Space Marine Update

I managed to finally finish my SM Sgt. today.  I swapped out the head with one from the Space Wolves Wolf Pack kit.  I have really started to make painting a more involved process and I am putting different highlighting and shading techniques into practice.  I'm not there 100% yet  but I am close to what I want these guys to look like.  I am still deciding if weathering will add or detract from the look of the mini.  What do you guys think?

Comments, constructive criticisms are welcomed as always.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Alas, Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow...

In a nutshell, I am never going to put my IG on a table to play a game.  As I've said before, I am in this hobby for the hobby, not the game.  That being said, I will be putting a large part of my Imperial Guard force up for sale on Ebay in a few weeks.  I guess I'm putting this up here just to let folks know to watch for it, in case they're interested.  More info to follow.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Small SM Update & 100 Allies!!!

First off, HUGE thanks to the 100 folks who have committed to following what I try to do here on the blog.  I appreciate everyone and it really keeps me motivated.  THANK YOU!!!

Moving on, small update on the Space Marines project.  I have finished one mini completely and have made some headway through the other four.  I am still wrestling with the color, it's not quite where I want it.  I am also taking a lot of time to try and educate myself about more advanced painting techniques.  I have told you in the past about Hot Lead.  I have recently picked up the Todd Swanson Master Class video from Miniature Mentor.  And I also got the Miniature Painting Secrets with Natalya from Cool Mini Or Not.  Both are examples of incredible techniques.  Ultimately, I have to start trying to put these ideas into practice and that is where I am being stupidly slow.  This will probably be the only post for this month, due to Battlefront Games really kicking into high gear.

Anyways, here's a few pics...

Thanks for checking this out and to all my fellow Americans...HAPPY THANKSGIVING.  To everyone else...ROCK ON!

Hessler

Space Marines Project Continues

Here's an update on the SM project, unofficially dubbed the "Screaming Eagles".  The pics that follow are meant to show where I'm going with the color scheme and the chapter iconography.  The marine on the far right is the one most finished.

I'm looking to my fellow bloggers for opinions on color for the cloak. 
I'm thinking brown or possibly black. Any suggestions?

I also went back and did some green/highlights on what turned out to be moss on the bases.  They look better to me with a bit of color to offset the drabness.  Picture looks kind of washed out but there you go.

That's all for now.  Please leave comments or constructive criticism.  I am now retiring to the couch to watch the live Ghost Hunters event and then topping it off with the premeire of The Walking Dead on AMC.  In case you don't know, it's a new series about something that is bound to happen one of these day...The Zombiepocalypse.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Base...How Low Can You Go?

I decided to up the ante on bases for my Space Marines project.  Lot's of good options available but, after seeing them in person, I decided to go with Secret Weapon Miniatures.  I opened a pack of 10 straight side bases from their Flagstone line.

While I was happy with how they looked, it wasn't until I started painting them that I really began to appreciate how go nice they really are.  Here's how my first batch ended up...

 

After a white prime coat, I started with a wash of Denheb Stone and then followed up with a wash of Charadon Granite.  Both washes were 2 parts paint to 1 part water to 1 part Vallejo Glaze Medium.  I followed up on the "rubble" in between the flagstones with some Grey Liner from Reaper.  It works like a wash but seems to be a little more intense than a standard wash.

I think that's all I'll do with these, I haven't ruled out some tiny bits of flock to add some interest but that will probably wait until the minis are positioned and attached.

That's all for now, thanks for checking this out. 

If you're looking to purchase these fine bases, we sell them at Battlefront Games...CHECK IT OUT

**Can anyone tell me what 80's metal band the title of this post relates to?  Bonus points for the first to get it**

The war goes on,
Hessler

Space Marines Project Continues

Here are some pictures of the process I went through in putting a Hero/Captain together.  I'll start with one of my most trusted conversion tools...the dremel:

Using the above tool/bit allows precise control over removing larger areas of material/plastic from bulky figures.  Most of the time I use it to hollow out capes and cloaks, like the one on this figure...

