tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51984900292139867582024-03-12T04:51:26.358+00:00Exponent wargamesModelling, Painting, GamingPaul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-50261790839716170362011-03-27T15:47:00.001+01:002011-03-27T15:47:35.090+01:00A year in review<p style="clear: both">Well, its been nearly a year since i last made a post to the blog!<br />The last year has been so hectic for me that writing the blog was often the last thing on my mind - major projects finishing at work, moving house (and the roof promptly falling in!), illness in the family and all the other little things in life have combined to mean that I often don't have time for much at all.</p><p style="clear: both">Anyway, I thought that i would put up a "year in review" post, so that you guys can see what i've been working on since my last update. Bear with me, because there are quite a few models to show - In fact, because of the number of models, I've only included one or two shots of each. If you want to see them in more detail, head over to <a href="http://www.hereticsplayground.co.uk/" title="Heretics Playground" target="_blank">Heretics Playground</a> where there are more detailed photos of each of them...</p><p style="clear: both">Before we dive in to the pictures, I wanted to say a big thanks to all the people who emailed me with encouragement to getting back to the blog, but specifically Mike and John @ <a href="http://santacruzwarhammer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz</a> and Mike from <a href="http://terranscapes.com/" target="_blank">TerranScapes</a> - Your words of encouragement were touching and meant a lot; so thanks to all of you :D</p><p style="clear: both">Now, models! First up, we have my pride and joy - The Forge World Macharius Vulcan. This model was heavily modified within the spirit of the original. The body is unchanged, but all of the gun barrels were replaced with etched brass barrels, the tow hooks were replaced with cast examples, the tow chain was replaced with jewellers chain and the handles (were appropriate) were replaced with more "in-scale" fine wire. I'm very proud of this model:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9NxxDPlZI/AAAAAAAAA-U/0mxwx0tAhpw/s800/004.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9NxB2a4aI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/yzyfPsHkg7Q/s800/004-thumb.jpg" height="230" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9NyhhbctI/AAAAAAAAA-c/1LdF-uHUVGk/s800/018.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9NyOAOIxI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/HvKK8POOXe4/s800/018-thumb.jpg" height="288" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePvJNHFgwthM8vugqROsb-U4-uFmU_xEWRX8BWRloUk_NzTxcj897msotEzjpxRtOCiHAvug39_CoWvB1PjpZQz58gKa5J5DQ5iqduz14MVgZtqMx2Bd5fFBAftcYLq8lJATO04qMvzA/s800/001.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9NzL4p8TI/AAAAAAAAA-g/XeF0yerCpJU/s800/001-thumb.jpg" height="315" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Unfortunately the casting was not of the quality that i usually expect from Forge World - the hull was severely twisted, necessitating significant re-shaping using hot water as well as a significant rebuild of the rear end. However, it all worked out in the end!</p><p style="clear: both">Next up we have the Tamiya Jagtiger Mid Production with Commander Otto Carius. Over the last year i've been becoming very interested in modelling WW2 tanks and this was the first proper example that i've put together. Whilst the colour scheme is not exactly right for the period I think that it basically captures the correct feel of this large and imposing tank. The tracks are <a href="http://www.friulmodel.hu/" target="_blank">Fruilmodellismo</a> cast examples - they were so good i wont use anything else now. Because they are cast as individual links (which are then joined with wire) they are fully articulated like the real thing - they also have significant weight meaning that they sag like the real tracks as well!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N0kVgveI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Q47lGiqI2NQ/s800/1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N0KpL3RI/AAAAAAAAA-o/A49DlKxin6s/s800/1-thumb.jpg" height="155" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0ZUau8lL_1MYnbRPPyaKaEYlZHMzwTDgrrznReWTsVO1wQLqUto_fxDSfU-CVCdhfgbCpYjuI5IkOp_SAmtSoXwP6BZCARvhEfrvz61E3ckS3kZaqGM1YLUBsUihig39SQvnrl00qrU/s800/015.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N1DXQbmI/AAAAAAAAA-w/X10h6U-CdM0/s800/015-thumb1.jpg" height="250" width="174" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N2XyEmLI/AAAAAAAAA-8/Qh2txQtRVOg/s800/006.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N11rPSAI/AAAAAAAAA-4/9Z1sLe2HqV8/s800/006-thumb.jpg" height="233" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Next up we have several models from <a href="http://www.studiomcvey.com/" target="_blank">Studio McVey</a> - what can i say about these models that i haven't already said - they are the finest resin models anywhere in the world. The casting is amazing, the designs are sublime and Mike and Ali are wonderful people to deal with. If you havent <br />checked out their models yet, head over to the shop now and buy some! You wont regret it...</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N3oDDviI/AAAAAAAAA_E/4CHze4SZWME/s800/002.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N22tCHqI/AAAAAAAAA_A/5bOwS6lv7js/s800/002-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="321" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N4QbL4JI/AAAAAAAAA_M/9XKWaQ-1oTg/s800/012.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N3-nJEtI/AAAAAAAAA_I/2KlG2wmv0_U/s800/012-thumb.jpg" height="385" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N4xVP5XI/AAAAAAAAA_U/brYxZSpDpK8/s800/2.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N4ryH8EI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/6gUbYirRl5g/s800/2-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="359" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N59y45VI/AAAAAAAAA_c/ZG_uAls628Y/s800/011.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N5i7d5rI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/3_K7SaEtSZc/s800/011-thumb.jpg" height="525" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SMiWD0lqwDPVSkqBjKIxKjzHwbQ05KOY7Gn1fWJVIaBxtR870umYpFRndFkj105_Vgs62RxGoOtOJCo1DKvXFt7Ti5IgNxHTnHca4yxeyt35721Orqj4jkLBsoV1mHcowcQSjT77P3o/s800/003.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N6XM_ZLI/AAAAAAAAA_g/qiAN7UZutkM/s800/003-thumb.jpg" height="452" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N8rXbPNI/AAAAAAAAA_s/AiVOvZsLyMc/s800/009.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N7DDdaYI/AAAAAAAAA_o/1sRMDtcD354/s800/009-thumb.jpg" height="404" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N9uIGW9I/AAAAAAAAA_0/n-Ba6VWj5Dg/s800/3.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N9Iing1I/AAAAAAAAA_w/E7ILH7sj99s/s800/3-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N_O_ra-I/AAAAAAAAA_8/552HnCCmrQc/s800/010.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N-dgW_MI/AAAAAAAAA_4/pTJXzDD4CmQ/s800/010-thumb.jpg" height="318" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Finally we have a small mini from <a href="http://www.hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hasslefree</a> - Once again Kev White's sculpts are very fun to paint and provide a great "wind down" exercise after a longer job. For this model, I painted it after doing the Macharius and boy was it needed! Going from a project that took several months (oil paints take a long time to dry!) I needed something that would be quick and fun to paint - this is the reason i have a big stash of Hasslefree mini's in my cupboard!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N_-mEe9I/AAAAAAAABAE/vL5OwE2yvFM/s800/4.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9N_iJIxxI/AAAAAAAABAA/j9asR2Qg_Jw/s800/4-thumb.jpg" height="449" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9OBIXpIxI/AAAAAAAABAM/nq1XprJB2uc/s800/007.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/TY9OAWt09qI/AAAAAAAABAI/wSqhUsbLZzQ/s800/007-thumb.jpg" height="479" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I hope you have enjoyed this brief foray in to my work - I cant promise how often I will be back with updates, but Ill try to keep it updated as often as real life lets me. Until then, keep your brushes wet!</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-60068525305796299412010-04-25T00:01:00.001+01:002010-04-25T00:01:51.209+01:00Salute 2010<p style="clear: both">So, today was Salute 2010 down in the London Docklands. And as always, Chris and I headed down to check out what was on show...</p><p style="clear: both">In general, the show seemed a little less hectic than previous years; Obviously i don't know the exact figures, but there seemed to be fewer visitors and stands - possibly because of the Volcano that has been affecting UK airspace in recent weeks? However, it was still a great show, with lots on display and some excellent participation games being played! So without further ado, I'll run you through my "highlights" of the show!</p><p style="clear: both">First up we have <a href="http://www.studiomcvey.com/" title="Studio McVey" target="_blank">Studio McVey</a> - This was Mike and Ali's first show, and it was great to finally meet them. On display they had all of the Studio McVey range, as painted by Ali and Mike as well as couple of new models. The quality of this range of models stuns me every-time I see them, seemingly getting better with each new release. If you haven't looked at their models yet, I highly advise you to head over to their website and take a look; There are no finer models out there IMHO. (Tell them Paul sent you ;))</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfpVpnt5B2l0qX23J0f7cEfOuqSezqvFASHmcb4bM36ZwuuhbUdzh70rcgNe21eHXSOqF-uQI96jJyz2LKHs3eEthYzEpT8z1q41XFmUfWiqnuirbn4NOwJWbAgW8XutG-aidsF-KCbE/s800/McVey1-full.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXckralROEuX0yiKOHR0gdmwxlfUhOVf55LnaXuAdWMFeyXmdiDHABNMinDkepuheStEqLE9HCAD0ZfV2w6bWyrMBuCRTnBM1rVa8i3_kE1VYr6NLQUNzOO3IZqJankDqtISBhPedbefo/s800/McVey1-thumb1.jpg" height="250" width="224" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N3-_ShCQI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/5pMcGHeXrq4/s800/McVey2.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N3-PpdgFI/AAAAAAAAA7M/VeyyGW0RkfE/s800/McVey2-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="188" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4AApORdI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/cYUfLB9J0U4/s800/McVey3.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N3_UefwvI/AAAAAAAAA7U/uGQclhvfyCc/s800/McVey3-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="188" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br />Next up was <a href="http://www.smartmaxstore.com/" title="Smart Max" target="_blank">SmartMax</a>. Unfortunately I only found SmartMax right before leaving the show, cunningly concealed right by the entrance - but once again I was floored by the quality of their models. I didn't spot anything new, but their models are great quality and i would recommend them to all. The had on display their model ranges (painted and unpainted) as well as some very cool 3-up versions of their range - I'd love to paint one of those!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4BDIg6MI/AAAAAAAAA7g/FV8BXe3Wtms/s800/Max2.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmhjVEprO4WxtqQyr73b00S7bbVhHD5gx7VIyMgUoKruZqAyoaZUwmZSHal_cCw81sU4-xRvZjGLdUMTe1Q3BB5_x9OBitS7-Tu56yx9kwbwJ3h6uocAGXBGi5DIOe12u-eOuEm6L8K0/s800/Max2-thumb.jpg" height="245" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4CQjYVbI/AAAAAAAAA7o/x70_lX_t50c/s800/Max1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4B8VOZkI/AAAAAAAAA7k/DopKFulOWMw/s800/Max1-thumb.jpg" height="225" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>A model range which i hadn't come across before and which was a lovely surprise to discover was <a href="http://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com" title="Black Scorpion" target="_blank">Black Scorpion Miniatures</a>. They had miniatures covering an interesting cross section of Pirates / Wild West and Fantasy Football! All the models appear beautifully sculpted in true 28mm and would be useful for both dioramas and gaming. Prices were <strong>very </strong>reasonable.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4ERrcWyI/AAAAAAAAA7w/x1ZI_9aBFHk/s800/scorp1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4Dp2DSbI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Vn4UizqisxQ/s800/scorp1-thumb.jpg" height="175" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpk4UHpPKxHQfLWRojtlrY54iZRoLxlD6Wwb0_BS2tCDwi4iI5Nrfqg9BoMS3UygA8stwIrEpyMEzj8Ze8WxS7yMt905secamms4pQdQ1IXMVipQdHJAj9mKRBNAa6XDe6e98Yl7cPT8/s800/scorp2.