Animated corpses, pigs, Facebook...

Kinda :)

The first thing is technical announcement - I decided to give a try to Facebook and some time ago the test FB site of the bloggy has been launched. I don't think there will be anything more published than links to new posts but we'll see if I can use it for something productive.

The site is just raw now - some background photos will be added just when I get any time (so don't expect it shortly). And because it's Facebook - there's brand new "zombie-like" linky on the right panel. Will probably replace it with more personalised pic sometimes.

And now something more hobby related.

I've been trying to learn taking decent pictures of my models since always. The more I tried the more I was sure it's equally hard to painitng models. My mentor in this matter is constantly Mahon - just check the pictures in the Chest of Colors gallery he took. Some of these were taken using dedicated vinyl backgrounds - there was review of that stuff somewhere on the CofC, report worthy checking.

I thought such backgrounds might actually be the improvement I've been looking for so I ordered some patterns. These is not any pro stuff dedicated for miniature painters bullshit, but samples of vinyl wallpapers. It looks quite interesting now but I will wait with the final opinion until I manage to place it behind miniatures in the light box and take a shot.

Which leads me to work in progress picture of zombie dragon project:
Few days back I managed to more-less finish the wight lord rider. The model is awful, no doubt about it, but it fits well the old dragon - and I really like the beast. It's one of the minis I've been trying to get painted for a looong time for several reasons, so be ready for a whiny, nostalgic (for me) story when I get it eventually done.

The plan was to paint the whole thing the "oldschool" way which means vivid colors a'la Warhammer 5th edition. Evil Sun banner is part of the story behind the project which will be revealed when the piece is done.

The pictures above were taken straight on the painting station, but I also gave a try to one of the new backgrounds. I am sure the results would be better if I took pictures in the light box but I am quite satisfied of the brick wall behind.
There are still 7 pieces of vinyl to be tested so expect to see them used on the next painted models.

And the last thing for this post: conversions.

The first one is nothing more but original model provided with new head: the master plan was to give it brand new set of spider legs or spider torso plus some minor modifications.

It didn't take long to realize my converting-fu isn't strong enough to do the job well, so I walked easy path. 

More-less easy: it is truth what people say on forums about assembling this spider bitch. Getting it done is huge pain in the ass and probably wouldn't be possible without joints already casted with the limbs. Mortenebra is fully operational, armed and dangerous (and last night washed off the battlefield Dr. Arkadius and his band of war hogs).

Another model prepared for painting is epic version of Deneghra - my fav Cryx warcaster.
Even though I like the fluff and special  rules the model is just horrible. So the decision was made to customize it a bit so I can field her with no mental resistance.
Basically I needed to get rid of the lower half of the miniature. I've already seen some really effective conversions, where most of the model was replaced by Rackham's spectre (or whatever is was) mini, but I wouldn't feel comfortable mutilating any of Rackham's classic beauties so I've been looking for something else.
About 3 weeks ago by accident I spotted a ghost model from Reaper brand, which I thought might be good material for the job:

The description said it was plastic, but this seemed to be rather good news:

- plastic is easier to convert

- Reaper is (supposed to be) quality.

The model came. It was light but what else could one expect from plastic?

The problem was it wasn't plastic like EE or PP uses but some weird rubber-o-placcy crap! After I got it I read it's sth from new "Bones" series, and it was my very first contact with that substance. And the last one at the same time.

Model was very easy to cut but was so bendy it was pretty hard to make is the center of the model. Moreover because it's more rubber than plastic I've found it impossible to file (sic!), so all mold lines had to be removed with a knife...

Anyway I am very glad she is done now, nothing special but way better than original sculpt. The field test of her nasty spells arsenal is planned for the Sunday night, so I hope to harvest some pig souls for the glory of Lord Toruk!

 

Laters!

Worms fixation? Really?

Right...

After the November post about Cankerworm and Eando Kline something really weird happened: the number of blog visitors went just sky high! 

Sure it's nothing to bitch about but I was looking for the reason of that thing: pics of painted models were nothing jaw-dropping, I don't post any pr0n neither so my guess is it was the title to blame. 

Really? I mean could so many internet users be interested in watching something potentially disguisting? Or just maybe entomology has been very popular recently?

Looks like the only way to confirm or to refute that theory is practicing different catchy post titles sooner or later...

As for proper hobby matter: last Sunday night another model joined ranks of the painted and made the unpainted junk pile tiny bit lighter. This time it's Gutrott, young ripper from Enigma range. I got the miniature from my Chest of Colors buddy* and at this point it's the the only model from Enigma range in my collection.

The sculpt is sweet - it's Enigma after all, so not much to talk about it. There's lots of cool details making the paintjob pure pleasure + casting quality is very fine.