I also used the Dremel on the shoulder pad to make room for the metal one used here.  The Dremel takes some strong hands to use, it can buck away from you if you're not holding on tightly, but man it really does a great job.

Up next is the legs, a set from the WHF Chaos Warriors sprue.  They have a good amount of bulk, something I think SM Heros should have to set them apart from standard marines.  Again, using the Dremel, I sculpted away quite a bit of the legs...

I filled in the cavities with pro-create and worked with the position of the legs until I was happy.  Here's the result...

I found an appropriate head(big & bulky), I believe it's from a Chaos SM kit...

Thus the marriage was complete...

All that's left is to decide on is a weapon for the right arm.  I don't like the way the standard AoBR arm cuts across the front of the mini so I'll figure out some kind of replacement.  I think another dip in the bits box is needed...Anyone know of a kit with a right handed power fist?

Thanks for looking and feel free to leave comments & constructive criticisms.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Adepticon Classes...

As I have finally started to get serious about improving my painting skills, I am looking at some of the painting classes going on at next years' Adepticon.  I live a stone's throw from Lombard so it's nice and convenient.  I'm curious about the content of the classes.  How much does a person really retain from them?  If anyone has feedback please let me know.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Space Marines Project Begins

I've made a little progress on my new Space Marines project.  I'm starting with a tactical squad from the AoBR set.  It's all I had on hand and I plan to massacre these models anyways.  The chapter icon is an eagle so the Mentors shoulder pads from GW will work perfectly for my needs. 

Above is what I was able to capture in a picture before my camera lost power(naturally).  Today I spent a few hours working on a Hero/Captain.  The AoBR fig really needs some attention...more on that tomorrow, including pics.

My color scheme is a U.S. military green with some weathering thrown in for good measure.  The rest of the colors will fall into place as I progress.  This project is really for creative enjoyment. I don't plan to ever play Space Marines but they are interesting to paint and customize.

The green you see in the above photo is a little darker than what I will be using so those will get a light re-prime before painting starts.  The Sgt. will get a suitable head swap...maybe something from the Space Wolves kit.

That's it for now.  Thanks for checking this out; comments & criticisms are always welcomed.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Giveaway...AND THE WINNER IS...

*** Papa JJ ***

Congrats on the win!  Please send me an email, sadoukad16 "at" comcast.net , so we can coordinate all the prizey goodness! 

I'm sorry to see my creation go but it would have been ages before I gave any more attention and it needs a proper home.  Thanks to all who entered, there may be one more interesting giveaway before the year is over so stay tuned.

Moving along, here's a picture of some bits I just received from GW for my new Marines project:

I'm looking forward to mixing it up with some SM and possibly some Orks as well.  Painting mode has kicked into full gear and I am stoked!  

The war goes on,
Hessler

BFG New Bits & A GIVEAWAY!!!

Battlefront Games just received more Wargames Factory Sci-Fi Greatcoats yesterday and they are up in the store ready to purchase.  In bits-related news, we will soon be offering the WGF Greatcoats BITS!  That's right, you'll be able to purchase the bodies, heads, guns, etc. ala carte from our webstore.  Look for these to be up and running by the weekend.  As always, our prices will be low and our service fast.

Check out our store HERE

Also, in conjunction with Battlefront Games, SADOUKAD 16 is having it's first drawing!  I will be giving away my custom designed and built Copperhead Valkyrie:

• The bird will be fully primed gray 
• It will include the cockpit bits and pilots separately, they are not attached so you can paint easier 
• It includes the magnetized Rocket Pods, glued multi-laser, no other weapons
• The top of the cabin comes off so you can paint the interior or add door gunners
• Any other questions? Email me. 

Here's a picture and link to refresh memories:

Contest Rules?  You must be an ally of this blog and you must make a comment on this post.  That's it really.