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4FACqM6I/AAAAAAAAA70/M1OYW7Kc7KY/s800/scorp2-thumb.jpg" height="214" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Games Workshop was out in force with 2 stands as well as a Forge World stand. Nothing much on display of note in GW's stand (Just the stuff you can get in any store), and Forge World seemed surprisingly lacklustre, having none of the big display cases with Titans that they usually have (infact, oddly i was able to walk straight up and take pictures, rather than having to fight through a scrum!). They did have one case with some Ork heads and a couple of pre-release items, but other than that it was very bare... GW did have a big Space Marine tho ;)</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4HGFLigI/AAAAAAAAA8A/OKt-K4IFrUc/s800/FW1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4GSLQQuI/AAAAAAAAA78/BWz5LBa8u9o/s800/FW1-thumb.jpg" height="285" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4IafsxjI/AAAAAAAAA8I/vEryuZaK3oE/s800/GW1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8bFK59sFNvo0Jr4KY23Kisx4_EE4y4koPWLSQNnVfqS4OYO-3bsQQR1s0l7186RaC_MrbsabNjR1UbrmORmtzcfvu-xIQRxqX6TOfhG3NnR88wXT8QBoFGxcLx4zW1SdfVBupo7fiVg/s800/GW1-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="210" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br />For the rest, a quick round up:</p><p style="clear: both">Heresey Miniatures seemed to have finished the Dragon that has long been discussed. Lovely model, didn't see a price anywhere tho...</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4JqeVJ5I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/P1d3azhQfEM/s800/Heresy.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4JMP3G7I/AAAAAAAAA8M/AdPVak5Ciqs/s800/Heresy-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="188" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Hasslefree had their usual great range on display. I highly recommend this range to anyone who like great sculpted models!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4K8jqK-I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/tfpRoiEin2Y/s800/HF.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4KBgSVyI/AAAAAAAAA8U/qFqRXm_nEac/s800/HF-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="104" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br />So, the rest of the show. Well the painting competition was being judged when i got a chance to see the models, so most of the cases were empty - but one model that did catch my eye as a fan of Manga was this little beauty:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4L9DmdmI/AAAAAAAAA8g/5Qopt-Gquak/s800/Okira.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4LTFse8I/AAAAAAAAA8c/wZ1xy2-WFEg/s800/Okira-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="188" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>What a genius use of an ork, and very well executed too!<br /><br />As mentioned, there were also a lot of participation games being run - I've included a selection of photos of the games to give people an idea of the scale and effort put in by the organisers. </p><p style="clear: both">In summary, it was another great show, congrats to the South London Wargamers. If you haven't attended a Salute yet, I encourage you to make the effort next year, its a very enjoyable day out</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4NVGe5FI/AAAAAAAAA8o/Lw9OJQm6lJ8/s800/Game1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-pp5OatYQNw2PLYR5DIwTOES8fdfIN6CC-FPlCbCmBEwdg8PcpBkphj3K8WNrGOHjoR60UWHrgX0sm72h7rpzDHQy85IApCRGXqjeQSpH294fQLlH8vXDae8OW8yJT16eYYpHGQBtuo/s800/Game1-thumb.jpg" height="235" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4OwYaOGI/AAAAAAAAA8w/3THD1CPzrCg/s800/Game2.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4NxUpI5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/bMvjS1BcUAE/s800/Game2-thumb.jpg" height="285" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4RFPYZpI/AAAAAAAAA84/FmdTQXivbXk/s800/Game3.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4PrBsuTI/AAAAAAAAA80/jljKDOgVIIU/s800/Game3-thumb.jpg" height="263" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUGXcn4dT5uNlZIy5DNxmB5cT5187vYmR65DjCHYutlKeDS2SRJbuutzM98zFmFObTr-0_KYzNRM8aXaV380c5_GIfRq69NrzYRchaSGIRtYYaFZnu-TG5tX1PAlZ105aXHMTpxBZ2Ak/s800/Game4.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4RjmlT7I/AAAAAAAAA9A/ufovaLMSvv4/s800/Game4-thumb.jpg" height="285" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0igIJhshQUtl2eqVceDAgO-AtxENqFPDnuHowBZZkxrIFY1ulmBwmc5uNcGurWZXt_VxPKGockmEsEnObcVQ2aOAvyz0P_Bj7YROFReaT_77WIZk-T4Xfp9BdQHqMNlpEhegqHo_geQ/s800/Game5.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4TUy_-MI/AAAAAAAAA9I/XoZ4BEpBXWA/s800/Game5-thumb.jpg" height="331" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3kpM65_Rmgk3qLenNYY1lLTwN6vwTnWxTFnszSp_Y_XN-XNPtmfzab2ASz2zK6M_CEm8KWZ2ja7QwiFB2oMhB0otUbqfhysitP6LAHQQr3Y_9fMNqF4Jdf3cKRGN0QrLWBfZd3GAeCk/s800/Game6.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4VB22ymI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/yvqh2dkLA6M/s800/Game6-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="249" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4XXVGAaI/AAAAAAAAA9c/oL9ewpwnNao/s800/Game7.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S9N4WUbMncI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/kchrOJk33Ck/s800/Game7-thumb.jpg" height="255" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-51730081133457524342010-02-20T04:31:00.001+00:002010-02-20T04:31:37.220+00:00Heretics Playrgound<p style="clear: both">I've just posted a new version of <a href="http://www.hereticsplayground.co.uk/" target="_blank">Heretics Playground</a>! Included are pictures of models that I've never posted to this blog. Let me know if anything is broken...</p><p style="clear: both"><br />BTW - W00T!, I made the FtW top ten!! <a href="http://fromthewarp.blogspot.com/2010/02/tuesday-top-ten-55.html" target="_blank">Ryans FtW top ten!</a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-58090464399689714492010-02-15T01:58:00.001+00:002010-02-15T01:58:51.946+00:00Valkyrie<p style="clear: both">Was sorting out the new version of the <a href="http://www.hereticsplayground.co.uk/" title="Heretics Playground" target="_blank">Heretics playground</a> website and I realised that I had not put my Valkyrie up on the blog. This was my entry for the <a href="http://www.dakkadakka.com" target="_blank">Dakka-Dakka</a> weathering competition. I came a respectable fourth, which given the other entries I was reasonably satisfied with. In hindsight, I chose totally the wrong subject for a competition based around weathering! Anyway...</p><p style="clear: both">This is the stock kit, painted using acrylics, oils and some enamels for the washes. Hope you like it!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqHZOILBI/AAAAAAAAA5c/J139FE_TFMc/s800/DSC_0015.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9-QvCMmWfjkSb3lauochKJbH4mwSyzmqmxfKe4Fk5-WnjkEeM-KPGi0i8ihic-m9jbLGcTmIPI4hGGbjQfkRMv0ONODXfCwk7jr6XSZBCQXs82FUD-bfiMif6KRkbJRM9uXn2GlF9vA/s800/DSC_0015-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="222" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqIncEMHI/AAAAAAAAA5k/CaAxOlXc_bY/s800/DSC_0017.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqHxH_OkI/AAAAAAAAA5g/piwvu29scg8/s800/DSC_0017-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="223" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqJ-Dz31I/AAAAAAAAA5s/1WqTBXem8Fo/s800/DSC_0018.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqJL9-kEI/AAAAAAAAA5o/OYuX1xryBmw/s800/DSC_0018-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="241" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqLn4YIbI/AAAAAAAAA54/-7qIAP7XUVc/s800/DSC_0019.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqKWdWCqI/AAAAAAAAA50/qXQaMKsNoMA/s800/DSC_0019-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="305" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqNL21JnI/AAAAAAAAA6A/L4KovMwNIJk/s800/DSC_0020.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVLV6KLv-S2mEDvEVy30L9sIej6AhBrvV8x0Z19DYhTuwWgavvRAtLqvltMrMqAhdUM7KWdTwPgXajUxipCOIOh6V5orkXmEdhHaPpeK9Uh-3uGYV1pZ_2gXMbtup5ijM5l0INJmcbfU/s800/DSC_0020-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="270" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqONERMyI/AAAAAAAAA6I/XRPb06JftEQ/s800/DSC_0021.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqNUhp5LI/AAAAAAAAA6E/ST9-hGwTSik/s800/DSC_0021-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="237" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqPTewSfI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/pcybdKIJ2tA/s800/DSC_0022.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqOm_ej9I/AAAAAAAAA6M/-HMKM81oTRk/s800/DSC_0022-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="252" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqQtd5ffI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/QGlodCPaPl4/s800/DSC_0023.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqP95xTMI/AAAAAAAAA6U/qg1UsJ09tS4/s800/DSC_0023-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="233" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqR4ZxnWI/AAAAAAAAA6k/Ndm_6fM_uZU/s800/DSC_0031.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqQ3OamVI/AAAAAAAAA6c/-v7L0hrPZdk/s800/DSC_0031-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="345" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUF7YgOf1326IbjTjL8dBbyjnhPb4n_PzA6pvnF6pomUX6JKUTCO13GXIiU78qgn4lpTQqbMmJKAjdAKSOVLvgGbvmtHiljVRxeD_IqTUveYJLhR4EiHFAaF_eL6or2m0H4KiE-FWrE4/s800/DSC_0034.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqSbs0pgI/AAAAAAAAA6o/GglWFxlcmws/s800/DSC_0034-thumb.jpg" height="233" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqUvvHPyI/AAAAAAAAA60/gJmLq-UAiO4/s800/DSC_0040.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqTmDhN_I/AAAAAAAAA6w/-qIbGfKCRpU/s800/DSC_0040-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="224" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqWUej5dI/AAAAAAAAA68/K9vTN_Ud4k4/s800/DSC_0046.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3iqVI5FpdI/AAAAAAAAA64/6JKtNZJh680/s800/DSC_0046-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="311" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-69056155430010795312010-02-13T17:13:00.001+00:002010-02-13T17:13:12.306+00:00The Wolf Lord<p style="clear: both">The moment that i saw this giant lump of resin on the <a href="http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/" title="Forge world" target="_blank">Forgeworld</a> website, I new that I had to paint it! An amazing sculpt (does anyone know who the original artist was? I'd love to get more of their work...) cast as a single piece in the usual grey <a href="http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/" title="Forgeworld" target="_blank">Forgeworld</a> resin, the piece cleaned up well with few mould lines and then the epic paint job started. In terms of both time scales (it probably took me more than 30 hours to paint!) and difficulty this has been one of the hardest miniatures I've ever painted. At times it felt like I was being punished for some previous wrong (!) but I am very happy with the final results. </p><p style="clear: both">I wanted to represent a Space Wolf Lord who had been away in combat for many months, surviving in a hostile environment without access to maintenance for his Terminator armour. He should look battle scarred, weary and yet still ferocious. </p><p style="clear: both">The wolf lord was painted with a combinations of acrylics, applied by both airbrush and by brush, and several oil colours. This is the first non armour model that i have used oils on for anything other than weathering. Usually, i use oils for any grime streaks, oil leaks etc, but on this model I used lots of oils for the shadowing work, detailing on the face and the metals - every time I use oils, i realise how much i love to work with them, mainly due to the working time being so long. This lets you correct mistakes in a way that you just cant if you are using acrylics. Anyway, on to the pictures, as always, let me know what you think!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdaBUAQxI/AAAAAAAAA3U/RmAnNtfsk3U/s800/001.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdZVOhLEI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/gFE5owa5aLs/s800/001-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="204" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdbiCE2fI/AAAAAAAAA3c/lJQ7BwfBwIc/s800/002.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdajlA9GI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/db4CAo16wg4/s800/002-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="213" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdc6pmHiI/AAAAAAAAA3k/k1hH4fSDlJk/s800/003.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdb1Q0g4I/AAAAAAAAA3g/NqoQNd8mG6w/s800/003-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="224" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdd_lmP0I/AAAAAAAAA3s/ole-nCyLK7A/s800/004.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bddIOMUjI/AAAAAAAAA3o/4jVpBf4Dnd0/s800/004-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="181" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bde2zeTyI/AAAAAAAAA30/RUrVdBpbo6Y/s800/005.