Born Again...

Hello, true believers.  I have climbed out of my pine box, broken through the topsoil, and clawed my way back to return to the blogosphere, a man with a mission.

Please excuse my 2 year absence, I've been busy running a minis company called Mad Robot Miniatures.  If you haven't checked it out...you should. 

With the new 40K IG codex releasing...and failing...I have rekindled the hobby flames and have started, in earnest, to jump back in with both feet.  I will be getting back to where I left off, doing conversions and one-offs and such.

Just spent a lovely evening putting together one of the new DaNamian Jungle Fighters kits by Mad Robot.  These will be releasing in about 3 weeks or so.

A small way of jumping back in but, worry not, I have 2 boxes of Scions and a Tauros that are just begging to be ripped apart and improved upon.

I hope you'll come back next time and rejoin me on this journey.


The war goes on,
Hessler

Drop Troops HQ

Switching gears from DKoK, I got caught up in my Elysian minis and went with them over the weekend.  I've decided to use these as the base of a small, mobile mercenary company that will utilize grav vehicles and involve some scratch building.

So, I've decided to start some test color schemes on my Elysian HQ to see which fits in best to my theme.  I started by prepping the main figures and priming them, followed by a basic flesh coat of Reaper Tanned Flesh:

Using a Cadian torso, I was able to squeeze a 6th figure into the mix and I began blocking in the colors of my first test scheme:

Anticipating some washes, I went with a Vallejo Pale Sand on the uniform and Vallejo Military Green on the armor.  My "go to" paint for boots and belts is usually Wargames Foundry Deep Leather and that's what I went with here.

I applied a wash of Citadel Black to the boots and armor and, wanting something warmer than straight brown, washed the uniform with Citadel Sepia. I also blocked in the visor with Citadel Foundation Orange.

Overall, I'm rather pleased with the way it's looking.  A bit generic perhaps but it stands as one of my color possibilities, nevertheless.

On to the next and I think I'll start working on a design for a grav skimmer/APC.  As always, comments and criticisms are welcomed.

The war goes on,

Hessler

DKoK Update 11/06

After a few weeks of procrastinating and trial and error, I finally finished a full test Krieg Guardsman from the HQ Squad.  I've decided to try and avoid using black on any figure I paint from now on, instead relying on various darker shades of grey and charcoal.  Just a personal choice but I find black to be unmanageable.  Once it's there, there's not much you can do to it or with it.

Here's a pic...

The picture's a little shadow heavy but I'll post better shots once the squad is complete.

As usual, C&C are welcomed.

The war goes on,
Hessler

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Workspace

I just got back from a great weekend in the country and I figured it might be a good time to snap a few pics of my hobby area before it gets completely trashed again.

This left side is used for all the assembly and tinkering...it's all tools and bits.

This side is my paint station.  The full spectrum lamp is my most recent purchase.  Thanks to Les at AwesomePaintJob.com for the tip.  I mostly use Vallejo and Wargames Foundry paints.  I like the WF paints because they are sold in triads...a base color, a shade, and a highlight.  The drawback is that they don't come in dropper bottles, which I absolutely love.  I think I will either gradually switch over to Reaper, as they offer the triad sets and come in the dropper, or transfer my Wargames Foundry paints to dropper bottles.  Either way...a daunting task, no doubt.

That's all for now.  Thanks for reading, I hope to have an actual hobby update for you in a few days.

The war goes on,
Hessler

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

Ragnarok Finished

I finished the Ragnarok today.  Paint color is Vallejo US Green, which is similar to Catachan Green.  I did some sponging with boltgun metal, I might try something darker next time, like a rust-brown.  I applied Tamiya weathering powder (soot) over the entire hull and then came back over with a dry brush of the green to blend it in.  I didn't find much room for stowage on this tank but I at least found space to hang a rolled up tarp.  The camo netting on the gun is made by Verlinden, it comes in a huge sheet and is pre-stained.  I applied it the same way most do, with some watered down white glue.  Here the pics...

I might still do some more detailing on the battle damage on both sides to make it stand out more.  Here's pick with the armor skirts removed, I'm partial to this look, I think...

That's it for now.  Up next are my mechanized rough riders.  C&C is always appreciated.

The war goes on,

Hessler

War Walker Painting (2)

I was finally able to put some camo on the war machine.  I stuck with the colors I used on previous tank but added in some brown for more interest.  On such a large model, everything has to be that much bigger to keep it looking good.  Anyways, here's a few snaps...

I tried to marry the colors better by using my airbrush to apply a wash of Badab Black.  The result was a little dark but I'm looking for a gritty, well-used look so it's not all that bad.  At this point I will give it a coat of gloss varnish and proceed with paint chipping and weathering.  I'm thinking the base will lend itself to something cool...possibly something involving water effects.

As for the Ragnarok, I will be applying a totally different color scheme to it and to the Panzer Russes.  I have decided that I want my tank squads to represent different looks so the Ragnaroks will get some Catachan green and heavy weathering.

That's all for now, C&C is always welcome.

The war goes on,

Hessler

War Walker Painting (1)

I finally found time to unpack my airbrush and compressor this afternoon.  I was able to throw a solid base coat of Vallejo German Grey (Air Color) on both the walker and my Ragnarok.  I will be taking a similar approach to the camo style as I did my last tanks, shown HERE.  No pics today, just a quick update to keep readers "in the know".

I have also decided to re-classify my "monster" as a war machine, as opposed to a Titan Knight.  I have been trying to read up on the fluff and background of the Knight Households and it just doesn't fit in with the theme of my army.  I will still apply the rules found in the BOLS "Lords of Battle", but I will be calling it a War Walker and treat it more like a precious gift from the Tech Priests of Mars.

Thanks for reading...more updates and pics are on their way.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Finalizing The Loose Ends

Well, after finishing the build and priming of a 5-man Rough Rider squad, I am finally caught up on all my unfinished builds. That means one thing...paint time. I will go back and work on the vehicles first, followed up by infantry.

The first painting project will be a big one...

I pulled my Titan-Knight out of the display case and it needs some touch up work (some rivets, some filing, etc.). Please pardon the dust, as well. I'll make good use of the airbrush for this monster and I will be adding banners to the undersides of the arms. I will be researching color schemes this afternoon and hopefully get some paint block out by tomorrow.

If anyone has suggestions for colors for the households, please let me know. To check how this build progressed, check the sidebar to the left under Started Projects.


1 Year Gone By...

I would like to thank everyone who subscribes and /or reads this blog. I have been at it for a year now and my love for this hobby has only increased. I set out to make this a place for people to get ideas and be inspired. Hopefully I have been able to spark someone's imagination to try something new or different. Rest assured you have inspired me. Thanks to everyone!

The war goes on,
Col. 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