Curse of a detective... True Detective!

I've been preparing this post for a while but got slightly distracted by Liebster award thingy and stupid tv. Well maybe this particular show wasn't that stupid...

About Easter weekend I met some of my old buddies and one of them mentioned something about cool HBO series with Cthulhu Mythos vibe which I might like.

It was HBO's True detective.

Within few coming days I've swallowed the series (fortunately it was 8 episodes only) and because of that I dropped any painting for a while. But it was definitely worth it.
It was like breath of fresh air, it gave me some nasty ideas for Escape from Innsmouth scenario (Call of Cthulhu RPG) I am now trying to prepare and I realised not everything served by television is just stream of diarrhea.

I can definitely recommend the show, not sure will the season 2 with Brad Pitt as main character be equally cool but cannot wait to see this.

Back on topic:
Shortly before getting myself within the range of True Detective's irresistible magnetic field 4th flyer was added to my "space Ruskys" - another corvette from the starter set. Not much here to add: I painted it using the very same color choice, small differences were caused by proportions of mixed paints (never cared about writing it down) but it's good to see some variation in the deep space.

Since we're in the space - recently I placed another order for some more GZG stuff, my buddy wants to run his own fleet so I am keeping fingers crossed for the success of Full Thrust in the gaming cellar. I am also hoping to find replacement for miscasted part of Pobyeda battleship aaaand the carrier + some fighters inside the parcel. That should provide enough gaming material for a very long time.
  

Anything more? Rather!

Last week I managed to finish the marauder "bodyguards" of Egrimm van Horstmann (frankly I have no idea what would he need them for since he's riding the badass dragon). These guys were purchased long time ago when I was into Warhammer Fantasy and until now they've never got any important job to do. From what I recall they were fielded as 5-men squad just so I could get them magical, shooty banner. Also remember I have never managed to paint them decently but I must say they look just fine now, as the integral part of display base. It's a shame display base isn't slightly larger so I could place there remaining marauders.

In the back you can also see materials for the banner: copy of oldie Chaos army book page and expanded van Horstmann's banner pole. The standard will be pretty big with some amulets and shiny bits added. It's Warhammer Fantasy after all - stuff must be shiny!

There must be something with this whole WFB come back, recently I got several more models from those times (chaos warriors sorcerer, minotaur and mounted demonette). I think I am now trying to get models unavailable for me years back. Funny feeling.
But quite pleasant.

Liebster award

The Liebster award thingy seems to have been quite popular in the blog-network recently and I am very proud to be nominated by Simon (brill painter running Stone Cold Lead site) for this. The whole thing is more for promoting other blogs then for getting some reward yet it's still very cool event, it gives you a chance to get some background of people standing behind painted models and wargaming tables.

As for the procedure each nominated person needs to write 11 truths about him/herself, answer eleven questions from the person that gave the nomination and think of 11 questions to ask another person. So let's get the interrogation started:

11 truths:

1. I've been vegetarian for about 12 years? 13 maybe? I stopped counting, it's not a race.

2. When I was starting the hobby cruise I thought hobby related job must be the best in the whole world. After giving it a try for a while I barely decided to sell the toys and say bye-bye to miniatures. Fortunately - barely.

3. I have 6 cats and small stinky dog. It turned there's big difference between having 1 and 2 cats, but very small between having 2 and any more of them...

4. I got almost full sleeve inked on the right arm and it turned out tattoos are quite addictive...

5. I am (or better: used to be) Call of Cthulhu RPG Keeper or Secrets. Haven't played enough when I was younger so now I am doing my best to come back to role playing games.

6. I still have my very first model painted for Warhammer Fantasy Battle - placcy, one-piece goblin spearmen.

7. I hate football and politicians.

8. I've never managed to paint the first miniature ever purchased so about 3 years back I gave it commissioned paintjob. It's the only commissioned paintjob I ordered so far.

9. I love miniature exchanges.

10. Soft drugs possession should be depenalized. I haven't smoked anything in years.

11. I MET SANDY PETERSEN!!!

11 answers to questions from stonecoldlead:

1. Do you have a model or group of models that hold a particular sentimental value to you, and if so why is that?
Many - I have some sentiment related to most of models I painted and about like 90% of them I can tell some story. As for particular sentiment I think I have special place in heart for first 2 models purchased ever (old Warzone Valpurgius and Immafulate fury) and for the first WFB model painted ever - still have these in the collection.

2. If you could have your likeness sculpted in miniature what type of model would you choose?
A corpse.

3. What video game would you most like to see a range of miniatures based upon?
I'd like to see some creatures from Diablo I - like collection edition (box of 5-10 models). There was such thing released years ago but I'd like to see it done really fine this time.

4. Would you like to see Games Workshop go under and disappear from the industry completely?
Interesting question.
I think even though EE has less and less in common with my view of hobby in past it released tons of models I just love so they earned the right to love. Tricky bastards...

5. Do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to miniatures? A particular model or range that kind of sucks but you love it anyway.