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ufthH-yZxtwECe-cL8jG5geHdT9Dh4rNMVl9MKmHZgvFnp-g7juoF5xY4uLTDltO1g78rPi0Zu6n7ajrKLlC_8oDGQg67N1y_hNW-HnTPvozEB4ZtTpAdmaejPURqiBZpIR_2ZAB9Bs/s800/005-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="204" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdgKeWl9I/AAAAAAAAA38/P-WE1GpNhDc/s800/006.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdfeAJWsI/AAAAAAAAA34/QNKsrgvoAZg/s800/006-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="226" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdhVqwkXI/AAAAAAAAA4E/T5q12fBURMk/s800/007.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdgjnYx9I/AAAAAAAAA4A/DOZgJUAed4s/s800/007-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="223" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdid-M_xI/AAAAAAAAA4M/WCk40er_OQ8/s800/008.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdhy8VO_I/AAAAAAAAA4I/MjMN4dr4xuw/s800/008-thumb.jpg" height="225" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdjxnC2SI/AAAAAAAAA4U/Cj3LLRoNiMs/s800/009.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdjO80YhI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/eMAoep6_OiI/s800/009-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="323" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdlD_-I6I/AAAAAAAAA4c/9DK6-c3cVUE/s800/010.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdkGLKwQI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MxSqafFsqxs/s800/010-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="190" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdmQ2O0RI/AAAAAAAAA4k/1oRK_7lSgpU/s800/011.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdlkehptI/AAAAAAAAA4g/0N40sny1Lyg/s800/011-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="195" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdnvBm9MI/AAAAAAAAA4s/61oKVx5Juv8/s800/012.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdm9uRBUI/AAAAAAAAA4o/3mugzaFcDX4/s800/012-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="191" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdpsDtp-I/AAAAAAAAA40/0Vo5QF3dS90/s800/013.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S3bdo3TY6NI/AAAAAAAAA4w/VSw6FmVg_sE/s800/013-thumb.jpg" height="250" width="375" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-10415850565430054082010-01-19T01:44:00.001+00:002010-01-19T01:44:20.420+00:00Paints: A review<p style="clear: both">Well, seen as how I'm once again awake with insomnia, I thought i would take the time to do a review of the different brands of paint that I use. Kind of a compare and contrast between the differing brands. Mainly this is aimed at the people who use only GW's paints, which for the most part are not bad, but lack in a few key areas!</p><p style="clear: both">I've first of all reviewed each paint by brand, then a bit of a "summing up" at the end, to give you my feelings on them overall. Please note, that i haven't covered every brand that I use in total - some of the more esoteric ranges (Howard Hues, TensoCrom etc.) are very specific to certain jobs and hence would not really be of interest to most modellers. The ones i have covered are the main brands that should be available in most FLGS's.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOGzC446I/AAAAAAAAA20/Ej4IuK-uwSw/s800/GWPaints.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOEot1szI/AAAAAAAAA2w/4-bRNcfnxcQ/s800/GWPaints-thumb.jpg" height="180" align="right" width="250" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a><strong><u>Games Workshop</u><br /></strong><br />Well, these are the paints that I'm sure a lot of people started with! They come in flip top bottles, with each one containing 12ml of paint. They average £2.25 a pot (they can be found cheaper in bulk packages or from your FLGS). The range has been expanded in the last couple of years to include the "Foundation" ranges, which are highly pigmented colours designed for base coats, as well as the "Washes", which are highly thinned paints that replaced the old ink ranges; these are designed for washes over the miniature giving quick shading.</p><p style="clear: both">Mostly the standard range of colours are bright and highly pigmented; obviously designed for fantasy subjects!<br /><br />I should probably get this out of the way the beginning, I <em>hate</em> flip top bottles - they are far too easy to knock over, they tend to dry out and worst of all, i get sloppy when using them and dip the brush straight in to the pot! (This is my number 1 tip for painting - <em>always </em>put your paint on a palette before using it).<br /><br />With GW's colours (and other brands that use flip top bottles) I tend to decant the paint in to an empty Vallejo style bottle that I get from Sean over at <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SnM-Stuff" title="SnM Stuff" target="_blank">SnM-Stuff</a>. These is some wastage during the transfer process, but i find the dropper bottles much easier to control when painting, and they tend not to dry out anywhere near as quickly as flip top bottles.</p><p style="clear: both">In terms of quality, the GW paints are reasonable for the price. The coverage is generally good and they thin well with water. They are obviously readily available from GW stores, although they tend to be more expensive per ml than other brands. The foundation paints are nice to work with and I really recommend the washes to everyone, they made a big difference to the way that i paint.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOM7Mq3JI/AAAAAAAAA28/MUpW_5J7EMY/s800/VGC72.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOJdRQmOI/AAAAAAAAA24/T-Ab5HFXHW8/s800/VGC72-thumb1.jpg" height="195" align="left" width="175" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong><u>Vallejo</u><br /><u><br /></u></strong>Vallejo make 2 ranges of paints that I tend to think of (and use) interchangeably - they are the Game Colour (VGC) and the Model Colour (VMC) ranges. They also make the Model Air range designed for airbrushing. I will not be looking at this latter range, although i do have several in the range and they are very useful for airbrushing.</p><p style="clear: both">The VGC range is a more brightly coloured set of paints, mainly designed for painting fantasy models. It closely matches the GW series of paints (indeed many of the names are very similar). The VMC range is generally more designed for painting of scale military models (1/35 tanks etc) and hence has more muted colours; However, both ranges are sold in identical bottle sizes and they mix together with no problems at all. The bottles themselves are dropper types meaning you can control exactly the quantities that you want.</p><p style="clear: both">Both ranges are sold in 17ml bottles, with an average price of around £1.75 - as you can see, you not only get more, but it is cheaper than GW (5ml more for 50p less!!). They brush paint extremely well and mostly thin very well with water; The one exception is the black which splits horribly with water. For this I tend to dilute with the Vallejo thinner.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOPugL7rI/AAAAAAAAA3E/P_u59WcUsTc/s800/tamiyaPaints.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOOQJUuSI/AAAAAAAAA3A/A0991sVQEVk/s800/tamiyaPaints-thumb.jpg" height="140" align="right" width="140" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a><strong><br /><u>Tamiya</u><br /><br style="text-decoration: underline;" /></strong>Tamiya paints are probably one of the most ubiquitous model paints outside of the fantasy miniature realm. Go to any model tank / plane / train shop and you will see racks of Tamiya paints next to the Humbrol enamels.</p><p style="clear: both">The Tamiya series of paints are of a different type of acrylic to both the Vallejo and GW. Whilst the VGC / VMC and GW series of paints can be happily mixed together with no side effects (in fact, the Vallejo and GW paints are almost identical in composition) the Tamiya paints will tend to curdle GW / Vallejo paints if mixed with them - however, they can be mixed with other Tamiya paints. </p><p style="clear: both">They need to be thinned with alcohol for painting and whilst they are indeed acrylics, they tend to be very poor for brush painting - they go "sticky" after only a moment or two! (As a side note, this can be used to create great blood effects; mix 1 part X-19 (Smoke) and 2 parts X-27 (Clear Red), leave for two minutes then brush paint for the best blood you will ever see!).</p>Tamiya paints come in 10ml screw top glass jars, for around £1.50. The jars are an absolute nightmare. Not only are they terrible to pour from due to the thick glass rim they also tend to get jammed immediately after the first use. Decanting immediately to vallejo style bottles is a must in this case!!<br /><br /><p style="clear: both">All the above makes it sound like i don't really like the Tamiya paints - but nothing could be further from the truth. Where they come in to their own is through an airbrush, where they become wonder paints. The finish is absolutely perfect flat finish, and the tones of the colours are very closely matched to the AFV I tend to use them for.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOaRPkDrI/AAAAAAAAA3M/y53rxaFf3dc/s800/p3_93002_protectorate.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S1UOU5qLzqI/AAAAAAAAA3I/BghPLfZiQTg/s800/p3_93002_protectorate-thumb.jpg" height="218" align="left" width="175" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong><u>Privateer Press P3</u><br style="text-decoration: underline;" /></strong><br />Privateers P3 range is a fairly new range of paints. They are sold in packaged "faction" sets to match Privateers game ranges. Each pack contains six paints, sold in a pot very similar to the old style GW flip top paints. </p><p style="clear: both">The P3 range tend to have paired colours. Usually this will be a "base" colour and a "highlight" colour, so for example, you get Menoth White Base and Menoth White Highlight. In most cases the colours will tend to be very well matched together, although obviously using colour blends between the two will give you the best results. This is a very nice touch in the P3 range.</p><p style="clear: both">The colours are also amazingly well designed in terms of their balance. Every time i open a new bottle for the first time I tend to be surprised how well it works on the model - the pigmentation is thick but thins very well with water without separation. This is less surprising when you learn that the range was designed by Mike McVey (who is one of my painting heroes!).</p><p style="clear: both">Individual pots cost around £2.20 (for about 15ml) putting them up with GW in terms of cost per ml.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><strong><u>Overall</u></strong></p><p style="clear: both">So, how do these paints compare to each other? Lets deal with Tamiya first - to be honest, unless you are airbrushing the only paints from Tamiya you need are the two for doing blood. In general they are not great for brush painting and they can be frustrating to work with.</p><p style="clear: both">With that out of the way, we are left with GW vs Vallejo vs P3 - all of whom sell a creamy workhorse acrylic paint that will mix well with any of the 3 brands.</p><p style="clear: both">Vallejo are my work-a-day paints. I have a near complete set and would not be without them. I find that they work out a lot cheaper than GW pot by pot and given how slowly i use most of them, doing internet ordering is not that much of a problem. The bottles are much better, being droppers from the start and the colours are rich and give reasonable coverage, even when thinned. In many ways other than the cost there is little to differentiate the GW and VGC ranges and hence GW loses out. Having said that, the GW washes are not to be missed - they are a very useful addition to any painters tool kit, and can general some very nice effects, especially Devlan Mud and the Black.</p><p style="clear: both">And so we come to the P3 paints. These are my current "Go-to" paints. I absolutely love them! In fact, i can see the day where i use them nearly exclusively. They feel like the gold-top of paint; the colour choices are excellent (and blend well together), the nice touch of base/highlight combos and the highly pigmented paint itself all contribute to making these (IMHO) the best miniature paints on the market today. If you haven't tried these yet, I highly recommend you grab a pack (my suggestion would be "Protectorate Colors" for the wonderful Menoth and Sanguine combos).</p><p style="clear: both">Hopefully this review will encourage people to step outside of the GW realm and try some other brands of paints - there are some wonderful products out there than can add a real splash of colour to your models!</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-16937699690765035552010-01-14T22:59:00.001+00:002010-01-14T22:59:54.204+00:00Problem Child Alice<p style="clear: both">Sorry for the long time since my last blog post. Unfortunately I've been having problems with my blogging client / picasa, meaning that i couldn't upload any images (Sidenote, apparently Picasa cant handle colour profiles being embedded in PNG files, thanks to Ben for letting me know!)...Anyway, on to the mini!