The Sabre and Dice

Terrain: St. Kevin's Church

2010-06-25T20:33:00.010+01:00

I have always enjoyed building terrain to battle over. In fact it was the terrain section of the 3rd edition Catachan Codex that first drew me into the hobby. I had always enjoyed art and craft when I was younger and the possibility of making something that had a more practical purpose appealed to me. Varied terrain gives a much more evocative feel to things, adding a little bit more fun to one's battles.

First up is a piece I knocked up the other weekend. I had been looking through issue 270 of Wargames Illustrated which was themed around the Vikings in Ireland, an area that of course had local significance to me. Paul Davis wrote an excellent article on how to build an early Irish Christian church, based on St. Kevin's Church in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. I haven't actually visited Glendalough but I plan on doing so soon in the future.

I won't go into too much detail of the building process as Mr. Davis does it far better. I followed the steps closely, only diverging at the end. I didn't have the time or resources to sculpt stonework in plaster so I just mixed sand into poster paint to create a rudimentary stonework.

I decided to leave off any specific religious iconography, allowing me to use this as a Christian church in any historical game I play, a Bretonnian or Imperial church for WFB or a remote Imperial church in 40k. It also puts me in mind of Graham McNeil's great short story, The Last Church, describing the last church on Terra after the Unification Wars.

Door made from coffee stirrers and lollipop sticks. As you can see, the walls and roof are all corrugated cardboard.

I hope to make this a regular feature, where I will post up the various terrain features in my collection. Having a dedicated gaming room, aka The Warhammer Room, aka Skavenblight, of course helps with the space requirements.

Upcoming terrain pieces:

Cities of Death terrain.
Trench system (winter).
Jungle terrain.
Village and graveyard.
The Alamo!

Stay tuned!

Finished Deathstrike Missile Launcher Conversion: Skyrangers XXII

2010-04-09T23:45:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I put the finishing touches to my plastic Deathstrike Missile Launcher.

The urban 'dazzle' style pattern on the launcher was completed by jagged strips of Chaos Black, like all my vehicles and aircraft.

The Deathstike Missile itself was given another coat of Skull White to make it smoother than its original spray-painted state.

I applied 5 transfers from the Imperial Guard vehicle transfer sheet to add some detail to the Deathstrike Missile, the Aquilae and some serial numbers. I didn't want to go overboard with details as I preferred the simplicity of the white missile.

Lastly I painted the Earthshaker Gun in the same colours as the Launcher. For the most part I will use the vehicle as a Basilisk but I always have the option for the Deathstrike Missile Launcher, if I feel a bit mad... :)

As always, C&C greatly welcome!

Plastic Deathstrike Missile Launcher Painting: Skyrangers XXI

2010-02-21T21:23:00.013Z

A Deathstrike Missile Launcher is as much a display piece as it is a gaming piece so I decided it needed a decent paintjob immediately. Usually a plastic conversion is knocked up pretty quickly but I soon leave it to one side. However my Guard army is my only fully painted army (bar this model!) so I just had to get the Deathstrike finished! Last post was its conversion, now the painting.

The paint scheme is my usual Brundark urban camo, inspired by the 122nd Cadian infantry uniforms. The 122nd Cadian tanks were simply drybrushed but I liked the scheme so much on the infantry I decided to carry it on onto my armour and air-support.

I started with one base coat of Fenris Grey Foundation Paint on the Missile Launcher. This was followed by two coats of Shadow Grey. The splinter/dazzle camo is simply Astronomicon Grey Foundation Paint followed by two coats of Skull White. The lines are not that crisp at the moment, I will clean them up at the end. Next up is the black splinters and the finishing touches.

The Deathstrike Missile itself was spraypainted Chaos White (with the spray can, not the spray gun). It took about 4 light coats to cover the dark green plastic of the Revell kit with a smooth white coat. I'm looking forward to adding some official (and unofficial!) decorations to it!

So that's all for this evening. Hopefully I'll get a chance to finish the painting soon and get the chance to deploy the dreaded Deathstrike Missile on the battlefield. I'm not expecting anything amazing as it will no doubt be a fire magnet but that means less fire on the rest of my army!

Has anyone used a Deathstrike Missile Launcher yet? I actually saw someone using one in a local GW yesterday but I don't know if it did any good...

As always, C&C welcome!

Plastic Deathstrike Missile Launcher Conversion: Skyrangers XX

2010-02-11T17:25:00.020Z

(or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb)

Quite frankly the Deathstrike Missile has no place on the small battlefield of 40k, what with it's 80 feet (!) range and all. While it makes more sense to leave it for Apocalypse games I couldn't help adding a plastic conversion for my Basilisk. You know, just in case.... :)

As you can seen this was a fairly straightforward kitbash. I never glued the gun platform section of my Basilisk to the hull, thereby allowing it to be removed and used as a Salamander command/scout vehicle. Now it also functions as the Deathstrike launcher platform.

The model I used for the missile is Revell's Nike-Hercules Missile System. As you can see the scale of the missile is quite suitable for 40k and the Guard. The original model includes booster rockets but this made the missile a tad too long for the Chimera, so I left them off. These can be used for something else later (Havoc Launcher, Missile launcher etc.).

The main launch ramp was trimmed shorter to accommodate the new length of the missile. The base of the launcher was assembled as normal, leaving off the extra platforms at the front as they disrupted the line of Deathstrike. As you can see the ramp can extend up and down in order for the missile to launch.

The platform was then pinned with paper clips to the Chimera/Basilisk hull. Small drill holes are all that are left once the platform is removed, thereby allowing it to be normally used as a Basilisk.

The missile was also pinned to the launch ramp in order to keep it in place. It can be then removed once the Deathstrike missile has launched. I used one pin at the front and two at the rear for maximum stability.

I think the Nike Hercules is a good fit for the Deathstrike Missile. The Nike Hercules was a SAM that predated the more famous Patriot missile system. Whilst the Codex describes the Deathstrike as an ICBM the size of the missile in the picture is more in line with short to medium range missiles like the Nike Hercules, Patriot or Scud.

As I mentioned above the practical applications for a ballistic missile in a game of 40k is debatable but nevertheless the fun of bringing a doomsday device onto the table now and again, especially in themed games, is worth a little bit of converting, trimming and pinning. Plastic conversions are always a favourite of mine and I look forward to checking out my local hobby shop again for more kitbashing opportunities.

Oh and of course bringing a Deathstrike Missile allows for numerous Dr. Strangelove references!

Next up is painting! Stay tuned.

As always, C&C greatly appreciated.

Skyrangers XIX: Finished Imperial Advisors

2010-01-17T01:07:00.009Z

Well I'm finally back. Things have been very busy at university these days, I've started a PhD and I am up to my ears in books, articles and archives. There hasn't been too much time for the hobby but I've been following everyone else still. I did however get some games in over Christmas and lo and behold, I even got some figures painted this weekend! As you can see, it's been a while since I assembled my Imperial advisors and they've been glaring at me from the paint box since!

First up is the Master of Ordnance. The extra blast template is useful. He may not be a regular addition to my list but it's good to have the option.

Painted exactly like the regular infantry; Shadow Grey with white and black stripe camouflage.

Next is the Astropath. Helping a reserve roll is invaluable. I miss Improved Comms but using this very nicely sculpted model is not too bad.

Paint wise I used a couple of coats of Dark Angels Green for the cloak and then picked out details in Blood Red, Burnished Gold and Boltgun Metal. Skin was Tallarn Flesh followed by Elf Flesh. No shading as I want him to appear pallid, he's not one for the fresh air usually.

