http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/56.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net
Taking one from the pages of Warseer, I've decided to start my own little "kitchen sink" thread to have a spot for all of my random projects and models.

My goals for this thread are simple:

1. Get to all of those models I have laying around the house that I had so much ambition to work on, but never actually got around to doing anything with!

2. Learn new techniques, painting styles, and modeling tricks of the trade while I'm doing each project.

A bunch of years back I found that doing One Off models was a hell of a way to try your hand and really LEARN while you painted. I could have continued to paint every model the same way I did way back when, but it wasn't until I really sat down saying "What if I did this?" while I painted that I really started to see serious improvement with each model.

You will see goals with each model I get around to starting in this thread as I start a new piece. These will be rough ideas about the direction the paint and modeling will go before/when I start a model.

Now this is where you the readers will come in. I love compliments just as much as the next guy, but this thread is really all about making myself better as a painter. I really want to see the critiques and ideas from the painters around here start to flow more freely. We're all in it to get better right? So please help me get better. If you see something that doesn't quite feel right, let me know! If my palette is off, let me know! If the technique isn't being applied correctly or in a manner that works, let me know! Also to anyone who might have questions about anything I'm doing with a model, please feel free to ask questions here. I'll be more than happy to let you know how I did something, and how you might get similar results. Some of the folks out there already know I'm more than happy to help a fellow modeler out with advice, I hope that this WIP thread will help even more.

end mission statement]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/230636.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/230636.page GMT
I was driving around town today and started to think about a set of Tau I did for commission a couple years back. They were a pretty good group of models and I actually enjoyed doing them. This all came back because the owner of said models is returning home from his first tour in Iraq this month. I'm really looking forward to seein him and the rest of the guys home finally.

The inspiration:
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/DSCN0020.jpg[/IMG]

But it got me thinking of doing a one off Tau model though. And when I got home I hit the boxes in search of the few Tau models I have around the house, as well as to the internets in search of ideas.

My plan is to base differently, making the model more dynamic without serious conversion. To use white primer again (my first real white primer mini being my [url=http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/205750.page]God Bless the Infantry entry[/url]), but this time since white will be the armor color, I'm using the spikyjames approach to the whites which I believe will give me the effect I want. I am thinking, note: just thinking!, about doing battle damage/scrapes and cuts painted on the model as well a la migs style, but I haven't made my mind up yet. I'm planning on doing multiple glazing for all other parts past armor plating for my other colors.

Here is the model so far:

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0561-2.jpg[/IMG]
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/230642.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/230642.page GMT
To that end, you mention pallette a lot. Since I just paint things the colors I would like them to be, would you be so kind as to give an elucidation of just what that is and how it works, as well as how to bend it to the will of the Emperor?

Off to a good start!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/230849.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/230849.page GMT
To that end, you mention pallette a lot. Since I just paint things the colors I would like them to be, would you be so kind as to give an elucidation of just what that is and how it works, as well as how to bend it to the will of the Emperor?

Off to a good start![/quote]

I use the term palette in a broad manner. It is originally the thing you put your paints on while you are working on a painting/model. It can also mean the colors you have available to you and what colors you plan to use on a piece. You'll often see me reference a 'limited palette', this is simply me choosing to use only the smallest amount of colors possible to get the effect I want. When using a limited palette on a piece I normally try and use colors that are already worked into a model for details. For example, my veteran:

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0340.jpg[/IMG]

Originally, I was going to use a blue frosted effect on his sword. But when it wasn't working out well, I realized it was because the added color wasn't going to fit in well with what colors were already on the model. When I moved to a red/black fade, the model came together and gave me a much more solid piece. Had I went with blue, it would have felt like a different model entirely, making it seem disjointed in the execution.

When I approach a new color scheme, I really take this all into effect. I hope that answered your question ^_^. Sorry if it's long winded x.x]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/231383.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/231383.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232746.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232746.page GMT
Hehe, Well the white scheme above is mine too ^_^. It was just a commission I did for a friend.

I'm in the middle of working on the cloth for this guy now ^_-. More by the end of the night.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232752.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232752.page GMT

Are you using the foundation paints?
I've been giving them a try and they make life so much easier. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232846.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232846.page GMT
I spent most of the night toying with light sourcing. I'd never tried it before and I thought I would see if I could pick out the lights and darks for this model. I did an alright job I think at actually picking out the light sides vs. the dark sides of the model. Unfortunately I really don't want that to be the final direction of the model.

