Christmas Done- I'm Alive

Well, I had a nice long weekend to relax with family here in Malaysia. I had turkey, and got a chance to crack out on Borderlands and get away from hobby for a while. It was great, and now I'm chomping at the bit to get going again.

Pics of my WIP Penitent Engine will be coming soon, but for now I'll leave you with a clip most of you have probably already seen. Considering it's college students and other volunteer enthusiasts, this is pretty badass...

Quick Update

Well, yesterday the first batch of Witch Hunter models finally showed up from GW. I've primed and based my Priest, and I cleaned up all the metal for my first Penitent Engine. That model is going to be a bitch to assemble- it will definitely require a lot of pinning to make sure it doesn't collapse under its own weight.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the Priest done and can post some pics. If successful, he'll be the first model done in my Kindred list.

How are you guys coming along? Has anyone else actually started work on their Kindred list?

Playing Catch-Up

I haven't gotten much done on the computer over the last week (in fact virtually nothing), but I have gotten some hobby deeds accomplished. I've also committed myself to a new project for the upcoming "Kindred" Legio Hobby Tournament. More on that in a sec.

Flesh Tearers

I've been doing mostly jump pack assembly work along with a few individual jump pack troops. The most significant thing I've done lately is rig my first Dreadnought Drop Pod with rare earth magnets. I've placed these at the center top of all three doors, with a matching magnet in the upper engine assembly. Hopefully once the drop pod is assembled, the magnets will keep the doors from unexpectedly dropping open. We'll see.

As you'll read in the next two entries, the Flesh Tearers are going to get placed (temporarily) on the back burner. Given the upcoming Iron Painter and Doubles Tournament, two projects have taken precedence. First let's check out my upcoming Iyanden Eldar

Craftworld Iyanden Eldar for Iron Painter



Here's the first complete test model, which I'm a bit disappointed with. The model took too long- almost an hour to paint. If I'm going to get the Iron Skull by painting 1000 points, I'm going to have to speed this up A LOT.

The other problem is the paint job- it's not really up to snuff for what I usually do. The highlights are a bit extreme, and not as crisp as I'd like. Speeding up AND improving the paint job could prove to be difficult. I'm going to have a think on this and see what I can manage.

Ordo Hereticus Strike Force for the "Kindred" Doubles Tournament

I'm VERY excited about this project! I'm partnering up with Azlan, who's going to do up an ad hoc Imperial Guard force. The theme we're going for goes something like this:

A critical Imperial hive city has been invaded by a massive, overwhelming horde of Chaos renegades. The city is about to fall, with virtually all of it completely under Chaos control. A badly mauled force of the "Order of Our Penitent Lady", an Order Minoris of the Adepta Sororitas, have taken temporary refuge in the lawless underhive. There, they come across a ragtag group of gangers, refugees, and even some retired Imperial Guard who want to fight, but don't know what to do.

The Canoness then swears an oath that if these people will set aside their differences and fight with her and her Sisters of Battle, victory can still be won. The citizens agree and together the unlikely force storms off into the hive to deliver Imperial retribution!

I think it sounds pretty cool myself, and I've already got the models coming my way. I'll be using a Canoness, a Priest, a squad of standard Sisters, and some other choices that should sufficiently reflect the character of the Order of Our Penitent Lady... ;)

While I was running the Wild Card tournament I completed 7 25mm round base masters and 1 dreadnought sized base master for molding. I made these bases with plasticard and bitz to represent the hive city streets. Once the molds are done I'll cast them in resin, and both Azlan and I will use these bases for our armies as a way to unify them. Should be cool- once my SoB figs show up I'll get something done straight away so you can see the scheme I'm going for and the bases in action.

So, that's about it. How are your plans coming along for the doubles tournament? How about Iron Painter?

Resin Goodness!

 

The Lords of Baal Secundus and Cretacia must be smiling down on me, because my recent Forge World order showed up today. Two key components of my Flesh Tearers army are now here: Dreadnought Drop Pods. Wee!

 

At first glance the kits look to be in good shape. The consignment showed up less than two weeks after I placed the order, and UPS didn’t even ask for duty/tax money. Can’t beat that! Sometimes you get lucky, I guess.

 

I’ve been itching to start a vehicle project for the Flesh Tearers, so cleaning/cutting/assembly of resin goodness is in my near future. I’m planning to magnetize the doors to ensure a good fit and to allow me to open/close them for games. I’m painting the main body black, and the fins red. I’m also going to take my first real stabs at weathering with these drop pods/dreads, so hopefully I can get some passable results there. Time will tell…

 

For Sanguinius!