Lastly is the Officer of the Fleet. As I've said before he's not as sharp as the official model but the Skyrangers will take what they can get. Interfering with your opponent's reserve roll is very useful if the scenario involves it. Like the Astropath if the mission doesn't involve Reserves then you may want to spend your points elsewhere..

The uniform was basecoated Astronomican Grey, then multiple layers of Skull White. Can anyone recommend a good way of getting whiter than white on a figure? Details picked out Burnished Gold, Chaos Black, Blood Red and Boltgun Metal.

As always C&C greatly appreciated.

I've been busy experimenting with the new Skaven book and hopefully I'll begin to post on my WFB armies soon too. Also I have more historical stuff in the pipeline, watch this space.

Hopefully I will be back soon with pictures of my next Imperial Guard project, something rather special. I made a purchase yesterday and I now have to get kitbashing. You have been warned! Mwah hahahah!

Crimson Fists VII: Assault Squad Eos and Pedro Kantor

2009-09-24T21:31:00.011+01:00

Death from above! Assault Squad Eos has been further depleted since the Battle for New Rynn City and now stand at 5 brothers strong. Their role is to counterattack rather than direct assault as they would usually become isolated. Of course if the situation arises they will deepstrike, usually behind the gunline of a static army (Tau, Imperial Guard, Eldar) to sow destruction and/or clear objectives. Otherwise they hang back, either behind terrain or in reserve, and attack the biggest threat to the rest of the army.

A very small conversion. I wanted to convey a bit more motion in the model so I bent the arm back around the helmet and filled in the space under the army with some spare sprue bits. The plastic glue sets it all together and the shoulder pauldron covers the work. Sort-ed!

Sergeant has a powerfist to help deal with vehicles and high toughness models.

And finally Chapter Master Pedro Kantor, saviour of the Crimson Fists during the darkest hour. Kantor is one of my favourite Space Marine characters and the model is great. It's not too ostentatious nor chunky nor ridiculously posed. Understated yet ornate, I really like the Classical references, such as the laurels and cingulum, the Roman legionary studded belt. I left the standard off the backpack as I'm really not a fan of them. The moulded standard is very nice though, so I may give it to another Marine a smaller handheld standard.

Kantor is not too shabby rules-wise either. He replaces 'Combat Tactics' with the 'Stubborn' USR.

Even better any unit within 12" get +1 attack. This ability swung a game for me a while ago, when the extra attacks brought down the critical number of Necrons for phase-out. Huzzah, Vote for Pedro! While I won't always use him I will certainly keep him in rotation.

That's the entire army folks. Now onto painting!

As always, C&C welcome.

One final thing. You may notice the new layout, which I must thank my wonderful girlfriend and her html skills for. Merci beaucoup!

Skyrangers XVIII: Valkyrie Urban Camo Painting Finished

2009-08-26T22:01:00.010+01:00

My Skyrangers finally have fully painted air-support! After parts 1 and 2 where I basecoated in Fenris Grey and Shadow Grey and started the splinter camoflaugue I now painted Skull White over the Astronomican Grey splinters. Even with the foundation paints it took at least two coats of white to get an even coverage.

The crew were painted along the same lines as the Skyrangers, Shadow Grey helmets with white and black stripe camoflague.

Top down shot.

Some hitting power. I chose the rocket pods as much for their aestetic appeal as their usefulness (better than a one shot non blast ordnance missile).

You can't really see but the side gun is the Multi-Laser. The Aquila is Burnished Gold and highlight of Shining Gold.

The splinter camoflague is designed to disrupt the outline of Valkyrie and make it a harder target as it flies between buildings. The Skyrangers specialise in urban drops you see.

The splinters are plain Chaos Black painted over the Skull White. Less is defintely more when painting this style. It's always easier to add a few more than stand back and realise you've gone overboard.

This ramp will be used by either my Command Squad or my shotgun demolition vets.

Interior shot. The gunners are painted the exact same as the infantry.

A steady hand is needed to keep the lines crisp. This works for the urban splinter camoflague. More rounded stripes/blobs are more suited to jungle or temperate camoflague patterns.

The final piece is the base. Sand was glued to base and then undercoated with Chaos Black spray. This helps seal the sand onto the base. I made sure to leave a cross section for gluing the flying stand onto. After that I painted the base Scorched Brown and drybrushed Vermin Brown to tie them in with the earth bases of the rest of the army.

Well that's the biggest piece I've painted in quite a while but it was great fun!

All C&C greatly appreciated.

Can't wait to give her a spin on the battleflield!

And not playing Wagner while doing so would be just criminal...

Crimson Fists VI: Terminators (into the Hulk) and Dreadnought

2009-08-17T20:46:00.007+01:00

Ok I think today is a rather suitable day to post on my Terminators. Like half my army these veterans are from the Assault on Black Reach box. Whilst they are snap together models and lack the flexibility of the regular sprues they are easy to assemble and, being plastic, still very easy to convert. A mix up of White Dwarf subscriptions meant I ended up with three free ones too, one of which I turned into my Terminator Chaplain.

Ok so may I present the remnants of Squad Alecto, sworn to avenge their fallen brethren by ridding the galaxy of the Greenskin menace, one Ork at a time. They like to kill 'nids too. ;)

Two conversions from the regular box. I had a spare heavy weapons from my Templars so I now have the option of arming the squad with either a heavy flamer (if I'm facing Guard, Nids, Tau, Eldar) or a Cyclone Missile Launcher (if I'm facing heavier armour).

Next up is my heaviest unit, Brother Jerian, one of the four surviving Dreadnoughts in the Chapter.

Completely standard AoBR dreadnought. I may change multi-melta to assault cannon; what do people think?

Ok so that's it for this evening.

I really can't wait for Space Hulk! I may use the Termnies in the box for my Crimson Fists but I have a feeling the storyline of the new boxset will compel me to paint them up as Blood Angels (I swear that's as far as it'll go, I don't need another Marine army!!)

Roll on September!

Crimson Fists V: Plastic Sternguard Conversions

2009-08-14T23:25:00.009+01:00

Ok more plastic conversion, hurrah! And who doesn't like grizzled veterans with some kick-arse firepower? May I present to you Squad Thanator!
I chose the name (derived from the Ancient Greek word for death; thanatos) from the excellent plate in the Planestrike Codex that depicts the remains of the entire Crimson Fists chapter prior to the Battle for New Rynn City (989.M41).

I knew I wanted Sternguard as soon as I saw Pedro Kantor makes all Sternguard scoring units. When I include him into the army I go from having four scoring units to five, which could make all the difference in a tightly contested battle. Ammo-wise I am a fan of the long range (30") rounds as well as the AP3 rounds.

Ok onto the models themselves. Like a number of people I decided to save on buying the expensive metals and simply assembled five Tactical Marines (spare from the Battleforce box) as normal, and then proceeded to convert them. To represent the specialist ammo used by the veterans I sawed off the drum magazines from Ork Shootas and spare Terminator Storm Bolter magazines and glued them onto the bolter, having snipped off the normal sickle magazine first. Telescopic sights saved from the sprues of the tactical squads were then attached on top. If you're using expensive ammo you'd better hit!

To emphasise their elite status I only used the Mk.VI Corvus (beakie!) pattern helmets and the Mk.V studded shoulder pads, both saved from numerous Tactical Squad sprues. It should help make them stand out on the battlefield. This particular Marine has been given a plasmagun but I'm already considering replacing it with a meltagun (if I have one spare) as the squad has decent ammo for all types of infantry but lacks anti-armour. If I plan on using these to hold/take objectives they'd better be prepared!

last is good old Sarge. To be precise this is Veteran Sergeant Huron Grimm. Some of you may recognise the name. He was a Space Marine Sergeant in charge of New Rynn City's defences before Kantor made it to the city during the Battle for Rynn's World. I decided he deserved a promotion (as well as an auspex!). Like the rest of the squad I also gave him a tabard. just the small classical style ones from the sprues rather than flowing Templar ones. If you look closely at the Sternguard three pictures up you'll notice his tabard is actually from an Eldar Dire Avenger(!).

