Deathjack (Cryx)

This year I've been painting mostly Warhammer Fantasy stuff so the plan is to shift to something different from cute and vivid Chaos stuff. Washing-off container was full of models, but arm of Deathjack emerging from paint stripper was clear sign what strikes painting desk next.

This thing is painting and assembling nightmare. I know that not only pinning all those metal bits was one, fuc#ing pain in the ass, but also it's the third Deathjack I've been working on... Yup - apparently I am kinda sadomasochistic 🥴

I was pretty sure some pics of other Deathjacks were posted somewhere on early stage of blogging, but I must have been wrong. The only photos available now are the ones on CoolMiniOrNot: model from ~2007 and model from ~2010. Back days we used to play Warmachine a lot, but after the game fever worn off and true life kicked in, the game was dropped and I sold most of my Cryx collection. Some years later it turned out my buddy was getting rid of remains of Warmachine stuff and I was lucky enough to get some badly assembled and thick-coated models. It was actually the same guy who managed to assemble Cybertronic Eradicator Deathdroid's legs wrong way so as you can see - it was serious case 🤪 

As for and model - it's big, metal, heavy and pain in the ass to paint. As you can see compared to Warhammer Inquisitor (or whatever the hell this guy's job is) DJ is probably larger then dreadnought. As for Inquisitor - I got it during one of Chest of Colors miniature exchanges long time ago (thanks again TMZ!). Because the model has lots of hard to get spots, decision was made to paint the parts first and assemble them later - just like I did with Lich Lord Terminus. Should work...

The only thing to consider now is choosing colors. I don't think it's gonna be gaming model ever, so it doesn't have to stick to original Cryx aesthetics. I am thinking about bright armour plates (baige? bone? grey?) and dark metallics (brass? tinny tin?) with some glowing effect, but that's just the idea. I want to make the right decision, paint it and NEVER EVER PAINT THE 4TH ONE 😁

Mini exchanged Gorkamorka dude (+ some Bolt Action)

Hey again,

Once again there's not much I can share but at least it's something rather unusual: Gorkamorka ork. But let's start from the beginning.

Short while back our old Chest of Colors painting group has been gathered again. I was rotting in the office when I spotted mysterious link sent from CofC admin: invitation to slack messenger. I clicked it aaand...

TA-DAAA...!!!

Most of CofC veteran painters were there already. It was great surprise for me - kinda like high school class reunion. But better, 'cause from what I know class reunions suck like fucking hell (never been at any speaking of which - there's no need to risk wasting evening).

It was really cool thing to chat again with those guys. Long story short - after exchanging pleasantries mini exchange was mentioned. When I was still in the CofC group there were 6 exchanges - always successful. So the decision was made to have some fun once again.
After secret drawing it turned out I was painting a model for rejven - fresh blood in the group (definitely fresher then mine that is...)

All I knew was rejven was into Warhammer 40k.
Looking for something rather unique in the pile ov lead some excavations were organized and the result was oldie blister containing 3 Gorkamorka ork shootas.

I remember I got them long time ago, maybe 10 years ago, when I was still hoping for:
- assembling Gorkamorka warband, based on original models,
- finding Gorkamorka player.
All I achieved was getting these shootazzz and ork boss...

Mid 90's was the best period in the hobby in my opinion. EE models from that time were just sweet, especially greenskins. They sure were kinda cartoony (just check Orcs and Goblins WFB 5th ed army book) but it was that candy look what dragged me into the hobby.
Gorkamorka models seem to be slightly smaller than 40k greenskins - probably to place more of them on trucks and buggies. They even had special rugby-ball bases!

So the patient has been chosen.
I decided to give him rather natural look, imo much more natural than you could see in the old army books. Painting this lil' bastard was nothing but fun. Since it's special model instead of ordinary base it got resin plinth - it's harder to loose it now. Hope you like it.
But hope much more recipient likes it...

 

Speaking of Gorkamorka - I still have one more painted model from this range:
slightly converted badass ork boss. Picture has been taken long time ago but here's more-less what the dude looks like:

I actually have no use for this little bugger and I am quite sure he'd also prefer to crush some digga-skullz instead of just looking nice behing the glass.
If you'd like to adopt it - let me know, I'm going to put it on market anyway, when I get decent photo. It's provided with display base but I can replace it with gaming base if anyone needs.

