Winterdyne Commission Modelling

Death Company and Lemartes finished

2012-01-26T18:25:00.000Z

These were finished off today (but still need to be varnished); the blue glow added to the jump packs as a client request. I'm pretty happy with the results.

As ever you can click on any of the images for a larger view.

WIP Death Company and Lemartes

2012-01-25T12:59:00.002Z

Very little work remains on these; just the foliage on the bases and varnishing. The client's also requested OSL on the jump pack exhausts.
The black on these is achieved with the same method as the Black Templars terminators I did a while back - rough highlights, followed by glazing back. It's a quick technique that results in a fairly smooth look with less effort than a full-on blending method.
Conversions in the squad are mostly simple reposes and kitbashes between normal Space Marine Assault Marines and the Death Company box set.

As ever you can click on any of the images for a larger view.

Alpha Legion Scouts

2012-01-23T23:39:00.002Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

Lemartes WIP

2012-01-19T16:39:00.000Z

More work on the large Blood Angels commission I'm working on. Lemartes here is nearly done - a few bits of text to do, before the base foliage and varnish (which I'll do at the same time as the rest of the Death Company). The Death Company squad is also nearly done, so they'll be next up.

As ever, click the image for a larger view.

Alpha Legion Scouts first four complete

2012-01-10T18:34:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

Alpha Legion Contemptor Dreadnoughts

2012-01-08T22:19:00.001Z

Click images to enlarge:

Chris and George win (twice) in GW painting competition

2012-01-06T13:14:00.001Z

Chris and George scooped 2 prizes in the Dreadfleet painting competition run by Games Workshop. Here's a link to the official GW page.

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/blogPost.jsp?aId=19800031a

And here's some pics of the winning entries:

As ever, click the images for larger view. Big congrats to Chris and George.

Alpha Legion Pads

2011-12-15T20:26:00.002Z

Click Image to Enlarge:

Alpha Legion Contemptor 1

2011-12-15T20:25:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

Dreadfleet Set

2011-12-11T12:58:00.001Z

On Friday, Chris and George handed over some of the Dreadfleet set they're working on for me to photograph. The pieces shown are finished, but will be rephotographed with the complete set when it's all done. This is what we term extremely high end work, bordering on Competition grade, coming in at around £2500 for the complete set. As you can see though, the quality really is superb.

As ever you can click the images for larger views.

WIP Alpha Legion Pads

2011-12-11T12:39:00.002Z

Vindicare Assassin

2011-12-07T17:18:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

Urban Basing Kit Now Available

2011-12-07T10:58:00.003Z

Having been asked a few times about how I do my urban basing scheme, I've put together this kit, which you can now order through eBay (find us here: http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/winterdynecommissionmodelling) for £4.25, including postage. Currently I have stock of 'Spring Mix' static grass, but I will be offering a range of varieties, so if you want something different, just let me know. Generally the static grass is used very sparingly so a quite strong colour often works better than something too subtle. If it doesn't the usual technique is to knock it back with a wash or dusting of pigment powder.

The images below show models I've done with exactly the materials in this kit. As usual, click any of the images for a larger view.

Necron Deathmarks Done

2011-12-06T23:10:00.002Z

This squad is now done; a pretty fast job (around 15 hours' work I think) to raise quick cash for Christmas. Next up will definitely be the Blood Angels Death Company, which I should complete towards the end of next week.

Some of these bases were painted by my son Max (who's 7). Can you spot which?

WIP Blood Angels Death Company, Necron Deathmark

2011-12-01T18:24:00.002Z

Here's the Death Company test I've been working on based on the same techniques I picked up while working on the Black Templars. The basing's not complete yet (I'll do the whole squad and Lemartes as a batch) and will be done to match the recently completed Mephiston.

Here's a Necron Deathmark I'm working on as yet another very quick job to test some techniques and rake in some extra cash. Some minor tweaks to make to the OSL around the gun, and I may revisit it with a dash of silver to get some of the edges to pop on the metal body. In a change to my usual style the base is edged in brown (VMC Leather Brown). Black just didn't look right with the quite light, wasteland effect I hope I've got going here.

As ever you can click either of the images for a larger view.

Black Templars Terminator Assault Squad

2011-11-30T20:38:00.002Z

This squad is now basically done bar the varnish. I'm pretty happy with the black technique and I've found a nice fast way for doing parchment over black (Panzer Aces paints for the win!); two things that will help with the larger Blood Angels commission I'm working on. Each of these Terminators is converted in some way; either the addition of a subtle (or not) Templar insignia or just by some heavy battle damage. The bases are scratch built.

As ever you can click the image for a larger view. The next post I make will be covering the Death Company I've been working on alongside these.