Ok that's enough for tonight. On a personal note I handed in my Masters thesis today so feeling pretty darn good. Oh and I finally passed my driving test!

I'll leave the final words with Sgt Grimm himself (taken from Index Astartes: Crimson Fists, White Dwarf UK 288)

"Nothing ever assured me more that the Emperor truly watches over us than when I saw our Chapter Master return to us from death"

Have a great weekend everyone!

Skyrangers XVII: Valkyrie Urban Camo Painting

2009-08-12T23:12:00.004+01:00

Work continues on the Valkyrie. Just a small post tonight on how I've started the camouflage.

The urban coloured splinter camo ties the Valkyrie in with my tank and half-track.

I first of all painted the splinters in Astronomicon Grey.

Next up will be a few coats of Skull White over the Grey.

Paiting white over grey is a bit of a pain in the derriere but c'est la vie!

Skyrangers XVI: Plastic Officer of the Fleet and Master of Ordnance

2009-08-10T00:29:00.008+01:00

Whilst in the midst of painting the camouflage on my Valkyrie I got distracted (as is wont to happen).

I was looking at my gaming table which currently has most of my Guard army on it and I noticed my rather lame stand-in models for regimental advisors. Therefore I decided to convert some (it made a nice change from painting too).

First up is the Officer of the Fleet. This was a pretty straightforward job; simply assemble the tank crewman from the vehicle accessory sprue. I gave him the fieldglasses from the heavy weapon sprue.

Now I know what ye are thinking. That guy is in baggy clothes and looks nothing like the admittedly very sharply dressed official model, complete with crisp tunic and lots of medals. My reasoning is that while a General might warrant the assistance of someone of the rank of captain etc my humble army would probably warrant a lower-level officer (eg a lieutenant). It ties him in better with the overall army too in my opinion. That said, I will still paint his uniform a nice crisp white to make him stand out.

Next up is the Master of Ordnance. A simple enough conversion too; a regular guardsman's body with vox helmet. This, combined with a backpack with extra antennae (florist wire), gives the sense of communicating with the heavy, off-table, artillery. The left arm is from a Sentinel pilot, which i think doubles nicley as a range-finder device/do-whacky.

Lastly is the Astropath which is not plastic of course, as I just used an old model of mine from the Inquisitorial Henchmen blister.

Since photos were taken I have undercoated the Officer of the Fleet and he awaits painting, along with the other two. I may add a bodygurad or two if I can rustle up the models...

As always, C&C greatly appreciated!

GWpertinent Oldest Model Giveaway

2009-08-08T21:51:00.004+01:00

Just a quick post this evening; my entry for GWPertinent's Old School Minis 40k edition. Winning a classic Space Marine Captian would be very cool for my new Crimson Fists.

My entry is the Catachan Captain with Power Fist from back in 1992 (according to the slottabase tab).

You just gotta love the classic "this power fist weighs nothing!" pose and (not very clear from photo) the sheer squareness of his crew cut hair! :P

Ah for the days when Sunburst Yellow doubled for gold and other metals...

Anywho, I hope all enjoy this trip down memory lane. Regular army logging will resume shortly.

A quick question though: Is my Vindicare Assassin model older? (i.e. pre 1992?) I couldn't work it out without ripping my Vindicare from his base and he's too well painted and based for that!

Crimson Fists IV: Plastic Librarian Conversion

2009-08-06T22:25:00.003+01:00

Having previously only used Black Templars I've never had any experience with Astartes psykers. Therefore when I decided to don the psychic hood. Hopefully the Perils of the Warp do not await me....

When I got the Assault on Black Reach box I had this plastic captain. As seen in my first post I had already selected a Captain to lead my company (when Pedro isn't around). As I love converting plastics I decided to convert the Captain into a Librarian. Two main things were needed.

Psychic Hood
Force Weapon

I decided on using a staff as a force weapon (as opposed to my Captain's sword and Chaplain's Crozius Arcanum club). The staff itself is a WFB spear or standard pole (I can't actually remember which, either work anyway). The top is a banner top from the Terminator Command Sprue.

The psychic hood was made from a Space Marine shoulder pad that I trimmed in order to get 3 slim curved pieces of plastic that I used to create the protective hood.

My final piece was the book. The book would help differentiate the librarian from the other HQ choices. The book comes from the Skaven Plague Monk sprue (with the long rat nails shaved down of course, unless you want the book for a Chaos sorcerer!). I simply chopped off the bolter and glued on the book o'spells.

Regarding powers, I have yet to use the librarian on the battlefield. For his first go I think I'll try Might of the Ancients and Vortex of Doom.

What do people think? Any Librarian experiences/advice would be greatly appreciated!

And his mighty battle cry?

"Quiet! People are trying to read!"

Sorry...sorry....

Crimson Fists III: Troop Choices

2009-08-04T17:19:00.007+01:00

The Crimson Fists have been unlucky lately (what with their fortress monastary blowing up and all) so basic troop choices are important to them.

The Troops section was not usually the most glamourous of the FOC choices but now with 5th edition rules they are essential. Therefore I want to do them justice, especially as my army is a depleted, post Rynn's World battle group.

Up first are my Scouts. These guys are the future of the Chapter and therefore need to get as much combat experience as possible. I have two squads; one armed with Pistols and CCWs to seize objectives. The heavy bolter adds some firepower for larger targets and discourages tanks presenting side or rear armour. You should always try to infiltrate your Scout squads, even just for the distraction that it will cause your opponent for having enemies near his army.

The other Scout squad is armed with sniper rifles to pin enemy units that I don't want advancing towards my objectives or units. camo cloaks make the Scouts that bit more survivable when put in some handy cover (highly recommend if not essential). The missile launcher is used to target transport vehicles. These should be your priority. I spent too much time trying to take down a Monolith with this guy but heck, Necrons don't have Rhinos anyway!

Tactical Squads are great. Ten 3+ armour saves means that thsi scoring unit can survive a lot of hits before it becomes combat effective. This squad is made from the snap-fit models of the Assault on Black Reach box. Some might mock the lack of poses but sometimes you want to assemble models quickly and anyway, dynamic modelling can be kept for Elite or Fast Attack units.

The second Tactical Squad is straight out of the Space Marine box (Battleforce to be precise in my case). As with the first squad it is armed with the standard (and more importantly FREE) flamer and missile laucher. This is the best configuration in my humble opinion. The flamer can roast Orks, (Traitor) Guardsmen, Nids, Eldar, Tau with ease (all on a 3+) and negates most of their armour saves. It has an even chance of wounding Chaos Space Marines and Necrons too. The missile launcher has the benefit of frag or krak depending on the situation. All in all a very good deal.

Still no painting done but soon! In meantime C&C welcome as always.

Skyrangers XV: Shotgun Vets Finished.

2009-08-02T21:22:00.011+01:00

I finally got round to putting the final touches to my Demolition Hardened Veterans (with shotguns!)

I started by painting the black stripes on the trousers and sleeves of the models.

I then gave a drybrush of Boltgun Metal on the weapons and other metal details.

The skin was given another coat of Elf Flesh followed by a wash of Brown Ink. They may look a little tanned but these guys are demolition veterans. They've spent a lot of time around explosions...