The big problem with that is that the white is now pretty much ruined unless I go back and reprime the piece. Which I'm not really in the mood to do. So I'm thinking the models new base color will be shadow grey ^_^...Highlighted extensively of course.

Here are the pictures from tonights fiasco:
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0597-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0598-2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0599-2.jpg[/IMG]

As you can see, I didn't get around to midtones at all yet. But like I said that really wasn't my goal going into this one, just something I thought I would try out some. I really need to start with smaller objects for light sourcing before I make the jump to complete models.

It's messy, and it doesn't look great, but it was definitely a good experiment for me. Now to get back to basics ^_^.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232905.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232905.page GMT

Are you using the foundation paints?
I've been giving them a try and they make life so much easier. [/quote]

Oh and I haven't given foundation paints a go yet. I definitely would like to see how they work for me on something in the future. I'd probably base a scheme around the colors available for something like that. Maybe even a dipping project >.>...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232906.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/232906.page GMT
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/236933.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/236933.page GMT
This color scheme is rather easy to replicate and I came up with it a good 6 years ago. Only differences now are the small things (lenses are nicer, highlights sharper). These guys will be a nice tabletop quality fun skirmish team. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/237474.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/237474.page GMT BT scouts(except your's are much better painted). Where did you get the old models?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/237803.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/237803.page GMT
Just make certain you take off your shoes when you get in my head.

Thanks for the pallette explanation too.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/237917.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/237917.page GMT LatD color scheme is reverse that, Wehrkind(Black cloth, grey armour).]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238050.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238050.page GMT ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238057.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238057.page GMT BT scouts(except your's are much better painted). Where did you get the old models?[/quote]

I've had them since they were first released. The models you see around the new guy were painted around that same time frame (except one that was painted last year). I've always loved these guys, and it's about time I finished them I think. The paint scheme is easy enough ^_-...

[quote=Wehrkind]That's eerie. No shit, last night I decided I just wanted to paint -something-, so I picked up the Kasrkin Sgt. I had been using for scale in my Redemptor project and started slapping some color on him. Black armor plates and grey clothes.

Just make certain you take off your shoes when you get in my head.

Thanks for the pallette explanation too.[/quote]

Haha, Kasrkin came out soon after I purchased these guys ^_^. I've always meant to pick up a squad of them myself, but never got around to it. Another project someday ^_-. Oh and no prob on the explanation ^_^, it's what I'm here for!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238069.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238069.page GMT Inq. He has sat in pretty much the same state as the pics for some 13 months. Lucky for him, he happened to be the closest model while I was eating dinner and watching tv :-P]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238320.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238320.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238325.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238325.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238407.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/238407.page GMT
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/239451.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/239451.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/239523.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/239523.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240662.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240662.page GMT
I was recently at the good ol' Hobby Lobby picking up some super glue (my dogs punctured my other bottle x.x ), and noticed they had some 1/48 scale US Infantry for 5 bucks. I was intrigued and decided to snag them on a whim.

Some thoughts after putting one of these little bugga's together:

1/48 weapons should come already attached to the models...That was a PAIN to get glued on. I'm really not looking forward to doing the same for the rest...but I will. Eventually...
It's definitely too small to proxy much of anything in most wargames. The scale is off because of the heroic scale most companies produce.
They don't come with bases, which makes sense since they're not meant to be used for wargaming, so I'll have to end up either using generic rounds or making a mini-diorama for them. Not sure what direction I'll end up going with it.
Expect glue on your hands.
The detail is great, I'm hoping to get to painting the one I've got glued together in the near future to help show it off some.

Anyways, On with the pics.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240664.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240664.page GMT ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240750.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240750.page GMT atm. Remembered how good tamiya were at making kits.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240753.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240753.page GMT [/quote]

They're very easily handled. Most I had to do was a few quick passes with the edge of my hobby knife. I meant to include the mold lines in my thoughts on the kit...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240760.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240760.page GMT GW is. But I must say I prefer heroic for the more robust look. And the military guys look like they would snap quite easily. You could possibly use the machine gun as a wierd bolter weapon. If you don't use it for the other models.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240997.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/240997.page GMT IG army of "true scale" historic minis. By true scale, I mean a scale that would make SM minis actually be some 8-9 feet tall by comparison. Then mix in some Grey Knights or the like for that "And here are the elite... they can crush your skull like an egg" feel.