Hordes Battle Scene - Trollbloods Vs Skorne (Individual Shots)

2011-11-23T19:36:00.001Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

Hordes Battle Scene - Trollbloods Vs Skorne (Scene Shots)

2011-11-23T18:45:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-23T13:37:00.000Z

Click Image to Enlarge:

I am still trying to work out if I like the plaque so it is only blu-tacked on currently.

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-20T17:52:00.000Z

Click Image to Enlarge:

I have made a good start on the display base and I think you can really see where it is going now.

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-14T17:41:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

There are still bits to finish on this guy but he is nearly there I reckon.

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-10T17:33:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

Mephiston Resculpt

2011-11-10T16:38:00.000Z

A last few tweaks, and Mephiston is, I think, done. Varnish still to go on, but that will be later, with the rest of the small army that he will be leading. I'm really quite pleased with how he's come out as a sculpt and I'm especially fond of the shelf fungus on the tree stump. I think I'll do those a lot more, they're really easy. This is a potential entry for GDUK2012. As ever, you can click on the images for larger views.

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update - Mock Up

2011-11-09T15:52:00.000Z

A quick mock up just to show how I envisage the scene.

WIP Mephiston Sculpt / Conversion (4)

2011-11-08T21:00:00.000Z

More progress on the Mephiston sculpt / conversion. I'm now fairly pleased with where this is going; the face is smoother, the freehand is progressing nicely and just needs a few tweaks to highlights and the OSL from the sword has come out nice and subtle. Click the images for larger views.

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-08T20:24:00.002Z

Bit more work done on this bug guy :)

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-07T18:47:00.000Z

My progress on the battle scene today, there is a lot of work to be done on this guy yet, but a good start I reckon!

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-06T23:21:00.000Z

Click Images to Enlarge:

WIP Hordes Battle Scene Update

2011-11-05T21:12:00.000Z

Grim Angus is pretty much done now, maybe the odd tweak here and there but I will get to that later on. I have made a start on Tyrant Xerxis, I hope to get him done in a few days time. I have assembled the two big guys for this battle scene too (a Titan Bronzeback and a, Earthborn Dire Troll).

Click Images to Enlarge:

WIP Hordes Battle Scene - Grim Angus

2011-10-30T19:49:00.000Z

I have had a really hectic week and a half, loads of visitors and stuff, but managed to make some good progress on Grim Angus here.

Click Images to Enlarge:

WIP Hordes Battle Scene - Grim Angus

2011-10-21T21:48:00.000+01:00

This model will be part of a battle scene involving 3 other models, 2 Trollbloods and 2 Skorne.

Click Images to Enlarge:

I am trying to achieve a worn leather texture on the coat. I am quite pleased with the black on the shoes and also the way his trousers are looking.

Khador Man-O-War Shock Troopers - Slightly Modified

2011-10-21T15:31:00.000+01:00

Click Image to Enlarge:

WIP Mephiston Sculpt / Conversion (3)

2011-10-19T15:04:00.002+01:00

The Mephiston sculpt is now pretty much done and ready for primer. I'm fairly pleased with how this has come out, once it's painted up and based it should be pretty good. The paintwork will be to competition level. You can click the image for a larger view.

Khador Man-O-War Shock Troopers

2011-10-16T18:25:00.002+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

WIP Mephiston Sculpt / Conversion (2)

2011-10-15T08:57:00.004+01:00

More progress on the Mephiston sculpt. The skull shoulder pad is from the same Astorath I used the wings from for the Sanguinary Phalanx commission a while back, dremelled out to fit on the plastic Chaos Marine arms I used. The cloak's not finished yet; I still need to finishing skimming over the cardboard and plasticard form. Maybe another day, perhaps a day and a half to finish it off. Click the images for larger views.

WIP Mephiston Sculpt / Conversion

2011-10-13T17:52:00.004+01:00

One of the HQ choices for the small Blood Angels army I'm building for a regular client. The client likes the existing Mephiston sculpt, but we both agree it's a little small and not very dynamic. This WIP of the sculpt shows the new pose I've gone for with this sculpt. The psychic hood is a little smaller and I feel less awkward looking, and I've added a little more motion to the piece. I was hoping to keep it to a 25mm base, but the stump is a little large. At least it'll balance this way. The overcoat will be longer and more billowing than the GW version of this figure. The only original Mephiston part is his sword. Click the image for a larger view.

Khador Man-O-War Shock Troopers WIP - Tom

2011-10-08T12:32:00.000+01:00

Here is the first of 5Khador Man-O-War Shock Troopers. They are being painted to a high end gaming standard. I am painting this guy a few steps ahead of the other 4 just to kind of work things out. I just need to refine the metals a bit and sort out his base and then I think he will be done. I will get pics of the other ones up once they the same level as this guy then I will refine details and finish the basing off.