Space Wolf Bitz are COOL

I LOVE that new two handed weapon bit on the Space Wolves frame. The Flesh Tearer on the left has a maul made from that bit, and a mace from the plastic Chaos Knights frame. It looks vicious and is totally in keeping with the theme I'm going for.

The scout head on the right works well for me as well- it just looks good.

This is what I got done yesterday for my Flesh Tearers- no painting unfortunately but at least I got these two guys done. FYI I paint the jump packs seperately- that's why you don't see them in the pic.

I've got a long weekend ahead of me, and I fully expect to get my Chaplain finished and at least one or two more assault marines from 1st Squad. I'd also like to get a Furioso assembled. We'll see how that goes...

MkIV Right Arm + Melta = Cool

Whaddya think?

This is Forge World's MkIV Dreadnought Right Close Combat weapon, converted for use as the right CCW of a Furioso Dreadnought. The meltagun is from the Space Marine Commander's combi-melta. I used it because it's a little more compact than a full sized meltagun- in my mind it's just right.

I added a Forge World purity seal to cover up the spot where I cut some detail off. In that spot there used to be a skull, but since it would be upside down from that perspective it had to go. To complete the conversion I used a length of white metal tubing I purchased from Dragonforge Design. They make all kinds of cool stuff there which you'll occasionally see pop up in my blog. Drop by for a visit- you won't be disappointed.

I also have worked on my Chaplain bit by bit over the last few days, and have assembled a few more assault marines. So far, I've kept up the daily effort. Slowly but surely, this project is getting done.

Iron Painter



This is an event I'm really looking forward to, since I'm competing this time instead of working behind the scenes. I'll be painting Eldar from the Iyanden Craftworld, a Craftworld devastated by the Tyranids and on the edge of extinction. Because of this, they make extensive use of wraith contructs, and these will feature heavily in my army. Here's what I'll be painting for Iron Painter:

Farseer

3 Spiritseers

30 Wraithguard

2 Wraithlords

I'm going to design some custom bases for the army based on the cool GW plastic Eldar Wraithlord base. I'll make molds of everything to make the process a bit easier, and to have the ability to cast more later for add ons. I've decided that all of my Wraithguard will be mounted on 40mm bases instead of the 25mm bases they are provided with. I really think they look 100% better on 40mm bases due to their large size. Hopefully if I ever use this army in a tournament or event run by someone else they will permit it.

I'll get a test model done, and verify the paint job can be done quickly enough to make it feasible for speed painting. Of course, I'll post that puppy up once it's done.

That's about it for today. I hope any projects you all might be working on are progressing to your satisfaction. Post here and let us all know about it! :)

Decent Progress Thus Far

Sorry no fig photo today folks- completely spaced it.

The Chaplain is coming along nicely after some Hobby Night and weekend painting time devoted to it. All the bone is done, and all of the parchment has been highlighted up from the basecoat. All that remains is to scrawl the thin lines of black for writing.

I've also assembled 1st Squad's sergeant- I'll post a pic of him soon.

In other news, I'm very excited about the upcoming Iron Painter. I'm torn as to which army to start at this event. Iyanden Eldar, Necrons, and Raptor Space Marines are the current front runners. FYI I will definitely be going for the Iron Skull as well (1000 points of models instead of 500). What do you guys think? Suggestions?

Pre Gaming Lunch

I'm a big pizza fan, and these guy have the best in Malaysia. See you soon at Legio folks...

Dice Are Finally Here!

The order from Chessex showed up with some dice I've had on order, including the last two sets for Rizal and Ivan. Hopefully these dice will treat me well, and honor the minis I'm going to be painting over the next couple of months or so. We shall see.

Last night I didn't get a whole lot done- some assembly work and organization for Hobby Night tonight. I'm planning on painting Chaplain Kilrus, hopefully to completion. If by some strange hobby fortune I finish him with time to spare, I'm going to begin assembling my first Venerable Death Company Furioso Dreadnought, Brother Guljor.

See you all tonight!

Progress Every Day

Howdy, fellow hobby nutters.

After preaching the idea of "constant progress" to all the naysayers that bleat "I can't finish an army!", I've decided to put my money where my mouth is and make a hobby pledge with my Flesh Tearers project.

No matter what, I will get at least some progress on my Flesh Tearers done every day, without exception until the initial 1750 list is complete. It's a tall order, as there are always days where I'm tired, busy, or otherwise occupied. However, I'm going to make this hobby oath and do everything I can to fulfill it.

