Mentor Legion Tournament army

[spikyjames]

(one question come up in me:did you have a job,or you paint your minis whole day?Because if you have one than your painting speed is awsome)


yeah i work full time monday to friday, i don't do much else apart from paint and play games when i'm not working. i'd love to be able to paint all day:p

james

[Tussky]

yeah i work full time monday to friday, i don't do much else apart from paint and play games when i'm not working. i'd love to be able to paint all day:p

james

Bah!Can i ask you to count the time you spend on a simple marine to paint it ? (only painting so no base coating,base makin and varnishing)

[spikyjames]

Bah!Can i ask you to count the time you spend on a simple marine to paint it ? (only painting so no base coating,base makin and varnishing)


about 4.5 to 5 hours

[green hell]

I was hoping you would put the original chapter symbol on somewhere! He looks great!

[Kotobuki]

It's fantastic. Though, theres a couple things that poke out at me. The first is the Giant shield over the groin. I guess I'll be a voice of dissent and say I'm not too keen on it. It seems like it would impede movement too much. It also really draws attention to itself, and away from the rest of this most excellent model. The second thing that stands out is that everywhere on the armor you've used the Shadow grey for the recesses and shadows, EXCEPT around the Gold skull/wing and name plate. It really sticks out like a sore thumb, I think, and would probably benefit from being the same grey.

Of course, this is all theory in my head... and I'm about a million years behind you in painting skill, so I may not have any idea what I'm talking about. Of course, it is your army, and the most important thing is that you're happy with it.

[spikyjames]

well after a bit of a break i'm back. since my last entry i've been painting a few bits for other people and another couple of things for my ultramarines (they're in the process of being re-configured). i've also done a new sarg, another marine and changed the bolters on the 1st squad.

at the min i'm currently working on 2 large objective markers, and have another terminator squad planned to take the army up to 2000 points+.

the army won best painted at the spiky club campaign weekend a couple of weeks ago:D

here's the next installment.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_0965.jpg

james:)

[Darkseer]

You've made the best of some awful faces, but they do look rather neanderthal with those brows.

[spikyjames]

yeah the faces do take a bit of getting used to, if you look at the one rear right thats the first one i did, the heavy bolter was the last. i seem to be having problems with skin recently:cries:

james

[KayvaanShrike]

James, well done on your place in the Tournie, and congrats on almost getting best army!!

Those Scouts look awesome, so does the Commander and LS's.
Little quibble at you though, sorry to point this out to you, but one of your marines on your photobucket, the one whose leg is up on a rock with his hand on the top of his bolter, has one greaved leg and the other has a kneepad, was this intentional or just a little boo boo?? As I say, sorry to point out a slight negative, because this is the only bad thing I have noticed in this entire army.

[Darkseer]

Who got best army then?

[spikyjames]

James, well done on your place in the Tournie, and congrats on almost getting best army!!

.
Little quibble at you though, sorry to point this out to you, but one of your marines on your photobucket, the one whose leg is up on a rock with his hand on the top of his bolter, has one greaved leg and the other has a kneepad, was this intentional or just a little boo boo?? .

not really intentional just what i had handy at the time, i think it adds a little more character to that squad as it doesn't have alot, i'll post pics of it slightly revamped later on tonight.

the army that won was this custodes force-

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/tournament%20armies/100_0911.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/tournament%20armies/100_0902.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/tournament%20armies/100_0903.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/tournament%20armies/100_0904.jpg

sorry not the best pics. it is very well converted.

james

[Captain Ardias]

I just have to say: BY the throne!

[spikyjames]

here's my current 1500 point force, rather shooty!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_0962.jpg

HQ- master- art armour, iron halo, power weapon,frag grens and bolt pistol

Elites-

dreadnought- standard

terminator squad- 2x ass cannons

troops-

2x tac squads- 7 marines, missile launcher, plasma guns

1x tac squad- 5 marines, melta gun, frag grens

fast attack-

assault squad- 7marines, 2x flamers, vet sarg, power fist.

2x land speeder tornados, ass cannons.

heavy support-

2x predators- twin linked las cannons, heavy bolter sponsons. 1 has smoke launchers.

this all comes to smack on 1500 points.

james

[Tussky]

That force looks good.An other painting question: how did you make the gold on your marines ?And an other :p did you paint marines independetly or you paint a whole squad at once ?

[spikyjames]

the gold is done this way-

1- all areas are painted bestial brown
2- then brazen brass leaving brown in the recess's
3- then a shining gold highlight
4- next a brown ink wash, very watered down
5- again a shining gold highlight
6- next a burnished gold highlight
7- then burnished gold +mithril silver on the edges

all the marines are done individually, this makes sure i don't get impatient:p

james:)

[KayvaanShrike]

Thanks for those pics James, I guess a few people might have been curious as to see what it was that beat your army in the best army in tourny, but once you see that its kinda plain to see, IMO anyway. I love your work James, but the level of conversion in that Custodes army is way more than yours, but I guess thats not the point, since your army is meant to have just the subtle conversions anyway.

What else are you adding to this then? Also are you going to leave your Master leaping around on his own? You could make him a command squad, were it not for the fact there is one little marine stopping you having a command squad with jump packs!!

[spikyjames]

What else are you adding to this then? Also are you going to leave your Master leaping around on his own? You could make him a command squad, were it not for the fact there is one little marine stopping you having a command squad with jump packs!!

i'll just keep on adding as and when i feel the need, currently in the pipeline(due to other commitments/projects a long way off) a second terminator squad, i also plan to add some rhino's, another scout squad and more characters.

as for the jump pack commander he generally tags along with the assault squad.

anyway, more pics now-

new sarg for the first squad
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_0974.jpg

first squad with new sarg, bolters and a new battle brother
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_0975.jpg

cheers

james

[Zactar]

You keep on going, just like the Duracell Rabbit, and I'll keep watching till the batteries run out... keep it up. Still stunning work.

