37th/41st Rat Trappers

[Explodingboy]

Right, productive day (if you exclude the bit where I went to college to hear about how much I was failing.)

but I digress, pictures I promised and pictures Lazuli shall have. Was feeling like painting today so I kicked off the second unit and got them too a decent stage (ie finished fatigues and camo)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20337.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20338.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20340.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20339.jpg

I'm pretty happy with the paint job at the moment, tempted to go for a second wash once this one dries as just like the last unit they seem allot lighter at this stage.

[-=Lazuli=-]

I'm at a loss for words. Amazing, can't wait to see them when they are mounted on the bases!

[Magos Errant]

Great lookin' minis, Explodingboy!

[jstalker]

I love the fatigues,
Just wondering, how do you do your skin, its been my biggest weakness

[Explodingboy]

Skin can really be as easy or as hard as you want to make it, Jstalker.

for the flesh on these guardsmen it's simply 50-50 flesh/brown then given a wash of Devlan mud, after wards it's just picking out the highlights with pure flesh.

[Ragsta]

Fantastic shot of the latest squad. I'm seeing a basecoat of bone, then streaks of bubonic and black? The wash really pulls it all together, hot DAMN it's a nice squad!

You have me contemplating camo schemes now, EB, I picked up some varying shades of brown especially!

[-=Lazuli=-]

I like how Explodingboy always gets more replies than me :)

[Rabid Bunny 666]

I bought her ages ago, back when Slough still had a GW, and no manager.. that guy really killed allot of the fun we used to have.

You're a fellow Sluffian too? Cool! I've been watching this blog for a while, i'm really liking the old style Cadians, the camo scheme looks brilliant.

[Explodingboy]

Right semi important update time.

I got allot of painting done, all the metal work is picked out and the second wash finished so it's grenades, eyes and flesh pretty much left to do then I need to do the squad markings on both units and base them all up pretty.

Pictures will follow a little later today (camera finally ran out of battery so it's on charge now)

With two units nearing completion, I find myself in a smallish pickle.. I only have 1 Sargent left now so after a 3rd unit It will only be HW squads and such that I can paint.. I do have some brighter news to go with it though. Thanks to this sites trade forum I should soon be receiving enough metal cadians to almost double/triple what I have at the moment ^_^ they'll be waiting for me in England when I go home in 2 weeks time.

At the same time I'm also closing a second trade for even more Cadians (not as large as the last lot but still decent, and the Last Chancers set. So hopefully I'll be up to my eyeballs in metal Cadians before long (this sounds really bad, but I full metal Cadian army has been one of my longest childhood dreams since I first started playing 40K.)

In regards to the last Chancers though a question appears, do I use Schaffer as the basis for Bastonne/Al-Rayhem or the overall general. I do know however that Shiv will become my new Marbo, Rocketgirl will be part of a HW team, Warrior woman, will most likely turn up in a command squad, Hero with a small conversion shall be a commissar etc

It is also highly likely, pretty much certain now that I will be moving back to England for good after August, so if I vanish for a while that will be the most likely reason. Also the reason why my terrain piece will most likely not get finished as it isn't something that will pack easily.

[Explodingboy]

Right I apologize for the lack of pictures.

I went to the pub instead with a friend and it'll take a lil while before the world stops moving. Watching Evil Dead 2, is not helping mind.. I soo have no idea whats going on but I don't think it's the fault of the booze.

I had a parcel today, the last 3 mortar teams + a few lasgun guardsmen arrived, including another sarge with bolt pistol for me to convert ^_^

Pics will be later on tonight so stay tuned all ( I did get a fair bit done before the pub)

Explodingboy.

[jstalker]

Heh, good ole pub,


Uuuuurgh its 6.18am and I havent slept again, hate working nights,

heh and just realised im replying to your log not posting in mine opps.

The evil dead films are awesome :)
And woo for parcels!

I been thinking about getting the last chancers set for a while now, although money permitting >.< Could be used for so many conversions!

[Explodingboy]

It's not a bad set, although it has resulted in me sitting around arguing with myself that Gaunts Ghosts would make a great Veteran + Forward Sentries unit. I should have 3 already, plus the box set and a few last chancers conversion It is certainly something that could possibly happen. 3 snipers and a missile launcher.

So I would say don't buy them because then the voices start telling you all sort of other things you could buy as well.

pub was fun, because I'll be leaving my mate is determined to have me try everything before I go so it's lots of free drinks. Today I did Tequilla, Mojito?, Gin n Tonic, Irish Whiskey several beers and a few more hard drinks that I can't remember at all .. although one tasted like cake, and thats all I remember.

eye's are all finished and I'm busy working on the flesh so I'll be skipping the update tonight and going for some finished ones in the morning. I'll also be working on casting the big order for monday tomorrow and possibly doing some paint stripping too.

Explodingboy.

[Explodingboy]

Okay I know I said pictures, but I got really distracted and I've had an important question that needs answering so I'm hoping someone here can help me.


http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/images/rk51013.jpg

How big is this thing?
because I'm about 90% sold on getting them to use as Ogryns. A little hack n slash here, new 40K gun, perhaps some imperial bits, and a suitable paint job.

I was looking through the codex, and as much as I semi like the Ogryn models the price is a real turn off, then I got to thinking I should make some sort of walking/armored suit unit, then it dawned on me that Rackham already had exactly what I thinking of doing (and its plastic and cheap.)

So opinions, advice and answers.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Looks Ogryn sized to me, but . GW's not going to let you use it in stores though :)

[Explodingboy]

I'm not likely to be anywhere near a GW store for a while.

Plus I don't see myself actually see myself using Ogryns for the immediate future (I just want something there in case the opportunity comes up.)

In the meantime, the 2nd unit, awaiting bases and badges I'll work on all of that tonight while casting.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20344.jpg

and a few close up shots, of the pretty buggers.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20341.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20342.jpg

and since I haven't actually painted at my desk for.. well ages now I thought I would put an updated work space shot.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20345.jpg

Explodinboy.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Very nice, now a group shot?

[Explodingboy]

i'll base them all before the big group shot.

[Explodingboy]

I'm feeling pretty spiffy tonight.

I got beer, I got good music, and I'm casting resin in a very unventilated room.

if only I had the drugs.

[jstalker]

Whey, sounds like good times!
Looking forward to seeing the group shot of these, wht does the army consist of so far?

[Explodingboy]

completed more or less 2 squads + priest.

To paint.. LOTs of squads, a large number of HW teams, and a non existent army list, I've decided I'll just paint units that I like and see where I end up.

well, that's a minor lie, I will be working with the 2nd edition codex regiment plan (although I'll be mixing armored units into the companies by replacing platoons with vehicle squadrons (in advance, fear Black company It's going to be HW platoons and artillery ^_^)

[Explodingboy]

I HAVE FINISHED!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20346.jpg

more or less 1 HW base to go, but meh, effort, I'll cast it in the morning before taking them all to class to hand over to the buyer for next weeks booze money.

and incase your wondering what my set up looks like for casting voila.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20347.jpg

and this is pretty much all the molds I use at the moment (the terminator ones are still in the draw)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20348.jpg

[Ragsta]

Use Schaeffer as a Bastonne stand in. I'm sure you can convert an excellent overall commander instead ;)

Grats on all those awesome bases,your force will look stonking! The sergeants eyes make him look like he's peeing his pants at the sight of something big n scary!

That robot... Good idea but look at Pig Iron's Wardroids as Ogryn counts as- the scale and options are better. The base on your picture confuses me,I can't make out what scale it is- is it an AT43 model?

Hope the head isn't hurting too much today haha!

[Explodingboy]

yeah, I think Schaeffer will end up as either bastonne or Al-Rayhem, not decided if I'll be including any Veteran units at the moment and an outflanking chimera platoon sounds like a lot of fun at the moment.

For the overall commander I'm currently eyeing up Lord Solar Macharius, with a new head and reposed legs/arms sculpted cape. since I love everything about the figure except his helmet and cape, plus the pose leaves a fair bit to be desired.

yeah, the Sargent eyes, really didn't turn out too well.. still he'll be one of the masses so I'm not too worried about it.

It's an AT43 model yep, the scale is slightly larger than GW from what I can tell, I think it will be somewhere between ogryn/sentinal size so, yeah it's abit undecided at the moment, I do have some spare HW sitting legs that I'm debating modeling into armored pants then with some scratch arms and torso (stealing a regular head) then attempting to cast the parts.. but at the same time it's very adventurous and I'm not sure I'll be able to do it justice.

The head wont hurt if I don't go to sleep. almost 2am and I just stopped playing Guitar Hero.. I was inspired while listening to Jane's Addiction >_>

[Mr Kibbles]

Wow Awesome work on those bases man.

[Explodingboy]

thanks, these aren't for me though I'm selling this set will casting more for myself later on, although I'll probably wait before I've got home before I do the big casting session for my own guard army.

I am however taking any suggestions for the next base design. I'm keen to get myself a small force of space marines that will need extra fancy bases although preferably still tied into this set, I'm thinking of some seriously cracked earth similar to one of the 40mm bases that I already make.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20210.jpg

this one to be exact.

Although there is also the chance of something totally different. I may go raid the modeling shop later this weekend and see what fun things I can come across, I will be making some trench boarding bases in the near future though ( I had an older guard amy trench based that I liked) either way, I'm going to go snap that group shot in a minute since it's in demand so tune back soon.

[Explodingboy]

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20349.jpg

bases will be going tonight when I finish painting the last few, although the HW teams won't be glued down until after squad markings.

[Explodingboy]

and here is the current bases I'm working on.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20350.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20351.jpg

To do, I'll be adding something to the back of the dugout, probably some card/balsa depending on if I want a solid wall or boarding holding it up. Then to finish it all off I plan to put a sandbag or two across the top.

Since I now have 6 mortar teams and rising, I'll probably make a second variant and then cast these ones aswell (although they'll use a ton of resin and I don't want to have to make them too often.

[Magos Errant]

Great job!

[Explodingboy]

thanks for the comment

right all I got french electro pop blaring from the speakers, numerous bottles of Red Stripe, and I need to do something more productive than just trawl through the somewhat disturbing personal ads on Craigslist, so I shall make a wee update instead.

The sale of basis went very well today, and the buyer plans to provide pics later on of his Mordians once hes rebased them. He is also keen to buy more at a later date and reckons that several of his mates may be interested too, so it's all pretty win win right now.

The sales and 3hr casting session last night have inspired me to start seriously thinking about making some new designs, so tomorrow (possibly) I'll be heading down to the hobby shop and looking at all the different plasticard textures and such on sale.. I have a couple of ideas but it really depends on what I can buy.