Click Images to Enlarge:

Chris Straw Joins WCM - Showcase

2011-10-04T13:51:00.007+01:00

I'm very pleased to introduce Chris Straw to our clients and blog followers. Chris is available for painting and sculpting commissions, and has previously done work for both Mantic Games and Games Workshop. Some rather nice examples of his work are shown here. As ever, you can click the images for larger views.

Chris is interested in a varied workload, aimed at higher end tabletop and above. This falls in line with our standard services, perhaps with a few additional characters to test him.

Ork Flash Git with Targeting Squig Golden Demon UK 2011 Finalist

2011-10-03T19:16:00.000+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

Grimgor Ironhide Golden Demon UK 2011 Finalist

2011-10-03T19:03:00.000+01:00

First cut at GD UK 2011 in Open.

Click images to enlarge:

Made the first cut in GD UK 2011 in Open Category.

Death Korps of Krieg Death Rider

2011-10-03T19:01:00.000+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

Nurgle Lord Games Day UK 2011 Finalist

2011-10-03T18:59:00.000+01:00

First cut at GD UK 2011 in WFB Single.

Click Images to Enlarge:

WIP Blood Angels Army

2011-09-27T16:32:00.004+01:00

Unsually, pic under text this time, as it's rather large and difficult to reformat.

Andy Dean (AKA Orki) recently sent in this shot of the Blood Angels army he's been working on. Shaping up extremely well, now we wait for client feedback.

Slann Mage Priest on Stegadon - GDUK2011 Finalist

2011-09-25T18:35:00.002+01:00

... and this morning, finished. Damn close to the wire.

A close 4th place I think (as in there was this, and the three placed winners on the table at the end), coupled with a heart-stopping moment as Darren Latham fumbled the piece (possibly as a result of it not being secured to the plinth) and snapped the skink priest off. Nothing not fixable within 2 minutes of getting home. 2 pins for me this year, the other being the Mordheim Freelancer. As ever, click the images for a larger view.

WIP Slann Mage Priest on Stegadon (3)

2011-09-14T22:21:00.004+01:00

More work on the Stegadon. The face is starting to come along, some tweaks still to make, but definitely getting there. Pretty sure I'll add some drool once the piece is varnished - that tongue needs to be wet!

The horns seem to take forever to paint, but I'm pretty pleased with how they've come out - some black wash to add right at the join, and some blacklining to do on the cracked skin around them. I'll probably add a lot of scarring on the pale underside - I want the beastie to look like it's been ploughing through the jungle. There'll be a heck of a lot of brass etch on the base too. If I get time I may add a couple of the skink archers that came with the Stegadon as escorts.

Click the images for larger views.

WIP Slann Mage Priest on Stegadon (2)

2011-09-12T23:03:00.003+01:00

More work on the Stegadon. Finished off the scales with top highlights of Rotting Flesh. Painted up the mouth, eyes and blocked on the horns and plates. A lot more work to do on the general skin, highlighting everything up. I reckon another couple of days on the beastie itself, not including the metallic gold work. I'm waiting on some Liquid Gold (Vallejo) to try out on it. Click the images for larger views.

WIP Slann Mage Priest on Stegadon

2011-09-08T21:30:00.003+01:00

In an effort to get more varied pieces done for Golden Demon UK this year, I've shuffled some of my queue for a particular client around, bringing this lovely Stegadon to the painting table. He's to have a Slann Mage Priest riding on him (big fat metal frog!). The throne from the Mage Priest kit actually fits pretty well on the howdah, so the conversion was mostly just making new palm leaves for the frog to sit on. It took a day to build and prime, and this is the result of day two. I'm hoping to have the piece finished in around 8 days work, which may give me time to do some High Elves too. As ever, click the images for a larger view.

Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter)

2011-09-05T19:54:00.004+01:00

The techmarine is now done. As ever you can click the images for a larger view. The colour scheme and some design points on this were discussed heavily with the client; most notably the omission of any Imperial markings, as the army is sometimes used as a renegade (Chaos Marine) army.

WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter) 4

2011-08-31T19:26:00.003+01:00

More work on the Master of the Forge. Quite pleased with how this is going. Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter) 3

2011-08-26T15:25:00.003+01:00

Whilst I wait for a paint delivery from Maelstom Games (slow service!) I've worked up the attendant Servo Skulls. Pretty pleased with how these have come out. I think in future I'll scratch build more of these, they were fun. These photos are pre-varnish, but there's nothing else to do to them really. It may be that a little dead desert foliage is added to the bases, but that's something I need to talk to the client about. As ever, you can click the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Complete

2011-08-25T15:25:00.003+01:00

Shot some primer at Tom's Alpharius build. I think he's now done. Hopefully the client will send us some nice pics when he's painted up. Click the images for larger views.

WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter) 2

2011-08-25T13:20:00.002+01:00

A quick shot of the Master of the Forge and his attendant servo skulls, before I put the primer on. John is responsible for the MotF, and I did the servo skulls. Pretty happy with how they've come out. I'm still waiting on some VMA paints to get cracking on this properly, hopefully they'll arrive in the next day or so. Click the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Collar Fix

2011-08-24T19:42:00.004+01:00

The client for this piece decided he would like the gorget / collar built on. As Tom's still in Denmark, I took the opportunity to build it on. Click the image for a larger view.

Finecast Emperor's Champion - Golden Demon 2011 Contender? Done?

2011-08-22T22:59:00.003+01:00

Starting to feel this guy is done. As ever, click on the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Sword Fix by Maz

2011-08-22T12:03:00.003+01:00

Ok, I've had a chance to fix the sword on this chap. Looks a bit scrappy with just an ink wash on it, but painted it should come up fine I think. It may be that we add a gorget around the neck. As ever, click on the images for a larger view.

Finecast Emperor's Champion - Golden Demon 2011 Contender?

2011-08-17T19:37:00.004+01:00

This guy's pretty much finished now. I've asked the client if he's OK with me putting it through GDUK2011, which obviously puts a delay on delivery. He is, so there may well be a few tweaks to really get this guy to shine. Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Finecast Emperor's Champion (1)

2011-08-16T22:24:00.004+01:00

The Finecast Emperor's Champion I'm working on is coming along quite nicely. The base is textured with plasticard and a spare icon from a drop pod kit. The sword, which I broke off the hand trying to straighten (and had to pin back to the hilt) does keep warping, but this is the only problem with the model. Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Vermin Lord (4)

2011-08-11T11:34:00.004+01:00

Mark's work on the Verminlord continues. Mark explains:

'The verminlord is starting to get close to being finished. The major sections are now done, With just some final texturing to do on the head, a little more fur on the neck and a couple more spikes to add onto the glaive's counterweight.

He's also missing a finger and there are a few sigil shaped scars to put on his body, and then it's onto the base. Because of his impressive size, I've included a close up of the head so the details can be seen.'

As ever you can click on the images for a larger view.

Sanguinary Phalanx HQ

2011-08-10T22:35:00.004+01:00

The sanguinary phalanx commission is finally done. I'm fairly pleased with how the candy-coat effect has come out, especially when contrasted against the flat wings and banner. Some subtle OSL on the plasma pistols has also worked well (I don't often use Hawk Turquoise, but it's really a nice paint!). Base rims have been knocked back to matt as the gloss was a bit much I think.

As usual, click the images for a larger view.

Alpharius Update 0/08/2011

2011-08-09T22:13:00.000+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

Added trims to shoulder pads.

Citadel Finecast Captain Stern Review Plog (3)

2011-08-08T21:34:00.004+01:00

The 'Finecast' Captain Stern is about done. I'm fairly pleased with how this has turned out paintwork wise, although constantly spotting new flaws (like a stud of resin on his nose, numerous bubbles that I missed previously on the cloak) is a bit of a shame.

As ever, you can click the image for a larger view.

So, how do I feel about 'Finecast' now this model's done?

Well, I think my original review is pretty much on the mark. The material itself is alright - it's nice to paint on, flexible, lightweight and superglues pretty well. It is delicate (I broke the sword on a Finecast Emperor's Champion I'm working on) compared to metal. The primary advantage of the material is the light weight. It's working qualities are appalling for abrasion, but it cuts very (perhaps too) easily.

For those thinking of buying a Finecast miniature, be aware the miscast / horror stories still flood in at about the same rate. Definitely still a buyer beware product. I'd advise buying in person, and checking your purchase in the store, getting a replacement or refund on the spot if you're not happy. There's nothing worse than a journey home in excitement to have it dashed when you open the packaging.

Some retailers are now reporting that they're receiving models both on and off sprue, indicating that perhaps the best parts are now being picked and packed rather than whole sprues from the casting machine. This may indicate an upturn in QA, but is I think probably going to come with another price hike to cover the additional labour.

Alpharius WIP update 04/08/2011

2011-08-04T21:22:00.000+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

I have added a skull to the left shin guard which I sculpted earlier today. It is only lightly tacked in place currently as I am working on it's positioning.

Here is the right shoulder pad. The grey Procreate looks less sharp in the photos than Greenstuff for some reason.