[last_chancer]

Sarge looks great! Scouts look even better!

Do you know where I can see more pics of the custodes?

Thanks,

[Tussky]

Impressive!I really like them.How did you paint the skull on the sergeant ?I hope one day i will see this army personal.

[t-tauri]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/tournament%20armies/100_0904.jpg


Those are excellent. What are they made from?

[spikyjames]

have a look at this thred from another forum the guy who made them explains how he did them in the 15th post down-

http://warhammer.org.uk/PhP/viewtopic.php?t=14453&highlight=

if you have a look at the american and german gw sites there are articles on custodes on both of them, both have similar dreads in them.

james


mmm... might have been a mistake putting these pics on here?

[spikyjames]

Impressive!I really like them.How did you paint the skull on the sergeant ?I hope one day i will see this army personal.

yep skull was done on a black undercoat followed by snakebite leather, then built up layers of bleached bone and a final highlight of skull white.

hope thats what your after.

james:)

[Darkseer]

The Custodes army is tiny. It must have had its pretty **** handed to it in the tourney.

[Bastiaan]

Is there a Custodes codex or something?

[spikyjames]

nope he used daemon hunters(grey knights)

[Naghaz]

I've followed the progress of this army on TWH and have just loved it from start to finish. It's a brilliantly simple paintscheme that takes an absolute artist to pull off appropriately. The character in each figure is so impressive. Great stuff.

[ExoCowboy]

Congrats for the WD pics, nice to see familiar painters there :) You are the machine when it comes to do cool stuff :cool:

[spikyjames]

Congrats for the WD pics, nice to see familiar painters there :) You are the machine when it comes to do cool stuff :cool:

i've not got my copy yet are they on the letters page?, hopefully tomorrow, i spoke to owen at the gt final he told me then that they were going to put them in:)

james

[ExoCowboy]

yes, it was there :) hope you get your own copy soon so you can brag the whole world about it :cool:

[Captain Ardias]

Now I cant wait till I can get my hands on the new issue:) (next week probably), congrats anyway James.

[KayvaanShrike]

WHat issue is it in James? The one thats out now, or the next one to come out? Like Mays one? Will look out for them in there.

Well done, keep up the good work, what are you working on just now?

[stormtrooper154]

I just hope my marine army comes out looking as good as yours.

[Tussky]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_0974.jpg


Sorry i still have questions (I think the best way to learn paint is ask,especially when u got answers :D ) So how did you make the skin of your marines ?

[spikyjames]

the skins done this way-

black undercoat
dark flesh
50/50 dark flesh/dwarf flesh
dwarf flesh
50/50 dwarf flesh/elf flesh
elf flesh
50/50 elf flesh/skull white

no probs with the questions.

as for what issue, i can only presume that it's 317 as i've not see it yet

james

[squigsnok]

So do you have any new plans for the next GT season, or are you tweaking the Mentors and sending them back out to war?

[spikyjames]

So do you have any new plans for the next GT season, or are you tweaking the Mentors and sending them back out to war?

i've got another large project on at the minute, but i think the mentors will be with me for at least the heats, i might have a look at doing something different after that.

james:)

[winkypinky]

There is a picture of a basic marine and your Vindicator. And a close up of a Bionic face i think belongs to a seargent.

[KayvaanShrike]

Winkypinky, what are you on about? lol

James when can we exoect more pics of the things you are working on now? or are you working on something else just now?

[spikyjames]

i think he's on about wd, should hopefully get mine tomorrow.

i'm not working on anthing for my mentors at the minute, as for what i'm doing now there will be no pics for a long time as i'm doing the stuff for somebody else and have been asked not to show them.

james:)

[KayvaanShrike]

Oh ok, cool, good luck with your current project then James.

[Pertinax]

There they are. Letter page of 317.

Go James!

[Despoiler]

just got WD317.
well done james.

[Jericho]

Very cool army, I hadn't checked in on the progress in a long time and it's good to hear you got some recognition for the Mentors :)

Maybe one day when I actually get an army finished I can get back to tournament play... heh heh haven't finished a new army in about 3.5 years :D

Total side note: When I read Despoiler's signature, my mind makes it sound like it's being read by the Horrible Gelatinous Blob from Futurama. Thought you might all be interested to know that ;)

[pompeyladbfp]

well done mate, hope project X is going well ;)

hope to see you and the guys back at pompey soon...

[Inquisitor lorr]

I have yet to get my WD but i'm waiting patiently-by the way has your other project maybe been mentioned on another forum.

[spikyjames]

nope no mention of the other project on any forum

you'll all just have to wait and see;)

james

[KayvaanShrike]

OO there is another project on the go James?

[spikyjames]

yep, but no one will see it for a long time:)

[HiredSword.]

ooo, could you at least tell us which army? i cant wait.

[spikyjames]

unfortunatley there will be no details of this project until after it's complete.

sorry all.

james

[stonedrose]

Congrats on getting into WD, I've been silently watching the thread for a while and your army is excellent, you paint white very well. Once I get back home I plan to photograph my Iron Hands to show my own progress, but I am painting a battle company........so only 75 marines to go, oh and there's lot of FW stuff!

[Metal Fingered Villain]

Awwwww man, I need to get my deathguard into WD..... Hmmmmmm, but how?

[spikyjames]

Awwwww man, I need to get my deathguard into WD..... Hmmmmmm, but how?

just email them pics, the address is at the back of the magazine at the bottom of the letters page.

[Deadleyheadley]

It was cool to see your marines in this months WD :) looking forward to seeing your next project

[charlie_c67]

That's cool you got them in there. Shame they didn't show all of them.

[Hortwerth]

Did they reply for your e-mail? Or just "no hear" and then bang! you're in WD?

[tzeentchgiant]

Nicely done in WD, I might need to pick up a copy.

And as everyone else is doing it - James, James, James, Ji, Ji, Ji, Ji, Ji Ji James.