I've also started work on another project but I'm going to be keeping it under wraps until it's a little more interesting to look at, but rest assured the first stage of green stuffing began tonight but it's fairly slow progress as I'm trying to mentally keep it castable at the same time.

Also dug out Macharius from his box, and I'll be paint stripping him in the near future before I start the conversion.. currently I'm searching for a nice new head for him.

[Mr Kibbles]

Wow awesome updates. The priest looks good.

[Explodingboy]

glad you liked it kibbles, I'm gonna go lie under a table now.

[Explodingboy]

Right all this is my last update for the night, it's err.. 1:40am, so it's an early night for me tonight..

had a wee bit too much too drink, and didn't really get anything done.. been doing a little bit of drawing in regards to the surprise project, and also decided I really dislike the plastic banners, so I'll probably have to sketch a few designs for the 41st and hand paint my own.

I was thinking I may pick up some Mordian models just for the Command HQ, since the idea that the company command would wear dress uniforms rather than fatigues, seems pretty fitting to me at the moment. Especially as Macharius is in some overly fancy pants armor.

I could go into a minor grumble about moving and women and such but, it ended up as being a reasonably therapeutic chat with the old flame, about my mental breakdown, and I'm feeling pretty high right now, and not because I was casting resin in a non ventilated room for once.

so .. addios until the morning, and I'll do abit of work on basing the infantry and such first thing.. plus I may work out an extravagant 41st Blue Company full list, including storm trooper detachment and artillery brigades and such.. I've decided to use the 2nd edition codex Demolisher are only found in infantry companies, never let their little brothers down, and use a squadron to replace a platoon option.

Explodingboy. (pardon me while I go pass out.)

[-=Lazuli=-]

I like the checkered tiles, my Grey knight is getting has some, but not done yet.

[Explodingboy]

I'm glad you liked the checkered tiles, they were an absolute pain to pain which I why I've stopped doing them.

Right I'll be taking a little break from painting today most likely, instead I'm going to work on making some new bases, so adios all I'm going to go put some pants on and venture out into the bright outdoors for the first time in... well ages.

[Ragsta]

Hmmm, Explodingboy's last few messages all trail off in weird looking sentences and references to pants and breakdowns... *Activates Inquisitorial assets in vicinity*

I'm glad you're getting so much interest in your bases- they look good and come out great. Do your homework and networking right and they will be a nice source of pocket money for you- it will help fund your projects!

I hope you got some closure with the ex- any convo you have with women is likely to leave you feeling like ur losing it but hey! it's what they're good at!

Group shot looks impressive, good move painting the priest blue against those brown Guard- you know your colour wheel, my friend!

Keep up the good work. And stop drinking Red Stripe haha!

[Explodingboy]

I'm glad you're getting so much interest in your bases- they look good and come out great. Do your homework and networking right and they will be a nice source of pocket money for you- it will help fund your projects!

That is certainly the plan for the time being. There should be an update later tonight with the beginning of the next batch.


Keep up the good work. And stop drinking Red Stripe haha!

It's alright I'm out, Starting on the Heineken today ;)

[-=Lazuli=-]

Okay Explodingboy, lay off the drinks, becasue I have something for you to do. New ideas for bases. I like pillars on bases. Pic attached. You could put like 1/4 inch (I think) sticking outta base and ones on there side. Perfect for Ultramarines due to there roman look. Kind like this: Except 1 pillar on a base. Easilt made of wedding cake pillars.

Make some and if they are good (they will be!) than I'll buy them. BTW Kobayashi went ovwr today to give the Ultras and siad he liked your bases alot.

[-=Lazuli=-]

I didn't paint that!

[Explodingboy]

I shall see what I can find. I'm working on some urban things at the moment but I'll looks into the pillars next.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Yay.

(Ten characters)

[Explodingboy]

Right, its the pre Green stuff picture time (I'll explain after)

Allot of the inspiration for these is coming from, Alien, and Aliens. At the this stage more from the later but essentially as a terrain piece my mind is working along the concept of take and hold in a water treatment plant, so lots of grates/pipes and chevrons. (hence the semi circle plasticard edging that I've been using)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20355.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20356.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20353.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20354-1.jpg

The last one is the biggest pre green stuff example at the moment, the somewhat ugly holes at both ends will be filled in, in the manner of acid burns (see where the Alien/Aliens, inspiration is coming in ;) )

and I'm stealing this from the GW site as inspiration of how to make it look.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/m390012a_2_Leman_Russ_Demolisher_87.jpg

Right, well I got things to do, and bottles to drink, so next update will most likely be tomorrow unless I answer some replies (because I don't count them as updates)

The next 4, will more likely be the raised options, and then I'll most likely have to crack out the latex.

Explodingboy.

[Mr Kibbles]

Nice work on them.

[Explodingboy]

I feel like such a couch potato right now.. just started the 6th straight episode of Xfiles season 3. I've been stood up by 2 separate people that were supposed to meet up with me today.. actually on second thought make that 3, as someone else was supposed to call me back in a second.. almost 3hrs back now..

It's been one of them days.. also the first time I saw my Ex since the break up.. and lets just say it was not the best of meetings.. at least it was right up until the end. That didn't go so well.

either way I'm digress purely for the need of a rant which hopefully I'll be able to have tomorrow over breakfast so long as the guy I'm supposed to be revising with doesn't skip out on me.

..sorry forgot to stop digressing.

Right, point of post that's what I should probably be making. Tomorrow is my final exam last day of class and all that, which means next Wednesday will be me leaving for my break in Blighty. So at some point I need to start working out what to pack what to keep and what, bearing in mind that what I take will essentially be all I can do for the 3 weeks and If I take it back it won't be coming back to USA with me, so if I take it home I'll be a month at least before I get to see it again.

So It's likely to be all the fun of the fair for another month or two. (and some really expensive parcel shipping to get everything that can't be smuggled in 4 suitcases home)

[Explodingboy]

Right well had some good news from the home front for a change today.

I've got mail.

The first wave of Cadian reinforcements have arrived, so that means if I take some paint home I'll have some painting I could be doing, in the form of;

3 Lascannon blisters
2 Autocannon blisters.
6 Sergeant/special weapon blisters,
(3 sarges bolt pistols, 3 sarges swords, 3 meltas, 3 flamers).
8 Infantry blisters - 21 lasguns, 3 Commlinks.
All this stuff new in sealed blisters!

4 more sergeants, 3 loose 1 built.
1 Autocannon built.
2 Missile teams, one loader missing.
3 other loaders built.
15 lasguns built, 2 Commlinks built.
3 Lasguns loose, 1 melta loose 1 plasma loose.

So that is a big thanks to Grubthegrot, who saw my post in the trade subforum. Someday I'll be cool and have a huge guard army just like Light of the Emperors Vossie force.

[jstalker]

Whey, thats awesome news nice lil haul,
The bases look pretty cool and i look forward to seeing the acid damage!

[Explodingboy]

Whey, thats awesome news nice lil haul,
The bases look pretty cool and i look forward to seeing the acid damage!

you think thats good, I just came across 3 Cadian mortar teams, in blister packs..

If they're still present in the morning I may have to break down and buy them too.

As to the bases, I was really lazy today and haven't got any more progress made, but I should do some this weekend ( I think I'm at the pub tomorrow after finals but I can't be certain, it may have been friday..)

[-=Lazuli=-]

Cool Bases.

[Explodingboy]

well I broke down,

that's 9 mortar teams now. So about half of my target number.

I was working on the Regimental list, and I'm stuck at company commanders.. I have no idea what figure to use, I'm considering some old commissars with head swaps at the moment.

But I wouldn't mind some suggestions for what to include in a Cadian Infantry Regiment, I'm debating combining all the 3 codex editions that I have at the moment, using the chart in the 2nd edition when it comes to the flow chart set up.

The plan is to replace one rifle company with a Grenadier company, since Cadians are supposed to keep their own storm troopers. I'm considering replacing another Infantry company with Veterans.. although that's a little bit space marine first company, the way IG regiments are supposed to be re built I think leaves the possibility of a veteran core still existing.

When it comes to the Inf companies themselves, I'll be using the 2nd edition Demolisher fluff to replace platoons with a Tank, and my Al Rayhem would use the talk that armored fist units replace platoons, so He'll be a company commander leading a small armored column,

Finally, as everyone should know the IG platoon is 2-5 squads, I'll be making all of mine 3-4 squad strong, since 25 men seems like a cop out.

[Gen.Steiner]

But I wouldn't mind some suggestions for what to include in a Cadian Infantry Regiment, I'm debating combining all the 3 codex editions that I have at the moment, using the chart in the 2nd edition when it comes to the flow chart set up.

A Regiment under the 2nd Edition TO&E would look something like this:

Regimental HQ - Attached Advisors, Recon Company, Grenadier Company

1 Battalion HQ - White, Red, Blue Companies

2 Battalion HQ - Black, Yellow, Green Companies

Armoured units come from outside the Regiment and are attached on an ad-hoc basis, ditto Stormtroopers, Rough Riders, Ogryns, Ratlings, Squats, Beastmen, and Techpriests. If you must have integral armour support then Demolishers, Hellounds and Griffons are pretty much what you're limited to, although most Regiments will have a Recon Company consisting of 9 Sentinels with a Commander in a Salamander. Some replace the walkers with scout units, snipers, and other foot infantry (notably the Tanith 1st).

If you are going down the route of integral armour, then each battalion has a Support vehicle Company:

'A' Troop: 3 Demolishers
'B' Troop: 3 Hellhounds
'C' Troop: 3 Griffons

Their O/C will either be in a Salamander Command Vehicle or a Leman Russ, depending on how tooled up you want your Regiment to be.

At any rate, your companies will look like this:

White Company:
White Platoon: Command (Captain, Vox, Medic, 2 Guardsmen), Fire Support (3 HB/3 AC), Anti-Tank (3LC/3 ML), Mortar (3 Mortars)
Red Platoon
Blue Platoon
Yellow Platoon
Black Platoon
Green Platoon

Each Platoon then consists of:

Red Squad (Command): Lt, 4 Guardsmen (usually Vox, Medic, special + rifle OR heavy weapon)
Red 1: Sgt, 9 Guardsmen
Red 2: Sgt, 9 Guardsmen
Red 3: Sgt, 9 Guardsmen

Technically a full-strength Platoon will also have two more squads, but few Regiments will be at full, paper strength and would vary in strength from two to four squads.

