Werewolf Crypt Horror WIP 2

Next one for the pack is Talbot. He's done very bad things.

Again this is the basic fur done to hide the seams, some repositioning here and there. Very fun models to work with. Finer details like the musculature definition, toe claws will be done when the fur has cured completely, some ornamental bits, jewellery/totemic items etc.

Werewolf Crypt Horror WIP 1

I have been resculping crypt horror/vargeist kits this weekend to give me Werewolves/Lycans for my Sylvanian army. I used Fenrisian wolf heads, crypt horror arms and vargeist backs. Still lots more to do but I'm happy with the fur so far. The bases will be a bone strewn rocky lair.

 I will get photos of the other 2 when they reach this stage of resculpt, but they are almost ready for the tiny details..This first one is called 'Kessler'.

I have yet to add arm torcs and other accessories. Colour scheme will most likely match my direwolf pack, but that is a long way off.


More creepy things soon!

Cutter T.A.G WIP Part 2

Started on more details, more glazing and got some base building done.

I am trying to create a wild jungle clearing vibe, with a deadfall log the TAG is stepping over cautiously, creeper vines across the leaf littered jungle floor and a few exotic plants to add to the atmosphere.

I will have a chat with my friend and work out what (if any) lettering, names, numbers or other malarky he wants on it.

I kinda think 'BOOMSLANG' on it somewhere would look cool. It's the name of a jungle snake. 

Or simply 'Boomer'..

Other slogans perhaps: 

'Born to Chill'

'Apostasy NOW!'

"Yu Jing Don't Surf!"

Moar soon...

Pre-Heresy Rhino Detachment

Something a little different today to blog about but exciting nonetheless to die-hard 40k fanatics (and fellow old school miniature collectors) especially those interested in Pre-Heresy re-enactments...

I was fortunate enough to stumble across and purchase one of the vintage Citadel  RTB04 Rhino troop transports box sets. The God-Emperor indeed smiles upon me!

There is next to no plastic flash or any miscast pieces so they should be a breeze to construct.
The sprues look to be in mint condition, missing only one smoke launcher, the tip of one exhaust, and 3 of the headlamps (easily replaced by taking Instant Molds from the other sprues).
Suprisingly, the notoriously fragile and delicate hand rails are ALL intact!
Unfortunately, the schematics poster and Imperial Vehicle Decal Sheet is absent.

The box itself is worn and battered with age, the kit having been released 25 years ago.. gosh this makes me feel old! I recall seeing the adverts in the latest White Dwarf as a child and wishing I earned more from my pocket money chores. I guess all good things (sometimes) come to those who wait!

This will be a splendid addition to my 'old knights of the Imperium' aesthetic for my steadily expanding  Black Templar crusade (see my previous posts for photos).

My motor pool has just increased significantly.. now I must find time to lavish attention on these fantastic old model kits.

Imperator Vult!

Undead Battle Standard WIP 3

Undead Battle Standard WIP 3

I wanted something different for my standard bearer icon in the skeleton warrior core unit, something that would be unique, eyecatching but also narrative for my army.

 I decided to go for a carrion bird skull, after all, Ravenstein is my Vampire Bloodline name. 

There's a connection there - plus I really like the skull shapes. A good friend of mine also painted a fantastic picture a while ago with a character having an oversize crow/raven skull for a head (wearing a top hat) and I think the imagery has stuck in my mind. Well, maybe not the top hat.. but the skull is something I wanted to have a go at one day. 

So after a deliberation over bits to use I decided to just go ahead and sculpt my own. I wanted something sturdy and I really prefer carving solid resin than making greenstuff bits all the time for minis. Resin carving is very easy to do and (thanks to forgeworlds generosity) I have plenty of chunks of useless resin laying around to experiment with. 

It's very fast, I only need 3 tools: A scalpel blade, a pinvice hobby drill and a small emery board for sanding (although most smoothing can be done with the edge of a scalpel scraping gently.) I decided to go a little oversize so as I carved it down I still had plenty to play with. I also wanted the skull to stand out visually so I decided on measurements and then using a pair of chunky snips I tore off a chunk of resin to begin the process.

Next I just roughly chopped it to bird skully shape.. No need for precision just yet.

Next step was to drill out some guide holes for eye socket carving. 

I went right through the side of the skull so I can better judge either side and socket positions were equal.. in theory!

I used the scalpel to start to define the main skull structure lines and contours.

Having a picture for reference here helps, so I borwsed many different photos of carrion bird skulls for inspiration and direction whilst carving away gently at the resin.

Next step was to work on the nasal cavity. Using a pinvice drill I again went through the skull at the rear/back of the beak on the top either side.

These little guide holes were then widened lengthwise along the ridge of the beak.

More scraping, shaping and definition added at this stage.

Starting to polish the shapes and tidy up.

Working on the symmetry..getting there almost..

Very fine polishing work and final definitions.

As this is a fiddly little piece I decided to magnetise it so it can be easily removed from the banner if required.. Totally unnecessary but I know some clumsy gamers and would rather it didn't need gluing on every time it gets sent across the battlefield by errant sleeves etc.

So this is the beaky icon..

And magnetised to the banner bearer..

It's simple and I hope effective.. just need to give it some paint..and perhaps that tophat ...

More creepy things soon!

Raising the Dead WIP 2

Tonight I was spending more time on each skeleton now with adding details, and using various soft pastel shades to bring the shadows up and down on them, and on weaponry and armour details. Still lots to do but here is a photo update. Some of the soft blues and oranges are starting to lift each other now I hope.

More creepy things soon..

Cutter T.A.G WIP

Part of a larger force for INFINITY, a Pan-O jungle fighting platoon for a good friend.
These are beautiful models but metal castings so alot of fiddly bits to drill and pin.

I have a Yu-Jing squad painted for myself. I really need to get playing the actual game again.
It's fast and fun and the range of miniatures now is top notch stuff.
 So much to paint...
..so little time for actual gaming!