<br /><br />Another classic Kev White sculpt. This one is from Hasslefree Miniatures, who always provide great quality and enjoyable models to paint. If you don't know their work, I highly advise that you check out their <a href="http://www.hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk" target="_blank">website</a>. </p><p style="clear: both">Alice was painted using Vallejo acrylics plus some Tamiya colours for the blood effects. I was aiming for a saccharine sweet, almost "candy" look to her, which I think i've achieved (to a greater or lesser extent!)</p><p style="clear: both">On an aside, I would be interested to hear comments about the quality of the photography. I've been doing a lot of reading and learning about taking photos, and I think these are some of the best photos of my models that I've taken so far. At some point i plan to go back and reshoot all of my other models, to improve the quality, anyway I hope you enjoy the pictures...</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_qwgY0RHfXGGEzGxelAc7K1egKzUAk98q6xv-6cf-3W1M8iHBzNNgElcmulLWR6N_yz8G_jvCk4Qs23ng6rnOHU2LcT2vsbPqpNNuYFLfduZrtyn1HANsoKUbZBY0DsVRjIYrNpcbX0/s800/DSC_0799.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-hzq3oHsI/AAAAAAAAA1w/DRIBoduwTNM/s800/DSC_0799-thumb.jpg" height="311" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77_DOHyu39M1ltL3iC2p59-OJ1i7ou-3WO3XMv0urkxKhj4cQPBB9oVmjsuihAmBfDx7jrd7PWPm0lLWuybiqmnitc-rM8h9_lABE4lP-BkNhDnuzdrwAkVtHAJwo2AimftZones10Jk/s800/DSC_0800.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h0lVrafI/AAAAAAAAA14/u1JD5q3KIVI/s800/DSC_0800-thumb.jpg" height="309" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h2IhmqrI/AAAAAAAAA2E/KTEgTT03AsY/s800/DSC_0801.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h1vps9AI/AAAAAAAAA2A/BJvhrZ8bbCk/s800/DSC_0801-thumb.jpg" height="307" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h21MHZ0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/TtoZmtSzsag/s800/DSC_0802.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h2Q98KkI/AAAAAAAAA2I/H2rDJKJUJvY/s800/DSC_0802-thumb.jpg" height="304" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h3rFoEWI/AAAAAAAAA2U/kBDIlWpHuwY/s800/DSC_0803.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h3Hy0s5I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/6fT-bawz324/s800/DSC_0803-thumb.jpg" height="305" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h4szQUNI/AAAAAAAAA2c/nlQluriS6HE/s800/DSC_0804.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfrgYNtBPSe7Y41QxsNk7RjtRMpzIfTe4GO_xlnluyszQ3cKTAJ_JdaB-sGCClywHRoUsUCrVYvoDPrCTOvaWe2Mu8TDX3zBK00rpavL2jpgjMoCjuEitMZIZqQ3UWRJNIU67R6kGrZw/s800/DSC_0804-thumb.jpg" height="304" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h5VSIhhI/AAAAAAAAA2k/WW3hMMHj9LU/s800/DSC_0805.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h40BHlVI/AAAAAAAAA2g/93w-ElqpLOw/s800/DSC_0805-thumb.jpg" height="303" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h6CEY2_I/AAAAAAAAA2s/hWdIzU0fuwg/s800/DSC_0811.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/S0-h5lnInLI/AAAAAAAAA2o/AhpquJFQWMc/s800/DSC_0811-thumb1.jpg" height="250" width="112" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-74522551348195438642009-09-13T21:45:00.001+01:002009-09-17T22:42:36.083+01:00For Sale (Pt 1)<p style="clear: both">Hi guys,</p><p style="clear: both">So, I've finally reached the point where some of my wargaming stuff has to go. We live in a very small flat, and filling it with lots of wargames terrain (especially when i only play 40K a couple of times a year) is more than my (long suffering) other half can stand any more! </p><p style="clear: both">So, Ive got quite a few bits and pieces for sale - Anything that doesnt sell through the blog will end up on eBay eventually, but probably at a slightly higher price. Anyway, prices are listed along with photos for each item. P+P will be at the cost - or if you are in London, UK and want to pick up any of the items, just let me know and I can arrange something. Once you have let me know that you want something I will check with Royal mail how much the exact postage is. I'm happy to ship to Europe or the USA, but postage will obviously be more expensive. </p><p style="clear: both">Payment via bank transfer or Paypal, which ever you prefer.</p><p style="clear: both">If you want to ask any questions, please leave me a comment or email me at paul [at ] expdigital [dot] co [dot] uk</p><p style="clear: both">More items to be listed in the next few days, once I've sorted through and determined what i actually have!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><strong><em>Foam board building 1, painted - £7.50 [UNDER OFFER]</em></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZPuhKcWI/AAAAAAAAAv4/G7EbdTwreEY/s800/P1010874.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZO-18UHI/AAAAAAAAAv0/GW6Z52_ZvUo/s800/P1010874-thumb.jpg" height="274" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZRbImn2I/AAAAAAAAAwA/WV9D2YW8FXw/s800/P1010875.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZQTsHrLI/AAAAAAAAAv8/0TrRksunWmc/s800/P1010875-thumb.jpg" height="284" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZS1fQZDI/AAAAAAAAAwI/dyq8oQDx6SY/s800/P1010876.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZR0OLRLI/AAAAAAAAAwE/gjZHnWjVXDM/s800/P1010876-thumb.jpg" height="287" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZUlrlwjI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/aOptHEPZVKU/s800/P1010877.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZTt3XU6I/AAAAAAAAAwM/PBi1wfkSa48/s800/P1010877-thumb.jpg" height="293" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZV82koBI/AAAAAAAAAwY/dgAsitvGLxY/s800/P1010878.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZUxFLJHI/AAAAAAAAAwU/8MvPGF3NbZg/s800/P1010878-thumb.jpg" height="289" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><strong><em>Foam card building 2, painted - £7.50 [UNDER OFFER]</em><br /></strong><br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ89gFAXa6hpIqzJx3CUNB4Cq302EOJ6GYyba7aVZs3YNF_YsitElh37XkHvIQ8XIrbfdV6jS3NAvHUfk5S6fnyPKr5Q-YmpUYNgEWmBMsDXvuo2P_-alVANh2I3q6KdpNiWFV_MAF48/s800/P1010879.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZWez8EsI/AAAAAAAAAwc/ODIyBkCqM6A/s800/P1010879-thumb.jpg" height="370" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZZCLMp3I/AAAAAAAAAwo/B_7_tprqVSE/s800/P1010880.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZYX8JzbI/AAAAAAAAAwk/onZYKhSDlwo/s800/P1010880-thumb.jpg" height="438" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZalA0RzI/AAAAAAAAAww/6gCjiJ_9ICU/s800/P1010881.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZZ2DvD5I/AAAAAAAAAws/20yquhnZu58/s800/P1010881-thumb.jpg" height="377" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZbsPhl7I/AAAAAAAAAw4/BU19LjAPcCE/s800/P1010882.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZbLltONI/AAAAAAAAAw0/jq24tuBFFAM/s800/P1010882-thumb.jpg" height="370" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><strong><em><s>Cities of Death building 1, unpainted - £7.50 </s>[SOLD]</em><br /><br /></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><strong><em><s>Cities of Death building 2, unpainted - £7.50 </s>[SOLD]</em></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><strong><em>High density foam defense perimeter. Consists of 4 straights (1 smashed), 1 center point, 4 angled sections, painted, flocked - £30 (for the set)</em><br /></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zp_2hYiI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Jodt9yqkImw/s800/P1010894.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zo5zc6FI/AAAAAAAAAyA/3QJwsrCrimk/s800/P1010894-thumb.jpg" height="235" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZrXDZs4I/AAAAAAAAAyM/fYB9xY8FvPM/s800/P1010885.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zqc2YEBI/AAAAAAAAAyI/48UE4gkIZAo/s800/P1010885-thumb.jpg" height="232" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVWydIxofEkvGJr4wTjMwtbsI_qJ9p6S6rMF9Js6q-K9hcAppmngDGxdj54rc66ZgT5q6zDdwWtZ96Fr23zXnMt2MjI6E9qXHLikMahYTB_tiTg96Ka2Il5_bFhR0lrqTP5UdvZCa5eA/s800/P1010888.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZrlxbdhI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/l-sCRQhaDSU/s800/P1010888-thumb.jpg" height="169" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZuKX7lmI/AAAAAAAAAyc/DYk1tFPPIeY/s800/P1010889.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZtRJ5_1I/AAAAAAAAAyY/thHGDL51x_o/s800/P1010889-thumb.jpg" height="218" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZvWb2XRI/AAAAAAAAAyk/erDxEkRh384/s800/P1010884.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8PWAIAmSQqPX8gZTzL6gVea07XXZaVAvmpuhmSCVsgbfilJXwO5skmd8MVBh1S65e9wnlr7o3XCYxmHohD_oXdR_yda_1yglwIO3LPxV4RX0IFttWEh7qvnvvzttOc0wWEnP5SkdV-A/s800/P1010884-thumb.jpg" height="150" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><strong><em>Resin barricades / tank traps + 2x razor wire lengths, painted, flocked - £20 for set or £12.50 for half sets [UNDER OFFER]</em></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zww30arI/AAAAAAAAAys/AyzLi7EltJ4/s800/P1010895.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zvz2fbsI/AAAAAAAAAyo/Qt5-mKIm82U/s800/P1010895-thumb.jpg" height="136" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREBXhoBV2N2SQehiumLh_cB_FT7bT6MJxISSKFEWOgN6U0hmLuqVvgjYNXF4mvynvXiIqmMBVJ3yaGzaQ3XdMWG33QIpqyrLOY4H6qlMxqC7Ww345kiskH1FfA1rfyoqVfB7UGHiR8m0/s800/P1010897.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1ZxZK8_ZI/AAAAAAAAAyw/0sKUX5uNZLo/s800/P1010897-thumb.jpg" height="477" width="200" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zz1shrSI/AAAAAAAAAy8/pZhlK9biFZY/s800/P1010898.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Zy-jqD6I/AAAAAAAAAy4/WuZe2mD2wH8/s800/P1010898-thumb.jpg" height="188" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><strong><em>High density foam rock outcrops + 3 craters, painted, flocked - £10 for the set [UNDER OFFER]</em></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z1Mc7gwI/AAAAAAAAAzE/Iml8vt44i58/s800/P1010903.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxtmuZ0wRXL-Y6oAGwW5gysOqal_x-Cc5UTsn4X7r_jbBC2zAcvUah9ok7k6wlGHCMzxM9h8YG8OeSzCidWonFoXXJ6xbD8PIk8Ov75r_sCWgPyl_xy-Hwc_KjgLLMaOkHjR3V2mdIRk/s800/P1010903-thumb.jpg" height="150" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z3ZIwgiI/AAAAAAAAAzM/b3jV581Vavg/s800/P1010904.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z2JwH2uI/AAAAAAAAAzI/xoNQbNud1Zg/s800/P1010904-thumb.jpg" height="333" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z41W5J_I/AAAAAAAAAzU/1dNvVJweiPE/s800/P1010906.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z35EGv3I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/ZG4uxKlQg58/s800/P1010906-thumb.jpg" height="188" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><strong><em>Citadel plastic hill, painted, flocked - £10 [UNDER OFFER]</em></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z6Ukti3I/AAAAAAAAAzc/61wCc8C7Yx0/s800/P1010907.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z5SLeFoI/AAAAAAAAAzY/qOeGsSDUdv4/s800/P1010907-thumb.jpg" height="172" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z8bX1LII/AAAAAAAAAzk/BasWuYHn1jw/s800/P1010908.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z7Gq9u8I/AAAAAAAAAzg/39osGQ5dYJ0/s800/P1010908-thumb.jpg" height="188" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL6w-NaiLaJlLNh48ISJFUgxscdq2EDygo3GKs9w3G-CcGpZzB_mKZjffaTR6xYU6dvi_O34XmNKj7S386Fi-qcnY7RO4GMGhnnulS7VSS5FMwv0Hk0Ndn8_rD7z6M3ohQ8tV8duK6kI/s800/P1010909.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z8wOtllI/AAAAAAAAAzo/wZqVF5hGJZU/s800/P1010909-thumb.jpg" height="194" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1aAwZiqwI/AAAAAAAAAz0/BVJM1GotP_M/s800/P1010910.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sq1Z_B7sqnI/AAAAAAAAAzw/bfXJmELvYlI/s800/P1010910-thumb.jpg" height="235" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><strong><em>Or you can have the whole lot (everything listed above) for the grand sum of £60 (a total saving of £40!)</em></strong></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-44544006418217890862009-09-04T09:04:00.001+01:002009-09-04T09:04:35.078+01:00Space Hulk... cometh...<p style="clear: both">So, I caved and bought Space Hulk. Even after my complaints about it (in <a href="http://exponentwargames.blogspot.com/2009/08/space-hulk.html" target="_blank">this</a> post). What can I say - I'm weak, and after reading through the stuff GW was putting online each day I decided to take the plunge and place a pre order.</p><p style="clear: both">On arriving at work yesterday I found a large box sitting on my desk. Somehow i restrained myself through the day, and then spent a pleasurable evening popping card sections of board out of the packaging!</p><p style="clear: both">Some pictures of the "un-boxing" (have i spent too much time on Engadget??!)<br /> </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKATdKiuI/AAAAAAAAAvY/KX6S15MnEsY/s800/P1010849.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDJ-bzKsbI/AAAAAAAAAvU/rzpHYSA8JwE/s800/P1010849-thumb.jpg" height="218" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKBz7DAwI/AAAAAAAAAvg/MY8dDda3KsQ/s800/P1010850.