tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39379174806327197142024-03-13T10:06:42.165+00:00Worlds in MiniatureMy journeys in wargaming, painting miniatures and making scenery for the worlds and milieus my little models inhabit.Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-90449433952030815692024-02-15T16:06:00.002+00:002024-02-15T16:06:13.009+00:00Sylvaneth Spite Revenats<p> I had a lot of fun painting these gorgeous models from Games Workshop's Sylvaneth line for Age of Sigmar. So I thought I'd give you a quick look at some in progress shots to let you see how \I went about painting them...</p><p>First up, my usual Vallejo Black Grey undercoat. And yes, I apply this with an old brush. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi753KUEMCfhbXE5qE6IwU4GSAZrdjW4nGaLZdXbzvp1jARM0VViJT4GXUWFktOdlHboQ0Wt-gg1a8jz9y9G6laYBBOE4YrrqbrzrMSYVdWsyF0OK3J8MLKZHqcv8Rd2_JuM7AvP9xWWr8WpcuFQRIW1Bhwt0qTRsOvyIyBB-agBVIhx6A6EItSwNEA2M/s2000/50eea675-f404-4918-adf0-bea909793f07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="2000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi753KUEMCfhbXE5qE6IwU4GSAZrdjW4nGaLZdXbzvp1jARM0VViJT4GXUWFktOdlHboQ0Wt-gg1a8jz9y9G6laYBBOE4YrrqbrzrMSYVdWsyF0OK3J8MLKZHqcv8Rd2_JuM7AvP9xWWr8WpcuFQRIW1Bhwt0qTRsOvyIyBB-agBVIhx6A6EItSwNEA2M/w640-h312/50eea675-f404-4918-adf0-bea909793f07.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then apply a dark brown for the bark. Honestly, you're going to need to squint if you're going to notice the difference in this next photo, but it is there, honest!</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybgf1sB5wIuURe4CxhlmG1cFF2GJFoyxsuj3xI1YuVtSuDTiZSQogRL36fn2YZuqBds53tlUp_VjCwJcUKTGJVTxOryR0v_JtGL7r9q8wO2KtFoImYMOxqAegoywQCJfuuUO8DWNI51B5gsDhMenueeYmLoMxVsAyzCTbaLWxS3ZmSxLrYXI6S335_g0/s2000/81a3d31d-3751-428e-b2eb-cd5037192956.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="2000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybgf1sB5wIuURe4CxhlmG1cFF2GJFoyxsuj3xI1YuVtSuDTiZSQogRL36fn2YZuqBds53tlUp_VjCwJcUKTGJVTxOryR0v_JtGL7r9q8wO2KtFoImYMOxqAegoywQCJfuuUO8DWNI51B5gsDhMenueeYmLoMxVsAyzCTbaLWxS3ZmSxLrYXI6S335_g0/w640-h312/81a3d31d-3751-428e-b2eb-cd5037192956.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I then begin adding successively lighter tones to the wood as you can see in this next photo...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kzjV0xPBErpbCf9UCeAqPfi1syGBwZd9tiZC6rFZfmtuf4bvTdVMiiTBGEYiVoIulLmi0Krmn9t8-GkaiHMl6qhy9ToUov5XjXQFepjWNb9caxTVmWN5Q_O7T-XYTXPjCc8NsfrOxWA_TQCTNqIBk_NJ7GpcmUaZDcEWguG8b4pDEEZoNwav57WM9bw/s2000/17b136c0-4549-445d-872e-dc0098e6ec66.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="2000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kzjV0xPBErpbCf9UCeAqPfi1syGBwZd9tiZC6rFZfmtuf4bvTdVMiiTBGEYiVoIulLmi0Krmn9t8-GkaiHMl6qhy9ToUov5XjXQFepjWNb9caxTVmWN5Q_O7T-XYTXPjCc8NsfrOxWA_TQCTNqIBk_NJ7GpcmUaZDcEWguG8b4pDEEZoNwav57WM9bw/w640-h312/17b136c0-4549-445d-872e-dc0098e6ec66.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then it's time to add some colour to the branches for some variation.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHI96jqO8DlxWDmd52YH19isgmhFOtMfKPJHIwKwxGU0mk42X5T8WlvOi5Akh63jxa8Hx5MUpr8j0cAzF8x3_maYwwz33nlRipp3XJDNyFbdMESYAaS2DFsLRTT0pF4XGoyhs9fBssDcgeX0wm-ZGLiotfrYL5z5crzoHEscx5mQsnEYdv5e1QMpHHYg/s2000/efa05e5e-5bf8-4d9c-87bd-5ee48f5b87bd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="2000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHI96jqO8DlxWDmd52YH19isgmhFOtMfKPJHIwKwxGU0mk42X5T8WlvOi5Akh63jxa8Hx5MUpr8j0cAzF8x3_maYwwz33nlRipp3XJDNyFbdMESYAaS2DFsLRTT0pF4XGoyhs9fBssDcgeX0wm-ZGLiotfrYL5z5crzoHEscx5mQsnEYdv5e1QMpHHYg/w640-h312/efa05e5e-5bf8-4d9c-87bd-5ee48f5b87bd.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Work then begins on the flesh tones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh5rsXuk-zP2WyDn5dSudW0a4pLxfIpQNnQkZCDfGjXwsytNXxUWmCi3XTyvoDaeC1IV2bsLABPqcEQhzu4Po4FpyyIZDFcKDfiwvWkJhPqzZW0RHv_iGwsj0RkQNi-yp62Z2wfW1gQQXCg0Pe60rQ_xyhEEi7SiYqLIcl25yXhSu5VCJyj1bo1NDJEg/s2000/a9b1daea-bf24-4959-a7b1-3aeaa2b2f69e.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="2000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh5rsXuk-zP2WyDn5dSudW0a4pLxfIpQNnQkZCDfGjXwsytNXxUWmCi3XTyvoDaeC1IV2bsLABPqcEQhzu4Po4FpyyIZDFcKDfiwvWkJhPqzZW0RHv_iGwsj0RkQNi-yp62Z2wfW1gQQXCg0Pe60rQ_xyhEEi7SiYqLIcl25yXhSu5VCJyj1bo1NDJEg/w640-h312/a9b1daea-bf24-4959-a7b1-3aeaa2b2f69e.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PCvyccf7TU2606PdPAcpCxA6SULdtJq1FEAzpUcwUOZkWqtJj6qJbRjjwVD4YpWhffVCPCHd2lNsyfJPzURA6yuz9SpSpJj5vGJHLsQOEHhYb_8fEiSnKnSuGWJegmY4fIqc4wEFa9UMOITmr3xILdgzC9g96hkvEC1vVN4tUW_FEvuG8kwK7_NIG50/s4032/PXL_20231023_192514581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PCvyccf7TU2606PdPAcpCxA6SULdtJq1FEAzpUcwUOZkWqtJj6qJbRjjwVD4YpWhffVCPCHd2lNsyfJPzURA6yuz9SpSpJj5vGJHLsQOEHhYb_8fEiSnKnSuGWJegmY4fIqc4wEFa9UMOITmr3xILdgzC9g96hkvEC1vVN4tUW_FEvuG8kwK7_NIG50/w640-h360/PXL_20231023_192514581.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is a long process of layering and wet blending. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6UJpFDKA1346JW09iRhyphenhyphenrxt1rDhj1PPvWLCJHN0kEzkjCE19tzafedvep8dNDoGMevpIvdzX3QhGL59lQ5yYKJLIU5gFODqpKpaJoMUviJjSkswUQc8WRkLhfiq0Q2aiRR86q_yrj5BnnEZhh6vd8dtM-ywCcY4Q1iUFZVllVyv3vHfbMd2a9pZ8wOU/s4032/PXL_20231023_192716912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6UJpFDKA1346JW09iRhyphenhyphenrxt1rDhj1PPvWLCJHN0kEzkjCE19tzafedvep8dNDoGMevpIvdzX3QhGL59lQ5yYKJLIU5gFODqpKpaJoMUviJjSkswUQc8WRkLhfiq0Q2aiRR86q_yrj5BnnEZhh6vd8dtM-ywCcY4Q1iUFZVllVyv3vHfbMd2a9pZ8wOU/w640-h360/PXL_20231023_192716912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCmsl9zR4d2ssUOG_WlK8i1bqsh7fV3wXIL0fnC17trxD4VY4YmzdyCdQ2Ei6PVWdSkd2Na36WwheBRaG-noAFwDjA1gAAbqTi2k5YXDIJ6k8A9aJzLPnaWzAAoDE-ht8g8T3qh_Qlq4qUnpr5LgY7x5MRV7EvND5ImoB8lJmSa6ZezZDwWy4-u-MB5I/s4032/PXL_20231023_192721194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCmsl9zR4d2ssUOG_WlK8i1bqsh7fV3wXIL0fnC17trxD4VY4YmzdyCdQ2Ei6PVWdSkd2Na36WwheBRaG-noAFwDjA1gAAbqTi2k5YXDIJ6k8A9aJzLPnaWzAAoDE-ht8g8T3qh_Qlq4qUnpr5LgY7x5MRV7EvND5ImoB8lJmSa6ZezZDwWy4-u-MB5I/w640-h360/PXL_20231023_192721194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>With the bases painted, drybrushed and all stones picked out ina mix of khaki and stone grey, I then add a new base coat of Vallejo Blue Grey to the sharp blades they have for fingers. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiRouFDjI4SATYCD_J6jQxb_hBJjrxvUb67g6TlRkex3dP2-70blOPVVJEPpvkzuyf7L53zXTxbriiFe_pHGPJzZV1ObC-0-XtZSuk1M4rRDV9vAPAbvIFanxI7TdejtXqr2VXmlRQp9PEQ-ixsWLq8MbZbmQdnnIg1t_k9wPrOr3tPM8suKBIWXf7iE/s4032/PXL_20231026_183618958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiRouFDjI4SATYCD_J6jQxb_hBJjrxvUb67g6TlRkex3dP2-70blOPVVJEPpvkzuyf7L53zXTxbriiFe_pHGPJzZV1ObC-0-XtZSuk1M4rRDV9vAPAbvIFanxI7TdejtXqr2VXmlRQp9PEQ-ixsWLq8MbZbmQdnnIg1t_k9wPrOr3tPM8suKBIWXf7iE/w640-h360/PXL_20231026_183618958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And then I add thin layers of a pale blue and green, and let them bleed into one another. After that, it's time to do all the edge highlighting in white. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmn3uvHKJb0hxw6CWkoem7gGb8WdYikJDQpHuMDSOu0D-lsghPYrEOu1G-2j73sN3fvaK0hjeoJT7qP2dcgiCtJZ0ipb5dC_m5cLdIPFFCEt9uJweVz82sPp2sHylKq2FgzgT_m7qHUbAfRh8Uhby34z2B6GcDhzYmn1OUYmv1e3BW-AXr9L6ezbVis4/s4032/PXL_20231026_183646313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmn3uvHKJb0hxw6CWkoem7gGb8WdYikJDQpHuMDSOu0D-lsghPYrEOu1G-2j73sN3fvaK0hjeoJT7qP2dcgiCtJZ0ipb5dC_m5cLdIPFFCEt9uJweVz82sPp2sHylKq2FgzgT_m7qHUbAfRh8Uhby34z2B6GcDhzYmn1OUYmv1e3BW-AXr9L6ezbVis4/w640-h360/PXL_20231026_183646313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Base edges painted in my usual trademark black, and gold trinkets painted and shaded. And that's them all ready for having some basing material applied.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLvR7LlrXoHepWuVEhHddSli0ChQk3DLkothyTnfXv7KB4aZkAuLc8Eicmr1aaeLQjCi0mvjbj4wg3tPZgJiR3-BTkbn7l7SI-M4yAWwgMDz3y3e4njorwVa2yBV2vpRoyWw_muZVcXmW7e2Y9tENcy3Z9z2FzjRjqv5CE7uZ8Wc2Bf0OOik_Xv-5n_A/s4032/PXL_20231026_184757177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLvR7LlrXoHepWuVEhHddSli0ChQk3DLkothyTnfXv7KB4aZkAuLc8Eicmr1aaeLQjCi0mvjbj4wg3tPZgJiR3-BTkbn7l7SI-M4yAWwgMDz3y3e4njorwVa2yBV2vpRoyWw_muZVcXmW7e2Y9tENcy3Z9z2FzjRjqv5CE7uZ8Wc2Bf0OOik_Xv-5n_A/w640-h360/PXL_20231026_184757177.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyuQpxLPFwpjTaMjzQaaCLut8opBodTjigt1Ehyphenhyphenn98HY0sDXAawSZyUwViiNzk-FaHF_CpzJivYZpJagTAeYDotAhhH2r2dBD37QrA3y7Ac9AignLWu8ak-AlVFeBJ8nEHUivcee_wm9FyllyW4kxgC88yVNKNJ1UAOudd_gcPxxIR7kkYc9FsgZSQYE/s4032/PXL_20231026_184802660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyuQpxLPFwpjTaMjzQaaCLut8opBodTjigt1Ehyphenhyphenn98HY0sDXAawSZyUwViiNzk-FaHF_CpzJivYZpJagTAeYDotAhhH2r2dBD37QrA3y7Ac9AignLWu8ak-AlVFeBJ8nEHUivcee_wm9FyllyW4kxgC88yVNKNJ1UAOudd_gcPxxIR7kkYc9FsgZSQYE/w640-h360/PXL_20231026_184802660.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The finished result (with a good half dozen different basing products applied)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQitvtfqWfYN0WaXfA0in1I0QFSVGukaM3TYDgtRnsVijbRsscT4P_U1a1nfzy7FnnqXxILwcPnXdfRBbIPy08-sIbxlbPHFvH9rqODjcIYYjvcUv3P9x9mrcfqMrFdlIScjFwZwivUldv1tpAAg-n_CcxiyijCoNlfm608KylYw6MCsi1-B98diFfzc/s2000/5d032173-c55e-484b-b64d-bd55f4819907.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQitvtfqWfYN0WaXfA0in1I0QFSVGukaM3TYDgtRnsVijbRsscT4P_U1a1nfzy7FnnqXxILwcPnXdfRBbIPy08-sIbxlbPHFvH9rqODjcIYYjvcUv3P9x9mrcfqMrFdlIScjFwZwivUldv1tpAAg-n_CcxiyijCoNlfm608KylYw6MCsi1-B98diFfzc/w640-h360/5d032173-c55e-484b-b64d-bd55f4819907.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsCmuUgVzC8OSVaUJM4_g5ZhwZK-JaCpfPs8SJ9VDYip2tNGKHQ20TvEgjY4ixAlOreLtJbbBw1THacA4x-caiHpYiY-5-L6q_gJfiIlqJnkDT_M2pO53e24FwZ6EhiReiA3lPmeo2nANJuYJg-D-d_SueBLMeIN_YUUapTOAgMKVmLvG0IgBgV30SSA/s2000/0350727b-854c-41ad-b42c-48a0825f2810.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsCmuUgVzC8OSVaUJM4_g5ZhwZK-JaCpfPs8SJ9VDYip2tNGKHQ20TvEgjY4ixAlOreLtJbbBw1THacA4x-caiHpYiY-5-L6q_gJfiIlqJnkDT_M2pO53e24FwZ6EhiReiA3lPmeo2nANJuYJg-D-d_SueBLMeIN_YUUapTOAgMKVmLvG0IgBgV30SSA/w640-h360/0350727b-854c-41ad-b42c-48a0825f2810.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And as always, thanks for stopping by!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-25193258030155459222023-07-17T10:02:00.162+01:002023-07-17T19:10:25.733+01:00The Trouble with Charts<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">(Or How Not to Keep on Top of Your Hobby List...!)</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">So, for those of you who know me, the last two and a half years haven't been easy. I don't like putting lots of personal stuff out there, so please let it suffice to say that we have been caring for my mother-in-law as age, frailty and Alzheimer's takes its hold of her. She's not the person she once was, and is now incapable of looking after herself, which is a real strain on my wife. As a result her ME CFS has come back out of remission with a vengeance whilst we've been caring for her Mum.</span></div><p>In this time, alongside being self-employed and working all hours to make ends meet like most of us have to these days, my hobby has become increasingly limited. And whilst I'm delighted to be able to play some wargames, and be invited to return to my beloved Old World as a player in a WFRP campaign, there has been little to no time available to make models, let a lone paint them. And whilst this has begun to improve in the last six months or so as we have been able to get some help (but not enough) from professional carers for my mother-in-law, the chance of making any deadlines is pretty much still impossible. </p><p>Fortunately I game with a wonderful group of friends, good folks who 'get' the situation and who have each been an incredible source of support and understanding. But it means that for the better part of two years, I was unable to make stuff, and paint even less. (Took me over a year to get eight Warlord Games 1/700 Napoleonic ships ready for our games of KMH, rigging and all. They're hard, but they're not that hard!) </p><p>So when this year began, and my hobby morale was at the lowest point I think it had ever been, I decided to Do Something About It. I decided to set up a spreadsheet. This, I decided, would be a source of encouragement to me. It would be something I could go to and encourage myself that I was being able to do something little though it may be. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnDmxfIkvlKtq497D9wNf6ElhHZ8eOECqJTkNaN_tgDhUBzyqLBO8oBXyW7R9MSpLdUnrnvKiDy-068QraLzePE4RjwdUpUwR6lOD0SSB44JJGCumpGRoAVsV3YaRPqybMn-bG8DcMvMEhZ2eWz2tvtwUeVXPMsUybLRShptycUFJJtMSu2lEMvudbZ4/s4032/PXL_20220426_210812424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnDmxfIkvlKtq497D9wNf6ElhHZ8eOECqJTkNaN_tgDhUBzyqLBO8oBXyW7R9MSpLdUnrnvKiDy-068QraLzePE4RjwdUpUwR6lOD0SSB44JJGCumpGRoAVsV3YaRPqybMn-bG8DcMvMEhZ2eWz2tvtwUeVXPMsUybLRShptycUFJJtMSu2lEMvudbZ4/s320/PXL_20220426_210812424.jpg" width="320"></a></div><p></p><p>And for a time it actually worked. </p><p>I had been fortunate to get a copy of the starter box for Grey for Now's incredibly brilliant game '02 Hundred Hours' last October. By Christmas I had failed to even get ten models assembled. I thought that if I created a sheet to record when I did something, that would show me how much I can realistically get done in a situation like this. And that would allow me to find some encouragement. Now let's be clear, I wasn't going to put down how much time I had in each session, because that, frankly, would not be encouraging, as I'm lucky to get 45 minutes. But if I could see that I could find time for stuff, then it would show me that things weren't hopeless. And I really needed a way to see that things weren't impossible at that point.</p><p>I also decided to record the games I played. That way, if the painting and making was so little, this might act as some encouragement. After all, there are many different aspects to our hobby. And although I would consider myself a painter who plays, rather than a player who paints, I wanted to get a realistic assessment of what was going on. All too often I get upset I've had no time for hobby, and forget I've played a game in the last week. </p><p>And yes, putting together a list proved to be really helpful for me. I was able to see the painting sessions begin to rack up. Of course, when I say rack up, it's in the loosest possible meaning of the word. Let me show you what I mean...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br></div>So, for me that's a rather incredible achievement. For many it's probably anything but. There are weeks that go by without anything happening. So as well as showing me that I can get stuff done at times, the chances of actually getting something consistent, which would allow me to make a realistic deadline, was clearly remaining nothing more than pie in the sky. <div><br></div><div>Having said that, I am delighted to say that by the end of April I was able to complete my 02 Hundred Hours starter box, and I have been delighted to to host a few virtual games of it since. </div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Now I know for many of you, getting 36 models painted won't seem like a particularly big achievement, but for me, this is massive. I only managed to complete 10 models in the whole of 2022, so you know, such things are relative. <p></p></div><div>But somewhere along the way, I completely forgot about the spreadsheet. </div><div><br></div><div>I had decided that if options to paint were diminishing, mainly because I was working very late most nights, and I didn't trust myself with a brush after 9pm, then perhaps I could make some models. So that's what I did. And I got so caught up with it that I forgot to add the details to my spreadsheet. And I mean completely forgot.</div><div><br></div><div>This has left me with a dilemma. Do I pick up from this point, or just admit defeat and give up.</div><div><br></div><div>So I went with the second of those two options. I gave up. </div><div><br></div><div>There's an argument that I did so because I don't like the idea of having a gap in the information. This, you may appreciate, will give me a false reading for the year. But there's a bigger reality for me. And that's the fact that, to my mind at least, the chart has served its purpose.</div><div><br></div><div>Don't get me wrong, having everything written down in detail, checked and double checked is a very valid way of approaching a hobby where so many of these little miniatures have to be affixed to that base in a specific way. I see the benefits. But if time is at such a premium, I'd rather get on and do the stuff that's in front of me.</div><div><br></div><div>So, what changed in the first quarter of this year, compared to what has happened in previous years?</div><div><br></div><div>Well, I think part of it is down to organisation. Add in making a solid decision, sticking to my guns and making things manageable and I think we have an answer. Let's have a look at each one in turn.</div><div><br></div><div><b>First, organisation. </b> Well, it's kind of obvious that you can't be organised if you don't plan. And although I have for many years made a list of what I need for each project, and put together a checklist to make sure that I do everything as I should. What's been different this year? Well, I think it's making sure that things are actually to hand. I'll blog in another post soon about how my painting station has evolved over the years. But suffice it to say here that I don't have a dedicated hobby desk. I'm either working on a dining table that gets used for dining, or needing to fit what I'm doing on a lap tray in the living room. Having models looked out, rather than hiding away in the loft, easily accessible when able to be used is a great thing, something that has brought the 'Dedicated Hobby Station' ideal as close to reality for someone like myself. </div><div><br></div><div><b>Second, a solid decision. </b> Sticking to one project, refusing to be side-tracked by my gaming buddies into another rabbit hole, has been instrumental in achieving the results we've seen here. It's not easy to do this, especially when you discover new stuff all the time. And it's even worse when your friends don't have the kind of restraints on time and limited cash that I do. As I've already said, what is achievable for myself and most other people couldn't be further apart. So I've had to Teflon-coat my wishes and stick to one project at a time. Not always easy, but absolutely necessary. </div><div><br></div><div><b>And my third point is making things manageable.</b></div><div><br></div><div>This has proven to be really relevant. I'm delighted to have a number of different people I can game with. Some of that gaming is in person, others are virtual. Now, you can eb as organised and committed to sticking to a decision all you want. But f you have different groups, each with their own hopes, it becomes almost impossible to meet any of their hopes at all. </div><div><br></div><div>Sure, one of your options is to keep your games to a skirmish level, no more then a dozen or so models a side. That would be far easier to churn out than a game of Black Powder for example. And I've done that for a long time. But I'm not going to let that stop me from my dreams of large Napoleonic armies, as well as large forces for other periods. (And, while we're at it, add in all my Gdubs armies, because I clearly have no ability to stop when I get to 3k points...!!!) </div><div><br></div><div>So I'm applying the Skirmish Principle. You see, for many years, my wishes to get large armies painted have always failed and floundered. This is mainly because they have felt too large a mountain to climb. But now, I'm working on a manageable approach. So in between painting a warband for Frostgrave, I'm working on a unit for this period or army. That way, rather than get overwhelmed by taking so long to get so little done, every commitment is to between a half dozen and 24 models at a time. And that's less than 02HH. </div><div><br></div><div>Will this plan work? I blooming well hope so! Would I like to have a chart to prove it all? Possibly. But I'd rather have time painting and making models, and seeing them in my Really Useful Boxes all ready to go, than sit for hours trying to figure out what I did on what date to fill in my chart, because I was too busy making stuff to stop and make a note of it. </div><div><br></div><div>So, I'll try and update what I'm working on when I can on this blog. After all, this was my original way of seeing what I've been able to achieve. And who knows, my ramblings around the photos may prove a useful way of checking my developing thoughts on all aspects of this awesome hobby we share. And if those ramblings are of help to anyone else going through similar circumstances, then I consider all this to be worthwhile. </div><div><br></div><div>So if you'll excuse me, I want to go and get some stuff looked out and ready to go for some hobby this evening. Fingers crossed....!!!!!!!</div><div><br></div><div>And as always, thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-31911233874013653922023-07-12T12:03:00.001+01:002023-07-12T12:03:12.913+01:00Explosion Markers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGWbajRmiALLeMD9frUfcp-aZCnjmWVfaJR4nzwz_EVvfDvhV8CR13OdZENTXXyuQoXJy1jEeeqqpMThlixbqWcF-z0YtrWavtHZ_1LlqrCXcITIAr7hWDWCrZeQdDedpLsMOr-2up15qBbZzmCJPIamV7-KttMyx0gHOR4XUYz-Dzpy0txnlHJA8jRs/s4032/20230617_165234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGWbajRmiALLeMD9frUfcp-aZCnjmWVfaJR4nzwz_EVvfDvhV8CR13OdZENTXXyuQoXJy1jEeeqqpMThlixbqWcF-z0YtrWavtHZ_1LlqrCXcITIAr7hWDWCrZeQdDedpLsMOr-2up15qBbZzmCJPIamV7-KttMyx0gHOR4XUYz-Dzpy0txnlHJA8jRs/w640-h480/20230617_165234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I have long been a fan of Too Fat Lardies' game 'What a Tanker!' So when I got a chance to attend Deep fried Lard a few weeks ago, and was asked if I'd consider putting on a game, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Of course, the benefit to this is I have run lots of games in the past, so I already had the terrain and models I needed. </p><p>But it got me to thinking. </p><p>As you know, I run a lot of virtual games. By that I mean remotely run games from my dining table, shared with players from far and wide via cameras and video conferencing software. I talk all about how to do this sort of thing <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2021/07/a-hopefully-handy-guide-to-virtual.html" target="_blank">here.</a> Anyhoo, one of the things that quickly becomes apparent when you're undertaking such ventures is the desire to make things more easily visible on the table. This makes it easier for remote players to get a better grasp of what is happening on the gaming surface.</p><p>To this end, I have always chosen to do away with What a Tanker Dashboards. They're alright if you have one or two tanks each, and there's space to keep your stuff away from the other players. But when you're running a game, you need all the stuff in one easily accessible place, and lots of little tokens next to each other normally makes a big mess. In order to solve this problem, I have always placed the tokens behind their respective tanks. Easy to see, and as long as you keep on top of what's happening, it serves as a helpful reminder to the players as to what is happening. </p><p>Damage, however is another problem all of its own. </p><p>Now, in the past, I've always let the players keep a note of what damage their tank has sustained. But I was wanting to be able to take things further, whilst keeping in line with the idea of tracking status by placing the official tokens beside each tank. </p><p>So I did what I am most know for in my gaming group: chits. </p><p>I simply went onto the reliable Publisher, and put together some graphics, added readable text, and bobs your relative of choice. I made them 25mm in diameter, printed them and stuck them with some brushed on PVA to some excellent 25mm diameter mdf bases I got from <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/banksjohnedward" target="_blank">JB</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyf7JmZOXDUskGCIVFlAMtBO0bGBqje_pml_YV8Aa0qZTOZP3aTB31Iq9bzId46AqfwFlloGloS1oSicn4R0ddVWuELVMfENc8j0QPs-8MlUf8hLojCIWt3nAcYRgsbB4urnHlb9-fyWK4aN8eHQXwScQgQ4UmvXAx9mskTps8gP-_EN4YfdjWSOc7wo/s1725/-twhy1r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1725" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyf7JmZOXDUskGCIVFlAMtBO0bGBqje_pml_YV8Aa0qZTOZP3aTB31Iq9bzId46AqfwFlloGloS1oSicn4R0ddVWuELVMfENc8j0QPs-8MlUf8hLojCIWt3nAcYRgsbB4urnHlb9-fyWK4aN8eHQXwScQgQ4UmvXAx9mskTps8gP-_EN4YfdjWSOc7wo/w400-h255/-twhy1r.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>So that's twelve -1 Command Dice Permanent, three -2's and three -3's. Twelve -1 Command Dice Temprrary, Six Brew and Six Bail, and then six each for the different turret and hull damages. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE2qsLZdbnj6GYN_TbR7lovTZzW6WUBUgve8Tt7hPtyM4VKaZ-NQYSK-UzmhlBlU0jsZGtlndzDvvK83HI8Cf9BzJiFHcv8sNePyFWW3Z_Si7sLpeT8axsTKGp4smwD6o_8uaFtEGJrhMRwGFTAbYO8-B3FKvscZRUpyXjEZjwLjvSeOdG2pUQF4ZiIY/s1920/20230610_185857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE2qsLZdbnj6GYN_TbR7lovTZzW6WUBUgve8Tt7hPtyM4VKaZ-NQYSK-UzmhlBlU0jsZGtlndzDvvK83HI8Cf9BzJiFHcv8sNePyFWW3Z_Si7sLpeT8axsTKGp4smwD6o_8uaFtEGJrhMRwGFTAbYO8-B3FKvscZRUpyXjEZjwLjvSeOdG2pUQF4ZiIY/w400-h400/20230610_185857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And then I got to thinking, how cool would it be if I made some explosion markers? I'd seen some available over on the TT Combat website for a time. However, I reckoned it wouldn't be to hard to make a set for myself. So I came up with these...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zX3CG6nt9Led4KFovg4AKGcujOI4-858sFf6waFWQ1i8044NpE3fHqdy7v1NM9OshiAJrgMchc-L1Snfe4JNe7Vi8XAQchf1hhmlaUAp4EOZ1hzaONRSCKHcXbiunXhwNzvsO6QKIvqo1aXZ8sO1qh3viPznKuaXv3JtRwAVwN7y_rjrhygG2tV_Bq4/s4032/20230617_153239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zX3CG6nt9Led4KFovg4AKGcujOI4-858sFf6waFWQ1i8044NpE3fHqdy7v1NM9OshiAJrgMchc-L1Snfe4JNe7Vi8XAQchf1hhmlaUAp4EOZ1hzaONRSCKHcXbiunXhwNzvsO6QKIvqo1aXZ8sO1qh3viPznKuaXv3JtRwAVwN7y_rjrhygG2tV_Bq4/w300-h400/20230617_153239.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>How did I go about it you say? Well, I'm glad you asked...</p><p>It's all really rather simple. It begins with some tealights. I went for the flickering tealights with the replaceable batteries. I got a dozen for less than £7 on amazon. The prices tend to fluctuate quite a bit, so if you're thinking of doing this yourself, you just need to have a search online to find the best deal. </p><p>I then got some double sided tape and stuck this around the plastic edge of the tealight. </p><p>The next thing you need is some craft toy stuffing. You need surprisingly little of it, because you'll need to pull off a small clump and then tease it out. After faffing about with the shape, have a dry fit to make sure you can see the light flickering away. If not, tease it out some more. But don't do it too much or you'll ruin the illusion as the flame shape of the tealight will be obvious. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaiyrpqJlq3yNLZrhEZe3dI_sMpLPol5oCShoGzCLC7D51F3oIayZOYqFIQqkfGF8o6CjzbdZCUcx4vAWJ0pRguzCXj52QjWwKbPwUk9ZKC1DrT8Kb4o6eDCCVRW6cWPpVL455jIIXkd2M1hnqUfohQX8a-0N1G3MlTGhHyTWzRumONvbrkTFZVRaqsM/s4032/20230617_153234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaiyrpqJlq3yNLZrhEZe3dI_sMpLPol5oCShoGzCLC7D51F3oIayZOYqFIQqkfGF8o6CjzbdZCUcx4vAWJ0pRguzCXj52QjWwKbPwUk9ZKC1DrT8Kb4o6eDCCVRW6cWPpVL455jIIXkd2M1hnqUfohQX8a-0N1G3MlTGhHyTWzRumONvbrkTFZVRaqsM/w300-h400/20230617_153234.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>When you're happy with the result, get some PVA glue and apply it with a brush to the top of your tealight. I put a little just over the edge onto the sides. Then it's just a case of taking off the tape cover and pressing the stuffing into place. The double sided tape make sit stay in place while the PVA takes a while to dry. <p></p><p>Leave them a while. Make sure they are dry. No point in making them fall apart when you do the next stage. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LWYxnrWQsF6K5LsOvpUt1FX8d_ZNNq3VDkEyldm81WqKva7WUISRRKMitg85Fsd0IckJ0gZDqrzafbZpKXol4IHnbyYk52JfPGY3d_fu__SLoHdL5i4OLegcSfuNimodvEqiCVtz84gemyKRGo_eM_ele5LFmRgn_iCJYpJxAMPuoFC2X7nlpUWXjps/s4032/20230617_153247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LWYxnrWQsF6K5LsOvpUt1FX8d_ZNNq3VDkEyldm81WqKva7WUISRRKMitg85Fsd0IckJ0gZDqrzafbZpKXol4IHnbyYk52JfPGY3d_fu__SLoHdL5i4OLegcSfuNimodvEqiCVtz84gemyKRGo_eM_ele5LFmRgn_iCJYpJxAMPuoFC2X7nlpUWXjps/w300-h400/20230617_153247.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>When fully dry, take them outside with a can pf black matt spray paint. You could use the expensive stuff if you want, but I find a can of the stuff from Poundland does a perfectly decent job. And then, using your protective spray booth (mine's a cardboard box with one side cut away and the top flaps stuck together in an upright position to provide more protection) apply your black paint. I focused it more on the bottom of the explosion, and then give a few light passes, leaving them darker at the bottom and lighter as you go up. The odd spot spray in any recesses helps sell the illusion.<p></p><p>Make sure you look all around the marker when spraying, just to make sure you get all the bits painted in the way you feel happiest with. </p><p>Leave them to dry.</p><p>Then all you have to do is switch them on and enjoy your handiwork for hours to come!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ytQMNuSEY_IsBu2Ve1EEjeIgwrDULlqyqLiT9g_RdLKk5N85Rh_tA8YFMUcbN0NoxcjVI8IjNCH17Un6mCjFH7KTbPC1A1seXXXPGGsB-oWZcgLDLO-Mn4utd2sxaq-HGXSMuk5q4kksgY-0Uj8-Rio1PNDSrytRTIH2UClRn8IZTiKnQLW4MhtMsiQ/s4032/PXL_20230617_142833008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ytQMNuSEY_IsBu2Ve1EEjeIgwrDULlqyqLiT9g_RdLKk5N85Rh_tA8YFMUcbN0NoxcjVI8IjNCH17Un6mCjFH7KTbPC1A1seXXXPGGsB-oWZcgLDLO-Mn4utd2sxaq-HGXSMuk5q4kksgY-0Uj8-Rio1PNDSrytRTIH2UClRn8IZTiKnQLW4MhtMsiQ/w400-h225/PXL_20230617_142833008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Oh, and if you're like me and love having the things going for a while, the replacement batteries are as cheap as chips from loads of sellers on amazon and eBay. <p></p><p>Have fun making these, and as always, thanks for taking the time to stop by!</p><p><br /></p>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-26152010807965418512023-06-27T21:50:00.072+01:002023-07-02T19:37:31.863+01:00Five Things About 10th Ed 40K and Combat Patrols<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClBuPJNBWNkgfmiYG8e_0OnZHhqa-Z9TXuwtpsYNmIW6fSPMLFiqzkCUClB1clVRCjVu1KCWFWaLfm_qMc5_Sqq8TGrum_5W00qqNQzFKEXmTY-05jen1tLut0-ih-UmUf4oX6r6ONyk7oymhvnvKa2LwrlV3vBouhXvlS0IdbQf9AJlywVSnnZ-TMDw/s4032/PXL_20230627_194650838~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClBuPJNBWNkgfmiYG8e_0OnZHhqa-Z9TXuwtpsYNmIW6fSPMLFiqzkCUClB1clVRCjVu1KCWFWaLfm_qMc5_Sqq8TGrum_5W00qqNQzFKEXmTY-05jen1tLut0-ih-UmUf4oX6r6ONyk7oymhvnvKa2LwrlV3vBouhXvlS0IdbQf9AJlywVSnnZ-TMDw/w640-h360/PXL_20230627_194650838~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Last night I had a chance to play my first game of all new 10th Edition 40K. And I have to say, despite all the worries voiced online, I had a really good time. And I did so playing a game of Combat Patrol no less...!