The model was painted just for fun, besides I finally wanted to use the plinth made for purposes of my first tutorial here bazillion years ago. I also tested new matt varnish - this time it's Revell. This stuff seems to be perfect replacement for Model Master, it seals models with thick, supermatt coat. Not sure sealing fresh blood (on the dead baby) was the best idea but I am still very satisfied**.

  

You can see some more views of the model under the link. I gotta find some new background for taking photos of the models - old and trusty black rag ain't 'nuff anymore.

Another necrotite fuelled toy staggering on the painting desk is Stalker bonejack being painted for my small Cryx battleforce. I really like this nasty sculpts and hope to finally find useful role for it during the battle.
The color scheme is quite unusual for Cryx stuff I've seen already but I've tested it on the Reaper Helljack below and I really like the "military" look of the model. Reminds me soviet post-apo killer bot:

The leaping pose is also something I wanted to do for a long time:
it made already cool looking model even more dynamic and imho sinister - it's a character killer after all, with high defence stat, pathfinder skill and doubled contol zone. Fast and furious pain in the ass for enemy casters. Especially if fielded in pack =]

Painting was nothing complicated but it seem like simplicity is the key: 3 layers of airbrushed greens, some washes, metalics and details. And of course solid coat of varnish as the final touch - it's a gaming model after all. Voila!
Making the model more striking (for painting contest or whatever) should be no problem - all you need is steady hand and some fine detail brush to define sepatate parts of armour, enchance osl effect and add some strong shades + highlights. But again: I don't need all these fancy details to hunt down enemy solos and terrorize warcasters.

Hope you like the final effect. The next model in the queue Cryx warcaster Mortenebra.

And the very fresh news from the front of Battle for Hope!
The event took place despite screwed up weather conditions and all donated models found new homes. Below you can see a pre-battle photo, for more you have to visit BfH Facebook site.

Laters!

*Peek-a-boo ToMaZ!
** Cheers Simon!

Where's Nemo?

Here! In my gaming place!

Redecoration of my very own room is finished (finally!) but while the works were progressing I had to take out my whole stuff from there. The painting desk was moved into corridor but even though painitng conditions were quite poor I managed to finish something: warcaster Nemo from Cygnar (Warmachine).

The model belongs to my buddy, wargaming veteran as well, and since I kicked Nemo's ass during last game* I decided for little compensation**. Besides I really like the model (all it's versions) and painting something vivid is constantly a very nice change for me.

For the photo background once again I used display "wall" about which the tutorial was made some time ago. No idea why but taking photo using such scenery is much easier for me than photographing minis using printed background. Just check the pic below:

And this made me start thinking about building another themed background. This one works really well but taking pics of fantasy models in such enviroment is just odd. At this stage it's just an idea - haven't decided what fantasy theme could be used: some grassy plains and some stone in the back? With cave entrance? Or maybe piece of brick wall / fantasy building? With stone made street - kinda fantasy urban enviroment.

If you have any ideas - throw it in the comment. Whatever it will be it sounds like a good material to update the tutorials section :)

What else?

Ah yes - shopping. I don't even try to lie myself anymore about not purchasing minis bullcrap. The addiction is way too strong, it's been growing for many years so now there's no turning back for me.

About 2 weeks ago one of FUUK users posted list of oldie stuff for sale. All I needed was 5 seconds to send a PM to the guy. My first must have choice was set of Valhallan tank riders. Basic plan was to upgrade Chimera apc built for Necromunda campaign but then I thought it would be cool to finally see my Valhallans squad painted so I might get them new wheels (errr... tracks). Havent decided will the new vehicle be another Chimera or maybe sth bigger, like Leman Russ. It all depends on which junk can I get - it will be heavily converted so don't need brand new and overpriced EE toy.

Other models I got are old Terminator Chaplain and metal supercool hormagaunts. The plan is to add these to my planned inquisimunda demon hunter party. This will be gathering of old and cool sculpts which will be either personalised Necromunda gang or (which is more probable) will just end up in the display case (unpainted - and this is even more probable).

Thanks for reading!

* which was the first Warmachine game for about 2 years!

** that "last game" was Thursday night last week. Last night we played again: Cygnar led by Nemo vs Iron Lich themed army. It is the truth painted models fight better - all was fine until I stupidly placed the caster in front of my army and when the glorious victory was just at hand - Iron Lich got boosted bullet from Hunter jack between eyesockets followed by Nemo's lightning bold. And fucking died...

Eeeew!!! There are 2 worms in my post!!!

Yup!

Finally I can paint something for my very own display case.

And that's because mr Eando Kline has been finished and the model is on the way to it's owner right now. As for the commission: my version definitely differs from Derek Schubert's, and don't think I would ever try to compare myself with that guy, but I like the result achieved. So does the client which is all that matters here.

Painting this piece was fun - first because Eando got dedicated display plinth, so he can comfortably rest after coming back home from thrilling adventures*. Second - it's always fun to paint something other than zombies and mutants (on the other hand I cannot wait to finally come back to my zombie dragon project).
Anyway here's the guy - the gallery has been updated.