Last night is an example of "some progress" on the army, as I merely painted the head of the crozius arcanum Scorched Brown (my favorite undercoat for gold these days). That's it. Not a lot, I know, I expect more of myself as time goes on and I get into a groove, but it is SOME progress.

How about you guys? Anyone up for joining me in this hobby oath, and finally getting that current pesky army project done? Or, perhaps a new one...?

Progress on Chaplain Kilrus

Well, I didn't get a whole lot done last night, but at least it's progress. I did a very light drybrush with Codex Grey over the whole model to pop up the detail and highlight the black power armor. I overbrushed a Vallejo Oily Steel basecoat over all the chains and the muzzle of the plasma pistol. Finally, I painted a Khemri Brown basecoat over all of the purity seals/oath papers festooned over this detail-rich model. We'll see what I can get done this evening after work...

Here's a couple more shots of the first test model, post Baal Red wash. Enjoy.

40K Tourney Done

Wow, that was cool!

It took a bit of work to pull everything off smoothly, but our tournament went well. If you didn't get a chance to drop by, visit Legio Malaysia for the recap. For some great photos of the event, check out Azlan's blog. Good times.

So, now that I've done my duty for the Legion, I shall resume full time work on my Flesh Tearers. Stay tuned to this space if you're interested- hobby begins now!

For Sanguinius!

This is Not a Hobby Post

As my friends know, I'm a big football fan (no, not soccer, FOOTBALL!). I stumbled across this video during a break today, and I think it's hilarious and cool in equal measure. I'm not sufficiently cool enough to grow and wear a mullet, but I wish I was...



What can I say? Badass, dude.

Baal Red is Da Cure, Yo

I got a Maelstrom package in the mail yesterday, with four different shades of Vallejo red. I tried them all on test minis, and at the end of the night, the simplest solution was the best. I simply brushed on a layer of Baal Red wash over the Mechrite Red basecoat/Blood Red highlights. The red is richer, the highlights are toned down a bit, and I'm happy with the results.

I also replaced the right shoulder pad with a basic one, painted with the single blood drop of 1st Company. It looks nice, and the miniature now looks like a line Flesh Tearer that I'd be happy to push across the gaming table.

So, the testing phase is over, and now it's time for production. I won't be doing much over the next few days, as we have our big tournament "The Inquisition Wars" coming up this Saturday. I still have a to finish up a couple more tables, and I also need to complete some paperwork/organization stuff for the tourney. However, once this beast is behind me, it's Flesh Tearers all the way!

Da Pic

Not the greatest shot, but it'll do.

The Imperial chainaxe (ooooh I love typing that!) is from the ForgeWorld Berzerker Chainaxes pack. I'm not going to use the "curvy" axes, as they look a bit TOO Chaos. The angular ones are up for grabs, and I'll sprinkle those throughout the army. On the side of the axe blade you can't see, I've glued and painted white a brass Imperial Eagle.

The armor is basecoated Mechrite Red, with some basic Blood Red edge highlights. Still not sold on this shade of red, and I'll definitely do at least one more model with a different shade for comparison. In the meantime, what do you all think?

The bases will be a desert theme- painted Bestial Brown, heavy drybrush/overbrush Bubonic Brown, medium Bleached Bone drybrush to finish it off. Texture is just fine sand, with a few bits of broken cork here and there for "rocks". The rocks get a Codex Grey basecoat and Fortress Grey drybrush.

Right knee pads will have squad numbers (in this case 1st Squad), as will the top right of the jump packs. On the top left of the jump pack will be the company symbol (in this case 1st Company represented by one red blood drop. Oh, and before you complain this guy's not painted as a vet, the Flesh Tearers don't have a veteran company- their vets are mixed in with the four line companies).

Left shoulder pad is the GW metal one- I grabbed a bag of those in Baltimore when I still worked for GW, and I've held on to them a long time. I'm glad I did. Right shoulder pad is the GW metal assault squad pad. After finishing the model, I quickly realized this was a mistake. All Flesh Tearers are ready to fulfill any role needed, and the assault squad icon is a bit too regimented. I think the best thing to put there instead is one blood drop for his company. What do you guys think?

Helmet is a Chaos Space Marine one- vicious looking without the horns and other wicked stuff that would go too far (at least for my tastes).

Finally, I have to admit something a bit embarassing. This model actually isn't finished. I meant to paint the chest skull gold and the jump pack harness Oily Steel. The Tin Bitz you see was just a basecoat, and I completely spaced that. I guess I'm just a bit tired this week, so go easy.

Other than that gaffe, what do you guys think of the scheme?

For Sanguinius!

