584th Krieg Update: Chimera, Hellhound & Infantry

The Artemia pattern Hellhound is starting to come together. I applied and sanded the decals then did the first round of weathering. I might add more chipping, otherwise pigments are next.

This is the finished Chimera conversion. I'm not entirely sold on the Predator turret but think I'll get it painted before I decide. Unless someone points out a detail I missed I'll move on to modeling battle damage next.

These are the first three infantry test models. They're not finished but I figured they were ready for some feedback.

Next up - back to the mortar team, I think.

584th Krieg Mechanized Interdicion Regiment

I did a lot of commission work for Niroe (he posts on the Boot Camp forum) on his Krieg army. At one point he had a set of custom icons sculpted and I still have a bunch. When I started doing my Krieg models, and needed to repair the track guard on my Artemia Hellhound, I had an idea...

And so now I'm adding to the 584th Krieg Mechanized Interdiction Regiment!

All of my vehicles will now sport the icons and I'll carry on with his fluff.

This is the first of my set-back turret Chimera conversions. I'll probably be using the Predator turret on these and I'm waiting for one to come from Battlefront Games.

This will join ranks with my Artemia Hellhound, which is where the painted icon came from at the top of the Chimera pic, and my mortar team of course.

More to come....

Ask misterjustin: Painting Realistic Rock

My "realistic rock" tutorial has been a long running favorite and I've redone it a couple of times now. I figured it was finally time to get it posted in video format though and so here it is!



The technique is a bit rushed in the video as I only have 9 minutes before YouTube cuts me off. But if you want to see additional examples of the finished technique just check out the "Runic Mountain" pressure cast resin bases. I painted the whole lot of them using this technique to create differin styles.

Ask misterjustin: Priming Models

After I posted pics of one of my personal projects I had several people ask me why I would prime a model white and then paint it black. It's an excellent question and I'm happy to answer it.

First let me say that you should only apply a very (VERY!) thin layer of primer to your models. I'll look at why below but when I say "thin" I mean that if you're priming white over a grey model you should still be able to see grey through the primer.

If you apply the primer too thickly you'll loose detail on the model and create a smooth layer that will be LESS effective at helping paint to adhere to the model (see 1, below).

Now let's look at why you prime a model:

1. It adds "teeth" to help paint adhere to the mode
2. It helps in finding mold lines and surface defects
3. It allows you to use thinner layers of paint
4. Pre-shading

1. By using a thin layer of primer you create a very slightly rough texture on the model. This isn't the rough texture, often called "orange peel," that you get with a bad primer application but a very thin coating of paint. This thin coating creates tiny, microscopic peaks and valleys that will give the next layer of paint somewhere to rest. This keeps it from flowing more freely across the model and helps stop it from being rubbed off as easily with handling as there is more surface holding the paint in place.

2. Many are the mold lines you'll find when you add a thin layer of primer. This gives you a chance to clean them up, and re-prime just that section, before moving on.

3. By adding "teeth" to the model you can use thinner layers of paint, and thus loose less detail while painting, because it's easier for the second and subsequent layers to adhere to the model.

4. Pre-shading is something I'll cover in a future tutorial as it really is a topic of its own. But if you have a question about it please let me know in the comments or via email.

There are other reasons to prime a model but I won't cover those here. If you have a question I'll be happy to answer it in the comments, via email or with another tutorial though.

In the interim here's a look at how I primed one of the Beveled Edge "Trench Works" 60mm 02 bases.



And that's really it. Tight controlled burst of primer to create a thin layer of "teeth" for the next layers of paint to adhere to.

It's worth noting that the 60mm base in the video is going to be used with one of my models and will eventually be shades of black and brown.

Remember, if you have a weathering or detailing question you'd like answered just drop an email to misterjustin at secret weapon miniatures dot com.

Krieg Mortar Team

The base will be finished with pigments and all of the models and bits need to be weathered to match - but I have to stop for the day and thought I'd throw up some pics.

Should I add "wet" snow to the finished base?

I'm a big fan of modeling snow. I'd like to put my Krieg in snow but I'm wondering if folks out there think it will take away from the models.

I'd make it very wet looking snow to blend in with the mud, of course, but...