TG

[spikyjames]

Did they reply for your e-mail? Or just "no hear" and then bang! you're in WD?

they didn't reply, but i did speak to owen at the gt final and he let me know then that they were going to be in there.


@charlie_c67- having been in contact with owen since they may well do.

today i just got back from ASMOH at SMS in basingstoke where i won best army:D

james:)

[HiredSword.]

finally! you deserved that. Nice one spikey :)

[Almost_Famous]

dumb question:
do the mentors have any official traits, or are they codex?

also, is there a places that lists what chapters have had traits assigned already (i.e. by GW)

[spikyjames]

nah there's no traits for them, pretty much a codex list. havn't really put much thought into what trait's i could use.

as for a list of what traits are for each chapter, not 100% sure on that one

james

[KayvaanShrike]

Hey James, any word on whats in the works? Saw your stuff in WD, very nice, congrats.

[spikyjames]

nope sorry i can't divulge the project at the minute, i will once it's complete and the clients are happy for me to do so.

james

[KayvaanShrike]

Oh you working on things for people? ok cool. Well good luck with that.

[last_chancer]

dumb question:
do the mentors have any official traits, or are they codex? Also, is there a places that lists what chapters have had traits assigned already (i.e. by GW)If you can get your hands on a SM Codex, there are some chapters of note (e.g: crimson fists, raven guard) and their traits, located at the back of the traits section...

I believe that the mentors are "Feirce", but I'm unsure as to adv. and dis-adv.

[the dark angel]

ahh so this is the army (wanted to see more after seeing some in WD) very nice like the extended kind of bolters keep it up!:D

[spikyjames]

hopefully in the next couple of months there will be more updates as this army is gonna get a whole lot bigger!! at some point i'll do more pics of all units as they have all been sprayed with dull cote and look alot better, i also have a couple of objective markers i'll put on in the next few hours.

james

[spikyjames]

ok maybe not a couple of hours then. these are a couple of objective markers i made for a local tournament.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1041.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1042.jpg

the bases are the size of a CD cut from foamboard.

watch out for more in the next few weeks.

james:)

[Deadleyheadley]

There cool mate ,The marine looks cool any chance of a closer picture :)

[spikyjames]

how's this?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/injuredmarinepic.jpg

james

[tzeentchgiant]

Great markers :), fantastic detail on that marine :D.

What plans do you have to extend the army?

TG

[spikyjames]

land raider, more terminators, chaplain's, librarian, more tac marines, some bikes (quads) and some devastators. this will all be done over a fair amount of time as i'm considering doing either a deathwing or a space wolf army next.

james

[Deadleyheadley]

how's this?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/injuredmarinepic.jpg

james
WOW ,Hes sweet mate ,I love your mentors ,I can remmeber when I first saw the Mentors in the WD ,The fluff was cool for them All the test weapons Its a shame that GW had to make them just a normal chapter :( ,As was The Legion of the Dammed marines(Ive collect 60 LofD marines plus the limted edition marine so far ) I love the idea of a Ghost chapter but they have gone aswell,Im in 2 minds to change my BTs ive been collecting to the mentors ,I dont like painting black armour

[stormtrooper154]

Those objective markers are really good. I was thinking of doing a wounded marine for my latest army.

Any chance of a tutorial on how you did that marine?

[CMDante]

as i'm considering doing either a deathwing or a space wolf army next.

The man just loves his marines!:D

Great job as usual mate, looking forward to any future updates.

[Orcdom]

speaking of land raider, a Promethius would be a great addition and be on thier Experimental flavor of list becasue they are rare and are a HQ transport.

Steve

[spikyjames]

speaking of land raider, a Promethius would be a great addition and be on thier Experimental flavor of list becasue they are rare and are a HQ transport.

Steve

yeah i've actually got one unpainted with ultra marine doors on. wonder if i can remove them? i'll have to give it a try.

@stormtrooper154- the marine is just a basic marine with running legs (the foot's been straightened), right arm has a cupped hand from the left turned around with the thumb switched, and the left arm is from the fw command rhino, add a few cut's, drill a few hole's, score the mini in a few places and that about it.

james

[HiredSword.]

Good to hear it's all going well with the army.

As for what to do next, i'd suggest something a little different to SW or DW like your mentor army. Although if you were going to choose, why not combine the two ideas and make 1st company space wolves? would mean you didnt have to paint white and green again :)

[Orcdom]

try freezing the land raider to pop the super glue loose.

i think they make a produce for breaking superglue bonds.
Steve

[AventineCrusader]

Those are some really nice objectives. That Marines doesn't look too hurt though. Can't wait to see another unit of Terminators from you.

Crusader:D

[HPD_Andy]

Great stuff man, great stuff.

[last_chancer]

Personally, i think the marine are looks a bit, well... alone on the marker. Ever thought about adding a kneeling apothecary tendign his wounds or something? (or a smaller base?)

[spikyjames]

Personally, i think the marine are looks a bit, well... alone on the marker. Ever thought about adding a kneeling apothecary tendign his wounds or something? (or a smaller base?)

nope, he's meant to look alone. as for the base size the tournie that i made these for counted the objectives as level 3 terrain.

james:)

[KayvaanShrike]

Ahh your back! lol

Have you finished those commisions that you were doing? If so I beg thee to get on with more stuff for us lot to feast our eyes on!

So have you decided what your going to do next, SW, Deathwing or more Mentors?

[spikyjames]

just got the last few bits to do for the other project, should be a proper update in about 3ish weeks, land raider prometius.

james

[charlie_c67]

So is it CC termi's this time? Or Sniper scouts?

[spikyjames]

probably just more normal terminators next.

james

[maraxis]

James;

A very well done, crisp and clean army.

[last_chancer]

as for the base size the tournie that i made these for counted the objectives as level 3 terrain.Ah, I knew there was a reason...

[dave is the best]

nice army can you post some wip

[spikyjames]

hello again

removed the massive pic:)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1118-1.jpg

james:)

[no-use4a-name]

Not a bad way to say "hello".