One of my many attempts at inscribing text on the sword, this being my best result thus far. I have used a little bit of ink to show where the lettering is. The is "Secrets and Lies" in latin reading Arcana et Deceptii.

Thanks,

Tom

Alpharius update

2011-07-28T20:30:00.001+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

I'm still not sure what to add on his left shin guard any suggestions would be great.

WIP Vermin Lord (3)

2011-07-26T21:13:00.003+01:00

Mark's made more progress on this beast:

'The head has undergone some big changes from last time. The horns have been improved (they're now about 1.5 inches long!) and a second set will be made and fitted just in front of the point where the lower jaw attaches. The jaw itself has been bulked out and textured, needing only a little more chin fur and the odd patch here and there to be finished.The fur on the back will be run up onto the head, which will blend the lower jaw and head into the original model much more smoothly.

The weapon is more glaive than spear, the blade will be reshaped after it's bulked to give a warpstone effect, and a spiked counterweight will go on the other end. I'm planning to attach some chain to the weight that loops down and over the hand, clipping onto the wristband.'

As ever, click the image for a larger view.

Citadel Finecast Captain Stern Review Plog WIP (2)

2011-07-21T17:51:00.003+01:00

So I've worked a bit more on the Finecast Captain Stern. I actually got through no less than 3 replacements being sent out to me (which if you count the rejected models at the store makes 9!) before I gave up on getting a decent mini. I eventually got a refund which I spent on a Finecast Emperor's Champion which is OK. Not superb, as there are a couple of tiny bubbles and the sword was a pain to straighten. Finecast is certainly a hit and miss range, in my opinion. I'll stand by the points made in my original review. In the not-too-distant future, I'll post up the Champion as it's being done for a commission.

The model above is the review model. A zenithal airbrush job on the armour (from black / VMC Gunmetal to Vallejo Model Air Silver), shaded with black and blue washes and then highlighted with pure VMA Silver. The blade is half-masked and airbrushed over white with GW hawk turquoise and then VMC black. To speed the process I thinned with Tamiya thinner rather than water.

As ever, you can click the image for a larger view.

WIP Sanguinary Phalanx Honour Guard (5)

2011-07-21T16:20:00.004+01:00

More progress on this commission, with the Apothecary (Sanguinary Novitiate) now complete. I'm fairly pleased with this- in particular the differing feels of the high-gloss next to the flat white for the armour. Next up will be another spear and shield marine. As ever, you can click the image for a larger view.

Alpharius WIP

2011-07-21T09:03:00.000+01:00

I have made a start on the Alpharius job. First off I am really liking John's resin kit, so hats off to him! There is still a lot of work to be done on him but I thought I would show him in his early stages. I scavenged the bolter of my limited edition Forgeworld open day Boarding Marine, removing it's under-slung melta. I have ordered a Forgeworld back pack from one of the pre heresy kits for this guy as I thought a normal plastic one would look out of place.

I tacked this sword arm in place to give an idea of the overall pose I am going for here. For his second shoulder pad I am thinking about sculpting "A" symbol (same as on chest). I am still trying to work out what can go on his left shin... Some feedback would be great.

Thanks,

Tom

WIP Master of the Forge (Pandora Chapter)

2011-07-14T16:56:00.005+01:00

John converted up this Master of the Forge for a custom paint job which I (Maz) will do. The bulk of the model is based on a selection of simple resin parts that John cast himself to act as blanks for building detail on, with the servo pack and various other pieces coming from GW techmarines and a plastic Marine arm. The specification agreed with the client was to bulk up the miniature so it can act as a centrepiece, while keeping details close to the illustration in Codex: Space Marines.

Click on the image for a larger view.

WIP Vermin Lord (2)

2011-07-14T16:48:00.005+01:00

More progress on Mark's custom Vermin Lord.

'The jaws are beginning to take shape now. The lower jaw will be removable to allow easier painting, so I'm taking care to fit it to the head in a way that hides any joins. A lot of the back fur is now sorted out, Which will allow me to work the fur onto the head and finalise all the details around the face. One of the horns still needs a little work, as the ridges aren't finished up, but The shape of the whole assembly can be seen.

He's certainly a dominating model, and the design of his spear (in the hand that's not attached) will have to reflect the hulking brute that he is!'

As ever, you can click either of the images for a larger view.

WIP Sanguinary Phalanx Honour Guard (4)

2011-07-13T19:09:00.003+01:00

First of the honour guard pretty much finished. I've dropped the spearhead back to a black granite material, as it makes for a nice point of contrast. Gloss on the candy coat seems to have worked well, although it's the devil itself to take a good photo of. I may go back to add text to the reverse side of the purity seal ribbons on the spear, as they cross over a few times.