And here's Guardsman Cortez! Still no-one getting the ref? ;)

Here's the cook (with some fresh kroot for the camp-fire!)

The bases were painted with Scorched Brown and drybrushed Vermin Brown.

And finally Sarge!

Next up is a small Tactica on using these bad boys.

Crimson Fists II: Plastic Terminator Chaplain

2009-07-23T22:18:00.004+01:00

What's better than a zealous Space Marine Chaplian? A zealous Space Marine Chaplain in Tactical Dreadnought Armour!

Since I'd picked up some free Terminators from White Dwarf I was happy enough to chop it up a bit. Apart from my Captain and Pedro Kantor my entire army is plastic. I just infinitely prefer it for conversion purposes and less chance of the paint chipping.

Conversion was pretty simple. Firstly I needed to consider the essentials of the Space Marine Chaplain:

Skull helmet
Crozius Arcanum (ornate power weapon)
Rosarius (for invulnerable save)

The helmet was simply the skull head Chaos Space Marine helmet (the one without any horns or overtly Chaotic symbols) that I pared with clippers to fit into the Terminator torso.

The Rosarius is represented by a banner top from the Terminator Command Sprue.

The Crozius Arcanum had to be pretty beefy to fit in with the Terminator armour. For the arm and handle I used a Thunder Hammer arm from the Terminator Assault sprue with the head of the hammer cut off. The top of the weapon is an eagle banner top, also from the Terminator Command sprue.
Since I liked the way the right arm pointed I had to put the storm bolter in the left hand. Therefore I had to chop up another arm and stick the Storm Bolter from the free terminator onto it.

I am looking forward to painting this guy, the black will stand out nicely against the navy.

Comments and criticisms welcome as always!

Crimson Fists: The Sons of Dorn rise again

2009-07-17T20:46:00.011+01:00

When the new Space Marine Codex came out I decided to start a new chapter. I have been playing Black Templars for 7 years now (my first army) and while I enjoy their style of play and background a lot, I felt like a OCdex Chapter would be fun too. I decided to stay close though and chose the more level-headed sons of Dorn, the Crimson Fists.

This image is, for me, one of the most iconic of the images of 40k. It was the cover of the 3rd ed dex which was the first codex I bought. While I ended up picking the Templars I always loved this image.

My goal was to collect a small and manageable force of Crimson Fists. As the Crimson Fists suffered terribly after the catastrophic explosion of their Chapter Monastery during the Ork invasion of Rynn's World the idea of small, modestly equipped army suits the Crimson Fists quite well. The great colour plate from the Planetstrike Codex of the entire standing number of the Crimson Fists right before the battle of New Rynn City has given me names of squads to play with now too, which is great!

I started off with the contents of the Assault on Black Reach boxset which I can't recommend enough. So many models and all as easy to assemble as goblin pie! I picked up some free AOBR terminators from the corresponding White Dwarf issue (the number alludes me at the mo). That gave me 10 tactical marines, 8 terminators, 1 captain (which I have converted) and 1 dreadnought.

My next purchase was the SM battleforce. This gave me 10 more Tactical Marines, 5 more that I'm converting into Sternguard Veterans, 5 Scouts, 5 Assault Marines, 1 Rhino. Final stop was 5 Sniper Scouts and who else but Senor Pedro Kantor, Chapter Master himself.

My first picture is actually a recycled miniature. I bought the Masters of the Chapter for my Black Templars but as I have a number of Marshal models already I had this one to spare.

Captian Carlos Fernandez, commander of the 5th Company (depleted)

This has to be one of my favourite Space Marine characters. The Mk.III Iron Armour and the helmet held casually in the gauntleted hand... sheer coolness. Oh and the ornate power sword!

I plan on painting this army as quickly as possible (I have WAY too many unpainted armies). For this purpose I ahve the Army Painter dip. I actually have had this a year but only tracked down the necesssary matt varnish spray recently (Spray cans can't be shipped by some websites to Eire you see).

My question is this; is it ok to use normal car spray paint on plastic models? Has anyone done this? They stock very reasonablly priced cans nearby and if they worked all I'd need is a navy spray undercoat, some detailing on weapons and pouches then a quick brush of dip and hey presto, a Crimson Fist ready for basing and battle!

More Crimson Fists to follow.

C&C welcome as always!

Skyrangers XIV: Anti-Air Half-track

2009-07-13T18:37:00.010+01:00

Work on the shotgun vets has slowed so but here's what I've been planning since the release of Planetstrike!

As soon as I saw the autocannon Quad Gun from the Aegis Defence Line set I knew it would make a perfect Hydra substitute for my Imperial Guard. Forgive my crude photo-editing, this is only the planning stages.

My reasoning is this: Firstly while the real Hydra undeniably looks very very cool I feel the guns are oversized for their statline. The only difference is the increased range. Otherwise they are exactly the same strength as the autocannon lugged around by the troopers themselves so I think these guns will do fine.

Secondly I wanted a slightly smaller and more realistic self propelled AA weapon system. I therefore took inspiration from the WW2 German Wirbelwind, the American M16 Multiple-Gun Motor Carriage and the more modern Bradley Linebreaker.

I am awaiting the release of the quite good value Imperial Strongpoint deal which will give me three Quad Guns (as well as 2 lascannons, defence walls and two bastions) so I will be using one for my new vehicle and I'll still have two to leave as interceptor guns for Planetstrike battles.

The vehicle will either be a half-track like my Cerberus Chimera variant or if I can't get suitable wheels I'll make it fully tracked but leave the tracks exposed and low (like in modern tanks and unlike the WW1-style all-around tracks).

So here is my rough idea.

I can't wait to get started on this; converting plastic kits is possibly my favourite part of the modelling side of the hobby!

What do ye think? Yay or nay?

Skyrangers XIII: Valkyrie WIP II

2009-07-02T22:11:00.005+01:00

Work continues (slowly) on my precious Valkyrie. I know it will be the biggest fire magnet as soon as it arrives on the table but for the sheer coolness factor it's more than worth it and it also ties in nicely with the airborne theme of the Skyrangers.

After painting the interior I assembled the rest of the Valkyrie. With hindsight I should have left the wings unglued, as they would still have probably stayed when slotted in, and now it's rather difficult to find a container to transport it in.

First was the standard undercoat of Chaos Black spray (making sure to close the wing doors while doing so).

Next was a coat of Fenris Grey Foundation Paint. This would make it easier to paint the main coat of Shadow Grey later.

Another coat of Fenris Grey was needed to cover up the brush marks (this can happen on larger models, I was also using a cheaper brush which may not have helped).

Finally I applied a coat of Shadow Grey. Next up is details on the cockpit and camouflage stripes like on my vehicles.

As always, C&C greatly appreciated!

P.S. I cannot wait for Saturday, Planetstrike looks awesome! Skyrangers incoming! ;)

Skyrangers XII: High Command

2009-06-28T23:34:00.003+01:00

The Brundark High Command is an integral part of the armed forces that serve in the Imperial Guard. They co-ordinate the various elements of the Brundark forces: The airborne infantry Skyrangers, the special forces Sky-Commandos, the heavy infantry Dragoons, the armour and the air support.

These elements are grouped together into ‘Combat Battle Groups’ which are commanded by high ranking officers called Lord Marshals. These men are picked from the most promising officers from the various branches of the military.

The Brundark 52nd Combat Battle Group is commanded by Lord Marshal Oskar Sormund.

