The Angelus Sanctus - Realm of Miniature Gaming

Blitz Finished

2010-06-14T20:37:00.002+08:00

Well, the Blitz Gundam is now finished (and yes I will post some pics soon!) Not too sure when however, as it appears my Graphics Card may have died last weekend, so next weekend i'll be catching up with friends to do a few things for them, and in return they'll get a new card installed etc etc.

In terms of kits now in progress, this is what i currently have:

- Geara Zulu (1/144 MS Gundam Unicorn)
- Strike Rouge + IWSP (1/144 Gundam Seed Destiny MSV)
- Providence Gundam (1/144 Gundam Seed)
- Gundam Virtue (1/144 Gundam 00)
- Gundam Nadleeh (1/144 Gundam 00)
- Gundam Throne Eins (1/144 Gundam 00)

Hoping to start up soon:

- Gundam Exia Repair II [CLEAR] (1/144 Gundam 00)
- 0 Gundam Type ACD [CLEAR] (1/144 Gundam 00)

The Exia one will probably be closer to the end since I've already made an Exia and Exia Repair II kit previously.

Kits are still highly varied in terms of general 'quality', but that is to be expected. I guess having gone on that made rush with the Gundam 00 kits have really spoiled me a lot. Will note now though, the Providence kit was annoying! Some of the chest parts were quite small and fiddly, so there was numerous times when i was getting quite miffed at trying to put them into place. With the exception of the Eins, the other WIP kits have the main torso and heads done, so if i get a pic or two of the Blitz, i'll try to take one of those.

The other thing i also need to try to remember is how to insert images from Photobucket and then do the re-size within the blog so the pictures doesnt kill the blog layout *le sigh*

-eTAS

Continued Gundam Work

2010-06-01T23:50:00.006+08:00

Did a bit of minor work - Finished off the head for Nadleeh, which I will admit, has probably been one of the more fiddly heads I have done thus far but it looks pretty ok, although I was hoping it would look a tad bit more like it would in the show.

No further work has been done on the Geara Zulu, but I did start up the Blitz Gundam (1/144 HG from Gundam Seed) and I was actually quite disappointed that the kits back then were still semi-simplistic and hadn't been produced in the same way the Gundam 00 kits were. So with that all in mind, I'm going to guess alot of the major changes to the 1/144 scale must have occured no more than the last 5 years, but definitely within the last 2-3 years as that is when Gundam 00 came along. Will admit I have had more fun with the Gundam 00 kits, heck Exia (and Exia Repair II) were definitely some complex kits given what I had experienced back from 10 odd years ago.

Was tempted to start up the Virtue (Gundam 00 1/144 HG) alas with the whole sleep time concept starting to kick in, I might have to give it a miss.

Also in complete randomness since I am watching Gundam Seed... This will probably be spoilerific, so I might change the text color: but my goodness the character of Flay Allster IS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is all!

-eTAS

First Gundam Post!!

2010-05-31T10:40:00.002+08:00

Two posts in a row? THIS IS MADNESS!!!

Anyway...

Last night I completed the 1/100 Deathscythe Hell Custom from Endless Waltz and I still feel 50/50 about it. Although I completed the 1/144 scale version several weeks ago, I can't seem to find myself giving either the 1/100 or the 1/144 higher rating since they both have some 'faults' that I think prevent it from being a really good kit.

Looks wise, the 1/100 looks great and I will definitely admit, the amount of construction work involved on the newer 1/144 scale versus HG from 10 years ago have really improved. I am glad that bits of the 1/144 were made into more individual parts on the 1/100 however the one thing that didnt sit well with me was the active cloak. Although I am glad it was made of several pieces, the connecter parts between each wing segment isn't as heavy duty as i was hoping (then again, it's only 1/100 HG, what can one expect). Still relatively happy about the kit itself, and I am glad that it has been finally assembled and it will definitely make a welcome addition to my collection.

Obviously with the Deathsycthe Hell Custom done, I've now started work on the Geara Zulu from the MS Gundam Unicorn range (which is a HG 1/144 scale kit) and will probably rotate that with the Gundam Nadleeh (HG 1/144 from Gundam 00). The Geara Zulu was an interesting one, when i was first shown the kit, it was the last kit in stock (from that day! talk about quick turn over) and I felt 50/50 about the kit. In the end, after it was skipped over by another customer, I grabbed the kit and so far, it hasn't been too bad. Still working on the main upper body, the amount of runners and color differentiation is an interesting change and now that I have versed myself with the first episode of Unicorn, I find my liking for the kit growing (not to mention, it will be the first Zaku-like kit I have ever put together!)

As for Nadleeh, haven't started on the kit just yet (decided to do Nadleeh in front of Virtue, as Virtue looked quite complex for 1/144). Should be interesting, although I hope Nadleeh isn't too 'weird' compared to Seraphim in Season 2. So hopefully later today Nadleeh will start getting it's torso put together and if I am feeling in the mood, I may slowly start on Virtue (1/144 HB from Gundam 00) and possibly even the SD BB Unicorn (MS Gundam Unicorn).

And yes, eventually I may take a picture or two of the done up Deathsycthe (and perhaps with it's small version too!)

-eTAS

Housekeeping

2010-05-30T17:05:00.002+08:00

*blows off all the dust that has accumulated in the past ONE YEAR !!!!*

After having browsed Arjan's blog the other day and noticed that he is still happily tinkering away, I figured I should pop back into mine. Naturally when I did, I had a nice rude shock when I noticed the LAST post that was done here was back in April 2009 (which is scary as it's almost June 2010). Alas, I feel justified in having that Phases statement in my blog info, heh.

Can't say a lot has happened in one year, as nothing really much has. I haven't painted a single model in ages, so it makes me wonder if I still remember even HOW to paint! Still picking up the odd GW item, a few PP items and also managed to acquire some Malifaux along the way too.

However, before I get rotten tomatoes hurled at me for in-activity, I havent been idle the whole time!

Last few months I have been able to re-new my 'passion' in the whole Gunpla area as we have one really nice stockist here and the owner really knows how to treat her customer's well. I've managed to put a few kits together, with a whole heap of kits ranging from SD to MG waiting to be assembled. I will admit, Gunpla isn't so bad in that I dont feel bad when the final product hasn't been painted. Sure, some kits would look a lot better, but I find that the whole assembly process is quite relaxing and gratifying. So in the next few days (maybe), I might update the blog's theme to include things like Malifaux and Gunpla since that is becoming my new direction of sorts.

Plus in theory, the blog will become more active again since I'm usually doing some form of Gunpla work every few days (versus painting a black undercoat every 6 months...)

So stay tuned! There just might be a nice re-vamp yet!!

-eTAS

Bolter and Chainsword Call Projects

2009-04-08T21:16:00.003+08:00

So apparently, I've gone and done the following:

"Gods of Chaos hear my call!

I The Angelus Sanctus hereby pledge my soul, my allegiance and that of my troops', to Chaos Eternal.

I promise you that I will paint (to completion) 2 Items of Word Bearers (1x Min Sized Terminators. 1x Min Sized CSM Squad) - within the space of 3 months.
I also promise to provide my fellow Chaos Chaos players with an update, at least twice per month.

The Angelus Sanctus"

and

"Immortal Emperor of Man-Kind, Hear my Call!

I The Angelus Sanctus hearby pledge my body and soul, my faith and that of my troops', to you, Emperor of Man.

I promise to you, that I will paint (to completion) 3 Items of Blood Ravens/Raven Guard/Iron Hands (1 minimum sized Tactical Squad for each Chapter) - within the space of 3 months.
I also promise to provide my fellow brothers and sisters in arms with a project update, at least twice a month.

The Angelus Sanctus"

So what does this mean? Some interesting times ahead for the next three months. So essentially i'll be working on 5 Blood Ravens; 5 Raven Guard; 5 Iron Hands and 8 Word Bearers (5 CSM and 3 Terminators). Odd collection if you ask me, plus, it's also weird how it's all just black and red... General theory suggests that I should be able to do this, since for 10 of the models, once the undercoat is on, that's half the work done already!

Next monday (April 13th) the Calls formally start, so this should be good!

Other news: Field Test of Warmachine MK II has come out and suffice to say I'm still mixed emotions about it, although not as 'doom and gloom' as i swear some folks have been on the PP forums. Granted, things were changed, but some of the way people are presenting their doom and gloom doesn't feel like it's in the best way. Sure, there are plenty of Cryx things that happened that I don't agree with (Poor, poor Cankerworm for a start!), but they don't seem too bad, and usually i end up reading/hearing something about a point in another way that makes me think, hey, that's an interesting way of seeing it.

In any case, next week, hopefully should see some nice updates and HOPEFULLY I'll remember about adding in height and width bits into photobucket links here so they can all fix nicely.

-eTAS

1-1-1-1 Primal Composition

2009-03-15T22:52:00.003+09:00

Nay, i haven't stopped painting, but the updates have declined slightly, but i AM still painting! The Shredder from the previous post is done (Ie, his basing is done, minus the flocking). More work has been done on the IH and two WB guys as well, so progress is moving along. I also started cleaning up Thagrosh due to the 1-1-1-1 Army Composition concept.

Side note, I got my Limited Edition SEH!!! (Soulless Elven Hooker) aka Eiryss (yeah SEH is a common name for her) from PP and i picked up Epic Thagrosh (Which has somewhat caused the need to paint up every Thaggy model i own).

Anyway, i thought i would do the 1-1-1-1 comp for some of my armies, and since I'm on an everblight rush, i thought i'd do that. So the 1-1-1-1 is basically a single choice of each model type (Warlock, Warbeast, Unit, Solo). For Everblight, for me, I have chosen Thagrosh as my 'lock (also, I'm ONLY using Primal at this point in time, so no fancy Evolution of Metamorphisis models just yet). For my Warbeast I'm gonig the Carnivean, since it's the only heavy warbeast the Legion have, and since it's a restrained army, i figured i'd better take the best. Unit wise i'm probably thinking of Warmongers since they are going to be pretty durable, but this MAY change. Only reason why i've gone them thus far is because i have the actual models. The solo choice will have to be a Forsaken (only solo we have in Primal) however i don't have the model yet!

Still haven't had a chance to sit down and calculate points, as i'd still like it to be roughly around 350, so that may mean i'll have to take 3 Warmongers only instead of a full squad of 5.

Now i expect this lil plan of mine will probably take the next 10 thousand years to do, but eh, we'll see. I will be making an attempt to paint both Thags and eThags at the same time, so yeah, there will be something interesting. I also want to get rid of my Angelius before i start up on the Carnivean, so yeah, this may take a while, on top of painting everything else that strikes my fancy (at least i'm never bored!)

So that's basically the plan atm, figured i'd get this out in the air now before people thought i was slacking off again....

-eTAS

The Cleaning goes to plan!

2009-03-03T22:56:00.005+09:00

I'm going to try to randomly change the pic layout on this and use proper Photobucket linkage, so bare with me.

Quick summary wise, the painting desk clean up is going well. Been hitting up both GW and PP models, to the point i'm just going to let the pictures do the talking.

Only thing that erks me about the Shredder is some of the un-smoothness of the highlighting. However, given that it was my first Legion model, it's ok that the highlighting wasn't perfect. However, with the advent of the most excellent Foundation washes, that issue may soon be rectified!

Anyway, let us try the pics!!

-eTAS

Clean up Time!!

2009-03-01T18:40:00.002+09:00

So I decded to take a pic of my painting desk:

As you can see, there is alot of stuff on it! With the LPC now finished at the B&C, I'm going to try and push for a cleaner painting desk and as a result, try to paint up half the stuff (well ideally ALL the stuff) on that desk so i can do a quick re-configue of the desk. The good thing is that there is a nice variety happening there with both GW and PP stuff, so being bored of painting shouldn't really happen.

With the few days remaining of this long weekend, I'm hoping to get a good start again on the 'test' WB minis as well as try to make progress on my Test IH mini. I also for some weird reason want to finish that lil Shredder, especially now that the 3rd Book for Hordes is going to be in my hands very, very soon! Hopefully i'll be able to cement down the painting style for that (I should really make small notes as to how I am painting things, as i really forget =X) and hopefully try to clear off the Angelius that is happily taking up space!

Sure this won't be an easy task (and man, the more i think about it, this is starting to sound like a 2009 Resolution, which in a way it is, at least informally)....

So yeah, that's the big plan for this year!

Now to see if it will ever occur =X

-eTAS

LPC Vow Complete

2009-03-01T06:02:00.002+09:00

Believe it or not, i finished my LPC vow (which for those who may not remember was my Word Bearers Dark Apostle). Granted there probably is a few more things that COULD be done, but largely the model itself is completed and i think it would quite happily make table top standards.

Before i post a pic or two, here are the things i have learned from this mini:

- Sweet, i now know how to get the dark, deep, rich red i want for my WB! This is partly due to the new Foundation Washes, man Badab Black is one handy lil bottle.
- I recall why i like building minis in PIECES... Although the base, the model itself and his backpack were separate, the main bulk of the mini i wish was in more pieces for general ease of access to areas. However, i think i managed quite well.
- I need to tell my brain (and soon) how to discern when a mini hits the table top painted level because it could carry on and on and on on every minor detail that needed to be worked on/touched up on. To be honest, i think of all the time spent painting the model, it was alot of the nit picks that really started stretching out the process. I think another thing that didn't help was the fact i didn't hit same color areas at the same time, so there was an unfortunate repetition of the same paint bottles being opened over and over.
- Finally had a chance to dip my hand (not literally) into all the paint range i have now (P3, Vallejo, Foundation Range + Washes). Suffice to say, they are all of top quality, and things like the washes are darn handy! I'm pretty sure Gryphonne Sepia and Badab Black were my Washes of interest for this mini.

Anyway, let's have some pics!!

Now with the LPC done, i'm going to try and start embarking on the mission of cleaning up my painting desk. Now this isn't a bad thing either and with some potential new Call threads occuring soon, i may be able to get a few minis knocked off my desk (and luckily for me, these ones aren't major complex ones like my Dark Apostle).

-eTAS

Mk II ??

2009-02-27T20:11:00.002+09:00

So PP have announced that next year will be the release of 'Mk II' (or in simple terms the next edition of Warmachine/Hordes). For the time being i think it's a good idea since PP have gone something around the order of 6 odd years since the first release of Prime, and things have expanded in such a way, a new edition is going to be a good thing. Of course, i'm trying to keep optimistic about this (and it sounds like it WILL be good) and avoid the oh no, impending doom idea of it (gee thanks GW!!).

In other news, the B&C LPC ends this weekend, but i feel confident that i can finish my entry (i will try to get a progress shot up here if i can, well a new one anyway).

Lastly, possibly because of the new Mk II stuff for Warmachine/Hordes, i've been thinking if i want to start segmenting my GW and PP stuff into their own blogs. General idea would be that this blog would remain true to GW whilst the new blog would cater to all stuff PP. Given some of this Mk II issues, i'm actually liking the idea, because i think it's a good idea to segregate the two. Of course the flip side is, by separating the two, it means that i'll have two blogs that are potentially updated very infrequently. But eh, at this point i'm still thinking it over.

I'll try to do a pic update soon!!

-eTAS

B&C LPC Update

2009-02-08T01:15:00.002+09:00

Well i did it (well, a few weeks ago now) and put my name down for the LPC event. However me being me only signed up for a single miniature (because i know i'm that bad with getting stuff done). However, the modelling phase is pretty much sorted now (thank the gods).

Next up is the undercoating stage, which i'm sure will be fun-fun-fun. I'm fairly happy with the mini, and hopefully once the paint starts getting slapped on, he'll look alot better.

Although from now on, i think i'll re-size my pictures a bit more as i swear they pick up at least a few million things wrong with the model, that i swear even i can't actualy notice!!

Anyway, just a quick pic of the front of the model (note, this isn't the full mini, the backpack and extra accessory have not been included in the shot).

-eTAS

History Repeats!!

2009-01-10T14:23:00.002+09:00

No big surprise really I guess, however work has been pretty hectic the last few weeks, so I am somewhat more drained than I was hoping. Even the two 4-day weekends wasn't sufficient enough to regain some general sanity and stability.

However, stuff does still go on! Just haven't picked up a brush in a wee bit, but i have been playing with plastic and hobby knives heaps!

I've been giving the Librarium Painting Challenge on the B&C a bit of though, although as weird as it sounds, if i do enter I will be so vague with my vow it won't be funny. Chances are it will be along the lines of a single miniature just because it doesn't seem 'extreme' for me given my general life style at this time. Plus if i can finish a single mini, means i'll just re-vow and do another, and if that goes another, etc etc.

Of course the only thing is that i don't want to complete something i've already posted, somewhat cheats it, so i am working on something that i would like to see to completion (and would give the army some focus).

So we'll see. I still have a few days to go before vow submission ends.

-eTAS

Quick pic post!

2008-11-16T23:52:00.003+09:00

Image quality isn't too crash hot, however here is a progress shot (prior to their undercoating) of my Word Bearer and Iron Hands marines as they slowly progress down the building ladder. The GS work was done last night, however the pics haven't come out too clearly, so the GS work on the IH is actually quite blurry, as the painting progresses i'll make sure i take another picture of just the body so i can at least draw attention to the leg bionics.

Otherwise, we'll see how the next few days go!

-eTAS

Minor Update

2008-11-15T17:06:00.002+09:00

Just a small update today (since it's been a few days since i last did an update).

Haven't done too much painting as of late, instead i've been sitting at the OTHER desk doing some more mold line removal and wacky adventures like that. Thus, because of a charming individual on the B&C i have a test Iron Hands mini (yeah i know, yet another army to add to my MILLIONS of existing armies). So far the test mini doesn't look too bad, all that is left is some GS work here and there to bulk up some of the bionic areas, plus at the same time i'll do some parchment work on the other Word Bearer so they can both hit the painitng line. Although i might try and see if i can paint some more odds and ends on my table if only to get some space back! Heck if i have to go through those 5 terminators from the last competition on the B&C one by one, i'll probably give it a whack like that!

Also managed to creep back onto WoW, although with the WotLK release, getting onto the main servers i have characters on is well, a pain, however this has allowed me a good opportunity to re-create some of my past characters on other servers (this will work well when i want to create some more Death Knights too!)

I'll try and get some pics up by the end of this weekend! Well, of the minis anyway!!