So, in total, you have:

6 Rifle Companies, 1 Grenadier Company, 1 Recon Company and 2 Armoured Companies split into two Battalions led, respectively, by the Regiment's Lieutenant-Colonel and its Major. So a full TO&E looks like this:

Rgt HQ (Colonel) - Grenadier Coy (Capt), Recon Coy (Capt)
1 Battalion (Lt.Col) - White, Red, Blue Companies (Captains), 1 Support (Capt)
2 Battalion (Maj) - Black, Yellow, Green Companies (Captains), 2 Support (Capt)

Assume a full-strength unit, that's 30 rifle platoons each of 55 men (1,650) plus a Grenadier Company of 275 men, a Recon Company of 12 men and 10 vehicles, 2 tank companies totalling 20 support tanks and roughly 90 crew, and various command platoons and elements totalling about 230 men (ten command platoons of 23 men each) for... drumroll...

A Regiment of 2,257 Officers, NCOs, and Other Ranks plus 9 Walkers, 3 Salamanders, 6 Demolishers, 6 Hellhounds and 6 Griffons.

And, I might add, that TO&E fits perfectly with Guard background from 2nd to 5th Editions and is the result of MANY hours spent puzzling over the size of the 'average' Guard Regiment in order to create my own crusades, Regiments, worlds, and Sector. May it help you too! :D

EDIT:

2 Regiments (4 Battalions) = 1 Brigade
3 Brigades (6 Regiments/12 Battalions) = 1 Division
3 Divisions (18 Regiments/36 Battalions) = 1 Corps
3 Corps (54 Regiments/108 Battalions) = 1 Army
3 Armies (162 Rgts/324 Batts) = 1 Army Group
3 Army Groups (486 Rgts/972 Batts) = 1 Front
3 Fronts = 1 Front Group
3 Front Groups = 1 Conquest Group
1+ Conquest Groups = A Crusade! :p

[Explodingboy]

Now that's what I like to see.

The reason for the Demolisher, is in the description for them in the 2nd edition book as being "The demolisher is an infantry support vehicle not fielded by armoured companies at all." So by that description it seems pretty integrated to me.

and the shift of Hvy/special weapon squads from command to platoon, is annoying (especially as they removed HW platoons :( ) But I plan to stick to the book here and write them down as a platoon option with 2 inf support squads (I'm currently thinking of getting the greenstuff out here and adding the padding seen on the Griffon crews to all)

So the plan is to make the full Blue company to start with.

Company Command - advisors, 4 guardsmen

Red Platoon cmd: Lt, 4 guardsmen
Red 1: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Red 2: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Red 3: sgt, 9 guardsmen

Green Platoon cmd: Lt, 4 guardsmen
Green 1: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Green 2: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Green 3: sgt, 9 guardsmen

Blue Platoon cmd: Lt, 4 guardsmen
Blue 1: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Blue 2: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Blue 3: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Blue 4: sgt, 9 guardsmen

Black Platoon cmd: Lt, 4 guardsmen
Black 1: 6 guardsmen - Mortars
Black 2: 6 guardsmen - Mortars
Black 3: 6 guardsmen - Mortars
Black 4: sgt, 9 guardsmen
Black 5: sgt, 9 guardsmen

Attached armour:
3 Demolishers
3 Griffons


Going by the chart in 2nd book, Platoons are replaced by armoured fist units, which don't really exist anymore, so for the Recon company, I'm thinking of taking a single mechanized platoon plus a few sentinels.

*Edit* and just for clarity, currently I have all the models for Red, blue and black platoon, and with the things that have just arrived and on order I should be able to complete Green platoon, and possibly reinforce them all by a unit or two.

[Gen.Steiner]

Now that's what I like to see.

Thanks! :D

the plan is to make the full Blue company to start with ...

Attached armour:
3 Demolishers
3 Griffons

Urm. Blue Company would have one Demolisher and one Griffon, with the other vehicles attached at the same ratio to Red and White companies; there'd also be a Hellhound. Otherwise you'd have a massive armour presence (6 vehicles/company gives you 36 tanks)!

Otherwise, that all sounds good. My only other real quibble would be with your heavy weapon units - I'd collect them as part of the Command Platoon, but field them in 40K games as being attached to Inf Platoons. Does that make sense? So they'd have shoulder insignia of Command Platoon members (a solid Blue disc with a white C in this company's case) but be deployed with, say, Red Platoon (who wear split Red/Blue discs with white C/1/2/3/etc in the middle).

[Explodingboy]

Urm. Blue Company would have one Demolisher and one Griffon, with the other vehicles attached at the same ratio to Red and White companies; there'd also be a Hellhound. Otherwise you'd have a massive armour presence (6 vehicles/company gives you 36 tanks)!

I think I see what you mean there.. hmm, will have to ponder that one.

I was thinking allong the lines that allot of the Imperial layout works along the lines of combat efficiency so 1 super heavy = 1 company/regiment of inf. So 1 Demolisher would replace 1 platoon, so blue company white, would be a demolisher instead of the platoon.

The main reason for saying 3 demolishers is simply full strength unit.. in regards to tanks themselves I'm still very un-finalized, The reason for excluding the hellhound.. I just don't care for it particularly. While the Griffon was included because it's such a light artillery piece I would be surprised if it didn't appear in the same way as a demolisher (plus it has the metal cadian kit so bonus points for keeping everything in order.)


Otherwise, that all sounds good. My only other real quibble would be with your heavy weapon units - I'd collect them as part of the Command Platoon, but field them in 40K games as being attached to Inf Platoons. Does that make sense? So they'd have shoulder insignia of Command Platoon members (a solid Blue disc with a white C in this company's case) but be deployed with, say, Red Platoon (who wear split Red/Blue discs with white C/1/2/3/etc in the middle).

I see what you mean, this idea certainly is running more in line with A; the codex layout (which is a pain as I can't take a pure HW platoon anymore) B; The idea of a support platoon in the same sense that the Space marine.. 9th? company is 10 devastator units.

[Gen.Steiner]

If you wanted to find something to replace the Hellhound, I'd probably plump for something like ... errr ... Oh, how about the Thunderer? It's another Demolisher Cannon, but in more of an assault gun format. Or perhaps a Punisher Russ? Something that'll support infantry and that wouldn't really be found in an armoured Regiment.

As far as the Demolisher replacing a platoon idea goes, the 2nd Ed Codex has them as Platoon attachments - IIRC, you could have one for every line inf squad (in theory). So it'd be more along the lines of:

Blue Company has an attached Demolisher from Battalion, which is then further attached to White Platoon (which is a mere 25 men strong due to combat loss, and thus needs the armour support more than Green Platoon, which has 45 men).

[Explodingboy]

If you wanted to find something to replace the Hellhound, I'd probably plump for something like ... errr ... Oh, how about the Thunderer? It's another Demolisher Cannon, but in more of an assault gun format. Or perhaps a Punisher Russ? Something that'll support infantry and that wouldn't really be found in an armoured Regiment.

can't say I'm sold on the punisher.. hv20 still seems more novelty than practical. The Thunderer would be an option, but I'm trying to keep everything army list able still without digging into the IA books.


As far as the Demolisher replacing a platoon idea goes, the 2nd Ed Codex has them as Platoon attachments - IIRC, you could have one for every line inf squad (in theory). So it'd be more along the lines of:

Blue Company has an attached Demolisher from Battalion, which is then further attached to White Platoon (which is a mere 25 men strong due to combat loss, and thus needs the armour support more than Green Platoon, which has 45 men).

I see, So what would that mean in terms of the tank markings though, these are really the bigger part of the issue at hand for me.. The biggest part of the constant shuffling of units is in preparation of painting all the marking and badges.

Would the tank bear the white stripe as part of white platoon, or would it still be marked purely at battalion level

[Gen.Steiner]

can't say I'm sold on the punisher.. hv20 still seems more novelty than practical. The Thunderer would be an option, but I'm trying to keep everything army list able still without digging into the IA books.[quote]

That's fair enough. How about a Hydra, then? Integral AAA plus the ability to punish infantry and light vehicles (especially skimmers)... always good!

[QUOTE=Explodingboy;3858682]Would the tank bear the white stripe as part of white platoon, or would it still be marked purely at battalion level

It'd be marked at Battalion level.

[Explodingboy]

Now the Hydra, there's a tank I actually would plan to include at some point in time.

Right. I think It's time for me to crack out the paint brush again today, and actually add some numbers to both almost finished units.

[Mr Kibbles]

Wow this is gonna look great Explodingboy, with all the numbers. Do u want to look at my updated log?

[Explodingboy]

I'll swing by there next, might even need to get some pointers from you in regards to writing some fluff for this coming project.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/Picture002.jpg

I know what I'll be doing when I get home next wednesday. do you?

[Mr Kibbles]

Oooh, sounds interesting! ;) Count me in!

My god who did you have to kill to get a hold of all those old cadians?

[Explodingboy]

and I'll have another lot still to come about half that size before long. Including the last chancers.

The plan is that every officer, should be named. and if possible, Sgt too, and names really aren't my strong point.

[Mr Kibbles]

Do you want to give them anglo-sounding names that have been corrupted (IE using Kris instead of Chris, Mkdouglas instead of McDouglas?) And are they gonna be based from american or british military roots?

[Explodingboy]

Do you want to give them anglo-sounding names that have been corrupted (IE using Kris instead of Chris, Mkdouglas instead of McDouglas?)

Well, I'm going Cadian, so if anyone knows the GW stratergy that results in Ursarkar Creed, Jarran Kell, Bastonne, and Pask

I'd want to try and stay within that guide.


And are they gonna be based from american or british military roots?

sorry you lost me on this bit.

[Mr Kibbles]

Well are you going to make them like US army or british army?

[Gen.Steiner]

The plan is that every officer, should be named. and if possible, Sgt too, and names really aren't my strong point.

That's easy: type 'random name generator' into google!

[Mr Kibbles]

Yeah do that. Are you boycotting my thread Explodingboy? ;)

[Explodingboy]

I dont; think so I vbelive iI"m just rather durnk right now..

been drinking for .. 6hrs now witht mates. and new guy just met, very comservative... fun conversations and all..


had intteresting day with ex... mahy go pass out now..


sprry.

[Mr Kibbles]

LOL. I can tell from all the spelling mistakes your making. I really want to go to a teenage drinking party this one weekend later.

EDIT: I checked on my phone and it says its like 2:41am where u are (California right?)

[Explodingboy]

I think there is only one way to start this..

OH God, It hurts,, everywhere,
Lazuli, don't drink.. it's not smart or clever.

Kibbles, not california.. one state up, Oregon. This wasn't a teenage drinking party, that was Thursday night.. no this was worse, this was my best mate and his Ex army buddies this was real drinking night. Free booze all night for being the token English guy, so I have trouble with keeping to my limits when I don't have any.

2:41am.. sounds about right all I know was I stumbled home and fell in bed, apparently I made it to the internet sometime in between. :eyebrows:
It does mean the 6hrs thing was a lie, It was closer to 8 or 9.

also had my first and second ever smoke. I felt like feckin Hannibal, with my Cigar last night, allot of fun, lungs hate me now aswell as liver though.. although strangely enough the dry smoked lungs make me feel like I just walked home from school along London rd,

I think I ought to go to 7/11 and get feel good food/drink now.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Dang Explodingboy!