[tzeentchgiant]

Great work as always, and as no-use4a-name says, it's certainly not a bad way to update your thread :D.

TG

[HiredSword.]

go lefties! :D

nice freehand detail as well

[UnRiggable]

Very good job, just saw this thread and have to say that I'm amazed, they're nearly flawless

[Marsekay]

try freezing the land raider to pop the super glue loose.

i think they make a produce for breaking superglue bonds.
Steve

soaking it in water should do the same thing.

water breaks it down. i use superglue all the time at work.

[spikyjames]

soaking it in water should do the same thing.

water breaks it down. i use superglue all the time at work.


cheers, i've already got the doors off, it's just waiting to be painted.

thanks again for all the feedback guys.

@dave is the best , sorry i've not really got any WIP pics

james:)

[dave is the best]

When are you gettin your thunderhawk?

[spikyjames]

When are you gettin your thunderhawk?

already got it, just got stuff to do before i put it together:)

james

[baneful]

Hey James loving the look of that last termie you posted, but why does he look so big? is it just me or have you done something to him? (i like it either way).
Also the old chapter symbol is it hand painted?

cheers

[spikyjames]

Hey James loving the look of that last termie you posted, but why does he look so big? is it just me or have you done something to him? (i like it either way).
Also the old chapter symbol is it hand painted?

cheers

i think he looks so big because i've positioned his body a little more upright than usual, the heads also slightly smaller as it's from the FW commander culn kit, and his arms are fairly wide apart.

the old chapter symbol is hand painted.

cheers

james:)

[spikyjames]

here's another one

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1122.jpg

james:)

[no-use4a-name]

Doesn't it feel great to have a fully painted army to a high caliber? After you've jumped that hurdle, you can then add stuff to it at a leisurely pace. Another nice one from James!

[KayvaanShrike]

Welcome back Spikeyjames! Nice termies, very very nice. How did you swap the arms on that termie?

[spikyjames]

the fist is just a normal termie powerfist cut turned round with the thumb cut out and filled with green stuff and another thumb sculpted in the right place. i think the arm on this one is from the culn model also.

just in case anybody wants to have a look at these there may well be a few on display on the GCN stand at games day i've just got to finalise the details, i'll be there aswell if anybody wants a chat.

james

[baneful]

Looking good again, wish i was over there so I could see them in the flesh at GD. He doesnt look as big as the first (and yeh the first has cullns stormbolter arm).

[Tussky]

I just love your marines!I've created this,I hope you like it!The only bad thing about it,it can't be used in this forum :(

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/Tussky/Userbars/Mentor.jpg

[spikyjames]

very nice mate, watch out for more updates tonight.

james

[Machinepriest]

Stop being great! >: O

On second thoughts... Keep being an inspiration.
:)

[ZAChos]

I was really sorry to hear that you had to give up 40k to spend more time on other things, but am pleased that you've chosen to give me your army. Thankyou so much, spikeyjames.

wha.. oh. I just had a most wonderful dream. You were there...

[The Judge]

Oh, that's some painfully pretty miniatures.

[spikyjames]

and another one, the squad sarg this time. based on forgeworlds commander culn.


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1133.jpg

james:)

p.s. i may well be re-taking pics of every squad in the army over the next few days as i think some are a bit naf. don't be upset if you look at the thread and all the pics are gone, they'll be back.

[Deadleyheadley]

Wow ,Hes so nice ,Are these guys going to be at games day.

[spikyjames]

Wow ,Hes so nice ,Are these guys going to be at games day.

cheers mate, if i get the other 2 for the squad finished i'll take them. still waiting on my stuff to come through from the gcn though:( just aswell i've got 2 tickets already.

james:)

[Deadleyheadley]

cheers mate, if i get the other 2 for the squad finished i'll take them. still waiting on my stuff to come through from the gcn though:( just aswell i've got 2 tickets already.

james:)

Fingers crossed you get the other 2 finished :)

[HiredSword.]

that is one good looking sarge. I think that's the only time i'll ever say that sentence. Nicely done :D

[spikyjames]

and here's another one

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1137.jpg

james:)

[UnRiggable]

You paint those WAY too fast, it scares me.
nice terminators.

[KayvaanShrike]

Awesome work James, and good luck at GD! Shame I am not going, I would love to see these guys in the flesh, and also I would dearly love to shake the hand of the man who paints these awe inspiring minis!!!!

[pompeyladbfp]

nice clean work as ever, it is fun to paint terms one at a time though... so not a effort at all!
you hoping to do what you did with your ultras and be able to filed a deathwing wannabee list?
be a even cooler looking force when the the raider is done, look forward to seeing it with shiny new pics.

p.s. start paiting a new army! you know the guard are calling...

[baneful]

great as always James, cant wait to see this rumoured raider, or your thunderhawk.

[Deadleyheadley]

great as always James, cant wait to see this rumoured raider, or your thunderhawk.

I have to agree ,looking good and I can wait for the Thunderhawk :)

[spikyjames]

well to answer a few questions, yep i've still got around 15ish terminators in my bits box so hopefully there will be another couple of squads, just trying to gather up assault cannons at the minute (hint- if anybody has any going spare:angel: ) as for a landraider there will be one done in the next few weeks, the thunderhawk i'm aming to start at the end of october(it's just sitting in the box at the minute).

next army? well i'm wanting to start tau, but no doubt i will have changed my mind by the time i've finished this lot possibly eldar.

thanks for the great feedback guys, helps keep me motivated:)

james

[last_chancer]

I think that any new marine army would be a misnomer... :D

Tau or Eldar would suit your MAD painting skills, just try not to do somthing that could bog you down...

Like 'nids or guard...

[spikyjames]

I think that any new marine army would be a misnomer... :D

Tau or Eldar would suit your MAD painting skills, just try not to do somthing that could bog you down...

