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

A Call To All Painters...Flesh Tones

Lots of good ideas here...go to the comments and ad your input.

After the better than expected response to my last post, I have decided to pursue even more ancient knowledge by asking about flesh tones.

Here's your chance to contribute to an eternal database of painting formulas and techniques that will benefit generations to come.

What are your color choices?  Does one manufacturer have better flesh tones than another?  How many layers?  Washes?  Shading?  Highlights?  Eyes?  No eyes?  Do you know of any good resources on the web for painting skin?

The deeper question...do you use a technique or formula you consider to be unique?  

Let's have it...

Musings - Paint Before Glue?

Good tips here...check out the comments.  Feel free to add your own input, as well.

Just a question today, for all the hobbyists out there.  Many have often wondered if it might be easier, more economical, to paint components on the sprue before they are assembled.  Has anyone ever tried this?  What were the advantages?  The disadvantages?  Some are more obvious than others.

A deeper question...has anyone done this for more than just a squad, over the course of an entire army?

So let's have your input.  Leave your comments and let's attack this subject like the devoted Imperial subjects we are.

Radical Change

After looking at how my armor has turned out, I realize that I am really unhappy with the colors I have chosen for the infantry.  My veterans are coming along great but my basic troops are not happening for me so I have decided to start them over from scratch with a new look & paint scheme.  It's not as much of a loss as one would think...only a couple squads.  

Besides the colors, I am a little unhappy with the way the replacement heads from West Wind have turned out.  They aren't as detailed as GW heads and are a pain to paint properly.  I'm not knocking West Wind, in this case their heads just don't inspire me.

The mech rough riders are coming along but will be delayed a few days while I re-tool the paint a little. 

Also, I picked up a copy of the 3 DVD set called Hot Lead.  Most of you are probably familiar with this item but I have to sing it's praises.  If you are new to the hobby, buy it.  If you are a painting veteran, buy it.  It has great info for painters of all skill levels.  It's organized & indexed perfectly so beginners can go through each section while veteran painters can skip forward to the advanced parts.  Like many of you, I have danced around buying this set for over a year.  I always wondered, "What's the big deal?"  Now, I know...

That's all for now.  If you know of any cool resources that others might find useful, leave a comment and/or a link and I'll compile them into a database that people can access from this blog.

The war goes on,
Hessler

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