Okay, I'm not drinking OR smoking EVER. You to Mr. Kibbles.

[Explodingboy]

I think it's too late for Kibbles.

he's Australian.

I could really go for another cigar right now though, almost mid day and it all still hurts.. beds getting really uncomfy though so I'll actually have to move an do stuff now.. might go to the library an look for a film or similar.

[Gen.Steiner]

I trust you won a few hands of Emperor's Castle during all the drinking... ;)

[Explodingboy]

I won all 3 games of chess, despite my opponents best attempts to get me very drunk.

[Explodingboy]

okay, I've not painted anything, I got a 3rd unit prepped to go, but oh dear lord do I hurt..

the hangover is gone, and instead my right shoulder has seized up.

and, I'll be heading out soon to go meet up with them all again. Lets see if I can remain the undefeated chess champion.

[Mr Kibbles]

Nah I'm never gonna smoke but I want to drink.

[Ragsta]

I dont; think so I vbelive iI"m just rather durnk right now..

been drinking for .. 6hrs now witht mates. and new guy just met, very comservative... fun conversations and all..

had intteresting day with ex... mahy go pass out now..

sprry.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA *pants for breath*

Sorry, mate, but that has to be one of the funniest messages I've seen in ages :)

Your plans for the Guard look interesting indeed, and it's cool that you have the models for most of what you want to do already. Are you going to be starting a new thread for the project or keeping it here?

I need to stop drinking too. Tell myself that every Sunday :angel:

[jstalker]

I cant remember the last time I drank,
University starts up again soon however and for some reason unbeknownst to me I ran for Welfare officer for the students union and got it. Means I need to make myself know during freshers fortnight! Going to be a fun two weeks of hangover afterwards (I cant wait)

I look forward to seeing the 3rd squad!

[Explodingboy]

Right, well I'm working on the next unit, pics will follow later tonight or in the morning.. as at some point I need to do some cleaning before my holiday.

In other news and more the reason for this post.. I broke down and bought more of ebay.
1 boxed Griffon, so that is even more of the guard support units taken care of.

[Explodingboy]

guess what I took all of 3 seconds to decide upon and pre order

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat180018a&prodId=prod210009a

I've been waiting so long for this, I loved playing the last edition, it was the reason I started playing 40k, and the blood angels look.. so dammed nice, that I think I just settled on which space marine chapter will be making up my guards reinforcement list.

now I really have to get cracking on some more urban bases!

[tcraigen]

I think alot of people had that thought today

[-=Lazuli=-]

Hey Explodingboy,

wanna buy one for a poor kid? :)

[Explodingboy]

haha, I don't even want to think about how much I've spent on this hobby of late..

although I can tell you know stockpiling all these metal cadians hasn't been cheap. I'm also watching more parts on ebay at the moment, several squads and a number of assembled Griffon tanks (because lets face, why take 1 artillery piece when you can take multiple squadrons. especially at 75pts a go.)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20358.jpg

and here we have the 3rd unit just to prove how slow I can paint.. since it was about 3 days ago I mentioned having assembled and primed them and in all that time so far I've managed to dry brush Dheneb Stone.

Explodingboy.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Wash them with Thraka Green now, they will look cool, I swear, I've done it before (not on ig however)

[Explodingboy]

got to add the camo before I start adding washes, helps bring all the colours together.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Nooo! If you wash Thraka Green at this stage they'll look like the LoTR ghosts :)

[Explodingboy]

sorry I had to post this when I saw what was in my post box this morning.

apparently Lazuli your not the only one who has issues with finding the right size box for mailing.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20359.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20360.jpg

[Mr Kibbles]

Wow Nice work. Yeah they'll probs look great with Thraka Green wash, or maybe even Delvan Mud wash(?)

[Explodingboy]

they are washed with Delvan mud, its the last step in the painting process.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Lol, that only had three blisters! Explodingboy always gets huge boxes.

[Gen.Steiner]

You'd better not buy up the world's supply of 2nd Edition metal Cadians, you git. :p I've still got most of a 1,500 point army to get (currently I only own a 2nd Ed scale force, basically a platoon plus some tanks).

[Mr Kibbles]

lol. Lets hope he doesn't for your sake.

[Explodingboy]

You'd better not buy up the world's supply of 2nd Edition metal Cadians, you git. :p I've still got most of a 1,500 point army to get (currently I only own a 2nd Ed scale force, basically a platoon plus some tanks).

Well. once I have a full regiment, I'll probably take a break or a change of direction for abit ;)

More seriously, I reckon I have a full companies worth (I'll have a list up right after I get home and count out the newer bits) right now, so the plan is to get it all painted up, then work on an armoured company, and some big gun support. possibly then a company or units attached from different sources.

In other news, today was spent tidying and attempting to clear some food from the fridge, and I'll be begining the job of packing my suitcase once this post is over.

I did do a very small bit of modeling last night, made a start on the 4th sgt conversion now.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/41st/SSL20365.jpg
fairly obvious alterations made, and it no secret that the new joints/neck are still in need of some green stuff.

well I shall bid you all farewell, and next time I post I'll be in Blighty.. or I may get bored before then and post later tonight first thing tomorrow.. just you know, keeping my options open as I'm prone to time wasting.

[Shrapnel]

Bon Voyage, Slán abhaile, Safe home.

Looking forward to seeing more great stuff when you get back this side of the atlantic.

[Mr Kibbles]

Cool I like the sergeant.

[Explodingboy]

Right well it's 11:20am, I leave for the airport in 30-40mins..

and I still haven't packed my case yet, I did however finish watching season 3 of the Xfiles last night so score!

I probably should be packing rather than posting but, I really haven't worked out what to take home yet, I threw some random clothes, toothbrush, passport, wallet, and since then I've been pretty much stumped. Can't decide if I should take paints back with me or buy new ones when I arrive..

I really hate traveling, and also.. does anyone know where Colorado is because I can't find it for the life of me on a map.. but that's where my changeover is..

[-=Lazuli=-]

Colorado?
http://medicaltranscriptionsservice.com/images/us-map-colorado.gif

If you take paints on the plane squeeze the lid shut and thight as possible and put them speretly in small plastic bags in case the air pressure does get to them and the explode, shouldn't be a problem if you squeese the lids, but baggie just in case so they get all over your stuff.

[Explodingboy]

.. no way..

I thought Colorado was north east of Oregon.. no wonder I got confused looking for it..

[Gen.Steiner]

So you're only going to buy over two thousand Cadians? :p

[jstalker]

lol
I knew you had big plans but that big?

That seargent looks damned swish tho!

[Gen.Steiner]

I thought I was a loony for aiming to collect an under-strength half-Regiment of Traitors and another of Loyalists... this madman's going for a full-strength Regiment! Insanity!

[Explodingboy]

Right all, I'm finally at my destination,, and oh dear lord it was not fun.

Denver airport seems allot like a shopping mall with planes, and the drive from Heathrow to Worcester, is really uncalled for after 11hrs sitting on a plane.

I did make a short stop in Windsor, and dropped by the GW, so I have all the paints I'll be needing to carry on with the guard.. I did unfortunately not pack my hobby knife and glue so progress won't begin until I've made it into Worcester for more supplies.

I'll have an update later on with some pictures, of really old favorites of mine that emerged during the move, but first I'm going to go dig through the cupboard for the rest of my war gaming stuff that was still in England.

as a final note though, I didn't sleep on the plane, or the night before leaving, and currently have no concept of time right now.. I'm not sure if it's today or I'm in tomorrow...

jet lag sucks.

[-=Lazuli=-]

Haha, Jet Lag, I just read an article on how to avoid that :)

[Explodingboy]

Here is a quick double with pictures that I mentioned last night.. yesterday..

First up I'll do the orks, these two ended up on show in GW slough ages back, and where probably my first go at cloak making, using the pva and tissue that was seen at the beginning of this log, I was planning a small army at the time.. and you never know someday I may come back to them.. because they were a lot of fun.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20366.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20367.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20368.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20369.jpg

I have a couple more of them but need to get some glue and make repairs before they can appear in photos, there is also a box full of orks and bits which might have a few more completed commando orks but well I haven't found it yet (there is LOTS of unpacking still to be done.)

[Gen.Steiner]

You still haven't answered the question of "collecting 2,000 men" :p

[Explodingboy]

and here is a few of my favorite imperial figures.

First up the marine captain, started as part of conversion spree, and at the time that I was getting to grips with green stuff, hence the armour modifications, and ammo belt, it's based of the emporers champion and for the life of me I don't know why I cut the head off because its a lovely model,

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20372.jpg

next up is the guardsmen, first up a couple of metals, 1 tanith and 1 cadian conversion that I'm really chuffed to have found because he'll be becoming a LT in the new force, and the tanith may make an appearance as veterans if I get hold of some more, again, these are just a couple of really nice sculpts and the guardian head works really well on the old metal cadians, and it's been a favorite simple conversion for some time.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20375.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20376.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20374.jpg

Finally for the time being, one of those bitz box mash ups, that ended up being another favorite, I had a couple of others but they're currently missing so this is the only one, he was going to be part of a kill team I was working on, and is actually being remade in the US as we speak as the final unit for the 37th when I get the time, I absolutely love the sentinel drivers body and that was pretty much the entire inspiration for the conversion itself. The paint job itself was an experiment with extreme highlighting, which I have to say is allot of fun and fast, gives a nice cartoony effect.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20370.jpg


well that's all for now, If I turn up the boxes I may have another update later but I still need the glue and such first, before I can start on anything new. I did however find a certain box of goodies that I was looking for and as such will be my super secret surprise piece for this holiday, and to ensure I have it finished in time it's also my top priority on the painting table.

Explodingboy.

[Explodingboy]

You still haven't answered the question of "collecting 2,000 men" :p

stop ninjaing my double post!

in answer though, I have a company on the go at the moment, then I'll be taking a break (aka Armoured company) before ideally acquiring more cadians.

[Gen.Steiner]

So you're not planning on buying the Regiment all in one go then :p

I love your Captain, by the way, although good luck getting hold of the Tanith. GW doesn't sell the blister pack of infantry any more, which is a right pain. They do sell the box with Gaunt, tho'.

[Explodingboy]

Well the plan for the tanith would be the box set, guant as Bastonne perhaps, otherwise, Rocket girl with green stuff cape and then I have 2 ghosts at the moment so with the set, I'd just need a couple more to have a Veteran forward recon squad.

and I just took this quick pic to show why I can't find anything.. I'm looking for a rhino box full or orks/tau etc, and a chaos warrior box containing all my fantasy bits.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20378.jpg

[Klaus, not Santa]

Oups!
Victim of a bomb attack?
*lol*

[-=Lazuli=-]

Very good stuff, the Ork guys are very cool. I like the sentinel driver and his highlights alot too.