Like 'nids or guard...


yeah to be honest i have actually painted another 1500 point marine army in the time this thread was a bit silent, need a bit of a change, i'm estimating i'll be finnished this lot by mid november (fingers crossed the thunderhawk too).

i've just got the tau codex so i'll have a look through it and see what i can come up with, i'm liking the green and light blue sept that was in white dwarf when they were released, i think it was a piranha that they did in these colours.

cheers

james:)

[no-use4a-name]

Wd showcased some really nice Tau armies. It made me go out and p/u a 500 pt force. I guess WD did their job!

[last_chancer]

Just a small question... If you chose Eldar, what Craftworld would you choose?

(My guess would be Iyanden or Alaitoc... They just seem to have the right colour palette...)

[spikyjames]

to be honest i've not really thought about it. i'll probably wait until i can have a proper look through the codex. it probably wont be green and white or red, i'll wait and see.

james

[pompeyladbfp]

yep the natural green bluey tau are nice actually very toned down and natural, only other tau ive seen are really good are bruno's desert damaged tau... really effective if a little too damaged on some stuff. anyway im sure you will have fun what ever army you do. ive got the problem of finishing my elysians, already purchased the eldar deal through one of my dodgy deals and now want the deah korp!!, but if i do, will sell my cadian 8th to pay for it

[spikyjames]

yeah bruno rizzo's tau are nice, not too keen personally as you've said a bit too battle damaged.
you can't have much more elysians to do now?
as for the eldar deal, yeah i'd like to get one if only for the autarch but i'll probably wait until i'm about to start whatever army i choose.
it's always a good idea to recycle your armies every now and then, i think about a year and a half ago i had about six painted armies all fighting for shelf space.

james

[Deadleyheadley]

Id love to see you paint a Eldar army mate ,With your skills they would be sweet plus with all the nice new models and FW stuff Im sure you could have fun mate :D

[Lavfluris]

Having seen spikyjames' army at GD, I can safely say, it's bloody gorgeous. :cool:

[Deadleyheadley]

Having seen spikyjames' army at GD, I can safely say, it's bloody gorgeous. :cool:

I have to agree Spikyjames work is mouth watering :D If id had a glass cutter mate they would have been mine ;)

[Lavfluris]

If id had a glass cutter mate they would have been mine ;)That would have been easier than my idea of mugging spikyjames, the guy is as fearsome as a tank. :eek:

[Deadleyheadley]

That would have been easier than my idea of mugging spikyjames, the guy is as fearsome as a tank. :eek:

Hes built like a brick Sxxt House ,If we mugged him he would of killed use :D

[Lavfluris]

Hes built like a brick Sxxt House ,If we mugged him he would of killed use :DWell, seriously maimed, broken, twisted and snapped us. But I doubt he would have killed us...

[spikyjames]

nah my wife tells me i'm just a big teady bear, i've got to be this big (read fat) to play in the front row at rugby:p

thanks for the comments about my armies, please feel free to post any pics of the red and black guys as i'm not quite sure i can yet:(

james

[KayvaanShrike]

Red and Black guys? This some of your commission work?

[spikyjames]

yeah just an army i've done for some other people;)

it does actually belong to me though

[KayvaanShrike]

Cool, well I hope someone posts pics up of those, I am intrigued now!!! hows your Mentors coming on? Any more to show us?

[spikyjames]

not yet probably tomorrow night.

[Deadleyheadley]

Cool, well I hope someone posts pics up of those, I am intrigued now!!! hows your Mentors coming on? Any more to show us?

They were very nice ,Istill feel the mentors are better but that is because I loved all the old fluff for the mentors but the blue and red marines were still out of this world :D

[ZAChos]

Did spikey get a commision from GW, or am I reading his cryptic words wrong?

[spikyjames]

:D :D


james

[KayvaanShrike]

No way!! So this commision, what was it for, like where will it appear this army?

[spikyjames]

not too sure when it'll go out but i know the project got put off for a bit. i'm not allowed to chat about it, confidentiality agreement's and such. not really commision more like freelance.

james

[Tom]

Freelance suggests possibly Forgeworld.

[spikyjames]

nope just the hobby team

[KayvaanShrike]

ooo intriguing. lol

anyway back on topic, are you painting mentors just now, or other things?

[pompeyladbfp]

ooohhh james you love the fact that you have got a secret.... you big boaster lol! im surprised no pics of it yet? especially if it was on display at games day...

[spikyjames]

next installment, my chaplain with jump pack. i've got one of the official gw ones but just wanted to do one a little different.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1191.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1190.jpg

i think the pics make the skull look a tad flat, it's not actually in real life.

let me know what you think

james

[hertz]

you always do good jobs, but this time, I gotta say that the feet do look somewhat odd, when he is positioned in that manner! ;)

[tagsta]

despite of the great paint job the feet just don't look right :(

[Tussky]

despite of the great paint job the feet just don't look right :(

I agree.Just do something with the base.It's don't look right.

[tzeentchgiant]

I think it's the position of the feet, specifically the left foot, if it way pointed slightly downwards it wouldn't look like he was stepping onto an invisible staircase, on the right, maybe if the foot was slightly less horizontal, pointing down a bit more, it would look like he was gripping/pushing off the rock a bit more.

Just my opinion on the pose, the paintjob is amazing as always.

TG

[spikyjames]

yep i'll agree the pose is a bit off, i always envisioned that he was landing as oposed to taking off.

james

[pompeyladbfp]

quick fix, just make him stand on a low wall rather than on big rock, so both feet are done, yet will still ahve elevation

[Lavfluris]

yep i'll agree the pose is a bit off, i always envisioned that he was landing as oposed to taking off.Erm, there's no easy way to say this, but here goes...

How exactly do you envision that pose as landing? I say this because if the Chaplain was landing, his right leg would be bent and the foot would more than likely be pointing in the direction he is facing.

Although I love the paint scheme, I think the pose on this model lets it down.

