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!