[jstalker]

Glad to hear you made it there alright, welcome back to sunny ole england.

Those are some very nice conversions! love the tanith models

[Explodingboy]

Victory!!

I found the 40K box at last, it had ended up in the garage, hence the reason it didn't turn up when I finished clearing the bedroom, which since last pictured, now looks far more presentable and, at the same time was a shocking revelation that I have almost just as many DVD's and CD's still in the UK as I do in the states which I honestly didn't expect.. (I thought I had everything bar 1 shelf state side)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20379.jpg

and in a second dash of brilliance, apparently I had forgotten that not only did I own 2 platoons of GZG figures, I had in fact only recently .. ie:less than 3yrs ago, repainted one force and completely paint stripped the second so they're good to get started on asap.

So Jihad, this is more or less entirely a post for you to feast your eyes on, and It also turns out that we were wrong, (I have found my GZG catalog too) I have Oceanic and New Swabian, not New Israeli like we previously thought.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20380-1.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20381-1.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20382-1.jpg

and finally, the Oceanic, currently or previously, I was mid test scheming, so if anyone has a favorite out of two now is the time to vote for it.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20383-1.jpg

another update to come soon.

[Explodingboy]

and its the final blast from the past update now.

first up my Black leigon, had just over 2000pts, and it's probably my oldest painted army, just a quick shot of a couple of models to show, how naive a painter I used to be, highlighting black by dry brushing silver

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20385-1.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20386-1.jpg

Khorne bezerkers, some of my favorite models, and the source of some of the best helmets for any marine once you shave off the side bits.

Next up is a quick pic of my Tau, weighed in at 1500pts, and was essentially the last army I actually finished, the aim was farsight enclave, hence the darker colour scheme that is normal for Tau.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20387-1.jpg

and this is the pic, of the newer colour scheme, that I was starting to repaint several units in

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20384-1.jpg

right well that about does it for now, waiting for a spot of sun then I'll be out base coating some new figures to paint, and if I find some Simple Green you never know, maybe I'll repaint some of the tau and chaos one day.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

very nice work

[Ragsta]

I really enjoyed your showcasing models over the last pages, hope moving back in has not proved too stressful!

Thanks for showing the GZG mins, I like what u did with the NSL but recommend you look elsewhere for a scheme for the OUDF. Hey! Maybe UN colours hahaha!

Sorry I've been so quiet- motivation very low at the moment. You appear to have bought your own weight in miniatures recently- I look forward to seeing some TANKS on these pages.

I don't trust that cat by the way. Seriously.

[Explodingboy]

Hey Jihad, good to hear from you.

Currently this is my little vacation, the stressful move is still to come. This trip is my learn the new area, see what I think and then decide what I want to do next.. and I've come, I've seen, it's very pretty but little chance of any work, but at the same time, there is little chance of me passing college so it's about 90% likely that I'll be moving back to the UK permanently in a month and abit.

Currently I'm not very sold on either OUDF schemes either, they were done some time ago, I don't mind the blue it was Starship Troopers inspired, but I don't have the colours to redo it anyway, so expected some more test shots next week.

.. yeah.. about that.. tanks.. might be quite a wait.. I have about 4-5 boxes of various infantry figures from different systems, companies, scales etc.. and 1 Rhino which probably won't see the painting table for some time to come. (still need to finish Orkifying it.) and the only other tank on order is the Griffon which as of yet is still to arrive.

feel free to distrust the cat, there are 2 here, my sisters kittens (seriously less than a year old and they're both huge) but they hate me at the moment, it's the first time I've been home since she got them.. and the ginger one was warming up too until I pushed him of my bed last night when I needed to go sleep.. he has avoid me all day since.

Well. onto the meat of the update, I was actually pretty productive today, went to the village and got some super glue, and my super secret project has come allong way, in the sense that I could of had it finished and presented by tomorrow.. but alas we run aground upon the last part of my update.

I'll be gone until err, Tuesday? I believe as we spend several days at the farm with my Granddad and other assorted countryside relatives, so no internets and .. most likely no painting, I may take something with me to do in the evenings but I'm not decided yet.

and I thought about a WIP shot, but decide to be mean and make you wait for the finished item (although I'll be showing it pre-based, because I don't really have the means to hand to do that part at the moment.)

so anyhow, hope you'll enjoy, might be some more Orks appearing in the near future because I found a few conversions, I wouldn't mind finishing and certainly expect more Cadians, GZG, and because variety is nice, perhaps a couple of cheeky fantasy models that I discovered.

Explodingboy.

[Mr Kibbles]

Wow I'm liking your progress, esp. on those guardsmen and marine. Its a shame i haven't updated my log.

[Unstable Gelatin]

I love how u did the cadian torso flak armour. Did u sand the two breast plates down?

[Explodingboy]

Right, I'm about halfway home now.. somewhere outside of Newbury at my sisters place, depending on when we leave I'll be at the house in a couple of hours, and then it's unveiling of the big suprise piece.

I did take it with me and got a good bit of painting done too in the evenings. Ended up in GW Eastbourne yesterday afternoon and bought a few more pots of paint.

Unstable, I'm assuming your asking about the plastics, and yes I did shave down the breast plates because I really don't care for them.

So tune in later for the unveiling of my super secret project that I've been working on, and then I'll probably make a start on some GZG figures tomorrow, fingers crossed for nice weather.

Explodingboy.

[Ragsta]

Is it a robotic girlfriend? Or maybe a stomach pump for all that drinking you've been doing? Ooh ooh! It's a a water painting isn't it? Hehehe :P

[Explodingboy]

you've not got it yet, although the water painting doesn't sound like a bad idea, I see my self as a more abstract artist though.. so It would more likely be throwing things at a wall draped canvas to express my displeasure with the failing economy and social unrest in the lower worchester area, and the internal angst of leaving ones homeland against his will.
(trick 1 to selling art, make it sound important, most paintings are sold by title rather than content)

Apologies and all are probably in order, I did say pictures would be coming but, the journey took longer than planned and I haven't got any decent lighting, so tomorrow it will have to be.

I was sorting through my boxes of bits, and I've found a couple of things I may work on sooner or later, and a few bits I may try to flog (21 savage orks with command anyone?) but ultimately, I've just been having a bad day as usual, so this will be my ranty post instead.

I spent allot of last night talking to my Aunt, spent the weekend at her house and neither of us sleep much. and taking all things into consideration, I really don't like the area my parents moved into much, I came back because life in Oregon was too isolated, and instead of returning to my much loved Slough where every corner is the start of a new town.. I'm in the middle of total nothing.. It's 25mins to walk to the corner store, there are about 6 houses in the village and by car it's about 40mins to town, and of course as a can't drive wont drive person here, it's really not going to work.

This really is a place to take holidays, not somewhere to live, and after talking to my Aunt, it's clear that I will probably be better off, trying to complete the degree, rather than leaving it semi done.. which leads to the new dilemma, I have this distinct feeling that my mum especially is very keen for me to move home.. in that she doesn't stop talking about it, and it doesn't seem like any attempt to say that I would like to try and finish my course is registering at the moment.

Then of course there is still everything to sort out with the ex, because after 2 an something years.. I think I'm understanding what I did wrong to lose her, and I'm currently semi kicking myself that it's taken now to see what a good thing I let slip away.

Explodingboy. (this is seriously the loudest keyboard I've ever typed on..)

[Ragsta]

FINISH YOUR DEGREE. That is my adsvice, leave that part of your life with something concrete.

You're what, 21 years old? Tearing yourself up over a girlfriend of 2 years is understandable but hang on one second- you were going to marry this girl at 21? Or at least contemplating it... By all means get it straight in your head but this is not a priority for you. Hope that doesn't offend, it isn't meant to but I'm an old(er) fart and kind of know what I'm talking about. Kind of.

Your mum loves ya and doesn't want you gone but mate, GO and finish that degree! They live in the middle of nowhere cos they like it- good for them. You will in time come to appreciate it but not at 21 no way haha!

I wish I had some more new pictures to show you up with but sadly I don't. Oh well, I plastered these pages with Agony Uncle spam instead!

[Shrapnel]

Not my place to coment, as I don't know you or all your circumstances, but if it was me, I'd finish the degree. You've come this far in it and to stop with nothing to show for it would be a waste of your own time. You won't get that back.

[Explodingboy]

Agony uncle spam is always appreciated, and Shrapnel, your more than welcome to comment I found out some time ago that I prefer the advice of total strangers rather than having to get actual friends involved especially if a situation involved someone else they know well.

So I thought originally, to try and keep this slightly more professional and stick to just the modeling but its sort of my little place to vent every now and again.

The weather has been horrible all day so still no pic, but the forecast looks good for tomorrow, I tired some shots indoors but they all turned up very orange thanks to the house decor.

[-=Lazuli=-]

FINISH YOUR DEGREE. That is my adsvice, leave that part of your life with something concrete.

You're what, 21 years old? Tearing yourself up over a girlfriend of 2 years is understandable but hang on one second- you were going to marry this girl at 21? Or at least contemplating it... By all means get it straight in your head but this is not a priority for you. Hope that doesn't offend, it isn't meant to but I'm an old(er) fart and kind of know what I'm talking about. Kind of.

Your mum loves ya and doesn't want you gone but mate, GO and finish that degree! They live in the middle of nowhere cos they like it- good for them. You will in time come to appreciate it but not at 21 no way haha!

I wish I had some more new pictures to show you up with but sadly I don't. Oh well, I plastered these pages with Agony Uncle spam instead!


Not my place to coment, as I don't know you or all your circumstances, but if it was me, I'd finish the degree. You've come this far in it and to stop with nothing to show for it would be a waste of your own time. You won't get that back.


What I've been trying to tell you! As a 14 year old, you are not setting a good example :) You could get more metal Cadians if you get a cool job.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

Get the degree it will work out for you in the long run.

[Explodingboy]

As a 14 year old, you are not setting a good example :)

I like to think I make the mistakes so you don't have too.

Right got some quick pics of my weekend masterpiece.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20396.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20397.jpg

:D

[Explodingboy]

I'm really sorry about all the sideways pics.. they're all the right way up on photobucket, but for some reason rotations aren't carrying across to here.. unless they are the right way up for everyone but me.. which is still confusing..

[Ragsta]

Hot DAMN that is a new piece! Well done! The camo looks awesome on him, the red beret just tops it off perfectly.

10/10 :)

[Shrapnel]

Camo looks excellent, especially on the back and helmet.