-eTAS

When will the madness end!!??!?!?!

2008-11-11T00:00:00.003+09:00

And I bet that is what most of you are thinking eh? You are probably sitting thinking, wow, he's actually doing some work, but at the same time, when will it all stop and he goes quiet for 6 months? Heh... I personally don't know, and i suspect my drop in WoW time is probably allowing me to paint more, but yeah we'll see how things go (but i do feel good about painting again).

Picture update!

Thought I'd take some happy snaps of the current Word Bearer guys as they are coming along, since I haven't really shown those off, especially the wrist mounted bolter guy.

Other pics are of my Everblight stuff, since i only just realised i haven't taken a pic of the Angelius since it had paint slopped onto it, and i thought I'd take another progress pic of the Shredder as i'm just touching up some of the fleshy pinky bits before i start working on the natural armor.

However, so far, so good!

-eTAS

Shoulder Pad - Mk 2

2008-11-09T23:55:00.004+09:00

As the title suggests, here is a picture of the Mk 2 version of the WB test pad. Definitely a lot better than the Mk 1 version, but i'll still need more practice to make a more decent looking motiff.

However, here, is the pic!

Updates soon-ish!!

-eTAS

Picture Update!

2008-11-08T03:50:00.003+09:00

Just a few snaps of what's going on in addition to my general commentary about them.

Shredder:
- The blue shading does not look THAT strong. I suspect the flash has intensified the darker color over the lighter one, but with the normal eye, it is more subdued.
- That's about my only quirk with the picture...

Word Bearer:
- The legion symbol and the flame motiff in this case was an epic fail and my work from '06 looked alot better. Given how poor it looks i probably will repaint the shoulder and then PRACTICE doing both motiffs before applying it again to a model.
- The loin cloth work is so-so. Looks ok, but i'm still not convinced with it, although since it's only black right now, that may not be helping either. Still not sure how folks manage to work with GS for tabbards and the like, but boy, would i love to know how.
- You'll have to wait for the next picture update to see the wrist mounted Bolter....

-eTAS

Bearing more Plastic than Paint....

2008-11-06T23:13:00.003+09:00

My hopes to recreate the flame motiff that i did on my test mini back in '06 hasn't exactly come through very well... To make matters worse, the WB icon also looks pretty bad too. What was the lesson learned? Practice BEFORE you do it on a mini. Test mini or not, it would be nice that it doesn't look THAT out of place... However, lesson learned i guess.

On the upside, the modelling aspect seems to be doing alot better. Got the weapons done for WB #2 with a nice wrist mounted bolter (gasp you say!!) while he holds a bolt pistol and chainsword (hey, at least i can safely say i am WYSIWYG'ing). So trying to settle on the armor shade at this point in time, not totally satisfied just yet... However, i'm going to try and get a body to go with those arms and maybe have a ponder of what to do for the next marine! Grief... I hate the new rules sometimes..

-eTAS

Minor Update

2008-11-04T23:24:00.002+09:00

Further work on the Everblight paint technique continues and i THINK i am getting somewhere. Although I have only tested it in the realm of the Citadel Washes and not the inks, i am getting some of the shadding effect i have wanted in addition to the slight tinting on the flesh itself. Process is far from perfect, but it is showing results. The next Shredder i do, i may want to try and do it with the inks instead... I'd ponder it on the Angelius, but given the model and what not, i figured best to test small scale before trying to do it large scale.

My Word Bearer test mini is going ok as well. Main body trunk is undercoated and i have been nit picking at the left arm section with various reds and what have ye nots. I'm thinking i may avoid the final light red because it's a bit brighter than i want it to be (I would rather prefer a rich dark red) for my Bearers. However, i do want to give Skorne Red a try from the P3 range and see what type of red that generates. But so far, so good. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow, but we'll see how things go.

-eTAS

Bearers of the Word...

2008-11-02T23:23:00.003+09:00

Well after some subtle mental manipulation and suggestions I've officially made a proper Word Bearers test mini. All the plastic has been cleaned up, I've done some GS work to give it a bit more character (so that's currently drying). Tomorrow i hope to try and get some of the base work done on the left arm becaue i want to try and see if i can reproduce the WB motiff that i tried back in 2006 when i did my first WB test mini (which was more of a test than what i've made now). Thus far have one core marine done and all the parts out for my Dark Apostle. Mind you I still need to clean up all the bits for that, which should take a while...

However, fear not, the Angelius and Shredder have not been forgotten, but since I wasn't going to make the competition deadline, I did sideline them, however I will try to get some more paint work done on the Shredder since I want to have a better idea on the paint scheme and technique before I even try slapping more paint onto the Angelius.

-eTAS

Random Musings...

2008-10-29T19:30:00.002+09:00

Since I am having to watch Teletubbies with my Niece, I thought it would be a good chance to grab the laptop and do some musings... Of course, I'm not actually watching it, but i am sitting with her while she watches it and i occasionally poke my head up to see what is going on...

Anyway, I was randomly thinking what my general goals will be for next year, and what better time to start planning than now, since it will take me like 6 months before i make a start on it and yeah... With the work starting on my Everblight crew, i thought i'd try to make an effort of doing more work on them since hopefully i will have an Angelius and a Shredder done sometime soon-ish. So hopefully i will PICK a Warlock to start on and take things from there. At this point in time I'm thinking it will probably be Lylyth. As for what gets painted, that's anyones guess. I also keep having random Protectorate musings with Feora, in addition to the further work on my Cryx, and hopefully either Deneghra or Asphyxious will be completed sometime next year (early is preferable, but we'll see).

Teletubbies is also scary....

Anyway... 40K wise, who knows... I keep getting cravings to do Word Bearers and Iron Hands (I blame the PC&A section on the B&C for this) whilst still trying to do more work on my Angels of the Lion (I really ought to finish those 5 terminators sitting on my desk, despite the fact the rules changed during the progress on them).

I'm probably not going to make any set lists on what i want done since i'm very random on the painting front, but i do hope to try and get a few odds and ends done since i do want to tidy up my paint desk and make it just a tad bit neater and tidier.

Assuming I dont need to pass out later (which i probably will need to) i'll see if i can slap on some more paint onto the shredder or angelius.

-eTAS

Re-deco

2008-10-29T00:51:00.004+09:00

Minor Update -

Did a Blog re-deco so things actually look a lot more stream lined now with all the changes that have occured to Blogger over the years, especially if you look at when this Blog was first made!!

I like the changes, and as I said, makes things look more streamlined.

Hopefully from now on I'll start to use some of the extra gadgets around, like the labels to start marking my posts for easier access (at least the archives are a lot more tidier).

May also do a 2009 'proposal' post, because, well, I know I don't stick to it, but hey, it's fun to do!!

-eTAS

Things are not going well No. 1

2008-10-29T00:15:00.004+09:00

Well I wouldn't say they are going horrible, however I am not fully liking how things are going. Painting the Angelius is actually NOT an easy feat... Although for future Everblight models I will endeavour to use a white base coat versus black, since well, practicality wise, it would have made life significantly easier. Don't get me wrong, the Angelius, doesn't look BAD or anything, but it won't be fantastic either. I've already noticed that some of the GS work is rather sub-par, and since I never had a chance to perfect my Everblight scheme and technique prior to the Angelius, I feel that I may have rushed into this too quickly.

Sure I still want to get the Angelius finished, it's not like I won't ponder getting another one, so things may still be a-ok-ish. Failing that I will be completely random and try to finish a 'Land Shark'. Good thing about the Shredder is that it's at a similar stage to the Angelius, but being smaller makes life easier *nods*. Of course, finding time to do all the painting is doing my head in, but we'll see. I've already seen some of the competition entries, and there is already a nice Dreadnought and Captain model from the Assault on Black Reach box. MInd you, they are fairly stock AND PLASTIC... But we'll see. If i can't make it or I feel that it would only be a rush to do it, I may just finish it at a more casual pace and take in the model/pictures into the store one day as an aside.

But hey, upside is, I'm painting!!

-eTAS

Angelius Update

2008-10-22T19:37:00.002+08:00

I am happy to announce that the GS phase has gone well. Wasn't too bad either (thanks to new sculpting tools from Privateer Press) so getting some of that nitty gritty work wasn't too bad. I'm hoping to TRY and get it under coated and everything in the next few days, alas i do know i have some commitments coming up so finding the time to do so will be a tad bit difficult.

However, things are going good *nods*. I'll try to get a pic update soon.

-eTAS

Wings are glued!

2008-10-20T22:44:00.003+08:00

Now I have a happy Angelius *nods* It's wings have been put on with a bit of effort. Hopefully tomorrow i can carefully and gently do the GS work to patch up the gaps and add a bit more stability to the wing joints. Not a bad looking model when put together, assuming one doesn't go insane when putting it together!!

So here are some more progress pics!

-eTAS

I rise again!!!

2008-10-19T21:50:00.003+08:00

I know, I'm horrible with keeping this thing updated!!

However, I thought I would show that I am indeed still alive by posting a minor update to something I am doing for a local comp here. The model is far from finished (and I suddenly see why folks say it's a pain to put together). However, I thought it would be a rather symbolic way of my slow return!

So I now present to you, the sign of my return...

The Angelius....

-eTAS

Short Pic Update...

2008-04-20T23:36:00.002+08:00

Just a quick update of what is going on from the last post (although both bases now have been coated in the black lava stuff).

The Shredder is pretty much now ready to go in terms of full undercoating and paint work. Denny's base on the other hand, is ready for the undercoat stage and then the fickle base detail work before i can slip her in. Since i have sunk the base, Denny will be the first model i have ever tried giving a scenic base to, so we'll see how that works out. Hopefully by the end of the week i'll have the base details completed and Denny happily inserted into her base. Fortunately for me, i only have 2 days of work this week (the rest of the week is day off aka "annual leave"; rostered day off, public holiday, saturday, sunday).

Anyway, here are the pics, and stop y0 bitching Eryx :P

-eTAS

Fear not!! Progress still continues!

2008-04-19T18:31:00.002+08:00

And I bet you guys were thinking, and Chris has stopped posting for a few days again, guess we won't see an update for 6 months eh? Have been a bit "busy" (busy meaning i've been playing WoW a-lot). What can i say? I am hell bent on getting at least one char to Lv70 prior to the release of Wrath of the Lich King (and I am trying to catch up to the Guild Mastah of my Alliance Guild!)

Nonetheless, progress was made on the base for Denny, and i can safely say, sinking it wasn't too bad. All that i need to do for that base is to just do the black lava step, paint the base details and Denny can be placed into her new 'throne' (this is the main step hindering further work on Gaspy and Denny since i want to get Denny to catch up to Gaspy). I also cleaned up and based a Shredder (aka 'land shark') for my Everblight army (as my first mini to do my actual color test on). Putting the model together wasn't too bad, and the GS work was rather minimal (although the next ones i'm going to put an even SMALLER blob of GS into the hip joint so i dont need to play around too much with cleaning it up after putting the legs on). Painting it shouldnt be too difficult as alot of the detail hasn't been obscured by putting it on the base (in fact it seems to have elevated it slightly, so it feels easier).

Not sure if ill get any painting done this weekend, but we will see. I do hope to get the black lava step done for both minis though (i should probably also start drilling into the shredder's foot so i can stick it to the base too). Otherwise, i will TRY to take a break from WoW early next week and get some new pics done.

-eTAS

D&A Progress Update.

2008-04-13T23:07:00.002+08:00

More Text!! But that's ok, I'll get a pic up in the next day or two to make up for it.

So, status update:

- Denny's arm (the one that isn't attached to her body) has been now inked in purple. So far, so good. Hopefully her arm will be done in the next DAY or so, since i haven't done much work to those areas, and well, its hard to highlight a colored metallic color. However we will see, although given some of the detail on her arm, i'm hesitant at doing anything else on it, in the event i should screw something up. Hopefully i'll get the bottom half of her spear done as well, so when the main body is done, i can glue the arm on and then finish off the top section of the spear, since it shouldn't get in the way of anything (given the rough "stuck" together concept i did way back last year).

- On the topic of Denny still, she has now received her blue ink phase. So far, so good and boy does she look like one menacing model. This is a good sign of course, since i wasn't sure how a colored metal concept was going to work, let alone if it would still maintain some of the characteristics of the army and feel with it. Suffice to say, it has been a success, thus far.

- On the topic of 'theme' (everything seems to be rolling into each other today). I went back and did some of the metal work for Gaspy. What color did i go with you ask? TIN! Reason being, i didn't want an overly bright color as his metal components (i was thinking bronze initially, but it actually looks a tad bit bright...) Thus far, its looking really good, so Gaspy has that dark feel about him, without being too dark. I'll probably give those sections a rough highlight in like copper perhaps, just to make them stand out a bit more, but otherwise, it looks like the tin will stay. This will probably also be the case for Denny as well.

Things to do for tomorrow:

- Blue ink to Denny's arm.
- With Denny's body now complete, it's time to do some black touch up and start doing her random DETAILED fiddly bits. I also really need to sit down and sort out her base, since i want that done before i move to doing her robe highlights.
- Finish doing the Tin sections on Gaspy.
- Take pictures

Not a bad list, fairly simple, but to the point. Of course this is assuming i don't nap most of my tomorrow away. I'm thinking after i come home from work, I'll play WoW for a bit to keep me awake, have dinner, PAINT, and then organise stuff for the following work day and that should be everything accomplished for one day, at least, i hope so.

-eTAS

Written stuff about the 'D&A"

2008-04-13T16:51:00.002+08:00

So i gave things a bit more thought and went back and decided that to hell with the non-metal sections of Gaspy, lets make EVERYTHING metal!! I had my wonderful 'PP sponsor' aka the foul citizen that got me hooked into PP :P have a look at the pics and he thought that going the bronze look for other areas was a good idea, so i thought, yeah, to heck with the non-metal looks, lets go back and do this properly. Plus i rationalised this in my brain thinking, this is the Iron Kingdoms... Steam Powered Combat.... ASPHYXIOUS IS A FREAKING IRON LICH!!!! So yeah, went back over the non metal bits that i had done the other day with black, so later on i'll probably hit them up with the bronze, as well as get started on the rest of Gaspy's bronze areas.

I also started slapping on the black onto Denny's arm, since that will actually be quite easy to do, especially her actual arm which is a case of slap on black, slap on metal, slap on inks, voila!! I still need to figure out what to do with Denny's base as i want to get the model plopped onto the base asap, since it will make painting easier than what it is currently (since i have learned from Gaspy, that yes, i can paint whilst the model is on its base).

So hopefully by the end of tonight i will have the bronze coat done on Gaspy for where it is needed, get the metal work done on Denny's arm, blue ink her main body and assuming i do all this in a decent order, hopefully get the purple ink done onto her arm (which i guess means, first thing i paint will be her arm to allow for drying times etc etc). Other than that, things are going well thus far. The fact I have painted this much, in what seems to be a week or two is unbelievable.

I also have some FW models that i can do some color tests on as well, although some of the models were really hard to strip the paint off, not sure why either. I know usually a few hours of being dunked in brake fluid, the paint just peels off with ease, but some of the models, well suffice to say, i have NO IDEA what the dude painted them in. Fortunately these are only paint tests, so its fine.

I've also been looking at my Thousand Sons Aspiring Sorcerer and i still feel quite annoyed at the robes. I may possibly go back and redo those to a more acceptable level, as i am NOT thrilled with them. Plus i did an "ok" job and doing mixing for Gaspy, so, I guess i could go back and try to mix up some paint for the Sorcerer's robes and try and make them more blended i guess.

Anyway, thats me done for this lil textual spot. Not sure if i will have pics of Denny and Gaspy tonight, but i suspect in the next day or two there will be images!

-eTAS

The 'D&A' Continued....

2008-04-12T22:07:00.002+08:00

I seriously don't think I have painted THIS much in YEARS!! Let alone TWO models at once!! Nonetheless, further progress has been made on Deneghra and Asphyxious. I'll let the pics speak for themselves, although I will highlight some of the areas I'm not happy with.

- Highlights on Asphyxious' robe. COULD have been better, but probably could have been worse. I actually DID do some mixing to get some mid grey-black tones before using the pure grey. Whether they show up or not, we'll see. I mean they don't look TOO bad, but i might have to alter my technique when i do Denny's robe.

- Denny's Metal bits. I don't know why i'm not happy with it, I'm just feeling a bit 'iffy' about it. Although her flesh looks ok, which is GOOD and i did manage to make a bit of a mouth for her with all the paint coating her face.

- Non-Metal areas on Gaspy. I was thinking that to try and break up the metal areas i'd do some flat paint here and there. It's ok, but i can say it isn't very forgiving (which is why i took my time inking Denny since i didn't want ink splatter on her skin areas). Sure they aren't finished yet, i still got a bit of a highlight or two to go, but eh, maybe i should have gone the bronze that i'm going to use for his remaining metal sections (since I'm avoiding gold since i want a more beaten and worn look).

Anyway, that's pretty much my general nit pics, otherwise, they don't too bad for my skill levels (and i swear they do feel more detailed than GW minis, so it is a bit of a leap for me). Will admit, when i looked at them in photoshop, they do both have a bit of a menacing look about them which is a GOOD sign!

So here are the pics!

-eTAS

A 'D' and 'A'

2008-04-08T23:51:00.003+08:00

No a D&A isn't a Dark Angels viewing i'm afraid :P Although some of that MAY occur in the near future *nods*.

More pics of Deneghra and Asphyxious actually! Yeah I know, i'm going crazy on the painting, it's really weird. And oddly enough, it's helped to work out some of that kink in my neck/shoulder that has been bothering me all day.

Anyway, less babble today and more pics! Although why Gaspy's skull looks yellow-ish, I don't know but it was painting in 'Plague Brown' (one of my favourite colors since my AotL Terminator Robe incident).

Also nice to see how the purple/blue tint is now coming through in his armor. Not sure when Denny will get the same treatment as i might want to work on her skin before then (well whats left of it). I'm also thinking i should really try to work on her base so i can actually GLUE her to something versus having her floating around on the lil model holder, since i can manage to paint fairly ok given Gaspy has been glued to his base (which is coming out quite nicely). I also really want to re-develop my painting station since i've got like paints from 4 different ranges and it's hard to figure out what i have when they are in containers.

Anyway, as i said, less banter, more pic display today.