6. Slotta bases, love 'em or hate 'em?
Love them if I can choose only between these two options only.

7. What was the most disappointing miniature or game you've ever purchased?
I dunno, probably Killzone PS3 game because of polish dubbing.
But I think twice before spending any money so I avoid hobby disappointment in general.

8. Have you ever seriously considered selling off all your models and games and just packing the whole hobby in?
Yes, there was one very critical moment but I am glad I decided to stay. It was hard lesson learnt about mixing hobby with business and family.

9. Will zombies ever lose their appeal amongst painters and gamers?
No friggin' way!

10. What's the best bargain you've got off Ebay (miniatures/gaming related)?
Sadly  I don't purchase stuff from Ebay as often as I'd like (miniatures is quite expensive hobby in my opinion) so there was not much opportunities for getting bargain price, but from what I recall I got great shape Realm of Chaos, Slaves to Darkness book pretty cheap. Sadly cannot say the same about getting The Lost and The Damned but simply couldn't resist having both grimoires in my collection. 

11. Gem or opaque dice?
Opaque.

11 nominated blogs:

1. http://convertorum.blogspot.com
2. http://crooked-claw.blogspot.com/
3. http://three-flies-for-nurgle.blogspot.com/
4. http://spikyratpack.blogspot.com/
5. http://leadplague.blogspot.com/
6. http://miniatextures.blogspot.com/
7. http://mr-bugman.blogspot.com/
8. http://stonecoldlead.blogspot.com/
9. http://yeoldeinn-heroquest.blogspot.com/
10. http://kingsminis.blogspot.com/
11. http://eldritchepistles.blogspot.com/

11 questions:

1. Do you remember what was your very first model painted / purchased?
If so - what was it and when?

2. What is the best brand of matt varnish you've used so far?

3. Is there a strong hobbyists community where you live?
Or are you miniatures-weirdo operating in the dark room connected by internet with other maniacts around the globe?

4. Do you share miniatures with your kids (if there are any) or is the hobby game for grown ups only?

5. Do you think brushlicking is the mark of truly devoted painter?

6. What mediums and other additions do you use for paining?

7. Would you consider participating in miniatures exchange organized between bloggers?

8. Your opinion about GW rip-off models: all those not-space marines and others.

9. Do you think Ukraine will survive the crisis thing or will is wall apart to small pieces within coming months?

10. Do you trust people who do not swear?

11. Does your hobby gets any support from the family, or they just don't care? Or maybe your partner would prefer you spend the time doing something more productive?

Skaven saboteurs and more!

Heya,

Easter time is finally gone so we can all come back to everyday routine.

Fortunately last weekend wasn't totally dominated by Easter crap, there was also something going on in the hobby matter. First of all my small Full Thrust fleet got painted reinforcements since the previous post:

the second Ural class destroyer and Kunitsa class frigate have left the assembly line in the mother star base. I still cannot get used to painting these models but I also cannot wait to see just few more painted and photographed on black (deep space that is) backround.

I was trying to keep the same color choice, there are just minor differences: for instance while painitng the second model (flying coffin on the right) I didn’t use airbrush for base colors – it’s barely noticed and most of the paint was corrected with brush anyway. I also painted strong shadows around the windows (or lights or whatever it is) which looks very fine hovering a meter above – these are gaming models after all. I also tried to increase contrast by applying stronger highlights on reds and highlighting grey to pure white. Again – these tinies are gaming models and strong contrast is the key when it comes to painting such toys.

New models were sealed only with semi-matt spray varnish but I might consider using glossy varnish first for a protection, and then matt or semi-matt varnish for a good look.

 

It would be too nice and easy if I didn't find anything to bitch about, this time it's casting quality. All in all I am satisfied with what came from GZG. I was aware small metal models would probably require some cleaning and filing but in case of small units it was really no problem.

The problem appeared when I examined Pobyeda class battlecruiser model. Mold that cast came from was heavily used or just damaged so there is some "overcast" to be removed and probably resculpted. Which is pain in the ass because the toy is metal... 

I'll take a pic when I start painting the model so you can see what do I mean. I contacted the seller and was told there will be new molds and some models will be resculpted. Hope the next time I decide to place the order I will get no reason to complain.

As for now - I think I will try to mask the screwed cast with greenstuff and paint is as some battle damage or cosmic infestation - there are alien fleets in Full Thrust after all!

Which reminds me! Last week we also had the very first Full Thrust game!

It was big breath of fresh, deep space air... or vacuum. It was cool to play the game with no terrain features on the table. Rules are easy to master so I think this game has big potential. I just have to convince my opponent to purchase opposing starter fleet.

Let's come back on Earth, to the Old World.
The base for the Chaos dragon is nearly done, at least it's underground part: the very last of Skaven saboteurs was painted, sealed, armed, fed with drugs and launched against doom-seeking dwarf warrior.
Painting these furry bastards was ton of fun, models are full of character and painiting each one of them takes only about 2 evenings. It was so much fun I am considering (again...) starting small Mordheim warband: either Skaven or Chaos (like beastmen led by evil sorcerer). These should look pretty cool standing in sewer or dungeon themed display base. Keeping fingers crossed for it.
Pics below are way too bright but I had to point there direct light to catch any details, but I think when the project is done I'll have to ask someone* to perform some photo-fu on these minis...