[HiredSword.]

i think i can see what you were trying to do, but maybe bend the left leg a bit more? you have anymore angles of it? I can't see any mentor insignia.

[Rich 123]

As I've said before James, I love what you've done with your Mentor Legion.

However, much as the chaplains paint job is great the pose really lets it done (as you know I'm a bit of a pose fiend). Seeing as he is already painted the most minimal of work would be best I suppose.

What would probably be easiest would be to cut the front toe section off his right boot and remove most of his left foot. Then quickly sculpt the right foot toe bending down over the edge of the rock slightly and the left foot pointing much more downwards.

That shouldn't damage too much of the mini while making it look much more dynamically flying.

Great work otherwise, good luck
Dicky

[spikyjames]

to be honest guys i'm quite happy with how he looks and i have no real wish to go cutting up things i've finished (i'm on a deadline you know). thanks for the feedback, i've posted him elsewhere to see what the guys on that forum think aswell, i might just stick him on ebay and paint the gw one up:)

as for seeing the chapter symbol unfortunatley the jumppack hides most of the shoulder pads:( so you can't see it.

james:)

[Heero-Severus]

Nice job james.

Alot of fuss about pose, but I dont see it as being that far off.
The landing issue of his leg/foot needing to be bent is applicable if he has passed the moment where his weight is transfering through his leg, but in the example of this moment, it could be the very first moment of contact. He could be in the middle of a very controlled landing, slow and purposeful like an angel landing softly, not a jarring hard crash.

The easiest quick fix if you arnt satisfied with this model, would be to place another rock under the other foot.

[spikyjames]

cheers

i might think about that

[pompeyladbfp]

[QUOTE=spikyjames;971667]thanks for the feedback, i've posted him elsewhere to see what the guys on that forum think aswell, i might just stick him on ebay and paint the gw one up:)
QUOTE]

you know ya wanna, that beast of a chaplain is a awesome model to apint up and really looks the part (also selling that guy will allow your mentors to claim another foothold somewhere else)

[tensions]

Holy Crap,
how can i miss out this post for so long!

i don't have a word, the white on the marines are close to perfect.

very well done

tensions

[Lavfluris]

to be honest guys i'm quite happy with how he looks and i have no real wish to go cutting up things i've finished (i'm on a deadline you know).Well, it is not like we can force you to ruin your model now. :p

Having said that, I think a lot of people now have very high expectations of your conversions and painting. I certainly have high expectations and I am willing to admit that the Chaplain, although superbly painted, is let down by the pose, which could have been amended by converting. Still, it is not the end of the world, it’s a great piece of work regardless.

At least I’m honest! ;)

[spikyjames]

yep honesty is always best, i'm happy with the fact that everybody has been. i really do need to put a bit more effort in to my conversions.:(

cheers

james:)

[fistofdorn]

when will we be seeing this thunderhawk?

[spikyjames]

starting at the end of the month.

[no-use4a-name]

starting at the end of the month.

That seemed so far away until I realized that it's September 29th! The end of the month is soooon upon us.

[spikyjames]

oops, thats the end of october.:p

james:)

[no-use4a-name]

oops, thats the end of october.:p

james:)

Just like my 8th grade girlfriend. Tease:cries: Oh, I'm 30 now. So, you can imagine how much that scarred me. LOL.

[KayvaanShrike]

Aww man, why we have to wait so long lol

[spikyjames]

because i've got about another 1000ish point's of these to do:D

james

[spikyjames]

a few more marines for one of the tac squads, i've just made a start on their rhino aswell

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1194.jpg

james:)

[Deadleyheadley]

There are as nice as always mate ,Out of interst mate how long have you been painting ,and when will we see the rhino ;)

[spikyjames]

well i started doing gw stuff around 1989 and went through spates of doing it and then not, over the last 8 or so years it's been my main hobby but have only stepped up my standard over the last 2 years beggining with the ultramarines you can see in my photobucket.
i only started proper gaming about 3 years ago aswell.

the rhino should be done by tomorrow night.

cheers

james

[Deadleyheadley]

Cool ,Is one of the marines ,The one you were painting at GD ?

[spikyjames]

yep the one on the right:)

james

[Lavfluris]

the rhino should be done by tomorrow night.I'm guessing you started the Rhino this very evening?

[spikyjames]

yeah only the green base coat so that it's ready for dry brushing tomorrow, it generally doesn't take me any more time to paint a vehicle that a single mini.:D

[Lavfluris]

yeah only the green base coat so that it's ready for dry brushing tomorrow, it generally doesn't take me any more time to paint a vehicle that a single mini.:DDrybrushing? What is the meaning of this foul heathen technique you practice! Heresy! :mad:

On a serious note, has there been any drastic conversions to the Rhino?

[HiredSword.]

goooo lefties! oh, and the paint job's pretty good as well ;)

[spikyjames]

Drybrushing? What is the meaning of this foul heathen technique you practice! Heresy! :mad:

On a serious note, has there been any drastic conversions to the Rhino?


nah, just FW extra armour and doors. i might paint the inside aswell.

:)

[Siromcyre]

I just want you to know that i envy your dedication to the hobby. Very well done, I can't even imagine your satisfaction, as i cant even get squads completed in less than a few months.

[stormtrooper154]

Looking good as always, looking forward to seeing the thunderhawk in the next couple of months.

[pompeyladbfp]

lefties.... paa this is the imperium! you dont have a choiuce how you hold your rifle!

[Lavfluris]

lefties.... paa this is the imperium! you dont have a choiuce how you hold your rifle!Space Marines are ambidextrous, so it makes no difference to them. ;)

[mattrs]

Well ive been watching this thread for some time now and I felt I just had to add a post...

I just wanted to say congrats on some superb stuff ive really enjoyed this thread and after seeing your stuff at GD all I can say is Wow keep up the good work.