It does surprise me a bit that Tamiya makes such nice kits for so much less money than GW. While I think the Tamita plastic might be a little less durable than GW's stuff, the detail and sheer number of parts, not to mention raw size, makes GW's kits seem really expensive for what you get.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241486.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241486.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241619.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241619.page GMT
That is definitely part of the reason for sure. When I showed the sprue's to my wife, she immediately commented on how you could nearly see through some of the weapons, as they are so thin.

Making models that are durable enough to be handled by the greasy sausage fingers they're bound to come across on the wargaming table is a necessity when it comes to usable/playable wargaming minis.

Models like the above, that are in a more realistic scale are definitely not durable enough to hold up for very long. And special transport considerations should be made as well.

I do enjoy the scaled feel of these but I wouldn't consider them tabletop ready by any means. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241627.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241627.page GMT
Perhaps another good solution is to carry a thin metal rod to snap any sausage fingers that get near your models uninvited! Perhaps a few raps for coming to game uncleaned would also be in order.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241663.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241663.page GMT
Perhaps another good solution is to carry a thin metal rod to snap any sausage fingers that get near your models uninvited! Perhaps a few raps for coming to game uncleaned would also be in order.[/quote]

I've seen some really great armies with the tanks built straight from historical scale kits. I've also seen some really nice kit bashes with major pieces taken from both and put together with great results (tracks from a scale kit put together with chimera hull for example). ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241745.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241745.page GMT Often times the stock and bolt are separate pieces, and the barrels are rifled. They're absolutely beautiful kits.

I can't wait to see the US Infantry men painted up with your smooth blending style. I'm sure with some converting they'd make a great commissar or other commander figure.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241800.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241800.page GMT GW IG. The Tamiya 1/48 would probably not look that out of place next to them. They are of course WAY more expensive than the Tamiya minis. Nice find.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241926.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241926.page GMT

This could be a really neat project for those of you who want something different for your home tables. I think it would be hella cool to see something like these on a table to give it that realistic feel for those alien worlds you might be creating out there. Not certain how sturdy these things are, but the idea struck me and I thought I'd share it here!
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1710.jpg[/IMG]

The following products are something I'm just in love with. These little kits are absolutely awesome little terrain starter kits. I haven't seen a better pack for such a cheap price anywhere. Snag one or two of these, a 4x8 of pink foam and some paint and I'd say you have a table people. I can't speak as to how much stuff is in each one, but they're nicely varied and give you lots of great stuff to work with. There are different region types to help you really keep your tables unique too. The only issue I see is making it durable for wargaming. Most of the stuff is meant to just be sprinkled onto a surface without much of an adhesive. I'd suggest doing everything in layers with some watered down pva to help keep the stuff on your board. Anyways check em out:
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1711.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1712.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1713.jpg[/IMG]

The next bit of product I found was in the dollhouse section. I've always known the dollhouse area of the store was a gold mine for terrain. They have lots of great pieces that, if you put a little thought into it, can be easily converted to work for your tables. Here are just a few things I found that easily translate to the table top:

[b]Carpet: [/b]
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1717.jpg[/IMG]
I haven't seen it done yet. But I WANT to see it done. I might even make it happen.

[b]Hardwood flooring:[/b]
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1718.jpg[/IMG]
It's held together by a small piece of plastic sheeting on the back of the wood. Cut to fit and you've got hardwood floors in your buildings.

[b]Bricks:[/b]
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/02-05-08_1719.jpg[/IMG]
Held together in much the same manner as the hardwood floors. These are actual clay bricks (in miniature!). So cut to fit and use the rest as rubble!

Hope this stuff helps inspire some folks like it did me ^_^.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241927.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/241927.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/242308.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/242308.page GMT They look much more realistic than any of GW's stuff]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/242873.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/242873.page GMT
Well today I went to go pick up magnets from one of the hobby shops, unfortunately they were out. But, this led to me walking around the store and finally deciding enough is enough, I want to sculpt. I picked up a pack of sculpty in green (for easier contrast while sculpting) and quickly got to it.

I'm not completely new to sculpting in general mind you. I just haven't gone past what was required of me during High School way back when. A few things here and there but never stuck with it. Those few projects have given me a step up in starting this project though.

I settled upon just getting used to working with the stuff right now. Not exactly going all out on a free sculpt of my own ideas. So I hit the Ultraforge site and settled upon trying to mimic a piece of theirs. Here are my results so far]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246426.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246426.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246445.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246445.page GMT

The face looks like it could use a bit more detail though. Possibly a skull? Can never have too many skulls on your minis. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246595.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246595.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246742.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246742.page GMT Maybe I can sneak in a few classes at the local community college without my wife noticing I am not studying for my APICS cert. or my GMATs...

