new addition to my (very slowly) growning Alpha Legion collection: a contemptor dreadnought. This is the Forge World model, complete with sculpted Alpha Legion details. I've armed it with a power fist and a volkite culverin. I have no idea if these are any good in game, but they look cool and that's all that matters to me as a painter. This model features lots of airbrush work, mainly on the blue armour, but also on some source lighting on the main weapon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioenN9nJ6_LIeRrP2QapSbw6pXkQsJNelDXbEPijWwxLvSLHl1Wp-pSL2ro8luKlJpgiQJ73klnMZKA2eqBl16fcP6LMUSn1bjXCXdhPX928UiN4RI1nPOCOgnHj7M-C2cDUbvC7YsTmH/s1600/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioenN9nJ6_LIeRrP2QapSbw6pXkQsJNelDXbEPijWwxLvSLHl1Wp-pSL2ro8luKlJpgiQJ73klnMZKA2eqBl16fcP6LMUSn1bjXCXdhPX928UiN4RI1nPOCOgnHj7M-C2cDUbvC7YsTmH/s320/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-2.jpg" width="215" /></a></td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3DreLHrIcpQ7ZUIuStOvPTHhWz1VexrZoWujKCAbBRuLkEzoHfw5DtOZ_ddHhwu8UChYLiD7hqbcsrmLMTyjsXIhx-mURwpNcLyZIk6w53dLDqVnHmqa5JvIMI5zhmV1O8GDTBsLgcG8/s1600/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3DreLHrIcpQ7ZUIuStOvPTHhWz1VexrZoWujKCAbBRuLkEzoHfw5DtOZ_ddHhwu8UChYLiD7hqbcsrmLMTyjsXIhx-mURwpNcLyZIk6w53dLDqVnHmqa5JvIMI5zhmV1O8GDTBsLgcG8/s320/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-4.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" colspan="2" style="text-align: center;">Side views</td></tr>
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The dreadnought is the biggest model in the army so far (for now!). I imagine him providing some heavy support for the troops advancing ahead of him, picking out threats with his weapons and neutralising them before they can do any damage. I've made extensive use of weathering powders, especially around his legs and feet, to show that he's been in the heat of battle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_v9PehsQqgcuuudOMXb5Cq1qHur2x5Og5b1FekU0weQQ3w61cpaFU1JVk3XMOpg-6gRqllO5AaQooh8nehmBB-ELLh8o_dZvaZKa1Cq-darrmFaHRgrttt-DSo4-Dlz_fQj_CeFI1I7H/s1600/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_v9PehsQqgcuuudOMXb5Cq1qHur2x5Og5b1FekU0weQQ3w61cpaFU1JVk3XMOpg-6gRqllO5AaQooh8nehmBB-ELLh8o_dZvaZKa1Cq-darrmFaHRgrttt-DSo4-Dlz_fQj_CeFI1I7H/s320/web-alphalegion-contemptor1-3.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr>
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Next up for this army, I have a <a href="http://notquitepainted.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/wip-alpha-legion-veteran-tactical-squad.html">veteran tactical squad</a> to finish before I start looking at some other additions. At this stage I'm not too worried about having a 'game-legal' force. I'll probably never game with it. I'm just looking to amass a decent collection that could provide a foundation, should I wish it in future. notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046502713090553567.post-62597379074794046802016-03-21T07:47:00.000+00:002016-03-21T07:47:07.448+00:00SHOWCASE: Imperial Fists legion standard bearer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfOrEmszYId9wi2Jajc74fpKeaJY13OnhZxs6LMBWJLK4jF5OCGuOpLfohToLlEfLAZuNxRriPu7SPXz_qGy0_inigPJtrm91gSfs8NltrxXMXjo_7q_W3asE_G8jotMG14oN519Gu_kH/s1600/web-if30k-cmd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfOrEmszYId9wi2Jajc74fpKeaJY13OnhZxs6LMBWJLK4jF5OCGuOpLfohToLlEfLAZuNxRriPu7SPXz_qGy0_inigPJtrm91gSfs8NltrxXMXjo_7q_W3asE_G8jotMG14oN519Gu_kH/s320/web-if30k-cmd1.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horus Heresy: Imperial Fists legion standard bearer</td></tr>
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It's been a while since I first started this. For the longest part of that, he'd stood on my desk minus a head and with a blank banner. That was until Forge World released their Imperial Fists transfer sheets and, with it, the banner decal that I'd been waiting so long for. Admittedly, it still took me a while to finish him, but here he is now. This model is a war-torn veteran, his armour damaged by countless attempts on his life, yet still he holds his legion's banner aloft. After the one for my Alpha Legion, this is the second standard bearer I finished last month. It marks a welcome return to my long-neglected Imperial Fists and I'm quite pleased with how he turned out.notquitecraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789350567162831479noreply@blogger.com1