-eTAS

Asphyxious Progress (Now with Pics)...

2008-04-07T23:58:00.002+08:00

As "promised" here are the current paint in progress pics of Asphyxious. The pics are so-so (probably not helped since most of the model is still fairly dark looking, although once i get the head done, and do some BRIGHTER metals, i suspect that will make things easier to look at). I have also done the 'blue ink' step (so now he looks like a 2nd ed Genestealer, just in the metallic variety). I've also started dry brushing his base to start getting a tad bit of color into that too, but i suspect overall he will be a rather 'dark' looking mini. Naturally he looks great up close and personal, but alas, pictures will have to do. No idea what i'll be doing tomorrow, might try and lay down some of the silver metal since his armor is supposed to the the hybrid purple-blue look, whilst some of his mechanika is still largely a silver finish.

I also did some more metal work on Denny (no pics included) and my goodness, what may LOOK easy, isn't necessarily EASY to do. So i suspect Denny will not live up to expectation (especinally given the conversion work into her) whilst Asphyxious will probably be a lot better than expected.

Anyway, less banter, here are the pics.

-eTAS

Asphyxious Progress...

2008-04-06T22:37:00.002+08:00

Believe it or not, this is probably one of the "fastest" models i have painted in a long time. Been doing a fair few ink steps the last few days (still have the blue ink step to go before i can go back to random painting again). Nonetheless, i can confirm that he is far from the GS and Pewter look from before. Hopefully tomorrow i'll try and get a happy snap of him before doing the blue ink step (assuming i have time). Heck, i was looking at my Denny model and thought, hmm, maybe i should touch up the skin areas, do the silver sections and yeah, get her to catch up *ponders*. I may do this tomorrow, not sure just yet, plus i need to remember what the heck i was doing with her base. I think i was going to go a more swampy type of feel to it, compared to Gasphy's rock base.

Hopefully come the end of the week, the ink stages will be done on Gasphy, so i can try and finish up his main body segment before going to work on his arms, which shouldn't take too long, since majority of them will be done in the ink stages.

Until next time!

-eTAS

Picture Update

2008-03-22T00:39:00.003+09:00

And here be the first PICTURE update for 2008!

'Random' pic of Denny, just showing that she does have a wee bit more paint on her since the last time she appeared here. I'm sure i could apply more metal to her if i really wanted to since she is going to have her metal areas in that nice purple/blue metal ink look.

Rest of the pics are of Asphyxious (minus arms). For those too familiar with the stock model, you will notice that his head has had a repose (with the help of some GS). I also added some GS smoke since i didn't want him to look exactly like the stock model. His arms will be done in a different repose as well, but obviously haven't been included. HOPEFULLY come the end of the weekend, or at least come early next week, he shall have some black paint on him (also need to texture his base too while i am at it).

-eTAS

A 2008 Post? NO WAY!!!

2008-03-18T22:49:00.002+09:00

So i was browsing through the blog and going, wow, i HAVEN'T done an actual entry for 2008? So HERE IT IS! I would say, whoa, this place isn't as dead as it looks, but knowing me? The next update won't be until like August 2008! However, I've done a lil work here and there (in fact I have some time off very soon, so I might be able to play catch up and load up some stuff). I'm not even going to bother with a new years resolution concept, since last year's flopped so badly it isn't even funny. If ANYTHING, I'm just going to say, of the few MILLION things I want to do, i just want ONE, yes ONE mini from each army/faction/whatever done come the end of the year. Now some folks would say, JUST ONE?!!?? YOU GOTTA BE JOKING ME!! But I say, given my track-record, one model per army isn't exactly as easy as sliced bread.

With that being said, I have been working on a repose for Iron Lich Asphyxious (WM - Cryx) and oddly enough all that is left to do is some minor GS work and get his base organised. I'd do some now, however my time tonight got thrown out the window due to napping and a 40 minute phone call with my folks. However, hopefully tomorrow, I can at least get the base and GS stuff done (I hope), although i might try and smear on the black textured paint tonight, if only for the fact I want it to be dry tomorrow so i can do more of the basing. Then again, i might wait, since i'm sure the cork tiles i'm using for the base (which is great to use, wish i bought even more of the stuff to be honest) has been really used to use for that rock type of look. Hopefully come thursday, I can get him to a stage where i will be ready to slap some paint on, and unlike Deneghra should be easier to paint. Well at least I am hoping he'll be easier to paint...

However we shall see how things go, but yes, plans are being made to try and minimize some of the plastic/pewter collection i have by like 1%

-eTAS

Not dead yet!

2007-12-05T00:14:00.000+09:00

Thought I would do a very quick post mentioning that i am NOT dead (again) but very pressed for time these days, since I am working O/T at work and have been now for the past 5 odd weeks. Naturally as a result, my time to paint and what have ye not has been severely decreased. However with the Xmas/New Years break coming up soon i should hopefully get some time back (that and what time i can get on weekends). Next 'major' update i do ill make sure i include some pictures.

-eTAS

As Promised... PICTURES!!

2007-11-18T23:03:00.001+09:00

Short and sweet:

Here is the Aspiring Sorcerer:

And here is the Nightwretch:

I probably won't have alot of time this week to do more work, but i'll see if i can do something for next weekend!

-eTAS

New Ink!!

2007-11-15T23:58:00.000+09:00

Two days of activity... In a row... SORCERY YOU SAY?!?!? Not quite, but close to. After gaining an hour or two back in my evening i managed to lay on the first purple ink layer onto my 'wretch and i must say, it looks so pretty. Thus far i am definitely liking how it is turning out and cant wait to apply the blue coat. Of course after that i have no idea how things are going to turn out, but oh well!

However tonight was mainly an inking night, so i did some minor inking on my Aspiring Sorcerer so i can finish up these silly gold parts and move onto the next stuff. Although now that i think about it i wished i had done some of the silver areas already since i'll be doing some of those later on when i do the gold highlights (to this day my best metal work i swear has been on my AotL terminators). Hopefully i'll get pictures up this weekend!

-eTAS

Egads! Too much Paint!!

2007-11-14T23:07:00.000+09:00

Yet again i have done some more painting! Managed to get a bit more work on my Aspiring Sorcerer (that was my entry for the Chaos competition on the B&C some time ago). It's slow work but it is getting there. Although i really hate working with metals sometimes, at least on the gold spectrum.

On the PP side of things, i've done the metal base coat one my 'wretch and it came out quite nice (hell it almost looks like it's back to being plain pewter). The next stage will be the fun part! MASS INKING! Hopefully i can get that done by the weekend, if not ON the weekend since i am trying to just take out half an hour here and there when i can (although the next few days will be bleh for time since i'm going O/T at work and have some evening meetings to attend).

If i get some decent work done this weekend i'll take some happy snaps.

-eTAS

I'm... Alive??

2007-08-27T00:38:00.000+08:00

Well, I actually decided to LOOK at this once again!

Short and sweet: I am painting again... Albiet very, very slowly.....

-eTAS

Haul Update

2007-03-17T21:59:00.000+09:00

Once again, I thought I would post what happened at the LGS (although I am still working on my AotL, so fear not, work is occuring).

Anyway, picked up some more of my gear like the DA Command Squad, MotRW model as well as another box of DA Vets. Also managed to pick up Flight of the Eisenstein (dang, now i just need to get a copy of Galaxy in Flames) as well as No Quarter #11 (to fulfill my WM needs) as well as the Rulebook for Confrontation (gah, i know, miniatures are like crack to me, i just need more!!). Been very happy with the DA stuff as of late (and as i said in the LGS, the models have been the only saving grace for the DA, as the codex is still really weird). Been looking through the codex trying to get an army list set up and I'm like, gah, it feels so butchered! Then again, if i really sat down with pen and paper and write up a list, i should be ok. Debating if I want to get another DA Command Box (the parts will help if i ever do a RW or DW command squad, since i can use the bits and pieces from that). I know ill get one in the Battleforce so it isnt too bad. I still have each battleforce on hold, and i even put Tactica Imperialis and some MtG stuff on "hold" as well (I think the store knows me well enough to know that i WILL come and collect and didn't even 'force' me into a lay-by scenario and just said, yeah, we'll put it all out back and you can collect when you are able to, which me being me, won't be too long at all).

The NQ issue was good as always (especially compared to that crap that is called White Dwarf). The preview for Evolution was great and it was nice to see some of the stuff for one of the new warlocks for each faction and a preview for a new unit for each faction as well. Suffice to say i like being Everblight thats for sure.

So as for the rest of tonight, I guess ill spend it playing around with more sprues, might even try to get some of these other sprues cleaned up and what have you not so i can start sorting through them and putting them away and working on them. Plus it would be nice to get this Army box that is next to me, well not so next to me. Might also take a picture of the last AotL i tried to robe up as there was actually a bit of a pause between the last picture and what he looks like now.

That aside, that is pretty much it, I'm sure i'll do some rants about 40K/WM/Confrontation in the next few days for sure.

-eTAS

Very small and minor Update

2007-03-10T14:16:00.000+09:00

Just a very small and minor update (since work has been taking alot of my time etc etc).

I have been slowly and progressively cleaning up some Marine models to use as AotL (I hate de-mold lining minis, but good lord) and so far have 5 to work with. I will probably GS robe them and maybe use some components from the Chaos marines (mainly arms) to give them a more 'darker' look (since Chaos arms are quite nice with their lil fancy trim arms). Still debating how I am going to go about squads now though, since the robe look is the new 'in-thing' I'm debating if i want to robe up everyone, or keep some folk in regular non-robe PA and just try to flesh them out to make them more in theme with the whole squad. Or i just might go robe crazy, whichever one happens first, although i might take a queue from the Black Templars and do a tabbard (I've seen some DA art work with them having a tabbard) just to keep the cloth look in.

I can also happily state I now own the 4th Ed DA codex (it isn't too bad, but it could go either way really). I also have one box of DA Vets and the Army box (which was pretty cool, all they did was stick the relevant box sets in and the new DA/RW frames). The Ltd Company Master model ain't too bad and I'm also happy for the Librarian model i got (was the only one of the three i actually liked).

So next week will be the DA + RW battleforces, the DA Command Squad and the Master of the Ravenwing (on Jetbike). After that, my GW purchases will hit their low until the next army release that I am after (or if i find out that DA stuff is all splash only, in which case, i might spend a bit more to get some extra stuff).

Other than that, fairly happy with everything. Hopefully later this weekend I'll do some more work, although we'll see how things go.

-eTAS

2007! Not off to such a good start....

2007-02-10T22:42:00.000+09:00

So in light of some of the things that happened last month (Grandfather's passing in early Jan, change to full time day shift at work in Late Jan) things haven't been moving along as well as I had hoped. Plus i'll be very busy the next week so getting anything done just flew out the window and by the time I'm ready to do stuff, it will be the end of Feb (gawd damn short month of the whole freaking year).

However, I am still hoping to get goals done (what goals for this month I have NO idea).

Been pretty good in terms of purchases, last trip to the LGS i scored Prime Remix as well as Hell Diver mini. Although I did put the DA Codex and Army Deal on Pre-Order (first one in the store too, so getting it should be very easy now since I'll be at top priority for it). Plus thanks to my 10% discount, a $373 purchase becomes $336 (rounding up) which essentially means I'll get the codex free (or if you want to be a nazi about it, I get the codex for $1). After that, i'll probably pick up one DA Battleforce and one RW Battleforce (since they will most likely be splash releases). And probably one box of DA Vets and whatever else. Rumor has it the MotRW will also be a limited release (probably because it will be all metal and GW being GW will say, we'll put some in boxes for so long before it moves to online store only cf: SoB Exorcist Tank). After that, my purchases will go to here and there events, whatever cheap stuff I can get off ebay (usually of the WM/Hordes variety) since my GW purchases are quiet minimal (army codex whenever it comes out, WD monthly and anything overly funky that is a splash release).

So for now that is what is happening, and i think I might spend the rest of the night playing with my Capt Haley model (yes I know it was NOT on the list of things to do) and if I can be ass'd to maybe do some basing work on my Wolf Scouts.

-eTAS

2007! Here we go!!

2007-01-04T02:54:00.000+09:00

And here we are, into 2007. Dang, this blog has been around for 2 years now (or getting very close to). Wont be any pics in this folk, so yeah, if you wanted eye candy, go elsewhere :P

In any case, i thought id try and highlight my 40K and WM desires/resolutions for this year (since last year was a tad bit too laid back). Although, I will say i did do some painting on my AotL termies the other night, so all is going well. I should REALLY try to sit down and get their bases finalised as that will be one less piece of grief to worry about (once I remember what Vallejo paints I do and dont have).

Aside from being more active in the B&C this year (and after starting the 2007 Resolutions thread, trust me, Ill be active til the end of the year on the B&C without a doubt!), I wanted to list some more of my model based resolutions.

So cutting straight to the big and ugly, here we go!

40K Resolutions for 2007

- To create 750 pts of Sisters of Battle, painted and based by the end of this year. Sure i know it is low, but knowing me, ill need all the time I can get, that and I will be covering multiple armies.
- To get my AotL up to 1000 pts by the end of this year. Yes that won't be easy, sure it probably won't be effective but there ye have it. At least my terminators shall pave the way! Plus with the re-release of the DA codex in the next few months, i think its fair enough to give my first army some attention since they have been pretty much on hold forever.
- Space Wolves up to 750pts. Yes that means finishing my Grey Hunters. Probably my Wolf Scouts, a pack of Blood Claws, a Battle Leader and probably some Long Fangs (hurray to plastic Devastators being released too).
- Tyranids up to 500 pts. Reason why this is so low is because of the time and effort that needs to go into actually making up EACH AND EVERY MODEL! Sure 500 pts will only be about I dont know, maybe 40 odd models, but oh well! As i said, i have armies galore to work on and over two game systems.
- Emperor's Children up to 750 pts. I have been sitting on making the Version 2.0 EC guys for ages, and I really need to get a move on. I still have my design sketches floating around and yeah, shouldnt be too bad. I guess i could start with my Daemonettes since all they need is some rebasing and painting since there isnt much in the way to convert (since they are excellent models as is).
- Thousand Sons up to 500 pts. Definitely a minor army so it isnt a big hassle if they arent big, they are mainly for the 'when I need a break from painting green/black/grey/etc. Plus it won't need alot of models either. I should probably try to finish up the test mini.
- Eldar.... Well.. who knows....
- In THEORY I shouldnt need or want to start up any other armies, despite the fact I want Necrons and Tau, but they can freaking wait!!

So yeah, that about covers 40K. Alot of the point sizes have been set lower than what they could be, and given that i have a whole year left, it shouldnt be too bad. Then again, that is the theory.

Onto Warmachine and Hordes.

Warmachine + Hordes 2007 Resolutions

- 500 pts of Cryx. Heh,if you thought the 40K point sizes were low, these ones will be lower. The good thing about getting the Cryx battlegroup was that i easily have a 350 pt list. However the more i learn the more combos i start to realize. However, regardless, I am sure Deneghra will speartip most of my Cryx lists (until I get Goreshade anyway).
- 350 pts of Legion of Everblight. Ok, that is pretty much the Warpack... Nothing too out there and knowing me, Ill need all the time I can get.
- 350 pts of Circle of Orboros. Once again, another Warpack. Since I dont forsee expanding my Circle stuff in the near future.
- Protectorate of Menoth? Who knows really. Since I wanted a heavy infantry based list, my Menoth stuff has a fair way to go, despite the fact I have the Menoth Battlegroup (which is ok).

That is about it for that system. Not a big lot of stuff to do really (way less models than 40K that is for sure). Plus my Cryx scheme shouldnt be all too hard to do at all.

Now, last year was a REALLY bad year for doing my Monthly goals, so yet again i will TRY to do some. However, ill aim even LOWER than before (which makes one wonder, how in the hell am I going to achieve all the above). However, we shall see how things go.

So in light of that, January goals!!

- Get those AotL terminators attached to their bases by the end of this month. It really isnt THAT difficult at all!!
- Finish off the remaining SoB stuff from last year (6 backpacks and one model).
- Get something other than black onto Deneghra. She is a brilliant conversion, so it isnt fair on her to be forever immortalised in black.
- Finish the lone Hormagaunt test. Really.. It's already half way done. All it needs is a wash and detail pickings and some last minute playin around with with basing.

Other bonus stuff would be to finish the Thousand Sons test, some more Grey Hunters and pretty much try to clear up my entire desk of what is currently on it that needs to be painted. Hopefully I'll also get started into some more Cryx stuff as well.

So that is pretty much what i want for this year. If i can exceed expectations, excellent, if not, good lord, i really need a new hobby.

-eTAS

Gee.. Another Update? EGADS!

2006-12-18T02:07:00.000+09:00

And here is yet ANOTHER update (wow I'm going faster than a speeding bullet now!!).

I Have stuff for both WM and 40K so I guess let us get the show on the road!

So first up 40K and I finally did the feet for the SoB and based them. They look pretty snazzy, although my camera-fu has some what dropped a few notches over time (I really need to get a dedicated spot for taking pictures). I am fairly happy with them thus far (the bases really help as well). Sure the paint work could still use some help, but hey, glad i painted them now versus several years ago (where they would probably look REALLY crap). Next phase is the backpacks (and one last sister who is pretty much floating around getting slowly painted). However with that being said, it is nice to have a lil bit of painting space back on the table (doesn't look as cluttered and lets me have a quick sigh of relief). I'll try to aim to have their backpacks done by the end of the year, but we'll see how things go. Next 40K "project" I guess will be to resume work on these AotL terminators (who sadly have been collecting some dust). I still have ALOT of work to do on them, although if i can get their bases done up, that will be one less hassle.

Lastly WM. Did some extra chrome tests, namely experimenting with putting an additional color on the existing one. Honestly? It turned out ok (although green sucks alot, except when put on blue). At the top we have Green Ink applied over the Blue (from yesterday) from the mid section to the tail (since I wanted to keep some of the blue showing). Although the pic doesnt do it justice, it actually looks like a very chrome based sea-green (a blue-green shade) which looks really nice. A potential color for Pirate based fleets for sure (I can forsee painting a Leviathan in this scheme thats for sure). The last two are a tad bit hard to tell apart but this was the scheme i was looking for! Middle one is Purple ink over the blue (once again the pic doesnt do it justice) and it has a very nice chameleon look to it (if you have seen 'wet' midnight-blue that is quite close to what it looks like). Only downside about doing the purple over the blue is that the color ends up a tad bit darker (versus Blue ink over purple). However it isnt a bit hassle (and will probably help add some diversity to the color in terms of shades). Last pic is just Blue ink over purple (which actually looks lighter than Purple over blue). Still very nice and still does what I want. And for you 2nd edition 'Nid lovers, yes it does look kinda Genestealer like.