Can’t wait to see more pics a real inspiration

[spikyjames]

here's the rhino

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1197.jpg

mmm... the smoke launchers could be better

james:)

[stormtrooper154]

:eek: Nice. Im jealoius of the lenses, I just cant seem to get them right. Or headlights for that matter.

[spikyjames]

and here's the spider on my doorstep

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/100_1200.jpg

he's been living there for a while now and was originally orange:confused:

[HiredSword.]

Again, a really nice model. I've really enjoyed watching this project from the start.


btw, get the spider to bite you and see if you gain spidey senses. could work*




*that's probably a complete lie.

[ZAChos]

I'd redo the smokes. While far better than anything of mine, just one bit of carelessness and an otherwise perfect army is not quite so perfect.

[spikyjames]

and here's my dreadnought with his new missile launcher and smoke launchers.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1204.jpg

the missile launcher arm is magnetized so as i can swap with the original.
sorry the pics a bit bright:(

james:)

[Lavfluris]

Good to see you are magnetising your models. Will you be other alternative weapon configurations for your Dreadnoughts and Predators?



he's been living there for a while now and was originally orange:confused:If he hasn't moved since he took up residence, then there's a safe bet its dead. ;)

[spikyjames]

i might start doing alternative stuff, but to be honest if i need something like a predator configured differently i'll probably just buy another.

as for the spider, of course he's moved:p

james

[Tom]

James, any chance of a leftie tutorial for us southpawers?

It's something of a matter of pride.

[The Judge]

Loving the dread - what did you do to the assault cannon? It looks different to me somehow

[spikyjames]

James, any chance of a leftie tutorial for us southpawers?

It's something of a matter of pride.

i'll see if i can get one done, i've got another few marines to build. i did get the tutorial from another site (b&c).

@ the judge- the assault cannons about double the lenght of a normal one, if you look further back in the thread you'll find a side on view.

anyway onto tonight's fun a plasma cannon

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1205.jpg

well everybody knows how much of a pain these are to put together so i thought i'd cut it up a bit and try to make it look more like the heavy bolter, kind of under slung
first cut-

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1223.jpg

and with a few more bit that would come in handy

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1224.jpg

i then used both left and right sword arms and this is what i was left with.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1228.jpg

[spikyjames]

left over bits

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1227.jpg

a few pins a little bit of filing and here's what it looks like at the minute.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1230.jpg

sorry about the bad quality of the pics, but what do you think.

james

[Rich 123]

Looks like something relatively easy and quite distinctive James, good one!

I quite like the standard way a plasmacannon is held and, personally I prefer heavy weapons to stay standard looking throughout and just repose them into more interesting, dynamic poses for carrying it instead.

However, that said, a different way of holding weapons meshes nicely with the Mentor Legion background and constantly tweaking and alternate weapon designs and fitting.

Although, to me, left handers seem more at home to me in an IG regiment and Marines just look more nice and regimented as all right handers.

But then now I'm being picky! I want to start painting my marines every time I read this thread - I will soon, I'll have to :) Good work mate, keep it up.
Dicky

[spikyjames]

well i think this'll do him, he just needs a little neatening up once the green stuff has dried and a few pouches added.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1231.jpg

james:)

[HiredSword.]

looking good, although i prefer the original pose (only slightly though). So this is part of a whole devastator squad is it? Very nice fluffwise as well.

[spikyjames]

nah it's just an individual piece for one of my tac squads

james

[Deadleyheadley]

Evreything is look sweet mate ,I love the rhino mate and the Plasma marine ,looking forward to seing him painted. :)

[charlie_c67]

I'm not so sure about the position of the right arm on the Heavy plasma guy. His wrists looks to be at a strange/painful angle. any chance of a side a top down view?

[spikyjames]

I'm not so sure about the position of the right arm on the Heavy plasma guy. His wrists looks to be at a strange/painful angle. any chance of a side a top down view?


i'll try and take one tonight, if you look you'll see that his knuckles ain't flat against the butt of the cannon.

:)

[hertz]

Spikeyjames, the plasmacannoner looks great, and seems much more handy to build, so thats a win-win! but I have to concurr with charlie_c67, the hand looks odd, rotating it 180 or 90 degrees would look more natural and comfortable.

but overall, Spikeyjames, your stuff are great!

[ZAChos]

I think it would look better with him looking to the other way with the barrel pointing up, like he's just vaped someone and is scanning for target numero deux.

Still cool though.

[Lavfluris]

Groovy pose. :cool:

[charlie_c67]

i'll try and take one tonight, if you look you'll see that his knuckles ain't flat against the butt of the cannon.

:)

Yeah I saw that, but you try holding your wrist at 90 degrees to your forearm and closing your fist. I dunno how old you are but at 25 I struggle to hold that pose for any length of time!

[spikyjames]

it's more like 45 degrees really and marines are 7-8 foot tall super humans:p

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1234.jpg

james

[charlie_c67]

And I'm not? ;) Looks better from that angle, just not from the front!

[ZAChos]

[url]http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1234.jpg[url]


I love you James. Even your wips are awesome.

[spikyjames]

quick pic before i go to bed, he still needs to be varnished

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1235.jpg

i'll get better ones tomorrow

james

[Heero-Severus]

bastard! :D very nice!!!

[schoolcormorant]

that guy is absolutely superb, i love the highlights especially round the helmet, it's also nice to see not everybody is going CoD for the bases.

how do you paint the plasma in the gun?, the blue bit, i'm not sure what it's called, plasma magazine or something?

SC

[Deadleyheadley]

Wow Thats nice mate :) I have to say I love your work ,I wish I could paint that good :cries:

[natedogg710]

Those look awesome. I really like the Red/Green/White scheme. Keep up the good work.

[spikyjames]

that guy is absolutely superb, i love the highlights especially round the helmet, it's also nice to see not everybody is going CoD for the bases.

how do you paint the plasma in the gun?, the blue bit, i'm not sure what it's called, plasma magazine or something?