What else?
Ah yes! Last week I passed the first exam on my studies so I finally got some spare time to finish anti-tank gun for my US force.
It's another piece of Black Tree Designs toy in my collection and I must say I really like it. Assembling was bit tricky but imho the final effect was worthy all the cursing...

Model comes with 3 crewmen: I decided to attatch only one to the base, remaining guys (those two unpainted bits in the back) got own bases so it's easier to remove casaulties.

Color choice was easy choice - it's basicaly the same set of tones I used on M3A1 halftrack and M18 Hellcat.

There are no pics of Hellcat anymore though, because of new and improved photobucket's policy. 

Fot the love of fuck! I do not mind using paid sites to keep photos safe but claiming cash for pics uploaded for years it's just goddamn blackmail. 

I don't even want to know how much material has been lost because of their fucked up idea. Hope that PB goes bankrupt shortly...

So believe or now - I used similar colors on Hellcat.
Remaining infantrymen will be painted soon.

And that's not all!
Last night we finally managed to meet and roll some dices. Once again brave american buys were facing evil, backstabbers from UK (out "so-called" ally...)
This time roads made by my bro were used for the first time and also we played on pre-set table: a day before battle I sent aerial photo of it so my opponent can choose something proper.
The table was something like this:

I was totally surprised with this piece: my opponent usually fields only light and fast units but last night there was heavy tank and I left my bazookas at home!

 

 

But reinforcements arrived on time: with some luck Sherman managed to stun Churchill's, jam the turret which was enogh to keep it off action for the rest of the match.

 

Brits also had reinforcements:

suddently Bren rolled in carrying 5 badass SAS operators. I had LOTS of luck because they didn't manage to wipe out my infantry squad scattering around ruins.
Moment later unit of my paratroopers jumped on SAS guys: halftrack took out Bren, US paras executed SAS spies. No mercy for the traitors!

 

And the aftermatch.

We had lots of fun with the game, playing on pre-set battlefield was also interesting. I think we'll test it again during next battle. I regret I didn't field the new cannon - it would have great shooting position thank to road corridor.

 

Thats's it for now, take care!

First try on 15mm scale stuff

This time it's something quick. And delayed on purpose.

First - I finally decided to give a try to 15mm scale minis. Some time ago I got some scavengers and mutants from Khurasan Miniatures but sadl they have just been stored in the sarcofago. Until now.
The reason for digging them out were latest posts on Tales from far point bloggy:
the guy started sculpting stuff based on classic Warzone game! And since I am suffering from serious Warzone fever I simply could not resist!

So there was no other choice for me but trying to paint at least some of 15mm tinies from the junk pile. I had no special bases for the minis so human sized ones were put on small washers (?) while super mutants on standard 25mm round bases. Looking at the pic below I am seriously considering getting some 20mm round bases though...

I took the pic with Warzone nepharite of Algeroth for the scale purposes.
When I placed models next to each other I realised what the charm of small scale gaming really is:
1.you can carry whole battlegroup in the pocket,
2.standard size battlefields provide way more space for manoeuvres,
3.large creatures from other games grow now into huge monstrocities!

And now the reason of the delay: zombie!

But this one is bit special (well every zombie is special for me in some way): the model was sent to Vikotnik in exchange for some goodies I got a while back. I waited with publishing until the model reached the destination.

It was a nice change to paint a classic piece from Necromunda range. 2 models like this are already members of my Scavvy gang so didn't need much another the very same sculpt.
The zombie has been very slightly modified: right arm was repositioned so I could add a banner, I also added bit cloth on it to hide the cut.

Paintjob has been sealed with solid layer of matt Revell varnish, so it should arrive safe and sound. That is of course some frenzy driven postman decides to stomp on the parcel or something... I mentioned it before - Revell makes really brill sealer but it just ruins any metallics. I gotta find some other stuff for metal parts - satin varnish should do the trick.

Till the next time!

Warzone Ezoghoul and some other oldies

Heya!

So once again I've been dealing with piece of old Warzone history - the younger brother of Mezoghoul (still haven't figured out what was the point of producing such a huge model in metal, check it's base for the scale!).

Anyway I remember I got the model for 35,00 zł which is now ~$11, have no idea what was relation between polish and american currencies in late 90s' though. It really wasn't big price for such a large model.

I also remember my Ezoghoul hasn't seen many battles - the reason was I had terrible problems with assembling it (no driller, no greenstuff...) and also this unit was just medicore in combat: easy to hit from almost any place on battlefield but offering not much in return.
As it's easy to notice the sculpt is not exactly Rackham standard but tastes differ and mine seems to differ a lot from most painters I know.