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Artemia Pattern Hellhound

I've always wanted to paint one of the Artmia Pattern Hellhound models from Forge World. When I added a Hellhound to my army list this month I finally had the excuse I was looking for. Of course my list calls for a pintle stubber... and I forgot that this model can't take one. Oops.

Anyway, on with the show:

The model was washed and then primed with Krylon white primer. After that dried I painted the model black using Games Workshop "Chaos Black" and an airbrush.

The fuel tank was airbrushed GW "Dark Flesh" and then splatter sprayed with "Desert Yellow." This will form the basis for the rust later.

The tracks were taped to avoid painting them grey. In this pic you can also see a set of "Runic Mountain" bases that got rejected -- I won't ship a base with that many bubbles on the bottom :)

The model was base coated GW "Codex Grey" and then painted "Fortress Grey" from the top and 45* on each side. Lastly a spot of "Elf Flesh" was added to the "Fortress Grey" paint to create panel highlighting on the top.

The fuel bay was based GW "Desert Yellow" and then a mix of "Commando Khaki" and "Bleached Bone." I did this to help the fuel bay, which is largely hidden by the fuel tank, stand out a bit and add some additional visual interest.

Using hairspray and salt to mask the rust colours I painted the fuel tank in the same greys as the body of the vehicle. I weathered the top of the fuel tank, where it would be banged during refilling, very heavily. The right photo shows the section closest to the body of the vehicle where it would corrode but receive very little additional damage.

The base coated model with fuel tank in place.

The fuel bay was weathered with sponge applied chipping, oils and pigments. As a final step I mixed up some "oil" and ran it into the bay from the top corners to simulate runoff from refilling the fuel tank. It is, of course, almost entirely hidden once the fuel tank is in place... but it was fun to do anyway.

Unfortunately I forgot to order my Krieg transfer sheet so this is where I'm going to have to stop the model for awhile. Before I move on to anything else I need to get the decals in place. Oops.

My total painting time at this stage is a little more than 2 hours, possibly creeping up on 3.

Feedback is ALWAYS welcome and questions will be answered.

Skaven Warlord - Shading Armor & Skin

With the cloth more or less settled I have moved on to shading the bronze armor and his skin. My goal is to have a largely monochromatic model and using the same green on the armor as I did on the cloth has helped.

My feeling at this point is that I need to go back and really re-touch the base colour on the armor. It's too green and the transition is too sharp. I am very pleased with how keeping the light on the armor near his face has helped to draw the eyes there though.

The top shot gives a fair look at the actual shading on the helmet. It was taken with two lamps positioned to eliminate natural shadows. I made the crest very dark to help draw additional emphasis to the model's face.

I might go back and add some additional layers of shadow to the cloth in the folds closest to his belt line. The base colour seems to cover too much of the side there and I want more stark separation.

So next up: more of the same, really. It's all about back-and-forth at this stage.

(you'll notice three new tags in this post - Blending, Metallics and Skin - that will follow this model to the new blog format in coming months. I will focus less on specific types of model and more on specific techniques and PARTS of models.)

New Tutorial: Weathering Decals

I have posted a quick video tutorial on using sandpaper to weather decals over at the Secret Weapon blog.

This will be the first of many new tutorials as I renew my ties with ++ From the Warp ++ to properly launch the "ask misterjustin" tutorial series.

If you have a hobby related question you'd like to have answered drop an email to misterjustin at secret weapon miniatures dot com.

This blog will continue to focus on my current painting projects - but will also get revamped as I narrow down that scope to make it more useful and relevant to readers and less, "here's what I painted."

The Annotated Workspace

I get a lot of questions about what my workspace looks like so I thought I'd snap a photo this morning and add some notes to it.

If you click through you will also find photos of the additional items to the left and right of my desk. Of course my desk area is only a small part of the overall workshop space -- so I'll get photos of that online at some point too.

Skaven Warlord - Shading the Cloth

The moment I saw the new Skaven Warlord in the "Island of Blood" box set I knew I had to have one. In fact I knew I'd have to drop everything and get one painted.

I eeked out a couple of hours today to base coat the flesh and start the shading on the cloth. I tried the first highlight as well but I'm going to scrap the highlight and redo it.

What I'm debating now is whether or not the cloth actually needs to come darker at the bottom. What you see is mostly what you get though -- the photo was taken with top and front lighting. With the exception of a slight shadow in the top pic from his cleaver the painting is, for my first time, not too off in the photo!