Looks great though, I am really jealous of your skills. I can handle purity seals and hair, and that's been the extent so far.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246755.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246755.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246772.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246772.page GMT
I actually packed a box of those Space crystals around for about 10 years and never got around to creating them. thought they'd be great for Tzeencth terrain. I can't say for sure but I'd expect them to be pretty brittle. In the end they just ended up getting tossed during a move.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246897.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246897.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246995.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/246995.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247012.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247012.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247664.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247664.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247689.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247689.page GMT
Definitely a started medium. I like it for what it can do.

I'm considering it as a new terrain medium in the future. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247701.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247701.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247709.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247709.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247742.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/247742.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/248844.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/248844.page GMT Is it based on a chimera hull?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/249559.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/249559.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/249585.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/249585.page GMT
I took the basic shapes from the M1 Abrams, and added a Leopard II type exhaust system to the back end. I figure this tank would seat 5 to work all of the weapon systems. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/249934.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/249934.page GMT
[img]http://rackham.fr/images/stories/AT-43/Preview/PREVIEW-MedTec.jpg[/img]

::waits impatiently for July::]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/250802.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/250802.page GMT
The aquarium section is chock full of great little aquarium additions that could EASILY be transferred over to wargaming! Check out these finds:

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/03-03-08_1245.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/03-03-08_1246.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/03-03-08_1247.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/03-03-08_1248.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/03-03-08_1249.jpg[/IMG]]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253947.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253947.page GMT GD. $24.99 is a bit steep, but battlin' it out across a shrine world with my CSM would be sweeeet

- Salvage]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253951.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253951.page GMT GD. $24.99 is a bit steep, but battlin' it out across a shrine world with my CSM would be sweeeet

- Salvage[/quote]

Actually I think that was for something else. If you read it that price tag is for an Egyptian column ruins. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253958.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253958.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253964.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/253964.page GMT
Base coats of shadow grey has gone down for my Stormtrooper squad. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/254111.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/254111.page GMT
The stormtroopers will be getting faces sometime today btw. ^_-.

Stay tuned!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/254574.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/254574.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/254656.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/254656.page GMT Props on making them varied though. I like seeing the small variations in armies. Even though you don't notice it en masse, when you peak closer it adds a nice "Real people/hideous monsters, not assembly line robots." touch.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/255013.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/255013.page GMT
For the record, these are quite possibly the worst face sculpts I've had the dis-pleasure of painting. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/255056.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/255056.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/255084.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/255084.page GMT
But some progress has been made. Only 2 more troopers to finish the cloth bits on which really doesn't take long so I think I'll knock that out tomorrow. Anyways, here's where they sit right now.

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/stormtrooperclothwip.jpg[/IMG]]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/258300.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/258300.page GMT Enough of the poor face sculpts! Where's the rest of that Nurgle Demon Prince? You horrible, horrible tease!


Ghidorah]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/263740.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/263740.page GMT
As for horrible face sculpts, here's my first face sculpt ever that I worked up today in about 45 minutes.

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0048.jpg[/IMG]

the neck is connected to a paint pot to give you some scale. It's big, but it was just an exercise for me. Nothing serious or even permanent really, this probably will get smashed into it's original sculpey to be used for something else ^_-. It was fun to try my hand at a face for the first time though.


Some issue I have with it:

The eyes - I'm definitely not happy with how they came out but it's going to take some effort on my part to really learn to sculpt them.

The ears - they look like cinnamon buns. which makes me hungry. but doesn't make me happy with how I sculpted them. that was mainly because I was too lazy to go looking for a bit of reference.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/264024.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/264024.page GMT
I need your help!!

Here's what we're looking at:

[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/whotofinish.jpg[/img]

So? What do you think?? What's first!?!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/279496.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/279496.page GMT GD, great to see you flexing your artistic side!

As far as completing models, I would suggest the space marine as you already have a sizable grouping of them done already. Couldn't hurt to add to them by any means.

A bit of constructive criticism on the head (even though it pertains to 2 dimensions):

Try to remember to keep everything in proportion. The easiest way I have found is to break a face down into sections. what I mean by this is, take the eyes for instance. both eyes are more or less the same size (depending on your perspective!) and when viewed from head on they will be spaced apart by 1 full eye width. When I do draw faces I use eye widths and heights to measure the overall width and height of a face.