</p><p>Let me backtrack a little... </p><p>My involvement with 40K goes right back to the hype surrounding the launch of a Space Marine metal figure by Citadel Miniatures long before the first edition launched. And in the years that have followed, I've played, well, some of the editions. I remember being equal parts excited and dismayed with the arrival of Chapter Approved, the first step towards actual army lists for Rogue Trader. Second Edition passed me by, coming out as it did during my second year at Uni. I was delighted to get the boxed set for 3rd Edition, which I played the heck out of. I remember the online document that came out around the time of 4th edition which outlined so few changes that I didn't bother with it. I returned to 40K years after my children were born, getting a cheap copy of 5th courtesy of eBay while everyone was moaning about 6th. 7th? Yeah, forget it. Two growing kids to provide for meant that boxed set of three rulebooks was never going to happen. And by then, it was becoming apparent that GW was pricing itself out of my price bracket. </p><p>Fast forward a few years and Andrew convinced me to have a go at 8th. And I was hooked. So hooked that long dreamed of armies began to start to appear before me. As my financial situation improved, I was able to find models through eBay, and finally got mad with the partworks Conquest, Mortal Realms (because AoS followed in quick succession) and Imperium. Pretty soon I had more models than I ever thought I would have. And I was caught up with the arrival of the ninth edition of the rules. </p><p>And then things went pear shaped. </p><p>I don't think it will come as any kind of surprise to anyone who has read this blog that I am not a competitive player. I have the kind of water off a ducks back response to the meta that would make Teflon feel inadequate about. And whilst I really loved the 9th edition core rules, the bloat of pages upon pages of strategems, supplement books I could never afford, and balance sheets aplenty left a really sour taste in my mouth. </p><p>I lost every game. Nothing really out of the ordinary there, you understand. But when the tactics of a game are all about the list building, and whoever wins the roll off to choose who goes first, my interest flies out of the window. If there's no way to avoid being tabled during your opponent's first turn, before you're able to try anything tactical, then there really is no point in playing the game. </p><p>So we didn't, for about half of the three year lifespan of the edition. </p><p>Enter 10th, and an opportunity to download everything you needed to play. The rules came out early, thanks to someone apparently putting a PDF of the Leviathan book online for all to see. (Well, except me, I was working when this happened, and by the time I had caught wind of it, the document had been taken down.) Now, whether they were putting everything out as a free download or not, I was always going to want to be able to give this new edition a go. So here's my thoughts, simple though they may be...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Njxf_fMKByV4LSbrc5IoXosbVisdMPGw3qzf3Bs6n935_-tK08vnmbBE0j-e20p4jx9-AlC3EtSsSBxSLKRUTv8BjDJ87oMJSOcfAX2ToRXJYKgBDWiuTLDgM0wMAKkRh45YSHpFOZdOBQhyZH9rvxuGdj12-Lqx1-FKi9Peps_7vgCLorPl31bP_HY/s4032/PXL_20230627_195509400~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Njxf_fMKByV4LSbrc5IoXosbVisdMPGw3qzf3Bs6n935_-tK08vnmbBE0j-e20p4jx9-AlC3EtSsSBxSLKRUTv8BjDJ87oMJSOcfAX2ToRXJYKgBDWiuTLDgM0wMAKkRh45YSHpFOZdOBQhyZH9rvxuGdj12-Lqx1-FKi9Peps_7vgCLorPl31bP_HY/w640-h360/PXL_20230627_195509400~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>Fact One: Wombat Patrol Ain't Busted!</b></p><p>When I first heard that Open Play was going to become Combat Patrol, I was intrigued. I had though it would be some kind of 25 power level game. And then they said it would be all about pitting two Combat Patrol boxes (the successors of Start Collecting Boxes) against each other. Well, let me tell you. I spat out my tea at that point. I might not be the most genned up gamer of all things 40K, but even I knew there's a whole freakin' lot of disparity between the contents of those boxes. </p><p>I love my Death Guard with a passion. But their Combat Patrol was pointless to me. I already have like 60 odd Poxwalkers. And they're, well, chaff. Put that against the Tau box? Yeah, right. What's that? Put it against the Tyranids? What? The new one that's basically most of the contents of the Leviathan box? Yeah, right. Oh wait, you're serious?</p><p>Yeah. Let's be serious. The track record for this wasn't good. 9th edition solidified the understanding that whatever came out new, would win against anything. I know this proved to be true, as time and time again I got my Nurgley butt handed to me on a platter (I'm not even going to mention the one time my Cadians met the T'au when they were released...). So when Andrew said, let's give this a go, well, let's just say I was expecting to be tabled. Again. </p><p>But I wasn't. </p><p>The game seemed to be fairly matched. And continued to be so. Even in the third turn, there were swings both ways. We were shocked. In a good way. (Heck, even the Poxwalkers were passing every break test, and that's an 8+!)</p><p>Two forces, that looked like the result was a foregone conclusion, ended up being so balanced that even with the addition of objectives, the game concluded as a draw. </p><p>Godsmacked doesn't even begin to describe it. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Fact Two: You Can Bring Your Accents </b></p><p>That's right. All this Simplified, Not Simple means that there is a whole lot less to worry about, and a whole lot more game to enjoy. Gone is the endless rifling through multiple sources to find the stratagems you were sure was in one book rather than the other. I'm not going to lie, there is still some scrolling up and down the document (this is 6 pages for Combat Patrol, dread to think how that would be for fielding say a Space Marine army in a 1K game). But the simple truth is you actually feel like you have a handle on your force. This lets you turn more of your attention to what's going on across that gaming surface, which means that you start enjoying the game, rather than thinking it's more about the number of books instead. And with all that time on your hands, you suddenly find yourself enjoying some banter. This banter can come from some very obvious places (welcome home Feel No Pain!) to some rather less so. For some inexplicable reason I managed to take myself on an accent tour of Newcastle through to the various parts of Yorkshire, settling in the Leeds area for quite a while. And Andrew? Well he joined me on a tour of the north east of England, before settling on the west Coast of Scotland and the variety of Glaswegian accents he could manage. Oh, and for the record, we coined a new name for some of the Tyranids: Barbie Gaunt! (Although we refuse to paint them pink!) In a nutshell: 10th gives you back time!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fact Three: Want 40K to be better? Make it more Like AoS!</b></p><p>Yes, that's right. I love Age of Sigmar. And one day, all 40K players will realise that by making 40K a lot more like AoS, the game can only get better. Fortunately for those of us in the know, this change has already begun with 10th. </p><p>Datacards are an incredibly welcome addtion to the game, and something I have always loved about AoS. And if you've doubted about the benefits of this, well now you can check it the datacards for free. And yes, they are the 40K equivalent of Warscrolls. (They've even moved the WS and BS stats to the weapons, you know, just like they have been doing for AoS since as long as I can remember!) Command points are limited a little more like AoS, and with the lack of sixty bazillion stratagems (okay, that's maybe a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean) you don't miss them. (Well, if you're a Death Guard player you'll maybe moan that some of the army wide rules are now reduced to only a one phase stratagem, but still.) But the point remains. Because now the chance of being tabled just because of a build list looks like its gone. </p><p>The turn sequence is much more streamlined and this means there's less time spent trying to figure out what part of the phase comes next. All in all, it's more intuitive, and reminds me of the good old days when the turn sequence was Move, Shoot, Combat. </p><p>And if I can dare to touch on the points system? Yeah, much more like Age of Sigmar. This amount of points for this unit. No fickering about with points for every single item. Unit or character costs x. End of. It's like a more balanced Power Level. Unless, of course, you're using Combat Wombat Patrol, in which case you don't worry about the points at all. You just use the free downloaded sheets. Which leads me to my next point...</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Fact Four: You Need More than the Free Stuff to Play</b></p><p>So, I remember when 8th came with a free download of the core rules. This was the cause of much excitement, that was only tempered when I couldn't find out what 'Battleforged' meant. Sure, the title was there in the rules. But it wasn't explained. To get that explanation you needed to buy the main rulebook. So in order to play, free wasn't much use. </p><p>Now come 9th the rules were rather comprehensively written. I liked them a lot (and I'm glad to say that there is still a lot of 9th in 10th). I wasn't relying on the free download, as I was able to get my hands on the core rulebook from the launch box. </p><p>But here I am with 10th and the promise that all that was needed to play would be free: the core rules, the new datacards for all armies, and the Combat Patrol sheets. </p><p>However, once again, that wasn't quite right. After all Gdubs want you to buy stuff, don't they?</p><p>So there I was the day before our game, starting to think I had gone mad. Sure, I had the core rules. Read them a few times (actually remembered some of it too, bonus!) I had the Combat Patrol PDF for my force. But what I couldn't find was any reference to a mission anywhere. The Core Rules has one, the originally named 'Only War' which could be used. Crusade rules are in the Leviathan book (or the new book that's due out), and the Matched Play scenarios are generated by the new Leviathan cards (or the Only War card deck if you have that from whatever precious edition, because, let's face it, the 9thbset was an exact reprint of the previous set.) </p><p>But missions for Combat Patrol? Yeah, Gdubs talked about it, but there's only one place you're going to find them at the minute, and that's in the Leviathan Book. Helpfully, the Leviathan book lets you see photos of each of the Combat Patrols. Does it give you the rules for them? Does it heck! </p><p>Conclusion: download everything Gdubs has put out for free, then get Leviathan. Or spend £75 on the separate rulebook and Crusade books. But you'll still need the downloads. (Will this change? Probably, but at the time of writing, this would be my best advice. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fact Five: Some Things Still Leave You Wondering...</b></p><p>Let's be clear here, there are hundreds upon hundreds of stat lines to sort for 40K. And much respect to the team behind it all for getting all the new stats out for everything in the game at once. Much kudos to them for doing so for free. This is the Index release that we didn't have to pay for, and Gdubs deserves much respect for doing this for us. It didn't happen for 9th, and many of us were left being beaten by the meta stick for months, nay years, waiting for our Codexes to come out. But I suspect some things are going to be picked up in the weeks that lie ahead. </p><p>Take for example the Death Guard. Now, one of the big problems with the Death Guard since the came out (in my experience at least) was all the bloomin' Elites choices as they were. So many characters that could boost this or that, but not by all that much. And with only a limited number of slots available, knowing which to use, and why was a constant headscratching exercise for me. </p><p>Well, that hasn't been made much better in Wombat Patrol. The Death Guard force includes a certain Folgoth Grelch, known to us all before as the Biologius Putrefier. As a leader, he can be attached to the Plague Marines. Doing so allows him to share his Ability 'Foul Infusion' with them. This gives the unit he is attached to [Lethal Hits]. This is an ability Plague Marines already have. Now, he does make the Critical go off on a 5+ rather than the standard 6+, but if it just said that, it would be simpler, right? It:s not a Biggie, but it did create some headscratching...!</p><p>Beyond these five observations, there's something really big happening. For the first time in far too long, I'm actually, genuinely, absolutely excited about all things 40K. I've spent the last while enjoying the lore, reading some fluff and Black Library novels. And that's all. My model collection has grown, but the motivation to paint any of them has been non-existent for far too long. </p><p>And now, everything is changing!</p><p>And in my book at least, that's a really good thing...! Coz right about now, you're probably realising that the black and white photographs in this post are that way because it was impossible to get everything painted in time for our first game...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>...I know, heresy, right?</p><p><br /></p><p>...oh wait, that's another game entirely...!</p><p><br /></p>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-73394340090394045932023-02-27T21:27:00.001+00:002023-03-02T16:51:23.442+00:00Dining Table Dilemas<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVRgGjPa9RFY08UWPxvyLZXS2n4b2nztJLG0uJpmRjASso6LmAg6tCJ4O0hQDWoyUvjws9H3Q0jQyn9eOrzWHUWbK-kVXYnsx2YTR5iOrLRCPCzDuj68MKWVb8bmfxLpYw37E68Q36O3ehcK_yeoVMFjM8tsMdog_TdLSwcm1At-9j77q8Zu1Rffz/s4032/PXL_20210824_205301125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVRgGjPa9RFY08UWPxvyLZXS2n4b2nztJLG0uJpmRjASso6LmAg6tCJ4O0hQDWoyUvjws9H3Q0jQyn9eOrzWHUWbK-kVXYnsx2YTR5iOrLRCPCzDuj68MKWVb8bmfxLpYw37E68Q36O3ehcK_yeoVMFjM8tsMdog_TdLSwcm1At-9j77q8Zu1Rffz/w640-h360/PXL_20210824_205301125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Wargaming is a hobby of many parts. There's the planning, whether historical research, or poring over the relevant codex, battletome or world guide if you're into your sci-fi and fantasy games. There the time spent sourcing, collecting, assembling, painting and basing your models. And then there's the actual gaming itself. Each part is important, though I understand some of us wargamers prefer some parts more than others. But whatever the project, they all share the same journey as we bring them from an idea into a reality on our gaming table. </p><p>And that's what I want to talk about in this post; the table. Or, more accurately, what we put on the table to game across. And that has been a bit of a dilemma for me over the years...</p><p>I began with a couple of boards, each about 4'x3'. I covered them with those Javis grass mats. For the first month, maybe two, they looked the business. But as the months wore on, more and more of the static grass wore off. It wasn't too long before the gaming surface was looking threadbare in patches as more and more of the parcel paper the static grass was attached to began to show through. Besides which, all the edges were getting ripped and tatty. Things obviously had to change. </p><p>For me at least, all I was looking for was a green gaming surface. It may be as common as muck, but a grass board is going to do you well in most periods, from ancient right up to modern. At the time, all my gaming was taking pace on a green surface anyway. There really wasn't any choice in the matter. And by this time, I was looking for something that would be easy to set up. Don't get me wrong, two 4'x3' boards weren't exactly bulky, but when you find yourself married with children, you start realising how impractical it is to walk about carrying such large things, because you can barely see where you're going. And you've no chance whatsoever of seeing where your feet are going to land, which isn't much use when the floor is littered with toys..!</p><p>My mind gets rather vague about how the next phase happened. I think this is in part due to the lack of wargaming that happens when your children are young. Everything goes out the window when you have a newborn child to focus on. We were delighted to have two in the space of roughly two and a half years. The toy soldiers were less enthusiastic about it all...! </p><p>To be honest, my children's early years were a bit of a wilderness for my gaming. I don't think a lot happened in those first five years or so. So by the time I was looking to get gaming again, I had only had one project on my mind: Chris Peers' wonderful Saurian Safari. I'd first heard about the game within the pages of an old Issue of Wargames Illustrated I'd had sitting around for a long time. Of course, by this point, everything I needed was unavailable. So, after much searching, I managed to find a copy of the rules available online, so I didn't think twice about purchasing them. I also came across The Honourable Lead Boiler Suit Company, and began to use what little available cash I had to purchase some of their dinosaurs. Larger dinosaurs were sourced from Tamiya and Airfix. The main protagonists were hand picked from Redoubt Enterprise's Zulu and Sudan ranges.</p><p>Of course, all this excitement made me return to the conundrum of getting a suitable gaming surface. I decided to use a rather large 5'x4' piece of 18mm thick MDF I had lying around. (As you do...!) And because I was so fed up with static grass falling off a grass mat, I went very old school. I cast some plaster of paris, broke it all up and stuck it to the board for rocks. And I applied PVA glue all over, and carefully sprinkled sand all over it. And yes, I then began painting it all. That took a while. </p><p>I was also very clever, because I had deliberately left about a centimetre all around the edge of the board. This allowed me to paint it black (which made it all look rather posh) and I measured out increments along those edges. And to make the board look even more posh, I painted them in with a gold paint. You roll two dice in Saurian Safari to determine where a dinosaur randomly appears on the board you see. This plan helped that along no end!</p><p>And then I entered a whole new world when my wargaming began to take off once more. As had always been the case, I end up happily being the host for games with my friends. And that meant things were going to need to kick up a gear. Trouble was, I had either tatty boards or a custom built Saurian Safari board that was custom built, and incredibly useful for Saurian Safari. But pretty rubbish for virtually everything else. Plus, all those plaster rocks were playing havoc with balancing my drop in terrain...</p><p>What did I do? Well, at the time there was a website that had recently appeared on t'interweb called Antenociti Workshop. They were promoting a gaming mat. You could lie this down on your table and play away to your hearts content. As usual, I procrastinated and wondered if it would be the right thing to do. And then, after a while, I gave in and got it. And it was perfect, right up until I came to use it in a game that is. And then I found myself in a whole world of hurt.</p><p>You see, that mat was rather...rigid. Admittedly, I had decided to place it on the table in the assumption that it would just, well, flop over the edges. Did it heck as like. It just sat there, refusing to bend, poking out and being awkward. And then there were those places where it decided it didn't want to lie perfectly flat because it had been rolled up since it had been made. Which caused pandemonium across the middle of the table. You know, where I hoped to be radical and put things like, well, scenery and, heaven forbid, some models. So I went and put a board underneath it. Didn't solve the ridiculous bends in the middle, but hey, I had to do something. After all, my friend was coming over and we needed a board to game on. And when he did turn up? Well, that mat looked flat at the edges, but it wasn't. So the bloomin' thing just managed to poke up whenever and wherever we approached it. Which put the miniature world off its axis every time we tried to game on it. This, you'll understand, is not a good thing.</p><p>So I needed another plan. One I could go all in with. And boy did I.</p><p>Modular terrain boards. Sounds great, right? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlNI2BklEXv5t5uoV4gZieKlH8WL8jgdTuEnwPS3gF2bHyh_u4Nd-RosRZmpX5bXatA9ZppB8BR7QWjh6r527bJK67kjXBltmgOA-mYCg4xdKYCZjQ0eX1rOAOoWWIE9B8S041ZiIcMz0Ud_r9OTgG7uCQnonZ8edPKPvJfE3nFiXJEHxlJ0yfb6B/s4032/PXL_20210402_202221880.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlNI2BklEXv5t5uoV4gZieKlH8WL8jgdTuEnwPS3gF2bHyh_u4Nd-RosRZmpX5bXatA9ZppB8BR7QWjh6r527bJK67kjXBltmgOA-mYCg4xdKYCZjQ0eX1rOAOoWWIE9B8S041ZiIcMz0Ud_r9OTgG7uCQnonZ8edPKPvJfE3nFiXJEHxlJ0yfb6B/w640-h360/PXL_20210402_202221880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Yeah, I agree. Great to build. The source of much joy and admiration from fellow games over the following years. They're still in use to this day. Extra boards were added to give more variety. It was all good. Well, save for two things...</p><p>Firstly, yeah they look great. But they are also very heavy. So its no fun going into the loft to dig them out. And even worse when its nearly midnight and you're trying to get them back up there again afterwards.</p><p>And secondly? They're really limiting. More than you'd expect them to be. Sure they look good. Rivers and streams cut into the baseboards., rather than sit higher than the grassland that surround them when you use drop on terrain. But there's the problem. Sure, you can arrange them differently, but there's only so many combinations before the options are all used up. They're great for skirmish gaming, but there's not a lot of space for laying out large armies. </p><p>And there's the real rub. Because ultimately, all that modelled on terrain means that it looks great for the scale of models you've designed them for. But it doesn't look good for a different scale. No point having a meandering stream with bullrushes and scrub if it looks horribly wrong with 15mm or 10mm models on it. No, you need something simpler, and a lot more versatile.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jm4iYJnLRY4DIPy8doi4SUgjIV8ieR6V_UVj9ADokatN7EF4aHCz6_ifylZoYnlq9eFCve4kLmbjhyiSOUsWrWRfzEa660-KwKU4X9hCQaBSm9cjASITGgFTdffGAVIdGL4R7nCtsf5C9z3nPkV_xw51EwIRxt9IpU3W3kCRuyjYVLmLGg0655Qb/s4032/PXL_20211121_134438327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jm4iYJnLRY4DIPy8doi4SUgjIV8ieR6V_UVj9ADokatN7EF4aHCz6_ifylZoYnlq9eFCve4kLmbjhyiSOUsWrWRfzEa660-KwKU4X9hCQaBSm9cjASITGgFTdffGAVIdGL4R7nCtsf5C9z3nPkV_xw51EwIRxt9IpU3W3kCRuyjYVLmLGg0655Qb/w640-h360/PXL_20211121_134438327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Armed with this revelation, I began searching for alternative solutions. And after a lot of thinking, even more searching, and not a little frustration casued by the dawning revelation that I had found myself the perfect storm of problems that could never be resolved, I came across Kallistra and their Hexon II system. This gives a great deal of modularity, enabling you to fit the boards together in a great many different ways, each ensuring that what you have on them creates a different kind of board. This is definitely a good thing. Just as long as you don't mind having table edges that aren't straight. And honestly, you don't notice the hexes half as much as you think you might once you're gaming. They're even rather helpful for players to start calculating distances when you're in a global pandemic and running a virtual game over t'interweb. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL2G5a2uHTl4U2Mi18CuuvimjQrR3HVcWiM50D_osJ0wPVmM1aLRpo1whOLAbUFmmhfUAnfmmekDL5l4DQS8zUBTkvRRmp0Q80eNTf8CvuK50x835rkaaR4YTfwwqAqoJ_XTPfUEmieQKsPjuza0a0QW9svGWddTBN-KcVrAIDe-P6T9gAutwOMCS/s4032/PXL_20211010_171321916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL2G5a2uHTl4U2Mi18CuuvimjQrR3HVcWiM50D_osJ0wPVmM1aLRpo1whOLAbUFmmhfUAnfmmekDL5l4DQS8zUBTkvRRmp0Q80eNTf8CvuK50x835rkaaR4YTfwwqAqoJ_XTPfUEmieQKsPjuza0a0QW9svGWddTBN-KcVrAIDe-P6T9gAutwOMCS/w640-h360/PXL_20211010_171321916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>So that's the problem solved, right?</p><p>Not by a long shot.</p><p>You see, if you're interested in hosting lots of games, then there's a problem. They don't all occur in a green and pleasant land. You need different base boards for different things. I made city boards. I purchased some more Hexon boards to make a desert. And pretty soon, I realised I was going to run out of space for everything. And the cost of Hexon boards for every terrain choice, plus the various flocks and scatters you need to buy begins to make things prohibitive. </p><p>Now at this point in our narrative, it's time for a quick reality check. if you have one of those houses with oodles of room, then make loads of modular gaming boards. You've got the space, and obviously all the money you'll ever need to make it happen. If this describes you, I'm genuinely happy for you. So toddled off and make some more boards. Enjoy! </p><p>Right, now the privileged few have left, I'm assuming I'm talking to those of us who have to live int he real world. I'm talking to all the gamers who have a small on-the-lap paint station because they don't have a hobby desk. I'm talking about people who want to game, but only have a dining table at best to game on. And in a world where multiple small scale skirmish games have taken over from large set piece armies, then you need lots of terrain and lots of boards to game over. So here's what I've done...</p><p>I went for some gaming mats. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvmqPQUpN1wgEw7FfQIfZO1X1TbFpqaYoDSyjn0ssN4rP-30Bl1zNhpqDE011VDFAfqXnpZDJfZLOZ83V_QWwpUmV3YT1M90Plnv9dK0TpX4HiE4EQf4tQq7zZEB4CYsrqTIHn9fzUwMsh4zxbBtQ9AIn2U0ghTAs7cFlE6DkUNTSVcYjboYpCwgd/s4032/PXL_20201116_210743367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvmqPQUpN1wgEw7FfQIfZO1X1TbFpqaYoDSyjn0ssN4rP-30Bl1zNhpqDE011VDFAfqXnpZDJfZLOZ83V_QWwpUmV3YT1M90Plnv9dK0TpX4HiE4EQf4tQq7zZEB4CYsrqTIHn9fzUwMsh4zxbBtQ9AIn2U0ghTAs7cFlE6DkUNTSVcYjboYpCwgd/w640-h480/PXL_20201116_210743367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Not gonna lie, this wasn't an easy decision to make. I like modelling boards for wargaming. Scratch that, I really love it. But loads of boards take up lots of space. So I looked about, found a mat I liked, and took the plunge. </p><p>I decided to go for neoprene mats, one made by Deep Cut Studios, and I've never looked back. I love the way they easily roll up, and even more how they always lie nice and flat. No danger of any creases along your gaming surface with one of these things. I began with a city ruin design, and have expanded to get a desert mat, sea mat and an aerial view of fields. Of course, this has opened up a whole new world, where multiple base boards are possible, each one able to roll away between games, occupying only a fraction of space compared to all those modular boards, and Hexon boards, and those TT Combat boards I tried out for my city boards. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x1i_gjqYNOrtLsrbG0rFkk6KP-lseri61JLpofPyG8lz4XaUOA2h_4s7pfjYKhSkT-0Mo9KoaZxrHW2fYI288U-VL7DmV3wCvDciejWluxY_lE0x-zhOZyqlEr53T-Kfflfyj9-N0oz9kv14rb0LuNg8cdfUBa33ucsINuJKLIDCdQ1mcEbKz_HK/s4032/PXL_20220426_200451189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x1i_gjqYNOrtLsrbG0rFkk6KP-lseri61JLpofPyG8lz4XaUOA2h_4s7pfjYKhSkT-0Mo9KoaZxrHW2fYI288U-VL7DmV3wCvDciejWluxY_lE0x-zhOZyqlEr53T-Kfflfyj9-N0oz9kv14rb0LuNg8cdfUBa33ucsINuJKLIDCdQ1mcEbKz_HK/w640-h360/PXL_20220426_200451189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I've learned through experience that a flat board is the most modular board of all. Put on your terrain, and Bob's your uncle (or other relative of choice). Sure, if you have the space, I don't think anything can ever beat a properly modelled layout, with all the contours skilfully sculpted, painted and flocked. But if you're someone like myself, who loves gaming lots of rules and needs something more than green fields, you have to look to compromise somehow. And I have to say, I love my Deep Cut Studio gaming mats. </p><p>And always remember, no matter how good your modular terrain boards may be, they won't suit every scenario you're going to play. Just look at mine. I'm really, really proud of them. But that drop off to water, and some of the irregular ground is great for 28mm skirmishing. But it's about as much use as a chocolate fireguard when it comes to different scales, or trying to lay out terrain on top of it when you need to. </p><p>Of course, getting one mat son led to another, and another, and another. But remember, they are a lot cheaper than a modular board. They are more versatile. They can be scale specific, or scale agnostic depending on which ones you go for. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKsKG56oDDbIY_cm8zi6kUsaV6QRciGo9YsIxjQVqnkuKOJNHLSHPqKgiQ7WSUW8eP_mqT9OQW7h7o5Q_5ePNio0W_OO7DVtlXF1KK7NLriBBalbD0h7KMDYivTaECJZliWwu5SsfcANErnN2R3Diw5kVa78SyxKDH5R0epwUZYqK73weTh2S3Pqw/s1280/received_2449648321825467.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKsKG56oDDbIY_cm8zi6kUsaV6QRciGo9YsIxjQVqnkuKOJNHLSHPqKgiQ7WSUW8eP_mqT9OQW7h7o5Q_5ePNio0W_OO7DVtlXF1KK7NLriBBalbD0h7KMDYivTaECJZliWwu5SsfcANErnN2R3Diw5kVa78SyxKDH5R0epwUZYqK73weTh2S3Pqw/w640-h310/received_2449648321825467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>But things didn't stop there. I decided to invest in one of those fur mats. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPucPckNt7JZvCNEqn1JH9IoxN_EWJPyPcHhJjHi-B_LrhjGjw4tkIqNq4WzU1ghv9X8Fl88UEFYg19ilyjj6AYxbBse38iSWIGUsjZmVoBPnEyVq_ICEjBoPpP8tl3AtGFw37w8lPddlyDngn2oYX_tKUgNmO8gV4Q4fSbuTEM8gRrNxJe3mY-zh/s4032/PXL_20201220_151147023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPucPckNt7JZvCNEqn1JH9IoxN_EWJPyPcHhJjHi-B_LrhjGjw4tkIqNq4WzU1ghv9X8Fl88UEFYg19ilyjj6AYxbBse38iSWIGUsjZmVoBPnEyVq_ICEjBoPpP8tl3AtGFw37w8lPddlyDngn2oYX_tKUgNmO8gV4Q4fSbuTEM8gRrNxJe3mY-zh/w640-h360/PXL_20201220_151147023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now, I have to say, this fur mat is absolutely incredible. Get down to model height and it looks like your models are walking through the prairies. Gorgeous. Aye, as long as they are at least 28mm tall. Stick some 15mm in there and, well, they disappear. So that whole scale thing is seriously worth considering before making a purchase. </p><p><b>So, what conclusions can I draw? </b></p><p>Well, after thirty odd years of gaming, I can honestly say that a lot of it depends on what you are looking for. If you want hyper realism, then you're going to need to make some modular boards. Like, a lot of them. You know, to maximise on the number of games you can play on them. Green boards are probably best for most theatres, but you'll need others for desert, winter and so on. If you live in a massive mansion with oodles of storage, this could be right up your street.</p><p>But if you like to play a lot of different games, and need boards to cover different theatres and, quite possibly, different scales, you're going to seriously need to consider your options. If you don't have a massive cavern to hoard everything in, you could go for the Hexon option. That way you can flock up your boards how you wish and very easily interchange them to create a lot of different layouts. But bear in mind a single box covers only a 4'x3' area, so you'll need two to play your average wargame, and then a lot more to bring on the other locations you're going to want to swap in and out. </p><p>And if you live in the real world, where you want lovely terrain, but need it to pack away somewhere safely without having to turf your nearest and dearest onto the street to make way for it all, then I would seriously recommend gaming mats. I've obviously spoken about Deep Cut, but there are plenty of other manufacturers with lots of different products out there worth a look. Stick gaming mat into your search engine of choice and see what comes up. I've heard nothing but good things about PWorks, Geek Villain, Cigar Box Battlemats and Tiny Terrain to name but four others. Have a search, have a think and see what comes up. You might just stumble on something even better than anything I've tried. </p><p>One thing I have learned over the years is that whatever you play, you're best with a completely flat gaming surface you can drop your scenery onto. You can't do that too easily with modular terrain boards. You can do that without a second thought with a gaming mat. And there's nothing stopping you from putting some books or something similar underneath it to give you a hill or three, or some ridges. </p><p>Anyhoo, as always, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope my ramblings have been helpful. Feel free to chuck your tuppence into the discussion in the comments below, and I'll do my best to answer any questions as honestly as I can.