I love this model. I can't say it enough. The new "Island of Blood" models are incredible. My bits order included the Warlock too - but I'm not as excited by that.

Feedback welcomed. Questions answered.

-- misterjustin

Rethinking the site....

Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Things are going well for Secret Weapon Miniatures and I have a son on the way. There simply hasn't been much time to paint.

This has given me an opportunity to think about misterjustin.com and what I'd like to do with it. In the hope that some of my readers, and now 85 followers, will share an opinion I give you part of my vision:

An "ask misterjustin" segment. This would start monthly and focus on a question on techniques sent in from readers. I love making tutorials and I'd really like to make a regular thing of it. This would likely include video.

If I can get enough interest in this segment I will archive the current posts (all of them) so that the new labels are easier to navigate.

I'll still post what I'm working on but I'll focus on the techniques I'm using rather than just "here's a model" posts.

So, what say you, my invisible audience, do you want me to launch an "ask misterjustin" blog?

Ultramarines Tactical Squad

I started work on this Tac Squad for the annual Relic forum competition. I'm using it as an excuse to try zenithal highlighting with an airbrush and to showcase the helmet crest conversion bits from Secret Weapon Miniatures.

The fourth photo down, of the Tac Marine without his gun, does a decent job of showing the airbrushed highlights. Using an airbrush is an easy way to create smooth transitions for directional lighting. The style isn't for everyone but I'm a fan.

I have also included a shot of the sergeant with his squad to show the combination of the Greek and small Roman style helmet crests in action together.

Storm Wardens Roundup

When I was approached to paint a model and supply bases for the Storm Wardens Project I was thrilled. We set a goal of raising $1,000 for Doctors Without Borders.

Well here is the completed army shot - without all of the extras like custom dice and templates. All of the bases are from the Secret Weapon 'Flagstone' theme -- and I'm very happy to announce that we not only met our goal but exceeded it.

The total collected was

$16,107.00

for Doctors Without Borders!

I kid you not.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all of the gamers that contributed to the project - and to the incredible team of people that made this happen and allowed Secret Weapon Miniatures to be a part of it.

The Mathieu Fontaine Workshop Ogre

I was lucky enough to spend a weekend with Mathieu Fontaine at one of his masterclass painting workshops. The experience was incredible and this is the Ogre I painted. I'm still not convinced that it's finished - but I'm going to stop here for now and apply the techniques I picked up to other models.

If you get a chance to attend one of these masterclass workshops don't miss it. Really.

My thanks to Mathieu for his incredible help... and patience!

Storm Wardens: FINISHED Land Raider!

Here it is, my finished contribution to the Storm Wardens Project - raising money for 'Doctors Without Borders'.

More than 600 people have already contributed and there's still one week left to add your name to the roll for a chance to win the entire army -- including custom dice, accessories and a carrying bag!

I'm fairly happy with how the model turned out and took step-by-step photos of the rust in the hope that I'll have time to put together a new tutorial in coming weeks.

Head over to the Storm Wardens Project HQ to see a photo of the finished army -- and remember, more is on the way!

Storm Wardens: Project Update

The community has rallied behind the cause and over 570 people have made a contribution to the Storm Wardens Project and therefore Doctors Without Borders, our chosen charity. But we know there are many more of you out there who want to contribute!

The basic idea is that when you contribute via the Paypal button on our blogs, you are entered in a drawing to receive the entire Storm Wardens army (in the vicinity of 2,000 points) along with a bunch of great swag - such as GF9 Storm Wardens templates, Storm Wardens dice from Chessex, a Battlefoam bag filled with custom cut foam for the army, and even a couple of Storm Wardens T-shirts so you can wear them with pride as you play the army in your FLGS. The army will be fully assembled (mostly converted) and fully painted by some of the most renowned US hobbyists across the blogosphere.

The final drawing takes place on Sunday July 25, on a Special Storm Wardens Edition of Jawaballs Live!

We also have a lot of other prizes being given away over the course of the build, keep an eye out on Santa Cruz Warhammer and From The Warp each week for information about these bonus prizes, contributed by the community.

Every dollar donated goes to Doctors Without Borders (apart from the PayPal fees of course) as all the other swag (including the original models) have been donated by the painters themselves, by their FLGS, or by a list of other great companies. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can contribute - we will ship the prizes anywhere in the world!

