Time travellers

This time it's retro style post: 

two travellers crossed time and space to materialize painted in my glass case.

The first one is Mishima samurai from Warzone game.

This specific model is one of those with which the game started here. After we dropped gaming Warzone the toy was just getting dust badly painted in my buddy's attic. I got it like three years ago, washed the paint off and put into very long line for painting.

And the last weekend I finally managed to get my very first original Mishima model painted.

Because I have lots of heart for those old toys I decided to keep color scheme as close to original as I could provide. Don't think there's a big chance to play full scale Warzone (old or new) match here so some of these veterans will serve as mecenaries / independent characters or Necromunda gangers replacement.

The other one is nearly same age sculpt (1995 or 1996) but I got is few day ago together with Capitol army book: dark huntsman from Algeroth's team of evil doers. 

I remember when we were still into the game the model was somehow unavailable (too bad, because that unit had really nasty special rules) so it's really cool to add it to my collection painted. As for the paintjob there was no official photo so I had some ideas to choose from:

1. Basic idea was to paint it classic badass colors - that means black rags with some red pieces (Algeroth after all).  But then I realised I don't want a ninja armed with assault rifle in the team: too more black - too boring.
2. Another concept was to paint the uniform ordinary military colors but to show it's evil origin I wanted to give the flesh unnatural tone: like extremly unhealthy pale, demonic red or deep black - like D'n'D dark elves.
3. The final thing was to paint him looking like a pro: dark huntsman is skilled assassin after all so the decision was made to just give the model Capitol styled uniform (perfect for my gaming board) and fine shape kratach assault rifle. I can still attach silencer to the weapon to make whole piece fit original fluff better. I am also thinking about applying some war paint on the face - in the rulebook there was pic of heretic with simple red pattern along eye line. Pretty simple which usually means - pretty effective.

I am glad I got it and that it's finished - it took me a single, long afternoon which is quite achievement considering my pathetic painting efficiency this year. 

And last one too. 

And 2012...

Pictures were taken using the trusty post-apo background but also using section from the gaming board. The modules still require finishing (details, pigments, stuff like that) but after like 2 years* since I dropped first set of battlefield junk into the cellar the project is nearly done. Cannot wait to bring it to the very end and never come back to the matter. There's lots of hobby things I learnt during the work and I am sure I could built it better and faster if I ever had to to it again. Nevermind: here's Algeroth's finest killer:

And the last thing for now.

It's not news anymore but it's something seriously fucked my fragile world:
Rik Mayall died.

When I read the news my first thought was the guy was just making some sick fuc*ing joke but he wasn't. Don't get me wrong: I don't like public moaning about passed celebrities (of giving FB "likes" under information someone has just kicked the bucket, that's just sick!) but it turned out Rik Mayall was the very first actor who's demise really touched me.

I remember when I saw Bottom series on local tv (when I was like 15-16 years old?).
I was totally shocked and just sunked into bad english humor within seconds. I still cannot believe that local station decided to launch Bottom.

I also remember my daily routine from few years back when I was launching 1-2 Bottom episodes just after coming back from work. Having meal while watching these two degenerates was priceless.
There was much more Rik in the tv shows: Young ones, Black adder, New statesman... It's great lots of these are easy to get. The memory for the great actor will be preserved.

Farewell Richard Richard!
Try not to piss god off with too many dirty jokes!

See you soon!

*or probably even more

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 =(

Real life strikes back

Like a Monty Python's 16 tons weight.

Sadly in real life there's not much laugh about it.

But everything is moving on so hopefully sooner or later sun rays will dissolve dark clouds which gathered above me. 

Right... let's go back to the hobby - this is not a weather blog after all.

Since the previous post there was something going on in the toy soliders matter. 

I am glad with a little dose of self discipline (and dropping some sleeping time) I managed to organize a day so there is bit painitng time almost every (late) night.

So let's start with Full Thrust.

The game is constantly good fun, since the last blog update we managed to play 2 games. The innovation was using bigger board (200cm x 200cm) but I think we will reduce it (180cm x 180cm*) to make moving models slightly easier. Bigger board gives more space for manoeuvres bringing even more fun.

And since we're in the space there are 2 pieces added to my annual painting summary:
Kiang class light cruiser and cosmic station mounted on an asteroid.
The ship was another quick paintjob as the rest of my Full Thrust stuff (small scale stuff FTW!) - again I used the same paints so when the last model is finished whole group should look very decent, especially on the deep space background.

Building the space station was also quick and pleasant process:
I simply got piece of pumice, glued several chunks of it using green stuff and superglue and added various bits: these here are leftovers from T-34 (if I remember correctly) tank model** and some electrical junk. Whole thing was covered with base coat mixed with PVA glue, drybrushed and after painting the installations that was just it.
Quick and easy.

I still have some pumice left so if the base works fine during the game I think I will add one or 2 more stations. Each and every way to reduce pile of bits is acceptable.

The reason it's been a while since the previous log update rides Chaos dragon:
Egrimm van Horstmann is finished!

Well... Only Egrimm... The mount is still waiting for some paint.
As for the rider I like the result - it's probably because it's one of models I wanted to see finished for a very long time (another old "beautie" is Dieter Helsnicht riding the manticore). Main concept was to paint it "bright" but now I think the darker version is even better: it will contrast nicely with the base and I can paint dragon's flesh pale so the sorcerer is even more striking.

The banner pole was slightly modified - 2 bars were added so I could use paper standard from old Chaos army book. Originally it was chaos knights' standard but I removed chaos stars and printed bit larger than the original.
Paper banners kick ass, especially in case of old school miniatures.

The next step will be filling all those damn gaps with milliput and I can start the job.
I'd really like to see it finished within reasonable time so I can bring it to some contest.
Any contest really, after this year's Pyrkon it turned out my models really enjoy travelling.

Pictures are damn bright even though I put filters on the lamps, so I am guessing I will have to ask somebody for help with taking decent photos.

And the last thing for now - pretty surprising for me:
I finally managed to paint Necromunda Escher ganger!
I really have no idea what is the reason but even though I love this gang I haven't managed to paint any ganger (or maybe: gangress?) until now. The piece is the gift for my buddy from real estates appraisal branch, which makes the paintjob bit more special.

The model was painted using colors I'd like to see on my gang: leather, spikes and pink here and there. Classic look of a pervert ^^ from 40th millenium.
Or any other millenium.

Anyway I had fun working on this toy so I hope to paint few more sistazzz shortly.
Maybe after the dragon is done?

Cheers \m/

*That is ~72"
** Which is part of my Necromunda / post-apo gaming board

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?