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MJF88h86HxgScu9aAywd1vaTvp3axAdDi3CTBnL8aeaJhcLqtqKiToi6rrmpTktUzPuRxRm3giUPTxZK4lQ68aJtW0nuQyTbg43sto3MZVIaEKho6_TYNakEyRueCjvEbgFRdA9zwPvzrx75G24btxPtusr8MQjSVkTOBYU--mKfveTSoAeH6yWn/s4032/PXL_20230217_233201273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MJF88h86HxgScu9aAywd1vaTvp3axAdDi3CTBnL8aeaJhcLqtqKiToi6rrmpTktUzPuRxRm3giUPTxZK4lQ68aJtW0nuQyTbg43sto3MZVIaEKho6_TYNakEyRueCjvEbgFRdA9zwPvzrx75G24btxPtusr8MQjSVkTOBYU--mKfveTSoAeH6yWn/w640-h360/PXL_20230217_233201273.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-15619860047719641522021-09-11T22:59:00.000+01:002021-09-11T22:59:32.081+01:00Does Your Hobby Work for You?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div>I know this is dangerous, but I got to thinking...<div><br></div><div>I started asking myself about the bigger picture; about where my hobby fits into my life; about how to enjoy a hobby when your work life balance is about as off centre as it can get. And this proved to be a good thing, because I actually surprised myself with the answers I came away with. </div><div><br></div><div>The question I asked was the title of this post, 'Does Your Hobby Work for You?'</div><div><br></div><div>Our hobby is one of many parts. There's the models themselves, from assembling to painting and basing. There's the scenery and gaming boards we make or purchase. There's the research, whether historical or sci-fi and fantastical that tells us all about our period of interest, and there's the gaming with like minded friends. Each is as important as the next. Each is dependent on the others to create our hobby. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>And how we approach each, will affect what we want to get out of our hobby. Those who love gaming and don't like sticking endless bits of glue and metal together will purchase preassembled and prepainted models. Those of us who aren't into scratch building scenery will purchase theirs. And those who are into the latest meta list building aren't going to find much to entice them to the games.of Two Fat Lardies. </div><div><br></div><div>All these approaches are equally valid. Because it all boils down to what you want to get out of your hobby. </div><div><br></div><div>Even the most cursory glance through the articles on my blog will reveal how much fun I have in collecting, assembling and painting my models and scenery. Time after time, you'll find me talking about enjoying the journey of collecting, assembling and painting models and making scenery. The conclusion is, perhaps, a simple one: gaming is the destination this all works towards. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Anyone I game with will tell you how much I love the hobby, and how much joy I find in my gaming experience. But I've had it all wrong for many years. Very wrong indeed. And sometimes it's your loved ones who can help you get the clarity you need. </div><div><br></div><div>For me, I've apparently spent a lot of time talking about 'never having time for hobby. And my family would be quick to point out how my comments clearly didn't seem to include the time I'd spent looking at rulebooks, hosting virtual games, and being a part of a number of Virtual Lard events. Which is clearly all hobby, right?</div><div><br></div><div>Yes, it is. But there was obviously something missing: time spent painting. And in my head, whether invisible to me, or bloomin' obvious to my loved ones, I hadn't made that connection. </div><div><br></div><div>My hobby clearly wasn't working for me.</div><div><br></div><div>Because, for me at least, painting isn't the journey. It's the destination. And that realisation has been a revelation. </div><div><br></div><div>You see, I find great contentment, relaxation and joy when I get time to paint. It makes life more bearable. It distracts from the demands of work and family. It's a safe place I look forward to go to. Sure, it's results enable me to play games. But the games are a bonus. The model making is my actual destination.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>But it doesn't always work like that. There are times when I'm far from de-stressed by painting. Times when I can't get things to work. And when that happens, confidence packs it's bags and heads out the door. Doubt comes in. Sadness takes over. Things get packed away. Stuff doesn't get done. And a sickness fills the stomach when I next think about painting. Pretty soon, I'd rather mow the carpet than battle with the idea of picking up a paintbrush.</div><div><br></div><div>Why does this happen? Well, it's this journey vs. destination thing all over. You see, when I'm able to enjoy my painting, all goes well and happiness comes in. This is the time when my painting is my destination. But when I'm trying to work to a deadline, or wanting something done so I can get on to the next thing, well, that's when it all unravels. Because painting has become a journey. The focus has been shifted. Or, to put it another way, when the completed job is the destination, and my painting is the journey, everything grinds to a halt. But when the painting is the destination, and gaming is a joyful consequence of time at my destination, I always do my best work. And that's because I'm in my happy place. Because that's when my hobby is then working for me. And when it isn't, my hobby is a chore. It ends up feeling like work. And what's the point in that? </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>So if you're struggling to find joy in your hobby, perhaps you should ask yourself the same question I did. </div><div><br></div><div>Is your hobby working for you?</div><div><br></div><div>The answer could be quite a revelation...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-54907359607167002072021-07-12T11:47:00.001+01:002021-07-13T10:24:35.163+01:00A Hopefully Handy Guide to Virtual Gaming<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Or</i> <b><span style="font-size: medium;">'A Wargamer's Guide to Surviving a Global Pandemic'</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCcQULA_-f0S5quxpvyDy3Hz4HW8cnxzK7grXC8SsKuKHmYzWcsQqUGGKb6Z9sSPl0vniRL57QVKzfakmH9XC7z5bQpXUzSwA9T5Q2DICLK43EW5FWkSHXxbUWrho4O4CQnC_fdNrfl4/s4032/PXL_20210516_143730256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCcQULA_-f0S5quxpvyDy3Hz4HW8cnxzK7grXC8SsKuKHmYzWcsQqUGGKb6Z9sSPl0vniRL57QVKzfakmH9XC7z5bQpXUzSwA9T5Q2DICLK43EW5FWkSHXxbUWrho4O4CQnC_fdNrfl4/w640-h360/PXL_20210516_143730256.jpg" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">First up, I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything up here. I can only apologise for simply being too busy. It's just the nature of my work and family commitments I'm afraid. Oh, and what happened with my gaming. Let me tell you the story...</p><p style="text-align: left;">So, in a nutshell, the Coronavirus, or Covid-19 as it became known, or indeed, any one of the variant names that followed, happened. As I write, Delta is the current worry here in the UK, and according to the WHO, my beloved Scotland currently has five of the ten Covid hotspots in Europe all to itself. Cases are soaring, (death's thankfully aren't so much, but let's be honest, one death is too many) and Englandshire is about to declare open season on new variants by opening everything up. So you never know, what I'm about to write may be useful if all this goes belly up in the coming weeks, although I seriously hope it doesn't. </p><p style="text-align: left;">With a nation in lockdown and the chance of gaming becoming absolutely zilch, I decided I would use what free time I had around my work to actually paint some toys. I know, radical concept or what!?!? The first six months of Covid Restrictions saw me painthing. At first it was a bit of everything. Some Stormtroopers here, some Nighthaunt there. And then a while stinking wodge of Death Guard. Suddenly I had an alternate army for 40K. Something other than my Ultramarines I've been playing forever. So sucks to you newbie 8th ed onwards Ultra players. You're reading the ravings of someone who played them when they were totally NOT the posterboys they are now. </p><p style="text-align: left;">And then something magical happened. I got invited to play a game of Sharp Practice with some wonderful people and good friends. In lockdown. With no indoor gatherings allowed. How could this be, I hear you say. Well let me tell you, good chaps and chappesses. </p><p style="text-align: left;">By the power of t'interweb!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Byn_8_7nUXhYuifMD8BJk7JnB_FVdlRXEw3bOu_GANBL3hx3bZxyD3LgfKHwA7vlSd9jo8EaeOrILqRPBNyVtExWxl_CE2b5Y7vZJRAL05jsYGZtTEZ9HOsWDv1hPYFGXTKwyVk-Jfg/s4032/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Byn_8_7nUXhYuifMD8BJk7JnB_FVdlRXEw3bOu_GANBL3hx3bZxyD3LgfKHwA7vlSd9jo8EaeOrILqRPBNyVtExWxl_CE2b5Y7vZJRAL05jsYGZtTEZ9HOsWDv1hPYFGXTKwyVk-Jfg/w640-h480/IMG_1349.JPG" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We played on Discord. One overhead camera showing you a topdown view of a the table, another on a little stand that could be moved about to let you see up close and personal. Now, despite the joys of cameras occasionally going down, and the resultant choice words that appeared when it did so, I'd have to say that was the best game I've ever played. Yes, you could argue that it was Sharp Practice, so I was bound to love it (it is my favourite system after all). Yes, I was gaming with friends I hadn't seen since Deep Fried Lard, so the company was a tonic. But this experience just opened my eyes to the possibility of gaming remotely.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hot on its heels, I was introduced to Virtual Lard 3, where I was able to play two amazing games: What a Tanker in the morning, and my first game of Infamy, Infamy in the afternoon. Through this, people I had met years before on Twitter began to appear in person on my laptop screen, some of them bearing absolutely no similarity to their profile pics at all. Before I knew it, the big scary pandemic-infested world began to shrink a little, and familiar people I'd message on Twitter became familiar faces across a virtual gaming table. The miles simply disappeared. And before I knew it, I'd introduced my gaming friends who usually appeared around my dining table week by week to some week by week virtual gaming. Months of no gaming, became the regular schedule of games. And along the way, as my confidence grew, I went from playing in Virtual Lards to actually hosting a game. I've been privileged to meet some fantastic people in the Lard Community along the way, and found myself gaming with new found friends in Belgium, Vermont, Norway, Sweden, Australia and probably a dozen more places I can't remember right now. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Virtual Gaming, I discovered I could run games with people I otherwise couldn't game with because of the distance (and often continents) between us. </p><p style="text-align: left;">And that, dear reader, is mind-blowingly amazing!</p><p style="text-align: left;">So, in the hope that this might be either helpful to you in having a go at this brave new world way of gaming, or at the very least something you've an interest in, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned along the way. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9-TfslzIk9GvIY8wDg32awDGgB68w2pSI7NAUuoV-2GRtiLUomq9yG16cFAb5ozk_iJ41HkJpVIQA2mQQrAJbh35ZF0fGoD1zS7bBoDWJmgHXzYdBjXEI7YE4LeAHmt71xoChviC7zY/s4032/PXL_20210628_200603598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9-TfslzIk9GvIY8wDg32awDGgB68w2pSI7NAUuoV-2GRtiLUomq9yG16cFAb5ozk_iJ41HkJpVIQA2mQQrAJbh35ZF0fGoD1zS7bBoDWJmgHXzYdBjXEI7YE4LeAHmt71xoChviC7zY/w640-h360/PXL_20210628_200603598.jpg" width="640"></a></div><b><br></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Stuff You'll Need </b></p><p style="text-align: left;">(I'm assuming you have access to the internet, otherwise, how are you reading this?!!?!!!)</p><p style="text-align: left;">This next bit is really important. If you're going to game like this, you're going to need all the terrain, figures, counters and anything else you need for the game you're going to run. This means two opposing armies. And on top of all this usual stuff, you're also going to need the following...</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Cameras</i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Preferably two. Now these come in all shapes and sizes, but bear in mind you're balancing two necessities: allowing people to see what's happening, and making sure your camera isn't such an insanely high resolution that it jams up your bandwidth. Personally, I'm using two of my older mobile phones. This is great, because it gives them a use long after the contract is up. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Power Banks</i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">If you can hook up your cameras direct to the national grid courtesy of a nearby socket and compliant cable length, then you're sorted. But if not, then you're going to need another way to ensure your cameras keep working throughout a game. Virtual games take longer to run than an in-person game, so be prepared! And if you're using an old mobile phone like I do, remember that the battery life probably wasn't so great by the time you upgraded. I use two power banks to keep my cameras going. And because, at times, that's for over four hours, you're going to need enough juice to keep them going. Power banks are great for this, especially for the one you move around the table. A short cable that comes with you, rather than one attached to a socket, normally means that as you move around the table, your lovingly painted models don't get caught up in it. This is a very good thing.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Video Conferencing Software.</i> </p><p style="text-align: left;">This is a matter of personal choice. I began setting up my own channels on Discord, but found that the software didn't like the fact that I was using three cameras a lot of the time. (I'll explain that one in the next section.) By this time I had played a game on Microsoft Teams which seemed to work really well. And I'd also played some games on Zoom, which seemed a really stable platform. Now, there are many options available to you, so there's going to be an element of finding what works for you. But also bear in mind that whilst most are free to download, and that works just fine if you're a player, it's a whole different ball game if you're the one hosting the game. Many companies offer a free version, but it's limited. Normally, as host, you'll be allowed to have two accounts running for as long as you want. But add a third and suddenly you're getting only 40 minutes, after which time you're session will be brought to a sudden end. Which is pants. Coz thatS going to happen the minute you add a single player into your two camera mix. My solution? I bit the bullet and went and paid a subscription to Zoom. Being self employed I needed to find a simple programme that was easy to use for my work, so this allowed me to kill two proverbial birds with the one stone, so to speak. And then, only in the last week, I had an opportunity to try Jitsi. It worked really well, and even better, it's completely free! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Things to look for when thinking about your meeting software? Does it allow you to share screens? Can you set up a private chat between players on the same side? Can you pin your chosen camera to give you the biggest view of the game? Do you want to be able to set up private audio channels for the players? All these desires will affect which software is best for you. I'd recommend downloading the free versions of as many as possible and spending a bit of time faffing around with them to see what they can do. That way, when it comes to spending your hard earned cash, you know you're making an informed choice rather than a wild stab in the dark..!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Tripods</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Whatever cameras you use, you'll need to find a way to prop the cameras in place. The easiest way of doing this is with a tripod. You'll probably need a decent sized one to give an overview of the table, and a smaller one to give a more detailed view. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUkMt7_P0veqb8lERzKgAojP5jBomiD2IcMEhOW0_QkP1t0r7ktpg8uPS1moF1Jz-SwPShIdUaLCYPLwV4ZjlOQ4KKLiLg29z_4ykTvIPmvdqv7LDaduwu3fRzWyiyf81wXv1imaBEu4/s4032/PXL_20210615_173554207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUkMt7_P0veqb8lERzKgAojP5jBomiD2IcMEhOW0_QkP1t0r7ktpg8uPS1moF1Jz-SwPShIdUaLCYPLwV4ZjlOQ4KKLiLg29z_4ykTvIPmvdqv7LDaduwu3fRzWyiyf81wXv1imaBEu4/w640-h360/PXL_20210615_173554207.jpg" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Setup</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Okay, so you've got your equipment, and now you're wondering how to make it all happen. Well, you're going to need to be creative depending on what software you're using. If it's Discord, you need to create accounts for each device you use. So you'll need to have an overhead camera account, a roving camera account and so on.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But a lot of the other software, where you're using email accounts, can I suggest you set up a Gmail account? Let me explain why. You can set up multiple accounts using the alias function in Gmail. Just add a '+' after your name followed by something like 'camera' @gmail.com. You then can invite each camera when you set up the game from your main Zoom account. I've had no trouble using three mobiles in this way, and my laptop cam in operation, with up to six people joining my games online. </p><p style="text-align: left;">And I've had just as much success in doing it in Zoom in this way as well. Set up your meeting, send the link to your friends. Then add to your calendar. As long as your account is in your mobile phone, and you've downloaded the Zoom app, you can click the calendar notification on your mobile. It then opens Zoom. First time it will ask you to add a name. Do that. Then you can let the phone into your meeting. Not even had to set up alias accounts. Just saying...</p><p style="text-align: left;">Setting up a virtual game will take longer than you expect. Especially if your software plays silly beggers with you before the game. How long will it take? Well, I can't answer that. If you have everything to hand in in a custom built games room, you're laughing. It probably won't take all that long at all. But if you're like me, using your dining table and bringing everything you need to it from multiple locations (including the loft), then you're going to take a lot longer. Plus you're going to need to make sure that you've remembered to charge everything that needs charging hours before you play. This is especially true if you have to charge power banks. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Lists are always helpful. They're great to tick off stuff as you look it out and take to your table. If you're pressed for time, you're going to find this really useful. It's also super helpful for the next time you play that system, because all the head scratching about what you need will have already been done. Unless, of course, you wrote that list on a scrap of paper and have lost it. So get a notebook. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I always boot up my laptop first and then go and get stuff. Gives it time to decide if it's going to play up or not, giving you time to fix it long before the game is due to start. You don't want to be ready with all your scenery, models, dice, counters and stuff, then boot the laptop and find it's playing up less than five minutes before you need to go live.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, let me tell you <b>something really, really important</b>. I set things up a bit differently to other virtual gaming hosts I've been privileged to game with as a player and not a host. Everyone focuses on two cameras which, as I have said above, normally translates to an overhead view, and a close up cam. I do this as standard. But unlike others, both of those are my old mobile phones. I don't central line one of the cameras right into my laptop. </p><p style="text-align: left;">This is where I differ from everyone else I've played with. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I use my laptop camera to show myself to my players.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Why? Well if you don't, you may well hear your host. You will certainly see your host appear at the periphery of the camera as they dash around the board checking measurements and asking what you want to do. Their hands will also appear on camera as they move models around. But you won't see their face. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Now forgive me if you have a different opinion, but for me at least, wargaming is a social hobby. We invest our time, money and talent on researching, planning, purchasing, painting and basing our troops. We make scenery for them to battle over and around. And we meet like minded people and game with them around a table. Having that camera so I can address my players is a big boon for me to help make my players feel more like they are in the room with me. It helps the banter. It makes it easier to have as close as possible a face to face gaming experience. I'd never consider gaming without it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Oh, if you're playing a game that uses stat cards, I have been known to use another camera as well so people can see them too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpK-r7dPaZN0ZaaRbFxEu9XjPATfiNSQgGhovv9RclQTcftfIOhc5T8LfXtGa8l735_WDET3sioHn8pAkwW-raQNqC283z0OlIqrmHAHmYkCz92i8nEHvlIBtELzoQ5-ieiyOGoYqsGE/s4032/PXL_20210411_144310820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpK-r7dPaZN0ZaaRbFxEu9XjPATfiNSQgGhovv9RclQTcftfIOhc5T8LfXtGa8l735_WDET3sioHn8pAkwW-raQNqC283z0OlIqrmHAHmYkCz92i8nEHvlIBtELzoQ5-ieiyOGoYqsGE/w640-h360/PXL_20210411_144310820.jpg" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Hosting a Virtual Game</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's important to recognise that hosting a game virtually will take longer than it would in person. Only one person is doing all the movement of models during play. So give yourself time. It shouldn't be a stress fest of unrealistic expectations.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, depth perception might be off a lot more than normal for your players. You might have made a beautifully contoured gaming surface, either with modular boards or by placing stuff under a gaming mat. But that overhead camera is going to be about as useful as all the aerial recon photos taken by the allies ahead of D Day: it all looks flat. Make sure you explain the terrain to players before the game begins so they know what everything is. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I also offer to make any measurements players ask for, whether the game rules allow this or not. Years of gaming at a table will help you intuitively guess how far a unit is away from another. But you can't do that effectively on a screen. I know this. I've played a lot of games as host, and a fair few as a player. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I make full use of my laptop camera whenever I need to answer a question, or offer any advice. I'll do this whether I'm in effect a GM host, or a playing host. Sure, I could have probably not mentioned a thing or two in my games, which would have given my troops an advantage. But that's never been the way I play. I want my players to know their options, and make sure they make the decision that is best for them at the time. Has it cost me a game? Yes, on more than one occasion. But I'm good with that.</p><p style="text-align: left;">One thing about Virtual Gaming is the quest to make things visible for players. It's easier to see 28mm models than it is 6mm for example. So think about the colour of your gaming surface. I have a lovely Killing Fields teddy bear fur mat. I absolutely love it. Get down to model height and the bases disappear. Your troops look like they're walking through long grass. It's an incredible sight. But your players aren't going to get down to that level. From an overhead point of view, it's rather dark. And models tend to disappear. So I've been using my modular terrain boards and Deep Cut Studio mats to make sure that any models can be more visible on the table. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVLBLSha9TzaNuEkDSTFoeRxmG6X7RQLPDIa8ROnnBIhUmV483jtAq9jnWJ1XTSw1BqjTGX71UQ9GAwvEwtkiP6sDC8vdKvEhojKMVnfzTvQOxjbB2inEePF8TAa9TJsuoteU_WCqVs0/s4032/PXL_20210328_142206353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVLBLSha9TzaNuEkDSTFoeRxmG6X7RQLPDIa8ROnnBIhUmV483jtAq9jnWJ1XTSw1BqjTGX71UQ9GAwvEwtkiP6sDC8vdKvEhojKMVnfzTvQOxjbB2inEePF8TAa9TJsuoteU_WCqVs0/w640-h480/PXL_20210328_142206353.jpg" width="640"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you're using a chit or card driven activation system, make sure they are visible to your players. Keep your hand in the open so they can see no bias is involved in the draw. I much prefer using chits over cards where an activation system requires them. But I'll be honest, cards are so much easier for players to pick up on the overhead camera. In the same way, micro dice used to record shock or casualties is nice and unobtrusive when it comes to in person gaming. But they are a nightmare when it comes to virtual gaming. Sure, tiny dice behind your troops can be read if you're stood with the troops on the table in front of you. But they are about as much use as a chocolate fireguard when you're dashing around the table, squinting at them as a host. I've purchased various tokens to make this easier. But also remember that Warbases (and probably some other places) do casualty bases where you can see a number far, far clearer...</p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s3JCi5iAKOpNlUPajfM5gm4JdzOW4OtZ03S5r9po6axUaWH5lllE27RPBh3RKGg-NukG2G96vlAICcfJ4fzYDXpm2Nk2QK_hutJTUKJjUcNv-O6z4kncWQ-SfE-NO63gqgs2SYgDvQw/s4032/PXL_20210330_142059656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s3JCi5iAKOpNlUPajfM5gm4JdzOW4OtZ03S5r9po6axUaWH5lllE27RPBh3RKGg-NukG2G96vlAICcfJ4fzYDXpm2Nk2QK_hutJTUKJjUcNv-O6z4kncWQ-SfE-NO63gqgs2SYgDvQw/w640-h480/PXL_20210330_142059656.jpg" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I hope this has been helpful to you. And whether we are all about to emerge into a world where in person gaming makes this obsolete or not, do remember your friends who live too far away to get an in person game in these days. Virtual Gaming is a great way to connect and let the miles between us slip away as we enjoy good company, good games, and hopefully a few good dice rolls!</p><p style="text-align: left;">As always, thanks for stopping by!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-49878084619503673412021-04-07T11:10:00.004+01:002021-04-07T11:10:58.082+01:00The First Sausageman of the Inglorious '45!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaevW_gc58ntDMHzP_r2raeXZhHlXdKBaItl7BZKQmH1VUB1xvQIC4sEaAWJRJ8I8M_sU6Pg4GUGuzPNzmqM548y4ulE2hgT11wsCoPu20AUGE33c65VQf-8cUC6qZUVmmPnKWCheaHk/s4032/PXL_20201114_155543971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaevW_gc58ntDMHzP_r2raeXZhHlXdKBaItl7BZKQmH1VUB1xvQIC4sEaAWJRJ8I8M_sU6Pg4GUGuzPNzmqM548y4ulE2hgT11wsCoPu20AUGE33c65VQf-8cUC6qZUVmmPnKWCheaHk/s320/PXL_20201114_155543971.jpg" /></a></div>Hi everyone, I thought I'd share my painting of this, the first Sausageman of the Inglorious '45. If you haven't seen the origin of this project for Too Fat Lardies' most excellent Sharp Practice, you can read all about it <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-sausagemen-of-inglorious-45.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-sausagemen-force-for-sharp-practice.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The model I'm painting is representative of The Duke of Cumberland's 1st Footguards, whose facings are blue. These are painted with VMC Ultramarine Blue and given a wash of Army Painter Strong Tone Shade. But I get ahead of myself, because you need to undercoat the model before hand. <div><br /></div><div><b>Undercoat</b></div><div>According to my notes, I undercoated this model with VMC 70.862 Black Grey. Normally I'd have used black, but I had run out at the time, so this was the next best thing. Why do I use black for my undercoat? Well, because I tend to paint from darkest tones up to the highlight. Having a black undercoat allows me to play about with the ratio of water to paint and get some smooth layers between these extremes of colour. As someone who wet blends a lot, this helps me out no end.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjCnZNZHIr4ixu97IRD5nQN4WB3vGIKSoqBqiW9lzPfsuytfACw16OsJiqYKEbEtV_za_EExlf_WaRcmBSIYPB_Y1pYzIYbTrW4pla3Q9MexvukXupD41vKeGW_R2EAL9bCZ4xmBRoVA/s4032/PXL_20201114_155533620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjCnZNZHIr4ixu97IRD5nQN4WB3vGIKSoqBqiW9lzPfsuytfACw16OsJiqYKEbEtV_za_EExlf_WaRcmBSIYPB_Y1pYzIYbTrW4pla3Q9MexvukXupD41vKeGW_R2EAL9bCZ4xmBRoVA/s320/PXL_20201114_155533620.jpg" /></a></div><b>Redcoat</b><div>I base coated the redcoat with Vallejo Game Colour 72.044 Dark Fleshtone. When dry I painted another layer of this colour over almost all of the coat, leaving only the deepest folds untouched. I then painted over this with Citadel Base Khorne Red, making sure I left some of the Dark Fleshtone visible in the recessed areas. I then mixed in some Citadel Base Mephiston Red, again leaving some of the darker colours visible to define the shade. A final highlight was given with pure Mephiston Red. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxEqLyJ6nq8ZTe-3Kg9pKweKOfEjvlLvlAx8n68YIjXDCBm3fdqtSQV9e0Lb3SXH33X71fqBHFLXCxUH7WtiX96Z3-TbDcyseXy8VT22j7bMC6AOm1L3TBnbUWvFosIKxVwO71lVUuVQ/s4032/PXL_20201114_155528665.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxEqLyJ6nq8ZTe-3Kg9pKweKOfEjvlLvlAx8n68YIjXDCBm3fdqtSQV9e0Lb3SXH33X71fqBHFLXCxUH7WtiX96Z3-TbDcyseXy8VT22j7bMC6AOm1L3TBnbUWvFosIKxVwO71lVUuVQ/s320/PXL_20201114_155528665.MP.jpg" /></a></div><b>Leg Gaiters</b></div><div>I base painted these with VMC 70.988 Khaki. I then began adding successive highlights, each covering a slightly smaller area that the previous one by adding in small amounts of VMC 70.884 Stone Grey. I then applied Citadel Base Mechanicus Standard Grey to the straps below the knees. This all looked great, but I felt there wasn't quite enough definition in the deepest recesses. So I applied a targeted application of Army Painter Soft Tone Wash either side of the grey straps, and along the vertical line behind the buttons. Satisfied that this looked a lot better, I went ahead and painted the buttons with a pure dab of VMC 70.884 Stone Grey.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dTRlBIXkbHZdNBSI_Rhj1l-GhAUZllQSUpEMs7dWNx5b3f6oRFi3nzjbkNGCDRhOrrj9hyqF1xgRDuuhsDy2SNu_5ecq3Ki4Oew8uK7C1H0GXsND9ECXMh1-m5RIr2GN7gwDIezlIN4/s4032/PXL_20201114_155455906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dTRlBIXkbHZdNBSI_Rhj1l-GhAUZllQSUpEMs7dWNx5b3f6oRFi3nzjbkNGCDRhOrrj9hyqF1xgRDuuhsDy2SNu_5ecq3Ki4Oew8uK7C1H0GXsND9ECXMh1-m5RIr2GN7gwDIezlIN4/s320/PXL_20201114_155455906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>White</b></div><div>These were base coated with VMC 70.907 Pale Grey Blue and then painted over with VMC 70.951 White, taking care to leave a small amount of the Pale Grey Blue visible for shading. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70R_RrWi-OQG53sB1ygELdxQP5v-4roovkHLzkp2nm9nCUput_-WidVWKfKSpGFTLcqit3doNEZFZOo1VXtodkUf9VfBGN4I0gQBftEx1at0bZPuo63kStenXBgQUuKkJo8CgXxBhUD8/s4032/PXL_20201114_155330851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70R_RrWi-OQG53sB1ygELdxQP5v-4roovkHLzkp2nm9nCUput_-WidVWKfKSpGFTLcqit3doNEZFZOo1VXtodkUf9VfBGN4I0gQBftEx1at0bZPuo63kStenXBgQUuKkJo8CgXxBhUD8/s320/PXL_20201114_155330851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Black Hat</b></div><div>This is a little easier since the base colour is the undercoat. However, it created a reverse process. Normally I'd paint the VMC 70.862 onto a black undercoat, making sure to leave some black in the deepest recesses. So this time, I had to wait until I had some black paint to paint it into the recesses. I then applied a few layers to blend it into the VMC 70.862 Black Grey. A final highlight of this mixed with Citadel Base Mechanicus Standard Grey finished the job off perfectly. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fur Thing on Back</b></div><div>This was base coated with VMC 70.873 US Field Drab and washed with Army Painter Soft Tone Shade. When dry, the wash was applied to the deepest recesses only to define the pouch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QR4MOBTgNxVNLtaKcdg_7KADTBP5q61ECRDwj4CMJJBqEXB_sK2wVxkowaCXFRNfbe9PbvZ9BNTvvKyLQ4DbHfxvc0hI8wDxhWEp2lO_PUR1KIgD6KQaHq3xrCUf6sUYnNPtNLMIeHk/s4032/PXL_20201114_155314548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QR4MOBTgNxVNLtaKcdg_7KADTBP5q61ECRDwj4CMJJBqEXB_sK2wVxkowaCXFRNfbe9PbvZ9BNTvvKyLQ4DbHfxvc0hI8wDxhWEp2lO_PUR1KIgD6KQaHq3xrCUf6sUYnNPtNLMIeHk/s320/PXL_20201114_155314548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Flesh</b></div><div>This was given a base coat of VGC 72.044 Dark Fleshtone. I then mixed this in roughly equal measure with VMC 70.860 Medium Fleshtone and applied it to all but the deepest recesses (eyes, either side of nose, mouth). I then built up layers until I was using pure Medium Fleshtone. I then added a very small amount of VMC 70.951 White to place extreme highlights along the forehead, nose, cheeks, ears, top lip and chin. And then, to make the eyes recess a little more, I applied a small amount of Army Painter Soft Tone to the sockets. And yes, I never paint the eyes. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SyXexIH10s-RiK03MvIfWElSYZah8u-GTDoCI6FqJPX1PIloFR5GY59y4uiyw_VWaB_t5-uCuzXvaG8Zy2YFqqdCkCplYm8ct2idy2UEhpgEoe4Ztr_z_RddKVL1OEtnxp4y3m6ufd4/s4032/PXL_20201114_155257226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SyXexIH10s-RiK03MvIfWElSYZah8u-GTDoCI6FqJPX1PIloFR5GY59y4uiyw_VWaB_t5-uCuzXvaG8Zy2YFqqdCkCplYm8ct2idy2UEhpgEoe4Ztr_z_RddKVL1OEtnxp4y3m6ufd4/s320/PXL_20201114_155257226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Musket</b></div><div>The wood was given a base coat of VMC 70.873 US Field Drab. Metal areas were base coated VMC 70.863 Gunmetal Grey. When dry, I applied a wash of Army Painter soft tone all over the musket. Simple.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_smKxr8d5fi1TA79FKWHvxdcq62XNzM5CCmW6OXMNA4ogDyw_aMhu1HM1AMEI34VCqO38Hzpas77p3qMQ5MtrAbiF8xL3YzWfCga5RFBnn01ZxNe64zW_9g98LQDIJpWQpGXVQ442cw/s4032/PXL_20201114_155243656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_smKxr8d5fi1TA79FKWHvxdcq62XNzM5CCmW6OXMNA4ogDyw_aMhu1HM1AMEI34VCqO38Hzpas77p3qMQ5MtrAbiF8xL3YzWfCga5RFBnn01ZxNe64zW_9g98LQDIJpWQpGXVQ442cw/s320/PXL_20201114_155243656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Belts and Musket Strap</b></div><div>A base coat of VMC 70.847 Dark Sand was applied. This was then washed with Army Painter Soft Tone Wash. Highlights were applied with the base colour.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bullet Pouch</b></div><div>This was painted with Citadel Base Mechanicus Standard Grey. Army Painter Dark Tone Shade was then applied. Edge highlights were simply a reapplication of Mechanicus Standard Grey.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooRRhDswnx20pC32LTPdZuTs5l-2UWor9k0FdGswb3v6J0F7olm3sSUjmjWXVyErV7vNNI2hWBhjNm3lDT8urttXg-4Ke1MxmKI46cpW7N_kHadv2KPUP2wMyxp0F92C017Z4WujtijU/s4032/PXL_20201114_155229060.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooRRhDswnx20pC32LTPdZuTs5l-2UWor9k0FdGswb3v6J0F7olm3sSUjmjWXVyErV7vNNI2hWBhjNm3lDT8urttXg-4Ke1MxmKI46cpW7N_kHadv2KPUP2wMyxp0F92C017Z4WujtijU/s320/PXL_20201114_155229060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And the base? Well, I applied my base mix consisting of children's playing sand, railway ballast and small cork chippings to my 1p base before the model was undercoated. I undercoat my base only after the model itself has been undercoated and that undercoat has dried. This is to make sure I don't get any loose grains of sand on the model. The base was then drybrushed with VMC 70.873 US Field Drab. Khaki was then added to this for successive drybrushing VMC 70.884 Stone Grey was then applied to the tops of the rocks before I added Woodland Scenics Green blend turf, some Noch Spring Static Flock, and a couple of tufts of Dry Grass. I've no idea of the manufacturer as I got these on eBay a long time ago. <p></p></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst all this is about Cumberland's men for the battle of Culloden, you can use any of the techniques I described above to achieve good results on any models that have these colours. </div><div><br /></div><div>And as always, thanks for stopping by!</div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-72173798960725560152021-04-05T20:26:00.004+01:002023-02-19T20:45:33.703+00:00Dash to the Farm, an original scenario for TFL's WaT!<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few photos from a recent game of What a Tanker! I ran via the miracles of modern technology with some good friends from different time zones. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">'Dash to the Farm' is a scenario I wrote on the back of another game of What a Tanker! I ran at Virtual Lard 5. It narrates a desperate attempt to rescue some staff officers from a nearby farm, featuring a slew of tanks, and an Opel Blitz that had to get up this road as quickly as possible...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3xfotr9lhkDURV4HCHjUEAJSolILcwZRmO-IY-tN7y9Gb9V84DZZU1LjnlcY3JEZmcWH4FgArWwCoVMI_7C7vUbvU709x3XiHdY3t_mDEAGpAFv_McJbfO2KGkpe7Lzqqdd9zX0p-h8/s4032/PXL_20210330_142003633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3xfotr9lhkDURV4HCHjUEAJSolILcwZRmO-IY-tN7y9Gb9V84DZZU1LjnlcY3JEZmcWH4FgArWwCoVMI_7C7vUbvU709x3XiHdY3t_mDEAGpAFv_McJbfO2KGkpe7Lzqqdd9zX0p-h8/w640-h480/PXL_20210330_142003633.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-G35hER2JXF9RaVqyLHya876b6_28qKtQuGJx40EjeLRjToOu659xI6SPaAqq1XoMyFREg1_pq6hsIpedv_PneUPuG1smIdf_B7Wt_20A3OhQdmSCvJOkco-xrIjv55RwOvWEkC0BYo/s4032/PXL_20210330_190919790.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-G35hER2JXF9RaVqyLHya876b6_28qKtQuGJx40EjeLRjToOu659xI6SPaAqq1XoMyFREg1_pq6hsIpedv_PneUPuG1smIdf_B7Wt_20A3OhQdmSCvJOkco-xrIjv55RwOvWEkC0BYo/w640-h360/PXL_20210330_190919790.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Germans create a strong advanced position, the right flank held by an entrenched Tiger and Stug III G, the centre by a Panther, and a diminutive Hetzer on the left flank...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Allies begin pushing forwards with a Churchill, a Cromwell, a Firefly and an M18 Hellcat...</span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsBvr8MMlyyKX4bs5bgNeumDWzciWWJd0SCMNP53OXDdcxKPsTsYSp8r2Qpv5_m9RbbcXGT0jw80srsjLoVMKuvSYfqxGiWxFBF4Hk3t5FoJUhKCFhP1IEkYrb2ZAOOtgSvjdgiRjAmo/s1600/1617650806159678-0.png" width="400" />
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</div>Before long the Allies try a new tactic...ram the Panther!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">It didn't end well... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M79P5Ymcacp_sRF3pAwwarAqhWr94sfjXsl34qhFjId7jUEwAs7eN3kOCnmbB_RxH6s8oU9Xx9SUEF5TJ1XhwFY0sdNqksdGwzinPtti-y9C_gxeaNn02mnueEif132lOPLUR1aKxyc/s1600/1617650802616893-1.png" width="400" />
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</div>Then suddenly a panther pushes it's way onto the Allies' flank... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits_TghvX1Qomi_5m1Eaz9m2XJ-spiARAbZrOT7saacRPN9rJecBU7VbzYgktteJfNcu0f-MhtR-CXierEhFZK6hFNAQ4qA9_m6KDl_cntHVvO0NRk0k4glLjaRtSqFIC1E57Mirg6ZK0/s1600/1617650798665368-2.png" width="400" />
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</div>And after four turns of play characterised by some frankly alarmingly bad task rolls, and a reduced total to keep the game going, the Opel Blitz appeared on the road and began its headlong rush to rescue the staff officers cowering in terror in the farm...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOQ939EgxMXAIsrhVUQWQ9KK81H4mHoQWQmd3JOcY9AMjR1ee11C5V25pXjbtoQIA3eN4dUO1oIqEf1dG3Y-DzHlC43dfL2Ify_bD26B6-8rd594GmkLIM-KJkbK5D4I_lkyJEAB7x7g/s1600/1617650795281091-3.png" width="400" />
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</div>and for a moment it was all looking good, as the Opel was going too fast for any allied tanks to acquire it as a target...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>But the Panther had decided it was fed up of heavy armour, so reversed to help out the other Tiger (yeah, we were bringing on replacement tanks throughout the game. It happened. A lot. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>By now the Allies were losing a lot of Firefly tanks. And things got a bit desperate for this Sherman...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2Nw6PJeY9C7NdZyck25kSih9dHWZylX-3b2m8Lr4K-pbJMn_klWQjqZTlKQZ4RhNooesY_9SCfym-5BxUsMBqzwBkWupmXA_7F1WmpwePW2bxEj7fyeMufa99E863zGTL7ToOmEJb_A/s1600/1617650778156265-7.png" width="400" />
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</div>Suddenly the Opel Blitz, driven by the Half Headless Hans Von Diesel, upon realising it couldn't enter the farm compound because of the allied tanks, promptly did a handbrake turn to slam itself safely by the side of the barn... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXHK-MX3gVU1B09C_3dq8_7GfRRj6e7U3CT6uhocvLRlf_3dPSrKz68Uz9Hsiu0yoHCzHdcbpCl8cOne2OwrtfgfwsZGelsnnv3kncR4G-v_vOTtsn-ISTMV-lzgm9j8n5GjYdS6EXC4/s1600/1617650774567876-8.png" width="400" />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">With limited options, the injured Panther decided a pirrhic win is better than no win...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnaMtrC17pHLRnZHVS4CwkP2gjpknjb2qU0zO08jZda1l9UP5WBWcYpePB9qsL1qn4sa9hdBZqJyql_s2CvBkvIVK0X0X50riTUebuKHcfHKyJUHmLQG_pqMraU8lAZb5kHLAxQMeKRo/s1600/1617650768187874-9.png" width="400" />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then a Firefly with too many drive dice and not enough acquires decided to try an alternate way of taking it out...<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARrMdTeNHeRw1iUL-w1RoOSGpkyFP-MYBaW9shzidMY3C4FfE97StXwJPO5wOmlBlDYAybIZQbGjAtucuO9FcpbR6OUDmJvSclzPSXNDr_z50n3WuBV-f8SuYmEA0ZFh6P0GZ7Mtek-E/s1600/1617650764284502-10.png" width="400" />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say it worked...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgMIBhFuuf9nHIUVpsWHDkFFNKpyqC3hUhNaUUbkI-_UWEva7fv-zt0v0EJDWxB_eL-WY5d6XqUeIDGmlwJ_q8a9nBUTWXttdAN2R-nU9JBhqmWtpOyA_f7A4aawM8_9Gx6l765O5T1I/s1600/1617650759698584-11.png" width="400" />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end the Germans secured a minor victory. The Allies lost six tanks, the Germans three. Some were brewed up. Some crews bailed. Many thanks were rammed. One Panther refused to give up, even with 5 permanent damage hits to its turret..</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWVOBH-gfF3tC9NMO9t1rOf9sEjqI54Slh-RPFXCHCpgtirwl3CGHQ_SbPgAyZKazh_Ig854a1WGuPez4_WfUPdIwrQ7-15Qyesbea9xEcw4uMIZfe96j_0DemRZFWVq9So-KRYIGYQs/s1600/1617650753896090-12.png" width="400" />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">My sincere thanks to Owen, James, Andrew, Jimmy and Luke for an awesome evening's entertainment. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to think up another new scenario.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Btw, this game was so much fun, it even broke my tape measure...</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JkUpOh1F3qm0MYwkDfmeBMGnrgI8xtCgCo6_uLVZBpimDfLoOW3wVcba5AFNVtbwP98sQkQEPLEAazDarEjEEMehcUV0GrlajCQnJLnmPQ8VFCS_zAlgV-fQMoJfKSFDkQyx67r5EM/s1600/1617650749120801-13.png" style="background-color: white; font-size: 23px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-JkUpOh1F3qm0MYwkDfmeBMGnrgI8xtCgCo6_uLVZBpimDfLoOW3wVcba5AFNVtbwP98sQkQEPLEAazDarEjEEMehcUV0GrlajCQnJLnmPQ8VFCS_zAlgV-fQMoJfKSFDkQyx67r5EM/s1600/1617650749120801-13.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-38569265929309347112021-01-10T15:12:00.000+00:002021-01-10T15:12:14.126+00:00A Happy New Year to You All!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br><p></p><p>What can I say about 2020? Well, to be perfectly honest, I'm not going to slag it off as many people seem to do so. Whilst it was nothing short of absolutely awful for so many people, it wasn't all bad. And whether you call me pessimistic or not, I didn't harbour any delusion that 2021 would suddenly, miraculously be any better. The lessons of history alone should teach us that pandemics, whether regional or global, tend not to pack up their bags and shog off to Mars because a clock somehwere in the world chimes midnight on 31st December...</p><p>What do I mean by not all bad?</p><p>Well, I know I'm one of the lucky ones who hasn't lost his job, so you can take what follows with all the necessary pinches of salt you may wish to avail yourself of, but there have been some good things to come out of the mess that is Covid. For one thing, I actually had time to slap some paint on some models. Much more than I've ever found time to do so before. I've grown in confidence with a brush and I've really found it rather therapeutic to paint to the beat of my own drum rather than the pursuit of someone else's deadlines. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br><p></p><p>Yes, this came at the cost of not making more scratch built scenery, which I know is the stuff that most of my readers look forward to. Apologies if you feel cheated. Will that change in the future? I hope so, but I'm enjoying my painting a lot more these days. And having discovered that some of you actually like to see what comes off my paint station, that in itself has been a positive thing to come out of last year.</p><p>A massive revelation came in October when I was very kindly invited to take part in Virtual Lard 3. This opened my eyes to the possibility of virtual wargaming, and what would be needed to put on a game at my home, and allow my friends to join in the fun. Sure, it's absolutely knackering being the host. You never stop for a moment. But being able to do this has meant that I've been able to game with friends in a safe way. And that has opened up the world to me, allowing me to play with friends overseas where it would never have been possible. I'm very thankful this has happened. And I hope its something we don't all forget about when we eventually emerge into that bright new world we're hoping will be just around the corner. </p><p>I've also been privileged to throw in my tuppence worth as a playtester for an upcoming Wild West game from Too Fat Lardies that I have to say is a brilliant game. I'm also privileged to do something similar for a WWI dogfight game from an independent gamer. These too are proving to be a lot of fun. </p><p>Why not so much on the blog? Well, mainly because of everything I've just mentioned above: painting and virtual gaming. That and an awful lot of work which is time consuming if you want to do the best you can for those you're trying to serve. </p><p>Honestly, my hobby experience may be similar to yours, or it may be the absolute opposite. Like I suspect has been the case for many of us, finances, family commitments and work responsibilities gets in the way of our good intentions. Well done Matakishi, you're on #HobbyStreak Day 375 on your Twitter account at the time of writing. Brilliant stuff. But not all of us have time, let alone opportunity to do that. And I suspect many of us just don't have the money to buy even a tenth of the things we'd love to buy.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br><p></p><p>If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know that money (or more realistically the lack thereof) has been a constant source of delay in any plans I've had over the years. I'm 48, and I've still not been able to purchase, paint and game many of the historical periods, and sci-fi and fantasy milieu I've dreamed about. And I'm not talking about 'faasands of figures, either. I'm talking about two opposing forces of probably less than 70 models a side. </p><p>Admittedly, my wish list isn't small. It includes (in no particular order) EIR vs Celts, Dark Ages, WotR, Border Reivers, ECW, Jacobite Rebellion, Napoleonics, AWI, ACW, Franco-Prussian War, Victoria's Little Wars (The Sudan and Zulu War in Particular) WWI, WWII and Modern for historical gaming (on land, sea and air of course), and 40K, AoS, Warcry, Blood Bowl, Necromunda, AI, Shadespire and probably others I can't even remember just now. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br><p></p><p>In practical terms, there are very few of these projects ready to game. And whilst our financial situation as a family has improved in the last few years, and I have been able to purchase more models than I would have ever thought possible, I am left feeling that I'm decades behind where I'd have thought I could have been if work had paid a little better, and I hadn't at times needed to work four jobs to keep my family safe and warm. </p><p>Where am I right now? Well, many models to enjoy, very little time to do anything with them. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br><p></p><p>So, if nothing else, 2021 is going to be another interesting journey. Who knows where we'll all be this time next year?</p><p>I'd like to hope I'd have time to paint and bring some more minis to a virtual game at least.</p><p>So however this finds you, I hope you'll stay safe, and keep working on the hobby that gives you the most joy.</p><p>And as always, thanks for stopping by!</p>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-41243287098398816472020-11-04T16:53:00.001+00:002020-11-04T16:53:41.404+00:00The Sausagemen: A Force for Sharp Practice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>In case you missed my last post on this topic, I'm working with Doug (whose work you can see over at <a href="http://aleadodyssey.blogspot.com">A Lead Odyssey</a>) to put together opposing forces for the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. Now, I'm not an expert on this period at all, but it is a period I've long been fascinated by. <p></p><p>Our game of choice is Sharp Practice from Too Fat Lardies. And rather brilliantly, their Summer Special from 2017 has rules for the troops involved in this very conflict. So all I needed to do was decide which ones I'd use to build my force. </p><p>Now, it would be all too easy to play the much over-used bayonet drill card and sit as smugly as the Sausagemen himself with some stupidly maxed out force. </p><p>So I'm not going to do that.</p><p>And as hard as painting plaid may be (sorry to land you with that one, Doug!) I really want to put together a force that shows it's not a conflict between England and Scotland. (I did my myth busting of this conflict in my previous post which you can read <a href="http://stiumac.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-sausagemen-of-inglorious-45.html">here</a>.) So I've decided on the following:</p><p><br></p><p>Status III Leader</p><p>Status I Leader</p><p>2 Groups of Cumberland's Regulars</p><p><br></p><p>Status II Leader</p><p>2 Groups of Regulars</p><p><br></p><p>Status I Leader</p><p>2 Groups of Highland Regulars (Crawford's)</p><p><br></p><p>That comes to a total of 54 models, with the opportunity to add some Dragoons at a later point. And as far as I can make out, that's 36 points of troops and 21 points of leaders (3 points per level), making a grand total of 57 points.</p><p>As to the models themselves, I'm buying mine from Iain at Flags of War. They are a thing of beauty, and it'll be really nice to paint some metal models. </p><p>And by means of an appetizer, here's the first batch I've ordered...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>This is my two groups of Cumberland's Regulars, and Cumberland himself as my Status III Leader. <p></p><p>Hopefully I'll be able to share some progress on preparing these models for painting in the coming days...</p><p><br></p><p>And as always, thanks for stopping by!</p>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-68457821867218610362020-11-02T22:07:00.001+00:002020-11-04T15:51:41.137+00:00The Law Comes to The Town with No Name<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JcXeIlFfl3Zlpuia_-zFbKK6R09_bcQ6jWtxhyphenhyphenCcTykswrKVCKVv7JZWxwJOaR03kb62zITCRB_n2QqHyqlDmYbMXmtN548IP3TdylApO9ykrKj2f2DleTxncQxId618IpVCYNLqGN4/s4032/PXL_20201031_105958627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JcXeIlFfl3Zlpuia_-zFbKK6R09_bcQ6jWtxhyphenhyphenCcTykswrKVCKVv7JZWxwJOaR03kb62zITCRB_n2QqHyqlDmYbMXmtN548IP3TdylApO9ykrKj2f2DleTxncQxId618IpVCYNLqGN4/s320/PXL_20201031_105958627.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've recently had the perfect excuse to look out my Wild West scenery and models. Originally built to play The Rules with No Name a number of years ago, this time they were to see the light of day playtesting a new Wild West skirmish system that's currently in development. And that's something I'm incredibly humbled to be a part of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, back when I did my Wild West project, I barely had any money at all. Now, I'd always looked fondly at the second pack of Lawmen from Artisan Designs, but never had the cash to buy them. So you can probably guess my delight at being able to turn that around ahead of the playtesting...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here they are. Disclaimer time, I absolutely love Artisan Designs models. Minimal flash to trim, and details that just cry out to be painted. So it didn't take me all that long to get them ready, attach to some post '92 2p pieces and level out the bases with some milliput. (The models are stuck to the 'tails' side of the con, so clearly no defacing the Queen's head going on here...!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>When that was dry, I added some texture with my sand (£3 from The Early Learning Centre, long since defunct but a bag of that stuff lasts Wargamer's lifetime) ballast (courtesy of Woodland Scenics) and fine cork chippings (from Hornby if my memory serves me correctly.) </div><div><br></div><div>And when that was properly dry, I set about painting them. </div><div><br></div><div>I've got to be honest, these were the first metal miniatures I've painted in years. And that meant a very different experience to the plastic models I've become accustomed to. It was actually a welcome change and I rather relished returning completely to layering and wet blending from recessed to highlights.</div><div><br></div><div>My palette for these models was deliberately muted. Dark Grey's were layered ontop of black. Different muted browns were highlighted up. And the same was done with the flesh tones. </div><div><br></div><div>Bases were painted, Woodland Scenics Earth Blend was then added, and some yellow brown Tufts from Serious Play were added to finish them off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>And here's the finished results...!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The middle one's had a name change since I started gaming with him. He's now Whya Twerp. Honestly. Can't hit the broad side of a barn, that one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And after a couple of photo opportunities were taken beside the Sheriff's Office, the time came for some playtesting....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This, of course is being done courtesy of Discord in these difficult times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and let me tell you, much fun was had!</div><br></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-86537970681046072022020-10-13T12:11:00.000+01:002020-10-13T16:12:10.557+01:00The Sausagemen of the Inglorious '45<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>So, just in case you haven't quite figured it out quite yet, I abso-bloomin'-lutely love rules by the Too Fat Lardies. Sharp Practice has been a firm favourite for many years. But as the good friends I game with don't normally game historics, it falls to myself to introduce them to the fun of TFL games. So, over the last few years as limited income allowed, I've been gradually building up forces for A LOT of different periods. Needless to say, most haven't been completed yet. Really wish they had been, but alas, no.</div><div><br></div><div>Well, all that's about to change. As you can read in one of my recent posts, I had the privilege of being a part of Virtual Lard 3 on 3rd October. During that weekend, I found myself blethering with Doug about ITLSU and TotW (that's If the Lord Spares Us and Triumph of the Will if those consonant clusters didn't mean anything to you.) And we discovered a kindred experience: collecting two armies so you can introduce others to the joys of Lard. Incidentally, I also picked him up wrong when he talked about his armies and Oz. I thought we were on the other side of the world to each other. You can imagine my surprise and delight when I learned he was just down the road an hour or so from myself!</div><div><br></div><div>Then something exciting happened. Instead of working on two opposed armies, we decided to work on a project together. And as we went through the list of possibilities, we settled on the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, which, as you may or may not know, culminated in the battle of Drummossie Moor, or Culloden as it is more commonly known, on 16th April 1746. </div><div><br></div><div>Doug decided to drive himself mad with the plaid by taking on Bonnie Prince Charlie, and I decided to drive myself slightly less mad with the plaid by concentrating on Cumberland's Men. </div><div><br></div><div>And because I've got some models on order, and I'm eagerly awaiting their arrival, I can't show you much progress so far. But I can concentrate on some myth busting about the '45, which had some seriously inglorious consequences, matched only by the amount of inglorious and erroneous nationalistic Prebble-induced twaddle. </div><div><br></div><div>Let me explain...</div><div><br></div><div><b>It's a battle between the Stuarts and Hanoverians...?</b></div><div>Nope. Not even close. It wasn't some doomed attempt to retake the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland they had lost because James VII and II did a runner when Orange Bill came a calling. Their main motivation was the opposition to the Union of 1707 (celebrated by the erection of a mile long street in my home town of Aberdeen). This union of parliaments just over a century after the Union of Crowns led to the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain on 1st May 1707. </div><div><br></div><div>In 1715, some 22,000 fought for the Jacobites, but by the time of the 1745 rebellion about 11-12,000 Scots were still prepared to take up arms. The big upward shift in Jacobite support in 1715 came as a result of widespread opposition to the Union of 1707. Jacobite recruitment stressed this.</div><div><br></div><div><b>So, it's the defeat of Scottish Nationalism then...?</b></div><div>Not in the modern sense of nationalism, it wasn't. Whilst the Stuarts wanted to be restored to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland, and be based in London, but the Britain they and their supporters conceived was very different from the one that developed in the 18th century. Instead, there would have been a more confederal multi-kingdom monarchy, with capitals and parliaments in Edinburgh and Dublin (Dublin still had a parliament at this time, of course).</div><div><br></div><div>A Stuart Scotland would probably have been ‘independent’ and have had its own army, but would likely not have had much room to pursue a separate foreign policy from London. In this sense, it would have been in a position close to that enjoyed by the British Empire’s dominions, such as Canada and Australia, in the 19th century.</div><div><br></div><div>In the 18th century Scots in general were typically depicted wearing the kilt in political cartoons and satires. So initially Culloden was seen as a victory over all “rebellious Scots” as the National Anthem puts it, in a verse now no longer sung...<br></div><div><br></div><div><b>But it was a battle between Catholics and Protestants, right..?</b></div><div>Statistically, the most likely recruit for the Jacobite army came from the north east of Scotland and an adherent of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Episcopalians supported the Stuarts because they believed that if they were restored, Presbyterianism would be disestablished in Scotland. Most of the Highlanders who fought for the Stuarts were Episcopalian too. Although there were a number of Catholics, these were a minority of the army, and that minority becomes more stark when the Scottish and Irish troops in the French service are excluded.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Okay then, but this was definitely a battle between a modern army and a more archaic Highland force, right..?</b></div><div>Well, only if you want to ignore the facts, because if you call the Jacobites a ‘Highland army’ you're playing into Prebble and modern day politics and not the actual composition of the Jacobite army. </div><div><br></div><div>Simple fact is, the Jacobite army at Culloden was organised along regimental lines. These regiments were named after their commanders as was still the case in the British army at the time. The Jacobite army was drilled with a mixture of French and British tactics and they had a large amount of artillery compared with Montrose a century before. Transport difficulties, not archaic army structure was to blame for much of its absence at Culloden. </div><div><br></div><div>The battle of Culloden had to be fought because the Jacobite army needed to protect Inverness, its last major supply depot. As it was, supplies were low. Charles’s army was too large and too conventionally organised to fight a guerilla war, and would have broken up if this had been attempted. And with many units from the Scottish Lowlands, we simply can't call Charles Edward Stuart's army a Clan army. And let's not forget the French, Irish and English soldiers involved in the Jacobite cause, including a soap boiler from Herefordshire.</div><div><br></div><div>Some of the most effective units at Culloden were not Highland ones. The Forfarshire Regiment held its shape and retired in good order; most of the men made it home safely to Angus. And some of the bravest actions of the battle were carried out by Lord Lewis Gordon’s brigade from Aberdeen and Banff, Lord John Drummond’s Royal Scots in the French service and Viscount Strathallan’s Perthshire Horse.</div><div><br></div><div>Oh, and Charles' army received their orders in English. Not The Gaelic.</div><div><br></div><div>Let's talk about weapons for a moment. Because for so long, the conflict has been presented as the inevitable victory of modern Britain over backward Scotland. However, the Jacobite army at Culloden was heavily armed with French and Spanish muskets, as well as captured British ‘Brown Bess’ Land Pattern muskets. The diameter of the musket ball is slightly smaller in the French and Spanish guns, so it is easy to tell these apart (Brown Bess was 19mm with a 17.5mm ball and French/Spanish patterns were 17.5mm with a 16.5mm ball). </div><div><br></div><div>It appears that the Jacobites fired many rounds at close quarters with the British front line with one British officer having six musket balls through his coat alone. They hoped to dislodge the British from flanking positions, and likewise to slow down the British cavalry advance in the final stages of the battle. Because British cavalry and dragoons typically used swords rather than guns as they attacked, the battle can be more accurately described as a victory for British swords over Jacobite muskets than the other way round.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>So, in the coming weeks and months I look forward to sharing my progress with my Cumberland army (The Sausagemen of the title) for Sharp Practice and the Inglorious rebellion of 1745! And please pop over to <a href="http://aleadodyssey.blogspot.com">Doug's Blog</a> to see his progress as well!<br></div><div><br></div><div>As always, thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-72598090513961310302020-10-07T14:44:00.001+01:002020-10-07T14:44:36.239+01:00Thypus, Lord of Contagion<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Four months ago I decided it was high time I stopped flitting from one model to another and actually focus my attention on a single army. In this way, I hoped I'd be able to compete a project ready for gaming, rather than have bits of many models ready, and no single force completed.