Hope that helps, it might seem over complicated but it's pretty simple.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/279519.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/279519.page GMT Yeah, i agree with vermgost, from my days studying art faces are all about proportion, just google it and there will be useful guides on dimensions.

nice blog btw ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/279560.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/279560.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280384.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280384.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280441.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280441.page GMT ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280458.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280458.page GMT
Good job]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280478.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280478.page GMT ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280530.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/280530.page GMT
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0098.jpg[/IMG]

>.>...

Was cleaning out a case to bring to work tomorrow so I can get some painting done in my downtime and as I was putting them on the table I started to wonder just how many GDL models I had >.>. I've got a lot of marines (another armies worth of Space Pups), but these were specifically designated for the GDL (painted or not).

didn't think it was that many...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/282342.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/282342.page GMT
Check it out]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283671.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283671.page GMT GD! I like the addition of the posters as well! I'm not familiar with the building though, did you scratch build it? It looks ace though!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283824.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283824.page GMT 40k universe but not the same old cities of death stuff so good job. I have not got around to doing any city terrain since using the collapsed buildings cardboard cutouts from the 2nd edition box set, but one thing I always thought would be quite cool would be to do some painting with light and rig up some coloured LEDs inside to represent interior lights / creepy underground tunnels leaking through / external lighting shining up the side of a building / etc.

Also your marine scouts are identical in colour scheme to the marine scouts I am painting at the moment must be a dakka mod thing he he. Do you highlight with skull white or do you stop at fortress grey when highlighting the codex grey? I stop at a very light, watered down edging of fortress grey but am not sure it gives it enough impact.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283844.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283844.page GMT GD! I like the addition of the posters as well! I'm not familiar with the building though, did you scratch build it? It looks ace though![/quote]

It is indeed scratch built. And thank you ^_^

[quote=legoburner]The building looks very cool, still clearly 40k universe but not the same old cities of death stuff so good job. I have not got around to doing any city terrain since using the collapsed buildings cardboard cutouts from the 2nd edition box set, but one thing I always thought would be quite cool would be to do some painting with light and rig up some coloured LEDs inside to represent interior lights / creepy underground tunnels leaking through / external lighting shining up the side of a building / etc.

Also your marine scouts are identical in colour scheme to the marine scouts I am painting at the moment must be a dakka mod thing he he. Do you highlight with skull white or do you stop at fortress grey when highlighting the codex grey? I stop at a very light, watered down edging of fortress grey but am not sure it gives it enough impact.[/quote]

I think actual lighting would be a lot of fun for a city board. I just don't think I'll ever get around to it for a gaming board ^_-.

As for my scout, I stop at fortress grey highlights. But it's not a very watered down highlight when I do finish the highlighting. I start watered down though, and build up the color from there. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283872.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/283872.page GMT
I'd love to see some shots of the marine sniper in a window of the new building ... hint hint

Onward!

-DMG-]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/284307.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/284307.page GMT Btw, if anyone has ideas for interior room colors, let me know ^_^]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285236.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285236.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285365.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285365.page GMT Colours, muted greens, off-white (grimy), miserable prison greys.
Also, i thought you could go for that sort of prison corridor half and half look. A little like this...

[img]http://www.hoxa.in/UploadedPhotos/IMG_2189.jpg[/img]

I love the removable sections and the detail inside, extremely impressive.

What materials do you use for the buildings, and are they based on any articles you've found online/elsewhere?


-DMG-
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285379.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285379.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285390.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285390.page GMT Colours, muted greens, off-white (grimy), miserable prison greys.
Also, i thought you could go for that sort of prison corridor half and half look. A little like this...

I love the removable sections and the detail inside, extremely impressive.

What materials do you use for the buildings, and are they based on any articles you've found online/elsewhere?


-DMG-
[/quote]

Diggin the half and half idea. I'll definitely use that for a corridor/hallway for sure.

For materials: Foamcore and Balsa wood for basic structure. For the floors, I used pre-textured plasticard sheets I found in the Dollhouse section of my hobby store. Works like a charm.

I didn't use any real articles for them, I just sort of designed them on the fly and had a base understanding of what I wanted to create. You definitely want to go into them with a plan before you even start cutting. Especially when creating interiors like I've done here. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285392.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285392.page GMT
Looks great though man. Your buildings are certainly dead sexy.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285670.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285670.page GMT
True, but I was in a rush and it was the first good one I found. Maybe I'll make it my wallpaper... hmm...

-DMG-]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285743.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285743.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285760.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285760.page GMT
Yeah, that's not uncommon really...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285767.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/285767.page GMT
[url=http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/website/Hill%20tutorial/]Check out the start to a soon to be Hill Tutorial[/url]

Should take me a while to type everything up. But I'd expect it should be about finished by the end of next week.