Props: Severed Thumb

The production of Macbeth that I'm in was using a cheap magicians thumb as a prop and, never being one to leave well enough alone, I decided to bring it home and have a go at making it look less pink and more grim.

I'm pretty happy with the results and think I got a fair representation of pallid, rotting but recently severed flesh. I filled the hollow cavity with resin and there's blood drying in the small lip and along the edges. I used a nice dark colour on the blood since it would be well congealed and oxidized by this point.

I get to unveil it in a couple of hours for our next dress rehearsal and I'm looking forward to the reaction.

Storm Wardens: Land Raider pt. 2

My contribution to the Storm Wardens Charity Project is well on its way. There's still time for you to contribute and get a chance to win the entire army. Check out the links on the right to see what the rest of the team - including some big names! - are up to.

As for the model... please forgive the shine - I put down a layer of clear gloss before applying the pigments and the model is very, very shiny. It's finally starting to come together though and I should have it finished early next week.

While I was working on this I remembered a quick tip for working with tank treads: if there's a track guard in place the FRONT tracks will be clean and shiny except in the deepest recesses. Save your heavy weathering for the back of the tank. The track guard will rub the track clean and what you'll be left with up front is a small amount of dirt and rust.

When I finish the rest of the basic detailing I'll come back and apply the pigment weathering to the sides and back of the tank. I'm using "Burning Sands" as the primary colour to help the model work with the pressure cast resin bases - "Flagstone" - that the entire army is standing on.

More to come as I have time.

Storm Wardens: Land Raider

In addition to contributing bases for the army and a $50 gift certificate, both through Secret Weapon Miniatures, I am also painting up this Land Raider. The model itself was donated by John of Santa Cruz Warhammer and came to me in a satin green finish.

I have finished the base and highlight blues - using Regal and Enchanted blues in the airbrush - and am now moving on to the silver and detailing. You can rest assured that the model will receive a full compliment of weathering making use of my recent tutorial techniques so that folks can see them on something other than bases.

There is still plenty of time to contribute and enter to win your chance to win this model AND A COMPLETE STORM WARDENS ARMY! All of the proceeds go to benefit Doctors Without Borders. If that's not enough for you then every week you will be automatically entered into one of the mini-drawings.

Really, this project just kicks ass. You should be a part of it! Come on, spend $1 for your chance to win AND feel good about doing it!

Storm Wardens: Secret Weapon Mini-Drawing

As part of the "Storm Wardens Charity Project" I'm donating a $50 gift certificate to the Secret Weapon store. If you have already donated then you're automatically entered to win - if you enter today there's still time to get your name into the randomizer!

Every $1 you contribute gives you another chance to have your name drawn for this $50 gift certificate - AND YOU CAN STILL WIN THE ARMY!

Head over to Santa Cruz Warhammer, our organizer in chief, for complete details on the mini-drawing as well as an exclusive coupon!

All of the contributions will go to benefit "Doctors Without Borders" and there are some incredible names getting behind this project. Don't miss you chance to win an incredible army and support a worthy charity.

Storm Wardens Charity Project: PRIZE LIST!

First, a HUGE thanks to all the guys participating in this by donating their time and models and all of the vendors who have contributed some amazing stuff to this project. Thank you very much!

Here is the current Grand Prize list, please keep in mind that some things may change without notice due to deadlines, additional donations, acts of God and all kinds of other unforseen reasons.
And, there are weekly drawings, more info on those here.
That being said, here's what you stand to win if you donate...

THE ARMY:
Loaded HQ command squad
Tactical squad w/rhino
Tactical Squad
Vindicator
Scout squad and Scout speeder
5 man Terminator squad
Land Raider
Sternguard Veterans
Rhino/razorback/whirlwind interchangeable multi vehicle
Multi Land speeder
3 Bikers
5 Devastators
Drop Pods (unknown how many)
Chaplain
Librarian


Extras:
24 Custom dice with army logo
1 Storm Wardens logo Tshirt
Autographed copy of Death Watch Game
High quality mounted print of the SW artwork
Objective markers
TAC Template, Multi-template, Turn Counter
"Storm Wardens Paint Set" (paints and brushes)
Battlefoam bag and Custom Foam cuts
Storm Wardens T-shirt

AND MORE!
This week I will be adding a $50 Secret Weapon gift certificate to the mini-drawing queue! I'll have a formal announcement up at the Secret Weapon blog tomorrow but if you have donated to the Storm Wardens Charity Project you're automatically entered in the mini-drawings!