In the end that is exactly the scheme I was looking for (and it wasnt very difficult to achieve either). Might try and do some secondary color testing on those models before i proceed to the actual minis, but so far I am liking their primary color scheme. It has that nice I'm evil look, without having to be traditional black. Heck in certain light angles, it does look a tad black (and sometimes a tad bit blue and even purple, heh).

I also picked up some Water Effects stuff up from ebay (hurray). It's also kinda weird when the seller knows you by first name basis (suffice to say I get a fair bit of stuff from him). So that will mean my Cryx bases are pretty much sussed out now.

As for the Flesh Chrome, I would still like to keep that but I have no idea where i'll use it. I may end up using it on more of the squad based units (thralls and the like) since i do rather fancy that scheme too, but ultimately, it was the blue/purple chrome look i wanted to achieve.

That pretty much sums everything up for this update. I'll try to update again in the next few days with more goodies.

-eTAS

Updates!!

2006-12-17T14:40:00.000+09:00

Well the first update was to update to the Blogger Beta that uses the whole gmail thing now, which is pretty handy. Nothing too overly different but hey, it's a nice change.

The main update is pretty much on the Warmachine aspect (since I didn't really touch the Sisters last night, although they arent too far from being done (excluding their backpacks)). I slapped on the second inking (the main color) and they didn't turn out half bad (felt like i was pimpin' my 'nids). Although I do want to do a few more color trials, the Flesh Chrome (for me) is turning out to be the best, but the other colors aren't too bad. If the Third stage testing with the blue and purple work well, I might even go with them.

Anyway.. I bet ye folk wanna see pics!

First pic is of the 4 colors side by side to give you an idea of what they look like individually. The flesh one was done AGES ago back when I was doing my 'Nid color tests, where as the blue, green and purple were done last night.

The last pic is mainly showing off them off.

Hopefully I'll get the third paint stage done tonight and try to get the Sisters feet done so i can glue them down to their bases.

-eTAS

Minor SoB Update

2006-12-13T01:46:00.000+09:00

Yeah, I'd say start worrying now, after all, TWO updates within two days, surely that can only mean madness??

Anyway, as the title suggests, this is pretty much an SoB "rant". Their bases are done (well, the random bolter shells on the ground, could use a quick wash, but that's about it really). The Sisters have had their lil "slits" cut off, so tomorrow (assuming I have the time to as I need to be in bed horribly early) I just need to touch up their feet and then glue them onto the base and voila 95% of a small group of SoB done. That way i can put them aside into the case and work on their backpacks etc etc. Other than that, I keep forgetting to do the metal coat onto the test minis I am using for my Cryx (it is REALLY starting to bug me now). Although as I said before I do need an early night tomorrow, so some of this stuff might not be done til around thursday night when I have more time.

That is pretty much it!

-eTAS

Minor Update

2006-12-12T00:38:00.000+09:00

Heh, here is a lil update since well, I rarely update this thing, well, definitely no where as much as I used to.

So I guess it would be best to break everything down into their own dedicated sections.

40K

Well, I picked up the now OOP Eldar Battleforce and Vol 4 HH artbook from my LGS. I'll definitely need to pick up the new Eldar BF at some stage, but that can wait as I definitely ain't starting up my eldar anytime soon (but I always say that about alot of things, and it's not like I have actually finished anything, let alone to a 400 pt sizing). Cleaned up a single Guardian the other night, for future paint testing later (not to mention I finally got the Interactive Eldar painter on my H/D). Craftworld thoughts? I'm still thinking about Ulthwe (and I don't have a main black army yet) which wouldn't be too bad as I've always wanted Ulthwe since they had their Strike Force rules from the EoT codex (even if they are void now). Other than that, I'll probably play around with the painter, look at the craftworlds now from both the GW site and eldar codex to see if anything strikes my fancy (Altansar is getting pretty close though).

I randomly did some painting tonight and realised, damn, I need to re-teach myself how to paint. So I did some random bits on my SoB (mainly the bases) and did some stuff to the bases for my AotL Terminators and thought, dang, I REALLY need to get some stuff done. So tomorrow I hope to get more stuff done on the SoB bases since there isn't alot left to do and then try to get these Sisters ready to dunk on their bases so that will be one less hassle. Then we'll see how things go, assuming I can still paint...

Warmachine

Got some Bane Knights (Cryx) and eFeora (Menoth) off ebay for a sweet price and to top it all off, the LGS that I get it from has a copy of No Quarter #9 in stock so I got that for only $7 more (which is almost half price). So I am quite happy with that for sure. tonight I COULD have splattered some metal onto the useless gaunts I am using for my Cryx testing, but I plum well forgot. So I'll do that tomorrow. From there it should be fairly straight forward, as I'll just need to do washes with inks galore and see if I can get some nice chrome colors. Then from there it will be off to actually PAINTING a model (probably start with a bonejack) and maybe TRY to paint Denny (it is not as easy as it looks). If i can give her "robe" a nice chrome glimmer I'll be happy although I'm still debating how todo the rest of her... Maybe I'll just do a weird S&M theme with my Cryx. Menoth stuff can wait for ages since I want a more infantry based army. Everblight and Circle are on hold as well, although I think I did clean up Lylyth ages ago, so who knows (but I do want to do some conversion work on her). Also wanna get some of the water effects stuff off ebay later this week as well since I want that for my Cryx.

So that aside that is where i stand on both game systems (not very far at all). The Blog is hitting its 2 year Birthday soon and boy, this year has been really quiet, so i IDEALLY should use this 2nd Birthday gig as a means to really bump things back up again (especially since Day Light Savings came into effect, it is dead quiet at night now). So we'll see how things go tomorrow. Hopefully I can get the Sisters off their slit/slut/slot thing and get them ready to be dunked onto their base.

-eTAS

Minor Spring Cleaning

2006-11-30T01:20:00.000+08:00

With the increased cases of spam making it through blogs, especially after that one piece of spam commentary that managed to break through the word verification, i have taken steps to now make my blog registered users only (sorry for those who post as anonymous). In theory this should mean only folk signed up via blogger will be able to post comments which should offer a tad bit more protection against these damn spam bots who clearly have nothing better to do (then again, they are bots, its not like they choose to do what they do).

In terms of actual update? Well i did get a Protectorate of Menoth Battlegroup the other day from ebay (at half price). I knew it was brand new, but I didn't think it was still in its shrink wrap (let alone be a dated box - totally different internal packaging, b/w stat cards).

I did start up doing some cleaning on models here and there the other week, so i should really sit down and see what was happening there. I also need to pick up the water effects stuff off ebay (should do that next week) so i can really start moving into getting some of this WM/Hordes stuff done before the end of the year. That also reminds me, I wanted to see if i could find snow flock from ebay too.

That is pretty much it (might pick up HH Vol4 + Eldar BF next week though).

-eTAS

Lil Warmachine Haul

2006-11-11T00:21:00.000+08:00

Wow, another update? Something clearly must be up!

As the title suggests, i did have a lil Warmachine haul today and picked up the Cryx Battlegroup, the Witch Coven of Garlghast + Egregore and Thagrosh. Quite happy with that and i had a peak and the models and i think ill definitely be using my Alt Denny model for my Denny, as the Battlegroup one, although she has a nice body, the witch barbs look like CRAP. Since they had another Alt Denny model, i might grab that just for the Witch Barbs heh.

On some upsetting news, i didn't find No Quarter #9 there, which muffs me a tad bit, so i havent a clue how im going to get that for the time being (might try the ebay seller i got alot of WM stuff from in the past) since thats a gaming store of sorts.

In more GOOD news, i placed the old Eldar Battleforce and Horus Heresy Vol 4 on layby, which i am thinking i will pick up in a few weeks time.

Painting wise havent done alot, havent been exactly full on motivated to do so yet, although doing some modelling and converting stuff may strike my fancy, so i may give that a shot within the next few days.

Other than that, thats pretty much it. Although i also thought i would add in, Turpentine is better at removing paint from pewter models than brake fluid is!

-eTAS

I Blame the Urcaen!!!

2006-11-05T01:54:00.000+08:00

Since everyone cant stop "commenting" on it (yes i'm being polite there) here is that update ye all have been "asking" for (yet again I'm being polite there).

Not alot has happened since the last update that focused on Denny, just needed a lil "break" I guess. However, things should hopefully get a lil more "action packed" around here again for the end of 2006. Been more "focused" (and i use that term very loosely) in Warmachine to the point where i now have all the rule books (Prime, Escalation, Apotheosis and Superiority) in addition to Primal for Hordes. Although much like 40K not alot has been touched. Since i've been "blessed" with the beginning of a new month, I'll probably try to aim and get some of the paint tests done for my Cryx army (since i do have a good idea of what i want). As for 40K, not sure yet. Other than the desire to start a new army (most likely Eldar) i'll need to sit down and re-assess what is on the painting desk, although i suspect "high" priorities will be to finish the Sisters, AotL Terminators and a special project that potentially could have had alot of spotlight but fell through.

So there ya go folks, here is ye bloody update!!

-eTAS

Further Deneghra Update

2006-08-25T05:35:00.000+08:00

Deneghra is pretty much 'done' conversion wise. All she really needs is a nice looking base to go with her, but everything else turned out well.

Did some minor work on tweaking her head (repositioning it) without needing to cut the whole head off the model and i might do some minor tweaks to her arm. The barbs came out well, although there is one barb that looks just a tad bit messy (chain looks like its linking over itself). That aside i am happy with it and im sure painting the model will be a very interesting task.

So for all those folk that want to make some in movement chain, all you need is chain, glue, patience and a heater :P

Here are the pics:

-TAS

Warmachine Update

2006-08-23T03:38:00.000+08:00

It was only a matter of time before WM could get its own 'pure' update (although i will tack on some 40K news at the end).

Finally did some work on Deneghra's backpack, since i wanted some life in her Witch Barbs (helps work with the rules and looks plain ole kick ass). Ive finished converting the barbs, so the next stage will be to fix them all into position (i take it that will NOT be an easy step). My only 'regret' is not having done the last two barbs, although if i pick up the Epic Deneghra model, ill be sure to do all the barbs.

Anyway here is the pic:

In some minor 40K news, SoB bases have been finished and undercoated and im slowly undercoating their backpacks as well. Maybe another week or so before thats all done (give or take, id say give). Im slowly trying to clear up what stuff i have on my desk now, which is mainly Sisters of Battle, Lion Guard Terminators and Space Wolves. Should any of those get finished, ill be sure to post some pics.

-TAS

Update time again!

2006-08-20T01:52:00.000+08:00

Here goes another update, mainly because i can and since I did an update on the B&C (with pics).

So 'ere we go again:

Warmachine
Picked up Everblight on friday night, and thats been washed (letting it dry now) so that will mean all my WM stuff that i own has been cleaned and ready for well painting and modelling. Also picked up the remaining 4 metal paints from the VGC range that i didnt have so that should work well with my Cryx stuff. My WM spending will probably settle down now, if i can get a hold of the Cryx Starter pack ill get that, but thats the only big thing that i want (that's some what essential). Other stuff we'll see how things go since i still got alot of reading to do.

40K
Lets see.... Did some more painting and ive pretty much finished the 5 Sisters i started on (minus backpack and bases). Im pretty happy with them (could be better) but they are a step ahead the original test mini. Still getting used to painting Sisters, but im fairly happy with how they turned out.

I believe i mentioned it before but i started a random Chaos mini test fig and finished it tonight (although it is a tad bit messy). But since its a test mini, im not too worried about it as i just wanted to see how the color worked out, which i feel worked out quite well. Also did some freehand work on the model, the Legion icon being the best bit, atlhough one part didnt look too good cos 1. too much paint on the brush at the time and 2. gets masked out by the battle damage.

So what was this Chaos Legion? (clearly it wasnt the EC). Well, since you are all dying to know it was Word Bearers (mainly cos i wanted something red and the fact i dont have a non cult based Chaos army).

However ill let the pics speak for themselves (and i know, it is a bit of a messy job, but its only a test mini). I also decided on a black trim versus metal, but come the army i might mix n match the two for some diversity.

Thats it for today, ill try and post again by the middle of next week.

-TAS

PS Having to use Photobucket since blogger doesnt want to upload pics today. It will also most likely fudge up the layout too but oh well....

Since Arjan won't be silent on the matter....

2006-08-15T23:56:00.000+08:00

Yes, you guessed right, its update time!! And if you didnt bother guessing then that isnt a hassle either.

So what has been happening as of late? Guess we should go through step by step then:

40K
- Ive been continuing the paint work on the Sisters and so far it isnt too bad. Not happy with their Ecclisiarchy symbol that hangs on their robes (pic makes the paint look excessively thick which i know it isnt). However the pic is a tad bit old now, so once i do the last highlight step hopefully they will look a tad bit better. Still need to work on their backpacks (havent even touched them paint wise) and the 5 Sisters themselves arent too far off from being completed. Can they be done by the end of the week? Who knows, although alot of the remaining work is highlighting so it isnt too bad. I should also try and finish up their bases since i did start 'carving' into one.

Here is the pic:

Other than that, been doing bits and pieces here and there. Did a lil bit of work on a Grey Hunter, did a lil bit on a Thousand Son and started up a color test for something else. The color test is going well thus far, and i could probably have that done by the end of the week (surprisingly enough).

I should also add, a friend of mine sent me the Culln FW mini as well as a '06 Catalogue and yeah, i can see myself (one day) picking up some more FW stuff. What im going to do with the Culln mini i have no idea, probably make it into an AotL mini of some sort, but given how much detail is on the mini itself, i have no idea how much additional work ill do to it (as i dont want to kill have the detail on the mini).

Warmachine
- Been going on some major ass Ebay hauls (got a box of Mercenaries, which have been washed and everything). I have another Warpack incoming (should get that by the end of the week i hope), the Escalation Rulebook (at half price, incl the P&H cost compared to the retail price), the first Issue of No Quarter and yet another Haley mini. Also have a Cryx order from the person i got the Mercenaries from since the price was good and he didnt kill me with the P&H charge (which im sure most other ebay sellers would have at least doubled the cost). Since i have a fair few extra stuff from the BfM box, im using some of the Termagants as test models for my Cryx color scheme. Fortunately enough i have a semi good idea of what i want (the last time i did color tests for my 'Nid army paid off) as the brown-chrome look really good me interested so i hope to play around with that.

So overall im quite happy, got plenty of stuff to do and i seem to be still doing stuff which is good (and trying to take the occasional pic here n there). Hopefully if the weather is good tomorrow i can spray coat the 3 gants i have set aside. Also plan to pick up my Everblight warpack this week as well, not sure if ill wait til friday night to do it or do it before then.

Thats about it, and yeah ill try to update more :P

-TAS

Mini Update Time

2006-08-07T06:09:00.000+08:00

Just a quick brief update, since i havent done one in a lil while.

40K wise, things are going a tad bit slow (havent had too much time available to paint) mainly cos of work and funky sleep patterns. In any case, hopefully if the weather is good in the next few days, i'll get a quick moment to give the termie bases a quick black spray since i dont feel like undercoating them by hand. Sure, ill probably need to do some touch ups afterwards, but as long as majority of the base is done i'll be happy. Also gonna try and do some more work on the Sisters as well since i did end up finishing the silver metal aspect of things, so i just need to add some highlights to the bolter casing and give the whole weapon a quick black wash to dull down the tones before i do some additional highlights. Then i can start on the gold metal aspects which shouldnt be as bad (thank goodness). Should also give me some time to do some more work on the Termie bases as well.

Warmachine wise, exluding my mass haul of reading material (Hordes Rulebook, and 6 issues of their Magazine, which i must admit is alot better than White Dwarf) i cleaned up the two Satyxis raider models i have, so once i figure out how im going to base them ill start painting them up slowly. I also cleaned up the other two models i got, since one of them will be my main Warcaster for my Cryx army. Still need to clean up the model and decide if i want to do any minor conversions to the model. Heh, i still need to decide what the actual color scheme will be, since i do want to go for something dark and brooding, but im not sure if i want to stick to some of the contemporary color schemes.

That aside, thats about it for me. Ive also been cleaning up some of my boxes and using the new bits box i got to put stuff away so im happy with that. I'll probably get another one later on and ponder transfering some of my other stuff into these new boxes.

-TAS

Changes....

2006-08-02T06:59:00.000+08:00

Yeah, that's right, some of you may have noticed a few minor changes around here... So perhaps an explanation for you then?

Although im still a hardcore 40Ker, i have been recently introducted (properly) into the Warmachine game system via Ski of B&C fame. Last friday i went off and purchased the first rulebook (Prime) and a lil blister packet (Satyxis Raiders). Im getting really interested in the system and its a nice welcome change from 40K (although dont worry, im still a 90% 40Ker first). However, at random times you will now hear musings of WM and its related systems and probably see pics of mins etc. Although the likliehood of me playing an actual game of WM is slim (due to the small crew based here in Perth), i of course will still endeavor to do what i can. Later this week im hoping to pick up yet another rulebook, most likely from the Hordes system, since im doing more of a research phase into the PP and its stuff rather than splurging left, right and centre on models (best to get a full understanding of the rules and the units before i confirm my army choices). However, standard WM wise im looking at Cryx, although the other forces do have some gorgeous looking minis.

However, any WM related stuff will also pop up here, so keep an eye on everything and my further increasing gaming addiction.

In more 40K based news, the Lion Guard termies are hopefully getting the bases SPRAYED today since its a bit too much effort to actively hand paint them. The Sisters are also coming along nicely with the metal work started last night, but my goodness, there is a fair bit of metal to touch on (mainly the bolter areas). I'll either take a new pic of them within the next few days or just post up the last pic that was taken since the blog is a tad bit behind.

Otherwise painting wise everything is going good :)

Check back in for further updates as they come.

-TAS

An "Everything" Update..

2006-07-21T08:36:00.000+08:00

I realised the term "everything" isn't really appropriate as that would imply ive touched a mini for every army i own which is not the case...