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKA1NY2rI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Ni4ccF2qkb0/s800/P1010850-thumb.jpg" height="296" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKDtDw9uI/AAAAAAAAAvo/mpDjhBEtnWA/s800/P1010851.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKCalD_eI/AAAAAAAAAvk/QlGk1dbfP9o/s800/P1010851-thumb.jpg" height="335" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>So, now that I have Space Hulk, have i changed my opinion about the price and the idea of GW doing a limited edition. Well, yes - GW have done an <strong><em>excellent </em></strong>job with this reissue. The entire package oozes quality from the moment you pop the box lid.</p><p style="clear: both">For a start we have the quality of the actual box - its substantial thick card and very heavy. Unlike the older boxes (blood bowl, I'm thinking of you), I have some confidence that this box will withstand being taken to friends houses, on trains and chucked in to cupboards!</p><p style="clear: both">Next up we have the models. Im sure by now you have all seen the pictures on the web. Well the models are even nicer in real life. The sculptors really did an excellent job with these models.</p><p style="clear: both">Then there is the part that i was the most impressed with - the card components. My experience on GW card components in the past has never been good. I was expecting the card components to be like the old Warhammer card templates, thin card, no thicker than cereal card. But GW have actually done really well on this one using card that is very thick and lustrously glossy for the board pieces. I've included a picture below to show the thickness - That's a 1p piece its sat next to, and I'm sure you can see the thickness of the card!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKEUHAQbI/AAAAAAAAAvw/wLVs1v3vW0w/s800/P1010853.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SqDKEBogQ4I/AAAAAAAAAvs/RJaBAMLIkD4/s800/P1010853-thumb.jpg" height="116" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>All the extras are nicely presented and its nice that you get zip lock bags in the box for storing the counters!</p><p style="clear: both">The rules are (as far as I can see) the original rules with all of the expansions rolled in. This is good news as it means all the user generated missions available online (of which a lot are available) can still be used! They are presented in two lovely soft booklets (A4 size), one for the main rules and one for the mission book.</p><p style="clear: both">I'm not normally one to congratulate GW (indeed sometimes it seems like all I do is complain about GW!), but credit where credit is due, GW have produced an excellent product here, one which I feel is worth every penny of the £60 I spent on it. Every part of the packaging and game appears to have had much love lavished on it, and this comes across. I would even go so far as to say that this is the best "standalone" boxed game that GW has ever done (possible even best presented game all round). So well done to GW. Other manufacturers should take note!</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-37164178584936869472009-08-24T19:46:00.001+01:002009-08-24T19:47:55.180+01:00The Raven Priest....<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLf8YJEixI/AAAAAAAAAug/iBZcfa3mbXc/s800/DSC_0300.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxluZ7l2Cf6dfpBQ5RsqHUMSIc-hj8S-ru68Yf3H0DYCEKThj0AKEfBu0Z8EHks_99fNxlriLC9zNnuw6zcRETNA6roMSOtu_FRRmwr2xTYve94R22F-hYdYhNOsSbdh94hlD0mgxr5iA/s800/DSC_0300-thumb.jpg" height="232" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Hi guys,</p><p style="clear: both">New model to show you - The raven priest. This is the first of the new <a href="http://www.studiomcvey.com" target="_blank">Studio Mcvey</a> range of miniatures, and what a model it is! I haven't enjoyed painting a model this much in quite a while. </p><p style="clear: both">My model was number 40 of the limited run of 750, cast in a smooth grey resin. The casting was excellent with no defects and only minimal flash (Forge World could learn a few things here...). The only problem that i found was that the sword was so thin that every-time i used my hairdryer to speed up drying time it would bow slightly and would need reheating and pushing back to being straight! In short, this is the best resin casting I have come across, beating my previous favourite resin caster (<a href="http://www.smartmaxstore.com/" target="_blank">SmartMax</a>) by a good margin.</p><p style="clear: both">I decided to paint the model in very natural colours, and placed the model in a "woodland" scene. The tree was scratch built to go along with it, with the aim of making the tree look wizened (if its possible for a tree to have human qualities!) . I was aiming to give the character the impression of being some sort of native american shaman (well, a fantasy version of...). And yes, painting all the feather tips was an absolute nightmare!</p><p style="clear: both">In summary I would highly advise anyone who loves high quality models to pay a visit to Mike and Ali over at Studio McVey - hopefully there will be many more models of this quality. From what i can see on the site, they still have the Raven priest available, so grab it now before they are all gone.</p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both">PS - I have to apologise for the quality of the photo's for this model - I finally got a new camera (Nikon D60) and I'm having real problems getting images with natural colours on them - everything ends up bleached or over "coloured". I'm still learning about the photography side of the hobby, so please bear with me! Hopefully you can still see the model through the awful photos ;)</p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLf9hvi4MI/AAAAAAAAAuo/kbxn7OpwIFg/s800/DSC_0301.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvBzhKAQYEoFJy5_nfPDl1IVSJcmcLujCV37XCV9BImG7bYe6Boq1Dck-lTHTQ5fsFQl7IHQ1nUkhQHfsawNfUY3r6FhaEwRJDapBNDV8fIcZij4_9m2Nfh1FoFWKs9gGM7xJydHMLlM/s800/DSC_0301-thumb.jpg" height="334" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLf-oFsllI/AAAAAAAAAuw/nX3edw-auaI/s800/DSC_0305.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLf-IQ4b9I/AAAAAAAAAus/JMt8YuCpwFY/s800/DSC_0305-thumb.jpg" height="334" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLf_iUwylI/AAAAAAAAAu4/aOmz5WTQjX0/s800/DSC_0309.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLf_G8kd9I/AAAAAAAAAu0/4-61CpUfZKk/s800/DSC_0309-thumb.jpg" height="168" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLgArYsH7I/AAAAAAAAAvA/H70ztESc-4o/s800/DSC_0310.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLgAJlwtgI/AAAAAAAAAu8/2Lsc6PfPKWY/s800/DSC_0310-thumb.jpg" height="168" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLgBQ5kCTI/AAAAAAAAAvI/eZUhWNx6ivU/s800/DSC_0312.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaA4mURwtANVRwANp_uDpnj5kMI4IpbHEJcLRi-5nu2JOMehgd3bh3903oZpQVZ1KPK4k7Dj9Q5ajWhDI2KBLWD51pHOJCNK0WR3RVl8jtsEDv0i_4SWnmn48x9QbgmuhJNoLLcA1jSs/s800/DSC_0312-thumb.jpg" height="168" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7LHq5HKFXHFIfoe1AmcrPkAfJbAJHpn9vpKsFwuIe_TjO44Mqz0bCJCRqwccS8aeaJQNqof4ZY25Tmx7mCkIPi6Halt5ixRA3XZEbBqzkdeHnQ_cS-1PiDU0Il_eal68MKFFS9xmdCU/s800/DSC_0315.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SpLgB8AbHnI/AAAAAAAAAvM/6piNhFjbkHc/s800/DSC_0315-thumb.jpg" height="374" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-21553094839578070072009-08-17T11:39:00.001+01:002009-08-17T11:39:16.013+01:00Space Hulk<p style="clear: both">So the mystery box was announced, and as everyone had been predicting, its <a href="http://www.gamesworkshop.com" target="_blank">Space hulk</a>! <br />I'm in two minds about this release. The new models look nice, but the price is quite high (£60!). Can anyone confirm if the rules have changed or are they exactly the same old rules? Not sure i can be bothered to buy if its just the same old rules (£60 for some terminators and a couple of genestealers???!). <br />If they are new rules then its a totally different case and i need to get my order in!</p><p style="clear: both">Is anyone else getting excited about this? I've not seen a massive buzz about it amongst the bloggers, which is odd, especially given the "limited" nature of it. Also, is there only me that thinks its a little odd to do a release of a big box like this in limited numbers?<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-29253601111336880462009-08-09T18:57:00.001+01:002009-08-09T18:57:02.651+01:00GW, a question of value...<p style="clear: both">So, I wanted to talk today about Games Workshop. Not focussing on a single product, but on the whole GW ecosystem. </p><p style="clear: both">First let me give you a bit of background. I am a long time fan of GW; I've been playing their games since i was 6 years old (some 23 years ago now!). I've played all of their major games systems and owned most of them, as well as building large armies for both 40K and fantasy. I also kept up with all of the smaller systems that they produced (with the notable exception of Dark Future - if anyone has a copy they want to sell me for a <strong>reasonable </strong>price, please email me). I'm also an ex-staffer of GW, I worked for several years at the Manchester store, then the Warrington store and finally the London Ealing store. I had a lot of fun working at GW, and I've always felt (whether as a customer or an employee) that GW was basically a company that i respected. </p><p style="clear: both">Recently though, I've been feeling more and more that I'm no longer the target base for Games workshop, and that the money gouging has got to be too much. I can fully understand why GW has moved over to having plastic armies, in many ways its utterly sensible - no more replication of models, easier to assemble and with the improvements in the plastic moulding process the models have become a lot better than the ones I remember from my youth (anyone else remember the plastic gretchin from the 3rd edition of 40K?). However, in my mind I've always felt that the plastic kits should be a lot cheaper than they actually are. For example the new <a href="http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat1300046&prodId=prod2070014&rootCatGameStyle=" target="_blank">Cadian squad box</a> has had its price reduced to £11.75, but the number of models in the box has also been reduced, by half - but the price has not been reduced by half (It used to be a box of 20 models). And worse still, to make a full squad with proper weaponry (i.e. without the rubbish grenade launchers!) you still have to go out and buy a special weapons pack at £7.85. So a total cost £19.60 for a single squad. And you need 3 to for a single troop choice.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sn8N5v4jnOI/AAAAAAAAAtg/V6tR76pRBNU/s800/m340106a_99120105045_IGDemolisher_873x627.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sn8N5Cvrm9I/AAAAAAAAAtc/5T7oX_dCH6k/s800/m340106a_99120105045_IGDemolisher_873x627-thumb.jpg" height="179" align="left" width="250" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>I also have a bit of a problem with their armour models. For example the new Leman Russ is <em>quite</em> a nice model. But its £30! Now given the cost, I would actually expect that the moulding and construction would be a lot better than what i saw in the store the other day. For example the image to the left - notice that the glacis doesn't fit properly and the two halves of the gun barrel don't join properly. When you compare this to (for example) some of the recent Tamiya models that are roughly the same price, you start to wonder what exactly your £30 is going on. For example, the Tamiya kits generally include etched brass, some include turned brass barrels and many also feature bonus figures or accessories. I understand that there is an issue of scale here (as in I assume Tamiya sell a lot more kits that GW), but even so, I do feel that the value in the Tamiya kits is much higher per £1 spent.</p><p style="clear: both">Now don't get me wrong, GW still produce some products that i think are very well priced and worth their cost. Black Library produce some excellent fiction works and Forge World (whilst pricey) sells products that, for me, correspond in quality to the price charged (well, some of the models do. The Titans and a few other things are ridiculous prices!). Some of the paints (washes / foundation) are excellent as well and well worth the money, I just feel that the vast majority of GW's products have lost their value, or rather the price has increased to the point where the cost out weighs the quality.