An interim project - Dark Angels

The "downside" to buying Devastator boxes for Grav Cannons (just doing the bits is usually not worth it, or they are recasts) is having a bunch of other heavy weapons left over.

I decided to go with a unit for Dark Angels, going with all Lascannon.

So this my next project waiting impatiently for my tax refund to begin a new, more focused army build.  Right now the only thing I know I'm going to buy is a Dark Vengeance box.  That will be a nice expansion to my CSM (mainly more cultists) as well as enough Dark Angels models to have a good sized force of those if I want to play them - mainly as a non-competitive Marine army.

New year, new projects on the horizon.

But I just don't know what yet!

Right now I'm gearing up to my big shopping season once I get my tax refund, which will give me the plastic to build and paint all year long.

Right now I'm not sure what exactly I will be spending my money on.

There are currently 6 choices I am debating.

1. Expand my current Iron Angels into a full Gladius
Pros: probably more competitive then the Medusa, not a lot of models to buy
Cons: I don't want to paint any more Blood Angles

2. Build a whole new army, a Lion's Blade (Dark Angels)
Pros: Very competitive, easy to paint
Cons: Lots of models to buy (but the new armored assault boxes really helps)

Right now this is probably the last option. I will do some DA going forward, including getting a Dark Vengeance box for myself. But I think going for a less-competitive Marine force using DA is the better option.

3. Expand my Space Wolves
Pros: not a lot of models
Cons: unsure on competitiveness

Basically when I decided to go with the Medusa I had another option of getting more Space Wolves instead.  This includes more Wulfen, drop pods and Thunderwolves.  But like other options, I'm not sure if the list will be that good.

4. Finish the Tau/Necron army
Pros: what I want to try, I have a good portion of the models already
Cons: experimental - not sure if it will be good at all much less competitive, the models left to get are expensive

Most intriguing options, and I will probably work on some of it anyway (I really want a Stormsurge).  But it's simply the most unknown of the tournament options.

5.  Expand my CSM into a full Deathguard army
Pros: lots of of fun modeling options, should be decently competitive
Cons: Need a good number of models, CSM is annoying to paint

6. Buy Renegade Knights for my Orks
Pros: Cool modeling options, could be a good bump to the Orks
Cons: Still won't make Orks good

The biggest problem with this option is deciding if I would model the Knight(s) as regular Chaos or as looted Orks.  On one side having them Chaos means I can more easily use in both armies, the other side is looting them will be awesome AF and I can scratch-build weapon options much easier.

So that's the list. Any input would be appreciated.  I have at least a month to think about it.

Hobby moving slowly but surely...

Over the last couple of weeks I've been slowing working.   Just having fun and doing other things for the holidays and my new upcoming job.

I didn't feel like paining much so I pulled out all the Tau and Necron models I bought last February  and put them all together.  Magnetized everything on the Ghostkeel and I'm deciding on magnetizing the whip coils or not - they are not yet glued on.

I've also got myself some deals from my FLGS. Picked up a set of DV bikes for $10 and then these metal Plaguemarines for just $14.  They will be rebased in 32mm to match my Ork and Chaos armies, and I will repaint the plasma pink.

But when I do paint it's been slow and steady progress on the Stealth Suits. I've just not been very motivated so far.

Right now my previous choices of the next army build might add one more option: Deathguard.  Maybe not a full army, but a more competitive version to supplement with some Orky goodness.  We'll see.

Hobby update, working on my Iron Angels (Blood Angels as Iron hands)

Iron Angels? Sure why not!  Also reminds me of my favorite stupid 80's movie, Iron Eagle lol

anyway I'm having a bit of fun building these guys, going through the bits and making them all BA.

The Tactical squad especially came out great, and recycling backpacks from the Assault Squad turned Dev squad will help.

For painting I decided to start on the Captain.  He's coming along slowly - there is no hurry to get him done so just going along and enjoying it.

Tonight, we dine in hell!

For some reason I really like the tactical sergeant.  The nipple armor and pointing reminds me of 300 lol

I also have the Stormtalon in sub-assemblies, magnetized and primed.

That's the update, having fun in the hobby is what it's all about and right now I'm very much enjoying the pace and models I'm working on.

Showcase: Another scale model Mongram '55 F-100 Street Rod

I finally have some 40k incoming, but tonight I finished up another scale model.