</div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward four and a half months and I'm in a rather unique position for myself. Having just finished Typhus, Lord of Contagion, the only Death Guard model that remains is Mortarion himself!</div><div><br></div><div>To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not so sure why Typhus didn't get painted sooner. All the other characters and elites were painted long before. And it's not that I didn't like the model in the first place. Sure, I've heard some people say he looks like a bit of a rock star. But that never really crossed my mind, let alone impeded the order in which he was deserving of attention. It's probably just that I had already painted the Lord of Contagion from the 8th core set, and Felthius had followed in his wake. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyhoo, once I'd taken a look at the sprue, I began to realise just what I'd been missing out on not starting Typhus sooner. There is an incredible amount of detail on this model. I know that's true of pretty much all Chaos Space Marines, but it's especially true of the Death Guard in general, and Typhus in particular. And as you pour over the two sprues and particularly large base you soon realise that Typhus is a fair bit bigger than his Nurgle-worshipping fellows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But be warned! It's not just about having to make the model in two stages if you want to be able to get the paintbrush everywhere you're going to need to be able to get it. It's about that iddy biddy teeny weenie face mask. I was incredibly cautious about taking it off the sprue. I even impressed myself at being able to catch it as the clippers completed their task. But then, dang nabbit, the piddly piece of plastic went and fell out of my hands. And boy did it do the disappearing trick of the century. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were down on our hands and knees trying to find where it had bounced off to. Even Sandy, our labrador was sniffing about trying to figure out what we were looking for. So when we eventually found it, there was only one thing to do... push it into the blutak on my pin vice until I was ready to fix it in place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honesty, you don't need that stress! Personally I can't see why GW didn't just make it a part of the head piece anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully the rest of the assembly was straight forward. I went for a full assembly of Typhus, but kept the smoke and flies that billow out his back on the sprues. There's no way you can paint them, let alone Typhus' back properly if you glue them in place before you start painting. <br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The smoke and flies were checked carefully and any mould lines were removed before paint went anywhere near the model. That way, the only tidying up I'd have to do would be on the areas where the sprues touched the parts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Undercoat Colours</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I began by painting Typhus black. Once this was completely dry, I then added a second undercoat of Vallejo Model Colour (VMC) 70884 Stone Grey to paint all the tentacles, bones, and the Nurgling clutching his side, and undercoated the smoke and flies with this colour as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Armour</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I began with a mix of Citadel's Death Guard Green and Vallejo Model Colour (VMC) 70889 USA Olive Drab, roughly 70% Death Guard Green to Olive Drab. I then start adding more Death Guard Green to the mix, working to a final layer of pure Death Guard Green. This gives you the armour colour you can see in this next photo. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But that's not the colour I've been leaving my Death Guard Models. So the next thing I did was to take some VMC 70881 Yellow Green and added a little water to it. This was then applied to the armour, adding a highlight to the main panels, and allowing it to catch the bottom of those decaying holes. I deliberately ignore any recessed areas of armour, and anywhere I want to remain in shade. And because it's me, I do this stage again, but don't paint as far down to the edge of where I painted last time. This makes a nice gradient. And then, because I clearly like to torture myself, I get some VMC 70978 Dark Yellow. This is my edge highlight on the armour panels, down the middle of the knee pads, and on the bottom lip of those holes int he armour. And sometimes, to really emphasise it, I'll apply it more sparingly on extreme edges. <br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Gold Armour</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">These sections are base coated with Citadel Retributor Armour shaded with Army Painter Soft Tone Wash. I then reapply the Citadel Retributor Armour as a highlight. And then, just for fun, I add a dab of VMC 70997 Silver to the Retributor Armour and apply it as an extreme highlight. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;"><br></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;">Tentacles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">I base coat these with Vallejo Game Colour (VGC) Squid Pink. When dry, I apply Army Painter Red Tone Wash (sometimes called inks). I'll then add a second coat of this as a targeted wash to the areas I want darker.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bones 'n' Stuff Like That</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the bones already base coated in the undercoat stage, all I did to these was apply an Army Painter Light Tone Wash to them. When they are dry, you can go in and reinstate some VMC 70884 Stone Grey as a highlight. Or, if you want to save yourself from that bother, simply apply some Flow Medium to the tip of the bones, and then apply that first wash to the deepest recesses and brush towards the flow medium. You'll get a lovely fade out of the shade colour as a result, and you may not need to apply the Stone Grey as a highlight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b>Rusting Metal</b></div><div>These areas were all base coated with VMC 70863 Gunmetal. When dried, I get a ruined old brush whose bristles resemble more of a hedgehog than a brush. I dip the ends into into some VGC 72044 Dark Fleshtone, wipe off the excess and stipple in as random a way as I can over parts of the gunmetal. Then I take some VGC Orange Fire and do the same, focusing over where I have placed the Dark Fleshtone. You want to use less of this than the fleshtone. And it doesn't matter if the two colours mix a bit. In fact, I rather prefer it if it does. When all this is dry, I apply Army Painter Soft Tone Wash over it all. And when that is also dry, I pick out some edge highlights with VMC 70864 Natural Steel. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Smoke and Flies</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">To keep things simple, I deal with the smoke first, applying the washes with no regard for the safety of the flies. After all, I'll be picking these out with my painting only when the smoke is well and truly finished. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took some Vallejo Game Colour Gold Yellow and add it to my Flow Medium (which you can read all about <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2020/03/make-your-own-flow-medium.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) This goes to the top third of the smoke. This is where you want the palest colour. And then, with a quick clean of the brush, I added some Citadel Technical Hexwraith Flame and applied it to the rest of the flame, blending it into the yellow. After another clean of the brush I took a small amount of Citadel Technical Nighthaunt Gloom and add it to the the deepest recesses of the smoke. If it isn't mixing, well I add a little pure flow medium to help it wet blend together. And if it happens to dry with a hit of a shine, you can apply some acrylic medium over the smoke when it has dried. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_FkschY_QexNlPWSQ4C97M8SRF0MbNQkf8Rwq_wVRrj0a2pncFsDrY115CGL-ePukOZcXVFLfc2PpFPpair0adb49gfmojZ5ShkzXph6Q1KXzGTMYvsSMJH4xxlBwKbUqbPBfrtX7sc/s1600/1600599803882338-6.png" width="400">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it was completely dry (which takes a good half hour or so depending on how much flow medium you've used) it's time to pay some attention to the the flies. I painted their wings with VMC 70907 Pale Grey Blue. It was at this point I was really glad they were still on the sprues. It made them so much easier to handle. Somde of the larger flies had their bodies and legs painted with VMC 70881 Yellow Green. Their carapace, and all of the smaller flies were painted with Citadel Mechanics Standard Grey. Why the change, you ask? Well, it's really an aesthetic. I wanted the flies to stand out. And while it's fine to paint a couple of large flies in a yellow green, doing so with the other would mean they wouldn't stand out against the smoke. Sure, I could have gone for the grey blue smoke I've talked about in some of my earlier posts, but I still don't think the contrast would be quite so strong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the black on the flies received a coat of targeted Army Painter Dark Tone wash. All the green parts received a wash of Citadel Athonian Cammoshade wash. And the wings? Believe it or not, I went for Army Painter Soft Tone wash. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RMlUTTNegT848yrK5-yUMVGn9V-S8rnJ8sbzT7J6IoZRtCX9Ut27W8quFnvkNu7oFSZFXkYs3c_rznCKSjTj3eTHZer6Fy-2TrxY0SdHEYDsq1ULW1ggVcrQdqUDhIzfacZgbYjr18U/s1600/1600599800821977-7.png" width="400">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOx57S6ISRKyoTKmWfJ70uH4prkVrKrSSzMchJHqyadi6-5cglm4mo-uAa5ehIacjIIrbF64b4Co8Vyc_eAx1B-fw_lcXA4Is_1MKqY9WRWQFDWfnDoBfC0X_eMUIsG_uTuaS6GUwaOA/s1600/1600599798004670-8.png" width="400">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the model in all it's final glory!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTlU02-Qq8VO0x8TYES4FuDvQ3xpql9_HLjCZtUYXRi_eSOpgTn7_eqsUhuWLz99_dyizEM3UuCqu0juB9HVPgsHGU8OwhsJa0GmtN4M4BQXam20NgcPQ7WqZTPO6qlvAX4pLaP07qsI/s1600/1600599794312652-9.png" width="400">
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</div>As always, thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-43993765651088514382020-10-04T23:45:00.001+01:002020-10-04T23:45:25.360+01:00A Day of Virtual Lard<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OG-S36f8op58Iw8vRTCMEtqo8qy43VqVS7BDPSzXkh393ROAR1JiTnT5_KKaoCEVl2lY2QLPYe4CkAK98kJrekoQOTnNXzJWhqdqVSydS98IR5xkSZ67L5kpp5K9wNWw8Njyu587YWo/s4032/PXL_20201003_074519023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OG-S36f8op58Iw8vRTCMEtqo8qy43VqVS7BDPSzXkh393ROAR1JiTnT5_KKaoCEVl2lY2QLPYe4CkAK98kJrekoQOTnNXzJWhqdqVSydS98IR5xkSZ67L5kpp5K9wNWw8Njyu587YWo/s320/PXL_20201003_074519023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's amazing where a tweet can lead you.<div><br /></div><div>I'd been simply responding to a wonderful picture Derek Hodge had shared of his mix of Wargames Atlantic and Victrix models to create some incredibly Ray Harryhausen-esque Greek Skeletons. (You can read about them <a href="https://dereksweetoys.com/fun-things-to-do-with-wargames-atlantic-skeleton-warriors/" target="_blank">here</a>.) Conversation moved to gaming (definitely the lack of it in my case!) and before you know it, I was very kindly invited to join a virtual game of Sharpe Practice set during the French Indian War on the Sunday afternoon via Discord. </div><div><br /></div><div>Absolutely bowled over to be asked, I had a thoroughly wonderful gaming session with some excellent gents. It was my first wargame since February, truth be told. And the chance of gaming Sharp Practice was a real dream come true.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as that came to an end, I learned of Virtual Lard 3 to take place on Saturday 3rd October. The games were on the Discord channel. Signing up was available from midnight that night. I was put in touch with Jeremy and warmly invited to the server. And a few days later I found I was one of the lucky eighty people to be allocated not just one, but two games. The morning I would be led by the excellent Shaun Randell in 'Barkmann Corner Overdrive' for What a Tanker!. And in the afternoon the equally brilliant John Savage would lead a group of us in A Winter's Tale, a game of Infamy, Infamy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I was like a kid in a candy store.</div><div><br /></div><div>And boy was I in for a treat!</div><div><br /></div><div>Two games with good folks, led by wonderful gents who did a power of work to make these games happen. I played with people I've only ever had the chance of interacting with through Twitter. (And to be honest, I hadn't joined the dots between all the handles and the people I hadn't realised I had already met in this way!) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgO7AbHPgZl6TjMbmX28CK5G5OVfYQpEwBFzZSBtG_QpZzFm75WXYBm_3HyWTKVK23l2udCOhxs0lAkevsAB1FYEvWS1tNQm98wieHkzXjJgseRPDwXAwq7hTFY0PuLhT_84V-P6W73g/s168/unknown.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="127" data-original-width="168" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgO7AbHPgZl6TjMbmX28CK5G5OVfYQpEwBFzZSBtG_QpZzFm75WXYBm_3HyWTKVK23l2udCOhxs0lAkevsAB1FYEvWS1tNQm98wieHkzXjJgseRPDwXAwq7hTFY0PuLhT_84V-P6W73g/w320-h242/unknown.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Barkmann Corner Overdrive</b></div><div>As one of five Sherman 75mm Tanks, our job was to take out the solitary Panther at the other end of the table commanded by Andy. My thanks go to Ioan for screen capturing the images of this one!</div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to get ahead early in the game, and hide as best as a Sherman can behind a hedge. And there I sat, overlooking a wheat field and acquiring the target in the edge of some nearby woods. For some reason Mike's Sherman seemed a better target than mine. This, you'll understand, was a shame for Mike (who would go on to receive a fair bit of track damage as the game wore on, but not get blown up) but a bonus for myself. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz18i-JVsuoPjijeQ4N0q0xP8Q32Bk7n6G8-AQhH-K0EerYuNX1uXksn1SJb8sl0D9PRjojGzbC4g0aIqLd7f_oXAch2bZFE_8E6i7jcooXBLD8iksFZJOQGLGhTWlQJBF5DQxDNkkooU/s1191/unknown-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz18i-JVsuoPjijeQ4N0q0xP8Q32Bk7n6G8-AQhH-K0EerYuNX1uXksn1SJb8sl0D9PRjojGzbC4g0aIqLd7f_oXAch2bZFE_8E6i7jcooXBLD8iksFZJOQGLGhTWlQJBF5DQxDNkkooU/s320/unknown-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>Joined by two other tanks on the same flank, my shots weren't doing much by way of damaging the Panther. But they did make him realise he would be better somewhere else. And as he began to retreat, round the farmhouse you can see in these pictures, I decided the best thing to do was get in quick and let off a shot up his rear. I got to the edge of the farmhouse, but the dice meant I was just short of getting a bead on him. Oh well, I thought, at least he's gunning for Mike again. And then, as The Colonel came into range and began trying to fire, another of those pesky cards was played. And before I knew it, Barkmann was reversing right towards me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVXRpqIm1wIQo14ngUTMhgx5Ar0AbEMgAfcovjNirVx_R1T4wXXmhUlZVkqIgbiBz2hM_lz09Ra8ZgI3CXapu52-YfXaCQQlz3tPLHeIyjcbbOQjIyYECNwGRkDf5qHbx0rsoV9crMCw/s1189/unknown-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVXRpqIm1wIQo14ngUTMhgx5Ar0AbEMgAfcovjNirVx_R1T4wXXmhUlZVkqIgbiBz2hM_lz09Ra8ZgI3CXapu52-YfXaCQQlz3tPLHeIyjcbbOQjIyYECNwGRkDf5qHbx0rsoV9crMCw/s320/unknown-2.png" width="320" /></a></div>Our muzzles practically met as his gunner fired. </div><div><br /></div><div>How he didn't damage me is anyone's guess. That this happened again before I could move was beyond my understanding. I tried to shoot back, but apart from making hims lose a Command Dice temporarily, my shots were just bouncing off him. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoUKb8DkwlLXrGHFzSzb7x22ClBIJXXQCwZHdvwyj6MEn1Q6Vgc7mkxeXoJLy3cZ5BfGLjIFqQfR92Nbst0pbTiE1cpZGo1TvHwIUtiI2iD5_eLoFX3huQpNtk5GtXl1YcOc_BEzCRQw/s168/unknown-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="127" data-original-width="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoUKb8DkwlLXrGHFzSzb7x22ClBIJXXQCwZHdvwyj6MEn1Q6Vgc7mkxeXoJLy3cZ5BfGLjIFqQfR92Nbst0pbTiE1cpZGo1TvHwIUtiI2iD5_eLoFX3huQpNtk5GtXl1YcOc_BEzCRQw/s0/unknown-3.png" /></a></div>And then, as I managed to back off, Andy's bad dice turned and I blew up. I'd like to add that I began on the table edge the following turn, and managed to get across the table to acquire and aim. But the fire dice eluded me. </div><div><br /></div><div>And after a dance around a brick shed left too many rear ends exposed for any game to remain totally innuendo-free, The Colonel took out Barkmann. Nice going for his first game of What a Tanker!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>A Winter's Tale</b></div><div>Frazer and I had the Britons, whose job it was to stop Centurion Crismus Bonus getting the supply wagon across the table to the fort. RevBoone and Simon had the job of making that happen for the Romans. I was absolutely psyched to be playing my first game of Infamy, Infamy, and well chuffed to be playing the Britons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wanting to get some of our forces on the table quickly to generate some fervour, the cards let us deploy both sets of skirmishers and the massive body of warriors on the table before any Romans had really managed to appear. This we decided was a good thing. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49x_N-DhIqimhEL9h7IBNO9WOfHcmi42znE6vqty1TqAL49QlhKRm_fgERdwKqjn83te7k8I4yk_3-D1gXC6n4GlGk3hlv0GQTmtdfA8l3nIJ1-c548JsGBhaxtU7iEq2hCeNRMOzvUc/s2048/20201003_192122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49x_N-DhIqimhEL9h7IBNO9WOfHcmi42znE6vqty1TqAL49QlhKRm_fgERdwKqjn83te7k8I4yk_3-D1gXC6n4GlGk3hlv0GQTmtdfA8l3nIJ1-c548JsGBhaxtU7iEq2hCeNRMOzvUc/s320/20201003_192122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And before you knew it, Anticlimax was building up some fury. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyfVZxZ7ejQlsFQzdEni3Hvj9uuLiRmxWmuJxaXUV1TdA-xz27HF9z84aL2_QTx-sZLYBrp4sxnmstVGMYN2u08VNYlmPQyo_g-mQ5CAykQ0TO87vVa6wscHXJIJqhUMNuzRQpgdSeog/s2048/20201003_192126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyfVZxZ7ejQlsFQzdEni3Hvj9uuLiRmxWmuJxaXUV1TdA-xz27HF9z84aL2_QTx-sZLYBrp4sxnmstVGMYN2u08VNYlmPQyo_g-mQ5CAykQ0TO87vVa6wscHXJIJqhUMNuzRQpgdSeog/s320/20201003_192126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then it really was a case of Infamy, Infamy, the cards have it infamy! Out rolled the Romans in perfect order, and along came the cart rolling along behind them. The cards for our troops weren't appearing before the Tempus Fugit, time and time again. Our Force Morale wasn't affected, but Frazer and I were beginning to wonder if we weren't facing the inevitable. The Roman archers were raining fire on the warriors. And I clearly wasn't helping them either. The one time they activated, they had decided to stand their ground and build up fervour. Trouble was, I rolled a one. Which put them all down to a 1. And that archery fire, and the blooming great Scorpio they had firing into the rear ranks from the fort quickly meant we had shock and not fervour building, and no leaders activated to stem the tide. It was bleak for a while. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafVPr-PRQ3v0Gbs8h1uc0XTByftw4q5Dxh2ZWJQLXYWgoH4XZsNp8cJnWW__BzR5bWB85xt7ji4OcK8L3En8lpb_R1AwgnDkcQ5FOzjJOampqNZhAjd-2DxUJwANeAmjCcPD-OpH08zs/s2048/20201003_192132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafVPr-PRQ3v0Gbs8h1uc0XTByftw4q5Dxh2ZWJQLXYWgoH4XZsNp8cJnWW__BzR5bWB85xt7ji4OcK8L3En8lpb_R1AwgnDkcQ5FOzjJOampqNZhAjd-2DxUJwANeAmjCcPD-OpH08zs/s320/20201003_192132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then things got worse. Our skirmishers were repelled. As too were our cavalry skirmishers who, incidentally, managed to flee right into the path of our only opportunity to ambush with the chariots whose card was clearly never going to appear before the Tempus Fugit card. With no other option available to us, our warriors made a charge at the Legionaries. It wan;t easy for them. Laden with shock and not fervour, massive scorpio bolts sticking out their backs and Pilum poking out their chests they ran into the fray... Well, one of the four groups did. The others didn't make it in. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had a choice when the chariots had a chance to come on: do so without sufficient signa to ambush anything and hope for the best (not easy with some Roman Cavalry waiting for us to do so) or hold off, waiting for the moment that was clearly not going to come. Thankfully we'd been able to move on the skirmish cavalry that were in the way, and we brought them on. They could do nothing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tempus Fugit again.</div><div><br /></div><div>And at this point, the cards let those pesky Roman Cavalry activate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, we weren't having any of that now, were we. No siree. Checking with Fraser by waving the card in front of my camera, we played the card. It allowed us to interrupt with an on table unit that hadn't activated. We pushed the chariots forward, dropped off the noble warriors with Dominatrix n front of the auxiliaries, and retired them as rallying points. The auxiliaries fell back against this massive onslaught of fervour and javelins. Crismus Bonus can't hold the Romans together, and as the line falls apart (despite holding half of the Nobles off from smashing the cart) theri force morale drops into the negative.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GEm_PtqZaz92mB0T_BdtpNQ3GqzWoADTBB_kydGH0-2rFQSSu9ltDjyMOic5YqIXgs9iQAo27gaoINSmRgqug-8PfTn7r3VfLQMb8q0_DQs3bmB7P0N6-pK__WIsYI1VJIW5Xc1oZpk/s2048/20201003_192156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GEm_PtqZaz92mB0T_BdtpNQ3GqzWoADTBB_kydGH0-2rFQSSu9ltDjyMOic5YqIXgs9iQAo27gaoINSmRgqug-8PfTn7r3VfLQMb8q0_DQs3bmB7P0N6-pK__WIsYI1VJIW5Xc1oZpk/s320/20201003_192156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKcEhl2Eg2Vg-b0qD5OAkYDuFXSffQJEuatkbwmghUjxgE5gfjzg5-MbQHj4fuJ8ZHvSX8ZeKTWv0ZsbmNOI9bHCTNT6Ff5m5piG7-obj5LMKEp2C26cLqQtmPyek68pNJUhgMvD8IiE/s2048/20201003_192202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKcEhl2Eg2Vg-b0qD5OAkYDuFXSffQJEuatkbwmghUjxgE5gfjzg5-MbQHj4fuJ8ZHvSX8ZeKTWv0ZsbmNOI9bHCTNT6Ff5m5piG7-obj5LMKEp2C26cLqQtmPyek68pNJUhgMvD8IiE/s320/20201003_192202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXClAiYozS_LbKa3HqjiALgdG7j7jeHhqUOU8z31qI2fJi0S50c6mung8ilZ8Y5IWBsYysI9A6KxxSp9tFPr4QY2zwm-mvlqLq_kamtvFCunPN3JycPQEsYjPMgl4hXI-jk6VHGsMjqw/s2048/20201003_192207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXClAiYozS_LbKa3HqjiALgdG7j7jeHhqUOU8z31qI2fJi0S50c6mung8ilZ8Y5IWBsYysI9A6KxxSp9tFPr4QY2zwm-mvlqLq_kamtvFCunPN3JycPQEsYjPMgl4hXI-jk6VHGsMjqw/s320/20201003_192207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I_fBgLnVg7hWmjwnW4mx8vdbFMGLwBcNnw7jaO5Z6cPDDkSfLNwkdfaZrjikfulH6wncCZ-y8NRy4tFtSiNsLE32f9HUAvnQUp23obVGVT2QLcHf4k75mvM7TaZFfSkmMtczV5mtdpY/s2048/20201003_192218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I_fBgLnVg7hWmjwnW4mx8vdbFMGLwBcNnw7jaO5Z6cPDDkSfLNwkdfaZrjikfulH6wncCZ-y8NRy4tFtSiNsLE32f9HUAvnQUp23obVGVT2QLcHf4k75mvM7TaZFfSkmMtczV5mtdpY/s320/20201003_192218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Crismus Bonus was defeated. The wagon survived, but the way was blocked. And against all hope, the Britons were victorious!</div><div><br /></div><div>I simply can't thank Jeremy enough for organising Virtual Lard 3, and I will remain forever in his debt for having the chance to get involved in the day's games. I woke up this morning with a massive smile on my face remembering all the fun I had the day before. A massive shout out to Jeremy, Shaun Randell for What a Tanker and John Savage for my first ever game of Infamy, Infamy. Shaun and John led us through their games with consummate skill, wisdom, patience, advice and support whilst racking up their pedometers by the thousands as they dashed around their respective tables and made everything run so smoothly. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd also like to give a massive shout out to everyone I had the privilege of gaming with. I wish I'd written down your handles to name you all. Whether you're mentioned by name above, or missed out due to my own ignorance, can I thank you all for being brilliant and so welcoming. It wasn't just a brilliant day, it was some of the best gaming I've ever had. Covid-19 might have mucked up many of our own gaming plans this year, but Virtual Lard brought together fellow Lardies from all over. I was privileged to game with good gents I probably wouldn't have had the chance to game with in any other circumstances. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that's not hyperbole. It's an honest to goodness statement of facts. It was an incredible day, and I'm privileged to have been a part of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for letting me share just a flavour of it with you in this post.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take care, stay safe and spread the Lard!<br /> <p></p></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-80722027793789639952020-09-28T20:17:00.004+01:002020-09-28T20:18:56.966+01:00Thirteen Plague Marines and The Tallyman<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK505enKkA6nhvyxHtNBvD-Dp6Mnoc8vyR0vmd9YfUki_h2_Hrh0I6EieTP5hMwWrbYec369zvjPdyj-gZyy5ptr4MyTKKpnLWuVcLljDVzVA4BH-Qp3zxVch5arPdv92BDXqLVP62teH/s1600/1601049963790652-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK505enKkA6nhvyxHtNBvD-Dp6Mnoc8vyR0vmd9YfUki_h2_Hrh0I6EieTP5hMwWrbYec369zvjPdyj-gZyy5ptr4MyTKKpnLWuVcLljDVzVA4BH-Qp3zxVch5arPdv92BDXqLVP62teH/s1600/1601049963790652-0.png" width="400" /></a></p><div>I'd been painting my Death Guard Plague Marines and characters individually. To be honest, that's the way I'd always painted models. But with 62 Poxwalkers to paint (I love that nice round number!) and another 46 still to do, I had begun to think about batch painting. This made sense, as most of the work on the Poxwalkers I had already painted had shown me that successive washes was the best way to get the results I was after. And as washes take a really long time to dry, I knew I had spent a lot of time twiddling my thumbs between washes, waiting to apply the next colour. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61PUaLXMSj8gGvQClLDV_D_MT1ykQwyffPWVviWepWgYpH_Eg14TLTRwP4c3jBYiVJJf_n2IEQXuKgYDFj20VxjVOrchl5yeeZCjUEgeQgVKYthgJaTFTLCfmI5awO3oCD-DVRiXVerpN/s1600/1601049960397759-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61PUaLXMSj8gGvQClLDV_D_MT1ykQwyffPWVviWepWgYpH_Eg14TLTRwP4c3jBYiVJJf_n2IEQXuKgYDFj20VxjVOrchl5yeeZCjUEgeQgVKYthgJaTFTLCfmI5awO3oCD-DVRiXVerpN/s1600/1601049960397759-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>So I gave it a go. And wrote aout it in this blog. And basking in the glow of that success, I began to wonder about trying a batch painting method on my remaining 13 Plague Marines.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZhupthlyuWpID_fai-1x9LfM5ufTMZYz0yOD9NthXQL9r5PoNwCFfkHpG_aoAQd23i1jM5ng8mP_WsE49uWbqpGt3aQpkQtKxlKtHcMbBvmgkjeJpkcisKj7zRgO2KC_F2XWB9ecLjPI/s1600/1601205435681628-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZhupthlyuWpID_fai-1x9LfM5ufTMZYz0yOD9NthXQL9r5PoNwCFfkHpG_aoAQd23i1jM5ng8mP_WsE49uWbqpGt3aQpkQtKxlKtHcMbBvmgkjeJpkcisKj7zRgO2KC_F2XWB9ecLjPI/s1600/1601205435681628-0.png" width="400" /></a></div>By this point I'd painted a number of their fellow Marines individually. I was definitely aware of the order with which I had gone about the painting. I knew what I'd learned. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtynryOzTZMFQA8bJGKIoUPDdGtfsly8wJbbStOm2tkDX_T7hO6kEP2UmMzD3lISnTv8AVaS8eIJwoDCY3DWwCeE2wRpy2o5ZpBXExVVD0CPhD_x7A1VrwJ1_BH2FH89fiHGXGlVUROmz/s1600/1601205433163529-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtynryOzTZMFQA8bJGKIoUPDdGtfsly8wJbbStOm2tkDX_T7hO6kEP2UmMzD3lISnTv8AVaS8eIJwoDCY3DWwCeE2wRpy2o5ZpBXExVVD0CPhD_x7A1VrwJ1_BH2FH89fiHGXGlVUROmz/s1600/1601205433163529-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But there was one problem. I don't use much by way of washes on my Plague Marines. So I wouldn't be wasting much time doing things individually rather than in batch. And in fact there was a bigger issue at the centre of this all...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6jFyaMAnp2Nhz-aSShF6hq46CJY9f1ZEtL5lBjWNvVjlv_BqwL82yEmfCPNHzDscQO0bhNawewv752eqQKMNymKm0t2merauih7Ak8k8DDuFMmd_ShZCtMN6Koz0is3fy1UaSx7Q3KuW/s1600/1601205430657302-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6jFyaMAnp2Nhz-aSShF6hq46CJY9f1ZEtL5lBjWNvVjlv_BqwL82yEmfCPNHzDscQO0bhNawewv752eqQKMNymKm0t2merauih7Ak8k8DDuFMmd_ShZCtMN6Koz0is3fy1UaSx7Q3KuW/s1600/1601205430657302-2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wet blending. Shading up from a darker colour on the models without applying washes. You can't do each colour in turn. You work the paint while it's wet. You use multiple thin coats of paint, mixing up from shade to highlight as you go. You can't batch paint that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or can you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What if you just accept that when it comes to wet blending from shade to highlight, you do that on one model for one colour (say the armour panels) and then do that again.on the next model? It's still painting by batch. It's still in stages. It's just that some of the stages will take a long time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then there's that big problem...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...would I lose the will to carry on if I did that? Spending ages wet blending one area, and then go onto another similar model and do exactly the same all over again? Without the promise of painting something else to break the monotony? Is that even possible? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDoj-4y_BTcSZuo0GI7InWgPclZ68vejWqlbRqgeXbnvGMEUj79Dm8fulq8LFjSIqkCfbktPSw7LpA3OAxRo0__Fwm_aSxdx2M5IUiOHa7TwmjwYVkcoo1BIqUZcHwv6l9VEsVCJcYfOn/s1600/1601205427607377-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDoj-4y_BTcSZuo0GI7InWgPclZ68vejWqlbRqgeXbnvGMEUj79Dm8fulq8LFjSIqkCfbktPSw7LpA3OAxRo0__Fwm_aSxdx2M5IUiOHa7TwmjwYVkcoo1BIqUZcHwv6l9VEsVCJcYfOn/s1600/1601205427607377-3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I decided to give it a go anyway. And sure, there were times I felt bogged down for an age. But you know what? I was actually encouraged seeing so many models come together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to be honest. I work long hours, and often seven days a week. Finding time to paint isn't always easy. But everything you can see in this post was painted in my free time. And it only took 15 days from start to finish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That, for me, is frankly an incredible turnaround. Anyhoo, I'll let the photos speak for themselves...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4nD1lcFtfJb5HzXWDE_Nw7gT4TjFkWOdPIxHS1LKbiCqs4sHzhcPFeaB0GInYsxYC817i3qrEcd_xcFXO_HDRwwEnhQ32WVtU5YM34GGZT32I6Yp_ZYR81VJJQU10s0np-uK9n36vFWI/s1600/1601205424639852-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4nD1lcFtfJb5HzXWDE_Nw7gT4TjFkWOdPIxHS1LKbiCqs4sHzhcPFeaB0GInYsxYC817i3qrEcd_xcFXO_HDRwwEnhQ32WVtU5YM34GGZT32I6Yp_ZYR81VJJQU10s0np-uK9n36vFWI/s1600/1601205424639852-4.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKZStNugBOSCmQn-nj3cogPvStyGpCtnBJKCY6g1g1m-msrJMa2p6JQPPfEvHSDO5DYQSkfmUoSZqtkXpiTtvImmypMfmxnxtGVujU7mTxmPfpNQ8OoR3_2uPs7G2IZvUC3H_JuXuknYn/s1600/1601205422169451-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKZStNugBOSCmQn-nj3cogPvStyGpCtnBJKCY6g1g1m-msrJMa2p6JQPPfEvHSDO5DYQSkfmUoSZqtkXpiTtvImmypMfmxnxtGVujU7mTxmPfpNQ8OoR3_2uPs7G2IZvUC3H_JuXuknYn/s1600/1601205422169451-5.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b>Undercoat </b></div><div>I began by painting my models black. Once this was completely dry, I then added a second undercoat of Vallejo Model Colour (VMC) 70884 Stone Grey to paint all the tentacles, bones, parchment, and any pale fabric, and VMC 70907 Pale Grey Blue to base coat any smoke.