I will randomly choose one lucky person and announce the winner on Friday, October 8th.  If you leave multiple comments, you'll be disqualified.

Expect the announcement sometime in the morning as I will be headed out of town later that day.

Well, that's it for now!

The war goes on,

Hessler

WGF Greatcoats BITS for SALE!!

We work hard at BFG to bring the best and latest bits to our customers.  With that in mind I am happy to say that we now have Wargames Factory Sci Fi Greatcoats BITS in stock! 

You don't like the heads? Just buy the bodies! 
You don't like the bodies?  Just buy the guns! 
You don't like...you get the idea.

CHECK THEM OUT!!! 

SHOTGUNS

HELMETED  HEADS

BODIES

HAPPY MODELING!

New Lander Takes Shape

I raided the Valkyrie bits last night and, after some major tinkering, I reached a rough design that is starting to work for me.  I am going for a "box-style" lander, as opposed to a "plane-style".  The design is meant to be chunky and armored looking, relying more on protection of passengers than providing firepower.

Ideally the lift jets will face down, perpendicular to the ground

I snagged some bits from an old Cities If Death kit to support the sides.
 

That's it for now another update maybe be coming up later today.  As always, criticisms & comments are welcome.

Just as a side note: I don't know what anyone else has experienced, but working with the Blogger system is frustrating and very buggy.  It took me almost 30 minutes to get this simple post completed.  I kept having to deal with spacing issues, mostly related to the photos.  Damn frustrating.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Family Picture

After finishing my Tiger Russes today, I gathered up the toys for a group photo.  Sometimes you really don't know how much stuff you have until you do something like this.  Anyways the big picture...

Just 2 Vet Squads for Troops so far, the Stormlord may be a possible home for a bunch of conscripts.  I'm sure I could figure out something interesting for them, although it's a lot of work for 20-40 models that will just sit on display.  The other "lost" unit is a squad I intend to use as Stormtroopers; I will task them as infiltrators and they are all meant to be viewed as "in motion", on the move.  Also the "fast attack" Chimera still needs paint and some solid stats.

Here's a close-up of the Stormies...

I will be starting on the Valk-based transport just as soon as I can pick up another kit to bash.  After that I think I will be jumping into some some Space Marines.  Thanks for taking time to check this out, any comment or constructive criticism is appreciated.

If you are looking for any bits to complete your projects, be sure to visit us at Battlefront Games. 

The war goes on,
Hessler

It's Hobby Time!

I am back from an extended hiatus, during which we have finally got the new Battlefront Games website up and running.  Some fine tuning is needed but most of our bits are listed and ready to sell.  If you have time, check it out and let me know what you think.

On the hobby front, I am pleased to say that I see some time freeing up in the immediate future to get back on track with my painting projects.  I still need to finish some details on my Tiger Russes and then I may switch gears and bang out a new idea for a Valkyrie-based lander I have been toying with, in my head at least.  I want to try and put together a proper lander, as opposed to the Valk-style "plane".  I am picturing something like what we see in the movie "Starship Troopers", a little boxy, not a ton of weapons.  Something clunky but solid and functional.  We'll see how it comes together.

The war goes on,
Hessler

New Bits In Stock at Battlefront Games

BFG received a restock of IG bits for the weekend...

• IG LEMAN RUSS DEMOLISHER
• IG CHIMERA
• IG BASILISK
• IG VALKYRIE
• IG CADIAN SHOCK TROOPS

Also received a few Vallejo Weathering Pigment: Set 1 - Rust & Oil

We still have 1 Hot Lead DVD left as well.  Get it while you can...awesome stuff.

Check it all out HERE.

Hessler

Wargames Factory Greatcoats In Stock

BATTLEFRONT GAMES has just received an order of WGF Greatcoats and they are ready to ship anywhere in the world.

Click HERE for all the details.

Also in this week:

• Ork Bits
• Chaos Space Marine Bits
• Tyranid Bits
• Vallejo Weathering
• Hot Lead Painting DVDs

Click HERE to check it out.