It's another really super cheap kit, with a $12.99 MSRP that I got at 40% off just before Christmas.

The kit is very simple which makes it a fun and relaxing build.

The color is Testor's Lacquer Metallic Plum Crazy and it's just a beautiful color!!

Tax refund is here which means a restock of 40k kits for the year. Stay tuned!!

Showcase: Roadkill's General Mayhem in 1/25

So with just my 2nd non-Warhammer model in about 20 years or so, I've finished Roadkill's General Mayhem. I'm pretty darn happy with how it came out.

It's a Revel Master series 1/25 1968 Dodge Charger I bought at the Salvation Army for exactly $2.90.  For the price it was unbeatable no matter what I did with it.

Then came the ScaleModelAddict's 2015 Big Spring Contest, which I've entered before.  And on top of it, the theme for the contest is "dirty" so it was obvious to me to build my own General Mayhem.

The interior is missing so I modified or scratch built the panels to represent the sheet metal structure, loosely based off pics of the parts I found online. I might someday replace the grill if I can find something more suitable, but this one is scratch-built from .020 square strips.  It's hard to get pics of the interior.

So anyway, pics!

If your into cars at all and have not seen Roadkill, head on over to the Motor Trend youtube channel and check it out.

Next up is more Thunderwolves, I got another box and they are well under way. Then I will try to finish off my remaining unpainted Blood Angels models - 5 Sterrngaurd, 5 Death Company, 5 bikes and 2 drop pods.

I finished an actual model kit: Revell EC145 Demonstrator

With 7th edition nigh and unable to work on the Kill Krusha I've worked on other stuff. First was to actually finish my helicopter model.  This was a lot of detail work.   The Badger Minitaire gloss varnish worked better this time but a few spots are still light and not shiny.  It did work very well over the windows though..that made me happy.

Very happy to have this finally complete after so long.

Last few days with not much else to do I've been working on Blood Angels. Yes, actual Blood Angels. With magnets.  I built a tactical squad and 10 more Death company.  I'll probably wait for their new book before painting though, just in case.

I've got another Imperial Fist Storm Talon on it's way soon, plus combing through 7th of course.

More to come!

Painter's block.. but never stop working!

So with still having painter's block over the Kill Krusha, and not wanting to start on the Riptide quite yet I've been working on my heliocoptor.  I did not realize it had been over 2 years since I touched it last!  But it's getting closer and closer to finish now, with the last 2 nights working on decals. There are A LOT Of decals, and without micro sol it would be downright impossible.

But one whole side is now done.  It's coming out pretty darn cool, despite all the issues I've had with working on it. Small, fragile parts are not my forte.  Many pieces have broken off, and like the tail rotor has broken off and been fixed so many times it's all fuckered up.  But hey,  that's why I'm doing this is to learn.

Just the sheer amount of decal work plus some touch ups means I'm still a few days of work away from finishing it, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.



On another note, I took this pic right after finishing the last Imperial Fists commission, showing how much mess it makes getting through a project.  I have since cleaned this up, putting everything where it belongs but when you're busy working you need to keep everything you need handy.

So that's it for now. 

Next project up: Ork Dakkajet hangar

Right on the heels of finishing the Thunderfire build, I jumped into my next idea which I've actually had for a long time..an Ork hangar.  The idea was born when I opened up some Asus motherboards at work and saw this nice, clean and perfectly sized corrugated cardboard in them.

The idea is to have a Mek's workshop/Dakkajet hangar as a centerpiece of my (future) gaming table. It's pretty substantial, being on a 12x12" board and fairly high.  There is a lot of room inside and with the removable roof gives lots of gaming options.

Lots of detail work to go, but the basic structure is down and I think it's amazing..just what I wanted!

Anyway, pics.

A quick "zero cost" Thunderfire cannon project update

Last 2 days I've been working on the cannon itself. So far, so good but I've been running into one stumbling block after another.  Right now my biggest challenge is the tank treads.

The barrel mount is removable and will probably end up magnetized. Not sure about the barrel itself yet.  Happy with the detail level, but I need to finish the tracks before I can work on the rear stabilization arms.

The width of the barrel with the side pieces is exactly 20mm so that's kinda cool. Going to make a box to fit behind the barrel to extend it out even longer.

Well that's it. A quick update. Several hours of work..most of it staring at tank treads trying to figure something out..