I'll be posting it here on Dakka as well as my blogsite in my sig. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286620.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286620.page GMT GD. I would give up half my finished terrain for 2 sheets of the EPF insulation boards like you have! ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286645.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286645.page GMT
[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/TeenyOrkses.jpg[/img]]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286665.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286665.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286940.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/286940.page GMT
-DMG-]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/287740.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/287740.page GMT
-DMG-[/quote]

I haven't played many games on the table. But the key to making a small table is to have lots of intervening terrain elements. In this case, I've got a 2 story and a 3 story building will full interiors for models to hide in, as well as three other smaller buildings along one of the table edges (just building fronts really). It does create a lot of great fire lanes for oh say, a heavy bolter >.>. And you're not going to want to play large games. Honestly, if you're playing more than 300 points on a 2x2, something is wrong with you! Initially I built it as a way to play skirmish scale 40k (rule 1: take a single squad rule 2: have at it). It's fun, and it gives me a chance to focus more on the details instead of trying to finished a giant table with hardly any. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/287975.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/287975.page GMT 40K was always a skirmish game. When apocalypse came out I groaned. I think I'll go for 4x4 table for ~1000pts.
I did have ambitions for the table to be multilayered - like levels of a hive. But that would be a massive project. Still, I just got kicked out of university - so all the time in the world now ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/288472.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/288472.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/288944.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/288944.page GMT
[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/TeenyOrkses.jpg[/img][/quote]

Nice. Far more appealing than the usual stands of infantry.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/288946.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/288946.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/289028.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/289028.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/291896.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/291896.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292042.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292042.page GMT
Indeed they are ^_^. And they work out wonderfully. The only issue I am running into is what to base larger things on. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292092.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292092.page GMT
Indeed they are ^_^. And they work out wonderfully. The only issue I am running into is what to base larger things on. [/quote]

Quarters?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292111.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292111.page GMT
Indeed they are ^_^. And they work out wonderfully. The only issue I am running into is what to base larger things on. [/quote]

Quarters?[/quote]

[i][b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toonie]Toonies?[/url][/b][/i]

(says the one-upping Canadian jerk...)]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292119.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292119.page GMT Quarters?[/quote]

Quarters don't have the flat edge like nickles do unfortunately, so they wouldn't work.

And there's no way I'm using a 2 dollar coin for a base x.x....]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292432.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292432.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292447.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292447.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292568.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292568.page GMT
I was actually considering washers for this. At the very least hitting up both the hobby store and the home depot to see what my options for basing would be. We'll see if I can swing by tomorrow find something. It definitely won't be expensive either way.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292570.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292570.page GMT
Oh, cool epic Orks too.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292700.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292700.page GMT Ironically, more expensive than nickels for the same size, though perhaps in bulk you could get them at $0.05 or less. Also, the hole in the center ... which I was going to ask how you got around cause I figured you had used washers but NO they are indeed nickels!

But personally I would have used washers with some thin card to cover the hole and glue sand all over. Big ones for the big stuff too.

- Salvage]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292862.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/292862.page GMT Ironically, more expensive than nickels for the same size, though perhaps in bulk you could get them at $0.05 or less. Also, the hole in the center ... which I was going to ask how you got around cause I figured you had used washers but NO they are indeed nickels!

But personally I would have used washers with some thin card to cover the hole and glue sand all over. Big ones for the big stuff too.

- Salvage[/quote]

Yep, they are indeed nickels.

The thin card over the center is what I'm planning for the larger bases though. I still have to hit the store.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/293082.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/293082.page GMT
Ozymandias, King of Kings]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/293174.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/293174.page GMT
Ozymandias, King of Kings[/quote]

I've used this method myself on slotta bases in the past. Works like a charm for sure. I was sort of worried about the size of gap I would have in the washers though and was thinking card would be a bit more sturdy. After picking up the washers today, I'm much less worried about the gap and I think masking tape will work out just fine.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/293249.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/293249.page GMT
On a Specialist Games kick lately. More to come!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/297981.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/297981.page GMT btw, and I like the image presentation too.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/298002.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/298002.page GMT btw, and I like the image presentation too.[/quote]

Honestly, I don't paint as much as I would like. I probably get a solid 10 max a week (less depending on what the wife would have me doing). And most of that is at work between calls (I <3 being a firefighter!). This guy was about 90-95% by the end of the night yesterday at work. And he was black primer when I got there. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/298003.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/298003.page GMT
Tomorrow I start work on my third skaven, on shift ^_-. Here's to hoping they don't have Rock Band going to distract me x.x....]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/298391.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/298391.page GMT
-DMG-]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299025.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299025.page GMT
Thanks for the compliments.