In any case, my Sisters are turning out well, the robes are almost done, just need to do a tad bit of cleaning up here and there on the robes and do a quick blood red highlight. The robes are still as dark as i want them, but i find that gory red and whatever the other red i use are very similar in terms of color (there is a difference upon close up viewing). the terracotta worked like a charm and is even part of the shading in the inner most robing as well which helps alot too. One thing i have noticed is that some of the robes, not the studs but the buttons i guess, not too sure exactly arent as deep as id like them to be so ill probably in future reference give them a quick drilling with the pinvice to just get a bit more depth into them. However, so far, so good i am quite happy with the progress and they do look alot better than the first mini *groans*. Ill try and get a pic up at the end of the weekend as the last pic i took (which wasnt actually uploaded here) is just a tad bit out dated now, although i might have a quick look now.... Yeah, i had a quick squiz at the pics and they are just a tad bit out-dated now, so ill post a newer pic later this weekend (earliest will be sunday as im flat out this weekend with work and a wedding on saturday).

Lion Guard have slowed down a bit more than i wanted since im trying to work on their bases (which is still a good sign in its own right). So far they are looking ok with just a lil bit more work i can probably get onto sealing them with a quick thinned down coat of PVA glue (so i dont have any random bits of flock falling off) and then move onto painting them up. If im unlazy enough, i could probably get that done this weekend and have the undercoat sorted out too.

Otherwise thats pretty much it.

-TAS

A NON Lion Guard Update....

2006-07-12T12:10:00.000+08:00

Since its been AGES since ive done something here that WASNT Lion Guard related, i thought id post up the latest pics of random stuff from the paint desk.

First up is the Sisters, and so far 3 of the 5 models have had the final coat done to their armor (the two on the left still need to be done). So far im quite happy with how its turning out (looks better than the test mini for some reason too). Tonight i hope to finish off the last two girls so i can do the touch ups here and there and move onto doing the robes (plus while i do the touch ups on these models i can touch up my Lion Guard at the same time).

Next up is the Thousand Sons mini ive been semi working on (it isnt a priority so it isnt getting alot of attention). Still alot to do on it, so its no where near complete (tabbard needs to be reworked, metal areas arent finished etc).

Lastly is the lone Hormagaunt who has had a few coats of boltgun to give him a nice metallic look before i do the black wash. Looking ok, im DEBATING if i want to do another metallic coat before doing the wash, but we'll see how things go.

Tonight? As i said hope to get the Sisters done, touch up the Lion Guard Torsos and that be it. Anything else will pretty much just be bonus stuff.

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 8

2006-07-10T01:53:00.000+08:00

Surprisingly enough, yes i am still painting up these guys, but i can safely say the torso sections are indeed nearing completion (which is good). Mainly minor work here and there, but im fairly happy with the results (im sure the next time i attempt terminators of any sort they will look alot better). Ill probably try to clean up the armor tomorrow (since it's only a coat or two of black). Ill also try and finish up the lil sensor lights, although they wont be too crash hot, but at least they will have some color on them. The left arms are coming out nicely as well and they should be done by the end of the week. As for the right arms, well they are just a pain and who knows when they will be done. I suddenly wish i magnetised all their arms and torsos but oh well. Overall im still fairly happy with these guys, and they do look better when viewed without a camera. Im hoping once each torso is finished and the bases set up, the pictures will look a tad bit better.

I've also been doing some random painting on the Hormagaunt (which looks fairly metallic atm) and working out how to paint pink well for my EC (suffice to say it isnt working TOO well). Im hoping to stop by an art shop tomorrow and have a squiz at a few acrylic paint ranges as i want to try and find a pink paint that i can use to highlight vallejo squid pink with.

I've also been randomly playing with Genestealers as well and have 4 bases set up thus far. I might set up one fairly 'normally' as i want to use it in some pics. And that is pretty much about it for this lil 40K entry.

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 7 + Bonus

2006-06-29T18:38:00.000+08:00

Just a very quick update...

The Lion Guard look ALOT better now that the orange has been axe'd completely from their paint scheme. However, the flash on the camera muted out alot of the robe tone, so they look completely yellow. However, i am alot more happier with them now since the robes are patched up (and done) leaving just the lil details on the main bodies to do and sort out the arms. So im moving along nicely and hope to meet the Round 2 deadline (which hasnt been announced yet).

In other news, i also took a pic of my Sisters and wow, it does look like ive done work when i do batch work! But they are progressing well and ive also cleaned up a few more Eldar bits that ill use to make plastic Sisters with. Although i am debating if i want to make a tutorial out of it yet, so yeah, that is one of the lil things that are bugging me about it at this point in time.

Also have the CoD sprues from the Imperial City box being cleaned up now, so thats good to have that out of the way. And i also picked up a $12 rotary tool kit the other day from the local DIY store, so im sure that will come in handy for sure.

Anytime time to close with pics:

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 6

2006-06-25T16:46:00.000+08:00

If i could do a weird 'Paint Color of the Month' type of thing, I know MY vote would be put down for Filthy Brown (aka Vomit Brown for you Citadel users). The color i swear has a HEAP of uses, from serving as a stepping stone for decent yellow robes (this will save my Lion Guard for sure), to being another color in bone color robes AND does wonders for facial skin tone. So yeah, I LOVE this color.

The Lion Guard are back on track now that the color tests have been completed and filthy brown has been applied to the robes. Definitely looking alot better and i can safely say the tone will look alot more natural than previous pics have shown them to be.

Im pending a reply back from da main DA man SG to see if i can make a submission of these guys for the competition over at the DA forum on the B&C. So no WIP pics until i know what is happening with that. But I assure you, they terminators look alot better and i know i will be happier with the end result.

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 5

2006-06-20T23:17:00.000+08:00

After seeing some very BEAUTIFUL yellow robes on the B&C, the Lion Guard will regretably be postponed until i get some new paints and redo the robes as i really am NOT happy with how they look atm. This will probably mean i will miss the first round of the AoD (whether there is a second round, who knows) but yeah. Im a lil disappointed, but oh well, it cant be helped. These guys have been "rushed" enough as it is, and even though they will look ok when finished, i dont want to keep having to feel disgusted with the robes.

So progress is slowing down slightly, but ill still paint what i can (mainly looking at random bits on the arms now and what i can do on their main bodies without having to clean up stuff before the redo of the robes).

Made up a few more painting 'bases' so things should be easier to paint now without too many difficulties. If i can slowly fiddle around my desk, i might do some more work on the Sisters again, since two of them still need to have the cold grey coat redone before i can step onto the stone wall grey coat.

Otherwise, things are going ok, a bigger painting desk would be nice (or less models to paint) so i have plenty of stuff to keep me occupied yet.

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 4

2006-06-19T02:17:00.000+08:00

Just a small progress pic of the painting stages. It isnt alot, all thats been done is the under/base coat and the intermediate stage for their robes before i move onto the yellow. So far they are looking ok, nothing overly wonderful since they have no details etc. Tomorrow ill start on doing the yellow stage on the robes, try and finish up the Sgt's face and maybe even get started on the eye lenses for the other guys. I guess i should also TRY and start up the metal areas as well and maybe do small patches of paint chipping since i didnt want to model in any actual suit damage.

Bare in mind the pic isnt all that fantastic as the cam has clearly focused on the middle terminator (the heavy flamer bearer) while the rest are all at differing levels of blurriness. Still ALOT of work to go and unfortunately little time...

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 3

2006-06-18T01:09:00.000+08:00

The terminators are now situation on my painting desk getting their nice coats of black paint. The first coat went down quite well, and i just need to do another second go to make sure i havent got any random bits of plastic or GS poking through. So far they look pretty ok, although the black does look semi boring so i do hope the yellow of the robes helps to make them stand out with the addition of other random colors here and there over the mini to break up the black.

Otherwise i am quite happy with them and i hope i can pull off a decent paint job.

This will be the last pic for a lil bit since i dont feel like moving them back n forth, unless i do a panoramic pic of my paint desk (in addition to heck knows what else is there).

So enjoy the pic, ill post updates as they come along (that and i have til like wednesday to finish them).

-TAS

Lion Guard Update, Part 2

2006-06-17T01:12:00.000+08:00

I'd freak out too if i knew i was going to do this much work in the space of days, anyway, less babble and more stuff!!

The Lion Guard are moving along very nicely with minor work being needed prior to the painting stage (attaching a few random bits and doing some GS work here and there). Overall i am quite happy with the look of the termies, and they are definitely standing out for sure (and not basic rank and file stuff straight from the box).

Painting should commence this weekend, so keep on checking in!

-TAS

Lion Guard Update

2006-06-15T03:53:00.000+08:00

Well i managed a rather big leap of progress with the termies for the SH AoD. Tonight i actually did the GS robing which actually came out looking pretty good (as in im happy with it). However, my skills with the GS and robing still need some work, however it is all a learning experience for me, and this ill have to say was a big learning lesson.

Just a bit more GS work needs to be done (hoods and basing) and after that its minor things before the painting stage which should actually be pretty easy! Guess it pays to paint Sisters of Battle as im getting used to painting robes on armor.

Anyway the pic will be attached at the end of my rant bit, but yeah, with a week or so left to go, im quite happy with the progress i have made. With the amount of work less than what it was before, i can be fairly optimistic that ill make the deadline for the AoD and honor the Angels of the Lion with an appearance there.

-TAS

Just a lil progress update...

2006-06-11T23:11:00.000+08:00

So just a minor update to keep most of ye folk entertained (not that alot of ye read this anyawy)....

Did a lil bit of painting tonight (not a WHOLE lot as painting grey gets boring after a while) but two of my sisters are pretty down packed with the 'Cold Grey' stage now. Three more sisters to do that one for this batch and i can move to the lighter grey coat and press on with the rest of the mini. I also continued on the EC V2 color tests and played around with the next purple color - 'Warlord Purple' and wow, it's alot more pinker than i thought, even compared to GWs. Which I guess is probably a good thing since I am after the more pink look and its turning out qutie well. Ill probably do some more work on that in the next few days as well (to get a quick break from all this grey). Decided not to touch the three SW minis that i started base coating from last week, but I'm sure I'll touch them up later on during the week. I'm also thinking about changing my ideas for my SoB basing, now that it probably would be alot easier to cut the tiles out and then glue them onto the base rather than try to score into the plasticard which isnt providing me with the desired effect im after. With the release of the urban basing kits this week as well i'll grab some of them specifically for use for my SoB (til they run out) and revert back to some more conventional stuff for basing.

The terminators for the SH AoD have been cleaned up, all I need to do is loosely put them together to get a general idea of what they look like and what converting work i wanna do. Although considering the first round of the AoD starts on the 14th, time wise it doesnt look too good, so ill have to try and work as fast as i possibly can. If I dont make it, then oh well, but I still want to try and get these guys set up (plus it didnt help that i took so long deciding if i wanted to enter or not).

Also been playing some more DoW and I did get past that weird insane mission, only to have the following mission be even MORE insane. When they say they throw you into the game, they really mean it. However, it has still been fun to play, even if it is wimpy guard, so Id actually recommend getting the game for sure.

Gonna try and cut some stuff out of the Dryad box for basing material for the Termies (yeah i know its a Space Hulk thing but i DO want them to match the rest of my army at a later date). I should also try and clean up the small tables besides me cos its covered in EVERYTHING! Well, almost.. but still it isnt a clean mess.

On a final note, the Tyranid BF stuff is washed and dry and the CoD sprues will be drying overnight, so ill have more goodies to play with, Yesssssssssssssssssss!!

TAS

Update time!!

2006-06-09T22:44:00.000+08:00

Since Arjan wanted one :P Although blogger was being silly the other day so i dont even know if my comment actually ended up posting..

Anyway, as for Tobias, he's still alive yes, not sure about how much of a life he is having, but he is quite active over at the B&C :D

As for me, well Ive gone a bit 40K crazy as of late:

1x Tyranid Battleforce (from today)
1x BIGGG CoD boxset (today on layby)
1x Terminator box (from wednesday)
1x Dryads box (wednesday)
1x CoD Box (wednesday)

So yeah i have alot of stuff to keep me occupied, Yessssssssss!! Ill pick up the Big CoD box in 2 weeks time but yeah, thats my HUGE ass haul there. The Dryads and Termies have been washed, half the 'Nid box is being washed right now, the rest will have to wait as i need something bigger to wash them in PLUS the CoD stuff. The CoD codex is good, and a BIG change since Cityfight in that it it is actually a decent supplment rather than being a 40K 4th Ed V2.0 Rulebook. Still need to sit down and read it properly but i like what ive seen thus far.

Slowly getting the Termies together for the SH AoD and painting stuff when I can (ive been a wee bit bad and also did some random SW painting instead of SoB cos i needed some decent plain 'flat' areas of stuff to paint on rather than having to nit pick cos of detail etc.

So thats pretty much it. No pics this week im afraid as ive had a bit of a neck ache since wednesday *groan* so i havent been doing much painting as i know that would make things worse (and as if work doesnt make my neck feel bad enough as it is).

-TAS

Slowly making progress.

2006-05-24T00:57:00.000+08:00

Started on the base coating step for my Sisters, and so far its going ok. As i have no found out, having a small production line isnt actually a bad thing at all. Although i havent completed the base coating on a single mini as of yet, I have started painting up 3 models thus far (painting Battle Sisters versus regular plastic marines is not as easy as it looks). As for WIP shots, we'll see how things go, maybe when they look a bit more neater ill take a pic or two.

The Faith Counter tutorial is semi on hold atm due to time limits since its at the GS phase (well i knew in advance that this be the trickiest part of the tutorial). Hopefully by the end of the week ill start up the next GS phase (which reminds me I should take pics).

Slowly rebuilding my EC again with alot more options happening this time around now that I have magnets to play with (and more confident about modelling and GS (to a degree)). I'm also recyclying some of my previous minis that didnt make it that far the painting phase to try and work out a way to paint a semi decent pink without having to run into the realm of mixing (as that WILL drive me crazy and insane). The idea of having to keep making mixes with different tones (not intentionally of course) is a bit of a con in my books.

Ive also become interesting in the B&C Space Hulk AoD, so I might dust off some of my older Terminators and see what I can do with them. It wont be too overly fancy, since alot of folks are using the new style terminators which do look gorgeous, but Im not in the mood just yet to folk out $60 (post 10% discount) on a box of termies for the SH AoD. If i can convert my older termies slightly and still have them look ok and useful for my AotL army, then all the more power to me.

Hopefully have a bit of a more meaningful post come the end of the week, and I also need to check on the Lion Guard colors for the AotL. If it is as easy as i think it is, then painting them up shouldnt be too difficult at all... It's just modelling the buggers that will be a pain.

-TAS

Good News..... and some Bad News....

2006-05-20T19:44:00.000+08:00

And in any case one of you weirdos was wondering, no i was NOT fired from work!!

Anyway, lets start with the GOOD news.

- Touched up the undercoat on the Sisters and they look pretty good to go (and about time).
- Cleaned up the main Rhino components for the Rhino/Immolator.
- Started the first phase of the GS work on the Faith Counter markers
- Did some more robe work on my AotL Vet Sgt

The BAD news....

- My GS skills are semi lacking, so im not fully happy with some of the GS stuff Ive done today, but ehh, its a start and at least it doesnt look excessively bad (it could be ALOT worse).
- The more I think about it, the harder it is to really make a proper modular Rhino/Immolator without an extra plastic canopy (why cant GW just stick two in there or one with the Exorcist when it was in stock). So yeah, my only way to get some bonus puppies of these would be to go via mail order... So yeah, this worsens my problem as I dont have a CC and I dont think GW will be moving to paypal payments in the near future.
- I have random ideas for an Exorcist conversion based on the Immolator.. Suffice to say, my brain hurts with all these ideas.
- I want to re-start my Emperor's Childrens (not a good sign at all since Ive committed my time and efforts to my SoB). However, given that the redevelopment will take AGES, it isnt too bad so I could TRY to run a simultaneous 400 pt EC army along side my SoB for the Tale of X Gamers. I also have ideas for the bases which is good although I MAY need to go back to paint testing again since Im looking at abandoning the purple and move to the contemporary pink/black (unless i cant pull it off at all, in which ill go back to purple). Although I do want to keep some bits of purple here and there (plus this is Slaanesh, I can be a mini riot of colors with a similar color spectrum).

Thats pretty much where it is at for the time being. I might do a bit more painting although i DO want to catch up on sleep since I had work this morning and I dont want to still be awake at midnight tonight as I do want to get a good nights sleep.

Hmm.. i MIGHT have to use some of my contacts in the USA to do me a favor or two and see if they have a paypal account so i can pay them back, cos yeah, this is getting retardededed...

At least I dont feel too worried about my SW, TS and 'Nids atm......

-TAS

I picked up a paintbrush! Oh My!!!

2006-05-18T01:22:00.000+08:00

And so the great painting begins (ok, maybe we should just stick to painting begins). Blu-tac'd what sisters I have ready (6 of them) for undercoating and thats well under way now, although I still need to do some touch ups, as there are still a few areas where random bits of pewter are still coming through and I didnt want to coat the minis in excessively thick black paint. If all goes well, I can try and get the undercoat finished within the next day or so. I also undercoated the first 'Nid as well and he looks really nice in black (surprisingly enough). However, like the Sisters, it needs a another quick coat of black to cover up any random bits of plastic. Also, for future reference, I think im going to avoid gluing 'Nid models completely together as its actually a pain in the backside to get to certain parts of the model. However, live and learn I guess (and i was thinking the 'Nids be the first models Id be able to assemble completely and paint without issues). The 3rd SoB Conversion project is going well, I've loosely marked out the 'bases' with the general shape of the Fleur de Lys (which I ended up just drawing on rather than using my template as it was a pain to use). Next time I think i might have to just get some tracing paper and draw the template onto a piece of paper and do it that way. However, they are merely meant as a guide and when the GS phase comes up, ill still do it piece by piece and not try to do the entire Fleur de Lys in a single go, as I KNOW something will go wrong. So with that part of the project done, ill probably wait til maybe this weekend or early next week to start slowly working on the GS phases.

So yeah, surprisingly enough, Im actually getting stuff done and oddly enough, a lot quicker than I normally would!

TAS

Darn.. "Peer Pressure" is Evil!!