I really had a dillema what paints I want to see slapped on model.
Haven't seen any Ezoghoul painted cool enough to make the choice for me so decision was made to use idea from the official artwork: olive-like flesh and brighter exoskeleton / armour / whatever it is. Some green tones were added to bone color to keep it coherent with flesh but I also might paint it just rotten. I want to see some brighter elements on the flesh - the olive is bit too dark for me and also want add red glaze so the flesh welds nicely with muscle tissue on the belly. At this moment red tone can be barely noticed.

For the base I used 60 mm placcy one from EE dreadnought - it's already slightly elevated and makes the figure much more stable: it's gaming model so I don't want to risk it falling down every time shit hits the fan in the heat of battle. Since there's still plenty room on the base I think I might place there spare necromutant or zombie solider: it will show true scale of the beast and besides it's another good reason to finally paint some old lead soliders.

Here's the wip shot of the pony...

And here's the same pony but in bit more advanced stage:

But there's more!
About week ago postman delivered small parcel from Holland. Inside the box there were some models traded for painted Supreme Necromagus from my collection:

The story behind it started few weeks earlier:
I mentioned on official Prodos' Warzone forum I'd like to trade some of my painted models for missing toys and Malebolgia replied. You might know the guy from Frothers or Lead Adventure Forum (whole that so-called web world seems to be smaller than I used to think).
I was offered some oldie models to choose from so in the end I got these:

I chose some missing sculpts from Warzone range (still looking for Immaculate furies variants btw) and also some pretty interesting sculpts from other manufacturers. And since we're at interesting miniatures theme - recently postman delivered small parcel from Germany: this time there was copy of wicked moon plaque + 2 small models from Hamburger Tactica event. All sculpted by Vikotnik, really cool person I met on Lead Adventure Forum. If you don't know him by the name you might know him by his works: Shadow of the vampire and just amazing monochrome Nosferatu gaming board.

The vampire and moon-head fella came as the bonus, what I found really useful is the plaque. Some time ago (like year ago?) I was trying to assemble small Mordheim based greenskins band. I don't play the game but painting themed stuff is more fun than just random models for display base and besides - Warhammer 5th ed gobbos are just fucking cool :)
I only managed to paint 2 models of the chosen 9-10, that's all I had the steam for. But now I think I can come back to the band by building display plinth for them - big moon on dark background should be quite eyecatching piece in the glass case.

Cheers!

Miniature exchange anyone?

The question is important enough to get separate post.

I really like miniature exchanges.

I've participated in all ME's organized by Nameless on Chest of Colors forum (there were 6 of those) and from what I know everybody had lots of fun of it.

Unfortunately I don't think there's any chance for another exchange coming on the forum anytime shortly* so I've been thinking maybe there's enough of painters interested in such event among fellow bloggers?

At this point it's just the idea,but I'd like to know would anyone of you be potentially interested miniature exchange?

I wouldn't like to spend my time working on the rules if there's nobody to play with, heh.

- Demi -

*or just ever =(

Scavvies never enough

Yo back!

Glad to be able to write something with no delay so here's the spam:

While I was painting Irusk (the client was very happy with the the paintjob) I also started converting one of  my scavvies - somehow I got this model doubled. I am not satisfied with the painted version and also think it's quite poor sculpt (even for scavvies range) so the decision was made to modify it slightly to:

1. make it finally like-able

2. provide nasty heavy support to the gang

I was trying to turn scatter gun into sth more useful so I cut off the barrel and replaced it with placcy flamer bit, hung fuel container on the back made of ork shoota and voila.

The head is taken from MaxMini mutations set, and the mod was replacing it's right leg with piece of lead pipe (taken from plague zombie model). Hope to see it painted shortly!

Another Necromunda-related thing is small group of ghouls I got from Eastern Barbarian by LAF community (cheers dude!). After I proxied them in the  field I just had to add the to the force: toughness 4 combined with fear is just must have, not mentioning these are the leader's followers therefore - these fuckers cost me not a single credit hehehehehe...

Anyway here they are - it's probably the final version of painting.

I took some photos while painting the group so there's a chance to update the tutorial section of the blog finally.

Another reason last week was quite fine for the hobby is the postman  finally brought me Mini Exchange model - this time Lemartes painted one of eldars for me. I really like the model and it fits the display case really well.
Can't wait for the next event - there are still members of the forum who's paintjobs I want to see among my toys.