I hope to have another model finished sometime soon. Didn't get quite as much done yesterday at work as I would have liked. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299234.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299234.page GMT it looks like you've taken a leap with the skills...
the nmm gold bracelet on the first skaven looks really good, but those blades look way too clean...one advantage of nmm is the ability to paint a much more visible tone of weatherin'without havin' to go over the top)...even just some orangey brown washes along the hilt and up the blade a bit will lend more atmosphere to the minis...
keep up the good work...

cheers
jah

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299840.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299840.page GMT it looks like you've taken a leap with the skills...
the nmm gold bracelet on the first skaven looks really good, but those blades look way too clean...one advantage of nmm is the ability to paint a much more visible tone of weatherin'without havin' to go over the top)...even just some orangey brown washes along the hilt and up the blade a bit will lend more atmosphere to the minis...
keep up the good work...

cheers
jah

[/quote]

I've been thinking about how I would want to go about weathering these guys if I did. Thanks for the advice on the washes, I was thinking that would work out well, but I didn't want to experiment just yet with it. Right now it's all about getting them painted up for the campaign and learning a a few techniques along the way ^_-. I'll keep your advice in mind as I get some more time to go back and do a little bit more detailing later. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299860.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299860.page GMT
You can see I used the Adept to help tie the other two together more. While each model will be different, the colors will tie them together quite nicely. Go Go Limited Color Palette!

Comments and crits much appreciated. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299958.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/299958.page GMT
I also got my first few games in for the campaign (I played with a half silver warband...). You can see my thoughts on those [url=http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/212243.page]here in my Skirmish Scale Games thread[/url].

A small disclaimer about the pictures: I just moved into a new place, and don't have the same set up as before, so while I'm figuring all of the lighting out, I apologize for the quality.

Anyways, On with the photos.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307714.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307714.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307748.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307748.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307767.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307767.page GMT
For my next model, I've gone with my fighting claws black skaven (The Black skaven that's painted without the weeping blade has become a henchman!).

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/fightingclaws.jpg[/IMG]

The funny part is that he's probably about 45%-50% completed right now >.>...I'm sure you know where I'm going with this guy. Stay tuned.

As always, C&C welcome and appreciated!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307843.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/307843.page GMT
Either way, the crew is shaping up nicely.

- Salvage]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308405.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308405.page GMT
Either way, the crew is shaping up nicely.

- Salvage[/quote]

Thanks man. The newest guys are metal gutterrunners. For some reason I can't stand the plastics with their huge chunky arms and weapons...Maybe with enough GS work they could look nice...but as is, I just couldn't bring myself to pick them up. Running out of options for different models though since the metal line is somewhat limited for what I want/need. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308464.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308464.page GMT ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308547.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308547.page GMT ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308681.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308681.page GMT
I've been talking with migs about the direction my painting is going in.

I've been really just focusing 100% on my technical painting ability as of late. I've been pouring all of my effort into learning with each piece.

With that though, I've come to realize (thanks to migs!) that I've really been letting my own style and influence flounder some. That's not to say that I haven't put myself into each piece, it's just that I have put technical ability above personal 'flair' on my priority list while I go about painting each new model.

For the folks out there that enjoy watching me grow as a painter, I'd expect to see more of 'me' in new projects in the future.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308851.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308851.page GMT
I always love looking over models to see the individual... I want to say flaws, but there's nothing wrong with them. The individual... personality! That's the word, personality. You can see it resonate from the pieces that the painters truly pour themselves into. I think your already amazing work will become so much better with your new painting personality!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308853.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/308853.page GMT
To start me off, I've used a piece of precut and beveled MDF I had laying about. It was originally going to be used for a tree/shack template. But I didn't feel like cutting and sanding down another piece, so it was hijacked.

I measured out some pink insulation foam (1" thick) to the dimensions I wanted and got to cutting them out. After dry-fitting them, I sanded the edges a bit to make them fit a slight better.

[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/pinkfoamfoundation.jpg[/IMG]

I then glued the pieces together using small pieces of wood pushed into the joining edges of the foam to help lock them more firmly in place. At this time I also glued everything to the base.

At them moment I'm just waiting for the glue to dry before I continue the construction.