2006-05-17T00:55:00.000+08:00

Since It would be nice to actually have an actual legal and playable army, I have given into what I claim to be "peer pressure" and signed up for the 'Tale of X Gamers' at the B&C. Although, for my sake I didnt set a target of 2000 pts, cos as we ALL know, I'd be here til 2009, PLUS some...

Anyway, Ive signed up my Sisters of Battle for a target size of 400 - 500 pts. Mainly cos I know I dont have that many playable stuff available to me (that works) as I dont think a squad of Repentia in under 1000 pts is really tactically sound (unless the idea of the army is to be insane). Later on (perhaps via an edit of this post) I'll put up a general idea of the list I'm hoping to achieve (and yes, it probably will be variable as I'm sure I'll make magnetic Veteran Sister Superiors).

Im sure it will be an interesting experience as I'll try to make use of all these Eldar bits to make some plastic Sisters (daring I know) to help bulk out what limited models I have and create ALOT more variety of models. So keep an eye out here, as I'm sure there will be alot of interesting things to be seen and hopefully I'll get my target ACHIEVED so maybe come Medusa V I'll actually be able to PLAY a few games!

*EDIT*

So I sat down and made a very brief list of what I wanted to get done in my estimated target size, and surprisinly enough, it wasnt alot (although 26 models for under 500 pts, I didnt think was a BAD thing).

Ill also try to have some of my VSSs magnetized for a few more options without having to make additional models (since they arent exactly cheap to come by).

HQ:

Canoness: Cloak of St Aspira, Blessed Weapon, Book of St Lucius, Bolt Pistol
Total: 101 pts.

Alternatively, I might give her an Inferno Pistol over the Bolt Pistol, thus making her final points cost 115 pts.

Battle Sisters, Squad 1: 10 Sisters, 2x Meltaguns, VSS, Book of St Lucius, Sarissa
Total: 154 pts

Battle Sisters, Squad 2: 15 Sisters, 2x Storm Bolters, VSS, Book of St Lucius, Storm Bolter
Total: 204 pts

I also made another variant of Squad 2 that had the VSS with a Book of St Lucius and Sarissa for a total of 199 pts, although Ill probably be more inclined to take the option with the VSS w/ Book of St Lucius + Storm Bolter due to the overall feel of the squad.

It isnt a bad start (admitedly small yes) but its got alot of space to expand. After i replenish my models (or learn to make kick ass conversions) Ill work on adding in a Retributor squad and probably a Celestians squad as well for the Canoness, which Id imagine will get me close to 1000 pts.

-TAS

Picture Update!

2006-05-14T22:24:00.000+08:00

For those who think that nothing is actually getting done on my desk, HA! It's time to prove ye wrong!! Well slightly wrong.

Anyway, i was taking pics for the Modular tank guide (which just needs to be written up now) and i took a few pics of the finished hormagaunt (modelling wise), who is actually not tilting now (thanks to some sinkers glued to the base). So here you go, the side profile of the hormagaunt, which i wish i didnt put fully together, as Ive unfortunately noticed, its arm is somewhat in the way of its mouth, which means picking out details will be a pain. On the upside, since the arm hides some of the detail, it means it wont be visible normally, so i can probably get away from picking out a few of the teeth.

-TAS

Getting Somewhere.. Kinda...

2006-05-14T02:02:00.000+08:00

So I clipped off all the Eldar bits and put them away, so im quite happy with that. It hit me again that the box comes with enough bits to make 16 Guardians (to which i still think is whoa). With that sorted out, I can SLOWLY start on making the first test plastic Sister of Battle. Found a nice lil clever way to get some weight into the 'Nid bases for my Hormagaunts to counter balance them and it seems to work VERY well and it didnt set me back too much in price either (well it seemed pretty ok).

Tomorrow (well today) i should get some time to myself, so im going to try and do some modelling here and there, and might even aim to finish the Modular tank guide (or at least get the pics of it done). So yeah, we'll see how things go now that stuff is slowly moving along now (might even be able to get this single Hormie undercoated as well). And in saying that, hopefully i can prep up some of these Sisters for undercoating as well.

Thats about it for this lil update, hopefully ill have something a bit more meaningful later today.

TAS

Procrastination is the Mind Killer!!

2006-05-12T23:36:00.000+08:00

That.. and work for the last few days has been somewhat draining and im quite certain, so will tomorrows 6 hour shift, but oh well, these things happen.

Anyway, i now currently have 6 Battle Sisters ready to move onto the slow process of painting. I was hoping to have them ready Ie tac'd down to a base and ready for priming etc, but as i said work has been a bit funky and my sleeping pattern isnt helping at all either. However, im still happy about that, as that means im almost having half the models I need ready for one squad (and i thought marine squads were painful). I also picked up a box of Eldar Guardians, for a bit of 1. to experiment on making plastic sisters (since the pewter will probably be the end of me) and 2. for my future Eldar army. With the bits coming in from Arjan/Erwin/Rico, I should probably have enough eldar components to make a few sisters (unless it proves to be excessively successful in which ill buy more) and still have some bits to play with if I want to start running around with my Eldar idea(s). Mind you, with their codex coming out, I think in the next few years, as I dont think it will be out by the end of the year, ill probably keep any Eldar ideas on hold for a while.

Also picked up a few paints to help improve my Battle Sisters (red ink and 2 vallejo flesh paints). So that should go ok. This weekend will be a lil hectic, so ill see how things go.

My lil Modular tank guide is going a tad bit slowly (no big surprise there i guess) although when i finally get stuck into it, it shouldnt take me too long to finish, although i might try and take less 'worthless' pics and more of the post converted pics of each step (if you cant get the idea after ive done it, then we have a bit of a problem). So if all goes well, i should get my next lil 'care package' in a few weeks.

So tomorrow ill put the Eldar bits back into their box (cleaned them today) and buy a cheap lil bits box for them (getting a nice lil collection of stuff, cos i snip things off their sprue when i can and box them) and maybe look through some of my other boxes for parts i could/would utilize for these Sister conversions. Although im going to TRY and finish the tank thing off before starting them, as that would be ideal. That way, if i need to do alot of GS work, i can do it all at once, and in saying that, i should try and clean up a few 'Nid heads so i can work on them too (since they cant all be set up in one sitting without having finger prints coating the whole head).

Otherwise, thats about it.

TAS

Just a small Update.

2006-05-08T22:36:00.000+08:00

Nothing exceptionally important for this update since I havent done a great deal.

Slowly started on the Modular Rhino/Immolator guide for the SoB (taken a pic of the parts from the sprue required). I guess if i really sat down and did the guide, it would probably be finished in a day or two. So i might try and do some work on it tonight.

Cleaned up a few more Battle Sister models, including drilling out the bolters/storm bolters which i must say is NOT fun, especially since its pewter stuff. But yeah, its going pretty ok, although considering i want a squad of 15 Sisters, yeah, this could take some time (and boy is it not fun cleaning pewter models). After the Modular tank guide is finished, Im tempted to make DIY Faith Point markers, which will probably be a lil bit of work since this will be a GS tutorial, or if you can afford it, just buy like 10 SoB vehicle sprues and that will easily get the job done, although thats alot of extra stuff you dont really need, especially in the area of weapons, but oh well.

Although it IS a pain, Im going to try and focus on my Sisters for a while and see how much I can get done on them before needing a chance of pace. Havent been touching the 'Nids alot, mainly since alot of that stuff is GS based, so when i start the Faith Counter tutorial, Ill try and get some more 'Nid work done then, so in saying that, I guess I should switch between cleaning up Battle Sister models and cleaning up 'Nid models (which are 10x easier than the SoB models anyway).

Might try and do some painting later this week (we'll see). Trying to get some decent sleep habits back since im pretty settled with work, but yeah, it isnt working as well as i would like it to. Also debating if i want to do anything for the 'Gathering of Angels' competition in lead up for the Medusa V campaign. The competition isnt too difficult, its just finding the time to work on the models and do all that jazz (since we ALL know how slow a painter and converter I am). But we'll see. I might try and get some 400 pt armies sorted out for Medusa of some sort. Perhaps not the Sisters, since 400 pts seems small, but we'll see.

Otherwise, thats this lil update finished.

-TAS

Lil Minor Update

2006-04-28T21:25:00.000+08:00

Nothing really MAJOR I guess....

Did a lil haul today of:

- Horus Rising (1 chapter down, and EXCELLENT already)
- Bloodquest Graphic 'A5' Novel

That is about it really. Did some random readings of the Rulebook last night and yeah, that was good. Although reading that damn thing in bed HURTS. So I need to get the BfM version which is alot smaller, half the size and yeah. Hmm, if I can get two of them (the rule book not the box set) I can even highlight crap in one *ponders this and pays more attention to ebay perhaps*.

In other happy news, I got the job! I start my first shift on monday so that will be good *nods*. Also going to sort out the Layby at my hobby store, as I saw something I want to get for a friends Birthday (which is in mid-may) and im debating if i want to get it there and then or wait. I guess either way it doesnt matter, I will still pay the same amount for it either way. So yeah all around good news. I'll probably do a bit more 40K work of some sort as the night goes on before bed time (leaning towards the 'Niddies). Any decent stuff will be photographed and put up (if only for Arjan's sake).

-TAS

I read faster than I paint....

2006-04-27T22:41:00.000+08:00

Yeah, that lil theory threw me off too, but oh well... It also helps that the book I'm reading is good. Finished Faith & Fire the other day, very good book, and I enjoyed it from start to finish (and it only took me a week or so to finish). My hobby store has Horus Rising in stock, so Im planning on picking one up tomorrow and even the lil Graphic Pocket Novel of Bloodquest (since I picked up Daemonifuge). Didn't touch the Immolator Guide at all today, so ill finish it off tomorrow, but at least the model aspect of things are done.

Still waiting to hear back about the job thing, didnt get the call this afternoon, so i should get it tomorrow, probably in the early morning. Im still thinking I did ok, so yeah, should be good. So yeah, book time tomorrow (debating if I want to pick up HH/Xenology/Lone Wolves). Keeping my eye on a few things on ebay, but im seeming to convince myself that buying the box set is better off. Stopped into the actual GW Perth City store and they are all out of the V3 Tau Battleforce, which is annoying as there were some things in that, that i wanted that arent in the V4 version.

That aside, i cleaned up another TS set tonight, so ill probably end up glueing the bolter to the arm and seeing what other random acts of assembly i can do without inhibiting the painting stage too much. Although it has dawned upon me, i can probably attach the shoulder pads to the arms without too many hassles I guess... And yes, i need to do the last assembly stages on that Hormagaunt too (plus im sure it will look alot better with its other legs and some arms).

-TAS

Since He Won't Hush..........

2006-04-26T20:38:00.000+08:00

This is ALL for you Arjan, since you have been constantly "discussing" with me that i need to put pics up :P

So here we go, pic update time.

The first pic is of my Thousand Son. Ehh, the pic is so-so, as the tabbard does not look THAT plain. However, im thinking i might have to do some work on it, to get some tones into it *shudders at the thought of mixing*. Alternatively ill try other colors for the tabbards as more TS Marines pump out the assembly line. Otherwise it wasnt too hard to pain, its the chest detail that annoys me and the fact it'll all be done in some metallic color (silvers and golds). Would have been easier to paint an EC marine. But yeah, not too difficult at all.

Last pic is of the Hormagaunt with his new head. Looks pretty ok for the first try, and future attempts as i get more used to what im doing i can get a tad bit more detailed etc etc. The base work is so-so, i think what i should have done is glued all sorts of junk to the base first and then started merging the GS into it, and to work on the half/half principle as its a pain to hold something like a base while you try to scrupt into it etc without accidently pressing fingers into the GS. Otherwise, im pretty happy with it being the first proper converted Tyranid (as simple as the conversion was). Just need to attach his other legs, his arms and paint him up!

So thats about it. In other news, my modular immolator turret went well. The only thing i need to sort out is the flamer canister, since it would look weird if its glued on while the Heavy Bolters or Multi Meltas are attached, so im thinking of how im going to work that around everything, without making it too complicated.

-TAS

Lil, Lil Update

2006-04-25T18:10:00.000+08:00

I want my F.E.A.R. :P

That aside, been doing alot of minor work here and there, mainly modelling aspects like getting bits and pieces for my Thousand Sons, attempting to clean mold lines off PEWTER minis (which is a pain) and working on my lil quick guide on 'How to make a Modular Immolator Mk II Turret'. So far is going well, all the required plastic parts have been cleaned up (to the best of my ability and without carving stuff INTO the plastic). Ive got a lil metal plate with the magnets ready, so its just a case of marking up the magnets, taking pictures, putting them in and then making a minor modification to the turret mount itself and that will be the immolator done. The next stage will be to make a modular rhino/immolator, although im pondering if i want to make that with a second plastic canopy or just use a regular bit of tank spure (undecided). By that stage, im hoping to look at doing the plastic battle sister conversion and we'll see how that goes.

Painting wise, not doing a great deal at this point in time. Might slap some more coats of paint onto the Thousand Sons mini (and take pics) and see what i can do about that nice lil Hormagaunt i have going. For the sake of argument i probably wont augment it with any biomorphs and just make at a later stage in time a Hormagaunt brood with toxin sacs, since the basic hormagaunt (from what i can tell) is still a nasty lil creature to contend with.

Thats about it for now.

-TAS

Getting somewhere...

2006-04-14T18:05:00.000+08:00

Since I have been essentially FORCED into this position now, I might as well run with it.. So before I get into the main reason of why this blog exists....

GIVE ME MY F.E.A.R. YOU SON OF A BIZNITCHES!! =P

Please =)

ANYWAY!

To more important 40K matters... Ive done some more painting on the first TS mini and its going quite well (which is kinda scary). Once the base dries a bit more, allowing me to paint over it (darn PVA glue) I can finish up the legs (just need to highlight the trims) glue that one and start slowly whacking up the mini piece by piece upwards. Although I doubt I'll get it finished by the end of Easter, it will come close. Depending on how things go, I might take some pics of it tonight, if not, i'll definitely have pics within the next few days for sure. As for other stuff, the GS from last night should be dry, so I'm considering taking new pics of the 'Alienid' and the WIP Robed AotL Sgt. Still got a lot more practice to go with sculpted robes, but at least it isnt looking like pure crap. I also started doing some stuff for the 'Nid base, but I get the funny feeling i should have laid down the thin later of GS first before commencing work. I probably wont make the base TOO flashy, as Ill have another heck knows how many more lil bugs to do behind it, so Ill get a chance to work on more creative bases. Did some more bits prep for the TS AC, and BLAH, darn characters needing all sorts of flashy bits, oh well. Not like one can do alot with the basic TS models (damn dust concept).

Anyway, thats about it for tonight, if pics come up, you'll see them, if not ill get stuff done in the next few days.

-TAS

And the Hills were alive, with the sound of Dakka Fire!!!

2006-04-13T19:34:00.000+08:00

Well Howdy Y'all!!! So yeah, I thought I would put the spark of life back into this blog a bit!! Especially now that the B&C has restored itself, its only "natural" that my 40K stuff would too.. So what has happened as of late?

- I finished DoW. It wasnt that bad a game, a few funny moments here and there (the Eldar Avatar is REALLY stupid), and I'm sure there are a few more that I just cant recall atm. The end of the game was actually a bit disappointing to be honest, I thought there would be more to it, but oh well, such is GW I guess. So yeah, NEEDING a new game *glares at Erwin and Arjan* GIVE ME MY F.E.A.R. !!!!

- Finished reading the Blood Angels Black Library Saga... Basically, KICK ASS BOOKS!! I recommend the books to anyone, whether they are Blood Angels fans or not. Story was written beautifully, and the use of only two novels to do it worked VERY well (not too short, but not too long and dragged out). I've recentlyed acquired Faith and Fire (written by the same person that did the BA books) and I'm still quite impressed. Story is written very well, and its nice to see the SoB in a book of their own (semi sparked me to look at my own SoB and ponder).

- Been slowly touching the few Grey Hunters on my table here and there, so they will slowly get there.

- Started painting up my first Thousand Sons mini and yeah, it aint too bad. Oddly enough, painting Chaos Marines might actually be quicker than normal marines. The only thing i hate about the mini is the chest section which is cluttered with crap, so that will take some time for sure.

- Did some more GS work TONIGHT!! The front of the first 'Nid has been "blinded" and all I need to do is add in some finishing details that I'll leave til later on. Also did some more work on the robed AotL Sgt and well, it isnt as bad as some robe work Ive seen in the past, but I think I was wrong to think I could out sculpt a GW sculpter. However, it still looks ok, and by working layer over layer (thinly of course) it hasnt bulked up the robe so it looks bulky etc. So there is hope yet. I might end up taking some pics later on as the GS hardens some more, or leave it til tomorrow so I dont accidently damage the GS.

Also got some more magnets on their way here (200 of them) so that will be nice. Im getting a nice lil collection of magnets to work with which really helps.

Now if only I could paint etc as fast as I read; I only bought Faith and Fire on tuesday/wednesday-ish and its thursday now and Ive already gone through about close to 2/3s of the book (its that good).

So Ill leave it with that for now and hopefully there will be more updates as time goes by.

-TAS

NOW its the Pic Update!

2006-01-15T11:04:00.000+08:00

Well I couldnt wait any longer and its already been a few hours since I handled the GS, plus I was careful with the movement of the minis.

Anyway, here are the two pics:

Above is the WIP of the Robed AotL Vet Sgt. Now, yes, the robes look a lil flat, but thats ok, as that was the intent. The General idea was to lay down the basic look of the robes (and get a few creases into it) and then build up from that. The pic unfortunately doesnt do it justice, and it does look a bit better when NOT viewed through a camera. Hopefully within the next day or so ill start to add in some of the folds into the bottom section of the robes before i start work on the torso bit and the hood. Otherwise, its coming out quite nicely and isnt as 'bulky' as ive seen some folk do robes.