[Explodingboy]

now I just need to get hold of some green stuff to make a good base for him, and I also found parts to make a second with autogun but he needs a bit of work before I can even start painting.

Currently I've just glued the first squad of GZG guys to pennies and I'll be starting to paint them as soon as I can settle on the scheme, googling some possibles right at the moment.

although I lie because I've just primed everything and apparently forgot to push post before I did.. I would like to state for the record that nearly every post in this blog takes on average 15mins to put up because of the frequency that I either wander off mid type or plain forget to push post after I stop typing.

and yes, I really do have attention issues..

[Explodingboy]

oh also, expect some more fantasy figures in the next update, I just uncovered the half done Chaos warrior unit I was.. experimenting.. converting and I could use some advice on what to do with the backs of them, tune in tomorrow morning most likely as it's abit dark to snap photos right at the mo.

[Mr Kibbles]

Nice Camo scheme, man.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

that guy is great whats he count as?

[Explodingboy]

It's from the specialist games range Inquisitor, essentially a small 3-5 models a side and was done in a larger scale, I put him together essentially because I forgot I had a couple of them kicking around and it made a change from painting the regular guardsmen.

I do have the next unit of regular figures on the floor waiting to be primed but as per usually I got myself abit distracted with a number of newly discovered treasures that might be getting some love first.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

ok yeah i have heard about that game but i stick to 40k and fantasy.

[Explodingboy]

Right, minor update morning.. I made a bit of a cock up, I left the camera on all night so pictures are currently delayed while the camera is charging.

I decided on a scheme for the GZG, light blue armour and grey/white fatigues, and I have to say it's been really enjoyable working on the smaller scale again.. It just feels more relaxed.. I was going to say that they'll be unbased but It has just occurred to me that I found my favorite gravel mix while clearing the garage and a tub of static grass, So I'll be doing that shortly.

the pictures to follow will be, a space marine unit, chaos warriors and a dwarf, plus one rather old ork that is very likely to be the start of a new project sooner rather than later. I was hoping to have the warboss pictured too but he's lost an arm in transit and I haven't found it yet, may end up on a bit's order or scratch built robotic replacement.

edit: right got the pictures done first up the 40K bits as they're the least exciting.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20402.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20403.jpg
I will say that even for boring marines, I am happy with how the face came out on the last pic.

and this is what you get from watching Black Hawk Down too many times, Orks with night vision goggles.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20404.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20405.jpg

was and is part of a WIP ork Kommando unit.. or possibly looters, I can't remember the old codex off the top of my head, but the plan was Blood axe orks in Rhinos, and you never know someday I may actually finish a few more.. and possibly repaint the ones I have done with a better skin and camo job.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20404.jpg

[Explodingboy]

Now onto the last unimpressive model, plastic Dwarf Rangers, again as part of my every army I even consider must have a good theme, this was the start of a Ranger heavy non underground dwelling dwarf force, using little black powder and lots of great axes.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20406.jpg

It's a nice cheap and cheerful conversion, and the hats where allot of fun to do with green stuff, shame I can't find the rest of the unit I had been working on.

Right now down to my personal favorite from my Fantasy collection, the rock hard chaos warriors, of course the models all seemed to static for my liking but with a little ingenuity it wasn't long before I had them looking much more feral and dangerous.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20399.jpg

So good that I soon had a full unit on the go

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20398.jpg

but this is the part I'd like to alter, they're far to plain from behind, I'm thinking some greenstuff, skirts/chainmail/ trophies to help make the backs match the fronts better.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20400.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20401.jpg

any suggestions will be welcome. As currently it's just filler for the gap that is left from the torso swap.

[Mr Kibbles]

Amazing work on those marines. The colours really contrast with each other. did u wash the last guy's face? The stubber ork is great too. You're becoming a really good painter.

[Explodingboy]

The marines face was done a while ago, at a guess, it was scortched brown, then dwarf flesh on the raised areas, with elf flesh added to the extremes, there may have been a mix or two at stages, but I don't recall and can't really say I see anything that looks mixed,

where as the skin on the chaos warriors, was done through mixing progressively more flesh into brown.but all the figures in the last few posts were painted before the release of the washes. So they'd only use watered down paint or inks.

(when you going to be updating your own log kibbles?)

[Shas'o Brightsword]

i love the marines they look really nice!

[Wintermute]

I'm moving this thread to the new Imperium Project Logs Sub Forum

Wintermute

[Nasha]

love the Major Jaxxon Inq Scale mini
i have that one and im in the process of converting into an officer for my (much under-used) warband.
love the 40k minis tho my man the colour scheme is amazing
keep it up
sori to hear bout you and your GF mate went thru this a cple of years back
but trust me youll get back on your feet
i did and im with another gal for 2 years now so it all works out
anyway keep your head up pal
kerby

[Explodingboy]

Glad you like him, If I get my act together there could be a second one in the works before long.. although I did find that although I have my old drill here, all the bits are in the US so pinning my take some time..

I have the two Inq figures, always meant to pick up a couple more but you know how life can get distracting, I still need to pick up such as the Arbites judge and a a few of the Inquisitors themselves.

[Explodingboy]

Right, update time, I'm actually getting the spray can out again for the first time in a while..

Just waiting on the superglue to dry then I'll be base coating the first 37th unit in the UK (the 4th unit so far. pretty good progress since I was only intending to do a unit a month.)

no conversion work this time, just 10 men with radio and lascannon. Mainly because all the tools and parts to do any conversion work are on the other side of the great pond. I'll be back later with a few pictures and such hopefully.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

man pick a country and settle lol!

[Explodingboy]

It certainly would make it easier.. although I could also just try packing my tools to travel..

although that being said, leaving packing until 10mins before taxi to the airport arrives probably wasn't the best strategy for going on holiday to begin with.

[Wintermute]

Please keep the thread on-topic.

WarSeer is not a chat room.

Wintermute

[Shas'o Brightsword]

sorry yeah so how many points is your IG army at this point?

[Explodingboy]

painted about 200pts, in possesion.. State side is well over a 1000pts in just Infantry and 2 vehicles now, and here in the UK, I haven't counted but I'd be suprised if it's not above another 1000pts of infantry..

It's somewhere over 200 figures by now + special equipment and HWs the points rack up quickly. I may try and have a proper count later on this week.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

thats alot of men good work so far can we see pics of the tanks?

[Explodingboy]

Currently the tanks are all on the US side of the pond, and hopefully the latest one an old school griffon should have just arrived, I got told it was at the post office awaiting collection.

there probably won't be any tank pictures though for a while because.. I find them really hard to paint which is why most of my armies and collections tend to be very infantry heavy.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

o that sounds good i think tanks look really cool though

[Explodingboy]

They most likely will.. I just don't like painting them.

haven't really got much done yesterday the weather was abit nicer for once so I was mowing the estate and started digging a new vegtable patch for my parents. I'll be snapping some WIP pics though this morning, before I get back to digging so pictures will be up around lunch time at a guess.

[Explodingboy]

Well the heavens have opened today so, didn't actually get to do any digging, but I did take the photos and for the first time in a while photobucket didn't loose any of them while uploading (about 1 or 2 out of every bulk upload fail at the moment, not the best of internet connections.)

but pictures it is, first up the GZG OUDF colour scheme, unlike Jihad I went with more of a UN peace keeper uniform, still debating making the blue lighter at the moment. Feet haven't been painted yet either, most likely will be going black or possibly brown.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20409.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20411.jpg

and this is the 6man unit I'm in the process of painting.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20410.jpg

As mentioned earlier and in the back ground of one of the above pictures, I did also make a start on the 4th unit guardsmen too seen here,
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20408.jpg

righto, thats my picture update, next one will be whenever I actually manage to finish something as progress has been pretty slow the last few days.

Explodingboy

[Shas'o Brightsword]

those old guardsmen look cool!

[Mr Kibbles]

yeah they do.

[Ragsta]

Pffft old guardsmen indeed! Why I remember when they were the NEW Guardsmen!... Uh oh, that makes me kinda old...

I recommend black boots for the GZG figs, Explodingboy, I think that might work best. Somehow I don't like the idea of brown on this paintscheme (apart from the jungle hats and pouches I mean!).

Think I'm going to go with your idea of using pennies on the bases then building them up a bit with milliput and flock. I saw one guy on eBay using 2p's but that makes these lil fellas look stupidly small!

Paint a tank you chicken! Or maybe you shouldn't, at least then my thread might be able to compete once I get my delivery!

[Explodingboy]

They recomend to use 2p's in the StargruntsII rule book, of course I was using the 1p before I saw that part and personally I think I preffer it that way.

As to the feet, I'll be most likely painting them black, Was going to wait until after I based them first though.

I actually got some more painting done today, motivation is at a pretty much low right now, I've altered the scheme on the old guard figures today, no more black on the camo to save time, and I've dropped the camo on the boots and replace them with a nice tan brown.

Just completed the first wash, but I'll hold off on the pictures until I have abit more completed, watching Harry Potter so plenty of time to paint right now.

[Explodingboy]

right last update for the night, since It's almost morning, and I have one thing to say.

Harry potter is a long film, but the drying time for 2 washes is even longer. As a break for the sake of sanity I dropped the numbers down to just painting 5 at a time, the sarge is now almost finished just eyes and face to go, but the other 4 where too wet too even start the metals so far... probably should of started the camo pattern on the next 5 but, hindsight and all.

I'm apparently visiting relatives tomorrow.. in a sort of yay 3hr car journey way :( I do realize that 3hrs might not seem like much too a lot of people, but I'm not a great traveler to the point of if I can't walk there I won't go there way. (the whole moving to America is VERY unlike me (ie:hadn't gone further than the Isle of White prior and had no passport), in my defense, I was pretty drunk when I decided to go sign up for a college 7000miles away from home.)

..sorry sort of went on a tangent again, and I'll do my best to stop myself getting too far ahead of myself by saying simply, I'm not sure if I'll be taking my paints and such with me, on one hand, it is Cambridge always been the more boring of the relatives to visit, in a not on a farm with fields and dogs way, but on the second hand, it is Cambridge, and I dare not do anything that my result in making a mess.

the second point may not sound too difficult, but I will mention that while painting in the living room today I did put a good size green streak across the otherwise white wall by reaching for my cup of coffe while still holding the paintbrush.

Chances are, pictures will be unavailable until .. Friday I suppose now, but if I keep up todays pace, it should mean an entire finished unit to show.

[Explodingboy]

Right, updates updates updates..

today we have some yay news and some nay news to get out of the way first, so without wasting any time, YAY Space Hulk arrived in the mail today!!

and for the Nay, The rulebook is messed up, with about every other page double printed to the extent that it is unreadable.. so first job for the morning will be email complaint writing.