WIP Sanguinary Phalanx Honour Guard (3)

2011-07-13T08:09:00.002+01:00

The first test model in the honour guard, nearly done. Each shield will have unique heraldry on it. The armour will be brought up with a high gloss finish to complete the candy-coat effect (which should also make the contrast a bit higher). Click the image for a larger view.

WIP Sanguinary Phalanx Honour Guard (2)

2011-07-06T13:59:00.002+01:00

Conversion work on this squad is pretty much done. Fairly pleased with how these have come out. Later tonight I'll put the basing material on, ready for priming and the first licks of paint tomorrow. As ever, click the image for a larger view.

Leman Russ Primarch of the Space Wolves

2011-07-05T08:35:00.002+01:00

Here is a private commission of mine, which I thought I'd show off here. It is a heavily converted Leman Russ (Primarch of the Space Wolves) based on the Inquisitor scale Artemis miniature.

You can see him WIP here.

Click Images to enlarge:

Thanks,

Tom

WIP Sanguinary Phalanx Honour Guard (1)

2011-06-28T23:29:00.003+01:00

As followers of the various forum threads I put up about the place will know, the commission I'm working on also consists of an honour guard. The two images above show the Blood Champion (the combat shield allows him to keep his plasma pistol) and the Sanguinary Novitiate (apothecary). I still need to finish off the spear for the Novitiate. The honour guard will be wearing candy-coat red armour, trimmed with gold (so deep red glazes over a high-shine silver) which should be a lot of fun to paint. To contrast, the power lances / spears are likely to be in a more standard blue or turquoise colour.

Elysian Army Finished!!!

2011-06-22T21:14:00.003+01:00

Click Images to Enlarge:

Here is a shot of the whole army

Here is a turntable video of one of the venators.

Thanks to Maz for the documentation!

Tom

WIP Vermin Lord

2011-06-21T21:51:00.003+01:00

For a while now, Mark's been busy putting together a conversion for the same client that commissioned the Grey Seer Skrittar. The client requested we work around the model shown. I've compiled both of Mark's WIP updates into this single post as I forgot to update this earlier (Bad Maz!).

Mark explains the first update, shown above:

'Based of the JMD miniatures Demon model, the verminlord is a big beast (that's a 50mm base under him), but it's amazing how different the model looks once the tail is swapped for a rats and the fur is added. He's waiting for his right hand to be rebuilt round his glaive and his head to be built at the moment, but the fur is steadily progressing up his back. I see him almost as a grey seer who's overdosed badly on warpstone, bulked up and mutated. The head is therefore going to be a mix of rat and demon, with warpstone veins and areas the muscle and bone show through on it.'

Mark's Second update sees the head starting to take shape:

'The verminlord's head is beginning to take shape. Each tooth has been individually fitted to give him a vicious bite, and the mutations can be seen around his eyes. The warpstone veins are still to be added, along with the fur and other details, as the head gets fleshed out more and more. The lower jaw is currently just a placeholder, but it will be heavily muscled and furred as well as mutated a bit. There's also a large pair of double horns to go onto the head which will allow me to sculpt the neck in.'

As ever you can click either of the images for a larger view.

Venator 3

2011-06-19T10:50:00.000+01:00

Click images to enlarge:

A group shot.

Venator 2

2011-06-19T10:39:00.000+01:00

Click images to enlarge:

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master Turntable Video

2011-06-18T10:31:00.003+01:00

I was asked on Dakkadakka to do a turntable video of the Chapter Master. This is the 2nd updated video.

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master Done

2011-06-17T14:00:00.003+01:00

All done and varnished. Pretty pleased with how this chap's turned out. The accompanying command squad are next on the to-do list. Click the images for larger views as usual.

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master WIP (6)

2011-06-14T23:29:00.005+01:00

A bit more work done on the Chapter Master. The face still needs a bit of work, and I may push the OSL from the sword on the armour a bit more. OSL is very tricky over the metallics. Click the image to enlarge it, as usual.

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master WIP (5)

2011-06-11T08:02:00.003+01:00

More progress done on this chap. The gold is very nearly done, with just the right wing to finish off before a few glazes here and there to richen the colour a bit. The feathers for the wings and silver / chrome will be next up.

First Venator nearly done

2011-06-05T22:29:00.000+01:00

I have nearly finished one Venator, there are just one or two minor adjustments to be made. Maz suggested a longer ariel earlier on today and also a lighter shade on the sandy areas. This is my first attempt at weathering and I am pretty pleased with it! I was going for a sort of Mad Max sad-beaten look :) Slightly inspired by this one by Jarhead:http://www.coolminiornot.com/271608

Click images to enlarge:

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master WIP (4)

2011-06-04T13:06:00.002+01:00

Further progress with the Sky-Earth metallics. Fairly pleased with how this is going, but still some ways to go. Click the image for a larger view, as per usual.