Starting a "No budget" Thunderfire project

yep I'm broke. Yep I really, really want a thunderfire to go with my Red Ultramarine allies. 

I've been looking around at some thunderfire alternatives and scratch builds, and then wen through my bit box looking for things to help, and so far I think I've got a plan together.  A couple of plasma pistols, some Valkyrie bits, and away we go!

Starting with the techmarine (because it's easier).  I saw the idea to use terminator legs, which I happened to have a pair so I went that way.  The torso and shoulderpads are from the marine vehicle sprue, and I have no idea where the head came from.

The arms are the heavy bolter mounts from the Valkyrie kit. I plan on using one of the missile pods from the same kit as the main part of the thunderfire barrel, a razorback hatch as the base for the cannon and some extra old chimera tracks.

It's going to be work, and I need to put any more work off a week while I finish up the Imperial Fist commission, but so far, I like what I have..

After this, I have at least 2 major Ork projects in the works. Stay tuned!

ME-262 Diorama planning: Kubelwagen Type 82, more? Hobby ADD!

I picked up this little Tamiya kit a few months back for less then $4. I decided to put it together last night after finishing the bikes. It was quick and easy, has less then 50 parts including the figures. It's a cute little car.

 

It looks so cool I came up with the idea of pairing it with a plane for a little diorama, and then I remembered my long-abandoned ME-262..and how convenient it just happens to be 1/48 as well! Perfect!  If I can come up with a few bucks, I might try and get a couple more little kits to go with it (Mainly the Tamiya "German aircraft power supply") and put it on a grassy field/runway.

 

I also dug out my X-1 Dakkajet and put a hole in it to use a flight stand.  That will get painted real soon, for my September Frebootaz painting challenge.
 

 

So a couple of time-wasting hobby ADD projects as I continually avoid Space Wolves. Though I do need them done by November 9th for a tournament.

Project reveal - Orky Vengeance Weapon Battery

I finished up the prototype for my latest project, an Ork-ified Vengeance Weapon Battery.

I think this fortification could be fun..if only mildly useful..as a support for an Ork assault army. Even though I have not played an assault army in ..like 3 years.. I still think a couple of battlecannons for 170pts would deter an opponent from certain actions. I'll have to play test some.

But what I know for sure is that I didn't want to spent $50 on the kit and be stuck with the Imperial look of the wall of martyrs.

So I built my own.  I guessed on the size based on the pic GW put out where a Khorne Berzerker is standing next to one of the batteries.

Here is the prototype all ready for primer.  I'm working on a how-to for the 2nd one.

More to come shortly.  Comments welcome!

Hobby ADD kicks in yet again..another new project.

Just as I had put away everything..and getting ready for bed..an idea I had been stewing on for a couple days just got the better of me and I had to do something with it.

What it is, I'm not telling quite yet.  But I'm sure someone will figure it out soon enough.

After I finish the prototype, I'll make a full how-to video. Hobby ADD I tell ya. I still need to finish my OFCC display board. It's sitting here black bombed. It really won't take me long at all..that's why I'm not rushing.  Plus all the Space Wolves I need to paint..

Anyway..NOW I'm going to bed..and only because the glue needs to dry.

Quick project - megaminis.com Grot missile launcher

Looking through my box of abandoned projects, I found this little guy I had totally forgotten about.  I bought him from the same place, at the same time, that I bought my rocket-pack Goblins for my Doom Divers. I thought he was too cool to pass up.

Mega Minis is where I got all these guys.  They have thousands of different metal models to choose from, goblins, humans, robots, fantasy, sci-fi, scenery, accessories, etc.

Or they did.  I went to there ebay store, found it empty. Checked out the website and it says they are closing at the end of the year!  They are still in business for now so most of the catalog is available and some stuff is getting sold to other companies. I would highly recommend taking a look at what they have and buy what you need now!

So anyway, back to this guy.  He's just too awesome.  Painted him like the rest of my grots, and he'll be manning a lobba or kannon soon enough.

Love the happy face on the back.  How appropriate is seeing a smile before getting blown up!!

A sad day indeed...

Never before the release of the Tau codex would I have imagined this day would come.  It really saddens me.

Tonight I tore off the railguns from my Broadsides.  Cleaned up the superglue, put in magnets and then painted over the scars like they had never been there.