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh-LF0E0-aTsruT0gjId8qTtdAxPgANRmw-BtjF2H9inUGrppMbKcOoDBC1d2ozUkMVRwGgMHaLSRX_ajFkOIYP_l48gB5aUnUFE6e4LC8GEvh_HIXdY6qOc5Ywev4d-xYAr18-73or_C/s1600/1601205419427402-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh-LF0E0-aTsruT0gjId8qTtdAxPgANRmw-BtjF2H9inUGrppMbKcOoDBC1d2ozUkMVRwGgMHaLSRX_ajFkOIYP_l48gB5aUnUFE6e4LC8GEvh_HIXdY6qOc5Ywev4d-xYAr18-73or_C/s1600/1601205419427402-6.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6fRXmu0BWtVtRm8ZMCcG2J8o3LnbTfsG40Dv1b6j4IyI6vGq9OJILCnOvOMWJDOneB7p8ghv_t-ffaAoy38_oxcX18MZaV3nZk2DnllzHMUvp7EBeE85OChPq0J6sGulQlSOARTUeDJx/s1600/1601205416464341-7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6fRXmu0BWtVtRm8ZMCcG2J8o3LnbTfsG40Dv1b6j4IyI6vGq9OJILCnOvOMWJDOneB7p8ghv_t-ffaAoy38_oxcX18MZaV3nZk2DnllzHMUvp7EBeE85OChPq0J6sGulQlSOARTUeDJx/s1600/1601205416464341-7.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b>Armour</b></div><div>I began with a mix of Citadel's Death Guard Green and Vallejo Model Colour (VMC) 70889 USA Olive Drab, roughly 70% Death Guard Green to Olive Drab. I then start adding more Death Guard Green to the mix, working to a final layer of pure Death Guard Green.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the point I went on to do another colour on my models, for the sake of sanity. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I returned to the armour, I took some VMC 70881 Yellow Green and added a little water to it. This was then applied to the armour, adding a highlight to the main panels, and allowing it to catch the bottom of those decaying holes. I deliberately ignore any recessed areas of armour. Makes the rest pop. And then I do this stage again, but don't paint as far down to the edge of where I painted last time. Makes a nice gentle gradient that way. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then, because I clearly like to torture myself, I get some VMC 70978 Dark Yellow. This is my edge highlight on the armour panels, down the middle of the knee pads, and on the bottom lip of those holes int he armour. And sometimes, to really emphasise it, I'll apply it more sparingly on extreme edges. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanu10tnWcxocRNFIuTa_Sn3TD0CJW7BnFYyFWoxufgAzpMjpNCXHR783rDN6c9zztE9FC8pY8EDCeYd4o84gLtOVaDT8BHRPJ4_uiissMneBIzGWjHzpS_fmXA9m88fZs7yejjwAAuSVf/s1600/1601205413635360-8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanu10tnWcxocRNFIuTa_Sn3TD0CJW7BnFYyFWoxufgAzpMjpNCXHR783rDN6c9zztE9FC8pY8EDCeYd4o84gLtOVaDT8BHRPJ4_uiissMneBIzGWjHzpS_fmXA9m88fZs7yejjwAAuSVf/s1600/1601205413635360-8.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zbayRm2vimWkWIlRbA9WPl08SMQYR5qkpRXEdPhnlsWbv5JtQIKO7CWcl6qc5OgRr4dWpKe0aBbZdvQWVNYe3k5-3mXt2GtAab005C0ZCSe8lr0J8mEfNXjPHVvSORTAb6f4Zw7ckb_I/s1600/1601205410897439-9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zbayRm2vimWkWIlRbA9WPl08SMQYR5qkpRXEdPhnlsWbv5JtQIKO7CWcl6qc5OgRr4dWpKe0aBbZdvQWVNYe3k5-3mXt2GtAab005C0ZCSe8lr0J8mEfNXjPHVvSORTAb6f4Zw7ckb_I/s1600/1601205410897439-9.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b>Gold Armour</b></div>These sections are base coated with Citadel Retributor Armour shaded with Army Painter Soft Tone Wash. I then reapply the Citadel Retributor Armour as a highlight. And then, just for fun, I add a dab of VMC 70997 Silver to the Retributor Armour and apply it as an extreme highlight. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEZUzPRbgusPRry9ppbOBwuPTmaZi-r4r4BMH3_ZW05cvlIQD5YV8xr6ZIIMGOIbDYoKAL5ALrr9SVZlTzg4z67sWnB_eNuwYpGQKckgzlicitJ4wX2T4iZ7-S3ibMnnAEpDGUFQdsp8C/s1600/1601205407935365-10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEZUzPRbgusPRry9ppbOBwuPTmaZi-r4r4BMH3_ZW05cvlIQD5YV8xr6ZIIMGOIbDYoKAL5ALrr9SVZlTzg4z67sWnB_eNuwYpGQKckgzlicitJ4wX2T4iZ7-S3ibMnnAEpDGUFQdsp8C/s1600/1601205407935365-10.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaJXedTQsy7dda7eEYG5-v3bfGPsn9QKizC9UbmxagowTiZPlMkrHG23002QT7zDmeJVq_kxKVp4LbwRgx7ihF0NPzq1oeWL3v275lbqCnL7_9-NMWEUw4WxDET3hzRPmmDiWF3_1AG-L/s1600/1601205405116732-11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaJXedTQsy7dda7eEYG5-v3bfGPsn9QKizC9UbmxagowTiZPlMkrHG23002QT7zDmeJVq_kxKVp4LbwRgx7ihF0NPzq1oeWL3v275lbqCnL7_9-NMWEUw4WxDET3hzRPmmDiWF3_1AG-L/s1600/1601205405116732-11.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Tentacles</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I base coat these with Vallejo Game Colour (VGC) Squid Pink. When dry, I apply Army Painter Red Tone Wash (sometimes called inks). I'll then add a second coat of this as a targeted wash to the areas I want darker.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIvEg8MSoDUehq-QTFIyhH7_ZJt1e_nw6SQUM3qoWwcl7o3tug7nQ-F3MvUlHKxaU606x-wyUXBg6z_MdQsHF-Zx1hd-oI5lqlbuXUegcQ4zSGAHSDrmafOScnbXj5vWQuHkYddyVjSPX/s1600/1601205402184410-12.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIvEg8MSoDUehq-QTFIyhH7_ZJt1e_nw6SQUM3qoWwcl7o3tug7nQ-F3MvUlHKxaU606x-wyUXBg6z_MdQsHF-Zx1hd-oI5lqlbuXUegcQ4zSGAHSDrmafOScnbXj5vWQuHkYddyVjSPX/s1600/1601205402184410-12.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b>Smoke</b></div><div>I take some Vallejo Game Colour Gold Yellow and add it to my Flow Medium (which you can read all about <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2020/03/make-your-own-flow-medium.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) This goes to the top third of the smoke. This is where you want the palest colour. And then, with a quick clean of the brush, I add some Citadel Technical Hexwraith Flame and applied it to the rest of the flame, blending it into the yellow. After another clean of the brush I take a small amount of Citadel Technical Nighthaunt Gloom and add it to the the deepest recesses of the smoke. If it isn't mixing, I add a little pure flow medium to help it wet blend together. And if it happens to dry with a hit of a shine, you can apply some acrylic medium over the smoke when it has dried. </div><div><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDxbYAQkOVUXCzCH_m6SlVWcMkWqxkBDLg2oJg4tfsLlmtnyKFHGTVyuT0Zsm4rZyyjvvea8_0JyKODOLy1avwDSHaimQC0O9AgG_4-CPeC8rEh2Lc7hg_TiLTf3njzSQuevedr6PYU4/s4032/IMG_20200825_112318.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulLrbqQxopWMm-49OFmPLja6US03L6yo6lCwN5u70hRPKkJuncOyXR5ZI7u7x4Hwj9EDHzdeUIU57IQp4AycWEg_LouLwqqjgfN2nDrM1SUj_iEwYsHkAetqN6ORSfTvgI9Ev_5NadfX9/s1600/1601205398624234-13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulLrbqQxopWMm-49OFmPLja6US03L6yo6lCwN5u70hRPKkJuncOyXR5ZI7u7x4Hwj9EDHzdeUIU57IQp4AycWEg_LouLwqqjgfN2nDrM1SUj_iEwYsHkAetqN6ORSfTvgI9Ev_5NadfX9/s1600/1601205398624234-13.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>Bones, Teeth 'n' Stuff Like That</b></div><div>With the bones already base coated in the undercoat stage, all I did to these was apply an Army Painter Light Tone Wash to them. When they are dry, you can go in and reinstate some VMC 70884 Stone Grey as a highlight. Or, if you want to save yourself from that bother, simply apply some Flow Medium to the tip of the bones, and then apply that first wash to the deepest recesses and brush towards the flow medium. You'll get a lovely fade out of the shade colour as a result, and you may not need to apply the Stone Grey as a highlight.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27ZK9wgTiWXA5bBvOv61ku4KVIMrRTTsgE3H3KUh3fUG_8my_Iw6b_sL39A1L9WnmBWy-W_U1RJrO8efqERinyEznsJrYk1UNWIukS_-jjoFES6TWZ7u_O5W-Wa5uDdAYpa1emKQyiEA8/s1600/1601205395582622-14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27ZK9wgTiWXA5bBvOv61ku4KVIMrRTTsgE3H3KUh3fUG_8my_Iw6b_sL39A1L9WnmBWy-W_U1RJrO8efqERinyEznsJrYk1UNWIukS_-jjoFES6TWZ7u_O5W-Wa5uDdAYpa1emKQyiEA8/s1600/1601205395582622-14.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div><b>Rusting Metal</b></div><div>These areas were all base coated with VMC 70863 Gunmetal. When dried, I get a ruined old brush whose bristles resemble more of a hedgehog than a brush. I dip the ends into into some VGC 72044 Dark Fleshtone, wipe off the excess and stipple in as random a way as I can over parts of the gunmetal. Then I take some VGC Orange Fire and do the same, focusing over where I have placed the Dark Fleshtone. You want to use less of this than the fleshtone. And it doesn't matter if the two colours mix a bit. In fact, I rather prefer it if it does. When all this is dry, I apply Army Painter Soft Tone Wash over it all. And when that is also dry, I pick out some edge highlights with VMC 70864 Natural Steel. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgBkDY3CwJMMOIHpQQT600YIenqILR2GRgyoPADdtVjz7Ui2ZLm2t5oXnwLo8tSOKXSWBHj6YumEAbYzPcVf8pl46NyOywCZZ7VNYI-6B6Jt2SkdSLnLLWY1ZiJlewXReihSj3NaSrwnW/s1600/1601205391983469-15.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgBkDY3CwJMMOIHpQQT600YIenqILR2GRgyoPADdtVjz7Ui2ZLm2t5oXnwLo8tSOKXSWBHj6YumEAbYzPcVf8pl46NyOywCZZ7VNYI-6B6Jt2SkdSLnLLWY1ZiJlewXReihSj3NaSrwnW/s1600/1601205391983469-15.png" width="400" /></a></div>As always, thanks for stopping by!</div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-83103047624179623582020-09-15T12:16:00.003+01:002020-09-15T12:16:45.539+01:0046 Poxwalkers on a Madman's Paint Station!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iAAP_woDUBa_U3Q-CVo4SUDnVtFLs3sou73tzloX-GT-RLxP_NGLwaNnF4F0IXg2-rkvjehgMzVoHVSn08szKiNVg8_dJfRPDWN78-VtiNT13U0CsYDk_uUpQL5_b30BSbHe1iTN8NA/s3958/IMG_20200813_135258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="3958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iAAP_woDUBa_U3Q-CVo4SUDnVtFLs3sou73tzloX-GT-RLxP_NGLwaNnF4F0IXg2-rkvjehgMzVoHVSn08szKiNVg8_dJfRPDWN78-VtiNT13U0CsYDk_uUpQL5_b30BSbHe1iTN8NA/s640/IMG_20200813_135258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so here's something of a crazy notion I took recently. I'd already painted sixteen Poxwalkers. And I'd a enjoyed the process as well. The first model was painted on it's own to help me figure out how I would approach them. And thereafter I pained them in twos or threes. It wasn't long until I had worked out a method of painting them in stages. But then the dreaded Rona virus appeared, and my painting wandered for a while across different miniatures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that was fun, but it wasn't getting anything in particular done quickly. So I decided it was important to focus on one army at a time and make sure I painted everything I had for it. Then I could move on and work on another army. And I have to say, it's been working very well indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But those Poxwalkers were worrying me. How should I divide 46 up into batches? Two lots of 23? Unsure how much motivation I'd have for such a production line, I decided to consult my painting notes and see how I'd painted them. And because they have so many wash layers, a thought began to dawn on me. I'd be just as well to do the whole lot. If nothing else, it gave more time between each stage. And that would give the man, many washes I was going to use even more time to dry out before the next one began.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I set about assembling the lot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And with that done, I extended the size of my paint station by using a small table. This effectively gave me two wings on the side of my paint station. The models would move from one side to the other to dry while I worked on the next one. In this way, I could keep a track of what I was doing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PFHdbJjqkgi9Hh6_6cw0cFtW_Du8FzO1z8KDCHGhFADhqAek_R32EJSowxV41FAoXTAri_Hgw6NVR8eQFT1Ixpmr4h4w08k6uBkAEolqG2Xi0IGwYP7-jdxEhmR94_nd-QE-SPWoSJY/s4032/IMG_20200815_155411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PFHdbJjqkgi9Hh6_6cw0cFtW_Du8FzO1z8KDCHGhFADhqAek_R32EJSowxV41FAoXTAri_Hgw6NVR8eQFT1Ixpmr4h4w08k6uBkAEolqG2Xi0IGwYP7-jdxEhmR94_nd-QE-SPWoSJY/s320/IMG_20200815_155411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here they all in eager anticipation, sporting original sprue colours. The green ones came with the Conquest partwork. The grey were others I had purchased. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr35ZOPu2bXqe7HtnDck0tBeytXkm0-0Xt7n168cBoPNQB_lkkZMfox_M_6IlizQQQ4sRcm-ssHyiREJivH3u29M9YRY6Mu43ZoHON7CxvOhx_54QhLIFNZ9eKtMBG5KPDdVRYaCw4O8/s4032/IMG_20200815_165448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr35ZOPu2bXqe7HtnDck0tBeytXkm0-0Xt7n168cBoPNQB_lkkZMfox_M_6IlizQQQ4sRcm-ssHyiREJivH3u29M9YRY6Mu43ZoHON7CxvOhx_54QhLIFNZ9eKtMBG5KPDdVRYaCw4O8/s320/IMG_20200815_165448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The pictures above and below this text shows you the process at work. On the right side of the table the Poxwalkers are slowly drying with their undercoat of VMC 70884 Stone Grey applied. The ones on the left of the table (picture below) are waiting patiently to receive the undercoat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4bGK-oI8JUfQhDw5VqEn4NFQteN58uPz3cCF-WQpdHU8TWzMUcSwO8hK0BapxFgsJQzUWldE9b8L4cEGSzy2_BubyxPN38RkZMGEZVLQH0BYad0rkiTXzON14EQPHewMQB54jQ8i7aw/s4032/IMG_20200815_165455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4bGK-oI8JUfQhDw5VqEn4NFQteN58uPz3cCF-WQpdHU8TWzMUcSwO8hK0BapxFgsJQzUWldE9b8L4cEGSzy2_BubyxPN38RkZMGEZVLQH0BYad0rkiTXzON14EQPHewMQB54jQ8i7aw/s320/IMG_20200815_165455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've got to be honest, I've never used this colour for an undercoat before. Felt kinda weird not using my usual black. But as most of these models are at least naked to the waist, I couldn't see the point of undercoating them black and then having to apply the stone grey afterwards. It was important to get good coverage of the Stone Grey as this was going to be tinted by the different layers of wash I was intending to apply. <div><br /></div><div>Next job was to apply VGC Squid Pink to all the tentacles. Again, an even and solid colour was really important. And by this point, the models were getting used to bouncing from one side of the table to the other.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMKsuPfl6MFiP9LwjrSLHm3xzc_9PID5hwBvKNCKqDeQ31eOn7Ap9vRL7H6j3Z7Y8ZmHne-YWxBrqT1FJr90PFLtkE9r3Ad5LShK3PA8u9KsLeIuYRqAwAEL32J0CSLWy3y7JKsFJhE4/s4032/IMG_20200817_120341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMKsuPfl6MFiP9LwjrSLHm3xzc_9PID5hwBvKNCKqDeQ31eOn7Ap9vRL7H6j3Z7Y8ZmHne-YWxBrqT1FJr90PFLtkE9r3Ad5LShK3PA8u9KsLeIuYRqAwAEL32J0CSLWy3y7JKsFJhE4/s320/IMG_20200817_120341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Flesh areas were given a coat of Army Painter Flesh Wash. When this was dry, I applied Citadel Athonian Cammoshade wash to targeted areas on some of the models. Those that didn't were then given a targeted wash of Army Painter Red Tone Wash. This was also applied to any tentacles. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Err25tZaGzfTemPy7RqALQRNo7YltJaFQcP6TTb6fUCWvP-NsgJQLcbvrcv0O8QLx_HWI7ZdtvLejklS6cVyrJZrD0JK9ubS7LacSdNjBhTdMIJmayq9wx0L73sWiOmj-WlOKNcGgXA/s4032/IMG_20200817_211705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Err25tZaGzfTemPy7RqALQRNo7YltJaFQcP6TTb6fUCWvP-NsgJQLcbvrcv0O8QLx_HWI7ZdtvLejklS6cVyrJZrD0JK9ubS7LacSdNjBhTdMIJmayq9wx0L73sWiOmj-WlOKNcGgXA/s320/IMG_20200817_211705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Horns and bones were given a wash of Army Painter Soft Tone Wash. Darker shading was applied where necessary on the modesl with another coat of Army Painter Flesh Wash. Darker shading was then done with another coat of Army Painter Red Tone Wash. Some tentacles were given a wash of Army Painter Purple Tone Wash for the sake of variety. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LOQbT2OQ3YI-vysnKnC7Jm7f9IgQ0NdCgWOGq6Hrnb2npgqYW9yQuCrrvL9BRIPX29s9aAYWGrncxBsLppo3PgGSPrJ8kuk6YGQUfaI-z_kp61dljU_ngG3q8mn5YLvXPajaxYmSCuY/s4032/IMG_20200817_211709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LOQbT2OQ3YI-vysnKnC7Jm7f9IgQ0NdCgWOGq6Hrnb2npgqYW9yQuCrrvL9BRIPX29s9aAYWGrncxBsLppo3PgGSPrJ8kuk6YGQUfaI-z_kp61dljU_ngG3q8mn5YLvXPajaxYmSCuY/s320/IMG_20200817_211709.jpg" /></a></div>I then began to group the models according to their sculpt. I then applied different colours to their clothing, taking one from each group as I did so. This meant that no two models should look exactly the same. I favoured Citadel Mechanicus Standard Grey, VMC 70839 Ultramarine, Citadel Death Guard Green, VGC Dark Fleshtone and Citadel Mephiston Red. I left some unpainted. These received Army Painter Strong Tone Wash.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa_fENwLsimDIKLmj9RgRCErrkVJXYUzMKrSLpViTBa3EPOwPNte111fCf_x4WtqVCfG8hoQGK53ocY5-qq9-E786YS6t08A5N0hvnTgbXcmxrHadRGhTD11xjOMewIzcro3C81PGWXw/s4032/IMG_20200817_211728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa_fENwLsimDIKLmj9RgRCErrkVJXYUzMKrSLpViTBa3EPOwPNte111fCf_x4WtqVCfG8hoQGK53ocY5-qq9-E786YS6t08A5N0hvnTgbXcmxrHadRGhTD11xjOMewIzcro3C81PGWXw/s320/IMG_20200817_211728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I painted boots VMC 70862 Black Grey.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsH5sEUsphg9wfKu4ANliyJuMTzNO7SPMRtZyREc4SADUrM1P2OlMMXj4qCqADPp8W43Kr62tg27fTUxAWIIuUJAaHvgQ6WCMp6mvwBjjt27hFQdHcsEDMdmMIrOVHjakH1zuIWy0ZoCU/s4032/IMG_20200817_211740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsH5sEUsphg9wfKu4ANliyJuMTzNO7SPMRtZyREc4SADUrM1P2OlMMXj4qCqADPp8W43Kr62tg27fTUxAWIIuUJAaHvgQ6WCMp6mvwBjjt27hFQdHcsEDMdmMIrOVHjakH1zuIWy0ZoCU/s320/IMG_20200817_211740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then came more washes. The Death Guard Green got a covering of Army Painter Soft Tone Wash, and a second targeted to enhance the deepest shadows. Mechanicus Standard Grey got some Army Painter Dark Tone, as did the boots and the Ultramarine. The Mephiston Red got some Army Painter Soft Tone Wash and targeted recessed with Strong Tone Wash. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoHYYE45kSyqqcctO6Y4DekmLwFMKmBqMteRCXoT5taL6_RKgqDeS0Sads8rqcDmKv9J2KNlbf0lgnJokY8WlX0Zg5E_5_OgLEXE7nrElJjeh_KijOKWuuU57nkuEMQ8appttot4oHkc/s4032/IMG_20200818_152242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoHYYE45kSyqqcctO6Y4DekmLwFMKmBqMteRCXoT5taL6_RKgqDeS0Sads8rqcDmKv9J2KNlbf0lgnJokY8WlX0Zg5E_5_OgLEXE7nrElJjeh_KijOKWuuU57nkuEMQ8appttot4oHkc/s320/IMG_20200818_152242.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOmv-6pHQ01dZV00DvK2N_HkLiKPFiLIMErtcbxqXggCxzE6jTV0WTZuu5CTN164Y0t0Tope_Sg4ZZtfCKVbSMW86wcRC1caCTxV1CJg8wsYz2LEg5QtErofCnU8fNss5VSnzX8wiTfE/s4032/IMG_20200818_152248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOmv-6pHQ01dZV00DvK2N_HkLiKPFiLIMErtcbxqXggCxzE6jTV0WTZuu5CTN164Y0t0Tope_Sg4ZZtfCKVbSMW86wcRC1caCTxV1CJg8wsYz2LEg5QtErofCnU8fNss5VSnzX8wiTfE/s320/IMG_20200818_152248.jpg" /></a></div>All metal parts were base coated with VMC 70863 Gunmetal. When dried, I got a ruined old brush whose bristles resemble more of a hedgehog than a brush. I dipped the ends into into some VGC 72044 Dark Fleshtone, wiped off the excess and stippled in as random a way as I could over parts of the gunmetal. Then I took some VGC Orange Fire and did the same as before, focusing over where I had placed the Dark Fleshtone. You want to use less of this than the fleshtone. And it doesn't matter if the two colours mix a bit. In fact, I rather prefer it if it does. When all this is dry, I applied Army Painter Soft Tone Wash over it all. And when that is also dry, I picked out some edge highlights with VMC 70864 Natural Steel. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr03KFfrYPz-3SpnL-BG4zlwtRWnQKbdWhKHPEBCne7oF0jGbV3QcuhLVs1uQm81o_HKssofIOKEuZqETWcXTq24Jdk7sbYXIbQZiCWdT7ct9AOx3IkL35D5k0o903UHxnfOiiazjN34/s4032/IMG_20200818_211304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr03KFfrYPz-3SpnL-BG4zlwtRWnQKbdWhKHPEBCne7oF0jGbV3QcuhLVs1uQm81o_HKssofIOKEuZqETWcXTq24Jdk7sbYXIbQZiCWdT7ct9AOx3IkL35D5k0o903UHxnfOiiazjN34/s320/IMG_20200818_211304.jpg" /></a></div>Any gold bits were painted with Citadel Retributor Armour and shaded with Army Painter Soft Tone Wash. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY2wsTM-nKqC_-LR0wcql3wKq4D7jXR-_OHnDV9HT6U3XxIc6fKnEMHarDEVzkpHAq-_2An8FmokKjOmAZESo5hqVeVdQCsk58h3YLuKYMa4DmjIh4iJFJCB3HTW6kd1IJLAuChzJD1U/s4032/IMG_20200818_211859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY2wsTM-nKqC_-LR0wcql3wKq4D7jXR-_OHnDV9HT6U3XxIc6fKnEMHarDEVzkpHAq-_2An8FmokKjOmAZESo5hqVeVdQCsk58h3YLuKYMa4DmjIh4iJFJCB3HTW6kd1IJLAuChzJD1U/s320/IMG_20200818_211859.jpg" /></a></div>The next rather laborious stage was to reapply the VMC 70884 Stone Grey on all the boils. This really made them pop (not literally, that would have been mingin'. Would have made Papa Nurgle rather proud though...)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj0RGtDoW70QPtFmPgatocyEXjhAGTot4okA3SN4V0pFYxE54prIl9Y1nN-OVlEDu3NEhqt0flUztQwS4DbmAyZr2ZWuItgp9OynRaRqHkTRc8zAq4layR39VfnXpqmrMtgRtizDD3xE/s4032/IMG_20200818_212559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj0RGtDoW70QPtFmPgatocyEXjhAGTot4okA3SN4V0pFYxE54prIl9Y1nN-OVlEDu3NEhqt0flUztQwS4DbmAyZr2ZWuItgp9OynRaRqHkTRc8zAq4layR39VfnXpqmrMtgRtizDD3xE/s320/IMG_20200818_212559.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1luHePwQlccT-RkPurt6Gbanv6rtmfeifVQBZ4EXo7mIOXLOHM_WXCD7yjmRbTeXbDDsd5yKtLV0J948lUzJ7fYuuNqoedul9iUsqz0I1yYdLDiJtiiVIhPNd_zuAM8oA_dgQrQbYJwE/s4032/IMG_20200819_205548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1luHePwQlccT-RkPurt6Gbanv6rtmfeifVQBZ4EXo7mIOXLOHM_WXCD7yjmRbTeXbDDsd5yKtLV0J948lUzJ7fYuuNqoedul9iUsqz0I1yYdLDiJtiiVIhPNd_zuAM8oA_dgQrQbYJwE/s320/IMG_20200819_205548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aXZ8SA8H0ZnfQBOtOg01rIMWxH1NxHQTsQWZWKAMmZglGRssNmjS-mB04tpTe72tnSZn2IhwahdULOdnRbOV6h975GE92ZWHrV9hXMyQJeqkFr1gMbEIIRqOXnT0tkQvDym9MkXGap0/s4032/IMG_20200819_205558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aXZ8SA8H0ZnfQBOtOg01rIMWxH1NxHQTsQWZWKAMmZglGRssNmjS-mB04tpTe72tnSZn2IhwahdULOdnRbOV6h975GE92ZWHrV9hXMyQJeqkFr1gMbEIIRqOXnT0tkQvDym9MkXGap0/s320/IMG_20200819_205558.jpg" /></a></div>Then it was time to focus on the bases. I applied some cork chippings and ballast with superglue. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0t_bvV0g4Hca2wC14dLMIDXst9GbxTay4qj0MYw8hWxn7aMdJnXzqtrQCkCooZzc6MO_TD9ma7JPyrLtFCGvQektc2xoYa6NHo1KpGq6eSXa6tAke4S7rOpdA8NSod5cStyrbznfMLw/s4032/IMG_20200819_205606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0t_bvV0g4Hca2wC14dLMIDXst9GbxTay4qj0MYw8hWxn7aMdJnXzqtrQCkCooZzc6MO_TD9ma7JPyrLtFCGvQektc2xoYa6NHo1KpGq6eSXa6tAke4S7rOpdA8NSod5cStyrbznfMLw/s320/IMG_20200819_205606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then they were surrounded with Citadel Astrogranite.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLibN0y6NeTk_5NqLPAQnS1xtABxdWM9bzy9VmyvKthfDcFe3S21Cgne2VsoruM_iRljeGt3zxn7AbcJch2QkCM4l4l1NDsb2XcQW5LkZNHxgUFcDgxCZ0-6Q0VbFwAvF30EsxSsU-Mc/s4032/IMG_20200822_114908.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLibN0y6NeTk_5NqLPAQnS1xtABxdWM9bzy9VmyvKthfDcFe3S21Cgne2VsoruM_iRljeGt3zxn7AbcJch2QkCM4l4l1NDsb2XcQW5LkZNHxgUFcDgxCZ0-6Q0VbFwAvF30EsxSsU-Mc/s320/IMG_20200822_114908.jpg" /></a></div>The rocks were then painted with Citadel Mechanicus Standard Grey, <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAQpgSoB0e-IWtpCTis9LWTtN7drw9GM8TrZ1Ai0n6Za_LZcuR3jzdXOGxQjBiyFvk6_iq5hnO4hxCIAEniGBRiFwEZCrhOI5yU6nJBIyASjaeEs3Q2xX-BEL2bNE74mUcLr-FfRX3t4/s4032/IMG_20200822_114912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAQpgSoB0e-IWtpCTis9LWTtN7drw9GM8TrZ1Ai0n6Za_LZcuR3jzdXOGxQjBiyFvk6_iq5hnO4hxCIAEniGBRiFwEZCrhOI5yU6nJBIyASjaeEs3Q2xX-BEL2bNE74mUcLr-FfRX3t4/s320/IMG_20200822_114912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then, by adding increasing amounts of VMC 70907 Pale Grey Blue , I drybrushed the bases. The last stage was to paint the base edges with Citadel Abbadon Black<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUI4ui6a0SxjgN3WQpPxZq6M4BkvadnSbXzZF6I6PR51M3PTEBy9VtoRY_liqquZ8e0smXEkakbSblU3GpouS9pwJBjiuU3Hv29jTiNwDzcuNZRjQWT053ji6dJTr7f6Y91K9dTN2hn4/s4032/IMG_20200822_114925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUI4ui6a0SxjgN3WQpPxZq6M4BkvadnSbXzZF6I6PR51M3PTEBy9VtoRY_liqquZ8e0smXEkakbSblU3GpouS9pwJBjiuU3Hv29jTiNwDzcuNZRjQWT053ji6dJTr7f6Y91K9dTN2hn4/s320/IMG_20200822_114925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then, because I was in shock that I could paint 46 models in six days, and do so whilst working, I got out the Really Useful Box I had waiting for them, and put them into their new home. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W3z6v4mSYwLeRLnkjKXJoRC2YjJnE5wu-Zglr_w6YR98IgxyMqFMQzSXes-1L8usdvUTdkc_0IAJLgdoL_JSG8qTaKCh2DOOn-r6Rgqd-wnr7N0G8cVBEh_T2bIsf6qGJXF8GliMIOA/s4032/IMG_20200822_162350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W3z6v4mSYwLeRLnkjKXJoRC2YjJnE5wu-Zglr_w6YR98IgxyMqFMQzSXes-1L8usdvUTdkc_0IAJLgdoL_JSG8qTaKCh2DOOn-r6Rgqd-wnr7N0G8cVBEh_T2bIsf6qGJXF8GliMIOA/s320/IMG_20200822_162350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVLoSMozIuF0OvVk_qKgkvq1WgFgVKssD19j-JDUg6OqY6quY7MboATfwTRsi9Kt1crjcc_w4k0AiN8437B6uKyUqOiyn0UO9J3-WVxfoTgQb2PuPi1NhI-Q93_Ab8cVtPNXUka1eaE0/s4032/IMG_20200822_162355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVLoSMozIuF0OvVk_qKgkvq1WgFgVKssD19j-JDUg6OqY6quY7MboATfwTRsi9Kt1crjcc_w4k0AiN8437B6uKyUqOiyn0UO9J3-WVxfoTgQb2PuPi1NhI-Q93_Ab8cVtPNXUka1eaE0/s320/IMG_20200822_162355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RA0hgr2LAVOni3XgG81eZPUzYRrdFg6EpTMj-V4fvQAGUTbmBXeHzkZzB-jqo3zLs2WZr6Pp3TVG2rZA2KhzK6thhQod5Y8kVMoENeKUAIaKrzqkdU3JodHGRN1xgd3C70QCrbh2L1U/s4032/IMG_20200822_162408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RA0hgr2LAVOni3XgG81eZPUzYRrdFg6EpTMj-V4fvQAGUTbmBXeHzkZzB-jqo3zLs2WZr6Pp3TVG2rZA2KhzK6thhQod5Y8kVMoENeKUAIaKrzqkdU3JodHGRN1xgd3C70QCrbh2L1U/s320/IMG_20200822_162408.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then, just to show off, I got out my little light box and took a few detailed photos so you could get a good look at how the models had turned out. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bDPwSqS0wZ8VOwDZpg6xKWeDc3suEYcdemDlJ_XfPiXCVutPz_NiTF7pD8CSYjOsMv7601p8gxF1MXEHKD53VDypXs99jbmBwMU1nEH0Io4bI4X_ZSgZ3Uz_2-IkEvcqz5GxCmi57Cw/s4032/IMG_20200825_111611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bDPwSqS0wZ8VOwDZpg6xKWeDc3suEYcdemDlJ_XfPiXCVutPz_NiTF7pD8CSYjOsMv7601p8gxF1MXEHKD53VDypXs99jbmBwMU1nEH0Io4bI4X_ZSgZ3Uz_2-IkEvcqz5GxCmi57Cw/s320/IMG_20200825_111611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFRU-p7C7aKR8ix0BZMwRm7H4HJredvb1zb7kAHDos6HL5uwrP0PtF9QCl-rGStaPKjae0iv7yvm32x_rilzcudgZ_4QN5CgwkIJ3P4PdVLlmZgSBA4Ht4jYkzu7jEk6Xa_LqF57sXfs/s4032/IMG_20200825_111644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFRU-p7C7aKR8ix0BZMwRm7H4HJredvb1zb7kAHDos6HL5uwrP0PtF9QCl-rGStaPKjae0iv7yvm32x_rilzcudgZ_4QN5CgwkIJ3P4PdVLlmZgSBA4Ht4jYkzu7jEk6Xa_LqF57sXfs/s320/IMG_20200825_111644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi7eLQ_m8Ovi0c15hYsYXT4XwOAlEG7BQx-__7cHbnCj-IGteT_cn7lhRKNts9rnGQITN2zIxMT46ZzkMFVQf5EQTkQVWQzktZG68S4kNAdOU30lZD8EzVBK4g_279iXa0EsnOatjhp4/s4032/IMG_20200825_111749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi7eLQ_m8Ovi0c15hYsYXT4XwOAlEG7BQx-__7cHbnCj-IGteT_cn7lhRKNts9rnGQITN2zIxMT46ZzkMFVQf5EQTkQVWQzktZG68S4kNAdOU30lZD8EzVBK4g_279iXa0EsnOatjhp4/s320/IMG_20200825_111749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBF3dgy_M5vbPYTtvfWWCDu_i6IYtNNkdtQSiEdTRVXZBuCrnHWIHoWTmIO8Hb-tSlGDTu1SKl4V6dWKKwVcsyiJKaMk1VwWwZ0bhyphenhyphenE9NOrIT5SvwFft_h2p-WoTzX8B3Kgvx4Ke55H-w/s4032/IMG_20200825_111919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBF3dgy_M5vbPYTtvfWWCDu_i6IYtNNkdtQSiEdTRVXZBuCrnHWIHoWTmIO8Hb-tSlGDTu1SKl4V6dWKKwVcsyiJKaMk1VwWwZ0bhyphenhyphenE9NOrIT5SvwFft_h2p-WoTzX8B3Kgvx4Ke55H-w/s320/IMG_20200825_111919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Personally, I'm incredibly happy with them all, and not a little bit proud. I'd have never tried something like this before. I honestly think it's turned around my whole approach to painting. There could be a dramatic turnaround in my productivity now.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-71976017277128517142020-09-13T14:10:00.004+01:002020-09-19T20:46:52.839+01:00Painting the Death Guard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div>So as you may be aware from my earlier posts, I've been putting my hobby focus on painting at the moment. On some level that's a purely logical choice considering the restrictions COVID-19 has created as a new normal these days. But this has been a big turn around for me. And although I've been gaming for more than thirty years, much of that time has been dedicated to skirmish gaming. Needing only a handful of miniatures and a bucket load of scenery played right into my strengths. Limited income left large armies out of reach of my budget. And the need for terrain allowed me to put my time and effort into scratch building everything I needed. That was the reason I began this blogging lark in the first place.</div><div><br></div><div>But I've always harboured a love for something bigger. And now I'm beginning to realise those dreams. Nothing as grand as large scale Napoleonics yet, you understand, but larger forces are now a possibility.</div><div><br></div><div>And with me lured back into the now previous 8th edition, and the arrival of the Death Guard range, I've been building up a force, thanks in no small part to a certain Conquest partwork. So when news of 9th edition dropped during lockdown, it seemed a good time to get to work on the models. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, this hasn't been some massive project completed in record time during lockdown. You'll not find any post like that from me. I've had the privilege of working throughout these difficult times. So I've still a way to go. However, this is a significant output for me, and it's something I'm incredibly proud of. I'm even more proud that I've still found time to spend with the family before worrying about my hobby. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyhoo, enough about me. Here's some photos of what I've been able to achieve, interspersed with my painting notes so you can see what colours, and paint ranges, I've used to get these results. And as I've many times elsewhere in this ol' blog o' mine, please remember that there is no one way to paint any model. We all find our own style over the years. The things that work, we keep on doing. The things that don't just mean that we try a different way. All that should really matter is we find a style and standard of our own that we are happy with. And we don't compromise that standard. The journey is just as good as the destination. And in my case, possibly even better, considering my luck with the dice...!</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wfa2jTqMnBCrE9MXHfWHeF8-g0jUZPXzS0rUZZffh3lib2RBel8X5gbbrizq_CokDxKXktxxOysFyqMpDXT_H8IimsQJGstYP-8EpgX1F0hrYyph8Q8vYz-ImmYsWltYYiYf0NcNR3U/s4032/IMG_20200825_112013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wfa2jTqMnBCrE9MXHfWHeF8-g0jUZPXzS0rUZZffh3lib2RBel8X5gbbrizq_CokDxKXktxxOysFyqMpDXT_H8IimsQJGstYP-8EpgX1F0hrYyph8Q8vYz-ImmYsWltYYiYf0NcNR3U/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112013.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30MhEVT-LCUtX-Kf4RbsvG2bh5KJg6x9vl630GfQhmWCrhuFTrR8-t11WnSEzy9d0oSqXn8ZTVDnEJKLMjO-qBaNhkkoRifXHbet2xaQ6L75UaufYXHBIB4aLGzH77Skkp8Iadgqkvhc/s4032/IMG_20200825_112021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30MhEVT-LCUtX-Kf4RbsvG2bh5KJg6x9vl630GfQhmWCrhuFTrR8-t11WnSEzy9d0oSqXn8ZTVDnEJKLMjO-qBaNhkkoRifXHbet2xaQ6L75UaufYXHBIB4aLGzH77Skkp8Iadgqkvhc/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112021.jpg" width="500"></a></div><div><b>Undercoat</b></div><div>Not quite as straightforward as you might think with this one. I began by painting my models black. Once this was completely dry, I then added a second undercoat on top of this. I know, mad right? I used Vallejo Model Colour (VMC) 70884 Stone Grey to paint all the tentacles, bones, parchment, and any pale fabric, and VMC 70907 Pale Grey Blue to base coat any smoke. Working over black may require you to add a second coat. But this is totally worth doing properly now. It really does pay dividends later on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ft6l1kr_bhnZW_4SaU8hNtd6XqQUPRb7s0VjSoocmt8ce21CCLujzmZsMFfhbOzfxCytPNGxFZSoWp-y5Fybx-84XoRt-gLae7UDaBJb07N9vYpOqvnoOErTlxDzkBzx3C2yX7vwy1M/s4032/IMG_20200825_112051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ft6l1kr_bhnZW_4SaU8hNtd6XqQUPRb7s0VjSoocmt8ce21CCLujzmZsMFfhbOzfxCytPNGxFZSoWp-y5Fybx-84XoRt-gLae7UDaBJb07N9vYpOqvnoOErTlxDzkBzx3C2yX7vwy1M/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112051.jpg" width="500"></a></div><div><b>Armour</b></div><div>I tend to work from the darkest cover up. I began with a mix of Citadel's Death Guard Green and Vallejo Model Colour (VMC) 70889 USA Olive Drab, roughly 70% Death Guard Green to Olive Drab. Remember, you're working on a black undercoat, so this is going to darken the colour a little as you apply the first coat. </div><div><br></div><div>I then start adding more Death Guard Green to the mix. You want to end up making pure Death Guard the final stage. And at this point it's looking like you only need to edge highlight the armour and pick out the bottom part of the decayed holes in the armour. </div><div><br></div><div>Wrong.