More Finecast Fun...

2011-06-03T17:50:00.003+01:00

It's probably wise to draw our readers attention to this. I make no apologies for the language used in the linked blog post, I'd swear too under those circumstances. I guess this particularly affects those of us in warm countries, although it's been hitting 30 Celcius in the conservatory where I work.

http://thefrontlinegamer.blogspot.com/2011/06/dont-leave-finecast-in-sun.html

On a secondary note, I received a replacement Captain Stern this morning. Also miscast with bubbles knocking off the corner of the cloak, heels and top portion of the bolter. Warping / mould slippage is less noticeable, though the lens on the armour is still off-circular, and will need resculpting. Nice one, GW. I've asked for another replacement. At this rate I will have a half-dozen Sterns, all of which needing varying amounts of work.

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master WIP (3)

2011-06-02T13:41:00.003+01:00

More progress on this chap. The gold will be brought up with the SETMM technique as used on the shield and the feathers on the wings will be up to white (same as the main shield colour). Not quite sure what colour to do the power sword yet, probably a gradient blue, similar to Lorenzo's on the Space Hulk commission I did, with OSL working onto the metal and face.

As ever, click the image for a larger view.

Elysian Troops finished!

2011-06-01T13:50:00.002+01:00

Click image to enlarge:

Here is a snap of all of the troops with decals in place and varnished!
I will get some new shots of the individual units too soon.

I will get a picture of the WIP Venators if a get a chance later on :)

Tom

Citadel Finecast Captain Stern Review Plog WIP (1)

2011-05-30T00:50:00.003+01:00

The fixes I've done so far. Probably will be more surfacing to do once it's primed.

Citadel Finecast Captain Stern Review

2011-05-28T15:49:00.011+01:00

So today I wandered down to Warhammer World to pick up a Captain Stern to finish my little Grey Knights force (all metal, except Stern, who I forgot to buy back in the day). It has to be said, I expected QA issues, and I wasn't disappointed.

The clear back of packaging on the blisters/clamshells is essential. It took FIVE packs (this being the sixth) before I found a model that didn't have either pieces of torn mould material caught in places, air bubbles or vents obscuring detail, or other fairly obvious casting flaws. I wanted to review the best of the bunch. This is it.

As ever, click any of the images for a larger view.

LABELLED FLAWS:

MAJOR / HARD FIXES (RED CIRCLES):

I would not expect ANY flaws of this type on a professionally produced and QA'd miniature.

1) Warping of parts requiring resculpt or putty work. The face needed a tweak to the nose, and the lens on the armour was so far off circular, it had to be remade.

2) Large bubbles requiring resculpting work. Particularly the bottom of the feet, and corner of the cloak. Some of these are actually quite tricky to spot without having the model off the sprue.

MINOR / EASY FIXES (GREEN CIRCLES):

I would expect to see one or two of these on a decent quality miniature. By comparison, Forgeworld casts I've worked on usually have three or four instances.

1) Vent points obscuring detail. Sometimes this is unavoidable in casting. Here, one of the lugs on the chest reliquary had a vent that obscured the groove around it.

2) Minor surface bubbles. Fairly common in resin casts, and best fixed with a surfacing putty. Finecast has issues with these (more than a harder polyurethane resin) as it doesn't particularly like being sanded, so any repair has to be surfaced OVER the finecast, or it can remain visible once paint goes on. Vallejo's plastic putty is great.

3) Minor bubbles / voids that require a sculpting putty fix. Break out the greenstuff. I really wouldn't expect to see these slip past QA unless they're really easy to fix, and then perhaps only one. In these cases the heels needed building up and surfacing.

POSITIVES:

VERY COOL - Crisp detail. Soft mould material lets fine surface detail get cast nicely.

VERY COOL - Easy carve material. Very much similar to set greenstuff in consistency. Similar behaviour from first tests.

COOL - Thermally responsive. Hot water and cold (ice) water can be used to soften and set the resin to correct bends and (within limits) heat stretch / straighten. Too hot and it gets very soft very quickly - a few seconds is all it needs.

MEH - Superglue absorbent. It's slightly porous and does indeed superglue very well. As it's lightweight the joints are self supporting pretty quick without the need to pin or use a CA catalyst.

I've categorised the flaws I see as red or green - red being tricky to fix (and best taken as impossible / best not attempted for a young'un), and green being easy enough in my opinion.