Well, I've just finished my first test model for the new hobby hotness- Flesh Tearer Space Marines. Sorry no pic, but the light levels are lousy in here and the image won't be very good. I'll snap a pic tomorrow so you all can see the first one. I'm not totally sold on the red yet, but it is growing on me. Version one is Mechrite Red- a bit darker than Blood Red, but the color looks a little washed out right now. Oh well- I'll wait until I get the pic up, and we can discuss. If you're local and coming to Hobby Night, I'm bringing him with me. Comments welcome...

Slow Week

Well folks, not a lot of hobby has been done since my last post, truth be told. I did finish issue 3 of The Aquila, the Arenxis Minoris campaign newsletter. Don't forget to call your local phrenologist, yo.

Today I got a package in the mail that was long overdue- the Space Wolves codex. Personally, I think the Space Wolves are the lamest of the "big" chapters. This codex might change my mind, though. It's sweet. And I notice that there's a lot of bits on the new accessory sprue that I can use for my Flesh Tearers. One bit I noticed in particular is the pair of hands set up to hold a two handed weapon. This would make my chain-glaive conversion for Captain Gorn A LOT easier. There are also several bare heads that could work for the feral, tribal look I'm going for.

Have no fear, I'll get some pics posted up soon of the Dark Elves, and a Flesh Tearer test model is inevitable at this point. It's gonna be a cool project...

Eulikules Done

Not the greatest picture I know- I don't have my tripod and the light levels are low. However, I will get one done Friday on one of the gaming tables. Fer shizzle.

So, I just need to finish his familiar, and three more Chaos Spawn if possible for Friday. I'm almost done with my first Dark Elf test model- he should get done tomorrow.

That's it for this hobby day! Hopefully Eulikules fares better than Lord Minthras in the campaign. We'll see!

Arenxis Minoris Campaign Newsletter- "The Aquila"

I thought I'd post up a few links to a newsletter that has become increasingly fun to write. It chronicles the battles that have been fought in Spunkybass' "Arenxis Minoris" campaign from the Imperial perspective. Campaigns are my favorite reason to play games! :)

Aquila Pre-Campaign Teaser

Aquila Issue 1

Aquila Issue 2

Dark Elves HR 1- Day 1

Models Remaining: 55

I'm not bothering with 'Days Remaining' because this isn't a 'Hobby Rush'. I don't have any preconceived deadline other than roughly trying to finish the 2K army before the end of the year. There's no Warhammer event or specific thing driving me to finish this quickly, so I'm going to take my time and make this army look sweet. Also, I know this list isn't an optimal list for 1K games. This list is just the Dark Elf Battalion box plus a couple of metal blisters for the characters, so don't get yer panties in a twist if you're one of those "must play an uber list at all times!" type folks. It's gonna be ok, trust me.

As you can see, I didn't get a whole lot done last night- just assembled a couple of test models. Tonight they get based and primed, and maybe I'll bust out a sample paint job. Call me unoriginal, but I think I'm going to just paint these guys straight out of the army book like the Studio army. Here's a couple of links for stage-by-stage paintjobs that GW suggests. I honestly think I'm just going to simply follow directions!

Corsairs Tutorial

Cold Ones Tutorial

I'll probably go with a different basing scheme- I'm considering (for my very first time) a rocky/snow base to show the chill of Naggaroth. A little more effort, but cool bases make for cool minis.

So, that's about it for now. As soon as I get the first test model done, I'll take a pic and let you all check it out...

You know what, let's try something besides 40K for the next Hobby Report

Howdy folks!

After much consideration, I've decided that instead of immediately leaping into Flesh Tearers or Iyanden Eldar I'm going to do something else. I saw that GW put up preorders for the new Skaven stuff, and it all looks fantastic. Warhammer is a great game, and I think it's time for a new army. Dark Elves!

I love the new model range for them, particularly the Cold Ones. I've played VC for too long now, and I need some variety. I also want to play an army that's actually painted well, and my VC definitely do not tick that box. So, the next series of Hobby Reports will detail the progress of my brand spankin' new Dark Elf army.

I currently have a Battalion box, a Dreadlord, and a couple of Reaper Bolt Throwers. So, I'll start will building and painting that stuff up first. I also want a Cold One Chariot and some Witch Elves (pictured above- so naughty!). After that I'll play it by ear with some test games and careful thought. The goal is to get this done before the end of the year. It's not a Hobby Rush, but it is a fairly tight timeline for a Warhammer army. Progress starts tonight, and I'll post regular updates like I did with The Unclean. I'm working on a 1K list first so I can play some small games ASAP- that list goes up tonight as well.