For as little as $1 you will have a chance to win this incredible army AND give money to a worthy charity. Check out the "Storm Wardens Army Blogs" list on the upper right of this page to see what the rest of the team is up to.

Storm Wardens Army Charity Project

Introducing "The Great Storm Wardens Collaborative Army Build and Charity Project."

I am working with several talented hobbyists and bloggers that feel we have gotten so much out of this hobby and our blogs that it is time to give back a bit and work together on something awesome and raise money for charity.

The end result will be an incredibly painted, unique army going to one of you, the WINNER of this drawing.


The Army.

The Storm Wardens are a new Space Marine chapter from the yet to be released Death Watch RPG. Together with Games Workshop, Fantasy Flight Games (Horus Heresy, Wings of War) has been developing the game which will be released this summer.

We approached the folks designing the Death Watch game while planning this project, and told them we were thinking of building a Storm Wardens army, and they loved the idea. They have been working with us in getting the look of the army just right and giving us some great unreleased fluff and imagery.



We are going to build a complete Storm Wardens Space Marine army with a decked out HQ, Marines, Veterans, Scouts, Terminators, and a bunch of vehicles, a massive army that any commander would be proud to field.

You will be able to see the army units come together and follow the army build progress through links to all the builders blogs on our "Storm Wardens" mini blog roll.


Who will be working on the army?

Dave Taylor

Thomas Wynn (Wynn Studios)

Jawaballs

Ron Saikowski (From the Warp)

Secret Weapon Miniatures

Mik (Miks Minis, Barter Bucket)

Mike & John (Santa Cruz Warhammer)

Along with the blogger build team, we are going after some related hobby retailers to give up some loot to add to the army prize. Secret Weapon Miniatures is donating all the custom bases, and Chessex has already sent us the custom dice.


What can you do?

Well, you can donate money to the cause. You can donate to the fund we are raising at the top right of this page or any of the other participating bloggers, using PayPal or a credit card. Each donated dollar will also qualify you for a chance in the army grand prize drawing, the more you donate, the better your chance of winning, and more money for charity.

We will randomly draw the winner in mid July.


What if I don't have any money, but I still want to help?

Dig around under the couch cushions or under the seat of your car, put on some dark sunglasses and sell pencils out of a cup on the street corner, or even sell some extra Warhammer minis on Ebay, then use that cash for a donation.

You can also help by linking to this project in your blog, telling your friends and other gamers, mention it at your gaming club or even posting about it in your favorite forums, this will help us get the most exposure we can, so we can raise more money for charity.

If you have a small business (or know someone who does) that might have a product to donate that would be great to add to this army, contact us about a feature during the build.


Why should I help out?

If you have ever read something on our blogs that you thought was cool, gave you a good idea, showed you how to do something better, downloaded a free drop pod template, used the Barter Bucket, or perhaps you even got something from us for free and you are feeling a bit guilty about it.... well, now is your chance to give something back, pay it forward, return a good turn.... well you know.

Oh yeah, and you could win an entire finished army, by giving $1 to a good charity.


Where does the money go?

The money will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, and actually help people. We chose Doctors without Borders because their cause is a global pursuit to help people in need, where ever help is needed most, and they have a good track record with getting the $ where it does the most good.


So there you have it. I hope you are all as exited about this as we are, its been tough keeping it a secret.

So.......who wants a new army?

WFB - Orc Warboss on Boar

I haven't had a lot of time to paint recently but I made some time on Monday. I picked up this model the week it was released and have been meaning to paint it all that time.

I used the recipes from the most recent WD - featuring a boar boss from Kieth Robertson - as my starting point. The conversion was also inspired by his piece. Unfortunately it looks like the plastic Boar Boys have better models that my old warboss. I'm happy with the start - but feedback is *ALWAYS* welcome.

Weathering Pigment: Tank Treads

I just finished a tutorial for Secret Weapon Miniatures showing you how I weather tank treads using pigments. This fantastic technique is easy to apply and takes only a few minutes to create.

Check it out on the Secret Weapon blog....

Imperial Fists Sterngard Veteran

I just launched a new set of Roman style crests for Secret Weapon Miniatures and just had to take the first cast and start a model.