It's hard for me to call it a nerf, considering just how overpowered broadsides have been in 6th.  Especially against Bastions..teehee.. even more so combined with 30 lootas..teeheehee..

You can just see the sadness in their faces..

I'm still working on scratch building some high-yield missile pods, but what I came up with so far is way out of scale to the crisis suit..even though it's probably close to the size of the actual bit from the new Broadside. So for now I'll just pop on some missile pods I have already.

Now I really need to re-think the allies for my Ork army, and what I'm going to do about AV14.  S10 broadsides have served me so incredibly well over the last 10 months I'm almost at a loss on what to do next.  Maybe I'll go with the Chaos Space Marine thing taking some meltaguns.

Anyway off to bed, ready for game night..

Tau Cadre Fireblade complete!

Finished up this guy tonight.  First of the new models, but not the last for sure. I only have a Farsight for now, but I'll be getting more as soon as the restocks come in to my FLGS. 

This is a GREAT model. I love the dynamic pose, love the complex armor and the cloak.  I combined techniques on it, going for a blend on the cape but line highlighting the armor.   The base color is the old GW foundation paint Fenris Grey, which (fortunately) I bought a new pot just before the paint line migration..so I have plenty for a Riptide.

I should say this guy is very easy to paint, even with the cloak assembled I had no issues reaching everything that needed paint.  IMO the single-model plastic blisters is some of the best stuff GW is doing right now, and the Fireblade is a testament to that.

Road to the Bay Area Open 3

Phew what a day!  Wife and daughter took off to grampa's for the night so that left me with only my son, which gave me a lot of free time.  Spent most of it on hobby stuff! Wow!

I finished the last boy for the black squad (minus basing, my PVA is still in storage).  Finished the base for the quad-gun. Finished the 2nd unit of lobbas.  Primed the other 6 fire warriors.  Started painting the heavy psy-cannon loota.

Hey and that wasn't all! I also vacuumed the living room, swept the kitchen, did dishes. Watched Iron Sky, the last 3 episodes of season 2 of Portlandia and an episode of Restaurant Impossible I had not seen before.

Time for some sleep!

I'm baaaackkk..Road to the Bay Area Open

So it's a new year. Holiday bullshit is over.  Move is (mostly) done.  Football season winding down.  Time to jump back into the hobby with both feet and get my shit done for the BAO!

Still plan on going, depending on how the cash goes.  I can't do 100% for sure yet.

1750pts.  Book missions.  7 games in 2 days.  Weeeee!

Anyway on to the list:

Primary Detachment:

HQ (90): Big Mek: KFF, Bosspole

Troop (200): 25 Shoota boys, 2x big shoota, Nob with powerklaw and bosspole
Troop (235): 30 Shoota boys, 3x Big shoota, Nob with powerklaw and bosspole
Troop (195): 30 Shoota boys, 3x Big shoota

Elite (150): 10 Lootas
Elite (150): 10 Lootas
Elite (150): 10 Lootas

Fast Attack (130): 3x Deffkoptas, 1x Buzzsaw

Heavy (84): 3x Lobba, 3x ammo runts

Fortification: Aegis defense line; quad gun

Allied Detachment:

HQ (76): Shas'el; TL Missile pod, Blacksun filter, hard-wired target lock

Troop (60): 6x Firewarriors

Heavy (160): 2x XV88, 2x targeting array

1750 exactly

I am going to try to paint up new Tau units to match my Ork army instead of just taking what I have.  Time and money may get in the way.

I have a lot of nit-picky stuff to do, like paint 23 sets of arms.  Time to get working!

Dropzone Commander!

First, the good news: I found a new place with just 3 days to spare!  Everything is moved in but still have a lot to do. I also went to storage tonight and grabbed most of my hobby stuff.

Bad news: well, there is no bad news! 

Best news: I was finally able to pick up some Dropzone Commander, specifically a PHR starter army to go along with the other 2 blisters I have

I have put together the first unit, magnets and all.  I found I need more magnets of the right size, and the models I have don't actually make a legal list...but that's easy to fix.

The walkers are magnetized to the connection points and the dropship is magnetized onto the flying stand.  The walkers would be awesome on 25mm bases but that would look silly dangling in the air..

Anyway I have a lot to comment on the models themselves, but will do that in an upcoming video.