</div><div><br></div><div>You let it dry. (I normally get on with another stage at this point. Because I've normally had enough of wet blending by this point). Then you get some VMC 70881 Yellow Green. Put some on your palette and add a little water to it. Now you apply this to the armour, adding a highlight to the main panels, and allowing it to catch the bottom of those decaying holes. I assume a zenithal light source. (That's just fancy speech for pretending a strong light is coming from directly above the model. I deliberately ignore any recessed areas of armour. Makes the rest pop. And then I do this stage again, but don't paint as far down to the edge of where I painted last time. Makes a nice gentle gradient that way. </div><div><br></div><div>And then, because I clearly like to torture myself, I get some VMC 70978 Dark Yellow. This is my edge highlight on the armour panels, down the middle of the knee pads, and on the bottom lip of those holes in the armour. And sometimes, to really emphasise it, I'll apply it more sparingly on extreme edges. Some might add a little yellow ow white to the colour for this stage, but I prefer the intensity of the colour itself to stand out, rather than risk pulling that highlight too far away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtwvxJj6KG3aVq-0x5omvlrcbwV8TVQ4Jbn-aj5pnQaPCAv2_9b5AxLU9eTNQUDOl1VdOGYjyvccpbO7Z7rFtYvk08Fp6WFskUG9s8FnAlrJnPP6eTS_FRE89uD5bfUaihXAY-B48ZrM/s4032/IMG_20200825_112100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtwvxJj6KG3aVq-0x5omvlrcbwV8TVQ4Jbn-aj5pnQaPCAv2_9b5AxLU9eTNQUDOl1VdOGYjyvccpbO7Z7rFtYvk08Fp6WFskUG9s8FnAlrJnPP6eTS_FRE89uD5bfUaihXAY-B48ZrM/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112100.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Tentacles</b><div>I base coat these with Vallejo Game Colour (VGC) Squid Pink. (Always reminds me of Strawberry Ice Cream this one...!) When dry, I apply Army Painter Red Tone Wash (sometimes called inks). I'll then add a second coat of this as a targeted wash to the areas I want darker. And if there are a lot of tentacles sat right next to each other, I'll come in with some Army Painter Purple Tone Wash for variety. Again, these areas will get a targeted second wash to reinforce the shadows. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6-5sfZFn4nPSA46nxWdPwA9n1CE6FTNuoHiz43oVC1ZOACw4b4aduWz80Xqlr4C0qeIJb1YdD1J_9K0dkqH-fFveunrRaJM6RLtNiLnnovlIapK3QdTsiZdWkgm-JNP-9HfuZ5GvyRk/s4032/IMG_20200825_112117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6-5sfZFn4nPSA46nxWdPwA9n1CE6FTNuoHiz43oVC1ZOACw4b4aduWz80Xqlr4C0qeIJb1YdD1J_9K0dkqH-fFveunrRaJM6RLtNiLnnovlIapK3QdTsiZdWkgm-JNP-9HfuZ5GvyRk/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112117.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQp5BxKKPJVf_2UVHNGd_H3dFR-Tqerx-9t9weulCQDsW8aQg1TdCVUt5tqz5v120Xi6jX6hkH5l5juPLyFxvNyJ5Bb5FJx1JSG7fI4f1A-0lZL8e6ottfh3KLe6R2CN-Ry9JMDVlpX8/s4032/IMG_20200825_112135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQp5BxKKPJVf_2UVHNGd_H3dFR-Tqerx-9t9weulCQDsW8aQg1TdCVUt5tqz5v120Xi6jX6hkH5l5juPLyFxvNyJ5Bb5FJx1JSG7fI4f1A-0lZL8e6ottfh3KLe6R2CN-Ry9JMDVlpX8/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112135.jpg" width="500"></a></div><div><b>Gold Armour</b></div>These sections are base coated with Citadel Retributor Armour. A Flesh Tone will make lovely shiny and well tended armour (perfect for Stormcasts). But we don't want that here. I did paint my first few models with the Army Painter Strong Tone Wash. This is practically the same as Agrax Earthshade. (Duncan would have been proud.) But for me, it was too strong a contrast. I wanted something in between the two. So most of my models have their Retributor Armour base coat shaded with Army Painter Soft Tone Wash. I much prefer it. I then reapply the Citadel Retributor Armour as a highlight. And then, just for fun, I add a dab of VMC 70997 Silver to the Retributor Armour and apply it as an extreme highlight. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjvA3a90G6010DAiXP5hZ8b29XBzBtmJ42zeJ4I492G2V-mXRCTrpwNzDa7AA0Ly1HF7hVYWBTHrK4U6ll4l9LdJPe5-xOs6CkBzZCAaZxJGxanswd3SPLEkg8Rd1TywYZzWUvLErDOk/s4032/IMG_20200825_112148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjvA3a90G6010DAiXP5hZ8b29XBzBtmJ42zeJ4I492G2V-mXRCTrpwNzDa7AA0Ly1HF7hVYWBTHrK4U6ll4l9LdJPe5-xOs6CkBzZCAaZxJGxanswd3SPLEkg8Rd1TywYZzWUvLErDOk/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112148.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP8R0oMtOKTum4Y3sIwh2DhFtkhJlQ3gEocDIAF0OfmLZzEXMlz9gfjvJaBzb73zVpOH3vrAVD9rkhyphenhyphensifOFBEj7bNoGT_3jCAlTiEofclpSDetPyvIE5Pg6HUrJiBOI9iUKdJBuspKw/s4032/IMG_20200825_112202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP8R0oMtOKTum4Y3sIwh2DhFtkhJlQ3gEocDIAF0OfmLZzEXMlz9gfjvJaBzb73zVpOH3vrAVD9rkhyphenhyphensifOFBEj7bNoGT_3jCAlTiEofclpSDetPyvIE5Pg6HUrJiBOI9iUKdJBuspKw/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112202.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Fur Cape</b></div><div>The furry exterior was painted with VMC 70822 German Cam Black Brown. Small amounts of VMC 70826 German Cam. Medium Brown were added for a number of successive highlights. And when they had reached pure Medium Brown, I began adding some VMC 70873 US Field Drab. </div><div><br></div><div>The inside of the cape had been undercoated with VMC 70884 Stone Grey. This was given a wash with Army Painter Soft Tone. A second targeted wash was applied to areas I really wanted to push the shade into. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZW16G9duwG1GPn5bdEB5VWrbC9D783-Fd1Y2g8CDnHql5WWioU2QsAWh6qOl_P_QUoxtAko0ivfIS6Srat0ucCtZjl-IfQNVQsz6y2SZUKrnKWc6ft2n1YR3lbxDr72h5PdNLyP4reY/s4032/IMG_20200825_112216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZW16G9duwG1GPn5bdEB5VWrbC9D783-Fd1Y2g8CDnHql5WWioU2QsAWh6qOl_P_QUoxtAko0ivfIS6Srat0ucCtZjl-IfQNVQsz6y2SZUKrnKWc6ft2n1YR3lbxDr72h5PdNLyP4reY/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112216.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipMOslUuLMXhnyMlMIm9boOW6tACN7TxTjVJQeerH4DgPXdc7xJmY1yqNU6ijPWatW8OK90jyrsvxrRgjRn51GlhSmejfq7wd3zB4yMnDiqMI4LAofChNPaM6sV3fb0wRoRC0PpAKn5s/s4032/IMG_20200825_112227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipMOslUuLMXhnyMlMIm9boOW6tACN7TxTjVJQeerH4DgPXdc7xJmY1yqNU6ijPWatW8OK90jyrsvxrRgjRn51GlhSmejfq7wd3zB4yMnDiqMI4LAofChNPaM6sV3fb0wRoRC0PpAKn5s/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112227.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcnb3qljFDfim3Htd8ADV_2dT2s9AiVlp3vywDmwlp7ZYEKTwVjNZygGmh0S3MEBWE_bCWwMJNW7NixhE8a25FZJujyjnJqQEowwlt91i9NvViM376jFLqBKFUv2NTL3JHvmciQcpjdQ/s4032/IMG_20200825_112233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcnb3qljFDfim3Htd8ADV_2dT2s9AiVlp3vywDmwlp7ZYEKTwVjNZygGmh0S3MEBWE_bCWwMJNW7NixhE8a25FZJujyjnJqQEowwlt91i9NvViM376jFLqBKFUv2NTL3JHvmciQcpjdQ/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112233.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-Vn9_4dPNwY3pUxWVly1xhcfroeaik8C9D1EMmBB-NoLJOYXLgZG80QnV4m03PMmNtXDzGWVx6ODbElwt4TlB5LLtbF3guNvC-5A74HgjcTXZpvUslPlamVc1caI_tAI2r-lcYTh9yI/s4032/IMG_20200825_112240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-Vn9_4dPNwY3pUxWVly1xhcfroeaik8C9D1EMmBB-NoLJOYXLgZG80QnV4m03PMmNtXDzGWVx6ODbElwt4TlB5LLtbF3guNvC-5A74HgjcTXZpvUslPlamVc1caI_tAI2r-lcYTh9yI/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112240.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4y5jc8Bn6S6zEqG5tAoROAjmlK8dc1Y__jbeKgDKThKLLUEm2ymkf1OPNDtdqzguGlzp6T1uCIORE7omQiwoA4x3mZkc8rjQE0Ee6mYffmlC_OD7BZs68PqVAmrsAV7egx1JftpfhjI/s4032/IMG_20200825_112253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4y5jc8Bn6S6zEqG5tAoROAjmlK8dc1Y__jbeKgDKThKLLUEm2ymkf1OPNDtdqzguGlzp6T1uCIORE7omQiwoA4x3mZkc8rjQE0Ee6mYffmlC_OD7BZs68PqVAmrsAV7egx1JftpfhjI/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112253.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbJ95wZ5Lc8PAxjxXUZGdFT-Ewt5o2cpUHooqQIfasPSTogXc7bkN6Wq3Ufh49-de2csLAN_dfdiKfkCHfZ2XsmKwdGZr5LLOcdAFbZgOy1O2671qk1OSyhe6sAje6O0tkzpHpWumPQk/s4032/IMG_20200825_112300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbJ95wZ5Lc8PAxjxXUZGdFT-Ewt5o2cpUHooqQIfasPSTogXc7bkN6Wq3Ufh49-de2csLAN_dfdiKfkCHfZ2XsmKwdGZr5LLOcdAFbZgOy1O2671qk1OSyhe6sAje6O0tkzpHpWumPQk/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112300.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOb4uuVtl7Uf5wWZ14BaGAIjKcrA6gKPBhhcYgAPIxZMvENIp6SDYdpeD-_ndBc7daligKb1_K4SlpJIB6uruWTCXBWJ1zkUZqNgwCgZQ4Iuz-az9X-UpaK-hWdAFPrkilhqTHsy0pJo/s4032/IMG_20200825_112323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOb4uuVtl7Uf5wWZ14BaGAIjKcrA6gKPBhhcYgAPIxZMvENIp6SDYdpeD-_ndBc7daligKb1_K4SlpJIB6uruWTCXBWJ1zkUZqNgwCgZQ4Iuz-az9X-UpaK-hWdAFPrkilhqTHsy0pJo/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112323.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Smoke</b></div><div>The models you can see here have had a simple approach applied to get a good result. I apply some of my Flow Medium (which you can read all about <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2020/03/make-your-own-flow-medium.html" target="_blank">here</a>) to the top of the smoke. This is where you want the palest colour. And then, with a quick clean of the brush, I add some Army Painter Blue Tone Wash to the bottom of the smoke area. Then, as I brush upwards, it catches with the flow medium and leaks out where you have placed the medium. You can always hasten this along a bit by inverting the model. Not only does it make it easier to reach the recessed parts, it also allows gravity to help move the wash. And if it happens to dry with a hit of a shine, you can apply some acrylic medium over the smoke when it has dried. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDxbYAQkOVUXCzCH_m6SlVWcMkWqxkBDLg2oJg4tfsLlmtnyKFHGTVyuT0Zsm4rZyyjvvea8_0JyKODOLy1avwDSHaimQC0O9AgG_4-CPeC8rEh2Lc7hg_TiLTf3njzSQuevedr6PYU4/s4032/IMG_20200825_112318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDxbYAQkOVUXCzCH_m6SlVWcMkWqxkBDLg2oJg4tfsLlmtnyKFHGTVyuT0Zsm4rZyyjvvea8_0JyKODOLy1avwDSHaimQC0O9AgG_4-CPeC8rEh2Lc7hg_TiLTf3njzSQuevedr6PYU4/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112318.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T-uTZ9gGZu7e01msfIV4ScKJ1LwbiPxa0JEYarV-WLMu7J_tL94PMvILAfJy9s95Ox1Jdi91Qs1XTwX03N3rh0OK28jCJWLDox2ogtnnI3wN3Y5O3aSh8J7jctSUI6LrJLL-y7mZ4hM/s4032/IMG_20200825_112412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T-uTZ9gGZu7e01msfIV4ScKJ1LwbiPxa0JEYarV-WLMu7J_tL94PMvILAfJy9s95Ox1Jdi91Qs1XTwX03N3rh0OK28jCJWLDox2ogtnnI3wN3Y5O3aSh8J7jctSUI6LrJLL-y7mZ4hM/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112412.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Bones, Teeth 'n' Stuff Like That</b></div><div>With the bones already base coated in the undercoat stage, all I did to these was apply an Army Painter Light Tone Wash to them. When they are dry, you can go in and reinstate some VMC 70884 Stone Grey as a highlight. Or, if you want to save yourself from that bother, simply apply some Flow Medium to the tip of the bones, and rhen apply that first wash to the deepest recesses and brush towards the flow medium. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfRxm765HC-fDd9nL_vqgWzMb3hMgzs6mqbdKLgoGVGwvanizhdEMnTPHJC2iOXstFp9S6alE9qjvnw6nxWmK5mtZgPJjRdMC4pJZsBJcOfKKjqOt97YcMIn0cWmpXfmUjclJnQ36jYA/s4032/IMG_20200825_112500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfRxm765HC-fDd9nL_vqgWzMb3hMgzs6mqbdKLgoGVGwvanizhdEMnTPHJC2iOXstFp9S6alE9qjvnw6nxWmK5mtZgPJjRdMC4pJZsBJcOfKKjqOt97YcMIn0cWmpXfmUjclJnQ36jYA/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112500.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYPn7M5FuD7_ywwyMFte5Ax9VAl7OwPeyBDEnjyJ0hb4onqxP0DfSKk9kJj-Vgej7KYCf_3xUKt8kDhpvH_r9S0YFO90p11LYCt4jqbCn09BxNbI1-lHysUIM_9m8VEP5IEtvqVBwo1w/s4032/IMG_20200825_112551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYPn7M5FuD7_ywwyMFte5Ax9VAl7OwPeyBDEnjyJ0hb4onqxP0DfSKk9kJj-Vgej7KYCf_3xUKt8kDhpvH_r9S0YFO90p11LYCt4jqbCn09BxNbI1-lHysUIM_9m8VEP5IEtvqVBwo1w/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112551.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBtoXd0nBPNkmho_4C3mlXxS2p7GQKebLzGsuEry5IGWDvqNnvqCM22LBzRwKzM2WQ1VP9JVe25y6LKzqFYS-M462xDLN9gS73XmL7uhXuBpSj0LAPLBRmX5xGaRuDDhtv5jHKqffYS4/s4032/IMG_20200825_112556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBtoXd0nBPNkmho_4C3mlXxS2p7GQKebLzGsuEry5IGWDvqNnvqCM22LBzRwKzM2WQ1VP9JVe25y6LKzqFYS-M462xDLN9gS73XmL7uhXuBpSj0LAPLBRmX5xGaRuDDhtv5jHKqffYS4/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112556.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Glassy Effect on the Foul Blightspawn</b></div><div>This one's easier than it looks. I simply painted over the black undercoat with Citadel's Technical Paint Nurgle's Rot. It doesn't cover well, and it dries shiny. I use it on all my most mingin' and gloopy drool parts on my Nurgle Models. This was applied two thirds of the way up the backpack, leaving the top third. And then I take some Citadel Base Thousand Sons Blue, add in some of that flow medium I mentioned above, and a tiny amount of Nurgle Rot, and apply it to the top third. I allow some of it to go over the pure Nurgle's Rot to allow a bit of blending to take effect. When this was completely dry, I applied some Thousand Sons Blue to the cracks, followed by some targeted Citadel Layer Temple Guard Blue.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuhl1XDtzMIoPPwTSLL2TU86XyMsrHaorq9ToDuoxTogfWlAc19Ij7z_9F4hXydurhzaI5iJLaQ5DuP0jTxbhbropCvALHRmoWXwIhBTwjaR4IWHcSoU_HaDvhyphenhyphenF1I4olz4s2dENvLEQ/s4032/IMG_20200825_112601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuhl1XDtzMIoPPwTSLL2TU86XyMsrHaorq9ToDuoxTogfWlAc19Ij7z_9F4hXydurhzaI5iJLaQ5DuP0jTxbhbropCvALHRmoWXwIhBTwjaR4IWHcSoU_HaDvhyphenhyphenF1I4olz4s2dENvLEQ/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112601.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_4XZeQAasuwlmL7cEA3iS-Im-K1v1D8O_opTVcZ49E_7_224_C6OZXgr2y-D2pXx55PCyJJvvMu5xU5S3IlsZFnoL-eJQaVOrLUOLUnDXBRUtYRO9LlqbQ-voDjRFOgbQGba7-Sqq8Y/s4032/IMG_20200825_112607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_4XZeQAasuwlmL7cEA3iS-Im-K1v1D8O_opTVcZ49E_7_224_C6OZXgr2y-D2pXx55PCyJJvvMu5xU5S3IlsZFnoL-eJQaVOrLUOLUnDXBRUtYRO9LlqbQ-voDjRFOgbQGba7-Sqq8Y/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112607.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9PwlOwIlWYPsOZdZ0Iq0RsvuY0QsD09AmyXJiNr8T9YLy-WiEz2BJDJsiHxzwMUSdol3K6J-Q_HBED630W0QTmCRYNfyU4ZDL1AdMCbG4gXQCpzFO4AwmYZJQb-Ldm0p91OZGLJ0bWM/s4032/MVIMG_20200825_112629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9PwlOwIlWYPsOZdZ0Iq0RsvuY0QsD09AmyXJiNr8T9YLy-WiEz2BJDJsiHxzwMUSdol3K6J-Q_HBED630W0QTmCRYNfyU4ZDL1AdMCbG4gXQCpzFO4AwmYZJQb-Ldm0p91OZGLJ0bWM/w500-h375/MVIMG_20200825_112629.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4xzXTnwlEknt-m4A_3ejIwDk_i17g8e-rDeo7LyJWmcPrKxESmgR03m1fbABGPwMHfm5Nd17wmo0K9nxx18DKl-cqfwUNmMP_hxvxJ_OOkWWZFvAYWaiOh6yzilV54UtiSeI0lNiLBw/s4032/IMG_20200825_112643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4xzXTnwlEknt-m4A_3ejIwDk_i17g8e-rDeo7LyJWmcPrKxESmgR03m1fbABGPwMHfm5Nd17wmo0K9nxx18DKl-cqfwUNmMP_hxvxJ_OOkWWZFvAYWaiOh6yzilV54UtiSeI0lNiLBw/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112643.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ6vQI4vPXknvzVjiwtxz5VEJQsjpRcCGTyMgnP_K7I2peSirfD0slbuY8uJloATae8H2T200X3puEFZOz-1atOmF4AAkh-YgXr_aZDrP-eyzdcwEfgnTW-Obu4y3otqo2qq2xxYsLl4/s4032/IMG_20200825_112712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ6vQI4vPXknvzVjiwtxz5VEJQsjpRcCGTyMgnP_K7I2peSirfD0slbuY8uJloATae8H2T200X3puEFZOz-1atOmF4AAkh-YgXr_aZDrP-eyzdcwEfgnTW-Obu4y3otqo2qq2xxYsLl4/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112712.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxJH2mY15VNFKrUAtvXC60ulQwzurDgUsvAqljpTrS5Hgv9ZDOqz4ycTHymKxs81QuixaTSIeQBNOJ8Mc3JnxMUc2sqy3qk8ecQo8vRbFQ3ejpAmEjrJ-xKkAdkFhMhtfMZYlkmNbPiQ/s4032/IMG_20200825_112726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxJH2mY15VNFKrUAtvXC60ulQwzurDgUsvAqljpTrS5Hgv9ZDOqz4ycTHymKxs81QuixaTSIeQBNOJ8Mc3JnxMUc2sqy3qk8ecQo8vRbFQ3ejpAmEjrJ-xKkAdkFhMhtfMZYlkmNbPiQ/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112726.jpg" width="500"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOUfuGWAbeJh7oH8rT2dEDBJX12HQaRaB4ZasH689_Dz5pBz18_9dYc4CbQvomrEqTbKn47L2bUcsLiWqvQYdghaxN3KW5QabYN8QmrUCA4mhAMUiSsFbeoHx1_P7MSlKeKk2hyphenhyphenbL5Yk/s4032/IMG_20200825_112759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOUfuGWAbeJh7oH8rT2dEDBJX12HQaRaB4ZasH689_Dz5pBz18_9dYc4CbQvomrEqTbKn47L2bUcsLiWqvQYdghaxN3KW5QabYN8QmrUCA4mhAMUiSsFbeoHx1_P7MSlKeKk2hyphenhyphenbL5Yk/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112759.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Rusting Metal</b></div><div>These areas were all base coated with VMC 70863 Gunmetal. When dried, I get a ruined old brush whose bristles resemble more of a hedgehog than a brush. I dip the ends into into some VGC 72044 Dark Fleshtone, wipe off the excess and stipple in as random a way as I can over parts of the gunmetal. Then I take some VGC Orange Fire and do the same, focusing over where I have placed the Dark Fleshtone. You want to use less of this than the fleshtone. And it doesn't matter if the two colours mix a bit. In fact, I rather prefer it if it does. When all this is dry, I apply Army Painter Soft Tone Wash over it all. And when that is also dry, I pick out some edge highlights with VMC 70864 Natural Steel. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LAFTKJsoRVtbm49ptf7cRdJTiRAPiCZ1GOue7mpLGvYVz6Lo4Su6yqKFPEyD9v6TXsvJ5Fh2zzXF3SA86t7sm1htlCsU5fwAh8r5Am7CD6p3GKVPIbKHLgr9dekgangDhzjBOYV_C8I/s4032/IMG_20200825_112814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LAFTKJsoRVtbm49ptf7cRdJTiRAPiCZ1GOue7mpLGvYVz6Lo4Su6yqKFPEyD9v6TXsvJ5Fh2zzXF3SA86t7sm1htlCsU5fwAh8r5Am7CD6p3GKVPIbKHLgr9dekgangDhzjBOYV_C8I/w500-h375/IMG_20200825_112814.jpg" width="500"></a></div><b>Bases</b></div><div>I applied some cork chippings and ballast to random parts of the base with superglue. And when I had finished painting my model, I tried out Citadel Texture Astrogranite. Then I used Citadel Mechanicus Standard Grey on the cork and ballast to tie it all together. Highlights were applied using Mechanicus Standard Grey and increasing amounts of VMC 70907 Pale Grey Blue. </div><div><br></div><div>To be honest though, over time I've become a but frustrated by the application of Astrogranite. There's nothing wrong with the paint at all. I actually think it's rather clever, to be honest. But because I fill up my bases with rubble, it can be a blooming pain to get the astrogranite where it needs to go without getting it all over my nicely painted model. That leads to touch ups, which can be difficult at the best of times.</div><div><br></div><div>So to solve this, I went back to my old way of basing my models. Before undercoating my models, I apply PVA to the whole base. Then, with the help of some tweezers, I apply cork chippings and ballast where I want it to be. And then I sprinkle over my base mix of sand and ballast. Afterwards, it's just a case of tapping off any excess and using an old brush to remove any loos grains of sand from the model. That way, it's a lot easier to just get in and paint the base.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCJ70DaOtMhPA-XH74fucM1C4j3pUMWL53op-3l744NxfcZeeUwEV34moIOpDKw8OBzyFE5WEGSkS-t7_ilBkuzpUwPl_s6qx4lzU84jHwqfL_yzMub-kGYTXJ1MzZYyQVIDjZl92lDI/s4032/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825112850042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCJ70DaOtMhPA-XH74fucM1C4j3pUMWL53op-3l744NxfcZeeUwEV34moIOpDKw8OBzyFE5WEGSkS-t7_ilBkuzpUwPl_s6qx4lzU84jHwqfL_yzMub-kGYTXJ1MzZYyQVIDjZl92lDI/w469-h625/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825112850042.jpg" width="469"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnqGpYp8MnY_h5iLE9o785jvXH11uIJqAnnBgqV8Lcnt1VGIYfC8djXoRPx1RvBr8RmyMlkXJOBAkP9vWKgljQ7ePmF-wCH993ACQNvC42NLSOd4iaK9hdqV_I8eCK710ElFPRVBTSH8/s4032/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825112900560.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnqGpYp8MnY_h5iLE9o785jvXH11uIJqAnnBgqV8Lcnt1VGIYfC8djXoRPx1RvBr8RmyMlkXJOBAkP9vWKgljQ7ePmF-wCH993ACQNvC42NLSOd4iaK9hdqV_I8eCK710ElFPRVBTSH8/w469-h625/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825112900560.jpg" width="469"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0dxkpW8sippy8W81937ZVIs5BoaQdvQ_zy80iborONGitMmuNlxzNBZd3iqURdmpVzaQmI74jZQ9LEjxxw3DON0MFeGIddIkkm_bd9YwyqvMoyXlXvZCGEIuLIw9u19DC3b2aQezuCc/s4032/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200825112916684_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0dxkpW8sippy8W81937ZVIs5BoaQdvQ_zy80iborONGitMmuNlxzNBZd3iqURdmpVzaQmI74jZQ9LEjxxw3DON0MFeGIddIkkm_bd9YwyqvMoyXlXvZCGEIuLIw9u19DC3b2aQezuCc/w469-h625/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200825112916684_COVER.jpg" width="469"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgCFWjlYOci41w-ThG2SydZPo-w6paNmcMQAgawTJgIK9HvWwRT53CNLglqn0ihZW_xHd6F5rbBjjDkwMa6fbxNlhEi2RMVxABDvla2vWrSOd8kbb_RnKeT825XBYQwh_ojignONk6f8/s4032/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825112925796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgCFWjlYOci41w-ThG2SydZPo-w6paNmcMQAgawTJgIK9HvWwRT53CNLglqn0ihZW_xHd6F5rbBjjDkwMa6fbxNlhEi2RMVxABDvla2vWrSOd8kbb_RnKeT825XBYQwh_ojignONk6f8/w469-h625/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200825112925796.jpg" width="469"></a></div>As always, thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br></div><div><i>Next up: Poxwalkers. <br></i><div><br></div></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-78427704588300131192020-07-10T15:00:00.000+01:002020-07-10T15:00:15.733+01:00I Can See Clearly Now, the Fear Has Gone...!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKUUSaBFoT_LF_LUDEW5G9U32fL65b7rMF29bRWp29-eyAvcwxn9DhmbeZm6udHTDG712MK8jgNJAn9yPnVEnZFatJ6zJH2pdADtqGRP37l0KnGut87Jjtj_eMtP_oWDZH-qiqWjdx4E/s1236/IMG_20200627_151447_185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1236" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKUUSaBFoT_LF_LUDEW5G9U32fL65b7rMF29bRWp29-eyAvcwxn9DhmbeZm6udHTDG712MK8jgNJAn9yPnVEnZFatJ6zJH2pdADtqGRP37l0KnGut87Jjtj_eMtP_oWDZH-qiqWjdx4E/w500-h500/IMG_20200627_151447_185.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>I hope you can forgive the lack of posts in recent months. This would seem even more out of the ordinary given that we're all in the grip of a global Pandemic, and most of us either have, or still are in lockdown. I don't know about you, but my social media feed is full of everyone's latest project and roll call of the number of miniatures they have been able to paint since life has been put on hold. In contrast, I've hardly posted, tweeted or shared anything. <div><br /></div><div>Sure, one big reason for this is the fact that I've continued to work. And it's been busy. Yes, the way I go about it has been affected by lock down restrictions. But it's been a creative process rather than a restrictive one. And innovation and silver linings to clouds thinking (a term wot I have made up myself) can be good things at any time. </div><div><br /></div><div>But here's where things become even more remarkable in my experience: despite being busy, I've actually painted a lot more stuff than I would normally. And, more importantly, I've learned a great deal in the process. As the title to this post implies, the fear of painting; that thing that most stymies productivity, is definitely in the rear view mirror now. I can't say it won't rear it's ugly head in the future. But I can say with a degree of certainty that I'll be in a better place to face it when it does rear it's ugly head.</div><div><br /></div><div>So how did I get here? Well, I don't think it happened overnight, but there has been one big change that has made it all possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been spending increasing amounts of my hobby time painting miniatures, particularly since 2018 gave way to 2019. Before then I had painted some miniatures, but the majority of my time was spent making scenery. As you'll know if you've been following this blog, tight finances meant I focused mainly on skirmish games as these had a much smaller outlay to bring to the gaming table. However, skirmish gaming normally means you need scenery. Lots of scenery. No big green flat boards for this sort of thing. And this can be expensive. So I set about making my own scenery. And these projects have been the mainstay of my blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcoDMfqs4Mx8OeVlSMElvU1NOQ2W3mKcEP_Bi5-KKhiaqHOmzO34sioh5OsLUPbIieqOWggv1Mp95nfF3Njdaa1fCxvnxAE6zBF7rkl2kS_f6Dgep6WyUc4-JwF63-GV1CZavShvfROY/s1440/IMG_20160810_113811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcoDMfqs4Mx8OeVlSMElvU1NOQ2W3mKcEP_Bi5-KKhiaqHOmzO34sioh5OsLUPbIieqOWggv1Mp95nfF3Njdaa1fCxvnxAE6zBF7rkl2kS_f6Dgep6WyUc4-JwF63-GV1CZavShvfROY/s320/IMG_20160810_113811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>However, over the years I have been able to purchase models now and then as finances allowed, knowing that eventually I'd be able to move into large scale skirmish games. And with the soon to be replaced 8th Ed 40k drawing me back into the GW fold, coupled with a more stable financial footing, I have in the last couple of years become surrounded by many armies and time periods that are now available for gaming. Now, most people would have been able to take on a project, say The Sudan for The Men Who Would Be Kings and bring that to the table in one go. Purchasing would lead to assembly and building. This in turn would lead to painting. And then the army (or two opposing armies in my case) would be ready. Then they'd move on to a new project. In contrast, I've been gradually building up forces over many years. And they have pretty much all reached the ready to assemble and paint stage at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-7Ru0t5lu2bzijkId9QZY9VOm6rnnJrZTfq16rZzYMjX0p75jfcmHgWtXLixRYac55I2wy68wDu56hVNS7-rtH8jC2WaWxF4rHjc-Ge4T7SNt-1pvZGBonrYRxeCq5Mt5jDRqwF_j4s/s3968/IMG_20180616_143923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="3968" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-7Ru0t5lu2bzijkId9QZY9VOm6rnnJrZTfq16rZzYMjX0p75jfcmHgWtXLixRYac55I2wy68wDu56hVNS7-rtH8jC2WaWxF4rHjc-Ge4T7SNt-1pvZGBonrYRxeCq5Mt5jDRqwF_j4s/w400-h226/IMG_20180616_143923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This doesn't create the most focused of experiences. So I would assemble something and then get distracted by the next project. This is bad. It has one problem. You never finish anything. And this has been my problem with painting. </div><div><br /></div><div>So as the year began, I had found myself jumping between painting models for Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40k. I was never on top of any deadlines for gaming because of work and family commitments. And when lockdown came, I noticed things weren't going to change all that much. </div><div><br /></div><div>And when you don't have a Scooby's when you're next likely to get a game in, you start looking at everything you do have and want to paint it all. This may not be a problem if you have a dedicated hobby station with a desk and a place to leave it all out. But I don't. And as you'll see in a previous post, this was creating more instability. I use a paint station. One that fits on my lap when I paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliN-ue3OPiI8jqhgRxwUyuV26SEhH0S2gaXnv26Kdz-QNF-S8jgWEHC3AOOdjOOrWJgQ6vddZ1rUPI0qu2EB-gi0VQp3sK455IBEtkbm3XAHpBpbFr1AJLvkpipE6apP6X9Yrzqbf2e0/s4032/IMG_20200512_155355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliN-ue3OPiI8jqhgRxwUyuV26SEhH0S2gaXnv26Kdz-QNF-S8jgWEHC3AOOdjOOrWJgQ6vddZ1rUPI0qu2EB-gi0VQp3sK455IBEtkbm3XAHpBpbFr1AJLvkpipE6apP6X9Yrzqbf2e0/w500-h375/IMG_20200512_155355.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So after a period of painting bits of many projects, I realised I'd really gotten into the flow of things. What had originally been a source of worry or fear, was now turning into an opportunity to try things out. I was not only finding time to ;paint, I was actually learning that I could paint late at night and not be rubbish at it. And this, in turn, meant I was actively looking for an opportunity to paint. I don't know if I had ever felt like this about my painting before.</div><div><br /></div><div>And all this made me revolutionise everything. I decided that it was high time I actually focused on one army. And I meant it. To do this though, I had to do some serious reorganising. Again, if you have a dedicated hobby room or desk then you may never have to face something like this. Or maybe you do. Maybe you have so much of everything out and around your hobby station that you can't get moved for it all. And nothing gets done because you have so much stuff in the way. That was certainly my experience anyway. Albeit in a smaller way. You know, because I just have a paint station.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's what I did. I cleared away the models out on my paint station. They all went to their proper homes in their Really Useful Boxes. That was the easy part. Next came the decision over what to paint. Having so many choices meant that this wasn't as easy as it sounded. Because it's not just deciding what I wanted to paint at that moment. No, it was about making a choice about what I wanted to paint many, many models for. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I have to admit, the news that 9th Edition was going to drop this summer was a big factor in my decision making process. After all, this news meant I'd be playing A LOT of games of 40K once we safely emerge from lockdown. And let's be honest, there's only so many times that you want to bring out your 3rd to 5th Ed Space Marine Models for a game. Especially when I've been slowly building up some other armies over the years. So I decided to work on the Death Guard. I won't wax lyrical about the models here, I'll simply say that I had begun painting some at the end of last year and had really enjoyed the process. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having made this decision, it was then a case of getting my trusty MDF paint station organised. Away went all the paints and out came the ones I would need for this project. This is one of those occasions where having a note of your paint recipes really does help. My book was incredibly useful at this point.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then the models. Now, I keep all mine up in the loft. It's great for storage space, but it's not so great when it comes to accessibility. Many's the time I've thought about painting something in the past only to find myself giving up on the idea. After all, I'd have to go up there, and that would mean moving everything piled in front of the door to the loft. I'd then have to navigate the ladder beyond the door; sort through the boxes; find the models; bring them down. And then I'd have to get the paint station cleared for action. And move around the paints I needed...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, you can see how good intentions were often doomed to failure.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I decided to put an end to all that once and for all. With the army chosen and the paint station ready to receive its next subject, I went to the loft and got down my box of assembled miniatures. And even though there would be plenty in there to work on, I also bought down the box that holds all the remaining models that I haven't assembled yet. And that way, if I ever got bored of the assembled models, I could dip into the collection and bring out something new. I hoped that this variety within the army would help to keep my painting motivated and enjoyable. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I have to say, it really has been working for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IkLw-o-vkUhYTlE8YjrxOElDq6uyaJ-kaPt0Fh3UWIkBNGkp0dK7p1x-jq4Z0zMnkQs-dgzFlFesLCEH-2Pmqh9HBmRq_RXLxgZ5_0gJzbCghs4jWlBzztnlHLmX4UVuLFWKBVJzV3E/s4032/IMG_20200709_200101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IkLw-o-vkUhYTlE8YjrxOElDq6uyaJ-kaPt0Fh3UWIkBNGkp0dK7p1x-jq4Z0zMnkQs-dgzFlFesLCEH-2Pmqh9HBmRq_RXLxgZ5_0gJzbCghs4jWlBzztnlHLmX4UVuLFWKBVJzV3E/w400-h300/IMG_20200709_200101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's be honest, there's no way I am ever going to get this army fully painted by the time 9th lands (heck, the preorders go up tomorrow!) But that doesn't matter one little bit.</div><div><br /></div><div>You see, I've found a joy in my painting. Painting lots of different models during lock down has allowed me to try out different painting approaches to see what works. I've scratched the curiosity itch and gained confidence by the bucket load in the process. And now, over time, I'm seeing an actual army emerge. Sure, I'll never win any awards for my painting. But I've found a greater reward than that: I've discovered a love for painting. And because of this, I'm not frightened by a mountain of models as I have been in the past. I'm not going to rush them. Neither am I going to be put off. I have the models within easy reach. And any time I am able to do so, I can go and get my paint station and enjoy some time painting. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that, friends, is something very precious indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5UgOYZCOF4GOpIW3Rlr7ExhHbuz1Vc8Z21M1tieFTiP0gQZteAqBQ7tkhA94lPygLlengN-d-5UeQa6qeRSoHoQvD2BaWK2fl8_N-YZXO5aTU71lMduTW8UIsr1zzw0GT1tuM9KOWVU/s4032/IMG_20200704_212824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5UgOYZCOF4GOpIW3Rlr7ExhHbuz1Vc8Z21M1tieFTiP0gQZteAqBQ7tkhA94lPygLlengN-d-5UeQa6qeRSoHoQvD2BaWK2fl8_N-YZXO5aTU71lMduTW8UIsr1zzw0GT1tuM9KOWVU/w400-h300/IMG_20200704_212824.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thanks for stopping by.</div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-64884818393849784892020-05-01T14:02:00.001+01:002020-05-01T14:03:52.281+01:00Help! I'm Frightened of Painting Miniatures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always enjoyed painting miniatures. So much so that I would consider myself to be a painter who games, rather than a gamer who paints. By this, I mean that my entry into this hobby came about as a result of my love of making and painting models.<br />