</p><p style="clear: both">As a more detailed example, I wanted to talk about the new brushes that GW have started producing. Its been a long time since I purchased GW brushes. I always found that they split, mainly due to the fact that they were synthetics. Over time i found other manufacturers that used Kolinsky sable (such as the Prince August brushes, Windsor and Newton and my favourites <a href="http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/Koliinsky_Sable_.html" target="_blank">em4</a>). However, when I was in the store the other day, the staff told me about their new "hand tied, Kolinksy brushes", which he promised me wouldn't split. I took a look and they looked like reasonable brushes, so I purchased a few to test with. Its a lot easier for me to nip in to GW when i need a new brush rather than the usual internet order, so I really wanted them to be good quality. Again, they are more expensive that the competitors. I got home and started to work on the new <a href="http://www.studiomcvey.com/" target="_blank">McVey miniature</a>. Twenty minutes in, and what do you know, I've got a split brush! Now I'm a painter who takes very good care of my brushes. This brush had had very light usage and already its starting to fray. Given the cost, I would expect better.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sn8N7BElbEI/AAAAAAAAAto/7RE7rfZ5SJA/s800/P1010848.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sn8N6A60WSI/AAAAAAAAAtk/7tWT5ETKb2E/s800/P1010848-thumb.jpg" height="137" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Now I'm sure that a lot of people are going to be saying "Well if you don't like the cost, don't buy the products". And I would agree, that's a sensible position to take, and where possible, I try to buy from other companies. But I do fear for the future of GW when it scares away players with 20+ years of gaming experience. Surely we are the lifeblood of the gaming scene? Sure, the hobby needs the younger players coming in, but not at the expense of the old players. I also worry that GW has finally given up any pretence of actually caring about its games, and its all about "the bottom line" these days. It probably sounds very cynical, but I definitely noticed a change at GW when it was floated on the stock market; and that change seems to have continued the drive to the bottom of quality over the years.</p><p style="clear: both">Maybe I've just grown out of the GW spoon fed ecosystem and have realised that i can get better quality at a cheaper price elsewhere? Maybe GW has actually changed? I'm really not sure, but i do know that GW will now be getting less of my disposable income, which is a shame as they are a company that i have had a long association with.</p><p style="clear: both">As always comments are welcome! I'm really interested to see what other people think on this subject. Am I just becoming a grumpy old man?</p><p style="clear: both">PS - Just wanted to add this small point. I think a great example of the GW "rush to the bottom" is White Dwarf magazine. When I started buying White Dwarf (around issue 100) it had a lot of articles about gaming in general, there were small games published (Confrontation anyone?) and was generally an interesting read. Now WD seems to be nothing more than a catalogue that i pay £4 for. I can read it in a single tube journey back from work, and with the exception of Jervis' Standard Bearer article has little of interest. The main focus seems to be selling you more plastics now, and I for one, find this a real shame</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-44250495175230111572009-07-29T23:04:00.001+01:002009-07-29T23:04:10.575+01:00Im back!<p style="clear: both">Well, its been a tough few weeks. On top of everything else, my wife managed to prang the car (in to a stationary metal gate of all things!) and then i broke my airbrush. In the same day the valve went on my double action brush, i broke the feed on my suction feed single action brush and my compressor packed up! All in all it was a bit of a disaster!</p><p style="clear: both">So, I've decided that its time to get a new airbrush. My original airbrush (the one that packed up) was a cheap Chinese clone - it came as a set with a double action, a single action and a compressor in a box for about £50 on eBay. Whilst it was good for learning how to airbrush, I did become annoyed with the amount of time I have spent fixing it since i purchased it a couple of years ago. By the end i would avoid airbrushing things because I would have to spend an hour or so taking the entire thing apart to refit parts that would become stuck or would not clear properly. </p><p style="clear: both">Although i've been airbrushing for a few years now, I'm not really "up" on what i should be looking for in an airbrush. I know that I want a double action gravity feed brush, but beyond that I'm at a bit of a loss - so I'm asking about for advice from any experienced airbrushers out there.</p><p style="clear: both">I've been looking at the <a name="aAC_2dIW_2dHP_2dCH"><strong></strong><a href="http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/Hi-Line.html" target="_blank">Iwata Hi-Line HP-CH airbrush</a> after seeing it on a modelling video - the MAC valve looks very useful, especially given the amount of Armour that i airbrush. Does anyone have any experience of this brush? The other option that i have looked at is the <a name="aAB_2d180_2dK"><strong></strong><a name="aAC_2dIW_2dHP_2dCH"><a href="http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/Gravity_Feed.html" target="_blank">AB-180 Professional Precision Double Action Airbrush Kit</a> (about half way down the linked page). This looks like a cheaper version of the Iwata brush - its about 1/3 of the cost. But I'm a little worried about buying another cheap "knock" off again! Again, does anyone have experience of this brush?<br /></a></a></a></p><p style="clear: both">On to a compressor - here is where i am totally lost! My only real requirements here are that the unit is small and *very* quiet. Given the small space available in the flat and my working hours, I often want to airbrush at night, so a quiet compressor is definitely needed! The two models that i have looked at are the <a name="aAB_2dAS176"><a href="http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/AS_Series.html" target="_blank">AB-AS176 Finespray Pixie Mini Piston type Compressor</a> and the <a href="http://www.silentaire.com/silentaire/scorpion.asp" target="_blank">SilentAire Scorpion IW-C</a>. Both provide about the same pressure levels, although I'm not 100% sure what the CFM scales are about (can anyone advise on this one?). The AB Finespray unit is slightly quieter at 47dB (although they dont specify if this is A weighted), but either should be fine given they are both below 60dB. Can anyone suggest a small, cheap compressor that is quiet that would suit me for occasional armour airbrushing?<br /></a></p><p style="clear: both">It's good to be back. Hopefully i can get some more work done on the Tau base for you guys to see!</p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-50150934429430949662009-07-08T23:16:00.001+01:002009-07-08T23:16:23.991+01:00An update<p style="clear: both">Hi guys,</p><p style="clear: both">Just wanted to let everyone know that the blog is still active, but unfortunately recent family events have meant I haven't had any time to write. My wifes mother has Alzheimer's and unfortunately she has take a turn for the worse in the last few weeks.<br />Please bear with me whilst we deal with these events. Normal service will be resumed soon :)<br /><br /></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-23589200330918373432009-06-24T21:19:00.001+01:002009-06-24T21:19:48.898+01:00Tau Hammerhead Step by Step part 6<p style="clear: both">So, work begins in this step on the base. In my mind, I imagined the hammerhead emerging from the wreckage of a building that had been destroyed. One thing that i always find with 40K scenes is that there is never enough wreckage! In general WW2 models get it right - lots of rubble and wreckage - for example, just consider how much plascrete and other materials would be in even a simple small building.</p><p style="clear: both">Step one was to cut a piece of thick blue foam to the right shape. I wanted the front left to be a shell hole, with the wall / sidewalk and road and a slightly open area towards the back. The highest point was going to be the hammerhead hovering just above the ground. This gives a nice 3 level effect, which, again, is a technique I've learned from the WW2 modellers. The aim is to get three progressive levels of height moving backwards as the eye moves. </p><p style="clear: both">Once the blue foam was cut to shape, I then moved on to marking out the back of the building that had been destroyed. This was added with pre printed plasticard. The sidewalk was then added using a piece of scribed plasticard. Dont worry about the fact that there is a gap in the sidewalk, this area is going to be covered in debris! </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SkKKRaw7rrI/AAAAAAAAArk/ShyPm8edVUY/s800/001.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SkKKOjKDaMI/AAAAAAAAArg/9rVO3DKyJrg/s800/001-thumb1.png" height="180" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Next the main wall sides were added. These were made from some off-cuts of plaster that i had left over from when i last tried casting. <a href="http://exponentwargames.blogspot.com/search/label/Casting" target="_blank">See here for more on that failure!</a> Once they were stuck in place i stuck on some off-cuts of blue foam to bulk up the areas of rubble.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-envI8Th1sfMuOG9_wRv9eVBZtXwNzP6Zmr2XcHGX9lbHE96Aj6OFHFnipw1PMCBVzd0Jv6hyyZeLNRwRxOKgkQ2MOX403Pn4tyo52SQijfI7zD0XmtaFA9mFxPjq_uqizaiLBMRTQM/s800/003.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SkKKSCnBeVI/AAAAAAAAAro/7JB6y7vSZ8Q/s800/003-thumb.png" height="250" width="188" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Finally I started to add the rubble. This is made from again the same plaster as the wall. In this case, I spent an evening in front of the TV breaking up blocks of plaster! Once i had a big box full of broken plaster I started to apply it to the base. Woodland scenics spray PVA was used to fix the plaster in place. I added the plaster in multiple layers spraying the area first, then applying plaster parts, and then spraying again. So far its had about 3 coats, I think it will need five or maybe six.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SkKKYmFdSBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/liRrZDaW4eQ/s800/004.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SkKKVuhcMII/AAAAAAAAArw/NwWb-Ebu7Pk/s800/004-thumb.png" height="198" width="250" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-83447734827477762942009-06-21T03:06:00.001+01:002009-06-21T03:06:16.559+01:00Check point<p style="clear: both">Hi guys,</p><p style="clear: both">Just a quick post to let you all know that I've just posted the first photos of armour on <a href="http://www.hereticsplayground.co.uk/" title="Heretics Playground" target="_blank">Heretics Playground</a>. This one is off a Imperial Guard sentinel patrolling a checkpoint. I wanted to give the impression that this particular sentinel has been in service a long time. First model that i've really been happy with the scratch built components (in this case, the sand bags made with Pro Create and the barbed wire, made using the tutorial on <a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/402/page/1" title="Barbed wire tutorial" target="_blank">Cool mini or not</a>. The barricade is from a set I picked up at Salute a few years ago. I'm afraid i don't remember who made them tho.The sign is custom built from evergreen rods and a sign printed on my computer. The whole lot was then weathered with oil paints, pastels and acrylics until i was happy.<br />The sentinel itself was painted using an airbrush and Tamiya colours, then weathered with oils, pastels, powders and acrylics.<br />Enjoy the pictures - there are more over at <a href="http://www.hereticsplayground.co.uk/" title="Heretics Playground" target="_blank">Heretics Playground</a>!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sj2Vh2DFcZI/AAAAAAAAArM/wQ0C3WsbUmE/s800/009.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sj2VgheANhI/AAAAAAAAArI/kYEpTZ3W228/s800/009-thumb1.png" height="245" width="165" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sj2Vj_k6BzI/AAAAAAAAArU/oSvcPfd5F3w/s800/010.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-FoGGeQfEj_W_GsYy7WeWpfh2drCq3rh3zAGFOYMLvBbMgJWhTHdhoc9FPrXPc7zeZzJeepxntPfluS0Uz1g3sGKTsSL_l806-theqPZDD7eAqk-TEcN5b32So8_e3fPjNRvqpfLG98/s800/010-thumb.png" height="250" width="165" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sj2Vlu1NNkI/AAAAAAAAArc/STA3JfsvgBc/s800/003.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sj2VkeTmyMI/AAAAAAAAArY/z4-RKLGoedU/s800/003-thumb.png" height="228" width="165" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br /><br /></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-45452974710047466492009-06-09T19:50:00.001+01:002009-06-09T19:50:53.999+01:00Tau Hammerhead Step by Step part 5<p style="clear: both">So, lots has been done for this posting, mainly because I got ill this last weekend and couldn't manage anything more than gently painting!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlucs1IUaPHikc_tkW32k9uExmQADjW7-SHKdvcK7trg8KL4mMoAuGE9iy6kZgJYqDkOd0MFxH8VpzkE2w75u45GKnbbsVpWx76kI5Txroujf6oOCEGnkGAkznQDdRpfPZdFcY2LZggs/s800/Lining.