There's another gallery update coming with this post: Cankerworm. 

As mentioned before the model will be auctioned OR will be a prize in Battle for Hope Warmachine tourney on December 7th - 8th in Ft. Worth, Texas. I thought because the reason of the event is laudable, my model should be something more than just another gaming piece. Besides I got another opportunity to use one of remaining resin bases from not that far past, when Plinth Country was still alive.

The model turned out dark - that's probably the reason most pics taken turned out rather crappy. And that's also reason I took the pictures using different backgrounds. The juicy orange on oil drums was made using real rust powder, that stuff looks really nice straight from the box or mixed with powder chalk. All you have to remember about while working with powders is either to apply some turpentine to prevent powder from falling off, or to spray the piece with varnish. Here's the worm:

And the last thing for this time.

While I was finishing Eando I sent an email to the client with some work in progress shots. Waiting for the reply I found some spare junk, which was supposed to be used to upgrade my modular battlefield. The battlefield is more-less done (the construction part only that is) but it would be just a shame to waste such a nice pile of junk. 

So I thought it's time to make my painting desk bit more organised and shortly after that (and after some lovely drilling time) my very own paints rack was spawned. 

Which means there have been 2 pair of racks posted in the whole history of this blog. The thing is getting pure pr0n...

The rack was just pinned and glued. It's not supposed to be nice looking but maximum practical and fitting the limited space on my desk. I think I might give it some paintjob sometimes - black and yellow warning stripes a'la Necromunda seems to me good idea... On the other hand everything related to Necromunda is good idea ^^

If I ever decide to make another I will take some step-by-step piccies, there are some things I'd prefer to be be done slightly diffrent (and better - let's be fair) but that doesn't matter now - it's not a damn beauty contest.

Till the next log!

*And yeah, to compensate the client whole delay caused by my moving.

Just to keep the client informed

Well this time there's no spectacular post:

the main reason is I want my client to know there is something going on with his model.

And there is:

Eando Kline has already got the bases (both gaming and display) but I also managed to slap some paint on the sculpt itself. Which is quite remarkable thing because I was left with the kid for a few days. Which means no late night painting sadly...

During painting the piece one thing came to my mind: next time before painitng anything else from Reaper range I will think twice. And one time more just to be sure. These sculpts are very detailed and sadly I don't think my paint-fu is good enough to provide proper paintjob.

It might be this or fact I simply prefer other toys. Whatever. Commission is commission so the model will be done. 

Another work in progress shot is the Cankerworm for Battle for Hope December event.

I've been assembling the base while waiting for paint on Eando to dry, so right now there's only some sand, glue and basecoat. But as you can already see I decided to give it the base much more my style: rusty and dirty.

Bright orange pigment made of powdered rust (no shit) should look really striking and imo really nice applied on dark metals of the worm. I think to make it more striking I will also enchance the OSL painted so far.

I think I should've asked the BfH guys weather they prefer getting gaming model or display / souvenir one. But then again it's a charity piece so the potential owner shouldn't mind. Hopefully ^^

Whate else?

Just some random crap. For starters - my old, trusty display case has been upgraded (elevated on the drawers + inside lights added) and installed (screwed to the wall) at new place. As you can see there's still lots of empty spaces inside - I haven't got all the toys from the moving madness yet.

The need of modifications was the safety. I saw my kiddo running around and bumping into furniture and because of the thin glass - any unfortunate accident could have very severe consequences. Both for him and for me. I think I will also change the study door lock as well - you can never be sure.

Last week we had Halloween. For me it's still strange to see trick-or-treaters running on streets in the evening, I just do not buy it.

I think the whole celebration here is failed attempt to import another opportunity to make people go to malls and buy tons of useless shit (like costumes for kids and pumpkins). But since I do not participate in the circus - it's not my business how others spend time and what do they spend hard-earned money for.

Just before moving I got a pumpkin from my friend and frankly had no idea what to do with it - until the last Thursday. I didn't plan eating it so decided to give a try to work on it with some knives. In fact it was my very first Halloween pumpkin ever made and as for total beginner I am quite satisfied with the result. Sadly all my efforts didn't impress my kid (he likes it but wasn't scared at all) so it was also the last carved pumpkin for me.

And the very, very last thing for this post.

Last Thursday we finally got the opportunity to play Dark Age: Skarrd vs Forsaken led by St. Mary. The game was kind of test - sadly the first impression wasn't anything special. I got feeling the game was simply slow (probably because I used to play lots of Warmachine earlier). But after pushing models on the table and rolling some dices I got better idea about the rules and units' possibilities.

Right now I know we will probably give the game a chance or two before we decide about supporting it or not. I also know Skarrd Father, no matter how nasty it looks, can be torn to pieces by bunch of frenzied Strikes. And that St. Mary is one nasty, tough as nails b!atch.

Hope to kick her ass shortly.

Laters!