Until next time...

Keep it Evil

I WILL have my Chaos Sorceror!

Despite the fact that the waist of my Sorceror Terminator is gone/missing, I still really want to add Eulikules to The Unclean. So, I decided the change the hobby agenda a little. My Mom has always told me, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." So, instead of moping about the lost Terminator, I decided to go for an all plastic Sorceror with Wings.

Components are from the Chaos Marine frame, Terminator Lord frame, Possessed Frame, and the power sword arm from the Space Marine commander frame. I also sculpted some runes on the power sword blade, thus converting it into a force sword. Before you say anything, no, the runes aren't that great. Hopefully a good paint job will cover my sculpting sins up. He he he...

The base is 40mm- I really wanted to do a scenic base for this guy. I used the aquila from the command vehicle accessory sprue, some slate, and Apoxie sculpt. I'll paint the base with the same basic palette I used for the rest of The Unclean, and I'll paint the half buried aquila pretty rusty/defiled.

The model should look cool- I'll paint him up this weekend and have him ready for campaign games the next Hobby Night...

HRR 18- Day 33

Days Remaining: 2

Models Remaining: 0



I'm done! WOO HOO! What a relief! I even finished a bonus Chaos Spawn!

Unfortunately, my joy has been tempered by a disappointing hobby problem. I tried to assemble my cool Sorceror in Terminator Armor, and the sprue is missing the critical waist piece that the legs and torso are attached to. Gone- pfft! Very frustrating.

So, I'm going to prostrate myself before GW Customer Service and beg them for a replacement. We'll see if they show mercy- otherwise I need to make alternate arrangements. Anyone have a spare set of plastic Chaos Terminator legs? :D

Well, that's the end of my hobby rush- I hope you enjoyed following along. Now that I'm done, I've decided to start working on Flesh Tearers. I need to get another Imperial force done. In the meantime, I wish you all luck with your own hobby projects, and I'll post pics of my FT models once I get going.

Cheers, and for the last time...

"Keep it Stinky"

HRR 17- Day 32

Days Remaining: 3

Models Remaining: 15



Huzzah! I have dipped the last model for The Unclean. At last, this project is virtually done. In fact, I even basecoated and dipped a Chaos Spawn as well! Bwahahaah!

For tomorrow, the plan is to go ahead and matte/base all the models that are dry. If I have time, I'm also going to assemble a Chaos Sorceror in Terminator Armour. I figure since I have two of those boxed sets, I may as well make a psyker to advise Lord Minthras!

Thursday I will matte varnish and base the models I dipped today. I'll also paint the Sorceror- since his armor will be black and rusted steel (he used to be the 3rd Company Chaplain), I don't need to give him the dip. With him and the spawn done, that makes a 2K army no problem. Yee hah!

HRR 16- Day 31

Days Remaining: 5

Models Remaining: 15



I'm so close I can taste it.

In order to maximize the usefulness of my hobby time, I spent my entire available evening basecoating as many Plague Marines as possible from the last squad. I painted green basecoats on all seven, and completely finished the basecoats and dipped three of them. This puts me in a great position to finish the last four basecoats tomorrow. Whee!

Wednesday and Thursday will then be wide open to do the easy part- matte varnish and basing. I'm also seriously considering getting a Chaos Sorceror in Terminator Armor assembled, basecoated, and dipped this week as well. I'd like to try him out as an alternative HQ for some campaign games. We'll see, I guess....

Keep it Stinky

HRR 15- Day 30

Days Remaining: 6

Models Remaining: 15



This is it. The home stretch!

In reality, I have the last Plague Marine squad to go. I basecoated the bases of the Terminator Champion and the second Plague Marine squad. Tomorrow after work I'll drybrush the bases, glue static grass, and paint the rims black on all of them. That will effectively leave me with 7 models to go.

Since I need to leave 2 days for the dip drying time, that essentially leaves me Monday and Tuesday to get the last squad basecoated. If I can, I'm going to try and knock all of that out tomorrow and be done with it. I'll keep updates going here. It feels great being almost done with this project- it's been a long time since I planned and executed a real "hobby rush"...

Glorious Hobby Night

Fourteen models! Gwaarrrrggghhhhh!!!

That's how many models I somehow managed to basecoat last night at Hobby Night. The last seven plague zombies and the second squad of Plague Marines all got basecoated, and I dipped them before I hit the hay. All of them will get matte varnished and based tomorrow, leaving only the last Plague Marine squad to finish. Huzzah!

My primary computer is down right now so I can't update my cool Excel sheet, but as soon as I can I will definitely post it. Until then, keep it stinky!