And finally:

The goddamn gnomes were delivered successfuly to mahon and he managed to take the official pictures using the background! Yup, mahon managed to find background 'uuuge enough =D

To see the big pics you have to see Chest of Colors site but if you want bit shrinked shots - enjoy.

Till the next time!

Better late then never

Yup, I guess that's truth. 

Especially when it comes to posting old stuff while new minis are being painted. But first of all - little explanation for this big posting gap. Since I got involved in painting the garden gnomes... eee... Firefall mmorpg models (note: these are models, but definitely NOT miniatures) I was trying to concentrate on the job to send back the toys to client as soon as possible. I tried to avoid any distractions like painting own stuff and also decided to keep all the news on hold until the models are done. Blogging can be distractive after all.

So the first and big (double big!) news is - the gnomes have been painted!

I feel embarassed it took me so much time to get them done but once again life issues have put the hobby aside. As you remember, or not, initially I got 4 models to paint but because shit got way too thick here I asked the CofC team for a little help. Moreover shortly after my desperate post Benathai agreed to take 2 of the models so my mission became possible to execute again. 

So here they are: I had no idea how to take fine pics, hope mahon will get any. I also have no idea how to send them safely for photo session, not mentioning 'uuuge trip over the Pond.

I'd like to say painting these learnt me something: 

do not take a commission if you are not sure about model's size. I'd like to but cannot say that for sure since it was another large scale experience after painitng Mezoghoul. Both were painful...

As for something more pleasant and proper scale while I was waiting for thick layers of paint on the gnomes to dry I started painitng banners for zombie dragon display piece.

Since it is oldschool project there was no other choice than using paper banners. The banners were based on ones from Orcs and Goblins armybook 5th ed. Painitng them was just fun and pretty nostalgic - I remember painitng standard bearers in old times when I used to think Warhammer Fantasy Battle is actually cool game ^^

Below you can see some unused, test banners and the final versions. I am more than sure they will look much better carried by plague zombie and wight lord when the whole piece is done.

We're talking about greenskins which leads me to little shopping did yet last year.

There were some strange days on January during which I got strongly interested in playing fantasy skirmish again. That was probably caused by old farts RPG talking here...

Anyway I 've always wanted to play Mordheim or Warheim (unofficial thing based on EE thing) and always wanted to lead greenskins to battle. 5th edition period sculpts are just essence of Warhammer for me.

I've already  had several metal night goblins but to build playable and more important: nice looking warband I was in need of bit support. I decided to get some big 'uns as leaders and troll as heavy support. Evilbay is full of greenskins so I quite easily found what I wanted: the command group of 4 tough bastards. And thank to  manatic from the Frothers I got the heavy hitter, in exchange for my old Hydralisk miniature.

As you can imagine just after I got the models they all ended up in string bags waiting for Tsathoggua knows what. This whole miniature buying is some fucking madness...

What else, what else...

Miniature exchange of course!

Once again Namaless did great job and 6th edition of the CofC community play launched. I really love these events - it is great motivator to paint something especially knowing that sooner or later you will get a model from another painter. The piece I chose for Grish (my ME victim hehehe) was one of Escher juves. The model is nice sculpt and it was also used to test hair color for my new gang and clothes colors for my buddie's Goliaths. If you want to see more works - just visit the Chest of Colors forum.

The model is standing on one of wooden bases I still have since the Plinth Country disaster. The store's site has finally vanished from the webspace but in exchange something else was spawned.

Several posts ago I wrote about  fucked up exam I managed to pass - the site is one of consequences ^^

If you ever decide to get a real estate somewhere in my region (central north Poland) it might be good idea to ask a real estate valuer for the opinion - more details available here. Sadly there's no English version of the site.

Where were we... Ah yes, miniatures!

My gallery was updated with 3 brand new photos of really fine quality. Which leads us to obvious conclusion pics weren't taken by my (thanks mahon ^^). There are photos of old works I decided to Ebay-off (Cryx bloat trall and sea witch) but there's also new piece: epic version of Commander Irusk, from Khador range. The client wanted me to paint the model dirty and battleworn so I hope the guy is happy with the paintjob. It was such a refresh to paint something dirty after the whole Firefall thing. Really wouldn't mind to paint a warjack this fashion.

And last but not least (of painted models of course) is small update for my Scavvies.

I wanted to get the second scaly done for a long time and it's finally ready to obliterate each and everyone who dares to cross Scavvy territory. I wonder who and why would like to invade sump anyway... 