I'm planning on the first section being 5" tall, followed by a smaller, yet wider, section on top of that in standard half timber design.

All the pink foam will be stone work. I'm still undecided on just HOW I'll go about working the stone. I could very well just press directely into the foam. Or I could go about it in much the same way that I had done my rock faces on my Autumn foothills table.

I'll also need to hit up the hobby shop in search of some plastic tubing and possibly get my hands on some plasticard sheets as well.

The following are my inspiration for this project:

[url=http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CT1207_44.jpg]Click me to see where the basic shape of this project came from.[/url]
[url=http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0707_18.jpg]Click me to see some detailing that will be incorporated.[/url]
[url=http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0707_13.jpg]Click me to be inspired to do something ridiculously large.[/url]
[url=http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/conceptart/CA0707_31.jpg]Click me to see roof detailing that will be incorporated.[/url]

I'm really excited to be doing something like this. While the playability may suffer for the piece being a complete structure, I'm really not interested in ruining detail for the sake of playability for this one. It's all about the detail and composition.

I'd love to hear peoples thoughts.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/310129.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/310129.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/310133.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/310133.page GMT
The whole ordeal inspired me to go pick up a new tool. It's a wand like styrofoam cutter called [url=http://www.hobbymasters.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=13015]The Styrocutter Plus[/url]. It's a really really neat little tool that makes foam shaping a snap. I've only had the thing for a few minutes and I'm already in love with the results you can get out of it. The end is a bit thick though and I think that's my only complaint with it. It won't replace your wire foam cutter for accuracy, but for shaping and detailing, it's hard to beat.

More as I get used to using it and as I make more progress with my project ^_^!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/312994.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/312994.page GMT
Anyways, here's where we're at right now]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/313598.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/313598.page GMT
This is an ambitious project, but judging by your works so far i think we will all be eager to see the results!

Meph]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/313618.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/313618.page GMT
There great like them though.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/313927.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/313927.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/315163.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/315163.page GMT GW stuff though ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/318275.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/318275.page GMT
Black is not so easy to pull off, Cloak looks great

HFN]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/318396.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/318396.page GMT
[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0340.jpg[/img]

is the right (gun) arm plastic? If so what kit does it come in? I have been trying to track it down for a few days without success now.

Thanks]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320532.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320532.page GMT
The arm is actually the Emp Champs arm with the black sword. I cut the hand at the wrist and replaced it with a plastic hand to grip the bolt pistol.

The left arm is much the same, chopped at the wrist with plastic bits replacing metal.

The head, once again, chopped off and replaced with plastic. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320607.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320607.page GMT Id love to give it a try on the termies Im working on.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320642.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320642.page GMT
I worked my way up from a black undercoat/basecoat for the sword using scab red glazes (lots and lots and lots of layers of glaze). The glazes give you a smoother transition than you would get by simply layer painting. With each glaze you want to start slightly further up the sword so the last layer is slightly exposed. Do this until you get a fully scab red tip for your sword.

Next up I used blood red in much the same manner, only more directed to the edges of the sword, as well as the 'hatch' marks along the blade. Again, work your way slowly up to solid blood red.

I then mixed blood red with fiery orange about 50/50 and picked out some edges with a slightly less watered down paint.

Finally I used fiery orange at the very tip and some of the edges to really bring it to life.

Hope that helps x.x...
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320650.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/320650.page GMT
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/sepiawashtest.jpg[/IMG]
note: the colors are a bit off, I'm still getting used to my new photo set up.
This was a heavy sepia wash, cleaned up with a highlight of bleached bone and final highlight along the edges of skull white.

Have to say, very impressed with what I've been able to do with it so far. More tests in the future of course. But Bone colored armor is a cinch with this stuff. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/322420.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/322420.page GMT
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0012.jpg[/IMG]]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323032.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323032.page GMT gd! Is that balsa wood on the frame and such? How does the detail come out when painted? Do you have to texture it at all (carve grain into it, etc.) ?

I wish, for the love of god the home depot near here sold Owens Corning Foamular 150 hi density foam like that! Will probably have to order it over the phone and then a six hour drive just for a few sheets]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323045.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323045.page GMT
<3 my home depots. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323499.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323499.page GMT BTW]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323535.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/323535.page GMT
[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0024.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0025.jpg[/img]

Still some more little stuff to add to the front. But it's pretty much finished. I'll probably move on to the sides next.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/324395.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/206892/324395.page GMT
[IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/raynotisick/IMG_0028.jpg[