-Hessler

Good Things Coming Soon

Many people who come here and check out this little blog see the graphic for Battlefront Games off to the left.  They click on it and are taken to an Ebay store that specializes in 40K and some WHF bits. 

Well, in case you hadn't figured it out, the Ebay store is mine.  We've been going strong for about a year now and we try to offer any bit you might want.  I have made a conscious effort to not mention it here because I really wanted this blog to be more about my love of the hobby.  But in the next month we are launching a new website, complete with its own shopping cart.  So I have decided that now is the right time to start integrating some posts about the business and the products that we sell.

For instance, I can tell you that we hope to be getting a bunch of the Sci-Fi Greatcoats by Wargames Factory in next week.  We also started to carry a bunch of different conversion bits and weathering pigments as well.

If you're looking for something specific, send me a message, or email me and we'll do our best to get it for you.

Thanks for looking and if you've been an Ebay customer of ours in the past, be on the lookout for battlefrontgames.biz...coming soon.

Cheers,
Hessler

Tiger Russ Progress

I made some headway on my Tiger Russes.  Here's the pics...

  

That's it for now just a quick update.  Comments & constructive criticisms are welcome.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Heli Sentinels Finished

Finally got these finished today.  Let the photo madness begin...

This project has proven to be one of the more satisfying I have done.  The way it first came together and then grew from there to this point has been a real blast.  Hopefully some folks have seen this and been inspired to something just as off the wall.  I certainly hope so...

Well, next unit up on the paint block will be my 2 Panzer Russes.  You can check them out HERE. I think I'll try to get a "family photo" up tomorrow with everything I've finished up to this point.

Thanks for checking this out.  Comments & criticisms are welcomed.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Musings - New Armies

As I continue through these IG painting projects, I realize that I will probably start doing some more "building" before they're all completed. In the interest of keeping things interesting I think I will do one unit/squad at a time, bouncing back and forth between different armies. Not sure if it will work but I thought I would share a few of the ideas that are brewing in the ol' noggin'

• SPACE MARINES: I did some a long time ago but this new army has a very specific vision.  They will be called The Liberators.  Yes, there is already a chapter by that name but oh well, bear with me.  Inspired by the WW2 Liberator bomber, these marines will be down and dirty marines, painted in OD and bearing lots of character.  The chapter symbol will be an eagle head and the Chapter banner will be a variation on the classic Japanese flag but with the colors of the American flag.  These guys will be a very "gung ho" "can do" kind of group, very "John Wayne".  The challenge for me here will be the composition of the models, using unique poses and customizing whenever possible.
• ALBINO ORKS:  Still in the conceptual stages, it may have already been done.  I am thinking Orks painted from a shade of light pink up to pure white, pink snouts and red, beady eyes.
• TYRANIDS: I want to have a crack at building a 'Nid army using the color scheme made popular by Simon Egan.  Below is a pic for reference...

 

So that's it for now.  Do you guys have any cool ideas for future projects?  Just brainstorming?  Share with the group...

The war goes on, 

Hessler

Heli Sentinel Progress (1)

I progressed about 95% on my Heli Sentinel Squadron leader:

As with most painting, this 1st model took a little longer due to some re-working on the paint colors.  Sometimes you just can't see how colors will work together until you get some paint down.  Vehicle numbers will be in single digits.  These crazy SOB's are very much a voluntary unit with heavy turnover due to the experimental "heli" technology.

Please leave comments and criticisms, both are welcomed.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Mech Rough Riders Complete

Please excuse my over indulgence with the photos but I couldn't help myself.  I will probably make another 3-5 of these but that will be further down the road.  I must admit that these bike tested my patience while painting them.  I will consider assembling & painting them in sub-assemblies next time so I can get to some parts easier.

Thanks for looking and feel free to leave comments & criticisms.

Next up on the painting block...Heli Sentinels

The war goes on,

Hessler