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6uzlz51-I/AAAAAAAAAqU/WIJHK3Q2X70/s800/Lining-thumb3.png" height="350" align="right" width="175" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>So, finally the oil washes were dry, so I moved on to doing the black lining - each recess line was fine lined using black oil paint. I find that acrylics are terrible for lining; They dry far too quickly and it means that if you make a mistake, you either have to over paint it, or you are stuck with it. With oil paints this isn't a problem, as the working time is so long. My normal working procedure is to very roughly put the black on the lines - being neat, but not worrying if i slip in the odd place. Then using a cotton bud and some clean turpentine i then run along the lines. If you are careful and have only a small amount of turpentine on the the cotton bud, you can generally get the line perfectly crisp - See the photo to the right for an example.</p><p style="clear: both">The main problem with Oil paints (and I urge everyone to go out and get some oil paints and have a play, they are truly wonderful materials to work with) is the drying time. Oils need to be left to dry for <strong><em>48 hours </em></strong>once painted on (unless you use a drying accelerator, although i can't recommend this method, having never tried it). </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6u5Thy9YI/AAAAAAAAAqg/K18TMe0XAtM/s800/Metals.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6u2MqttTI/AAAAAAAAAqc/jhvwpTlT4TM/s800/Metals-thumb.png" height="200" align="left" width="192" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>So, returning to the hammerhead a day and a bit later (yeah okay, I'm impatient!) the next stage was the application of ink washes to the metallic parts. I use Dr. Ph. Martins Inks - I believe they are meant for calligraphy, but i find they work really nicely on models, especially for the effect i was trying to achieve, as they "crack" slightly giving metal a nicely worn appearance, see photo to the left for an example - here the aim was to make the metal look old, worn and pitted - almost as if the top layer of the metal was wearing away. Generally I mix these inks with Kleer to give a very high reflection finish. Sometimes I find i need to add a very small drop of washing up liquid to get a smoother finish.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6u8WD4L1I/AAAAAAAAAqs/f9RlZlIOOxc/s800/Rusting1.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yC-rbZL8QAJJU55ZfVR6KnHHIoQcvyANs7RZmXqzaqX0kbqkF5E8bm1OFxRb78sEXjmrrOrA94grCGVXDffqq7Hi_muswHld2n-quRv4EDtCtjABdgrDshbfHSdpJkUqlfDIxNfwVrE/s800/Rusting1-thumb.png" height="147" align="right" width="250" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>Another short amount of time for the model to dry again and it was out with the pigments. As people probably know by now, I'm a big fan of <a href="http://www.migproductions.com/index.htm" title="Mig productions" target="_blank">Mig pigments</a>, and they were used liberally for this project. First i dusted all the metal areas with a dark rust, and once that was blended in, I then hit them again with a lighter rust colour. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6u_LLfgMI/AAAAAAAAAq0/HhRvN_EQBa4/s800/Graphite.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6u9BsMYBI/AAAAAAAAAqw/otm_7ikF280/s800/Graphite-thumb4.png" height="149" align="left" width="240" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>All the metal areas then had a graphite pencil (2B) rubbed along any prominent surfaces to give the impression of the metals wearing through the rust. Finally I gave them a gentle rub with my finger to bring it all together</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6vBeOJsgI/AAAAAAAAAq8/Cu6IpgEZc5M/s800/bottom.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6u_x5Y1_I/AAAAAAAAAq4/8QtTP2q1xYw/s800/bottom-thumb1.png" height="200" align="right" width="86" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>The underside was treated with four or five shades our earth pigments, to give a dusty feel - this was carried over the edge and slightly up the sides, as well as the tops of the door hatches (because they fold down and would end up in the mud!). I made sure that the "mud" was firmly embedded inside any seams or hatch edges - these exposed openings just live to collect dirt! The flight feet were included in the mud application and then again had graphite added to them. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6vC5u6yRI/AAAAAAAAArE/ZqZ7aE2yO2U/s800/view_port.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Si6vCP6LgEI/AAAAAAAAArA/31fPXDBUOZQ/s800/view_port-thumb.png" height="100" align="left" width="117" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>Lastly for this stage I painted in the rear lights and the front view port. Again this was done using P3 heart fire. They were painted the same way that i paint gems, shading on the bottom right and lit from the top left<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both">So, at this stage I'm gonna put the hammerhead aside and start to work on the scenic base, which is gonna involve me learning how to create a mold and cast it in plaster! But that's a story for another day!</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-27012947505784011612009-06-02T19:00:00.001+01:002009-06-02T19:00:39.786+01:00Tau Hammerhead Step by Step part 5<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVonz1DCOI/AAAAAAAAAp4/fbVTIsPloz0/s800/Gun.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVomhHuDfI/AAAAAAAAAp0/_sRU8de5Ekc/s800/Gun-thumb.png" height="84" align="right" width="200" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>Small update this time. Once the model had dried thoroughly from the last stage (I always like to give Kleer a long time to dry), I start to apply the "flashes" and colour blocks. Any "light" areas were painted using P3 Menoth White Base in the normal way with a brush. Then i masked off the nose cone and painted the stripes using P3 Heart Fire.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVoqyaL3WI/AAAAAAAAAqA/n6xMNlOy0j8/s800/Booster.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVoorQdjBI/AAAAAAAAAp8/7yyGT26ytA4/s800/Booster-thumb.png" height="158" align="left" width="200" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>Once these sections were dry, I used a sponge to apply chips in Chardon Granite. There were applied lightly, and once dry, I corrected some parts by using either more granite (where the effect was too light), or the base coat (where the effect was too much). Finally the granite marks were highlighted with white.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVotb015VI/AAAAAAAAAqI/NpDa6nd4cdA/s800/Booster_front.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVorrKfWuI/AAAAAAAAAqE/84dkXh5-JOk/s800/Booster_front-thumb.png" height="200" align="right" width="125" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>For the next stage, I then washed the entire vehicle with various oil colours, but starting from a base of Burnt Umber. These washes were very thin - Basically they were coloured Turpentine. This kind of wash is often called a "Filter" in AFV modelling. The next thing to be applied (once the washes had been left to dry for a couple of hours) was "spotting" - this makes the final surface much less even, and gives nice graduation to the colours (I'm planning on doing a longer post about these techniques in the near future). <br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVow0shn0I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/vzqxCi1kYAY/s800/Body.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiVougmqvDI/AAAAAAAAAqM/KkOQAcGY1NM/s800/Body-thumb.png" height="250" align="left" width="194" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>All metal parts were then drybrushed with Tin Bitz (or whatever the vallejo equivalent is called), followed by a dry brush with Chainmail. Once those layers were dry, the metal areas then got a dry brush of neat Burnt Umber and Black oil paints, to bring the metallic effect down a bit and to give them a "harder" look. Finally i recoated any areas that wold be solid black on the final model - The intakes for the boosters as the under carriage / landing gear. </p><p style="clear: both">The model was then set aside to dry for <strong><em>at least</em></strong> 48 hours before the next stage of weathering could take place</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-10075784861823516862009-05-31T01:09:00.001+01:002009-05-31T01:09:26.922+01:00Tau Hammerhead Step by Step part 4<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiHKcYGnHvI/AAAAAAAAApo/6PiXlA9t9Cc/s800/Assembled.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiHKP31eKYI/AAAAAAAAApk/i7TeeQ7lFnA/s800/Assembled-thumb.png" height="218" align="right" width="250" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>Lots of progress for this step... First, I fully finished the assembly of the model. The Tau vehicles never seem to go together easily for me, but with a lot of sanding it started to approach an acceptable level. I then mounted each of the separate parts on to styrene rods, for easier handling.</p><p style="clear: both">The next stage was to spray all the parts in Citadel black undercoat. I only have one hard and fast rule when painting - White undercoats for soldiers, Black undercoats for tanks! I find that by using black as the undercoat you can get great effects easily when using the airbrush.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiHKsdF_AII/AAAAAAAAApw/BRXrIndtnOI/s800/Airbrushed.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/SiHKhOHOZSI/AAAAAAAAAps/ojOuzhxq6Mk/s800/Airbrushed-thumb.png" height="250" width="321" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I was aiming for a look of a Bull shark with this model , lighter grey underneath, getting darker on the top, and with a black "spike" on the "nose". Unfortunately the photos of this part didn't come out particularly well. In Real Life (tm) the blending is much smoother between the light under belly and the darker top. The darkest section is Tamiya German Grey and the lighter part is Tamiya Neutral Grey. These were airbrushed on in many light coats. Finally the black spikes were added. To finish the airbrushing stage the entire model was given a coat of Johnsons Kleer, to give a nice satin finish for the next stages - the weathering...</p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-61586093839225867102009-05-29T18:30:00.001+01:002009-05-29T18:30:48.659+01:00An (new) Imperial Guard List (900 Pts) and some questions<p style="clear: both">Okay so I finally got the new codex. I have to say I'm really liking it, GW seem to have done a good job on this one. The new layout (whilst a little confusing to start with) is much better when actually building lists, and the new guard seem much easier to manage that the old lists.</p><p style="clear: both">Anyway, I've put together this list, and I'd really appreciate it if people could take a look over it and point out any changes that you think would be needed - I mainly play against Chris' Space Marines, so I need something that can take Marines down! At the moment its just the standard HQ + 2 Troops - in the future I plan to add vehicles to it, but for the moment, I want to concentrate on the core of the force. As I've decided to re-do my army list, I figured that now would be a good time to repaint my Guard - A completely fresh start, if you will!</p><p style="clear: both">Here is the list:</p><p style="clear: both"><strong><em>Company Command Squad (212 points)</em></strong></p><ul style="clear: both"><li>Company Commander: Bolt pistol, Power weapon<br /></li><li>Veteran: Medi-pack<br /></li><li>Veteran: Regimental Standard<br /></li><li>Veteran: Vox caster<br /></li><li>Veteran: Meltagun<br /></li><li>Master Of Ordnance<br /></li><li>Officer Of The Fleet<br /></li><li>Bodyguard<br /></li><li>Bodyguard</li> </ul><p style="clear: both"><strong><em>2 x Infantry Platoon (343 points each, total of 686 points) </em><br /></strong></p><p style="clear: both"><strong>Platoon Command Squad</strong></p><ul style="clear: both"><li>Platoon Commander: Boltgun<br /></li><li>Commissar: Boltgun<br /></li><li>Guardsman: Platoon Standard<br /></li><li>Guardsman: Vox caster<br /></li><li>Guardsman: Medi pack<br /></li><li>Guardsman: Meltagun<br /></li></ul><p style="clear: both"><strong>2 x Infantry Squad</strong></p><ul style="clear: both"><li>Sergeant: Bolt Pistol<br /></li><li>Commissar: Power weapon<br /></li><li>Guardsman: Meltagun<br /></li><li>8 x Guardsmen: Lasguns</li></ul><p style="clear: both">So... what does everyone think? Its a little vanilla at the moment, but like I was saying at the beginning of this, I want to get the core parts right. I've focussed on taking things that either:</p><ol style="clear: both"><li>Prevent my guardsmen from running away. Basically I've given them all Commissars<br /></li><li>Give the units a little bit of an extra kick! I went for Meltaguns in this army. My previous one was heavy on Plasmaguns, but I've got tired of always rolling 1's and losing my guardsman!</li></ol><p style="clear: both">I also have a couple of questions about the new codex that I was hoping someone can help me with.