Squad Gorsha Complete

Led by Gorsha, formerly Brother Sergeant Gorsha of the Angels of Redemption. Their standard bearer, Imsis, cut out his own eyes so he might hear Nurgle's whispers better and thus guide the squad to victory and damnation in equal measure. They have just deployed from their Rhino, "Bane of Angels".

Defiler Done

I'm still working to get a lot more done today, but here's the completed beast!



Praise the Plague Lord!

HRR 14- Day 24

Days Remaining: 12

Models Remaining: 29



Well, truth be told I'm a little behind where I want to be at this point. I'm HOPING that I can actually get the entire finished by this Friday the 25th. I'd love to play some test games before the launch of the league and the Arenxis Campaign. However, that's going to take some serious hobby dedication over this holiday week.

Since Hobby Night, I've been spending time with family for the most part. I did get a key piece completely basecoated and dipped- the Defiler. This was a relatively tough nut to crack, and I'm really glad it's almost behind me. Once the dip dries I just need to do some rusting and weathering, with a matte varnish. That will complete all of the vehicles in the army.

So, the bulk of the infantry remains. Tuesday and Wednesday will tell the tale, and determine whether or not I can play with my army this Friday. My plan for tomorrow is to finish the Chaos Terminator Squad, AND complete another squad of Plague Marines (basecoat and dip, of course). If I can do that, I can then paint the final Plague Marine squad and the final zombie squad Wednesday, and that will take care of everything. Easier typed than done, so wish me luck...

HRR 13- Day 22

Days Remaining: 14

Models Remaining: 29



Well, I have to say I was expecting a little more out of my Hobby Night time. I only got two Plague Marines basecoated and dipped, and I'm a little over halfway done basecoating my Defiler. I really thought I was going to finish that model last night, but I sorely underestimated the amount of effort and detail in it. The next Defiler I build and paint will be done MUCH differently, believe me.

I'm slightly behind in my "two models per day" pace, but the numbers are a little deceiving. The last 7 zombies are only about 45 min to an hour's work, and two of the models unaccounted for have been dipped and just need to get dry.

Things are looking good. I keep this up, and I will be good to go for the league and the Arenxis Minoris Campaign...

Keep it Stinky

HRR 12- Day 20

Days Remaining: 16

Models Remaining: 32



Well folks, I'm pleased to say I'm back on schedule with a solid after work hobby session. I got three more Plague Marines from the first squad completely basecoated and dipped. This includes the Icon Bearer- by far the most difficult model to paint with the extra detail. I'm pleased with it- word!

Here's a couple of pics of my budding, rusty motor pool. The new Rhino is the one on the left. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!

Tuesday a Total Loss

Unfortunately, I accomplished nothing at all last night. My wife and I were invited to buka puasa at the Legends Hotel last night. It wasn't bad, though I have to say the satay wasn't the best I've had here in Malaysia. We didn't get home until after 10, and by that point I was too beat to head into the hobby room for painting.

So, where does that leave things? I am slightly behind at this point. I need to basecoat and dip 3 Terminators and/or Plague Marines tonight to get back on track. It shall be done!

HRR 11- Day 18

Days Remaining: 18

Models Remaining: 32



Well, I was a bit beat today so I only managed to put the finishing touches and matte varnish the second Rhino. So, only one more model is added to my books. Oh well. For vehicles, I only have the Defiler left to paint now.

So, starting tomorrow it's all about Terminators and Plague Marines. I'm tentatively planning the upcoming Hobby Night to basecoat the Defiler. So, it's time for some real Chaos Astartes work...

Weekend of Rest

Well folks, I did absolutely nothing to further the cause of Papa Nurgle over the weekend. I chilled out, went to a birthday party, and ate delivery Indian food. Hopefully, this doesn't kill me over the long haul!

Did anyone get any good hobby done this weekend?

Praise the Dark Gods!

I have to say, every Hobby Night seems to be better than the last. I had a great time hanging out with Iqbal and Ivan, hobbying away on the final model of my army. I'm pleased to say that I managed to assemble, prime, and basecoat the Chaos Rhino at Hobby Night, and I dipped it this morning. That now means that every single model in my new army has at least been assembled and primed. Surely, a worthy milestone in my budding service to the Plague Father.

I'll post up a Hobby Rush Report (HRR) later tonight. Today's goal is to get two Chaos Terminators basecoated and dipped. I think I'm going to save the last pack of plague zombies for later, as a "break" since they're much easier than Terminators or Plague Marines to finish.