Finally, didn't take the painting with me so no progress left at 10am got back maybe half an hour ago tops. The only significantly Yay to mention from todays trip was that the 40gallon oil spill that resulted in an easily over 10mile grid lock on the ..A14 (I think).. was on the other side of the barrier from us \o/

Pictures will be up in the morning, I'm going for an early night today.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

dang that stinks rule book is all messed up! how unlucky

[Logarithm Udgaur]

Well, it will give him more time to paint the minis while he waits for a rulebook to show up.

[Explodingboy]

first up the almost finished simplified guard colour scheme.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20413.jpg

not complete yet, faces and such, but you can see the main changes, brown boots/gloves, and the dropping of black from the camo, which ultimately speeds up fatigue painting far more than I feel it detracts from the scheme. Oddly enough painting the black lines was the slowest part of the entire camo scheme.

Well, I called up GW this morning, and I need to post them the bad rulebook with covering letter and they'll send me out a replacement, not the worst result but it does mean I'll be out of the country before it gets replaced so no games for me for the time being : (

but I did snap some shots to show you all what the problem is.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20414.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20418.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20415.jpg

Right, painting and digging today, so I best go get a move on.

Explodingboy.

[Mr Kibbles]

Oooh like the improvements!

[Explodingboy]

glad you like it, know it's time to see if I can paint a decent looking Terminator with only 9 colours.. especially after reading the painting guide in the latest WD.

[Explodingboy]

Right picture time.

This is I say by no means complete but I was soo happy with the red that I felt I ought to share it, I just need to do a couple of touch ups here and there on some of the larger flat panels but I'm pleased with it.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20419.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20420.jpg

I'll be painting the blood drips in purple and I'm the eyes will be going a nice dark green, I'm abit stuck on the seals at the moment, but things like the eagles and crux will be NMM most likely.

Slightly unrelated but I have to say one last thing.
I LOVE this model, the new marines in Space Hulk really show what I personally feel marines should look like, every model a character in his own right, much like the Stern/Vanguard metals released earlier, and I fully intend to base these figures up for use in a real Blood Angels army.. once I can figure out how to keep so much detail running through the entire force.

Explodingboy.

[Ragsta]

Nice simplified camo indeed.

That Termie is gorgeous- both the pose and the paintwork are very good. I agree with your vision of what Marines should look like, it's hard to have them as dynamic as you just KNOW they should be!

So... Recipe for the red? I will post some newly painted stuff up tomorrow just to show solidarity of course :D

[Explodingboy]

there is no real recipe on the red that's part of the problem with having very few paints.

Sprayed chaos black, dry brushed codex grey, then washed with Delvan Mud and watered down chaos black.

It was then more of a case of being careful with the red, starting with 50-50 Blood Red and Bestial Brown, and the finishing it off with just Blood Red.

He's looking allot more complete now, so I may try and snap 1 last shot before the day is out, picture will be up in a few mins.

[Explodingboy]

okay that took allot longer than a min to upload, and in true form it lost 2 of the pictures in the upload.

but I still have the nice shot of the face. and one of the back. The right shoulder pad is split black and red, which hopefully, I'll add some checkers too as well as with the knee pad. Perhaps a campaign badge or too.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20421.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20424.jpg

[Brother Jones]

That is some very well layered red you've done.

[Mr Kibbles]

That is one awesome Marine you've done there.

[Explodingboy]

Righto lads update time.. it's 7:30pm been out of the house for most of the day and there's not really enough day light left for pictures I'm afraid, nothing on the agenda for tomorrow mind so with some good weather I'll be busy with the spray can and camera.

The terminator is in all regards complete for the time being, I will make him a proper round base once state side with all my tools, and the blood drops may get redone, if I buy some purple paint, I've tried mixing a few combinations but I've not hit upon any good replacement for bleached bone so the scrolls and such will also wait until back in the states to be completed.

I did do a couple of bits of freehand and I'm actually pretty happy with the result, but pictures will not be up until first thing tomorrow, for the rest of the evening, if I do any painting it will be the guardsmen, but in the morning I'll be undercoating the next few terminators.

[Mr Kibbles]

Soz if I haven't been listening, but is that terminator one of the models form the new space hulk set?

[Explodingboy]

yep it's the new Space Hulk set, and the 12 terminators are easily a good enough reason to get the game on there own.

the plan is to make up 2 units of 5 terminators, and a terminator Librarian as HQ, the problem with such a plan is that 2 of the twelve have all the wrong war gear, so to get around this I'm planning on making the 13th dead terminator on throne into a not so dead terminator sgt via a simple head swap.

at a very optimistic estimate 2 terminator units, + librarian and a possible terminator captain, 2 small units of tactical marines made from the Sternguard figures should easily give me a 1000pt Blood Angel force to mess around with. (all this will get written into the overall Imperial army that I have dreamed up.)

[Mr Kibbles]

Oooh sounds good. Do you want to have a look at my log?

[Explodingboy]

I think I shall let the pictures do the talking today.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20425.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20426.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20427.jpg

[Logarithm Udgaur]

I think I shall let the pictures do the talking today.

And speak they do! Now he just need name tags (would not want to put on someone else's undies) and some votive script. Really excellent work.

[Mr Kibbles]

Wow, thats awesome. :)

[Shas'o Brightsword]

i love the free hand good work!

[Explodingboy]

just a quick bit of news today, was working in the garden with my dad for most of the day, the new veg patch is almost done now, and in more related news, the next 4 terminators have all been undercoated, so painting may start later on tonight.

[Explodingboy]

Right, I have started the first stage of red on my next terminator, and a second, or the third technically, is just awaiting his final wash before the red stages start. Pictures of both will be available in the morning.

Currently I don't have my marine codex to hand, so I was wondering if someone could answer me this. Is it possible to take a Dreads as a Heavy support choice still?
because the Blood Angel force I'm working on is to be tank free and with multiple terminator units I don't really have room for an elite dread, and tanks don't really fit the indoor fighting theme that I'm going for.

Finally, I'll be returning to the USA this Wednesday, and I'm not happy because I have to get up at around 4am to get to Heathrow on time >_<

[Shas'o Brightsword]

i would help you but all i have on is my dark angel codex sorry

[Shrapnel]

dreads are elites only in the marine 'dex

[Maynard]

dreads are elites only in the marine 'dex

*Cough* unless you take Master of the Forge in which case you can have them as heavy support as well :chrome:

[Shrapnel]

*Cough* unless you take Master of the Forge in which case you can have them as heavy support as well :chrome:

There is that of course. Where would we be without you, Maynard?

[Maynard]

There is that of course. Where would we be without you, Maynard?

Ah please I'm blushing here :o

[Explodingboy]

Well, I was planning to add a techmarine so that works perfectly.

HQ, Librarian, Master of the Forge
Elites, 2x Terminator units
Troop, 2x 5man marine units
Fast attack, possible assault squad without packs
Heavy, Dreads.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

only 10 tactical marines? your going to get slaughtered you need more tactical.

[Explodingboy]

I'm after theme rather than practicality. Especially as I rarely ever actually play.

The idea behind the Marines is simply shock troops doing all the hard work, lots of fighting in close confined corridors, to secure vital refineries/ water treatment plants and the like.

Finally all the imperial forces I'm working on will be mixed up together, so the lack of tactical marines are more than made up for by the huge Cadian infantry platoons.

right, I'm going to go snap a couple of shots of the next terminators, expect another update shortly.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

ooo ok makes sense.

[Explodingboy]

Finally, photobucket has caught up with the upload.

So to start, the first stages of painting can be seen on the Heavy flamer, codex grey and 2 washes.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20431.jpg

Next up is the is 50-50 blood red and bestial brown as modeled by the beautiful want to be tech marine terminator.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20428.jpg

and from behind.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20429.jpg

I'm currently starting on the blood red final coat now, and starting to mull over some ideas for free hand work. Currently I'm thinking hazard stripes on the fist, and perhaps a skull somewhere.

[Shas'o Brightsword]

It looks GREAT!

[Mr Kibbles]

Seconded, man

[Explodingboy]

Right all, 3hrs of bad traffic but I'm finally at the airport and running on the sort of schedule that means no duty free shopping for me :(

Also on another note £1 for 10mins of internet is a complete rip off, but I left my book by my bed this morning so it is not going to be a fun 9-11hrs flight.

But boarding is to begin shortly so tally oh lads, next time you hear from me I'll be in the USA.. again.

[Logarithm Udgaur]

No need to sound so excited.

You should put the skull on top of the square thing above the back vents if you decide to go with that.

[Explodingboy]

Right all, just a short one to let you all know that I got back to the US in one piece.. although I am regretting not shaving before the trip. I got frisked at three different check points and randomly questioned twice.

The flights were long, the entertainment was bad, the beer wasn't free because it was a cheap airline :(, but on the upside I did spend 10hrs talking to a young hot female apprentice tattooist.

Upon arriving back at the apartment, the first problem was the smell, several month old eggs had begun the slow process of evolution, and there were several bags of black and brown sludge that used to be vegetables.

and the reason I didn't make this post when I actually got home was that I went straight to the pub with friends, and then when we got back we decided fire was required, and the building behind my apartment has been gutting some rooms of late so rummaging for wood was easy. So we burned things, and drank even more in the driveway until late and I had to call it a night as Jetlag was catching up.

Today though, I plan to get the apartment straightened out and actually set up a proper painting area at last that I will actually use, and by tomorrow it should be business as usual as I get back to work on the guard and terminators.

[Munting]

Cant believe I havent been looking at this log- LOVE IT!
guardsmen that actually look like they are in the GRIm dark future, rather than a pristine parade ground :)

[-=Lazuli=-]

Wow, Explodingboy, I'm back now and those Blood Angels are AMAZING (and better than mine were)! When I get a Space Hulk set, I'm painting them like yours. Great job!

[Explodingboy]

Good to hear your back Lazuli, it gets quiet when your not constantly demanding to see updates :p

Right, we have a minor technical issue that has currently developed, and one social issue, but I shall start with the easy one first.

Technical: I have no idea at all where on earth my camera has gone, I was fairly certain I packed it, but it's been AWOL for a couple of evenings now. so pictures may be somewhat delayed for the time being.

Social: now this one is tricky. I actually have a social life now. In the last two evenings I've met 5 or so guys from my own apartment block and another 4 (1 was lady) from the building next door. The secret to success it turns out isn't going out, but rather starting large fires in the driveway and soon enough people turn up to join in. So rather than getting any painting done I had a fire going from 8pm-2am, and today we stocked up on easily enough wood to do it again twice over.

On a final note, I did at long last get around to looking at my latest purchase the Imperial Guard Griffon, and I have to say it's an amazing bit of kit, the detail on the gun platform and weapon itself really put the Basilisk to shame. and I now feel bad for not having bought them before they went out of production.. still maybe I'll try and ebay a couple more for a squadron.