Next is the Nid test scheme WITH the WIP work on the Hormagaunt head. For some weird reason, the head doesnt look THAT big normally, but oh well. However, its going ok, although originally before I did the most recent GS work, the head almost looked like the OOP Ravener (in terms of the back). All i did the last time was make the back look more like a sausage. Scheme wise, is pretty much going to be what is shown above (with a bit more care on the black washes). However, there IS some differences between the two. One has some more muted Cold Grey highlights (with fresh Cold Grey done over them) while the other is Cold Grey highlights and I THINK some quick Stonewall Grey highlights. Personally, im thinking im going to stick with the cold grey highlights, but keep the muted and fresh ones going. Oddly enough, it doesnt look too bad, and sure, its not exactly what i wanted, it isnt too bad at all. The non carapace sections also got some highlights, but i think in future ill keep them as muted cold grey highlights and keep the more 'bright' grey highlights for carapace only. That way there is some distinction between the two and doesnt overly brighten up the mini with excessive grey highlights.

In other news, did some more painting here and there, and did some partial assembly of the 'pack leader'. All that is left on him is his Axe arm (and axe), head, backpack and lil dagger. So far its looking quite good and im quite pleased. Also started slapping on some Sombre Grey onto the arm components of another hunter, which is one of the magnet hunters (Power Fist arm/Regular Close Combat Weapon). So far, doing well, and the legs on that Hunter have already been done. Taking a wee bit of care with the torso section as its got a lil pelt on the bottom of the torso, so im hoping to paint that up first before glueing the torso to the body and finishing the painting. So with a bit of minor luck, might have two more hunters done by the end of the week bringing my total up to 5. As for the Thousand Sons mini, its still getting the undercoat treatment but im hoping to get onto the base coat within the next day or so, although, i might start on the trims first before doing the base coat, so i can freely do the black wash over the metal without upsetting the base coat. Plus, luckily enough, Chaos parts arent as detailed as marine parts, so black lining wont be too difficult to do (for a change).

I probably wont do any more updates for today, although i will continue painting and leave any news for tomorrow, unless i so happen to finish a grey hunter (unlikely, but not impossible).

-TAS

No Pic Update!! (Yet)...

2006-01-15T05:35:00.000+08:00

The reason for this not being a pic update is simple: At this very moment, im letting some GS stuff do some curing. Thus, the pics of the Nid scheme will have to wait for another few hours, or at the least til tomorrow to allow the GS full curing. Reason why is:

1. After the first batch of GS work, I actually put the Hormagaunt head on one of the random test nid bodies and though, hey, why dont I take the GS WIP AND Color test pic at the same time?

2. I started on the first phase of the Robes, and wow, it isnt looking half bad. Although the robes look a bit "flat", this is only the first part of the robe work. So ill also take a pic of that for the AotL board. Fortunately enough, thanks to the fact of actual GS application to the mini itself, there are some creases forming up, and im going to try and "push" the front and rear robe section a bit more to get a few more folds if I can and end it there. The rest of the work will involve using thin strands of GS to create the upper folds once the GS has cured.

On a minor note, I also patched up the TS base a tad bit, so the mini doesnt look so bad when he is standing. However, on a disappointing note, I forgot about the Nid base, and no work was done on that, so that will have to wait til NEXT time. However, since I need to do the scout bases later, I might do some early work on the base then to bulk it up slightly and do the lil odds and ends and final GS work on the base later. Plus I need an imprint of the Hormagaunt foot for eventual glueing later on, since I cut the hormagaunt free from its lil plastic slot section.

Otherwise, thats about it, the GS work is doing well, showing A LOT of pleasing results. If I knew GS work was this "easy" I would have finished my Angelus model ages ago.. well.. maybe...

I'll get those pics ASAP, however in the mean time I will do some more painting, so I may do an update later on.

-TAS

Wow, ANOTHER Mini Update!

2006-01-14T12:05:00.000+08:00

I post more daily than Erwin does.. Perhaps I should rename my blog the Daily Realm of 40K and GW :P

Anyway, Im just going to do this as a run down list of each army, or else ill get lost.

Space Wolves:

Slowly progressing on the "pack leader" model. So far, so good, although painting Sombre Grey is starting to bore me just a WEE bit. Hopefully by the end of next week, ill have another Grey Hunter done, which means COMPLETION OF THE GREY HUNTER JANUARY GOAL! Also started slapping some Sombre Grey on another Hunter, so yeah, things are getting there. Did a bit more work on the scouts, and covered up the lil 'slits' in the bases (I wanted to use up some of the "slut-a-bases" as i bought a bag worth. The holes for pins have been drilled in all 6 scouts, so ill probably within the next day or two, putty up the bases before i start posing the legs so i know what im working with. Also did some minor clean up and cutting up work on my future Battle Leader, although I need to do some plastic moving, so Im going to try out this hot water and bending trick and see if I can move the cape for the Battle Leader without damaging the plastic too much. Otherwise, thats about it.

Tyranids:

Having done a great deal, although I know I want to bend the Hormagaunt tail slightly, so ill do that at the same time I try bending the Battle Leader's Cape. Probably going to try and do some more GS work tonight and patch up the head and do some minor work on the base to give it some basic bulk and slowly build in the details. Otherwise, thats about it on that end.

Angels of the Lion:

The actual idea was to NOT touch these guys til the release of the codex, but after the renewed activity at the AotL forum, I guess I had to join along. The Vet Sgt model has been assembled (head, torso and legs) and the legs have been repositioned slightly and fixed up with GS. Tonight, if i do end up doing GS work, ill start on the first phase of the robes (which should be interesting). I havent a clue HOW its going to turn out, so im keeping my fingers crossed. Otherwise, thats about it, since I am trying to keep this army fairly minimized throughout the year.

Thousand Sons:

GS work is done (all I did was patch up the leg). Up to the undercoating stage, which i swear, is NEVER easy on metal, so next time, Im so slapping on some primer before painting the black on. Should be an interesting break from all the Sombre Grey of the Wolves.

Other Armies:

Squat all!!!

So im about to hit half way through Jan, and so far, the goals are still roughly on target. Ill try and get some pics later on of the current looking Nid paint scheme, and stick to that. Only thing I really need to control for future reference is black wash strength, but thats about it really. The EC design work might get a bit behind, but I have started on a few pages of designs, its just that none of them are really "filled up".

So thats the update done, check back in later as I should have some pics of the Nids done.

-TAS

Mini Update!

2006-01-13T06:23:00.000+08:00

Well I said I was going to do some GS work, and I did!! I patched up the small gaps in the Thousand Sons Marines leg, and the lil gap in the AotL Vet Sgt I am working on. Also started the first section of the Nid head work (rear section). Im just letting the GS cure a tad bit so i can do some minor details on the leg bits (mainly the TS dude). In any case, things went well, made enough GS to last the three bits and was alot easier to use than the milliput I was using previously. Helps to order like HEAPS of GS from overseas cos there is probably enough GS there to convert more than the armies I own. Next GS wave will consist of more Nid head work (the front section) and the first phase of sculpting my own robes (this is a big leap for me, even though I did manage back in the day do a complete GS DA Angel icon on a dread knee pad). Im hoping to start doing the pinning of the Wolf Scout legs in the next few days, although I want to use something a tad bit THINNER than wire from a paper clip as they become hell-ish to bend into the desired angle. Then, ill throw them into the next GS lot, so the next GS work I guess would probably be done early next week (to allow full curing of the GS now). Also hoping to do some minor design art on some 'Nid bases. Although I have ideas in mind, I want to know how much will be GS and how much will be other raw materials i have at my disposal. Since im looking at the type of 'hive' base that are featured in the Alien movies, it shouldnt be TOO difficult, and looking at HR Giger art should prove to be more than useful.

If this GS works out really well, which so far it seems to be, I might use the remaining milliput for snow bases only (as they dont need to be extremely textured etc) and use the proper GS for everything else. I might end up using the GS as well for my Nid bases, which will probably see alot of it being used, but I have maybe a good metre plus some of the stuff? and I only used a SMALL amount for the work I just did, so it shouldnt be too bad. By early next week, I can probably throw the Thousand Son Marine onto the painting line and get him done up and see how well that turns out.

Funnily enough, its interesting to see how much work im actually doing with the B&C currently down, heh. Anyway, thus far im quite happy with the progress that has been made for this month. A lil bit behind, but ive still got over half a month left. Later on, i might take pics of the current Nid paint scheme. Although it isnt exactly what I wanted, it will probably have to do, as the size of the model doesnt exactly allow me to use a pure black chrome look without killing half the looks of the model, although its still looking ok, and im pretty sure ill try to stick to some 'dark highlights' as oxymoronic as that sounds to try and keep that nice dark look (and without having to mix paints).

Anyway, I think ive let the GS cure just enough, time to add in some minor details and voila.

-TAS

Picture time!!

2006-01-09T23:27:00.000+08:00

As i promised in my 100th post, this post will be a bit of a photo-whore entry. Took snaps of the completed Grey Hunter and Battle Sister, and a quick pic of the WIP Thousand Son.

So without further disruption, here are the pics with associated blurps....

The WIP Thousand Son.. Nothing major atm, basic conversion wise all I did was reposition the legs so he would be standing on the pile of rocks. I might add a bit more rocks so his foot is a bit more level, but it isnt too bad. Also filed down random bits of icons here and there, as for some reason, I dont think the Thousand Sons should have all the pointy features on their armor (but thats me). All that really needs to be done now is to patch up the leg section and maybe add some minor trim features back into the armor again. The latter isnt too important, but we'll see how things go.

Next up is the COMPLETED Battle Sister. The base isnt too bad (although next time Ill use craft glue over super glue). I like how its a predominant grey look, as it seems to bring out the more 'gothic' look to the mini. Otherwise, the mini itself is as shown previously, the base is the only new change.

Lastly, the Grey Hunter... Two pics are shown, one being a comparison of the initial WIP of it (as lame as it looks) compared to its final look. The last pic is the obligatory all angles pic. Heh, after looking at some of the pics, the paint job looks a tad bit messy in some areas, but oh well... If i spent making each mini look PERFECT, well, lets just say, if still be painting my second grey hunter.

Later this week I might take a pic of the first Tyranid Gaunt being done up, with all its magnetized goodnews (excluding biomorphs). Since my Devourer and Spine Fleets are still in early design, other than weapon biomorphs, nothing has been really written down. I should also TRY and finish off the paint scheme tests as well since that isnt alot of hassle. But thats pretty much it!

-TAS

100th Post!!! BOOYEAH!!

2006-01-09T03:03:00.000+08:00

And here it is, the 100th blog post!! Heh, and still got about 9 more days to go before the big 1 year birthday of the blog.

So as a minor celebration, Id like to say I have FINISHED the test Battle Sister. The base came out looking pretty ok, and im quite happy with it (perfect for city fight). So ill post pics tomorrow for sure.

I also finished another Grey Hunter bringing my total of complete Grey Hunters up to THREE. Sure, im still a fair way away from getting the squad done, but im getting there. Next few days i suspect will be covering black undercoating and perhaps alot of sombre grey nights, but other than that all is going well.

Didnt end up going to the 40K meet up today, as I was dead tired (havent been sleeping well the past few nights). Mind you, it wasnt all that a fantastic of a snooze either, but oh well. Im debating how to do up the Nid base, as I want to try and use some of the bits that I have, but I am trying to save bits for a Devourer and Spinefist based hive fleets (crazy i know). In any case, Ill probably do a bit more modelling tonight (do some more work on the wolf scouts perhaps) and MAYBE free some more Hormagaunts from the sprue as well so I can do some mass work on them rather than one at a time as that will NOT be fun at all....

Might try to aim to do some GS work this week ('Nids and lone Thousand Son) so I can get that out of the way and get ont to the painting aspect.

Check back tomorrow (well later today I guess) and i should have pics up for the completed Sister and Grey Hunter.

-TAS

1 more to go!!

2006-01-04T22:14:00.000+08:00

And here is the 99th blog entry.. Wow... I was planning something for the 100th post, but since I wont have the time, ill save it for the 1 year birthday of my blog which is Jan 18th.

Done a tad bit more painting, but nothing really OUT there.... Just need to do some touch ups on the grey hunter (mainly his back pack) and that will be another one done. The sad thing is, all it needs is the metal areas done up and thats pretty much it. Blu-tac'd another Hunter to my lil kinder 'eggs' for painting, so the Space Wolves are going ok. Might do some more work on cleaning up the Wolf Scouts tonight since Im more in the modelling state of mind than painting. Cleaned up a Hormagaunt last night from the new gaunt box. Not sure how extensive ill go with the GS work, I know I obviously want to alter the head of course, but Im debating if I want to add the 'dorsal horns'. Sure I want it themed appropriately, but I dont want it to be spitting imitations of the Aliens. Plus I swear 'Nid plastics align up horribly when put together. Although I havent glued anything yet, I just did the dry run and I swear its full of mini spaces where pieces go together (and yes I did put the RIGHT pieces together). Also still debating what to do about the Ravener head. I do have a spare Warriors head floating around, and Im wondering if I want to use that OR stick with the old style Ravener head as the base for the head. Also annoyed I cant get that other rending claw for it, but I dunno, I might have another look at the random bits I have and assess how much GS work would be needed to make it look like the right arm (and not a left arm).

Should be doing some work on my EC this weekend at the lil get together we are having on sunday, although alot of it will be modelling based, as I dont feel like bringing all my paints with me. Might also do some minor work on my TS this week as well, since I have aimed to complete a single mini. Although alot of the modelling will be done in one go. Not sure how Im going to model them, as I dont want to keep using the static pose over and over. Guess I could try and model some random form of bolter butchery, but that be about it.

Also undercoated up the Battle Sisters base, so that shouldnt take too much work to finish up either. I might head back to that later tonight since it will be majority a grey base, although not as light as the Power Armor for the Sisters, as I would like color variation.

Lastly, just for the sake of argument, I also put together some pre finish and post finished pics, for the last Grey Hunter that was finish and the SoB. Im more impressed with the latter, as the initial paint concept for the Sisters was done in Photoshop. And although the armor looks more like a lavender, it still wasnt a bad approximation of what I had in mind. I also scanned one of my EC design pages, but Ill post that as a pic later on, although I guess I could do it now and be all lazy about it.....

So that is the EC design stuff... The sketches are pretty so-so, but Im not out to make fully detailed images, merely rough guides.

And there is the Comparison pic as well.. Although the Grey Hunter isnt anything major, I do like the comparison pic for the battle Sister. The scary thing is, that I almost paint better in Photoshop, if not actually do!

Anyway, thats this entry done!

-TAS

98th Post (First of 2006)

2006-01-01T17:18:00.000+08:00

So here is a NEW year (again), and this blog is still happily motoring on. In about 18 days time, my blog will be 1 year old, so I still have plenty of time to pass the 100 post count :P

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable end of 2005 celebration, I know I did (well it wasnt TOO bad) and I had some fun, had some drinks and didnt wake up with a hang over...

Anyway.. enough about that... What will 2006 bring for my armies??

Dark Angels/Angels of the Lion
After seeing a thread at warseer(?) any and all work on these guys are suspended til the end of this year for when the new codex gets released. GW have already started producing concept art for the DA, and dang, the images are FINALLY lining up with our background, although GW DID go the route of making the DA plasma happy... Nonetheless, I will still do some concept art of my own and see if I can still have some of my models up to par with the new stuff coming out, as I dont want too much of a horrid 'edition' gap in the army. So until the end of the year, there wont be alot of DA related stuff coming out, unless I know I can execute it well and have it up to par with the new 4th ed material.

Space Wolves (and 13th Company)
Although I dread the release of the 4th Ed material as my wolves will probably look funny and weird, this aside, these folk WILL continue as planned. Since I have made it a point to convert them more, the eventual 4th ed SW release HOPEFULLY wont hit my minis too hard. So as long as I keep converting them up, they should be fine. As for the 13th Co, they will be heavily converted, using Chaos Warriors as the base model. So when the 4th ed stuff come out, I can probably still be quite happy that the army looks quite unique and varied enough to stay within the artistic limits that GW will come out with. When will these guys get started? Well since my DA/AotL are on the back burner, this will give me a bit more time to work on these folk.

Emperor's Children
With attention on armies this year changing, Im hoping to go back to basics with the EC. Although the initial stuff IS ok, things after my SW work, have made the EC look pretty basic and boring. Thus, I am hoping to redo my EC army, and make them up to the level i had intended them to be at. With that in mind, ill probably start doing up some new design artwork to really get alot of my ideas down onto paper and start creating models to tailor to those images.

Thousand Sons
Unlike my EC, Im quite happy with the general look of the TS. Although I am being very selective with bits and what icons are and are not on the mini, overall conversion to these guys will be relatively minimal. Thus I hope to see a bit of a start in my TS over the upcoming months.

Sisters of Battle
Given that these are all friggin pewter minis, converting wont exactly be easy as pie. However, with my view on basing, Im quite certain I can still give these models a bit of personality, and with some minor conversions, do ok. Given that the color scheme has been finalized, I do hope to get more of these girls done over the year.

Tyranids
My newest army, which thus far has probably got the EASIEST paint scheme of all my armies. The only thing to keep in mind is that highlighitng WILL be key to bring out these minis. Converting wise, this army will be a challenge as I am going for a specific visual theme, which will be accomplished by both the look of the mini itself AND the way the mini has been based to add for more 'psychological fear'. I suspect these guys will be a slow mover, but I hope to see some decent work come mid-year.

Man.. I have too many armies... Will I start anymore in 2006? I would hope not... Started enough in 2005 as it is.... Although I dont like forcing myself to, I also want to bring back my monthly goal system, as it was some what rewarding when I actually FINISHED one... So with that in mind:

January 2006 Goals:

- Completion of Tyranid Paint Scheme
- Completion of TWO more Grey Hunters (minimum)
- Completion of model clean up for my Wolf Scouts
- Completion of first Battle Sister mini (base remaining).
- TWO pages of Design art for the Emperor's Children
- Completion of first Thousand Sons mini

Doesnt seem like a big list, but for me, that list WILL take a good month to plow through..

But that is it ladies and gents, the gauntlet has been laid down for 2006, time to get to work!

-TAS

97th Post (The last of 2005)....

2005-12-31T18:53:00.000+08:00

Well thats it ladies and gents, another year over and out... So with that in mind, Happy New Years to all. Have fun, stay safe and thats about it really....

Anyway, on a more happy note, I did get to replace the Soul Drinker novel with something and bought me a box of Gaunts. In hindsight, I wish I got the Dryads instead, but oh well... Can never have too many Gaunts, and the Dryads can wait, which means, my AotL go back on the back burner for a few more months (which isnt bad, esp if the DA codex is indeed the next codex out).