(Painting: The coat was a basecoat of Mordian Blue followed by Enchanted Blue. Armour: Mithril Silver and Shining Gold details. Hat was drybrush of Codex Grey. Sash was Blood Red with Shining Gold detail. Sormund’s moustache is Scorched Brown and a Flesh Wash. Boots and gloves are Snakebite Leather with a Flesh Wash).

Flagman Spears carries the Regimental Banner of the 52nd.

(Painting: Same as the Lord Marshal. Banner: Modian Blue followed by Enchanted Blue, with details of Blood Red, Tallarn Flesh followed by Elf Flesh and the skeleton is a drybrush of Beached Bone, along with Bleached Bone on the banner roll).

Commissar George Cane has been attached to the 52nd CBG for 2 years now.

(Painting: The coat was painted Chaos Black with a Blood Red trim. The lining is Codex Grey. For the gun and armour I used Mithril Silver and Shining Gold for the detail, Dark Angels Green for the laurels.

Pants were a drybrush of Codex Grey, holster: Scorched Brown, the cane of Commissar Cane: Calthan Brown and Shining Gold. For the face I used a basecoat of Tallarn Flesh highlighted with Elf Flesh and a light Flesh Wash. For the scar I highlighted with Vermin Brown).

As always, C&C welcome!

Skyrangers XI: Valkyrie WIP

2009-06-23T22:39:00.008+01:00

"Birds inbound on your position!" With a rush of turbo jets and the "whoosh-KABOOM!" of rocket pods my Skyrangers finally get some air-support and (hopefully not required) med-evac.

The Valkyrie has long been a piece of hardware that I used to drool over on the Forge World website and the rumours of a plastic version seemed too good to be true. Needless to say when two arrived in the post (1 for me, 1 for my bro's Catachans) I was a happy bunny (with the love child of an Apache, Huey and Chimera!)

It's been a while since I've assembled a large vehicle and they are always more of a challenge than infantry sized models. I assembled the Valkyrie with the rocket pods as they are multiple use (unlike the standard-fit Missiles) and just plain cool-looking.

Since I wanted to paint the interior (ignoring it would be such a waste) I assembled the floor and walls first.

I drybrushed the interior with Codex Grey and then highlighted the panels and buttons with reds and blues and greens.

The screens were painted with Scorpion Green to give them a greenish glow.

Again I couldn't ignore the door gunners!

They were painted in the same way I painted my infantry: Chaos Black carapace and Shadow Grey fatigues, with striped black and white camoflague. The hevay bolter was painted Chaos Black and highlighted with Boltgun Metal.

Next up the exterior!

C&C welcome as always.

Skyrangers Pt. 10: Shotgun Vets Painting

2009-06-22T18:48:00.010+01:00

Work continues on these loonies obsessed with big bangs (shotguns and bombs make for good, healthy 41st millennium fun after all!). Ka-Boom!!

Before anything else I based the models that didn't have previous details. As I base in sand I find it a lot easier to put the sand on with glue and then let the spray seal in the sand.

After an undercoat of Chaos Black I painted the pants and vests with the Foundation Paint Fenris Grey. This has made my infantry painting life a LOT easier, as before I'd need multiple coats of what I was painting.

The next stage was Shadow Grey over the pants and vests.

Next I used Tallarn Flesh on the arms, hands and faces.

I then began the urban camoflague by painting white stripes randomly across the pants.

The latest stage I've done is a light coat of Elf Flesh on the skin. I will darken it with a Flesh Wash as it looks far too pale when compared with the original vets like Sarge here.

Cortez and the Vet which I have decided will be the unit's cook. As you can see he has a Kroot head. This is ironically appropriate as the unit's first action involved getting eaten by a squad of Kroot.

Next up is black camo stripes and covering up of overspill of other colours. I'll keep ye posted...

As always, C&C greatly appreciated.

Skyrangers Pt.9: Shotgun Vets WIP

2009-06-19T19:16:00.008+01:00

Is there anything cooler than Hardened Vets with shotguns? Yes, actually. Hardened vets with shotguns who are demolition specialists!

Ye gods, over a month without posting but I'm back, with a bang (arf)! Ok first of all apologies for lack of posting, I was on holiday for a week in Rome and I've moved with my wonderful girlfriend and we've been busy making our new place our home. It looks great now (including desk for work and painting) but I don't want to see a paint pot bigger than 12ml for at least a year!

Anyway, back to the Skyrangers. To complement the Dragoons these veterans will be equipped for lightning assault; 2 meltaguns, 7 shotguns and a sarge with plasma pistol and ccw. Oh and since they are designated demolition experts they all have melta bombs and 1 has the honour (?) of hefting a demolition charge.

Onto the models themselves. These chaps are all based on Catachan legs and torsos than I had lying around (or part of now-disbanded heavy weapon teams).

For the arms on these two I used the arms and shotguns from the Space Marine Scout sprue. My Black Templar Neophytes are all CC-orientated so I have plenty of shotguns spare. The head on the left is a Scout head while the right is one of the old Sentinel Pilot.

Melta bombs courtesy of the Space Marine Assualt Marine sprue.

The shotgun on the right is from an old Necromunda weapons blister pack while the left is another Scout shotgun and head is another Sentinel Pilot (complete with bad-ass cigar!).

I think I'm gonna name this guy Cortez.... can you see the ressemblance?

Catachan body, SM shotgun and head from the infamous 'hairy head sprue' from the Empire Knightly Order box.

This model was originally a Kroot-Hunter (inspired by the WD article on Armageddon Ork-Hunters), now with added shotgunniness!

The 2 meltagunners.

Demo charge dude! At a range of only 6" he is one brave/stupid guy. Shotgun is again from Necromunda while the demo charge is a Tankbusta bomb from the Ork Boyz sprue.

The tough-as-nails Veteran Sarge, complete with SM chainsword and plasma pistol.

I've only used them once so far in a Sabotage games (from 4 ed rulebook) but mistimed their approach and they were spotted before they could open fire and were charged by 10 Kroot. So that was 30 attacks! Needless to say they didn't last long...

Since then I have undercoated the miss-matched models and I am going to paint them like the Sarge and melta gunner on the right.

More on them and the rest of my High Command soon. Now that the summer has come and I have a bit more spare time I intend to finish as many of my armies as possible. More on those ridiculously ambitious plans later...

Skyrangers Pt.8: Finished Dragoons and Snipers

2009-05-17T10:35:00.006+01:00

I've been digesting the new Codex for the last few weeks (like many others of course) and overall I am very impressed. While I do miss Doctrines (Light Infantry and Drop Troops especially) I understand the need for a streamlined, usable Codex. I will post on my lists soon but first the finished Dragoons!

First up is the elite Dragoon Snipers. So far they don't have a place in my list but I'll find somewhere. Since I use the Vostroyon models as veterans their weapons can include sniper rifles which I can pick if the mission suits it. Either way the models are too good to pass up on.

Following them is the heavy bolter team (one of the few on the legal 60mm bases but as I only play casual games it's ok).

All the models were painted like the previous lot; Regal Blue for the clothes and Mithril Silver and Burnished Gold for the weapons and armour.

Again the Dragoons will get this if they are intended for static defence, otherwise I will only use assault weapons so they can move swiftly in their half-track, jump out and unlease some melta or gernade death will these guys (the medic is there in case I want to turn them into an alternative Company or Platoon Command Squad).

The meltagun is actually a simple conversion; I just snipped off the flamer head (who uses a flamer with a wooden handle anyway???) and glued on a meltagun nozzle left over from a Chaos Obliterator arm weapon sprue. Yes I dabble in the Chaotic Powers (more on that later).

