Movies To Work By

Like many of you, I like to throw a movie into the laptop and have it playing in the background while I build my little Imperial servants. Here's my Top 5 list...

1. Aliens
   
2. Starship Troopers
3. Zulu
4. Saving Private Ryan
5. A Bridge Too Far

Now...there are many other movies I can name, but these are the 5 I tend reach for over the others. Also, I don't think it fits in this list, the Starship Troopers Roughnecks animated CGI series is very cool as well.

My musical choices would include Ozric Tentacles, Flower Kings, and Miles Davis.

So, now it's your turn. Tell me your Top 5 lists. What about music? Give your musical choices for both hobby time and during games.

The war goes on,
Hessleer

Musings - Amphibious Landing Force

In an effort to keep focused on hobby things while I get consumed with work, I have decided to record some ideas I have floating around in my head. What I really hope is to maintain some dialogue with you guys and make this blog something you can look forward to checking out every day.

So...here is the first idea I have come up with:


Amphibious Landing Force - Thanks to Col. Corbane for the inspiration.

The hobby potential here is off the charts; water-born versions of any and all IG vehicles...including a Gorgon...

I can see little floating sentinels similar to the PBR from Apocalypse Now...

Don't forget that Chimeras can float...


I am partial to the LVT from the Pacific theatre of WW2...


Don't forget troops...

So here's your chance. What are some of your ideas? Leave some comments and tell me what cool ideas are floating around out there.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Copperhead Valkyrie (2)

Here's a progress update on the Copperhead Valykire...

I took what Matt said about the lander from the movie Aliens and decided to try a similar look by placing the weapon mounts on either side of the fuselage.

Finally, I magnetized those mounts for maximum killing variety.

The above photo also allows you a glimpse of my giant man-hands. Notice how they threaten to engulf the entire missile-pod at any moment...LOL. Oh well.

C&C appreciated...more updates tomorrow, hopefully.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Copperhead Valkyrie

Work has progressed on the Copperhead Valkyrie. I did a quick mock up just to see what the wings would look like. I considered keeping the wings turned right side up, but it just didn't work for me.

I am a fan of the way the side doors are now cleared and able to provide a full field of vision/fire.

Anyways, work will continue. Comments and ideas are both welcomed and appreciated.

The war goes on,
Hessler

So I Lied...

Only days after committing myself to only work on existing projects, I was moved to start tinkering with another idea that's been bouncing around in my head for quite some time. My hands went to plastic and after a few hours of working with plasticard and some putty, I came up with these...

I carved up some Tau jets from the Devilfish kit and I will be turning the wings of the Valkyrie upwards, essentially flipping them upside down. The Tau thrusters are much more believable to me in terms of being able to deliver enough power to get that bird off the ground.

I think I was originally inspired to start this when I was watching Final Fantasy:Spirits Within way back when. I remember really liking the bird-like design of the Copperhead transport they had flying around. Here's a picture of that...


I went back and forth on this Valkyrie design between these upgraded thrusters and a wingless version with rotors, more like a helicopter. Although the heli would fit in with my Sentinel variants, the Tau thrusters are much more appealing to me. And, in the end, that is what it's all about.

So NOW I will recommit myself to only work on projects that I have already started...at least until my next late-night idea comes along...

The war goes on,
Hessler

Greatcoat Trenchers Finished!

Wow, I finally got this squad finished. I'm extremely happy with how they came out and I see this as the beginning of a long-term army project. I will do some Vickers-style heavy bolters and this might actually be the proper army for the GW version of the Leman Russ(maybe...). All of that, however, is far down the road. Here be some pics...

I will now move on to the task of going through all the incomplete builds and projects I have started but never finished. I will force myself to do this before I start one more new project.

Anyways, thanks for checking this out and please feel free to leave comments or criticisms.

The war goes on,
Hessler

Blessed Easter

I wish everyone out there a blessed Easter. No matter who you are, I pray that you will take a moment to contemplate the real meaning of this day.

Thanks for being a great community of bloggers, gamers, and nerds.

Cheers,
Hessler

The Greatcoat Mystery pt. 5

I've painted up one of the greatcoats just to test my color choices and I am happy with how it came out. Here is a pic...

Colors used are:

• Vallejo English Uniform
• Vallejo Khaki (webbing)
• Wargames Foundry Drab B (flak armor)
• Vallejo Black
• Vallejo Gunmetal
• Washes of Badab Black & Ogryn Flesh
  

It would appear that some of the colors have washed out thanks to my photo processing software. Overcast skies are not producing a great deal of sun right now so I had to make do with some lamps.

I do want to present these as dirty, muddy trenchers so highlighting will be minimal.

Anyways, thanks for looking and please leave me your comments and/or criticisms.

The war goes on,
Hessler

The Greatcoat Mystery pt. 4

Here is an update on my greatcoat squad. Not much to add here in terms of a comment. Some pics...

The sgt. head and weapons are from the Forge World Cadians w/respirators upgrade kit. Below are a few snaps to show the variations I got in the greatcoats.

That's it for now. Primer will be sprayed by tomorrow and I aim to get these painted over the weekend. C&C is welcomed.

The war goes on,
Hessler