And the last for now: while I was adding the Full Thrust game to the summary chart it turned out I reached nice number of 100 models painted since the summary started.
Sure I painted much, much more minis since I got hooked (I am guessing it's about 500 pieces but it's just a shot sadly) but it's nice to see my hobby thing is still rolling, sometimes slower - sometimes faster. For the next birthday I will probably wish myself reaching 200 figures painted and chart confirmed!

Cheers!

*Yes mahon, that's you ^^

Rats...

Indeed you have a problem dr Jones,

especially because each of these squeeking bastards weights about 50kg and wields hand weapons! Eeeek! Eeeek!

But no worries, you are not alone:

apart from that backstabbing b**ch Elsa Schneider behind you there's also the dwarf slayer desperately seeking for death! So just keep the distance and let him do the job.

That means the slayer model is finished and is now exterminating vermin dwelling beneath surface of Empire. Karl Franz surely is proud of this brave, brave warrior*.

I had fun painting these miniatures - it's good to be back to Warhammer Fantasy even just to paint several Mordheim style characters.
The idea for painting was simple: big contrast. Models are placed in the tunnel so I wanted slayer to be quite striking, compared to dark interior and dirty ratmen.
I had some problems with metalics - Revell super matt varnish just kills them so all in all metal parts were sealed with Vallejo satin and rest of models - with Revell stuff.
Works quite fine for my bad taste.

There will be one more skaven added to the group - it turned out this one wears chainmail so it should also be quite well visible. After this one is done - marauders should visit the painting desk. I should also find some putty to finally fill the gaps in dragon model and prepare the beast for undercoating. Any suggestions?

There's also something new!

last Monday I managed to paint test model from Eurasian Solar Union starting fleet: Ural class destroyer from Ground Zero Games.

As for my first impression - it was quite neutral. Minis are cool and definitely something new for me but I could complain a bit about casting quality. But it was nothing I couldn't have dealt with a hobby knife, I am veteran painter after all.

I wanted to keep color scheme bright and more-less clean so it looks really striking placed on deep space gaming mat. I also wanted to use reddish and white/grey tones, but honstly I am not sure this is what I wanted to achieve. But before I introduce the ship to breaking fluid I will paint several more similar way, such models always look better in packs. Switching dark red to bright (even with some orange hue) and gray to white should also work here. 

What do you think?

And the last thing! 

Last week I was cleaning some mess in display cases and found this vehicle: it's italian Autoblinda. It was painted to fit the Necromunda gaming board (desert theme) but all in all we don't play as much as I'd like to the vehicle is doing nothing else but collecting dust.

It has just been added to Miniatures Looking For New Home section - let me know if you are interested. It's 1:48 scale so it's fits all GW games I guess, as much as any other 25mm - 28mm scale toys. I pinned model to the base but I can take it off with no problem if that's what potential client wishes for.

<:8   )~

*Yeah, right...

Looks like a spider passed this way

And it sure was big and ugly!

Luckly it's gone now, not sure I'd feel comfortable planting mushrooms and artifical grass knowing there are 4 pairs of mean, hungry eyes starring at me.

With spider or without it the base is more-less ready and waiting for miniatures. 

I am still scared of painting the chaos dragon so it was clear and easy decision to start with small models: dwarf slayer, skaven clanrats, marauders.

Dragon will be sort of the cherry on the top of the cake.

Hmmm... 

Or rather everything else will be small cake under 'uuuge, two-headed chaos cherry! :D

The photo below turned out a bit "overburnt" - it's definitely too bright but you can see the general idea. This is also sort of test before assembling another piece - this time 100% under surface of the ground. I was thinking about something related to Skaven or Undead fluff: corridors under human empire or tomb of ancient wizard / necromancer.

Hirst Arts molds should be good material for such project.

Is there anything else?
Yup - yesterday  expeditionary force of Eurasian Solar Union from Full Thrust game landed in my study. It's my very frst contact with such sort of game so I am looking forward to see the results of painting the first frigate. Models are small (it's the tiny scale after all) so painting them effective way seems like a quite a challenge.

If the game is at least half as cool as guys at Pyrkon told me I will do my best to infect at least one more gamer here with GZG stuff.
Until then - picture of the fleet still in the space base (on my painting desk that is).

As for painting I've been considering several options. Most of ships I've seen in movies are white or at least bright. Which is quite obvious - there's no point ot painting camo in the deep space since whole flying, aiming etc is done by advanced computers, sensors, robots or whatever.
So I think I will start with applying bright grey + white base color, highlight it and when some red elements will be added (washes should work just fine for this job). Dependable on the result I will add details like glass windows, fire from the exhaust pipes, chipped paint.

Test frigate is on the way...