The Veteran Sgt. No special equipment (as of yet)

Skyrangers Pt.7: Finished Dragoons

2009-05-03T01:12:00.006+01:00

Ok so here's the finished Brundark Dragoons. Having looked at my new Codex I have (provisionally) decided to field these as Veterans with carapace armour and mounted in the half-track.

Colour scheme is intended to be related to the Skyrangers but still distinctively different. Clothing is Regal Blue. Boots, gloves, pouches and weapons are Calthan Brown with Milthril Silver and Burnished Gold highlights. The Bearskins are black and drybrushed with Codex Grey.

The blue also helps differentiate them from the usual Red (or green in the case of Light of the Emperor) Vostroyon armies one sees.

I am still getting used to the new Codex, I'll post my new list once I've properly digested it.

Heavy and special weapons for the Dragoons are on the way, as well as the High Command.

Skyrangers Pt.6: Sky-Commandos

2009-04-30T23:36:00.008+01:00

Apologies for the shocking lack of updates. End of term meant blogging had to take a back seat for a while but normal service is now resumed!

So first up we have the elite Brundark Sky Commados! Death from above!

Naturally they are used as Stormtroopers. I am very much looking forward to the new hotshot hellguns. And the Kasrkin models are very cool.

Fatigues painted in same colour scheme as the regular infantry. The carapace is Necron Abyss foundation paint which I was very pleased with, it gives a nice shiny yet hard look about it which is hard to see from the photos.

I was afraid the model looked too dark so I painted the visor and scope Goblin Green with a green ink wash, providing enough of a contrast colour to offset the darker areas. It may still look dark but I wanted the model to look like a contemporary special-forces trooper.

Here's the Sergeant.

Note his curved cavalry sabre which he 'discovered' on the battlefield (high-tech conversion I know!).

And the squad in full.

I am looking forward to these guys arriving in style in a Valkyrie soon.

I love the smell of promethium in the morning....

C&C welcome, as always!

Skyrangers Pt.6: Brundark Dragoons, High Command and Snipers

2009-04-03T13:36:00.006+01:00

Ok here is how I went about making the Dragoons, High Command and bonus Snipers! I am using Vostroyon models to represent the more aristocratic armed forces of Brundark.

The blue of the coat ties it in with the blueish tint of Shadow Grey that I used on the airborne. It should look a lot richer once I put on another coat or two. I'm going to paint the weapons with wooden stocks and gold and silver trim. Hat will probably remain black with some greyish highlights.

Here is another Dragoon (from my armoured fist squad, historically Dragoons were soldiers who rode into battle but dismounted to fight.)

Stage 2 of painting:

This is going to be the High Commander of the Brundark battlegroup, Lord General Samuel Brookstone..

Stage 1

Stage 2

Apologies for the lighting in this one. I got the snipers because they are simply the best Vostroyon models around..

Stage 1 and 2

Isengard Unleashed Pt.5

2009-04-02T10:34:00.003+01:00

So that's my Isengard army finished for the moment. The army comes in at 800pts which is a fine size for an evening's game. I will no doubt take a gander at War of the Ring when it comes out but I can't see myself shelling out too much on a ridiculously big army that I'd only be able to game with once in a blue moon.

That's not to say it will be a static army. If there's one thing I've learned in my years wargaming is that you are never finish your army. ;)

Here's the list as it stands...

Legion of the White Hand

Saruman 170pts

Lurtz 60pts

Uruk-hai Captain (shield+heavy armour) 60pts

10 Uruk-hai warriors with shields 100pts

9 Uruk-hai warriors with pikes 90pts

1 Uruk-hai with banner 39pts

3 Uruk-hai Bezerkers 45pts

Isengard Troll 110 pts

Total: 794pts

Room for improvement: As one can see, it's quite a small army. This is to be expected in a predominantly Uruk-hai army. Yet numbers do count so my next purchase will probably be a box of (plastic-huzzah!) 24 Uruk-hai scouts. They are somewhat cheaper points-wise than their warrior counterparts and also 8 of them are armed with bows, giving me at least some ranged firepower (apart from Saruman's highly entertaining 'Sorcerous Blast' and the Troll's 'Throw stone'). More bezerkers would be useful and fun to paint too.

And as I've said before, Grima Wormtongue would make a very characterful addition.Maybe some Warg Riders as cavalry support...

Any other suggestions?

Skyrangers Pt.5: Cerberus Half-track conversion

2009-03-30T21:28:00.013+01:00

Ok here's the Cerberus half-track.

A fairly straightforward conversion; toy tractor wheels, SM Predator autocannon and gunshield (inverted) from heavy weapon sprue. Gunports are covered by the hub-caps from SM bikes (who uses these things anyway? :P ).

The back tracks are just the inner wheels from the Chimera glued onto the hull in the required shape with the tracks cut to fit onto the wheels. Some mechanical detail from other bits of sprue we glued in the inner space between the wheels so the hull wouldn't look so bare.

The Brundark Dragoon armoured fist squad (represented by Vostroyons) will use this to support the lighter infantry. You can't see from the photo but the back track wheels have been weathered a lot so look less plasticy.

Painting-wise it follows the same scheme as my other vehicles and also the infantry. Sprayed black and followed by:

Base coat: Shadow Grey (2 or more coats, I haven't used a foundation paint on them yet, Fenris Grey would be a suitable one for under Shadow Grey I think).

Camo: Black and White angular shapes. Make sure they overlap but not all the time and don't go overboard and obscure the Shadow Grey. Simple as that really. Don't worry too much about exceedingly straight lines, it'll look fine on the table! Details were picked out in their metallics (Aquila and fuel cans) and browns (shovels and packs).

Again, comms are represented by with florist wire. I'm not sure if this upgrade will still be in the new Codex (anyone?) but at the moment they are fairly important, as they allow a re-roll to your reserve roll. This used to be especially important when most of your army was deep-striking!

The autocannon is purely decorative, in games I just count it as a multi-laser. I'm just not that big a fan of the multi-laser look but the profile is fine. The Predator cannon just looks more beefy and dangerous and capable of laying down a decent hail of suppressive fire as the Dragoons disembark.

Skyrangers Pt.4: Armoured Support

2009-03-25T22:10:00.008Z

Pure infantry drop-troops are a fun and interesting style of playing but to exclude yourself from the armoured might of the Imperial Guard would be just criminal. :)

Here are the light armour support that, if necessary, drop with the infantry. As you can see I've used wire mesh as an armoured crew compartment, representing them protecting themselves from above in urban combat zones.

Comms are florist wire. I drilled holes into the tank and simply glued the wires in. Quick, cheap (free!) and very effective! (also durable) These sentinels have a long history of fighting Hormagaunts. They handily hold them up for quite some time, maybe even killing one or two. Keeps them away from my men anyway!

Next up is the heavy support in the form of the ubiquitous Leman Russ

And from the other angle... (excuse the terrible lighting please!) Note the loud-hailer on the turret. A clap on the back for anyone who guesses where I got that idea from!

The track guards are the bottom sections from the Chimera chassis and the old launch-box from the old hunter-killer missile chopped up and folded out (this Russ was bought before the new accessory sprue).

Skyrangers Pt.3 Lieutenants and Elites

2009-03-21T10:19:00.007Z

Ok here are my Urban Control Squad (UCS). Primarily used as homeworld police service (in conjunction with the Arbites) they are also employed when the Skyrangers are required to operate in urban environments, maintaining order in the Imperial civilian population (as well as assisting in containment and suppression of the enemy population).

Sergeant Swan and his Dangerous Operations Guardian (D.O.G.)