Let's be frank - scaly sculpts are pretty poor, sure they have some oldschool character but these are just nothing special at best. So the decision was made to convert the model a bit to hide some of it's uglyness. As for the changes - it's a guardian so it was chained to the ground by caring gang leader. The shoulder pads come from placcy terminator set and pieces of wooded barrel. The helmet was taken from 40K ork. 

All in all it's nothing spectacular but:

- it adds bit more character to the gang

- I didn't make it look worse =P

The second one is just another plague zombie - it's lead pipe was broken so I chose the weapon from placcy zombies box. Colors were already used on certain gangers but since there are several more Scavvies waiting for painting / repainting I thought some practice might be good idea. Really can't wait to see whole the gang painted.

This year started nicely (at least: the hobby matter) because I managed to get Dieter Helsnicht model - one of models I considered very cool years back, when I was still info WFB, and which make me smile only nowdays. I remember the manticore was my very first auction purchase (LONG time ago) but it was sold without necromancer. I was trying to use it as mount for chaos lords but eventually drybrushed model ended up on the pile of shame.

When I saw the rider for sth about 1,5 quid - I just couldn't resist so the set is complete once again. I am really curious what the final effect will be - such a model can be solid choice for another oldschool display project.

And the last cool thing for this long post - Namaless was probably doing some "spring cleaning" in the hobby stuff because I got small gift from him: in the parcel there was orc - thing and old Heartbreaker models catalog. Thanks a lot man, you definitely know how to turn rotting zombie into happy rotting zombie! Homebrew is waiting for you =)

As the cherry on the cake: 2012 summary chart.

I've been tracking down the hobby activity since 2011 and the only conclusion for nowis: it's is getting worse.

As for 2012 there are several reasons: my exam thing, moving out, garden gnomes which paralyzed November and December. But my Necromunda opponent is equaly to blame - studies he started take lots of precious time which could be used for wargaming.

 That seems to be all for now - there are materials for next post coming slowly so hope it will be launched in reasonable term.

Cheers!

Back to painting

Finally!

Mezoghoul has been sent to the client over 2 weeks ago so I can finally paint something for myself and surely - something smaller this time.
Lesson learnt: next time before accepting any painting commission for model I don't know I will ask for scale photo.
I haven't got info the model arrived to Sweden safe and sound so I hope whatever is going on my panzer-box provides totally damage proof enviroment for Mezoghoul (the model has been actually sent inside 2 boxes and lots of sponge).




What else?
Last weekend we managed to add some more plaster on the modular Necromunda game table. Some gaps were filled so whole thing is closer to sand+pva maelstrom stage.
I would really love to take some days off to finish whole projects and I think it is a plan after passing the exam next year (hopefully...).
I still have to make a big multi-level bunker for the last module so I think the best I can get yet in 2011 is the thing ready for sand.

As for painting there are 3 minis on the desk now:
The first one was painted for Chest of Colors miniature exchange #5 (once again thanks for it Phil! ).
The model is cool superhero (or supervillain) sculpt I got from Przemas some time ago but until now I had no motivation to paint it. A shame to admit...
I like the model but just don't collect superheroes.
So 3 evenings of painting, some pva and one of COFCers for another model:




Another one is something which made me pretty happy and proud actually - not because of painting quality but because it's the first mini from fantasy range I painted for a looong time.
Cernunnos is cool thing from Celtos range which I got from Navarro some time ago. Another reasom which makes is special is the reason it was painted: the first FUUK online painting contest.
Contests always do miracle when it comes to boosting motivation.




And the last one - which will hopefully become my second entry for the mentioned event: scaly.
Because the Scavvy gang is complete (thank you Evilbay!!!) all I need is painting (and re-painting...) the rotten gangers.
As wrote before - imo original scaly models are shit compared to the rest of the gangers so I decided to hire replacements.
Besides thank to this I could choose the best weapons possible for these steroid fuckers: club and sword, which gives scaly: 3 attacks, 6 strength and parry. Add to this 4 weapons skill, fear and armour save and the opponent can start looking for spare underwear ^^
Anyway for model is based on LotR Moria Troll which I got (again) from Ebay. All I did so far is replacing weapons with scratch built sword (pcv sheet + some greenstuff) and
club (heavy stubber + some nails). I think I will add some armout we well but at this moment - the wip:




The next post will surely include it painted - hopefully before the friday night game.
Cheers!