I've wanted an excuse to paint one of my Sterngard Veteran models and a shiny new helmet crest seemed like the perfect excuse. I went with Imperial Fists simply because I like 'em.

Imperial Guard Kill Team

I've been working on armies off and on for a few years now - and I still don't have one I can game with regularly. To help correct that, and give me a chance to learn the rules, I've put together two kill team lists. One uses 25 of my Vostroyan infantry and the other, shown here, is an 11 man hitter:

Vet squad w/ Harker (2 flamers)
Marbo

I don't have Marbo in the picture because I haven't started painting him and I'm shy one flamer so the other vet is standing by.

Because I might eventually use these models with my Vostroyans they're being done in the same colours but with Cadian bodies and Pig Iron heads to help differentiate them.

Forge World Executioner - Color Test 01

This isn't the Executioner. This is one of several Leman Russ that I have laying about. I decided to pull a couple of them out of my army transport bag and start doing some color tests.

On this first I like the recipe but think I applied the second highlight much too heavily. Much, much too heavily. I'm going to set this one aside for my weathering workshop on Friday and get another one ready to spray later this week.

I won't let paint touch the Executioner until I'm happy with a color test though. Nope, no sir. Not gonna happen.

Quick Tip: Paint & Detail Order

I see a lot of questions on forums about when certain techniques should be applied in relation to each other and so I've put together this Quick Tip rule of thumb:

primer
acrylic paints
gloss
washes & decals
gloss if you've done decals
secondary washes & panel lines
matte sealer
chipping (sponge or brush)
pencil effects
oil & wash filter effects
pigments
matte sealer

See my Quick Tip on Gloss vs. Flat Sealer for a quick look at which the different sealers matter.

Weathering Workshop - Sacramento, CA

Friday 26-March @ 6:30 PM

Great Escape Games and Secret Weapon Miniatures are presenting a FREE model weathering workshop. Justin "misterjustin" McCoy, founder of Secret Weapon, will be in the shop to present a one hour introduction to working with weathering pigments that will include:

* Pigments vs. Pastels
* What to look for in a pigment
* Basic application - dry
* Using a thinner to set pigments
* Using a liquid fixative to set pigments
* Achieving realistic dust/dirt
* Achieving realistic rust
* Weathering tracks and tires
* Weathering metal and engines
* Weathering exhausts and gun muzzles
* Weathering infantry

Participants are invited to bring a model for demonstration purposes. This model should have all of the basic painting completed - although some demonstration can be done on a primed model.

For more information send an email to misterjustin at Secret Weapon Miniatures dot com or leave a comment with your contact information.

I will also have product samples on hand - and although I will have two models for the demonstration my hope is to use what attendees bring with them. Everyone should get a chance to try the materials and techniques and I will stick around for a bit after the workshop for some 1:1 assistance.

Forge World Executioner - Clean-up Time

I just couldn't stop myself from doing a bit more work on this today. I still need to finish the restraints on the pioneer kit and do a bit of clean-up but otherwise, barring any feedback from the online community, I think it's time to set the model aside and move on to the base.

A friend is sending me some of the FW Krieg decals to help with the finishing touches and I'm going to test the paint scheme on... something prior to putting this thing in the same room as my airbrush. I'm sure I can dig up a tank from one of my boxes.

And now... back to my Vostroyans!

Forge World Executioner - Detailing Nearly Finished!!!

The starboard side brass rail for the skirt needs to be smoothed but at least it's cut, folded and attached.

I've added tracks on hooks to the front as both stowage and extra armor. I will add weld lines to the hooks, do a bit more folding and then fill in the mold marks on the tracks.

The brass pannier has been reattached and squared a bit more. It will have jerry cans in it when the model is finished.

I still need to decide where to put a couple of lights... but that doesn't have to happen today.

Forge World Executioner

I had a couple of people ask me what the brass triangles on the side of the tank were for so I thought I'd post an early WIP shot of the side skirt armor. I say "early" because this is only about 50% completed... on one side.

I need to bring the back of the support rail up a bit to correct the lay of the bottom line. There will also be secondary supports where the holes in the center of each panel are... assuming I remembered to line them up correctly.

The side skirts are going to get covered in litany text from bow to stern and then appropriately weathered and chipped. I won't be attaching them permanently so that I can get to the tank itself.