I've used these Necromunda Enforcers as Strormtroopers so far. The various weapons just count as hellguns for the moment unless it's a themed battle, then they're WYSIWYG. Another option is Hardened Vets with carapace (which will be available to them in the new Codex)

Here are my two lieutenants that lead the two platoons of the drop company. Note the twin pistols. These are their symbols of office, given to them upon their commission to officer class. (I decided to keep with the image of the twin pistols on the Creed miniature.)

The beret was simply made from a moulded Green Stuff blob. Backpack is from the old Catachan Captain

The arms come from the Heavy weapon sprue (the extended arm pointing) and the regular arm that holds the end of the flamer. Both had their hands chopped off and the twin pistols added.

This lieutenant was given twin autopistols (inspired by Master Chief's twin SMGs) from the Necromunda Orlock Gangers. Head is from the Sentinel sprue.

A memorable moment was when one of my Lieutenants jumped from a ruined building onto Kroot in the street below; leaping through the air and firing his twin pistols and yelling "Ahhhhh!". Before being promptly decapitated by a Kroot Shaper. Oh well!

Isengard Unleashed Pt.4

2009-03-20T23:28:00.003Z

The last part of my army, and it's a big 'un!

The new plastic Mordor/Isengard Troll is a beast of a model but very easy to assemble and paint. I couldn't decide whether I wanted him with a spear or sword so I made and painted both as they can be popped onto his shoulder like the way SM Dreadnoughts can have interchangeable arms.

The skin of the troll was difficult to get right. At first I got too concerned with getting the exact same shade and hue as on the box but then I decided to use my own scheme.I used a basecoat of Calthan Brown and added a mix of dwarf flesh and vermin brown to create the sickly-coloured skin tone. The metal was boltgun metal drybrush followed by a black ink wash. The leather was scorched brown with the straps picked out in vermin brown or snakebite leather. The teeth and fingernails were picked out in bleached bone. Finally everything was given a wash with brown ink.

I'm quite happy with how this came again. Please note it doesn't look as bright and shiny in real life, the photos are a tad bright.

Needless to say I plan to keep him well away from pesky rangers who will pincushion him before he can unleash his full hitting potential. Like the bezerkers this is a great unit to distract and intimidate your opponent.

I'll post my army list soon and how I might 'upgrade' to War of the Ring scale, as I've been hearing nothing but good things about it.

Skyrangers Pt.2: Sgt and Heavy Weapons

2009-03-18T19:54:00.012Z

Ok next up is a close up of the back-packs of the Skyrangers. I wanted to get a sense of the troops carrying all the equipment they'd need for extended operations after being dropped into enemy territory.

Infantry Squad Sgt.
I couldn't find my favourite sergeant to take a pic of at the moment, he has binoculars that he has used to take down a lictor and a carnifex!

These are the guys that started it all. I had some spare Catachans that I painted up as urban veterans. I liked the idea of the troopers scavenging any weapon they could as they tried to survive in a war-torn city.

Currently they stand in as crew for an autocannon squad but I hope to model a proper unit of veterans, using these models and more Cadians/Catacahans with shotgun arms from the SM scout sprue. I want to convey the feeling that these guys are the path-finders and scouts of the regiment, infiltrating far ahead of the main army.

My heavy weapons teams currently look like this. Extra ammo belts are from the Ork sprue.

The stand is made from the sprue the square bases come on. For heavy bolters I use the sprue that holds the round bases together. Cheap and effective! However I will have to rebase all these models soon as the Imperial Guard Heavy weapons teams have to be on the one base when the new Codex comes out in May. Slightly annoying (I can't really afford to shell out on bags of bases, may just make my own).

Mortar teams will also need to go onto one base, which will make putting them in cool positions in terrain features a lot trickier. Oh well. They still tie in nicely with the drop-troop theme.

As always C&C welcome.

The Flagstone Gazette Issue 3

2009-03-18T19:27:00.006Z

Issue 3 18th March 1877

Attention citizens! We have managed to locate images of the ringleaders of the infamous (it's like famous... only more so...) band of thieves and murderers.
Joe 'Stinky Hat' Peterson

Right-hand man to the gang leader. Carries a Spencer Repeating Rifle.

Ike Callaghan

Younger brother to the gang leader. Carries a Colt Army Model 1860 .45 revolver.

James Callaghan

The notorious gang leader. Carries a Colt Dragoon revolver and a Bowie knife. A man of uncompromising brutality and cunning. This man is not to be approached
If any loyal citizens should happen to see these men in Flagstone or in the surrounding countryside please contact the Sheriff or his deputies immediately.
For now keep an eye out for our next issue where we shall profile the brave men who will undoubtably bring these brigands to justice.

Brundark 52nd Skyrangers

2009-03-14T17:34:00.010Z

Ok time for some 40K shall we? First up is my Imperial Guard Drop Troop army, the Skyrangers of Brundark. I've charted this army's progress on forums before, so apologies if you've seen this all before!

This is how my general infantry look and they form the backbone of my Imperial Guard army. The basic formamation of my army is as follows.
Cadians (converted as drop troops) represent the bulk of my infantry and are supported by a Leman Russ, Sentinels and heavy weapons. I use some Vostroyons as an Armoured Fist Squad and some Karskins as Stormtroopers.

A (brief) history of the fighting forces of Brundark

Brundark is an small planet near the Cadian Gate that as a result maintains a large armed force in service of the Imperium. The planet's main strength is in its airborne infantry but they are only truely effective when supported in an 'all-arms approach' by the other formations of heavier troops and armour that the planet also provides. The general population of the planet provide most of the recruits for the airborne infantry while the aristocracy and upper-level Imperial citizens usually join the more elite heavy troop and amoured services. The infantry are not as elite as the Elysian for example, preferring a more basic but practical fighting style. The Skyrangers are trained and equipped to survive for days behind enemy lines; conducting raids and sowing confusion before linking up with the heavier ground units.

Ok onto the models themselves...
To make the high altitude rebreathers I used green stuff blobs pricked with a pin and the side filters are Dark Elf spears chopped up and glued on using tweezers. Warning: Doing this on roughly 100 models WILL make you slightly crazy! Backpacks are green stuff blobs again with a rolled up sheet of green stuff as a bedroll. I then stuck various extra equipment from the Cadian, Catachan and Ork(!) ranges on the backpacks. More detail work could be done on face and equipment but as I said I prefer to get mine painted quickly.

I took inspiration from the urban camo scheme of the 122nd Cadian that featured in the old Cityfight Codex, with some minor changes.

The Brundark have been trained in the art of combat jumps into urban areas; an extremely hazardous but sometimes neccessary operation. Inspiration has come from Band of Brothers (book and tv series) as well Black Hawk Down, Kelly's Heroes etc.

However deepstriking your Guard infantry will only get you so far. That's why I also use Stormtroopers and my sentinels and Leman Russ. As you will see all my vehicles are modelled with Improved Comms. These are expensive enough but well worth it if you have key units in reserve. The re-roll on Reserve rolls is invaluable. Otherwise you could end up like me a while ago with the majority of my infantry not arriving til turn 4! :x
Sometimes I don't deep strike the infantry at all, other times just one platoon. It all depends on mission and opponent obviously.

Here is C Company's commanding officer; Captain Silas Verron II and his Chief Advisor; Commissar Streal

Yarrick and Creed are simply the best Guard models out there and I couldn't resist using them to represent my commanders. Note the twin pistols of my CO. I have used this as a theme of my army. Every officer (so far only 3 including Cpt. Verron) is equipped with twin sidearms. These are symbols of office presented to newly commissioned officers in the Skyrangers.

Here's the command squad. The banner needs to be finished.

I also have a commissar for every officer in the army. They make sure things are kept to the book! ;) The new commissar models will be added in time.