Also picked up some random items: A glue gun (for the nice slime effect for my nids), a few containers (one for storing army bits, another for flock materials). So, that is pretty much my last 2005 'haul' I guess.. Wont be one in 2006 for a wee while (maybe Feb-ish). I also back tracked some of my older archives and it looks like I still have approximately 18 days before my blog is actually one year old.. Soo.. Im sure ill hit the 100th post by that time (100 posts in a year, aint too bad :P).

Tonight I hope to get those gaunt bits washed, go to a friends lil 'party' tonight for a bit and tomorrow, I shall do the official 2006 'resolution' thread relating to all matters GW etc etc...

Otherwise, enjoy the end of the year folks, see you in 2006!!

-TAS

96th Post!!

2005-12-30T20:44:00.000+08:00

It would have been nice to do my 100th post prior to the end of the year, but oh well... Nonetheless, I am still doing well.. Although 100 posts over a year? Seems a lil low *shrugs* maybe thats because Im more used to B&C posting standards. Anyway.... Havent done alot of painting in the last few days, but Ill try and do some later tonight, see how close I can get to finishing another model before 2006... I have, however been doing some random modelling/mold line removal on random bits here and there. I know Ive cleaned up another Wolf Scout bits (main body sections anyway) and I did some work on a Thousand Sons mini as well. Might put some parts together and start painting that dude up, then I can have heck knows how many armies at the painting stage going all at once!!

Anyway... did a lil spree today I guess, picked up my lay-by'd Liber Chaotica Compilation.. Aint too bad, gonna have to take off the lil book sleeve (as that is getting annoying) but Im quite happy with it... Sure the cost of that was pretty much the price as two LCs put together, but oh well... Least I have the Khorne segment and the special Undivided section.

Got two more vallejo paints (Silver and Chainmail) as pre-planning for my nids. Plus if and when I go back to my EC, those will help out for trims.

Bought two BL novels, one being Dues Encarmine (so I now have the whole set) and my boo-boo purchase of.. SOUL DRINKER!! So yeah, Im gonna have to go and see if i can return that or get store credit, as ive already got Soul Drinker and dont need another copy... I also picked up the first volume of the Horus Heresy artbooks for $15 off as it was apparently 'damaged' stock. Now I must admit, the other copy that was there, was in pretty bad shape (well one of the corners was pretty creased up), the copy I grabbed wasnt too bad, minor creases in the book in the bottom corner, otherwise its in pretty a-ok shape. So at the cheaper rate, I sure as hell aint complaining about the creases... Of course I would love to get Vols 2 and 3 now, but that could take some time. Also managed to pick up the lil book sized version of the Graphic Novel Daemonifuge. Was quite happy with that since I missed the comic sized version of it and it has been an interesting, yet confusing read. Also got me a few ideas for half my armies out of it.

In the end, I am quite happy with what I got, although the actual idea of the trip was to either buy or lay by a 4th Ed version of the Tyranid Battleforce.... Also saw some random lil 'mini' boxes with a few figures here n there for armies in Fantasy and 40K. Essentially its like 2-3 models (on average) for like $20 AUD. Naturally I laughed as 1. the SM Combat Squad is $30 for 5, the Chaos Warriors box is $50 for about 12 odd... So im like.. Bloody GW, trying to bleed MORE money out of us... Although convenient, HECK NO at those prices.. Also need to pick up my WD, so I might do that early next week.. Apparently the new BT sprue box is coming out soon, which I might grab on its own so I can play around with the bits... Also had a quick look at the Zoanthrope and the good news is that it does have the type of head I am after for my Hive Tyrant/Queen model.. the downside is that the tip of the head is attached to alot of other random bits of pewter... It'll be a bit of a shame to have to spend $26 odd dollars for the head component, but oh well... Stinks that we dont have bits order here as Id just get the friggin head part...

Well thats my lil update/rant over and done with. Ill post a reply with the potential good/bad news about the Soul Drinker Issue.. Debating if I wanna run away with the store credit (if I get one) OR if I do get the money back... if I should pick up a small box of something.... I could get a box of gaunts as I will probably need a second box worth, battleforce or not... That way Ill have some 'Nids to work with to keep me entertained while i work on everything else... Might pick up a box of the Dryads perhaps since I want to use them for a mix of bits for my AotL and potential plastic Daemonettes... So yeah.. options... >.<

-TAS

T-minus 5 and counting!!

2005-12-24T04:36:00.000+08:00

Getting closer to 100 posts!! In any case, Ive set my 'nids a tad bit back, since I wont have much to work with once these color tests are finished (except a single ravener, if I can ever get some rending claws from SOMEWHERE). I just managed to finished completely a second grey hunter and did some more black undercoats on some new stuff, so in the next day or so I'll probably do some base coating with those. Heck, I might get another model done up within the next week if the base coating process goes well (since the main central section is done). All that needs to be done on that particular hunter is the arm sections (including shoulder pads) and the backpack. Still need to work on the Battle Sister's basing, since that will probably have to go back to the GS, and unlike my Space Wolves bases, needs to be some what flat.. if not ALOT flat, since Im going with a tiled look. I could save myself some hassle and just cut the Sister off from her lil 'slot' segment, patch up the feet and glue her down normally, so we'll see how things go. If that works as well as it sounds like in theory, then I wont need to go down the GS route, which will save alot more time and hassle.

Also did some modelling on my future wolf scouts, well a single scout anyway, and my goodness, making my own scouts is NOT fun... Thank goodness, my 'Dark Angels' scouts will be alot more regular looking.

Otherwise, thats about it for this entry. Ill add a pic (or two) of the completed minis, either in a few minutes time OR later today/tomorrow. And after recalling the dreaded experience with the 'Nid pics, Ill probably combine BOTH pics into one pic and post it here (since I dont feel like using my 96th post as a pic only post)!!

*EDIT*

Here is the pic I promised of both the Space Wolves Grey Hunter and Sisters of Battle Battle Sister... The Hunter looks ok in the pic (been a good pic), the Sister, well the pic was good, but the paint work in some areas (especially the face) still needs some more work. Ill probably let that model fly, but for future models, try and take a bit more care in doing the face etc.

-TAS

The 94th Post!!!

2005-12-18T06:27:00.000+08:00

So we draw closer and closer to 100.... In any case, this is more of an 'Ideas' page for the 'Niddies. Took MANY screen caps of Alien stuff from Alien, Aliens, Alien3, Alien: Ressurrection AND Aliens vs Predator to get a butt load of ideas (almost 100MB worth of bmp pics). Also had a talk with my resident 'Nid expert Arjan and tossed around a few ideas as well. So I'll TRY and run through these ideas..

Hive Tyrant aka Queen

- Thinking Ill be needing some of the old 3rd Ed Tyrant bits, namely the head, for her crown section. Another idea is to use the Zoanthrope head as well for the basis. The only DOWNSIDE is that both I believe have 'grinning' looks, which is ok, but Im not sure if I want a grinning Queen or a mouth open Queen with her inner mouth shooting out. Havent a clue how Im going to do the crown yet, as the 3rd ed Tyrant has a small crown. Hrmm, maybe I should invest in some thin plasticard and GS my own grown....

- An idea after browsing Warpshadow was to also use the carnifex as a base and then build up the Queen from that. Although the only downside is, the Carnifex body is rather 'chunky' and the Queen isnt exactly a 'beefy' character.

*EDIT*
- Possible use of the Extended Carapace Biomorph for added protection.
- Extension of Crown using GS (using plasticard as a basis for crown).

Tyrant Guard aka Royal Guard

- Pretty straight forward, although I might try and do some minor conversions on these dudes (other than the head) so they look a tad bit different.

Warrior Brood aka Warrior Drones(?)

- Heh, still working on the naming convention >.< style="font-weight: bold;">

*EDIT*
- Extended Carpace

Genestealers aka Soldier Drones(?)

- Once again, naming will be interesting... I had a look on Warpshadow and saw some interesting conversions, namely one that only utilized ONE set of arms (and not two). An interesting idea for sure, especially since I dont want to overload on the biomorphs for these guys.

*EDIT*

- Extended Carapace (again!!)
- Scything Talons Biomorph

Hormagaunt Brood aka Worker Drones(?)

- Naming as always.. But it seems quite ok thus far. These dudes like the other stuff will get the head treatment. Probably thinking about doing up some stuff with their bases to give some added appearance and hopefully make them alot more terrifying.

*EDIT*

- Toxin Sacs OR Adrenal Gland (I)....

Ripper Swarm aka Eggs, Face Huggers and Chest Bursters

- Nothing too difficult here, although alot of my ideas have come in for these guys. Eggs, are pretty self explanetory, although Id prefer not to be rolling out eggs from GS by hand, so Im trying to think of a suitable 'round' object that I can layer GS over. Also thinking about having the occasional egg that is some what translucent so you can see the face hugger inside.

- Face Huggers wise, two ideas thus far. One is an idea off from Hive Fleet Moloch, utilizing an adrenal gland with an added tail and legs (using random parts of weapons, and genestealer hands). Another idea, especially focusing on the 'sac' areas is to use on of the current bio-weapons (i know what it looks like, not sure WHAT it is, although after checking, I think its the barbed strangler). The only downside to this one is the sacs from the weapon looked rather large, so Id either use them to make a 'super face hugger' OR cut the sac in half (which didnt look too good) and then use that on perhaps an adrenal gland 'body'.

- Chest Bursters are easy.. use the Ripper body and flatten the chitin chrest and thats about it...

Ravener Brood aka ???

- Havent got an 'Alien' name for this brood yet, but the head idea applies for this set. Also considering using warriors to convert up these babies.

Carnifex aka ???

- HECK KNOWS what Ill be calling these dudes... Keeping the Carnifex options at a minimal (although I listed alot of biomorphs that suited). Since Rending claws are some what a mute point on a Monstrous Creature, any carnifex will be decked out with two pairs of scything talons, although the crushing claws IS tempting... May make these arms modular for the sake of argument. Otherwise, not alot of other stuff.. Adrenal Gland for WS, and the possibility of the mace or scythe tail. Although after watching Aliens and Aliens vs Predator, leaning towards the mace tail (but with a bladed end) since the Queen only really used her tail as a 'stabbing' weapon.

*EDIT*

- Possible use of Extended Carapace

Notes

- Trying to keep biomorphs to a minium where I can, without being TOO basic... Obviously being Alien themed, I know these guys will be prone to being shot to hell, and I can understand that, so Im not trying to go improving saving throws too often, cos they just get shot up regardless.

- Basing wise Im looking at making it like a 'nest' base with the base being covered in random coils and stuff like a nest would look like, as well as try and apply that weird 'resin' look. Only downside is, my options arent too great for either the resin effect or mucous effect... One option is to use craft glue, but the consistency issue comes to mind. I thought about mixing it with liquid super glue, which MAY work.. On the super glue note, I could get like paste super glue and pray that works. Other options are also to use epoxy resin, but that could be more hassle than its worth. Was also thinking if there was a way to HARDEN KY Jelly (guessing mixing glue into it would work). Since KY Jelly was the primary substance to make the slime/drool effect in Aliens.

*EDIT*

- I had a review of some of the weapons, at least the SM weapons and thinking about what other armies I go against and there isnt a BIG need to give the Extended Carpace Biomorph to Carnies and Tyrants due to a minimal amount of AP3 weaponry. Although there is a large amount of potential AP2 weaponry, going down to a 2+ save isnt any better than staying at a 3+. So Ill review the other armies (Necrons, Eldar, Imperial Guard, Chaos and Tau) to see what else needs to be done.

Thats about it for my 'Design Notes' for my 'Nid army. Any ideas/suggestions will be greatly appreciated and SOMEONE remind me to save this entry as a txt/doc file. Cos I would love to be able to easily access my notes, unlike my SoB notes which are buried in heck knows how many posts...

-TAS

7 more to go!! (Pics Galore Update)

2005-12-17T01:24:00.000+08:00

Bah.. next time Im whacking ALL the pics into one huge ass pic cos it was NOT fun editing 4 odd posts just to get the pics into the right post... Anyway... Here are the latest pics of the 'Nid tests... Pics are still a lil iffy (alot better than the first batch of 6 though). Im guessing if I had alot better equipment (eg a lightbox) and wasnt working with such dark colors it wouldnt be too bad.. Since there are 4 pics, Ill do my lil 'rant' about each at the label.

Believe it or not, this is the 'rustic' looking 'Nid that had an inking of both black and flesh inks. The camera didnt pick up well on the effect, but you can see it in areas here and there. Guessing if my lighting was ALOT better and I wasnt relying on the camera flash, it could probably come out alot better. Otherwise, it aint a bad effect. Only downside is.. I think the pic muted out some of the 'chrome' effect, then again, maybe it didnt since the flash is catching on a few of the upper body surfaces. What will I do with this 'Nid? Not sure.. But I might keep this method of inking for brood differentiation or perhaps just for the occasional mini differentiation.

Well we all know this HAD to have been a Hormagaunt when it was in its fresh state, now its just the remains off. Anyway, this is the way Im looking at painting my 'Nids. The chrome effect is still there (might do a heavier drybrush and thinner inking). The highlights are with Cold Grey, and the talons and claws got a quick gunmetal (didnt want to highlight them too extremely, which is what Chainmail probably WOULD have done). Not sure if I wanted to wash over the highlights (which I did do on the Chitin areas, and followed up with a highlight of Stonewall grey). But otherwise, its looking quite nicely which leads us to the next picture........

I think this pic was the best of all the pics and did the rear of the gaunt some good. You can see the highlights better on the chitin areas and some of the ribbed areas here and there. Instead of going a standard 'line' highlight on the chitin, I "tried" to use a more thin line effect, like how its demonstrated on some models in the 'Nid codex. I think it came out ok. Although, ugh, wishing the chrome look didnt get so washed out (bad pun-ish?), as it looks like basic black. Which isnt true when comparing a pure black mini versus a black inked mini as the chrome effect comes through.

This is the poor ass mini that got highlighted with Chainmail, which is probably WHY in all the pics its really showing the metal effect quite clearly (looks worse in r/l). Ill probably ink over this mini, do the grey highlights, pick out the claw and teeth with gunmetal (and MAYBE a very LIGHT highlight of chainmail on the very edges) and try some 'mucous' effects on it with craft glue (if I can ever find that WD issue that covered it, I think it was a Carnifex modelling article). Alternatively I could use a hot glue gun, but that could be a tad bit too much trouble for what I want.

So there it is folks... Next time Ill put the pics ALL together, or NOT take so many pics. I'll probably focus on the Former Hormagaunt test and the Termagant test and do comparison pics later on.

-TAS

92nd Post....

2005-12-16T03:59:00.000+08:00

Getting ever close to the 100th post!! In any case, this is a 'Nid update (yet again). Did some of the highlights etc on the minis and so far seen some good points and bad for some of them...

1. Black undercoat/Gunmetal Metal Drybrush/Black Ink/Chainmail highlights

BIG mistake on the chainmail highlights as that has diminished the dark metal effect I wanted. However, in the future ill probably only do additional metal highlights to areas like teeth, talons, tips of claws etc but the entire body can NOT be done in metal highlights. I guess its a good thing it is still in metal as I can recycle this mini by doing a black ink over it and taking it from there.

2. Black undercoat/Gunmetal Drybrush/Black Ink/Cold Grey Highlights/Thin Black Ink/Stonewall Grey Highlights

This one came out good, and I might continue this method to do some light highlights on the 'flesh' areas on the model (only did this on the chitin areas). So for future works, Ill probably do the cold grey highlights on the model itself (dry brush?), tone it down with an inking and then apply the stonewall grey highlights to the chitin areas. Talons, teeth etc will be done probably in the way I mentioned for method 1.

3. Black undercoat/Gunmetal Drybrush/Black Ink/Flesh Ink

Now this was just a simple play around with inks and in the end it gave a nice rustic/black chrome look which I quite like. Thinking about using this method to add a slight bit of variety to units.

Anyway, Ive still got one black undercoated 'Nid left and Ive just made two more 'Nids on sticks to probably do combinations of the above schemes and see how well they work together. After that, Ill be some what out of test 'Nids, however I THINK I have a 3rd Ed fresh Ravener somewhere, so I may find it useful as my first 'Nid model.

-TAS

91st Post....

2005-12-15T02:22:00.000+08:00

As the title states, this is the 91st post for my blog. Will I see 100 by the end of the year? Will there be a fancy 100th post thing?? Who knows?!?!?!!!!

Anyway, did some work on the 'Nids (not painting wise) but notepad and pencil wise. Listed out all the biomorphs that would be useful for me to keep in line with my fluff etc. Listed out the units I would use (Hive Tyrant, Tyrant Guard, Warriors, Genestealers, Hormagaunts, Rippers, Raveners, Carnifex). Still deciding on the Genestealers though, but yeah that wasnt too bad a list to work with. Then I went through some options and did up a basic Hive Tyrant and Carnifex for about 100 pts... But yeah, its been fun and interesting thus far. The only issue that came up for me, so Im directing this question at Arjan is the biomorph 'Implant Attack'. It seems pretty handy, BUT when it comes to the second wound, is it ONLY for that single model, or do additional wounds infliced by implant attack get thrown around the unit?

Thats about it.. Might do that black wash in a lil while.. we'll see

-TAS

Tyranid Picture Update

2005-12-13T18:07:00.000+08:00

On a completely unrelated note, this will be my 90th Blog post. Im wondering if I can hit the big 100 come the end of the year?

Anyway, I took a pic of the heavily drybrushed 'nids and well, the picture is misleading (and not in a bad way). For some uncanny reason, they look better in the pic than they do in real (they look perhaps TOO dry brushed in real). So yeah, here we go. Im also going to try and do that funky lil thing that Tobias did on his blog, cos I think it looks cool (I hope I dont lose clickibility though). If i do, Ill change the link or something..

Ok, so I managed to do the picture thing, but I get the feeling it wont be clickable *sighs*.

If not, Ill change it at a later date I guess for something a tad bit more clickable. But yeah, that image is misleading as they REALLY dont look THAT good!! Sadly enough, these pics are going to be the way i want my 'nids and table wise, they wont look anything like it. So yeah, we'll see how things go.

Anyway, thats it for this post. After I get some work done tonight, if I can still get some strength in me, Ill do up the black ink/wash phase.

-TAS