Averland Steam Tank

One week after launching Secret Weapon Miniatures I started a new day job. I've been so busy that I haven't had much time for painting. Well bugger that!

I get together with a group of folks on most Monday nights to paint and so I finally got back to my Steam Tank. Oh, sure, I did some work on the Imperial Guard Command Squad for my trench base display... but that's beside the point!

There is a lot of work left to be done before this model matches the vision I have for it. I am going to pay special attention to the Engineer sticking out of the top - which will remain removable so I can show off the interior - since he needs to be as weathered as his vehicle.

The base still needs some "wet" mud, a layer of gloss and a bit of additional detailing. I'm happy with how it is coming together though. Likewise all of the body weathering will see some additional work - and I still have to add the decorative elements. So very much left to do.

I'm only taking this model and the Command Squad with me on Monday nights for awhile though. Hopefully this means I'll have another update next week.

Averland Steam Tank - The Base

WIP shots on the base for the steam tank.

The white in the first image is PVA that will dry clear to form a small stream. There are rocks and texture beneath the PVA to add to the effect.

The second shot shows the depth at which the wheels will be submerged in "mud" - an effect that I'll add to by adding more dirt and then coating everything with gloss.

The third image gives a glimpse of the track ruts... and the rough edge of the putty that I still need to file. I moved the model itself to the extreme front of the base so that some of the detail will be visible after I attach the s'tank.

The last photo is a WIP shot of teeny tiny cattails. After the glue dries I'll prime and paint them before adding paper leaves and attaching them to the base around the stream... under the tank. Yup, nearly invisible detailing. Why? Because it should be there.

Averland Steam Tank

I haven't had an opportunity to work on a Warhammer Fantasy piece in a long time and when the plastic Steam Tank came out... well, I've been sitting on this model for awhile. Since I was already working with yellow in the airbrush, and had planned to paint this tank in the black/yellow Averland colours, the time was ripe for Steam Tankage.

The model will eventually be mounted on a base that gives the impression of mud and rain. The idea being a long, drawn out campaign as would have been common for troops on foot and horseback. If I ever get around to an Empire force I'll stick with Averland colours and the same theme.

Nothing is glued down at this point and I have a long way to go before I start making things permanent. I will also make the top removable so that the interior can be fully detailed and visible.