I'm looking forward to the league, and for those also trying to get armies finished I sincerely wish you the best of luck. If you're working on a new army, or adding new units, and reading this blog, post a comment and let me know how your project is coming along. I love to hear about others in the same boat as me! :)

Keep it Stinky

HRR 10- Day 14

Days Remaining: 22

Models Remaining: 33



Well, I had hoped to get more progress done beyond finishing the five zombies I dipped last night and the Rhino, but this was not to be. Still, getting another six models done is an accomplishment that I'll take and run with at this point.

Tomorrow night I'm planning to get my final Chaos Rhino assembled, primed, and hopefully basecoated...

HRR 9- Day 13

Days Remaining: 23

Models Remaining: 39



Huzzah! I've cracked the 40 model barrier with a little bit of "dip luck". When I started hobbying this evening I checked yesterday's dip, and discovered that the Chaos Marine and 3 plague zombies were all completely dry. I didn't have to wait two days- sweet! The Rhino was still a little tacky, so that's going to be tomorrow night's primary project.

After finishing off those dry models with matte varnish, detailing, and basing, I started another batch of zombies. I managed to get five more zombies basecoated and dipped- all in about an hour. I now only have one pack of 7 zombies left to basecoat and finish off, which is a great place to be time wise. Here's a pic of the zombies done thus far...



I imagine the Rhino is going to occupy most of my time tomorrow night. If I can, I'm going to prime the left side of the Defiler white and get that thing ready for a basecoat and dip this weekend. I should also assemble and prime my second and final Chaos Rhino at the upcoming Hobby Night. With any luck, I'll have all of my vehicles finished by Wednesday next week.

I'm right on schedule. If I keep this pace up, even with a few nights off I should have the entire army completely finished in time for the start of the league. Today in the mail I received a Baal Predator and some assault squads for my upcoming Flesh Tearers project. New toy soldiers are ALWAYS welcome! :)

Keep it Stinky

HRR 8- Day 12

Days Remaining: 24

Models Remaining : 43



Considering today was a work day, I got some pretty decent progress done today:

Finished basecoating and dipped the first Chaos Rhino

Basecoated and dipped 3 plague zombies

Touched up "Mk I" prototype Chaos Marine with the new paint scheme and dipped him

The extra armor looks pretty good, truth be told. The dip will have a full two days to dry, and I'll do the final touchups and weathering on Thursday evening so I can bring the Rhino with me on Hobby Night.

Keep it Stinky

HRR 7- Day 11

Days Remaining: 25

Models Remaining: 43



It's been a productive long weekend thus far, and I'm not done yet! Here's what I've accomplished since my last HRR:

All remaining infantry models have been assembled.

Four more demons have been matte varnished, detailed, and based.

Chaos Predator matte varnished and detailed. Here's a few pics:






At a bare minimum today I want to finish base coating the first Chaos Rhino and several demons, and give them all the dip. If I have any time or gas left, I'll knock out as many Terminators as I can.

The goal is still in reach- just can't fall behind!

HRR 6- Day 9

Days Remaining: 27

Models Remaining: 48



This report is actually a recap of yesterday's hobby activity- a good hobby night for sure.

I only got one model completely finished, the Chaos Terminator squad's icon bearer. Check him out...



I'm pretty happy with how he turned out, and it's more progress on perhaps the toughest squad I have to paint. The new Chaos Terminator models are awesome, but they have a lot of detail that's making the basecoat stage take longer than it does for my Plague Marines or zombies.

For hobby night, I built, primed, and started to basecoat the first Chaos Rhino, "Bane of Angels". It uses extra armor plates I designed, and I think they look pretty good. I also painted half the Rhino green, and only details remain now for the basecoat before I give it the "dip"

Today, I've gloss varnished the Chaos Predator with a spray for some further detailing. I'll be using an oil-based umber paint and MIG pigment powders to add more rust and weathering effects before I matte varnish it. I also need to paint the sores and worms that I sculpted on the hull. I'm planning to have that all finished by the end of the day today.

I also matte varnished four plague zombies with "Mr Surfacer" flat spray. The results are just as good as the Tamiya spray. I'll base up the zombies today, and that'll be five more models that will come off the remaining list. Huzzah!

This long weekend I'm planning to get some serious hobbying done. I'll keep chronicling my progress, hopefully drawing ever closer to the completion of this Chaos Space Marine army....