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But recently I've become aware of a hidden truth: I'm frightened of painting.<br />
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Sounds crazy, right? Whether it is or it isn't though, it's definitely the truth. To understand all this, we need to do a fair bit of flitting back and forth across the time space continuum of the last thirty years of this hobby of ours. <br />
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So, having strapped ourselves into Well's Time Machine we head back to the late seventies to the decade I never reached double digits in. This is when I was first introduced to model kits. I don't know exactly when I had been given my first Airfix Spitfire, but I do know that by the time I was seven, I had progressed onto the more detailed Tornado. Of course, my poor Mum had to help with some of the fiddly bits like the really cool variable sweep wing. Now, I loved making models, and painting them. But the problem with painting them wasn't so much the smell of the turps and Humbrol paints. No, it was the realisation that the only thing I could do with them afterwards was to put them on a shelf or suspend them from the ceiling courtesy of some thread, a drawing pin and those lovely safe polystyrene ceiling tiles that became popular in the eighties. </div>
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Now let's fast forward a few years through the arrival of Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone's Fighting Fantasy to the discovery of a company by the name of Games Workshop. Not only was my imagination sparked by fantastical realms, but this came with the realisation that I could paint and then play games with! </div>
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Unfortunately they weren't exactly cheap.</div>
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And then, just a few years later, I discovered Derby World's as we call it now. Which is strange, because I don't even think they held it in Derby recently. But back then it was Derby World Wargaming Championships. Stepping into the Assembly Rooms became an annual thing for me. And what I saw blew my mind every time. You have to remember this was the mid to late eighties. No internet. It was my only chance of discovering the world of wargaming. </div>
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But it came at a price. Huge armies were laid out on custom built terrain. I spent hours looking at the spectacle of each layout. But I knew I couldn't afford big armies. I also struggled at those events. Teenagers weren't a common sight at these gatherings. And I have to say, this one in particular didn't get the best of receptions at many of the tables. Being what Shakespeare would describe as "my cousin lack-beard" meant I was subject to much suspicion. One coupled with the expectation that I either didn't or couldn't possibly understand what the hobby was all about.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0j_trtK80oxUtJQDL5G-Y9rf_fKQedXxo1ryseG7iXho3orD8_vs4Zn5LtWegefQ0zV6Zdq38-m0tX8PdHXt2CHbg-Xtb9urgWxdRnVqN0AjnOMMLAL9mC_jfwCUo-jUY-o87qXZiIm0/s1600/20161030_112959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0j_trtK80oxUtJQDL5G-Y9rf_fKQedXxo1ryseG7iXho3orD8_vs4Zn5LtWegefQ0zV6Zdq38-m0tX8PdHXt2CHbg-Xtb9urgWxdRnVqN0AjnOMMLAL9mC_jfwCUo-jUY-o87qXZiIm0/s640/20161030_112959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which, frankly, was an incredibly narrow-minded and stupid attitude.</div>
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It's perhaps no wonder then that I retreated from the world of historical wargaming. Which was a crying shame, I have to say. I went instead to where I was much more welcome. My passion for Napoleonics, for the ACW, ECW, Medieval and Ancients was put to one side as I plunged into The Old World of the Warhammer universe and later into the emerging 40k universe of Rogue Trader. And I also got into RPG's in a big way, pretty much to the excusion of all else. </div>
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This is perfectly understandable. There were no army lists for Warhammer at the time. Blood Bath at Orc's Drift, Terror of the Lichemaster and The Tragedy of McDeath were the closest we got to such things. </div>
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Now, for many years I've had a very limited budget (which is the polite way of saying I was skint and barely breaking even, let alone managing to provide for my family.) In all those years, I wished I could build armies, both historical and fantastical. And when funds allowed, I was able to get the odd box of Perry Miniatures. </div>
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Over the years, through ups and downs, I've had the love and support of my family (which is priceless). And every now and again I've been able to get a few miniatures. Wargaming became skirmishing, as I could afford to do that. Of course, if you want a good skirmish game to work, you need specific scenery. And as this blog will testify, I went to town making that scenery on a very tight budget. Those projects led me to start this blog up in the first place. Scenery is the backbone this whole blog is built upon.</div>
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And I clearly got more interested in making scenery than painting miniatures. As times got harder (which they did for many years) I would take off cuts of foamcore and cereal packets and make terrain while my friends would buy and paint models to fight over it all. Sure, I got myself some models, but not much.</div>
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And then the time machine plants us in the present. Financially, I'm on a much better footing. I've been able to purchase what I need to make a lot of projects happen. I've so much stuff now, it's frankly unbelievable. Well it is to me at least. I've not gone mad. Or at least not too much. Okay, I might have done so in the realms of Age of Sigmar and 40K, but I've tried not to go for too many historical theatres, and I'm working towards large scale skirmish games by TooFatLardies rather than anything as wonderful but impossible as Waterloo.</div>
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So it should all be happening, right?</div>
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Wrong.</div>
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I appear to be frightened to get to work. </div>
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When I could be painting, I find myself assembling models. When I'm not assembling models, I find myself designing scenery. And when I design scenery I start looking into the next project. Anything but pick up a paintbrush. </div>
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Yes, I do want to do a good job. I won't compromise my painting. Now, I'm very much aware that I'm no Hazoutopolus George or Sascha Herm. Not by a long shot. But if I don't get painting, then I won't get to game so much. I'm not going to let the brilliance of other's painting skills stop me from painting. If I was only willing to paint if I could be at Golden Daemon standard, I'd have given up and taken a new hobby a long time ago. </div>
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I think it boils down to not wanting to ruin what I have. And I think you have to have had so little for so long to appreciate something like this. </div>
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Excuses will come thick and fast if you are afraid of ruining what little you have. Too tired. Not sure of the paint scheme. Will I be criticised for using the wrong blue on my Infanterie de Ligne? Needing to reset the paint station with colours for a new model when you're tired will also lead to hesitation and procrastination in equal measure. So too will working long hours. Tiredness is a valid excuse. But getting out of the habit is even worse. Going from owning nothing to having lots normally means you also don't know what to work on first, because, as the great prophets Queen would be quick to tell us, "I Want It All"</div>
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I'm not going to give up, or give in. I will get my models painted. I'll fear and falter at times. I'll be frightened to have a go. But I will give it a go. I'll continue to develop my own style. I'll only settle for a result I'm happy with. And I'll work on what I want to paint. If I do bits of this army and then some of that, go from the historical to the grimdark and bounce to something else entirely, then so what. The more I paint, the more comfortable I'll become. And then, hopefully, I'll gain in confidence. And as the confidence grows, hopefully the fear will subside. And then, when the time comes to game, boy will the results be incredibly satisfying.</div>
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And then, that kid from the seventies with models aplenty and nothing to game, will no longer be the bloke with rules aplenty and not enough models, painted or otherwise. </div>
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I'll keep posting as I go. And I'll keep using this blog to remind me what can be achieved. It might not be much, but to myself at least, these worlds in miniature I'm creating are a great source of joy and delight. If hobby doesn't create that joy and delight, it's a chore. </div>
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Please feel free to comment on your own hobby experiences in the comments below. And please share any good painting advice! Let's encourage one another to replace fear with joy. </div>
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by!</div>
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Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-43780023522182593682020-04-03T19:38:00.001+01:002020-04-03T19:44:18.989+01:00Can We Please Chill a Bit More?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>I do fear that there's too much being made on social media about doing things during this time of lockdown. It all seemed to happen so quickly, as if it was a natural response. But it's not. There's nothing natural about it whatsoever. <br></div><div><br></div><div>According to the prevalent view, we all have to find meaning in our lives by filling out time with doing stuff. Honestly? It's as if not doing so would somehow be bad. </div><div><br></div><div>Seriously? </div><div><br></div><div>Is taking a rest a bad thing? </div><div><br></div><div>Do I need to eat a lump of lettuce, kale and rabbit food marinated in tofu and Herby lime before spending an hour playing keepie up with a toilet roll before reorganising my home, redecorating two rooms a day, redesigning my kudos and performing squat thrusts every ten minutes for a quarter of an hour whilst recording myself singing off key to camera with a tempo that's about as regular as chaos theory?</div><div><br></div><div>Seriously?</div><div><br></div><div>Get. A. Life.</div><div><br></div><div>But let's not delude ourselves. We Wargamer's aren't any better. Not by what I've seen in the last few weeks. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>No, we're all going, oh help? I can't wargame! Is there something I can use on Steam to feel like I'm wargaming coz I can't survive without a game? Can I use Zoom / Skype / Messenger / FaceTime / Duo or whatever to game online with my friends? Or, we're all counting up the days we've been in this sorry mess (you know, coz that's helpful) and charting our progress in the next big project we've committed ourselves to since everyone else is talking about the hundreds of miniatures they're going to paint in the next few weeks. Oh, and did you know I'm going to spend a fortune on new projects, coz impending unemployment doesn't mean a careful stewarding of our resources. No, it means bring on the bankruptcy.</div><div><br></div><div>Seriously?</div><div><br></div><div>Look, would you please just stop for a moment? Step off this invisible treadmill you've put yourself on. Take stock. </div><div><br></div><div>By all means, enjoy your hobby. But the key word there is enjoy. Don't commit yourself to some stupid and unobtainable deadline. Paint because you want to. Make something. Use the lockdown to get a bigger perspective. Spend time with loved ones. If you can't get out to see them, for pity's sake call them or video chat with them. </div><div><br></div><div>And for the love of everything that's decent, look up to the sky. It's big. We're not. </div><div><br></div><div>And then, may be, just maybe, when all this is over, we may be incredibly blessed to have a better perspective on things. We'll have enjoyed our hobby. Invested time infamily and friends. Stopped thinking we're the centre of the universe.</div><div><br></div><div>Because I know for a fact that as I write, in the UK alone by sunset today, 3605 people never got the chance to do that.</div><div><br></div><div>What am I saying? Simply this. Stay safe. Stay in. Speak to those you love. Chill, don't stress. And when it's finally safe for us to get back to normal, let's not. Let's get back to better.</div><div><br></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-82484579582905917182020-03-27T21:26:00.000+00:002020-03-27T21:26:00.545+00:00Make Your Own Flow Medium<div><b>In these uncertain times caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic, please stay safe. Stay at Home. Follow your Government's Advice. Practice Social Distancing. Look out for one another. And enjoy some hobby during lockdown..!</b></div><div><br></div>Here's something for anyone who has wanted to see their paints dry that little smoother. Something for anyone who's used a wash and found it's dried a little more 'gritty' than they wanted it to; or to be able to create incredibly smooth transitions between colours on their models, but never quite managed it. If any of these experiences have been yours, then this is for you!<div>
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I stumbled across this quite by accident. I'd done a search for The Gellerpox Infected. You know, because they are some really nice models. If you like that sort of thing. Which I do. Anyhoo, I never found any deal worth parting that much cash for them. But I did stumble on a rather interesting painting tutorial from Midwinter Minis. And hidden in that speed painting tutorial is an absolutely wonderful piece of advice. I'm sharing that tutorial here. The bit you're after is at 4:18. And it's well worth watching.</div>
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<div>So I had a look online. At the time, I found two options. 250ml for £12.90 or 500ml for £14.00. Considering a single pot of Lahmian Medium (which is essentially exactly the same thing) costs £4.75 for 24ml, the price difference alone makes this a worthwhile experiment.</div><div><br></div><div>Of course, my brain might have seen the financial benefits to the enterprise, but it didn't realise how big the pot of medium would be...!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br></div><div>I also purchased a pack of four 17ml dropper bottles. I thought I had a good deal. Or at least I did until a few days later when I stumbled, quite by accident on a set from TT Combat. You can see them <a href="https://ttcombat.com/collections/painting/products/ttcombat-dropper-mixing-bottle-x-10">here.</a> Okay, a quid more than I spent, but you get ten. </div><div><br></div><div>Once I had them, all I did was half fill the dropper bottle with acrylic matt medium, and almost the other half with water. All that was left to do was to add a small drop of washing up liquid, put the dropper lid on, give it a good shake and before you know it, Bob's some relative or other...!</div><div><br></div><div>And,.I have to say, the stuff is bloomin' awesome. I use it all the time now. Where once I would add a little water to my paint, I now add a drop of this flow medium. When I want to create a smooth transition of colour as a wash, this is what I use to dilute my paints and washes. Once dry, you can add the same again to recesses. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm currently painting my Sylvaneth forces at the moment. I'm using two colours to shade their weapons which I'm painting to look like magical weapons. Now, when I did this before I madeyself that flow medium, I would water down my Vallejo Game Colour Electric blue and apply it to various patches of the weapon, which had been given a good base coat of Vallejo MC 70907 Pale Blue Grey. When that had dried completely, I then applied some patches of watered down Vallejo MC 70978 Dark Yellow. When dried completely, I would then edge highlight with white.</div><div><br></div><div>I followed the same process the first few times I used my flow medium. Two washes applied after each other. </div><div><br></div><div>And then I got to thinking. If this is a flow medium, would it not allow me to apply both together and let them flow into each other? So I decided to have a go and see what happened.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>And talk about an incredibly smooth result!</div><div><br></div><div>So honestly, give it a go. I promise you won't regret it. </div><div><br></div><div>Happy painting. Stay safe. And let me know what you think if you try this yourself.</div><div><br></div><div>And as always, thanks for stopping by.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-33425256666191932132020-02-23T09:41:00.000+00:002020-02-23T09:41:03.822+00:00Alea Iacta Est<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div>Yes, well, they may well have been cast. But if you're like me, they're anything but friendly.<div><br></div><div>Look, I know why we use dice in our wargames. They provide that random element to our games. They take away the uncertainty of things. They stop everything from being completely predictable. </div><div><br></div><div>Well, that's what they are supposed to do...</div><div><br></div><div>But if, like me, you have the dice throwing skills of an inebriated seahorse then you're going to find that snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory will become an increasingly common experience.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't know why this is. My pool of dice has grown over many years. It's a Hodge podge of GW dice from starter sets, gem dice from my RPG days, posh sets purchased in the hope of improving my odds. And more recently with the arrival of the new Sylvaneth Battletome, I went mad and purchased their faction specific dice. Did they help me? Not one flipping bit. Doesn't matter how hard you have to look at them to decipher the result of the roll. When you know what a '1' looks like, you're covered...!</div><div><br></div><div>I'd like to be able to blame this on poor army selection, but that would only get me part way towards the weekly defeats I regularly experience. And if you play Chain of Command or Sharp Practice, it's not like you're going to be responsible for choosing each element of your army. So I can't use that excuse at all...!</div><div><br></div><div>In fact, while I'm on the subject, it's not just dice. Even the card deck for Sharp Practice seems to be against me... I seem to spent each turn watching my opponent draw card after card while my forces just stand around waiting for Tiffin...</div><div><br></div><div>It's either I'm the unluckiest soul on the planet, or my dice are all crap. So if anyone knows a good manufacturer, please tell me in the comments below!</div><div><br></div><div>Still, any game I play will bolster my opponent no end. So if you ever want the laugh of your life as I roll many more 1's than is statistically possible, or if you want to see an army, no matter how lovely or cunningly constructed fall apart long before you engage them, then I'm your man. </div><div><br></div>Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-73956602888120415042020-02-22T20:12:00.001+00:002020-02-22T20:12:33.896+00:00Yup, I'm Still Here!Erm... hello? Anybody out there...?<br />
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Nope, this isn't a post-apocalyptic message to the great out there in hopes of finding fellow survivors. Quite the opposite actually. It's more about saying hello to any fellow hobbyists who haven't given up on the hopes of me posting again!<br />
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Life has a habit of affecting and waylaying the very best and most honest of hobby intentions. And no matter how important our hobby may be, some things are just more important in the greater scheme of things. <br />
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So, for the first time since I started this blog back in...well...in quite a few years, I didn't get to put up an obligatory annual retro-fest of 'Ooh, look at all the stuff I did and what I will do in the coming year.' No siree, not me. To be honest, I'd kinda steered clear of that last year. But as we stepped not just into a new year, but also into a new decade, my blog was conspicuously absent of... well... any post whatsoever. <br />
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How did this happen? Well, now. There's a question. <br />
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For quite a few reasons, probably. And I guess they're not too unfamiliar for fellow hobbyists. <br />
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First up, simply being busy. Over the years, I've enjoyed my hobby whilst juggling the constraints of a very small income (in which I made scenery out of nothing, which seems to be the most popular stuff I post about) and having limited free time. Family responsibilities can curtail our options, as too can having multiple jobs to make ends meet. Both have been my lot over the years, and at times both in abundance. <br />
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Nowadays I'm rather humbled to be both self-employed and successful. Whereas before I was broke and busy, I now find myself able to provide for my family for the first time in years. However, success means busy. So whereas I had no time and no cash to spend, I can now buy stuff and still have no time to enjoy it!<br />
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And you know what? I'm not even slightly miffed about this. Life should be about priorities and having fun. Don't get me wrong, I see all this #hobbystreak Day 54 stuff all over Twitter. It seems that not a few people are finding time to do some hobby every day of the year. Good for them, I say. I don't. Should I be worried? Nope. Should I be jealous? Nope. (Even though we can all succumb to the green eyed monster from time to time). If it's possible for some of us to do our hobby each day, for many others it's just not. And I'm one of them. <br />
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But what I am is incredibly blessed. For years I couldn't afford more than a box of plastics once a year. That was it. If you don't believe me, trawl back over my posts and you'll see what I mean. Now, I'm able to provide for my family and be able to purchase things I would like to have. I'm not going to go mad. But I can no w buy the things I haven't been able to. Large scale skirmish games like those written by the excellent and unsurpassed Too Fat Lardies are now affordable projects I can work on over a period. <br />
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And this freedom gives me the opportunity to start projects I know I can actually finish. And that's revolutionary. It's liberating. <br />
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But it does mean one thing. I've got to knuckle down and paint my models. No longer can the fear of messing up hold me back. And this is a really, really good thing. My long dreamed of Napoleonics can properly happen. As can so many other periods I've wanted to game for so long. And I can even get some of those lovely plastic models from Games Workshop! And that's been impossible for more years than I can actually count. Seriously.<br />
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So, as you'll have seen if you've read this far, I've been using what free time I have to assemble and paint some models. It's quite an eclectic mix of stuff. <br />
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And what about the scenery? Well, stick around. I have more ideas than I have time for just now, but I think you'll like what I have in store in the coming weeks. <br />
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So keep your eyes peeled. I'll be back in the next week or two, mixing up foamcore, extruded polystyrene, garden wire, cardboard and maybe even a few bits of tubing. Intrigued? I hope so!<br />
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As always, thanks for stopping by. And please do feel free to add a comment or seven below!<br />
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<br />Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937917480632719714.post-53727708215024393902019-12-10T19:40:00.001+00:002019-12-10T19:40:06.454+00:00OTP Terrain North African Scenery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier this year I had the opportunity of introducing a good friend of mine to the world of Chain of Command. This came on the back of painting British and German forces for North Africa 1941, which was a major achievement for me. (You can follow this thread <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2019/07/well-that-just-happened.html" target="_blank">here.</a>) Being asked to game with them so soon afterwards was the icing on the cake. So I began to turn my attention to consider the scenery I would need.<br />
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Now, buildings for North Africa aren't the most difficult buildings to make, and considering some of the different things I've attempted over the years, you may be surprised to hear that I went ahead and ordered some.<br />
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I'd been searching for inspiration, when I came across OTP Terrain in Australia. And I have to say that what I saw blew my mind. Honestly, take a look at all the awesome stuff they do. Anyhoo, I was drawn to their North Africa range, and in particular their damaged buildings.<br />
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I know I'm going to be using these for North Africa in 1941, but these wonderful buildings are suitable for anything from Biblical times to the present day. And yes, I weakened. More than I've ever done before. I decided to give them a go, and ordered the set of four, along with the well. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to buy more. A lot more. Like, the whole range. But the cost of postage is quite horrific.<br />
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Why did I decided to buy these? Well, it's the fact that they are a solid building. I would really struggle making something like this out of foamcore that would be half as robust as these. I make my buildings as a solid cuboid to enhance their structural integrity. I couldn't do that with exposed roof beams. So I thought it would be a sound investment. <br />
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OTP Terrain produce 3D Printed terrain. It's not something I've ever experienced before, so I was intrigued to see how it looked in person. And in the case of OTP, it looks satin-ey. But boy do they look good. They don't come overnight, but they aren't as bad as you might think. Mine actually turned up a week ahead of our first planned game. I hadn't expected this to be the case, so you can understand my delight at having enough time to paint them and get them ready for the table.<br />
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As it came to preparing the models for printing, I realised some things about the models. Take, for example, the underside of those support beams. I understand its a part of the process of printing, but it's not something that I was prepared for. I tidied them up a bit with my craft knife, but it wasn't without some worry, I can tell you. The last thing I wanted to do was to ruin the models. <br />
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I also quickly realised that you can make out the layers on the print on the sides of the building. I'm glad I noticed this before I tried to do any dry brushing.<br />
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Other than these two caveats, I have no complaints whatsoever. And when it came to painting them, they were an absolute joy. I tend to do a lot of wet blending with my painting anyway, so a lack of dry brushing wasn't a problem.<br />
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And, to be perfectly honest, I can't find anything else even slightly negative to say about them. They are great to paint, look wonderful on the table and are totally solid. What's not to like?<br />
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And when the time came for playing the games? Well, personally I think they look amazing!<br />
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As you can see, I'm using a box of Hexon boards I made for the desert. You can find out all about how I went about this by reading <a href="https://stiumac.blogspot.com/2019/03/desert-boards.html" target="_blank">this post.</a><br />
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If there is any caveat to what you can see here, it was the realisation that we really needed more scenery on the table than what you can see here. Personally, I wish I could have afforded more of this fantastic range of buildings from OTP Terrain. Sadly though, my budget won't stretch so far.<br />
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So I guess I'll have to post about some scratch built stuff then...!<br />
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As always, thanks for stopping by.Stiùbharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14499451142285889917noreply@blogger.com2