NEGATIVES:

UNBELIEVABLY, SHOCKINGLY DOUBLEPLUSVERY BAD - Disgusting QA. It took 6 packs to get this model, which was the least affected of the bunch. Several of the rejected models actually had mould material stuck to them. - You'll notice it as it's bright pink. And this is from Warhammer World. This is singularly the most major problem, and it's the primary negative in my opinion. All the easy gluing in the world won't save me time if I have to resculpt parts of EVERY. SINGLE. MINIATURE. From a 'pro painter's' standpoint, this alone is enough for me to recommend other companies' products in preference.

VERY BAD - Price. £14.50. NOT WORTH IT! For damn near 15 quid, I'd expect a much better production. I reckon this miniature is actually worth about £7.50, tops. Again, that's for the best out of 6 packs, taking the work involved in fixing it into account.

BAD - Vent points obscure detail in places. Again, requiring careful knife work to fix. Presumably due to the soft mould material.

BAD - Air trapped in the mould and or Warping leads to filling / sculpting work that whilst easy, shouldn't need to be done.

MEH - Flash present in odd places. Flash at the top of the cape needs to be carefully removed. Not really sure why it's there in the first place.

MEH - Some parts snapped off the sprue - No damage in this case, but easy to see where it could have happened. A simple piece of sponge in the pack would probably help that.

VERY BAD - Mould warping / air trapping is present in areas that are impossible to fix without resculpting part of the model.

BAD - Air bubbles in some places require reasonable-to-good sculpting and surfacing skills to fix - in particular, here the corner of the cloak on the left side is missing. A surfacing putty (eg Vallejo Plastic Putty) is essential to smooth things in - the Finecast material does not like being sanded with anything other than a feather touch.

Overall score: 4/10. Potentially a nice change, but the QA really needs to be stepped up a LOT for the price to be worthwhile. For the time being I'll advise clients against mail / internet ordering (as I do for Forgeworld stuff), and instead offer to go pick it up in store for them so the quality can be checked. By someone who cares.

My first Finecast model was... disappointing.

Elysians: More decals done

2011-05-28T13:43:00.000+01:00

20 more Elysians with decals, so that's 35 fully done so far. I have made some progress on the Venators. My girlfriend's mum is visiting for the weekend so I am not sure how much I can get done then, but I think I should have the whole army finished in a week (excluding the weekend), I am REALLY excited to get an army shot up!

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master WIP (2)

2011-05-28T08:56:00.004+01:00

More progress on the chapter master, following the completion of the greenstuff work - gap filling, a strap on the shield, icon on the shoulder. What you see brown will be worked up in metallics to a high-reflectivity gold as on the shield rim. As usual, click the image for a larger version.

Venators Built

2011-05-26T09:52:00.000+01:00

Venators built and ready for priming!

Sanguinary Phalanx Chapter Master WIP (1)

2011-05-24T18:35:00.003+01:00

The lastest commission I'm working on has a winged Dante analog for a chapter master, equipped with a sword instead of the axe, and having Astorath's wings by client request. Pretty pleased with how this is going so far - some details to add here and there. You'll notice some metal brackets on the base, these are there to counterweight the wings and will be covered in rubble once the piece is done.
As usual, click on the image for a larger view.

Non-EU client notification - business as usual.

2011-05-24T11:34:00.004+01:00

Just a quick snippet really - as we are not a trade account holder with GW we're free to order miniatures used for commissions from any of the UK discount retailers such as Wayland and Maelstrom, and pass on those savings to our clients. In some situations the saving from doing this can now be substantial.

Our one caveat is that we must do a commission based on at least one of the miniatures that we order on your behalf. You can of course order more, (paying in advance for them) and we'll post them along with your commissioned piece.

Elysian Updated 23/05/2011

2011-05-23T21:09:00.000+01:00

I have put decals on 15 elysians today, within this process the models were varnished.

Click Images to enlarge:

Blood Bowl Team 23/05/2011

2011-05-23T20:05:00.001+01:00

Click Images to enlarge

Here is a CMON link: http://www.coolminiornot.com/279116

Bloodbowl Vampire Update

2011-05-23T14:30:00.000+01:00

Click Image to Enlarge

I have painted the lining of the collar red to add contrast to the hair. I think he is done now.

Elysian Update - troops done

2011-05-23T14:09:00.000+01:00

Click Image to Enlarge

These are the last five elysian troops. I need to do all the transfers next! I have started on building a second venator, I will paint all three at the same time.

Tom Update

2011-05-21T23:32:00.000+01:00

I shall have all my uni work handed in tomorrow so after that I should be back to painting full steam again.. or even more! I should have an update on the vampire tomorrow, I painted his collar lining red to match the lining of the cape and to give some contrast to his hair. I have now painted all of the Elysian troops (I shall get an army shot of them soon!), I hope to get them all transferred and varnished next week as well as build the other 2 venators.

Tom