HRR 5- Day 8

Days Remaining: 28

Models Remaining: 49



Tonight was a MUCH better progress night for me- the kind of night that I need to repeat as often as possible if I'm going to be successful with this hobby rush. Here's what I got done:

Spray primed white 14 Plague Zombies

Basecoated and dipped 4 Plague Zombies

Basecoated and dipped the Chaos Predator

I have to say that the dip is fairly effective with vehicles, but you have to watch and make sure you don't let the stain pool on flat surfaces (unless, like me, you're trying to make the vehicle look oily and dirty). The dip is definitely more suitable for individual miniatures for a wider range of applications. I'd only ever use the dip on vehicles if the vehicle in question was going to be heavily weathered, a wreck, or filthy like Nurgle.

The Chaos Terminator Icon Bearer from yesterday is still not quite dry unfortunately, so I couldn't finish it this evening and show you all a picture. However, it will most certainly be dry tomorrow, and I'll be taking him to Hobby Night for matte varnish and basing. If I can just keep this consistent effort up, I'll get this 1750 point army done in time for a fully painted league debut. Rock!

Keep it stinky,

Jeff

HRR 4- Day 7

Days Remaining: 29

Models Remaining: 49



Well, it's safe to say that I haven't achieved everything I would have liked in the last two days. However, some work was done, which is better than nothing.

I've designed and made my first set of Chaos Rhino Extra Armor plating. I think it's a good first effort, and I've even enscribed chaos litanies and Unclean symbols on them. I'll assemble a Rhino this weekend and try to get it painted up.

I basecoated and dipped my Chaos Terminator Icon Bearer- he looks pretty damn cool at this stage, so I'm hoping he stays that way.

Finally, I assembled two more Plague Marines including another icon bearer. He's staring up at the icon stickin' his tongue out- I dig that dude. I hope he kicks some ass in the league...

Anyway, that's about it. Tomorrow the plan is to get back to the plague zombies and get enough basecoated and dipped to make myself feel good and get that "Models Remaining" number down.

Keep it stinky...

HRR 3- Day 5

Days remaining: 31

Models remaining: 49



Happy Merdeka!

I may come to regret this, but I decided to do some cleaning and organizing in the hobby room instead of cranking out maximum models. Today's "Unclean" deeds only include the following:

Chaos Lord highlighted, detailed, and based

First Terminator detailed and based

Two plague zombies detailed and based

Chaos Predator spray primed white

Tomorrow's plan is to knock out a bunch of zombie basecoats and a dip- let's see how it goes...

Lord Minthras is Done

After highlighting some extra details, here's my Chaos Lord in all his pestilent glory. Comments are welcome- there's more to come. In the meantime, here's a pic of the first model finished in my Chaos Terminator squad...

"The Dip" Is Good

Azlan and I have talked and talked about this, but haven't provided proof to the thousands of fans of this blog. Fear not, loyal readers. The proof is here!

Here are the steps I used to get the results above:

1- After assembly, the model was primed with Skull White spray.

2- I block painted the right side of the model Gnarloc Green, while the left side remained Skull White. All of the accent colors like Shining Gold, Boltgun Metal, etc. were all painted on. No drybrushing, blacklining, or any other special technique was used here.

3- After all the base colors were painted on, I painted on a liberal coating of Minwax "Provincial" wood stain. I let this dry for two days until it wasn't sticky to the touch.

4- Right before I took this picure, I sprayed the model with Tamiya "Flat Clear"

That's it! I don't know about you, but this is pretty sweet. Now, if this were a rank and file model I could just base the miniature and be done with it. However, being the infernal Lord Minthras, I'm going to do some more work to this and get him to that "totally sweet" stage.... muahahahaha

Until then, keep it stinky.

HRR 2- Day 4

Well, I didn't get anything at all done on Saturday other than mull over Azlan's and Ivan's suggestions to include Rhinos. Unfortunately, no painting or assembly was completed.

This morning, I played around with the numbers and came up with a new list that I'm liking the look of. In addition to including two Rhinos equipped with extra armor, I've also increased the list's dedication to Father Nurgle. Now, I have seven units of seven. Blessed plagues shall spread, and the sores of the victims shall flow with the benediction of pus...



From this point forward, I'll post this list every time I make a Hobby Rush Report (HRR). The boxes on the right indicate the number of models for each unit, and what the progress is.

White is no progress at all.

Yellow indicates that the model is at the assembled, primed, or basecoated stage.

Orange indicates that the model has been dipped.

Green indicates the model is completely finished and ready for battle.

Today, I'm popping by the factory and picking up the four models I dipped on Hobby Night: Lord Minthras, a Chaos Terminator, and two plague victims. Assuming they are completely dry, I'll finish them off tonight and post pics if possible...

Praise Nurgle, For I Shall Live Forever!!!