SC

the plasma guns painted with an old(i think) gw colour, Jade green, then gradually highlighted up to almost white then given a wash of blue ink. any light turquoise/ blue colour will do, (do gw still do hawk turquiose).

thanks for the feedback guys, i'll get him varnished and put a decent pic up tonight.

james

[CMDante]

What can I say, another great paint job!
Nice conversion too, though I think the plasma cannon could do with being shortened a bit in the middle as it looks a little odd from the angle in the last pic.

[schoolcormorant]

thanks mate, not sure about the hawk turqouise, it's actually a colour i've never needed. :)

SC

[spikyjames]

slightly better pics:)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1240.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1241.jpg

oh and i've realised i've put the wrong number on his knee:(

james

[Lavfluris]

oh and i've realised i've put the wrong number on his knee:(Whoops. ;)

[spikyjames]

it's now fixed, and i've neatened up under the left eye.

[tagsta]

cool as ever james.. what colours did you use vor the plasma "cell"?

[Lavfluris]

what colours did you use vor the plasma "cell"?spikyjames has already answered that question here (http://www.warseer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=989700&postcount=472). :)

[Lord of Skulls]

I'm rather surprised I haven't posted in this thread before, as I've been keeping an eye on it for a long time. But since I haven't said it before:

Excellent work!
It's easy to get marines to look good, but it's difficult to make them look extremely good. You, however, have managed that:)

I've just read through the entire thread again, looking for any advise concerning your painting techniques, as I'm planning a Salamander army in the future and would like to "borrow" your green colour;)
I found most of your colours explained in the thread, but there are two things I didn't find:

1. How do you paint black? (On the Chaplain and on the bolter casings.)

2. How do you do the green on your vehicles? You mentioned something about drybrushing earlier...

I'd really appreciate it if you could take the time to answer me:)

Keep up the great work, and good luck with your future work on this and other projects!

[spikyjames]

more than happy to answer.

my black is really basic-

1st highlight with 50/50 chaos black/codex grey
final highlight codex grey.

for drybrushing, i just go through the same colours as i do for my marines except they're drybrushed.

base colour- dark angels green
1st highlight- 50/50 da green/goblin green
2nd highlight- goblin green
3rd and final highlight- 50/50 goblin green/skull white.

cheers for the feedback, will the colours not be slightly dark for sallies? i think it's more like a dark angel colour. make sure you post pics once you've started it'll be good to see.

@tagsta, the plasma gun details are at the top of the last page:)

thanks again

james:)

[Lord of Skulls]

Thanks a lot!

*Copies and pastes into file full of painting tips*

I know the colour is darker than the current codex colour, but they look so much better in a darker colour;) Also, as far as I know in the earlier editions their armour was a much darker green.

I'll post up pictures when I start the army, but don't expect them too soon, I've got an I.G. army to paint first:p

Thanks for all the help:)

[spikyjames]

Thanks a lot!

*Copies and pastes into file full of painting tips*

I know the colour is darker than the current codex colour, but they look so much better in a darker colour;) Also, as far as I know in the earlier editions their armour was a much darker green.

I'll post up pictures when I start the army, but don't expect them too soon, I've got an I.G. army to paint first:p

Thanks for all the help:)

you know your exactly right they were much darker originally:cool:

[spikyjames]

just to let you guys know i've unable to get any painting done tonight as somebody else was a bit busy, she likes them wargs from LOTR:)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/100_1243.jpg

james

[Lavfluris]

just to let you guys know i've unable to get any painting done tonight as somebody else was a bit busy, she likes them wargs from LOTR:)As well as avians, After Eight mints and orange juice. ;)

[UnRiggable]

That sucks, you should keep your stuff elevated, its better for your back and your non-feline pets (they can jump soooooo high!) won't reach them as easily.

Did I tell you the story involving a "Suladan the Serpent Lord" conversion and a hungry albino snake that one of my friends brought over? Oh, the irony kills me...

[baneful]

looking good as always james.

Also out of interest, any plans for tarantula sentry guns (as they would fit the techy fluff) or a techmarine? (if you havent done either yet).

cheers

[spikyjames]

nah no plans for either, i do actually have the direct order techmarine lying around though. he'll probably be added in the future.

james

[stormtrooper154]

I like the heavy plasma gunner, looks much better than the original. How far are you going to take this army - pointswise or size?

[spikyjames]

this army will be around 3000ish points not including the Thunderhawk and the LR Promethius i have sitting on the shelf.

james

[Aquilla]

I saw your stuff at GD and I must say, It's beautiful.

[Endemion]

As always, great modeling and painting. Any idea where you are up to points-wise so far?

[spikyjames]

around about 2400

got another desktop shot for you, this guys a new commander. i'm not too sure about his power sword i'll see what it's like once painted. oh and he's got a combi plasma which is just hidden.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/WIP%20Stuff/100_1248.jpg

i'm gonna try and do a few more desktop shots for you just so you all know what i'm upto.

james

[Inquisitor lorr]

Looking good.We all know that swords going to go one way or the other...either awesome or well... rubbish.More likely the first and it will be so cool if you can get it to work.

[spikyjames]

got this guy finished now, i'm fairly happy with how the sword looks.

let me know what you think.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1253.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/spikyjames/mentor%20leigon/100_1252.jpg

james:)

[Endemion]

Damn, how do you paint that well so quickly? The sword is definately a success, nice one!

[spikyjames]

Danm, how do you paint that well so quickly?
i think it's just practice and not over complicating things.

cheers for the comment.

james

[IJW]

I'd say the sword works. :)

[Inquisitor lorr]

Hmmm.Can't see the sword too well in the pics but it looks pretty good.Also,i think your greens are looking better and better each model you do.

[Reign in Blood]

Well I just spend the last hour and a half to two hours reading this thread start to finish. I am now tired and think I need to go to bed. These are brilliant. They make me wish I didn't just start collecting Eldar, or rather the new DA stuff was released instead of the Eldar. Oh well. Again great work mate keep it up.

RiB