Forge World Executioner

My brass panniers came in today and I wasted no time in getting one onto the Executioner!

Of course I also apparently wasted no time in making sure that the edges were square. I'll fix that.

The detail on the engine is from the panniers frame. The bits on the side are cut brass that will form the top half of the side skirt armor rail.

The panniers are, of course, a Secret Weapon product -- and you get EIGHT panniers in three sizes on the frame. Oh yes, I will have a use for these....

New Plastic Ork Deff Dread - Final

My local nerd store was kind enough to pass along another pre-release when I dropped off some Secret Weapon product. I had a technique for oxidized metal that I've been wanting to try and what better model than an Ork dreadnought?

There are things I'd do differently next time - namely the use of brown as a base instead of red - but I'm really happy with the end result.

Forge World Executioner

I spent the weekend detailing this bad boy with the intention of finally entering something into the Games Day competition. Assuming I can justify the air fare expense I plan to make it out this year and take this, and possibly my Empire Steam Tank, with me.

I am processing a set of etched brass panniers that will go on the turret. Once those are on I'll look at adding a whip antenna. I'm also finishing the design of a set of etched brass side skirt armor I plan to add.

The model will be painted in the Krieg greys and then whitewashed for winter camo. I will add wall-to-wall litany text to the side skirt armor.

I plan to make a base of broken cobblestones and urban rubble and will, of course, give the whole thing in a generous coating of snow and mud. Lots of mud.

Blood Angels Venerable Dreadnought

My local nerd store asked me to paint up their plastic Venerable Dreadnought preview and I jumped at the opportunity. With the new Blood Angels codex and models on the horizon I decided it would be an opportunity to play with more red paint.

I still have some work to do - and I desperately need better photos so you can see the chipping - but I have to say that I really, really like the model itself.

It is, of course, standing on a base from Secret Weapon Miniatures because a little plug for my baby company never hurts!

Vostroyan Army: ROUGH RIDERS!

The incredible conversion work was done by John at Santa Cruz Warhammer -- and they have been a real pleasure to paint so far!

Yup, my army is getting Rough Riders. Ten of them at the moment. These five are unbased as I'm working on a set of new bike bases for Secret Weapon Miniatures. The urban series should work quite nicely for these guys - although I may put them on "Runic Mountain" bike bases... we'll see.

The Sergeant will keep the red coat to match the command squad and the rest of the unit will have cream coats to match the infantry. The Sergeant is also on an WFB Empire Outrider horse which turns out to be slightly larger than the stock Rough Rider horse.

I love these models and really couldn't be happier with the conversion work that John did for me. He put in a lot of extra little touches - such as the lens on the Sgt. - that have really kicked these up from Rough Riders to VOSTROYAN ROUGH RIDERS WOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!

Vostroyan Army: First Infantry Squad

I'm nearly finished with the first infantry squad and decided it was time for an update. I've included a close-up shot of the five finished troops and a super zoom of the WIP Sergeant.

Things have been super crazy and I haven't gotten to do as much painting as I would like. I lost my job three weeks ago and have been looking for a new one - and trying to build Secret Weapon - ever since. I'll get some painting done though because I really want to see this squad finished.

I decided to use a red stripe on the left shoulder armor to identify this as the first infantry squad. I'll use similar marks on the other squads so I can tell them apart on the table.

The bases are from my "Urban Streets" line - although these are from the now defunct mold. I'll put the next squad on a set of the new version.

Vostroyan Army: First Finished Infantry

I still have 43 infantry models to complete for my 1k army... but it's nice to have one finished.

The rest of the infantry will look more-or-less like this fella. I'm fairly happy with the end result and like how the snow works with my "Urban Streets" bases.

Vostroyan Army: Infantry Squad 01

I've made a solid start on the first five of my infantry. I still have a long way to go, of course, but given that this is the first time I've seen the colours on anything other than a single test model I'm reasonably pleased.

The melta conversion was made by snipping the end off of a Vostroyan flamer. The flamers will be made using the grenade launcher models - but that will happen later.

There are forty infantry - not counting the Command Squad - which includes four flamers and four meltas. I'd like to have the whole thing completed by the end of March. Between the day job, casting and sculpting that might actually be pushing my timeline a bit tight... but that's the goal all the same.