[Shrapnel]

Arson as a means to socializing....must try that.

[Explodingboy]

Okay, daily bit of double news, one good, one bad, and one note yet to happen.

Bad, my bike got stolen last night. Which is extra annoying because I just put $30 worth of new parts on it 2 days ago.

Good, I found the camera, I was correcting in thinking I had packed it. Just forgot that I had been efficient and unpacked when I first got in.

and finally, tonight will be bonfire and BBQ night again at my house so might not see much painting, but I may have some pics to show off in the morning.

Also, it is the 13th now, so the Blood Angels will be going on hold as I work on my tale of 40K guardsmen. I still have 2 units WIP so I just have to get them finished off, and my next entry will be complete.

[Logarithm Udgaur]

Arson as a means to socializing....must try that.
I have a feeling it works better in America.
Sorry to hear about the bike Explodingboy.

[Explodingboy]

Right all, It's now Tuesday.. some how I missed out on Monday, but I've decided it's about time to actually get the paints out again. Try and get some progress made etc.

Now as you can expect someone as organized as me has a somewhat large list of things to do. So starting at the top, It's painting guardsmen, and get the old casting line dusted down and restarted. Finaly there was something I dug up while in the UK that might turn into my close combat Witch Hunter, or for the purpose of playing more priests and other such exotic options.

As it's customary to add a bit of extra context to all my posts, well here it for today. I have no motivation what so ever to do anything. I'm abit stuck in a rut today overall.

[Explodingboy]

right.. it's abit of a short update.

I got the paint out, and 15 guys are on the go, boots and first stage of fatigues done, and I've started the green part of camo on 3.

I did watch Reservoir dogs and Layer Cake today, so not the fastest possible progress.. and I'm stopping because even though it's only 8:30 I can hardly keep my eyes open right now.

[Shrapnel]

Ah lazy college days...
Beaten only by lazy unemployed days...
Beaten only by employed weekends (cos you actually have money)...

[Gen.Steiner]

Layer Cake is such an awesome film. :D

[Explodingboy]

That it very much is, although Lock Stock is still the best for me.

Right, I've been digging through the bits agian, and turned up a few Grail pilgrims, now the question is, how to 40K them up, and I've got a few ideas to run with.

1st- pistols and CCW, and run them as priests
2nd- shield and PW, and run them as crusaders for an inquisitor
3rd- some form of flame weapon and use them in regular squads as special weapons etc.
4th- some combination of all of the above.

I think I've really started to come up with a picture of what I'm working towards now though, I'd like to see a realistic military, ranks of uniformed troops but with plenty of priests and ab humans dispersed throughout the ranks. much like the cover on the 3rd edition codex, and some of the old bits of Mordian artwork, where you have regular infantry surrounded by skull faced penitents, and flame thrower wielding priests.

[Mr Kibbles]

I like those ideas.

[-=Lazuli=-]

I like updates! I'm back and even updated my log!

[Explodingboy]

Right.. a wee update for the time being.

I sort of got a little bit addicted to ebay again. Nothing to horrible yet, but I did just unintentionally won a new Demolisher un-assembled for a rather low price. So with the Grifon that is my 2 heavy support options sorted.

and going right back to the company list, that means I'm just missing my hellhound/hydra. for which I do still have an unassembled chimera to work with.

To try and get abit of motivation going again, I scrawled out a new 1000pts list.. and it has allot more models than I was expecting.

Command HQ
-Medic, Vox

Platoon 1 cmd
-vox, medic

Squad I
-vox, ML
Squad II
-vox, ML
Squad III
-vox, LC
Squad IV
-vox, LC

Platoon Cmd 2

Squad I
-vox, HB
Squad II
-vox, HB
Mortar squad I
Mortar squad II

Demolisher
- HB sponsons.

This leaves me 60pts, and, I'll probably remove the platoon medics and spread the points out in flamers/meltas and power weapons at a guess. although I could possibly lose the demolisher for a pair of Grifons too.

opinions?

[Gen.Steiner]

I think with the removal of the medics you end up with 120 points spare. That's a lot! Get yourself some special weapons if you haven't already, and perhaps add in a Griffon anyway (at 75 points it's a steal, and still leaves you 45 points to get special weapons with).

Keep the Demolisher, at 1,000 points it's a very mean machine.

[Logarithm Udgaur]

Definitively lose the medics, there is absolutely no reason for them to be there. Medics should only be in a squad that has some reason that it must stay alive (contains SC, lots of weapons, standard, etc..).

[Explodingboy]

well I want to keep the medic in the HQ choice, but otherwise I agree, they're very overcoasted in the new book..

so with 120pts, thats, 2 flamers, 2 meltas a plasma and a banner bearer at a guess.

I may try painting later but, I just sort of got back from playing Nazi zombies, and drinking too much prior.. I will say now that Repo the Musical is the weirdest film I've seen in a long long time...

[-=Lazuli=-]

No, you need to paint! I want to see more Blood Angels and OOP guards.

[Explodingboy]

No, you need to paint! I want to see more Blood Angels and OOP guards.

I;ll get there, I'm not sure my co-ordination is with me right at this monent,.. there was a little something more exotic along with the drinking today.

I forgot to say, the meltas will be with the ML and the flamers with the HB units, the plasma will end up either with the LC or among the Cmd squads.. If I have points to spare, a few meltas and flamers in the Cmd units will be in order or some ACs..

[Explodingboy]

Right been a little while since I last made a post.

and it's been even longer since piccies, so here is my really not very impressive amount of progress, and to be fair, this is what I've done this afternoon, haven't actually worked on my modeling much at all these last two weeks.. been somewhat pre-occupied.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20438.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20439.jpg

Turret, is about finished now, might see if I can find some binoculars to put by the hatch. Tracks will be left off for painting, and now I just need to attach the engine block and guns. going for 3 HBs on this one.

On the other hand, I do have a reasonably good excuse for the lack of progress.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i52/Blarg_88/SSL20442.jpg

please bar in mind this is 1 of 3 piles, the other 2 being at different friends houses. Having a social life is A- dammed pricey, and B- time consuming. (also, I actually dislike Busch, but we had about 11 bodies at the time, and that came most cans to a pack at the corner shop.)

[Logarithm Udgaur]

Nothing wrong with cheap beer (unless it is Budweiser).

I am not sure if I like the re-cut Demolisher or not. It seems to have gained detail in some areas, while loosing it in others. I do like the new turret shape, not a big fan of everything being molded on, nor how they took out the running wheels.

Thanks for the show and tell anyhow.

[Explodingboy]

Nothing wrong with cheap beer (unless it is Budweiser).

bud being the only brew I refuse to buy, will drink it when given to me, but then, I'd drink anything if it was free.


I am not sure if I like the re-cut Demolisher of not. It seems to have gained detail in some areas, while loosing it in others. I do like new turret shape, not a big fan of everything being molded on, nor how they took out the running wheels.

Your pretty much spot on with how I feel about it. although the new turret, is taking me some getting used too. It's nice to see all the weapon options present but why they removed the upgrade sprue defeats me, and as you mentioned, the molded cupola, is a real kick in the nuts.

Also, this is something that has been intriguing me. why did they add floor detail to the interior of the russ.. seems rather pointless.. especially with all the hatches molded shut.

In regards to the wheels though, I'm actually liking the change there, allot faster to assemble and the tracks look like they'll fit easier. But I can understand the complaints from the modelers that liked to alter the positions of the wheels, and remodel the track sections entirely.

[Gen.Steiner]

They moulded the cupola on!? Madness! Arrrgh. Oh well...

[Ragsta]

It's... It's an UPDATE! And it has PICTURES! Of TANKS! :P

The Demolisher is one of my favourite tanks, it's cool that you're putting one in your force. I spy Chimeras too...

I can't really comment on the new tank kits apart from their horrifying prices haha! :( I also like the idea that the wheels have been left out for ease of assembly BUT all this molding on of the bits seems to be a departure from GW's previous 'hey we use plastic kits for a whole world of converting opportunity!' emphasis. Meh.

I hope you're not drinking too much, you'll get fat ;)

[Mr Kibbles]

Love the Demolisher. Drinking ruins the body IMO

[Explodingboy]

The Demolisher is one of my favourite tanks, it's cool that you're putting one in your force. I spy Chimeras too...


don't get too excited, I'm trading the chimeras for more Cadians.


I can't really comment on the new tank kits apart from their horrifying prices haha! :(

total agreement, but then I got this one for $23 off ebay.. rather than $49 in store.



I also like the idea that the wheels have been left out for ease of assembly BUT all this molding on of the bits seems to be a departure from GW's previous 'hey we use plastic kits for a whole world of converting opportunity!' emphasis. Meh.


In all fairness, they've been making it hard to convert things for a while. Daemons for example have..1 maybe 2 extra pieces in the entire box, and there certainly not the only set I've noticed with a lack of options of late.


I hope you're not drinking too much, you'll get fat ;)

I don't think it's the drinking there, I think my new belly has more to do with eating far too many burritos, and not getting out on my bike to exercise (it got stolen two weeks ago)

[le Mediko]

I like your work on troops and even Termis, very intersting paintjob!
Regarding tanks, I'm a bit disappointed with the new tanks and Hellounds too. As people said before, the new models are just little more detailled than the older (ok except for weapons and choice) but much harder to convert due to fixed parts like floating sponsons on chimera or motors louvres and hatches on LR...
Moer work needed!

[Scarper]

Hey Explodingboy! Any news on new stuff? :P

[Shrapnel]

Don't rush the man, studying is hard work

[Explodingboy]

Don't rush the man, studying is hard work

Right I think it's time for my very overdue update.

Term was horrible, and went pretty down hill, along with most of life, so far the grades are D,F,F or Y.. with two still to come, admittedly 1 of which should be an A the other is highly up in the air. So now I'm back in the UK for good as off... last night when my flight got in.

Allot of items will be unavailable to me for the immediate future as they're sitting in a box in the US until I wire my mate the cash to ship them (waiting on him to find out the price) I did though, bring back 1 case with all the paints tools, and a selection of models to work on.

The current mood is still deciding what to work on, but the in lead is to play with some plastics for a while in the shape of more Cadians, and some more Terminator loving.

There has been 1 slight glitch in the plans to resume a more regular update.. I may have had a bit of a Muppet moment.. and left my DS, MP 3 player, and Camera on the plane.. so pictures may be a wee bit delayed as I try to master usage of my mothers digital camera.

but otherwise, all going to plan, expect a real update with substance some time tomorrow night... or I suppose tonight as it's 2:35am and therefore Friday already.

Explodingboy.