Isengard Unleashed Pt. 3

2009-03-14T14:30:00.005Z

Sauruman is essential for the true Isengard army but he's quite expensive points wise so best used in larger games. Smashing people around is both useful and great fun! (especially hapless warriors into heroes

Painting was pretty straight forward; bleached Bone undercoat leading up through various thin layers of Skull White. Skin is Elf Flesh. I really would like Grima Wormtongue but when I got the Saruman blister pack waay back it only had the White Wizzard [sic] himself. I may get the new blister pack so I can get Grima. His rules are great; heroes have to spend double the amount of might to modify dice rolls etc, representing his harmful 'advice'. All which must be delivered in his weird voice! This purchase will mean I'll have a spare Saruman.... Saruman the Tartan anyone? (a cookie if you guess the reference!)
Lurtz is a solid hero of an Uruk-hai captain but with added might and a bow.

Again painted like all the Uruk-Hai with his skin painted in a muted version of the bezerkers. Special attention was given to get the hand-prints on his head.

The Flagstone Gazette Issue 2

2009-03-11T20:27:00.005Z

Issue 2
13th February 1877

We at the Flagstone Gazette are able to bring you the identities of the last two henchmen of the imfamous 'Stone Hill Gang'. As always please consider these men as armed and dangerous.

Latino Jack
A foreign man with strong accent. Armed with a Colt .32 sixgun. Claims he is never unhappy as he wears a poncho.

Al Flaherty

A large, threatening man. Weilds a sawn-off that he conceals under his long coat. Said to be of not much intelligence.

Isengard Unleashed Pt.2

2009-02-22T14:45:00.010Z

Next up is my 3 Uruk Captins. I used the Uruk Hai scouts as they have nice dynamic poses. To distinguish them from the rank and file I gave them the White Hand of Saruman (like what they do to Lurtz in the Fellowship of the Ring). The rest is painted just like a regular Uruk-Hai.

Captain 1

Captains 2 & 3 (and 1)

These guys are literally the unsung heroes of the army. Their 2 points of might allow for timely heroic moves (only used when you can bring a load of his mates with him, preferably other heroes too) and for winning combats or upping the dice roll to wound Aragorn (maybe at least once?)
I will however get the actual Uruk-Hai captain model at some stage (maybe when I increase the number of regular Uruk Hai in my army). This is mainly so I can model him on a rock shouting (like one does at Helm's Deep).

A standard bearer is an excellent addition to an army as it allows you to re-roll the dice when rolling to see who wins a nearby combat.

This was a regular pike-armed Uruk-Hai that I attached a cross-beam to in order to hang the banner from. The cross beam is a cut-down Dark Elf warrior standard cross beam and the standard is simply paper painted black with the White Hand painted on.
And then we have the bezerkers! These guys rock. Whilst they are formidably tough and almost fearless they are just as useful for their pyschological factor. Your opponent will want to kill these blood-soaked maniacs and may not pay enough attention to your Uruk-Hai... Keep them shielded until they can spring forwards though, as rangers and elves will no doubt try to spoil your day with namby pamby bow-fire.
Easiest and most fun models to paint in the army. Black undercoat followed by Mechrite Red foundation paint (huzzah fro foundation paints!). Then simply a liberal wash with brown ink to simulate slick, shiny, fresh blood! Some brown for the loin cloth and gauntlets and Boltgun Metal for the helmet (with added White Hand markings) and these guys are ready to start chopping things up! I only have 3 of these at the moment but am strongly tempted to add more as they are so easy to paint and fun to use.

The Flagstone Gazette Issue 1

2009-02-12T23:37:00.008Z

Ok here's another example of how chaotic my minds works, I always have about 5 or 6 armies in various stages of development (being painted, being assembled, being imagined etc etc).

I first bought the Legends of the Old West (hereafter LotOW) while on Erasmus and as my first foray into historical gaming I was mightily impressed. Based on the LotR game it is a very fast paced skirmish game with lots of bullets flying and people dying. It is more cinematic than realistic but this is a good thing in my opinion as it lends itself to some great moments, especially if you're playing one of the many themed shootouts in the rulebook.

My next port of call was the Wargames Foundry where I purchased enough models for 2 posses for myself, another for my brother and enough spares to act as innocent bystanders.

http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/main.asp

Foundry sells in batches of 8 which is handily the standard size of a LotOW posse (3 heroes and 5 henchmen).

Heroes have Fame and Fortune (the equivalent of Might and Fate in LotR) and are understandably better than the henchmen.

So without further ado I give you the first edition of the The Flagstone Gazette, the irregular periodical of the small settlement of Flagstone in South Dakota.

The Flagstone Gazette
11th February 1877

Citizens of Flagstone beware! A notorious band of outlaws has been reported to be operating in the area. The men known as the Stone Hill Gang have been blamed for a number of robberies and murders in the state over the last two months and are to be considered armed and dangerous. The Flagstone Gazette is able to bring you the photographs of several members of the gang but have only been able to procure (with assistant from the marshal at Yankton) a sample for the time being.

Henchmen of the Stone Hill Gang:
Seamus O'Toole

A rowdie individual with a strong Irish accent. Carries a Colt .32 sixgun. Smell of whiskey.

Fernando Diaz

Carries a Smith&Wesson .32 sixgun and wears religious items on his person.

'Shotgun' Pete Jones

A large burly man. Carries a 12 gauge shotgun.

Isengard Unleashed

2009-02-05T23:39:00.008Z

Ok first proper post, let's get things going eh?

There shall be no dawn for men.....

Over the summer I was drawn back to the LOTR game. After an initial dabbling when the Two Towers box set came out I grew tired of the rules and even the models. Then one of my friends started collecting the Grey Company and I played him with my unpainted and unloved Uruk-Hai. And I realised how great a game it actually is. Fast, dynamic and with minimal book-keeping. Another fact was probably that I had become used to the mechanics of the system through regular playing of Legends of the Old West (which adapted its rules from LOTR).Therefore I resurrected my Isengard army and decided that I would own one fully painted army at least. The core of any Isengard army has to be a solid phalanx of Uruk-Hai. With a high defense, armour and shield they can quite a beating. And the models are very easy to paint!

Colour scheme: Black undercoat. Metal areas (armour, shield, helmet, weapon) in Boltgun Metal. Skin and leather straps/tunics were painted with the foundation paint Calthan Brown. Lastly a wash with Brown Ink (using washing-up liquid to make the ink run more evenly) to make the armour more weathered and the skin more shaded.
And that's it really. LOTR models really are a dream to paint (as well as assemble, sometimes you get sick of multi-multi-part models).

A wall of pikes is very useful as the can fight in three ranks.
Bases are sand painted with scorched brown followed by a drybrush of vermin brown, then bleached bone in patches and static grass in small patches.

More to follow...

C&C welcome

A very short introduction

2009-01-31T20:34:00.006Z

Well welcome to my humble blog. I have been wargaming for quite a few years now and after having threads on various forums I've decided to collect my army logs, musings, news and general information into one place. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to leave a comment!

I haven't decided exactly what way this blog is going to work but expect regular updates on the progress of the various armies I am assembling, painting or gaming with.

Things to expect:

Army logs.

Army backgrounds.

Battle reports.

Tactica.

Historical notes.

While the majority of my armies are GW products and rules I do enjoy other aspects of wargaming and gaming at large. Therefore I will blog on historical games as well as boardgames and anything else related to either swords or dice.

Hmm...not that short and introduction after all. Damn.

P.S. That typewriter still works and is used regularly for blogging 20th century style! More details on what it has procduced later..