<br />First, in the wargear section for the Infantry Squads it says "Close-combat weapon". Does this mean that all my guardsmen have CCW's? I figured that it only applies to the Sergeant / Commissar, but reading it again, I'm not so sure.<br />Secondly it often says that the commander "may exchange his laspistol and/or close-combat weapon for:" - where upon it then lists items that i didn't think could be combined (Bolt gun + Power fist??). Am I just reading this wrong? It doesn't seem to say anywhere that they are exclusive - but I'm pretty sure that there is a rule in the main rule book about two handed weapons....</p><p style="clear: both"></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-80569922614747746662009-05-28T20:13:00.001+01:002009-05-28T20:14:15.876+01:00Space Marine game<p style="clear: both">Just spotted this over at Game spot - The first non RTS 40K based computer game (well since Space hulk!). Looks quite good, although im a little dubious about how much replay-ability it will have. <br />So, the only question now is - when does the film of the horus heresy come out? </p> <p style="clear: both"></p> <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mbjbbzOrCIg&hl=en&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mbjbbzOrCIg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="425"></embed></object> <br class="final-break" style="clear: both" />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-79492925602672141462009-05-28T00:04:00.001+01:002009-05-28T00:06:02.785+01:00Tau Hammerhead Step by Step part 3<p style="clear: both">Not a vast amount of progress over the last couple of days, unfortunately. If I'm honest, its the part of modelling that I really hate - cleaning up and filling the gaps! I end up getting distracted and painting other models in the meantime!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sh3G8e9mbEI/AAAAAAAAApM/auyPkdh8w8I/s800/Bottom.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sh3G6A_iQyI/AAAAAAAAApI/xBO4xZhXk6E/s800/Bottom-thumb.png" height="100" align="right" width="154" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>Anyway, over the last couple of days, i managed to fill and sand the two side pods, quite a bit of the back and the nose. You can see this in the images included. For filling on vehicles i find that green stuff / pro create doesn't do a very good job, it doesn't sand very well. For tanks, i usually use Polyfilla Fine Surface filler, because it sands down well and becomes very smooth when sanded down.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sh3G_ByvafI/AAAAAAAAApU/-nuBVVgYzCk/s800/Uncleaned.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sh3G80sexmI/AAAAAAAAApQ/hFOEKCoiSxc/s800/Uncleaned-thumb.png" height="200" align="left" width="145" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a>In the image to the left you can see the contrast between the areas that have been filled and sanded - it is circled in red. The unfilled area still has an ugly misalignment, which will eventually be smooth. Just below that is a small area that still has a slight line in it. Although this looks in the photo as if it will cause problems, when the undercoat is on this should disappear.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sh3HCoFYapI/AAAAAAAAApc/JyacZtKVdYs/s800/Side.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IHYqcwlilhQ/Sh3G_2lPE-I/AAAAAAAAApY/V00B2g-khyc/s800/Side-thumb1.png" height="140" align="right" width="154" style=" display: inline; float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px;" /></a>The final image shows the side pod that in a previous post i pointed out still had scrape marks from the harsh sand paper i had used. In the new photo, it should be obvious that this roughness is now gone. Only about another 10 hours of sanding to go, at this rate!</p><p style="clear: both"><br />On the rest of the vehicle I've put together and sanded down the turret and Rail gun, and the "boosters" are now glued together. The fit is really not great on the "boosters", which seems to be the same as every other Tau vehicle I've made. Is there some secret to putting this together that I've missed?</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-59703257216532031592009-05-26T20:27:00.001+01:002009-05-27T23:40:06.661+01:00Citadel washes (and how to make your own!)<p style="clear: both">So by now, I'm sure that everyone has heard of the Citadel washes. They are similar to inks, except they dry with a very soft satin finish, rather than the annoying gloss finish of the old inks. They only require a small amount of thinning to use in most cases, and they are almost exactly the right consistency for detailed painting. All in all, they are one of the few GW products that are genuinely worth every penny of the cost!</p><p style="clear: both">But what do you do in those cases where you want a wash that isn't in the range? Well, here is how to create your own "Citadel washes"! Unfortunately, it does require the purchase of some specialised paint items, specifically:</p><ul style="clear: both"><li><a href="http://www.liquitex.com/Products/addflowaid.cfm" title="Liquitex flow aid" target="_blank">Liquitex Flow Aid</a>. <s>This is an additive that stops the formation of "tide marks" (well mostly). It also extends the drying time of acrylic paints. </s>Please see later for a correction. I paid about £8 for a 110mL bottle. That will be enough to last me a <strong><em>long</em> </strong>time. Make sure you read the safely warnings, and only add a <strong><em>tiny</em></strong> amount. Ill talk more about amounts later<br /></li><li><a href="http://www.liquitex.com/Products/fluidmeglazing.cfm" title="Glaze medium" target="_blank">Liquitex Glazing Medium</a>. This, again is another additive for normal acrylic paints. <s>Essentially it is the medium that normal paint is suspended in. In a normal acrylic paint you have glaze medium with particles of paint suspended in it (that's why when you mix water with paint, sometimes it will split - the paint particles become suspended in the water rather than the glazing medium).</s> Please see later for a correction. I paid about £10 for a 230mL bottle. Again enough to last a <strong><em>long</em></strong> time. One thing to remember is that by itself this glaze medium has a very satin finish (its almost gloss).<br /></li><li><a href="http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/" title="Vallejo home page" target="_blank">Vallejo Game Color Glaze Medium 69</a>. This again is another Glazing medium, but with slightly different properties from the Liquitex one. It almost acts as a drying retardant in my experience. Don't add too much! You can pick this up pretty much anywhere for usually a pound or two.<br /></li><li><a href="http://www.revell.de/en/products/model_kits/accessories/aqua_color/overview/index.html" title="Revell Aqua Color" target="_blank">Revell Aqua Color Clear Matt Varnish 361/02</a>. This a bog standard matt varnish. I just happen to like it's consistency. This is the only varnish that i have used in this technique, so i can't vouch for any others...<br /></li></ul><p style="clear: both">So here is how the technique works. First, take the colour you would like to turn in to a wash. Remember that the final colour will be slightly darker than the original colour. I also usually find that strong colours work the best for washes (Orange or strong yellows are good, but colours like Bad moon yellow generally don't work as well). After a while of working with this technique you will find that you learn intuitively which colours are going to work and which wont!</p><p style="clear: both">Once you have your base colour you can begin to mix your medium. The first thing to do is to decide how much you are going to make, then make a mix in the following proportions:<br /><br /></p><ul style="clear: both"><li>4 parts Liquitex glazing medium</li><li>0.0001 part Liquitex flow aid (basically it should be a <strong><em>tiny</em></strong> spot of flow aid. For me that would mean if I was making 3 drops of glaze I would add <strong><em>one pin heads</em></strong> worth of flow aid. Its not a total disaster if you add too much, but your paint will be wet for a long time - The first time I experimented with it, I added it to black, 50% mix. The black stayed wet on my palette for about 3 days!)<br /></li><li>2 parts Vallejo glaze medium. This is purely to tone down the very satin finish of the Liquitex glaze. Experiment, because in certain circumstances this satin finish can look very nice<br /></li><li>1 part Varnish. Again, this just adds a toning down to the final result. Be careful adding the varnish. Too much and the glaze will pool in an ugly way. Less is more in this case.</li></ul><p style="clear: both">Mix that concoction with your paint. I normally aim for about a 50:50 mix, but depending on what I'm painting that can change. You should be left with a lovely thin mixture that flows in the same way a glaze does. I would always recommend thinning your final mix 75% with water (that is 75% water, 25% paint / glaze mix). It makes it flow nicely from the brush and makes doing blending very easy, as the paint has a nice transparency.</p><p style="clear: both">Whilst playing with this technique, remember to experiment with the ratios above. <strong><em>They are not hard and fast rules</em></strong>, but merely a jumping off point. In the same way you learn how much paints need to be thinned intuitively you will soon learn how much glaze / varnish etc. to add for the effect you want. The only thing i would recommend keeping to a minimum is the Flow Aid. Unless you like waiting for your model to dry, that is!</p><p style="clear: both"><strong>Edit: AoM Posted this in the comments section, and I thought it was important enough that it should be included in the main text. It includes corrections for sections that i got wrong. Many apologies for getting this info incorrect...</strong></p><p style="clear: both"><em>"Matte medium is uncolored binder, not glaze medium. while flow aid helps the paint flow smoothly off the brush, the glaze medium is much more useful in avoiding the drying rings with washes.</em></p><p style="clear: both"><em>They each have their uses, and work nicely together, but they are for different things. For regular painting, try a drop of flow aid with your paint, and then thin with glaze medium instead of water. I think you'll like the results."</em></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-42517378079617490642009-05-25T01:17:00.001+01:002009-05-25T01:18:40.304+01:00Cameras<p style="clear: both">Hi everyone,</p><p style="clear: both">Just wondering if anyone has any experience using either the <a href="http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Digital%20SLRs/products/Olympus/E-420%20%2014-42mm%20Lens-74404/Show.html" target="_blank">Olympus E-420</a> or the<a href="http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/Olympus/Zuiko%20Digital%2035mm%20f3.5%20Macro%20Lens-66097/Show.html" target="_blank"> Olympus Zuiko Digital 35mm f3.5 Macro Lens</a>?</p><p style="clear: both">Basically, I've run in to the limits of my small digital camera (especially on pictures like the <a href="http://exponentwargames.blogspot.com/2009/03/pint-sized-slasher.html" target="_blank">Pint Sized Slasher</a> ones - Without a better macro mode, images of models only 1cm tall become very hard!). So I've decided to get myself a new DSLR. I was going to get a Nikon D40x, but unfortunately its now been discontinued. I knew i should have bought it when it was on sale at Jessops!</p><p style="clear: both">Given my budget (about £300+/-), I've basically come down to the Olympus model mentioned with the Zuiko macro lens in a few months once I've saved up.</p><p style="clear: both">Does anyone have any alternatives they can recommend? What do you guys use? This camera will only really be used for taking pictures of my models, and although I'm not an advanced camera user, I am willing to learn - hence I would like a camera that will not need to be replaced in the near future and which will "grow with me"...</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5198490029213986758.post-1348712057741062272009-05-23T23:55:00.001+01:002009-05-23T23:55:34.697+01:00Heretics Playgound<p style="clear: both">Hi guys,</p><p style="clear: both">Just a quick post to let you all know about my new website...</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://www.hereticsplayground.co.uk/" title="Heretics Playground" target="_blank">Heretics playground</a><u><br /></u></p><p style="clear: both">This is a website to spotlight my models / armour and terrain. There wont be any discussion, comment or insight in to the models, just photos of each of the models. </p><p style="clear: both">At the moment it just has images for the models that ive shown on this blog. The plan (when i eventually get a good camera) is to re-photograph all my models, including several that are not on the blog...</p><p style="clear: both">Anyway, hope you all like it, let me know if you run in to any problems</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Paul Chanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17944454332027086677noreply@blogger.com2